Wednesday Journal 052924

of Oak Park and River Forest

coloring contest Page 10

With the closure of Forest Park’s American Legion Post 414, the future is with younger veterans

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Known for the Friday fish fry, corner bar and dedication to veterans, the country’s American Legions and VFWs, longtime national touchstones, are navig ating how to thrive as their memberships shift.

Although more than 12,000 American Legion posts and nearly 6,000 worldwide locations of the Veterans of Foreign Wars still exist, membership in these service organizations is dropping as veterans grow older or die. With roots tracing back to the Spanish-American war, VFW re ported a decline of one million members between 1992 and 2019. Joe Bartley, state adjutant-quartermaster for the State of Illinois VFW, said there are

e 2024 State Champion OPRF High School Track & Field team celebrated by ma rching in the River Forest Memorial Day Parade May 27. See photos from Memorial Day observances on page 14. See state championship ar ticle in Sports, page 37. See AMERICAN LEGION on pa ge 6

BANNOR

Your support and new grants combining to make Growing Community Media stronger

Dear Growing Community Media friends, We’re at the halfway point of our Spring Fund Drive. And we’re halfway to our $130,000 goal. With your help right now we’ll make this goal and maybe beat it by a bit.

The deadline is June 30. That’s the end of our fiscal year. Don’t you love it when nonprofits talk about their fiscal years! But it is an important date to us and reaching this goal will set us up for a new year focused on our ambitious plans to grow local news across Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review, Riverside Brookfield Landmark and the Austin Weekly News.

Big news to share about the Austin Weekly, our West Side paper for the past 38 years. We have just received a major grant which will allow us to hire a Managing Editor for the Austin Weekly. The funding comes from Press Forward, a new national philanthropy, which is fully focused on saving local news across America. And that includes our West Side neighborhoods of Austin, West Garfield Park and North Lawndale.

Coming soon a bigger, better Austin Weekly News with more stories, more connection, more voices.

What does this mean to you if you live in Forest Park or Brookfield or Oak Park? It means that the nonprofit newsroom we created four years ago is gaining momentum, that our new model for making local news strong is gaining traction. We’ve had success in starting to convince our readers they need to become members and supporters of this effort. Thousands of you have done just that.

Now our good work and bold, ambitious plans to grow are winning support from local and national foundations. So far this year we’ve earned grants from the Chicago Community Trust, the Google News Initiative, and now, Press Forward.

So, we come to you with enthusiasm asking you to play your part in keeping local news vital in your hometown. We need you now more than ever to make our audacious plan work.

Every dollar counts.

Jump in. Join in. Become a part of this moment.

With gratitude and excitement.

Dan Haley Erika Hobbs Publisher Editor

Oak Park applies to become a ‘Certi ed Welcoming City’

Cer ti cation re ects a commitment to immigrant inclusion

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

In a move to advance the village board’s goals of bolstering racial equity, language access and equitable access, Oak Park has applied to become a “Certified Welcoming City.”

This designation is reserved for local governments that have policies and programs in place that embrace immigrant inclusion, according to Welcoming America, a nonprofit, nonpar tisan organization that advocates for inclusive communities. So far, 24 cities and counties in the United States have earned this certification, including Champaign, Illinois.

Oak Park’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion applied for this designation on Feb. 9. On March 1, the village was accepted to begin the certification process that will take more than a year.

sponsored shelters and its migrant response ef for ts will total nearly $2.5 million in June. Colin Knapp, president of Community of Cong re gation, said they housed about 201 migrants.

“This process will increase our efficiencies around how we are being responsive to immigrant needs in our Oak Park community,” said Danielle Walker, the village’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer

To become a Certified Welcoming City, the city must meet standards within seven categories: civic engagement, connected communities, economic development, education, equitable access, government and community leadership, and safe communities

“There is a lot of good (DEI) work that sometimes just really gets buried.”

The designation, according to village officials, will help ensure immigrants and marginalized populations have access to democratic spaces. It is also intended to help build programs that support entrepreneurship, business development and workforce development for everyone in the village Additionally, it will help ensure schools and community education programs are infor med about these populations’ needs and are accessible to all.

DANIELLE WALKER

o cer

After a self-assessment, audit and a final report, Oak Park will receive its certification, which is valid for four years. During this process, Welcoming America will help identify the needs of immigrants and other marginalized communities along with recommendations and priorities to focus on moving forward. This process cost $9,000, which Walker said the cost was covered by a scholarship.

“There is a lot of good (DEI) work that sometimes just really gets buried,” Walker said. “[This process] provides a really meaningful opportunity to highlight that and celebrate that work.”

Oak Park adopted a “Welcoming Village Ordinance” in 2017. That ordinance codified the practice of village employees, including police, not collecting info rmation related to immigrant status of Oak Park residents or visitors.

educating immigrants about their rights and responsibilities under the law.

At the May 21 meeting, Trustee Ravi Parakkat said he’s concerned about how this certification might affect the community. T here’s a broken immigration system in the United States at the national level, he said. This certification, he said, might blur the responsibilities between local, state and federal gover nments

“[We need to] manage the scope of what we can take on,” Parakkat said.

Oak Park is not intending to provide work that needs to happen at a federal level with this certification, Walker responded, but rather to be intentional about its response to immigrants and other marginalized groups in this community.

Village Manager Kevin Jackson said this process is an opportunity to define Oak Park’s level of service, not to be “everything to everyone.”

that were committed specifically for migrant services, she said, and staf f are working to get back as many local dollars as possible. As of early May, Oak Park has been, or expects to be, reimbursed for all but $352,000 of its expenditures in the migrant response.

After Trustee Cory Wesley asked if this certification would include response to “undocumented immigrants,” Walker said the process is not specifically geared toward that population. But the response will be tailored to the community here, so it could, depending on demographics.

A lot of this process applies to communities beyond immigrants, including the Black community, Wesley said, so he wants to ensure they’re included in this process, too

From late October 2023 to early April 2024, the village provided support for asylum seekers, many of whom arrived in Oak Park during a snowstorm. The village-

Becoming a Certified Welcoming City will not interfere with that ordinanc e, acco rding to village of ficials

This Welcoming Standard also emphasizes building trust between law enforcement and residents, Walker said, including

Parakkat said he believes if the definition of who this process applies to is too broad, the village could be put in the same position as it was in fall 2023, refer ring to the influx of migrants to the community.

“And then we spend tax dollars in a very inequitable and inefficient manner locally,” he said.

Village President Vicki Scaman disag reed, and said funds were not misused. Oak Park spent state and federal dollars

“If you want to create a welcoming community for people, you actually have to name them when you’ re doing a thing for them,” Wesley said.

Other board members, including Trustee Brian Straw, echoed the sentiment.

“I hope we aren’t exclusive in our definition of immigrant,” Straw said. “We have a lot of different immigrant stories in this community. None of them look the same, sound the same … We need to absolutely celebrate the diversity of the immigrant experience and not be exclusive about what that definition looks like.”

Village’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion

RAVI PARAKK AT Village trustee

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Presents ‘A Czech Musical Family’

Sunday, June 2, 4 p.m., Concordia University Chapel

T he awar d-winning Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest will perform music by Josef Suk and Suk’s father-in-law Antonin Dvořák on its season-ending concer t. Tickets are available at SymphonyOPRF.org, $30 until June 1, and $35 on concert day. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest

BIG WEEK

May 29 - June 5

Author Visit: ‘Ringmaster:’ A Conversation With Abraham Josephine Riesman

Thursday, May 30, 7-8 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

Join us for an engaging evening with Oak Park

‘Fun Home’

Friday, May 31, 7:30 p.m.; 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 2, 3 p.m., Madison Street Theatre

A musical based on Alison Bechdel

When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison tells the story of her father, a volatile, brilliant man whose hidden secrets and desires de ne her family and her growing understanding of her own sexuality. Moving between past and present, Alison shares her unique childhood. Tickets: https:// madisonstreettheater.org 1010 Madison St., Oak Park

Juneteenth Luncheon

Sunday, June 9, 3 p.m., Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

Gather with us for an exclusive Juneteenth celebration aimed at empowering youth voices to carr y forward vital lessons. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park Wooden Train

Open Play

Friday, May 31, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

All aboard. We supply the wooden tracks and train cars for your little ones to be railroad builders and engineers.

VIRTUAL: Midday Meditation

Thursday, June 4, 12-12:30 p.m., This is a welcoming group of meditators, old and brand new. The session starts with Kundalini breath practices that o er powerful practices to shift y state of mind and make meditation mor sible. Register for this event at https://tinyurl com/2e2x53um.

Cool Cats Stor ytime

and Craft

Wednesday, June 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Oak Park Public Library

Calling all cats and kittens lovers. Share stories, sing songs, and create a purrr fect for you craft. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Compiled by Brooke Duncan

Police oversight group wants investigation into tra c stops

Oak Park police stop more Black individuals than white, data shows

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

The Citizens Police Oversight Committee is requesting village board approval to conduct an investigation into a racial disparity in Oak Park police traffic stops.

They want a review of stops from 2020 to 2022 after data showed the department stops more Black individuals than white. The Wednesday Journal reported on Oak Park’s disparity, and the national issue, in March In 2022, Black drivers were more than half of the 2,814 traffic stops conducted by Oak Park police officers. But Black individuals make up only about 19% of the population. White individuals make up about 63% of the population, but are stopped only a third of time, according to the Investigative Project on Race and Equity.

Black drivers were also more likely to be

issued a citation during these traffic stops, the data shows. According to a memorandum from Kevin Barnhart, chair of the CPOC, many of the stops are for moving violations and could be subjective.

Barnhart claimed that most of the stops of Black drivers, however, are not of Black residents of Oak Park. But this could create an image of an unwelcoming community, he said in the memo

The investigation

The CPOC is asking for access to all the traffic stop data and policies that relate to how traffic stops are conducted. The Oak Park Police Department would, if approved, be conducting data analysis as part of the investigation, according to the memo

“The aim of this investigation is to provide full transparency around OPPD traffic stop practices and associated outcomes to the Village Board of Trustees and Village President to ensure traffic stop policing practices are fair to all who traverse our community,” Barnhart said in the memo.

There are several areas the CPOC wants to explore in its investigation, including:

■ Location of traffic stops

■ Explanation of “triggers” for traffic stops

■ Access to policies related to traffic stops

■ Demog raphic data, including:

• Traffic stops conducted compared to Oak Park demo graphics

• Resident versus non-resident

• Moving violations

• Consent and non-consent searches

■ Citations and warning

■ Arrests made

■ Time of day analysis

The CPOC is asking for full cooperation with the OPPD during the investigation. Barnhart did not respond to a Wednesday Journal request for comment on this process.

Village response

Kira Tchang, the village’s human resources director, pointed out in a memorandum that the majority of the CPOC’s adopted workplan for 2024 is related to citizen complaints about the OPPD. But the committee can, with approval or direction from the Board of Trustees, conduct studies like this one.

“You would see this on a board agenda as-

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Esigning the committee the work,” Tchang told Wednesday Journal. “It would not necessarily require an amendment to the work plan, but it could.”

According to Section 2-30-2 of village code, the CPOC is authorized “to monitor and evaluate Village efforts in the Police Department in regard to racial and cultural diversity in such areas as training, recruitment, promotions and interpersonal relations.”

So, the village board could assign the Illinois Traf fic Stop Study Analysis to the CPOC for review, according to the memo. Then, the OPPD would investigate and analyze the data.

The police de partment, however, would not be able to analyze data quickly, Tchang states in the memo, because of “competing priorities.” Those priorities include things like the implementation of a new records management system, the police strategic plan and recruiting new patrol officers.

OPPD estimated the data requested could be provided in about four to five months, unless the village trustees designate this a higher priority over others, or if additional staff is provided.

Level Up Your Game With Esports

sports is back this summer with the West Cook YMCA for 4th-8th graders. A competitive sport through a video game requiring the use of strategy, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills to achieve individual or team success. It’s bigger than ‘just gaming’. Esports allows youth to be engaged in a non-traditional sports program.

YMCA Esports welcomes youth to be who they are, excel at what they love, and develop the social, strategic, and problem-solving skills necessary to grow into thriving adults all in a safe, moderated, and inclusive environment. The

West Cook YMCA wants you to Level up your game and join Esports at the Y this summer hosted on the Dominican University Campus.

Players will compete on HP Omen Gaming Desktops and the Nintendo Switch playing either Rocket League, NBA2K, or Super Smash Bros TM Ultimate. There will be a 4th-5th grade division and 6th-8th grade division. You can choose between 4- or 8-week sessions. All sessions are held inperson at Dominican University.

Learn more at westcookymca.org/esports

AMERICAN LEGION

Bygone era?

from page 1

35,045 VFW members across 260 posts in Illinois. And though the largest post has more than 600 members, yearly membership has increased only twice in Illinois since 2015.

The American Legion, chartered in 1919, has lost more than 700,000 members in the last decade, according to Fox News.

And in Forest Park, American Legion Post 414 soon may contribute to that number. The post is closing and hosted its last honor guard service on Memorial Da Mike Thompson, who helps manage 414, said low member participation and the cost of maintaining the property have the Forest Park American Legion’s closur

“It’s an older building, it needs a lot of pairs constantly and we don’t have the enue stream to pay for it,” Thompson said.

While it’s the end of an era for Fo Park veterans, other American Legions and VFWs said they are nevertheless cused on growing membership and staying involved in the community. The future, re presentatives said, is with younger members, who they recruit at events for veterans and by continuing ef for ts to get to know those who fought in recent wars.

ly 400 members at the time e got a lot of members, but no one wanted to run for office or do the ep the post open,” Jack Meshek, the Illinois VFW’s District 4 commander, previously told the Landmark rside VFW.

“Membership is dropping to a point where en fill the offices in their post,” tley said of VFWs that merge with other y it’s so important to get the young people in there.”

alker said he’s the second oungest member of Maywood’s Ameri-

onstantly are recruiting to get ” Walker said. He said he often talks and plays cards with younger veterans associated with the Veterans Af-

eterans aren’t the only newer t for these service organizations

“One of the fastest growing demo graphVFW membership is the female vet-

As more women join the armed forces, service organizations have shifted to adFor example, Bartley said the Illinois VFW is lobbying for the VA to offer more programs for women and female doctors.

“Every post does what they’re doing a little differently,” Bartley said. “The posts that are able to get the younger veterans in, where they’re most successful is where they’ re building their post programs around family.”

Caring for veterans and the community

Service organizations for veterans, like American Legions and VFWs, are ingrained in their communities.

“A lot of people don’t know what the American Legion does,” said Balvina Ranney, an auxiliary officer and historian at American Legion Post 96 in Cicero, which she said opened about 100 years ago. “We do things to assist veterans, their families and also be part of the community.”

Post 96, for example, supports little league baseball teams and football teams, offers rehabilitation services for veterans and participates in honor guards, funeral services and parades.

“We look after our vets as primary, and then our community is secondary,” said Gregory Walker, commander of American Legion Post 838 in Maywood, which he

said has existed for about 50 years. “But we serve a big purpose in the community.”

These community offerings include a coat drive in October, hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for veterans and a toy giveaway around Christmas time. During the backto-school season, Post 838 holds a drive to fill as many as 200 backpacks with school supplies. At least twice a year, they host a free all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.

Post 838 also helps sponsor high school juniors to go to Boys State, which involves teaching participants about their responsibilities, government and the military.

“We are teaching them how to become good whatever you want to be,” Walker said of Boys State. “It’s something to get them focused on the next chapter in their lives.”

Post 96 helps sponsor Girls State, where high school juniors learn about the political process, gover nment structure and the path to becoming a state representative or senator. Money for these services often comes from veterans and community members. Walker said Post 838 makes 90% of its revenue from “the canteen,” or its bar.

And while membership to American Legions and VFWs might be decreasing, affecting the number of members who visit

canteens, Bartley said many VFW posts are focusing more on fundraising efforts — especially because dinners and raffles are often held in the same building as the canteen.

Changing demographics

Around the time of World War II, the American Legion in Cicero had over 400 members, Ranney said. Membership is now fewer than 100 people.

As veterans of World War II and the Korean War die, an increasing number of veterans at Cicero’s Post 96 served in Vietnam, or are children of those who did, Ranney said. She estimated that about 75% of Post 96’s members are in their 40s, 50s or 60s.

“Our unit is not a very young unit. We’re very grateful that we have senior members guiding us,” Ranney said.

But as members of veterans service organizations age, many become less involved.

“Some of these people are at the point in their time when they just want to sit back in the recliner and enjoy life,” Bartley said.

In 2008, the North Riverside VFW — with about 600 members from absorbing former posts in Cicero, Lyons, Melrose Park and Westchester — merged into Berwyn’s,

And hope isn’t lost for the younger or female veterans who were a part of Forest Park’s American Legion.

After learning about Post 414’s closure, Walker said he would visit to encourage its members to join another location, since he doesn’t see an organization taking over Post 414’s role in the community.

“The closest thing I could probably say would possibly be the park district,” Walker said. “But it wouldn’t cater to the veterans.”

While several organizations support veterans, many are based in Chicago and lack suburban locations, like Chicago Veterans, The Mission Continues and The Wounded Warrior Project. While the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County provides social services and emergency financial assistance to veterans, organizations like this often don’t highlight community events to the same extent that American Legions and VFWs do.

“We’ re here to serve the community and to show that what makes a community is being part of it, helping and being there for each other and for good people that are doing good causes,” Ranney said.

“It’s a matter of what the members are interested in, what the community is interested in, and finding something that works together,” Bartley said.

Forest Park’s American Legion Post 414 hosted its last honor guard ser vice on Memorial Day.

RF starts work on climate action plan

UIC graduate students provide recommendations

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

With the assistance of two groups of graduate students from the University of Illinois Chicago, River Forest officials have started work on creating a climate action plan for the village.

Officials for med a partnership with UIC to have graduate students in the Department of Urban Planning and Policy create two separate climate action plans as a class project. The class was divided into two groups with each group creating a climate action plan specific to River Forest.

After working on the project over the semester, students presented their plans to village officials April 30, then Seth Jansen, management analyst for the village, provided overviews of the plans at the May 13 village board meeting

Recommendations from students in the first group covered buildings and energy; transportation; resilience; and community engagement. Recommendations from the students in the second group pertained to natural environment; land use and transportation; and resilience and resource management. Jansen explained that each group provided three or four opportunity areas with two to five actions within each area and one to six strategies for each goal or action.

Village President Cathy Adduci said she attended the April 30 presentation, which she called “great” and said she was “quite impressed with our collaboration and partnership with UIC.” She also noted “how important this step is in the village’s ability to reach our stated goals” within the Greenest Region Compact, Chicago Climate Change and the C4 initiatives.

“All of those organizations’ efforts are impactful and have been important for us to take individual action such as composting, solar, bike lanes, EV stations et cetera, but the village is now embarking on putting together a comprehensive climate action plan that will be a living document for our community now and into the future to meet or exceed our stated climate goals.”

In his presentation May 13, Jansen com-

mended both groups for doing “a great job” and noted how many of the recommendations are “very ambitious.”

He noted that the first group offered “a lot of strategies” for transportation and that recommendations from both groups stressed the need to involve the community.

Village Administrator Matt Walsh noted the recommendation of the first group regarding the weatherization of homes, especially older residences

Topics covered by the second group in cluded the tree canopy, renewable ener and electric vehicles

In response to Trustee Erika Bachner request for an example of a transportation partnership, Walsh cited the North Avenue Streetscape Project the village is undertaking with Elmwood Park

“It looks very attractive,” Trustee Kati Brennan said. “The challenge will be to im plement it.”

Members of the Sustainability Commission were expected to discuss the tw groups’ recommendations at their meeting last week and again at their June 11 meeting. Jansen said commission members and staff members will review the recommendations to determine the feasibility of strategies and areas on which to focus resources, adding that input from the village board is “heavily encouraged.”

“We need to give the sustainability commission time,” Trustee Lisa Gillis said.

“We’ve done a lot already, but we can do more,” Adduci added.

Brennan said she hoped the plan, once adopted, would not “wind up on a shelf collecting dust.”

“I want to thank our wonderful staf f, especially Seth Jensen, village Trustee Lisa Gillis and our sustainability commission for taking the lead on this ef fort,” Adduci said. “Partnering with UIC and other organizations to accomplish our climate action plan is a big undertaking and the village board is grateful for their work and energy around this ef fort.”

Jansen said the matter is expected to come back to the village board at either the June 17 or July 8 meeting.

Kazuya Kawamura, the professor who taught the course, said graduate students

Oak Park crime rises slightly in 2023, report shows

Police amended repor ts after discovering errors

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

The Oak Park Police Department is reporting a 1.4% increase in crime in 2023 over the year before, primarily due to property crimes, including burglary, vandalism or robbery.

That marks a change in what village officials originally repor ted in March. At the time, they said crime rates rose by 4.8% between 2022 and 2023, which the Wednesday Jour nal originally reported.

Later, they said that was not the case. Human er ror and a change in re porting methods contributed to what they said was inaccurate information.

“Following publication, there were some inconsistencies identified in the statistics published (in March) stats due to human er ror, faulty Records Management System (RMS) and National Incident-Based Re port-

ing System (NIBRS) classification vs. state criminal offense statute,” Dan Yopchick, the village’s chief communications officer, told Wednesday Journal.

NIBRS is a national database that collects data about criminal offenses nationwide. Oak Park has been participating since late 2020.

NIBRS collects two categories of infor mation, Oak Park officials said: Group A, a collection of 22 offense categories, and Group B, a list of offenses not included in Group A. Criteria for Group A include seriousness, frequency and prevalence of the offense, according to NIBRS. Group B captures arrest data and tend to be somewhat less serious incidents, such as writing bad checks.

NIBRS requires the OPPD to re port out the Group A offenses, Police Chief Shatonya Johnson said at the May 7 village board meeting. Oak Park police had been re porting criminal trespass and disorderly conduct incidents in that group, but they are considered Group B offenses. So, officials removed those incidents from Oak Park’s original crime statistics re porting.

This caused the number of crimes re ported to drop.

Police also removed those two offenses from 2019 to 2023 re ports to make accurate comparisons, Johnson said.

Village officials also said they working to re place the “faulty” RMS system.

The new figures, as are now re ported, show there were 3,148 crimes re ported in 2023 compared with 3,105 in 2022. Crimes against property increased by 3.6% in Oak Park last year, a change related to a slight increase in robberies and burglaries, according to a village presentation.

Violent crimes, or crimes against persons, decreased by 4.4% in 2023.

“We want to remind and assure all of Oak Park that community safety remains our top priority,” Johnson said in a village news release. “Our officers will continue to uphold the peace and security of Oak Park to foster an environment where everyone can safely thrive.”

Crimes against society, which the Federal Bureau of Investigation defines as re presenting “society’s prohibition against

eng aging in certain types of activity and are typically victimless crimes,” decreased by 21% in 2023 in Oak Park There was a decrease in weapons and driving under the influence violations, but an increase in drug violations, according to the presentation.

Some other crime trends in 2023 included reckless driving, armed robberies and “rowdy” funeral processions, like one in June 2023 where four people were injured from gunfire, according to the village presentation.

Traffic enforcement activity decreased by 27.8% in 2023, with 2,604 warnings or citations served in 2023 compared to 3,065 in 2022. Fewer parking tickets, too, were written: 41,812 in 2023 compared with 59,388 in 2022.

Oak Park also has eight cameras around the village used as tools to alert officers when stolen vehicles drive by. The intersection that gets the most hits — doubling the next closest one — is Austin Boulevard and Harrison Street.

Deputy Chief Roderick Robinson said police are looking at reimplementing a traffic

CRIME STATS on pa ge 15

Oak Park announces new neighborhood services director

Jonathan Burch will also ser ve as an assistant village manager

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Jonathan Burch has been hired as an Oak Park assistant village manager and the neighborhood services director starting June 10.

Burch, an Oak Park resident, is a housing and planning expert with understanding of local, state and federal approaches, according to a village news release. His role, according to the release, will also help accelerate goals set forth in the Climate Ready Oak Park plan. This plan sets guidelines to respond to the global climate crisis

The village approved a standalone neighborhood services department in 2023 to work on housing programs, code compliance and grants management, with a focus on community engagement, according to the release

“Our aim in standing up a separate neighborhood services department is to continue to align with industry standards across the country and elevate Oak Park as a world-class community,” Village Manager Kevin Jackson said in the release. “We are thrilled that we were able to identify the best fit to lead this group from right here in our own backyard.”

Burch has worked for the Chicago Metro-

CLIMATE AC TION

from page 7

program are tasked with developing a plan for a local community through the course. Each year the plan-making course has a different type of community plan students are tasked with developing. He said students who had re gistered for the class indicated in November that they had an interest in sustainability or climate projects, leading to this year’s project being a climate action plan. He reached out to of-

politan Agency for Planning since 2012. He managed grants, research and projects, including all housing technical assistance projects. He worked on Regional Housing Solutions, Homes for a Changing Region and the Regional Housing Initiative.

T he new village leader and his team were awarded $1.7 million to support their work during his time at CMAP. He also oversaw CMAP’s Americans with Disabilities Act technical assistance program, according to of ficials

Burch also has experience as a senior planner for the Lake County community development division, where he managed about $9.5 million in grants. Before that, he was Heyer, Gruel & Associates’ lead affordable housing planner. In that role, he implemented affordable housing plans for more than 18 municipalities, the release states

“Burch has had a significant hand in creating and implementing more than 60 affordable housing plans in Illinois and New Jersey,” village officials said in the release

He has experience in Oak Park, too. Burch has volunteered on the housing programs advisory committee since 2021. This advisory board works to accomplish goals including improving the quality of residential properties, developing affordable housing and attracting diverse populations to Oak Park.

“I am excited to tackle these challenges and improve the community where I live as the leader of the new neighborhood services department,” Burch said in a statement.

ficials at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning who suggested he target west Cook County and “helped spread the word.” Once he publicized the opportunity, River Forest officials responded “almost immediately.”

Kawamura called the partnership a win-win because the students obtain realworld experience and the partner community receives an action plan. He said the class is a core course and described it as “extremely intensive.”

Research included students coming to River Forest in January for a driving tour of the community

ief steals gun, bulldog from Oak Park apartment

Someone broke into an Oak Park residence on the 500 block of South Ridgeland Avenue between May 23 and May 24. The person removed the air conditioning unit from the window to break in. The individual then ransacked the apar tment and stole a Sony PlayStation 5, a Cartier watch, a handgun and a creamcolored French bulldog. The estimated loss is $29,700.

Aggravated assault

On May 21, a man driving an older white Toyota sedan with tinted windows ordered food in a drive-thru on the 100 block of Madison Street. He did not have enough money for the transaction and started cursing at the employee. He then pulled out a firearm from a box in his car and pointed it at the employee. Then he fled in an unknown direction.

Armed robbery

A man exited a dark gray Audi Q8 with dark rims and pointed a firearm at an Indiana resident May 25 on the 400 block of South Taylor Avenue. The victim handed over a camera, a camera lens, lights, a wallet and a black Samsung Galaxy S20 phone. The man fled in a vehicle. The estimated loss is $5,520.

Robbery

A man approached an Oak Park resident from behind on May 23 on the 100 block of South Harvey Avenue and placed the victim in a chokehold. The man then stole the resident’s cross body bag that had a wallet, credit cards, an ID, a pair of shorts and a bag of coffee T he man then fled eastbound on South Boulevard on a bicycle. T he estimated loss is $100.

Burglary

Between May 22 and May 23, someone broke into the BP gas station at 6119 North Ave. The person used a brick to break the windowpane and get inside the building. The person then tried to break into the cash re gister with the brick but

did not succeed. The person then stole food items. The estimated loss and damage are $2,000.

Theft

Around May 23, someone broke into an Oak Park resident’s safe and stole an 18-karat eng agement ring and an 18-karat white gold band. The incident, which occur red on the 900 block of North Lombard Avenue, resulted in an estimated loss of $10,000.

Burglary to motor vehicle

■ Two men broke into and stole various tools from a River Grove resident’s 2018 Ford cargo van. The incident, which occur red May 21 on the 900 block of Columbian Avenue, resulted in an estimated loss of $2,450. The men were last seen leaving in a gray Volkswagen Passat.

■ Two men broke into a Chicago resident’s 2020 Ford cargo van and stole various items including an air compressor, a saw and nail guns May 23 on the 1100 block of North Taylor Avenue. The men fled in a newer white sedan with light blue writing on the back. The estimated loss is $1,310.

Arrest

A 42-year-old Chicago man was arrested for two counts of aggravated battery against a Bellwood resident on the 200 block of Madison Street.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports dated May 20 - 27 and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port 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 Luzane Draughon

SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2024 @ 4 PM

Jay Friedman, music director and conductor

SUK Fairy Tale (Pohádka)

MENDELSSOHN

Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 for Violin & Orchestra, mvmt. 1

George Wang, 2023-2024 Concerto Competition Winner

DVOŘÁK Slavonic Dances

Pre-concert Conversation with David Leehey at 3PM. Reception following the concert.

Individual tickets $30 online through 6/1/2024; Tickets are $35 on concert day. Students through college admitted free.

Go to SymphonyOPRF.org to order tickets and to DONATE. Questions: Email TheSymph onyOPRF@gmail or call (708) 218-2648

N. Bonnie Brae Place

block west

Harlem Avenue between Division and Thomas Streets)

River Forest. Chapel just west of garage exit.

Jay Friedman, music director & conductor

George Wang, soloist

Park district announces 3 nalists for Field Center design

26 architects or rms submitted designs

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

The Park District of Oak Park has declared three finalists in its Field Recreation Center design competition: Patrick Brown, founder of ORG Inc., Kenneth Dahlin, owner of Genesis Architecture, and Gregory Klosowski, a partner at Pappageorge Haymes Par tners.

The Field Center is a classroom facility in Field Park, adjacent to Horace Mann Elementary School, according to the PDOP website. T he competition was split into two phases: conceptual design and design development.

The finalists will all present their design to remodel or re place the Field Center to a jury made up of three members of the jury for the first phase, three PDOP leaders and a PDOP Board Commissioner. Each finalist will be given a small stipend to develop

their design further, including for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. The winner will be given a $1.8 million contract for construction.

The competition was announced in February. From April 26 to May 5, those interested were able to visit the Community Recreation Center to see the 26 submitted designs. There, they were able to provide feedback to the judges through a QR code for each design.

Of the contenders, 19 submitted ideas to move the center and seven wanted to preserve it in its current location, according to Jan Arnold, the executive director of the PDOP.

be sustainable, but the building’s overall impact on the environment to be, too. He also suggested stripping down the existing Field Center into a play area to preserve the location of the original facility.

“Oak Park is a unique community, and the winning design must rise to the challenge of meeting the evolving needs of our community.”

JAN ARNOLD Executive director of the PDOP

Brown, of ORG Inc., said his vision, which requires a new facility, is “generously sustainable,” according to the PDOP news release. He said he wants not only the materials to

Dahlin, from Genesis Architecture, has experience in org anic architecture. His concept, which proposed retaining the building in its current spot, is centered around the 100-year-old fireplace. His design suggested using primarily wood for sustainability and aesthetic purposes.

The design by Klosowski, from Pappageorge Haymes Par tners, proposed constructing a new building with a butterfly roof to promote sustainability and lighting. The existing facility would then be converted into a covered pavilion under his design.

The finalist designs, and two alternates, can be seen on the PDOP website.

Arnold, who will be on the jury for the three finalists, told Wednesday Journal sustainability, accessibility, historical preservation and the ability to meet perfor mance arts needs are all considerations for the judges.

“Oak Park is a unique community, and the winning design must rise to the challenge of meeting the evolving needs of our community,” Arnold said in the news release.

The design competition was inspired by the center’s original competition in 1926. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright entered the competition, but lost to John Van Bergen, who designed several PDOP parks.

The finalists will meet with a construction manager to make sure their design will be feasible within the $1.8 million limit, Arnold told Wednesday Journal. Their final plan must include a budget estimate. The winner will be announced on June 28. If all goes as planned, construction would begin in late spring to early summer of 2025, Arnold told Wednesday Journal.

Oak Park considers ways to honor Percy Julian’s legacy

Options include a Walk of Fame star and a branded corridor to honor the Black chemist

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

The village is reviewing options to honor the life and achievements of famous Oak Park scientist Percy Julian, a Black chemist and entrepreneur known for synthesizing cortisone, hormones and other products from soybeans.

Julian re gistered more than 130 chemical patents in his career. His daughter, Faith, still lives in their home on East Avenue. She’s been trying to preserve the home, and started a GoFundMe campaign in September 2021 to protect it from a tax sale.

In February, Re p. Danny K. Davis announced that he’s introducing legislation to designate the home as a national historic site. But the Village of Oak Park has determined they need to do more to honor Julian’s le gacy

Options to honor historic figures include renaming streets or districts, creating historic markers and public art, implementing new spaces or facilities, designing landmarks, producing programs or hosing commemorative events.

For Julian, village staf f had two main ideas: A “Dear Old Oak Parker” Walk of Fame star and a branded corridor around the Julian home.

“I know she [Faith] wants to see anything this board can get through for the memory of her dad and mom,” Trustee Chibuike Enyia said. “[Faith] is just very happy this is happening now.”

For reco gnition of historic figures, the funding would generally come from the applicant, said Brandon Crawford, the village’s deputy director of development services. The board can also allocate funding when desired, he said. It is not yet clear where the funding for a Julian project, if approved, would come from.

Walk of Fame star

A “Dear Old Oak Parker” is generally used to refer to residents who were born and grew up in Oak Park and then also started their own family here, Village President Vicki Scaman said. Crawford proposed the star for Julian be located around Scoville Park, near North Oak Park Avenue or on Lake Street, but it could be anywhere.

“Ideally this would be implemented in a

COURTESY

Dr Percy Julian was a reno wned and proli c chemist who had more than 130 patents in his lifetime.

place that would further activate the space, contribute to the vitality and vibrancy that we seek to see throughout the village,” Crawford said.

Enyia suggested the star have an accompanying QR code for residents and visitors to scan and learn about Julian’s le gacy and achievements.

Trustee Brian Straw proposed the commemorative tile be something uniquely Oak Park, rather than a star, to showcase more about the community. Scaman agreed.

Branded corridor

The branded corridor would encompass streetscape improvements around Chicago Avenue and East Avenue. It could include custom pedestrian lighting, artistic crosswalks and banners. This corridor would be within the Chicago at Austin Business District, which Trustee Cory Wesley suggested also be renamed after Julian.

“I want all the things that you [Crawford] outlined for Percy Julian,” Wesley said. “This is well overdue so we should go well overboard.”

This is long overdue, he stressed, especially given the scope of Julian’s impact not

just for the Oak Park community, but for everyone. His accomplishments in science and for women’s rights outweigh those of some other honorees in the village, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Wesley said.

“There is a credible train of thought that women’s birth control does not exist right now without Dr. Percy Julian,” he said.

Honoring Julian’s le gacy is also another way to ensure all people feel welcome here, Wesley said. Some residents can already see themselves in figures like Wright and Er nest Hemingway. But others deserve re presentation, too.

“There are a lot, a lot of Black folks in Oak Park and they could see themselves in Dr. Percy Julian if we elevated him,” he said. “When we talk about building a welcoming and diverse and inclusive community, this is part of that: Seeing yourself in the community when you’ re in the community.”

Straw said he especially liked the idea of designing artistic crosswalks because it would not only honor Julian but have an increased safety benefit as drivers slow down, intrigued by the design.

Another idea was to rename a street in honor of Julian. Scaman said she was con-

cerned about doing this because the village could be flooded with requests to rename streets after historic figures, which would dilute the importance of it. Wesley and Enyia ag reed naming a corridor after Julian holds more weight.

Julian home

While considering ways to honor Julian’s le gacy, Enyia said, it’s important to not forget about the Julian home. The home has been under threat of tax sale for veral years.

Earlier this year, Wednesday Journal ported that an anonymous donor paid f the home’s 2021 property taxes, in the amount of $31,496.90, including interest, to keep the home of f the tax sale list temporarily. In February, Faith still owed $90,386.39, including interest, according to the Cook County Treasurer’s Office.

The house also needs numerous property improvements, including fixing the fence and roof, Enyia said, but it’s equally important to preserve and maintain the historical presence of the home.

Scaman ag reed it’s essential to work with Julian family members to address the needs of the home. There’s a lot of community support for that, too, she said.

“We are also reco gnizing that it is somebody’s home and respect their wishes and par ticipation in decision-making,” Scaman said.

Wesley also expressed a desire to get a historic plaque for the Julian home as quickly as possible and streamline other steps to honor Julian.

However the village board decides to memorialize Julian and his achievements, the decision will set a framework in place for honoring other Oak Park residents in the future. Relevant commissions and organizations would be included in this process as necessary, Crawford said.

It’s also important in future reco gnitions, Straw said, to ensure the person honored signifies the village’s values. Julian does, he said.

“Publicly memorializing the contributions of these distinguished and historic Oak Parkers is a unique opportunity to reco gnize and educate the world on our exceptional and shared heritage,” village officials wrote.

OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIET Y OF OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST

Vietnam veteran and former diplomat Brian Flora gives welcoming remarks.

Mary Ann Porucznik of the Memorial Day planning group places a wreath at the base of the Peace Triumphant statue.

Parade participants pedal a tandem tricycle at the

A youngster waves

PHOTO S BY TODD A. BANNOR

Village President Vicki Scaman speaks at the Memorial Day ceremony in Scoville Park on May 27.

River Forest Memorial Day parade on Monday May 27.

the American Flag while riding in the parade.

OPRF alumni celebrate Ron Holleman with a ‘jazzy tribute’

The concert will take place

Saturday, June 8

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

The local musician community will be paying a tribute to Ron Holleman, a longtime member of the Oak Park Huskie family and for mer director of the jazz program at OPRF

The “jazzy tribute” will take place Saturday, June 8 from 1:30 to 10 p.m. at the Madison Street Theater.

The event will feature an 18-piece alumni band that will be directed by Holleman. Gavin Wilson, class of 1981, is one of the event org anizers.

“They had a party when he retired, but we had always thought he deserved a tribute to thank him for the years,” Wilson said.

The event will be bringing together alumni from OPRF and giving them a chance to play again.

“Lots of people doing things, who haven’t sung or played their instruments much at all and others who are playing daily,” Wilson said. “It will be a little bit of a curve but that is what is fun about it.”

Wilson said the evening will be a combination of “old musicians and young,” which he finds inspiring.

“There was a period where jazz was dwindling but I am pretty sure that it is on a curve in the other direction,” Wilson said.

The evening will also encourage impro-

CRIME STATS

from page 8

unit, but it’s difficult with short staffing. According to the presentation, the OPPD is down 35 officers as of May. That’s three more than in early February. To attract more applicants, Johnson said, the department has eliminated the application fee,

visation, said Wilson, adding there will be a moment for other musicians who bring an instrument to join in.

The event was supported by the Oak Park Area Arts Council, which made a $1,825 donation to the theater to help with the organization of the performance.

“We are supporting the event by a donation to the theater to make the event possible,” said Camille Wilson White, executive director for the Oak Park Area Arts Council.

Bill Sullivan, a board member at the Oak Park Area Arts Council, was a for mer student of Holleman in the 1980’s.

increased testing frequency, allows for lateral hires, expedited background investigations and changed when proof of physical agility is required.

The strateg y may be working. In Se ptember 2023, the department received 103 applications compared with 22 in April 2023.

To retain employees, the department has modified work schedules and increased specific types of training, according to the presentation.

The events have been organized by a group of fine arts department alumni who have been working together to put on the events

Sullivan said the events have been a way of honoring “OPRF heroes” who have taught students throughout the years.

“Before Ron got too far up in age, we decided we wanted to do something to honor his legacy,” Sullivan said. “We have had a tre-

In 2024, the OPPD said it plans to transition to digital radios, which will enhance safety and interoperability and are cost effective, according to the presentation. In 2023, the department implemented bo dywo rn cameras

Other goals for 2024 include enhancin g c ommunity eng agement, implementing alternative c alls for mental health services and carrying out recommendations provided in the BerryDunn study. Th e

Donations made toward the OPUS scholarship are encouraged, Wilson said.

“It is going to be an evening of love, laughter and music and a celebration of all things that are best about the Oak Park and River Forest high school fine and performing arts department,” Sullivan said.

The concert performance, which is free and open to the public, will start at 7:30 p.m.

BerryDunn study was a c omprehensive look at how the OPPD c an d elive r services safely and equitably, a ccording to the village

“Public safety is more than enforcing existing laws and making arrests of those who do not comply,” the presentation reads. “Policing today means taking a holistic approach in order to effectively serve the evolving needs of the community.”

PROVIDED BY GAVIN WILSON

Ron Holleman

Special Advertising Section

Day in Our Village

Your Hearing Journey Starts with Us

In a world filled with vibrant sounds –the laughter of loved ones, the melody of music, the gentle rustle of leaves – experiencing hearing loss can feel isolating and disheartening. However, it doesn't have to be that way. At our clinic, we understand the profound impact that hearing loss can have on your life, which is why we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment to help you rediscover the joy of sound.

Here are just a few reasons why you should choose us for your hearing loss treatment journey:

▪ Expertise and Experience: Our team consists of highly trained audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals who have years of experience in diagnosing and treating various types of hearing loss. Whether your hearing loss is due to aging, noise exposure, or other factors, rest assured that you are in capable hands.

▪ Comprehensive Evaluation: We believe in taking a personalized

approach to hearing healthcare. When you visit our clinic, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your hearing abilities, taking into account your lifestyle, communication needs, and any specific concerns you may have. This allows us to tailor our treatment recommendations to suit your unique circumstances.

▪ State-of-the-Art Technology: We are committed to staying at the forefront of advancements in hearing healthcare technology. From cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to the latest hearing aid technologies, we offer a range of solutions designed to improve your hearing clarity and quality of life.

▪ Individualized Treatment Plans: We understand that hearing loss is not a one-size-fits-all condition. That's why we take the time to listen to your concerns and preferences before developing a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Whether you require hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or auditory

rehabilitation therapy, we will work closely with you to find the best solution.

▪ Ongoing Support and Care: Our commitment to your hearing health doesn't end after your initial treatment. We believe in building long-term relationships with our patients and providing ongoing support and care to ensure that you continue to enjoy optimal hearing health for years to come. From regular follow-up appointments to adjustments and maintenance services, we are here for you every step of the way.

▪ Improved Quality of Life: The ability to hear and communicate effectively is essential for maintaining social connections, staying engaged in activities you love, and preserving your overall well-being. By seeking treatment for your hearing loss, you can experience a significant improvement in your quality of life, allowing you to fully participate in conversations, enjoy your favorite hobbies, and reconnect with the world around you.

Don't let hearing loss hold you back from living life to the fullest. Take the first step towards better hearing health today by scheduling a consultation with us. Together, we can help you rediscover the joy of sound and embrace a brighter, more vibrant future.

Dr. Cynthia Chow

A Day In Our Village 2024

Welcome back to Scoville Park for the premiere summer event in Oak Park

It is hard to believe that this premier summer event has been celebrated in Oak Park for 50 years. I have had the honor to work with a great core group of volunteers and Village of Oak Park and Park district liaisons to help bring this event to you today. We have a lot of fun additions for you to celebrate our 50-year anniversary of A Day In Our Village. We are happy to announce that we are bringing back the Foam. Ever since Cory Kohut started on our committee many years ago, he talked about his fond memories of playing in the foam at the fire station during past Day in our Village

festivals. His desire was to bring back the foam that we all loved playing in as kids! Well, it finally happened, The Park District of Oak Park will be in the middle of Scoville Park with foam cannons to help create these fun experiences for the next generations.

Another new item we are adding is a Youth Activity Area. We are closing down Ontario Street to vehicles from Oak Park Avenue to Grove Ave. This will now be an additional space for youth and family’s to extend the fun zone. Local churches and Children’s groups have been working with our committee to bring some fun activities including inflatable bounce houses.

Greg Kolar has been working feverishly to find spaces for over 120 local businesses and organizations promoting their services in Scoville Park on Sunday June 2. Cory Kohut has lined up some great restaurants and local delicacies in our food court adjacent to the library patio. We could not

have a fun “Day” without some great live music! Chris Edwards has been searching high and low to find a great variety of tunes to keep you moving and grooving all day long. And Bev Smith has been recruiting volunteers to help make set-up fast and easy. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by so many great volunteers that have been dedicating their time to make this event special for so many years.

Now, we just need one more thing, YOU! Please come out on Sunday and visit with your friends, neighbors, and elected officials. All while having a blast in the Foam, jamming to the tunes and tasting all that Oak Park has to offer.

Sincerely, Michael Stewart Day in Our Village

MICHAEL STEWART

VISIT THE Y AT THE 50TH

FIND YOUR PASSION AT THE Y

Join us on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at the 50th Day in our Village Festival at Scoville Park. Stop by our tent to meet our team and learn more about how the West Cook YMCA has been serving our community for over 120 years.

THE Y, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

The West Cook YMCA offers in-person, on-demand, and live-streaming programs that fit your needs and your schedule. All complimentary for members to help you reach your fitness goals, reduce your risk for chronic diseases, provide a safe and welcoming space for youth, and so much more.

TAKE A TOUR TODAY.

Stop in for a tour and we will show you all that the Y has to offer to meet your needs. Tour guides are available by reservation. Make your reservation today at westcookymca.org/tour.

DROWNING PREVENTION

designed to reduce children’s risk of drowning by teaching essential water safety skills through our progressive swim lesson program.

LEARN MORE

JOIN ONLINE TODAY.

Receive $0 Joiner Fee and 50% off your first month when you join online at westcookymca.org/join-online.

AQUATICS FOR ALL

SWIM LESSONS

focus on learning vital water safety skills and stroke development a progressive swim lesson curriculum. Offered for all ages 6 months to adults.

LEARN MORE

COMPETITIVE SWIM TEAM offers competitive swim instruction for swimmers in a supportive team environment for all swimmers at every ability ages 5 to 18.

LEARN MORE

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS partnering with Dominican University to provide training for First Aid, CPR/AED, and/ or Lifeguarding certifications through an experiential hands on learning.

LEARN MORE

DAY IN OUR VILLAGE FESTIVAL

COMMUNITY HEALTH FOR ALL

In partnership with the Village of Oak Park, all community health programs at the West Cook YMCA are complimentary and include a membership to the West Cook YMCA for the duration of the program.

BLOOD PRESSURE

SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM

Personalized one-on-one support for developing a blood pressure self-monitoring routine, tips for maintaining a healthy heart, and nutrition education seminars.

ELIGIBILITY:

• At least 18 years old, and

• Diagnosed with hypertension or currently taking antihypertensive medication

• Not have experienced a recent cardiac event

• Not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias

• Not be at risk for lymphedema

DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM

Help those at high risk adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles and reduce their chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Fully recognized by the CDC and proven to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes by 58%.

ELIGIBILITY:

• At least 18 years old

• Overweight (BMI ≥25) AND

• Diagnosed with prediabetes via one of three blood tests or previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes

• Not diagnosed with T1 or T2 diabetes

• Not pregnant

If blood test not available, can qualify based on risk factors.

WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

Designed to help people seeking a healthier weight achieve their goals by making small, modest changes to their daily behaviors and forming sustainable healthy habits.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Must be at least 18 years old, and

• Desire a healthier weight

Not intended for individuals with specialized needs due to chronic disease or onset of a chronic disease.

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

50 Years of Fun

Oak Park, IL 2024

50th A Day in Our Village Festival

Sunday, June 2 • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Most sites are accessible to those with disabilities. Free “Disabled Only” parking also is available. Public restrooms (also accessible) are located just west of the Scoville Park Tennis Courts. Disabled Parking will be on Oak Park Avenue, north of the loading/unloading Zone. For more information on A Day in Our Village, call 708.358.5408 or e-mail community@oak-park.us. A Day in Our Village is an event, organized by volunteers, to celebrate the vitality and the rich advantages of our diverse community, and provide the opportunity for all residents, their families, and friends to come learn about the myriad of organizations (civic, cultural, social services, religious and business) and share in this Oak Park experience.

Festival Committee

Volunteer Chairpersons

Greg Kolar

Festival Co-Chair, Activities Co-Chair

Cory Kohut

Festival Co-Chair, Refreshments/ Restaurants Chair

Michael Stewart

Festival Co- Chair, Publicly

Bev Smith

Hospitality

Chris Edwards

Entertainment

Bill Planek

Fundraising

Jai Wright & June Stout

Info Booth

...............................................................75

Sarah’s Inn ............................................................................44

Secular Jewish Community & School .................................52

Senator Don Harmon ...........................................................56

Senior Citizen Center of Oak Park and River Forest..............32

Smart Love Family Services .................................................122

South East Oak Park Community Organization ...................21

St. Giles School.....................................................................TBD

State Farm Insurance - Colin Fane .......................................11

Sugar Beet Food Co-op........................................................90

Synergy Integrative Health and Wellness ............................114 Takeout 25 ............................................................................47 The Beautiful Life XO............................................................TBD

The Children’s School .......................................................Ontario

The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest ............66

The Oak Park and River Forest Day Nursery .........................110

The Rotary Club Of Oak Park - River Forest .........................16 Theresa Clancy Law .............................................................63

Thrive Counseling Center .....................................................TBD

Tim Coan Guitar Studio ........................................................89

Tri-Agency Work Group (D97-D200-Village of Oak Park) ..28

Triton College .......................................................................79 Troop 308 .............................................................................83

Spiritual Center of Oak Park .......................................94

Liaisons

Cassandra Adediran

Village of Oak Park, Community

Relations Coordinator, DAVY Awards

Dr Danielle Walker

Village of Oak Park Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Erik Jacobsen

Village of Oak Park, Communications Manager

Joe Kreml

Village of Oak Park, Media Production Manager

Tom Fulton

Village of Oak Park, Public Works Street Supervisor

Chris Lindgren

Park District of Oak Park

Superintendent of Parks and Planning

Food Court @ Library Plaza, Scoville Park & Grove Avenue

Domino’s Pizza, Pizza by the slice Candycopia, Assorted Candy

Do Not Forget Your Lunch Box : Hot dogs. Polish, Italian Beef, Burgers Veggie Burgers, Snow Cones

Taco Mucho – Tacos, soft drinks

Brown Cow Ice Cream, Ice cream

Scratch On Lake, Serving beer, wine

Zemi Coffee Cart, Coffee/Cappuccino

Susan Crane

Park District of Oak Park

Special Events Manager

Maureen McCarthy

Park District of Oak Park

Superintendent of Recreation

Susan Curtain

Park District of Oak Park

Scoville Park Stage @ Lake St. & Oak Park Ave

Here’s the line up of entertainment for Sunday, June 4 2023

• 11am, Juliet Trio - Jazz

• Noon Tiny Bubbles -Ukulele

• Zen Life Hula Dancers

• 1pm Skyliners – Big Band

• 2pm-2:20pm Davy Awards and President Scaman.

• 2:20pm Big Suit – Talking Heads tribute

• 3pm, Chicago Catz – R&B

Scoville Park Activities

Park District of Oak Park (Tennis Court area) (10am-4pm)

The Park District of Oak Park will be providing family friendly activities in our park for the enjoyment of residents and celebrating the Village of Oak Park.

In Scoville Park there will be a variety of activities for all ages, including model trains with the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers. The model trains are a great way to learn about engineering and history. So come on down to the park and enjoy all that it has to offer!

Join the Park District of Oak Park, in the center of Scoville Park for a fun, Fantastic Foam Party! Cool off with foam blasting from the Foam Cannon. Make fun hairdos, dance to the music and enjoy some good old fashioned fun. Please bring a towel and dry clothes as you will get wet.

Special Thanks

• President Vicki Scaman

• Village Manager Kevin Jackson

• Oak Park Public Work Department

• Oak Park Fire Department

• Oak Park Police Department

• Communications Department, Village of Oak Park

• Ruth Schaeffer, Finance Department, Village of Oak Park

• Oak Park Police Department

• Park District of Oak Park

• Thanks to all of the volunteers who made this event possible for the last 50 years!

Courtesy of For over 40 years, my family has been dedicated to helping the Oak Park community with their real estate needs. Whether downsizing, upgrading, or finding your dream home, we’re here to help.

Oak Park AYSO, founded in 1979, is a recreational league run by AYSO volunteers. We welcome all new players pre-kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in our fall and spring core program and our VIP soccer program. Come experience the fun and learning that happens on the fields. We are collecting AYSO jerseys (2023 and older) at our booth for a reuse program. Learn more: AYSO697.org • Contact us: rc@oakparkayso.org

ADayinOurVillageisalongstandingcommunity buildingeventandOPRHCisproudtohave participatedineachonesinceitsstartin1975.

Day in Our Village

FairHousingEducation&Counseling

ApartmentReferrals

FinancialManagementServices

RentalEducation&Counseling

Ourmissionsince1972hasbeentopromotediversityand integrationinOakParkandwe'restillheretohelp!Pleaserefer friendsandfamilytoourfreeapartmentreferralservicesandour otherresourcesforhomeownersandrenters.

We are proud to have celebrated with you for 50+ years.

Weserveallofyourhousingneeds!

A Day in Our Village is a longstanding community building event and OPRHC is proud to have participated in each one since its start in 1975.

FairHousingEducation&Counseling

708-848-7150 1041 South Boulevard, Oak Park, 60302

ApartmentReferrals

Since 1972 The Oak Park Regional Housing Center has promoted diversity and sustained integration here in the Village of Oak Park. It is not only about our past accomplishments but it’s about working together now and in the future toward inclusion and equity.

HomeBuyerEducation&Counseling

ForeclosurePrevention&LoanModifications

FinancialManagementServices

RentalEducation&Counseling

Please refer friends and family to our free apartment referral service and these other resources for homeowners and renters.

• Fair Housing Education & Counseling

IndustryProfessionalPartnerReferrals oprhc.org

• Apartment Referrals

• Financial Management Services

• Rental Education & Counseling

HomeBuyerEducation&Counseling

• Home Buyer Education & Counseling

oprhc.org

Our mission since 1972 has been to promote diversity and integration in Oak Park and we're still here to help! Please refer friends and family to our free apartment referral services and our other resources for homeowners and renters.

ForeclosurePrevention&LoanModifications

• Foreclosure Prevention & Loan Modifications

IndustryProfessionalPartnerReferrals

• Industry Professional Partner Referrals

Rental prices up in busy Oak Park real estate season

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

The local real estate market has been booming this spring, with houses and condos selling in days at or above asking price. Inventory rates remain low as fewer sellers enter the market, whether that’s due to high interest rates or an inability to find something to move into.

A similar inventory shor tage is playing out in the local rental market.

“What I’ve been seeing this spring is that we’re not seeing the number of listings we usually have,” said Michael Stewart, associate director of the Oak Park Re gional Housing Center. “More building owners and managers are saying they have no openings.”

The OPRHC is a nonprofit organization

that works to connect housing seekers and providers throughout the Chicago, area but with a focus on west Cook County communities. Building owners and managers re gister for free with the OPRHC to provide local listings, and apar tment seekers re gister with the OPRHC to get help finding a rental. Stewart said that helping people find rentals is what the Housing Center has been doing for 50 years.

This year more than other years, he said, the market is tighter with fewer local listings. He’s hearing from current tenants that they don’t want to give up their leases because the prices they see for new leases are more expensive than what they are paying.

Property owner and managers are telling him that they are facing increased costs in

Vantage Oak Park

APARTMENTS Tough market

from page 27

their property taxes and for utilities. Stewart said that local rent often includes the price of water and heat, so when those prices go up, so does the rent.

Property owners say they feel the need to pass on their increased costs through rent increases, but Stewart said that can be hard for established tenants. He’s heard from tenants that rent prices are increasing more than nor mal.

“I recommend to our owners that they do small, conservative increases every year rather than one large increase because that’s easier for the tenants. Tenants can budget for it and can typically af ford that,” he said. “Tenants feel offended by and can’t af ford the big jumps. ”

Stewart works with building owners and managers to let them know what apar tment seekers are looking for in a rental. For instance, a lot of renters today have pets, so it can be beneficial to have petfriendly options.

“I also tell building owners and managers that it’s good to have a range of prices within a building. You get a good mix of people and products, and you can also weather different economic climates better.”

As for apar tment seekers, Stewart said, “there’s the wish list and then there’s the reality list. We help everyone we come in contact with even if they don’t get exactly what they want. We can give everyone a

little bit of hope in the process.”

Stewart said that there are two big markets in Oak Park rentals: the new construction buildings and the vintage apar tment

buildings. “I think it’s great that we have that variety in Oak Park.”

The new construction buildings often feature the latest finishes and amenities with a higher-priced while the vintage been updated and square footage b most modern bells and Oak Park’s building to hit the mar ant Street’s The tised in on-line rental searches as starting at $1527 per month studio and up to $7425 per month for a three-bedroom rental.

$1,900 and up

Stewart said the higher rents of new buildings can skew peoples’ perceptions of the average rent in Oak Park, but when you factor in the vintage rentals, Oak Park is still an af fordable place to live in the Chicago area.

While the data on rent prices changes weekly, Stewart said that a vintage onebedroom apar tment in Oak Park might r un $1,100 to $1,400 and up, and a twobedroom unit might be priced at $1,600 to

“The moral of the story is: There are more af fordable listings out there.” buildings in Oak Park elcome to list with the Housing Center for free and any apartwelcome to use the ’s services Center typically ks with those who can pay ut if an apartment seeker has a subsidy, they can with the staff at the

Stewart said the OPRHC offers education for those in the rental market.

“Within our umbrella, we can help you get counseling to repair your credit. We can help you understand what building managers are looking for; we can go over the total costs of rentals so that you know what salary would be needed to afford the rental.”

Anyone looking for an apar tment is welcome to call or come into the OPRHC at 1041 South Boulevard or re gister with https://liveinoakpark.com/

MICHAEL STEWA RT

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May and Mary, then and now

When I was a kid, Mary was everywhere. With the first or middle tag, each of my four sisters was named after her. As was the practice of Benedictines, each of my black-habited teachers at St. Mary of Celle School took her name: Sister Mary Fortunata, Sister Mary Armella, Sister Stephen Marie, Sister Mary Aquinas and Sister Mary Colettine

RICH

KORDESH

One View

We prayed to her with rosaries. Her statue stood on our stereo cabinet in the living room. We carried her image on holy cards. With every May — named originally outside Christianity to honor, Maia, Greek goddess of fertility — came celebrations of the Blessed Mother. She was, and still is in the Church’s eyes, revered as the Mother of God and the Queen of Heaven.

Over the years, my own sense, along with the evolving sensibilities of many other men, shifted, with respect, to the “feminine.” Guided by Jungian psychology, a man’s interior, in addition to deep masculine archetypes, was understood to possess “feminine” traits: intuition, creativity, and an expanded emotional range. A man’s soul, “anima,” is feminine, and a woman’s soul is masculine, according to Jung. As I gradually paid more attention to this anima, she provided new meaning to my masculine self, reshaping what I wanted out of life, and how I understood the Divine. In April of 1990, at age 37, engaged with the earth as a gardener and hiker and anticipating the onset of spring, I composed a couple of prayers that applied this new understanding of my inner self to my outer sense of the holy. Following the same rhythm and structure of the traditional “Our Father,” I wrote:

Our mother of all the earth

Sacred be your soil.

Your meadows burst, Your wind alerts,

Our hands and feet to toil.

Give up to us this day our seeds, And forgive us our neglectfulness, As we forgive the negligence of others

And lead us not into the night when your loam would reject what we sow.

For from your bosom spring the forests.

From your breast pour the rivers

From your tongue leap the calls of wild things

And into your hands our leaves will fall … forever.

Amen

VIEWPOINTS

A lot can change in 17 years

The last time Brood XIII of the periodical cicadas emerged in Northern Illinois and made their unholy racket was 2007. At the time, I was a relatively young re porter for the Chicago Tribune, and I was given the assignment of documenting the occasion.

I recall spending Memorial Day weekend 2007 wandering around wooded Chicago suburbs and forest preserves, taking in the sights and sounds of the black, orange-winged, red-eyed bugs, as they emerged en masse from the soil. I wrote multiple stories for the Tribune that spring about this mysterious natural phenomenon. A cicada emergence never fails to capture the imagination, given its relati rarity, and with the bugs’ piercing, pulsating cry, it’s impossible to ignore.

JOHN BIEMER

One View

The periodical cicadas we hear singing in the western suburbs this spring are arriving above ground with purpose. They will mate, and lay their eggs, and they will die. But the eggs will hatch, and the tiny cicada nymphs will dig down into the dir t, where they will spend the next 17 years feeding and slowly growing. When they crawl to the surface ag ain in 2041, they will molt, shedding their hard exoskeletons and emerging as adults.

The cycle starts anew.

We humans tend to think of our own milestones in multiples of 10. Your 30th birthday is a big one, as is your 40th, your 50th, and so on. Or perhaps we think in quarter-centuries. Twenty-five years of mar riage marks your silver anniversary. Your 50th is gold.

But 17, this odd prime number that millions of years of cicada evolution settled on, can be a fine marker of the passage of time as well.

The average lifespan for a male human in the United States is 73.5, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and 79.3 for females. That means most of us will be alive to witness a periodical cicada outbreak just four or five times.

The last time the cicadas emerged here in 2007, my oldest son was just 1 year old. This summer, he’ll head of f to colle ge. My wife and I had two more younger children after that, who are witnessing their first cicada emergence. As for me, I’m now 50. My hair’s turning gray, and I’ve packed on a few more pounds.

And not just that, my career’s flown of f in a totally different direction. I always knew I had an interest in science — thus the Tribune assignment to cover the cicadas — and personal and professional circumstances in 2007 spur red me to head back to colle ge and take a

series of post-baccalaureate core science courses.

“A cicada spoke to me,” I wrote to my newsroom colleagues in a going-away email that August, “‘Go back to school,’ he said, looking up with his bright red eyes. ‘And in 17 years we’ll see where that gets you.’”

The metamorphosis of becoming a doctor took 11 years: two years of post-bacc science courses and applications, four years of med school, and five years of residency and fellowship. I ended up becoming a

ELLIE BIEMER

John Biemer does what few would dare, but he knew this critter’s parents well.

Our new way to make news

It has been a remarkable, exciting week for those of us at Growing Community Media. Over the past four years, dating to our remaking as a nonprofit newsroom, we’ve been reinventing the model for authentic, local news.

We don’t want to repeat for you the travails which have put local news across America at risk.

Instead, we’re focusing on the future.

We started with the simple truth that people still want to know and understand what goes on in the town they choose for home. They want an independent newsroom with local roots doing the reporting.

We’re building the plane as we’re flying it, and with our trusty craft in midair, we’ve been pitching parts out the door, adding people and products, listening better to readers about what they want to know, building new streams of revenue to pay for it all and crafting a pretty unique hybrid. Advertising. Reader memberships. Philanthropy. Print. Digital. Social. Email. And with COVID ending, mixing in a few events

This week, two key strands of the new revenue model are happily overlapping.

GCM and its Austin Weekly News have just earned a twoyear grant from Press Forward, a new national philanthropy, which we’ll use to hire a managing editor for our West Side paper. We’ve proudly published the Austin Weekly for 38 years. But our reporting has always been constrained by a limited pool of ad dollars. Now as a nonprofit, we are finding new revenue streams to pay for more news coverage, more pages, more community connection.

A couple of sidenotes: For the first time we will form a community-inclusive hiring committee to be central to choosing the managing editor. And as soon as we are able to find funding, we will open a West Side Public Newsroom. This will be a storefront in Austin where our staff can work from, interviews can take place, small groups of neighbors can convene to talk about issues and our coverage We’ll also welcome reporters from other news outlets reporting on the West Side to share the space.

We are grateful to Press Forward that GCM and 12 other independent Chicago newsrooms were in the first cohort of grants from this ambitious local news effort.

At the same time, we’re midway through our annual Spring Fund Drive. I am certain, with your help, that we will raise the last $75,000 of our goal. This is the money that goes into the newsroom to pay reporters, editors, designers, and a digital manager to tell stories across our four publications

If you are a member of GCM, then please renew. If you are reading our news for free, then snap out of it. Our costs are real. Our reporters provide value. This is our invitation to really join this enterprise, to be part of this powerful community. Last thing, on Saturday, GCM made the donuts at the Oak Park Far mers Market for the first time. Thanks for coming. Hope you liked them. Thanks to our staff and the volunteers who made this work. It is another way to support local news

Memorial Day focuses on military service and sacrifice. We honor those who served this country and made the ultimate sacrifice in war — as we should. So many, usually young, lives ended when they were just beginning

I would add a different kind of “warrior,” those who fought for peace and justice, often making great sacrifices, including the ultimate one. I’m thinking about Har riette Robinet, who died on May 17 at the age of 92. As part of my traditional Memorial Day observance (May 30), I asked a few who knew her well to contribute thoughts and memories.

Remembering the peacemakers KEN TRAINOR

Mac Robinet, a great soul in his own right sent along a few things you might not know about his true love:

■ “To the disappointment of her mother Harriette refused to go to an all-Black colle in Washington D.C. because she felt she needed the experience of living with and being friends with white people her ag and her Chinese roommate lived in the lone elegant tower of her college dormitory in New York because no one wanted a Black or Chinese roommate.

smile, showing up time and again. Just a year after becoming an Oak Parker, she helped organize protest marches down Lake Street as part of the struggle toward the 1968 passage of the village’s Fair Housing Ordinance.

“On the second floor of OPRF Museum, in our exhibit telling stories about how Oak Park chose to become a more diverse and welcoming community, we have on display a Redbook magazine cover showing a smiling Harriette as a young mother, writing about her family’s move to an allwhite neighborhood in 1965, her new Oak Park home. On the other side of the wall, in an unrelated exhibit on Oak Park and Ri Fo est authors, is a photo perhaps ears later of Harriette beaming, at the height of her writing career, bringing history and imagination and inspiration to

■ “When she spoke to children about writing, she told them writing was about telling a story and they should not let grammar or spelling stop them. However, for fun at home, she would read magazines while holding a red pen and circled awkward sentence structure.

■ “When our children were young, she jumped rope every day. To the embarrassment of her children, she made drawings on the walls.

■ “She hand-copied long sections from the Bible.

■ “All of her books were handwritten first.”

Frank Lipo, executive director of the Oak Park River Forest History Museum, which honored the Robinets with their Heart of the Villages Award in 2022, said:

“I am so sorry to hear this news and offer my condolences to Mac and the entire family. But I’m sorry for all of us that Harriette won’t be sitting on her porch or gardening or just being a grand presence in the Robinet home on the 200 block of South Elmwood for the first time in almost 60 years. Harriette was so much more than just ‘an Oak Park resident.’ She personified our aspirations of what a model ‘Oak Park resident’ would be in terms of professional accomplishment, love of family, engagement and passion, and willingness to truly work for what she believed in. And, of course, her desire to be a good neighbor and friend to many.

“Being forced to buy their home via a straw buyer in 1965 because of the racial discrimination of the real estate industry — and in too many Oak Parkers’ hearts — she and her husband weren’t changed or made bitter Instead, they helped change the community, with a

ive images from a long .”

y Aleksy, co-owner with Augie , of Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore in

“I first met Harriette after a writing for the Oak Park Lighted am. She was researching her next book, Children of the Fire, about the Great Chicago Fire. Augie asked if she’d like to do a signing at the bookstore and she agreed. It went very well, and she retur ned for each of her following books. She grew her own following, offering basic tips and encouraging her young readers on reading and writing their own books. We enjoyed a long, warm relationship, even after her publisher went under. We were thrilled to see her honored by the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame in 2022, and we will miss her energy and creativity.”

And finally, from Oak Park resident Alan Hoffstadter:

“My sister, a Florida resident, asked me if I might take one of Harriette’s books to her and have it inscribed for her daughter. Jennifer, my niece, suffered from cerebral palsy and Harriette had written a book (Ride the Red Cycle) about her son, who also has cerebral palsy

“I approached Harriette’s door with trepidation since my visit was unannounced. I could see through the front door to the back of the house and watched her silhouette approach.

“What a lovely, welcoming presence she was.”

We honor those who died serving this country in the military — and rightly so. But we should honor the peacemakers, too, who have made this country worth fighting for.

Harriette Robinet will be honored with a memorial service at St. Edmund Church on Saturday, June 8, with visitation at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11.

SHRUB

TO

WN by Marc Stopeck

A plan for EV charging

Re: “Oak Park considers user fee for electric vehicle charging stations” [WJ News, May 22]:

I recently moved to Oak Park Place with my significant other, and we downsized to a single car, a Chevy Bolt EV. One of the main reasons we chose Oak Park Place over other options, was the availability of charging stations in the Holly Court Parking Garage. Currently, I’m getting an incredible deal with the free charging provided by the city. I’m more than willing to pay a reasonable fee for electricity, as paying per kilowatt-hour at market rate seems fair. I wouldn’t mind paying slightly above market rate if it would help expand Oak Park’s charging network.

There are three things I would discourage: flat hourly rates, indiscriminate maximum time or “dwell” fees, and a special system for renters.

Charging a flat hourly rate would be problematic. Oak Park’s chargers are shared, meaning the amount of charge received varies depending on whether a charger is shared with another vehicle, leading to potential dissatisfaction.

As a renter, I suggest considering renters’ needs when structuring fees. The chargers often sit empty, especially from midnight to 6 a.m. Many people use these chargers during the day for quick boosts or because they work

nearby. If a max time limit or dwell charge (fee for sitting after fully charged) is imposed, renters like myself won’t be able to charge over night, when the chargers are least used and electricity is cheapest.

Additionally, there shouldn’t be a special program for renters. Any program would be cumbersome for renters, leasing agents, and Oak Park staff to implement and manage.

A possible ideal cost structure that would be understandable and implementable:

1. Market rate per kWh

2. Surcharge for dwelling after fully charged (anywhere from $5 to $15 per hour)

- A grace period of 15 minutes after being fully charged (the app alerts can take a while to come through and giving people time to run back to their car)

- After 15 minutes the surcharge for dwelling is assessed for the hour

- Surcharge repeated hourly till unplugged.

- No surcharges assessed from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Please consider renters in the plan. We rely on Oak Park chargers as our primary source of charging, unlike others who use them for convenience.

Stephen Stassen Oak Park

WEDNESD AY

JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor Erika Hobbs

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Sta Repor ter Amaris E. Rodriguez, Luzane Draughon

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan

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

Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

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

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Publisher Dan Haley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

About Viewpoints

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

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

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

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

■ Must include rst and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for veri cation only) Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to

■ One-sentence footnote about yourself, your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left

■ ONLINE w ww.OakPark.com Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $2.00.

one-year subscription costs $52 within Cook County and $72 outside of Cook County Adver

River Forest misleads on zoning

On Friday, May 17, the village of River Forest circulated an email newsletter with the following statement:

DEBORAH BORMAN

“On May 9, the Zoning Board of Appeals met to for mally adopt their recommendation on commercial zoning districts from the April 11 public hearing. The recommendation, or findings of fact document, summarizes the Zoning Board’s discussion to help inform the village board. The proposed text amendment ordinance will be considered by the village board at its next scheduled meeting on June 17. More details regarding that meeting will be shared in the coming newsletters.”

This statement is misleading.

On Dec. 20, 2023, the village published a small “Notice of Public Hearing” in the Wednesday Jour nal Classified section. The notice said:

One View

is the Village President and Board of Trustees. This public hearing is being held pursuant to direction given by the Village Board of Trustees.”

Beginning Jan. 11, The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) held a hearing on the village’s petition to alter zoning in all commercial districts, disguised as text amendments. The hearing was continued over four months, and in three sessions.

The ZBA heard from dozens of residents opposing the amendments, only a few in favor. After the third hearing, attended by 160+ residents in person and 50+ remotely, the ZBA voted 6-1 against adopting the proposed text amendments

IDOOPER ’S MEMORIES

Johnny Clutch

remember the da dad placed a gl baseball in my left hand and a bat in the other hand and declared that I was now equipped to pl baseball. I had just tur 7 years of ag that time, many of ball memories ha related to that da

I trotted out to third , pounded my mitt a few times, and positioned about 4 feet to the left of the base. My teammates encouraged me from their places on the field as I nervously eyed the Bull

“Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. to consider amendment(s) to the Village’s Zoning Ordinance, including:

“1. A Text Amendment to create a new Chapter 12 to replace Chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15 of the Zoning Ordinance. The new Chapter 12 will designate bulk and dimensional standards for C-1, C-2, C-3, and ORIC districts

“2. A Text Amendment to Section 10-21 (Land Use Chart) to designate multiple-family dwellings as allowed by planned development in C1, C2, C3, and ORIC districts.

“The petitioner for the Text Amendments

The ZBA entered its official Findings of Fact on its denial on May 9, which included the statement: “[ZBA] finds that the Proposed Amendments are not in the best interests of the village and its residents and property owners.”

The ZBA’s Findings of Fact is not merely a “summary” for information purposes. The village president and trustees petitioned the ZBA to hold public hearings to consider the amendments. The village board is hereby infor med by the ZBA, the independent body responsible for granting and denying zoning changes, and by its official Findings of Fact that the body opposes the proposed alteration of the zoning ordinance as applied to all of the River Forest commercial districts.

Any decision by the village board that reverses the ZBA’s vote and Findings of Fact, disregarding the views of most River Forest residents, undermines good gover nance.

Deborah L. Borman is a resident of River Forest

Sign the cease re petition

As you examine your personal stanc e on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis and wh at is happening in Gaza, please find your moral compass. People are dyin g — babies, children, mothers and fathers. People are starving and desperately in need of medical care. Families are homeless and living in a constant state of trauma. Just be a human being. This war has to end This war will only end when poli cy makers hear the deafening ground swell of our vo ices demanding they do wh atev -

er is necessary to bring about a per manent ceasefire, release the hostages and allow humanitarian aid to those in need .

Your vo ice needs to be heard by our village board. Please take a few minutes to sign the petition at https://www. chang e. org/OakParkCeasefireResolution and email your trustees board@oakpa rk .u s.

This is the be ginning of amplifyin g your vo ice for peac e.

Charlene Cli Oak Park

When I turned 11, I pl in a game that I’ll remember forever. It was my first g ame on a nine-player team. T he team we faced was called the Bull Do gs, and our team was the Tiger s, and we had a great team.

T he nicknames of some of the players were “Fireball Eddie,” “Hot Glove,” “Speed,” and “Mickey M,” and they were ear ned by playing in an outstanding way. I, of course, had not yet ear ned a nickname.

Nine star ters took the field on a war m June after noon at Ridgeland Common, and the small crowd that had gathered was noisy

For most of the g ame, the two teams were evenly matched, but in the last inning, Pat “Speed” Evans, playing third base, was injured when one of the Bull Do gs accidentally rammed Pat’s ankle sliding into third base. Pat came out of the g ame

Our coach motioned to me and told me to take over at third . He told me I could do it, but I had my doubts since I was the youngest and most inexperienced guy on the team, but this was my chance to play.

he score was tied with o outs, and the batter ounder that took a p bounce toward me. I ran forward and gloved the ball awkwardly, followed by an even more awkward throw to first base. Amazingly, my throw beat the runner

T he game was tied when we came to bat in the bottom of the ninth. Our first batter took two strikes, fouled of f a couple of pitches, and then flied out to center field — one out.

Our second batter, Richie Schu, fouled of f three or four pitches and then popped up to the Bull Do g first baseman — two out.

I was the third batter, and the coach told me to bunt. I took the first pitch for a ball, took a called strike on the next pitch, and then dropped a bunt to the left of the plate, ran like crazy, and just beat the catcher’s throw to first base — one on, two out.

T he next batter was “Big Jim” Van Zant. He homered over the left field fence on the first pitch — g ame over

As my team was leaving the field, one of my teammates said loudly that I had come through in the clutch.

From that day forward, my team nickname was “Johnny Clutch.”

For Pete’s sake, Pete’s, market!

T here was an article in the Tribune about Pete’s Markets. It discussed the d elay in an opening of one of thei r stores and finishing construction du e to delive ry of refrigeration equipment of new design to meet new standards It also discussed delays and opening dates of seve r al Chicago-area Pete’s

Markets. Amazing was the lack of any mention of the Pete’s Market in Oak Pa rk on Madison. Does this mean that the Pete’s Market on Madison is n’ t even on the construction schedule? Michael Papiernak Oak Park

Amplify our voices with resolution

Dear Oak Park residents,

As a fellow Oak Parker of over 40 years, I express my strong support for the Oak Park Village Board to pass a resolution supporting a per manent ceasefire in Gaza, freedom for the hostages, and urgent, lifesaving humanitarian aid to the 2.2 million people of Gaza. Please urge our village trustees to join the over 150 other municipalities across the country by putting a per manent-ceasefire resolution on the village board’s June 4 agenda for a discussion and a vote as soon as possible. Our community has a stake in the peaceful resolution of this conflict. Unlike other heartbreaking wars and humanitarian crises in the world, it is our tax dollars that are funding the weapons used in the assault on the Gazan civilian population, tax dollars that could be used on vital community services, such as building affordable housing, providing rental assistance, and other programs supporting housing stability for Oak Park’s most vulnerable

A permanent ceasefire is essential for release of the hostages and the distribution of lifesaving humanitarian aid. But most importantly, a per manent ceasefire is the only way to end the “full blown famine” that President Biden’s ambassador to the World Food Program, Cindy McCain, said is in full swing in norther n Gaza and quickly moving south. This horrific observation of famine has been confir med by many other humanitarian aid organizations including Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty Inter national, USAID, and World Central Kitchen. It is our moral imperative as a nation and as a community to say no to the forced starvation of dozens of children in the last month due to the lack of humanitarian aid.

Chef Jose Andres has called this “a war against humanity itself.” Please amplify our voices on behalf of Oak Park and on behalf of humanity

Henry Fulkerson Oak Park

Charging for charging

It seems as if River Forest’s inability to understand how EV owners might use public Electric Vehicle Servicing Equipment (EVSE) is rubbing off on Oak Park. I get that the village needs funding and I also get that they don’t want to provide the electrical supply to the EVSE for free, but the thoughts some of our elected leaders have associated with how much users should pay for this are off base.

The bottom line is no one should pay extra for using the EVSE for too long If you need to use this equipment, you need to use it because your battery level requires it. It isn’t like people can decide how quickly their battery accepts electricity from the Level 2 EVSE. If their car needs energy, it needs it! Increasing fees after two hours or eight hours or whatever length of time doesn’t serve the users of the equipment and discourages EV adoption. This doesn’t mean that ramping up

fees is not warranted. When the vehicle has reached its set limit for “level of charge” and the EVSE is being occupied by a vehicle that is no longer drawing power, there should be a financial penalty involved to encourage turnover. However, if reaching this state happens in the middle of the night, which often happens when charging an EV, the penalty should not begin until “normal hours.” Anything other than that discourages EV adoption.

The most critical hole to be filled with public Electric Vehicle Service Equipment installed by the village of Oak Park is for EV owners living in multi-unit dwellings. Establishing time limits and other disincentives into the system will not serve the users who need this investment from our community the most.

Don Anderson Oak Park

RICH KORDESH

e divine feminine

from page 31

In the same vein, I wrote the feminine into a prayer that moved with a similar rhythm as that of the traditional Apostles’ Creed. I believe in God, the Father, the Mother, The almighty, the merciful, The maker of Earth and the rest of the heavens

Now at 70, I experience the world tur ning green with the outer spring once again. Deep into May once more, where is the Holy Mother in my jour ney now? Where is anima? How does her perspective inform my outer aging “he”?

Attributing divinity to Mary would still counter Church doctrine. But there is movement among some believers — based in part on feminine terms that were used by early Christians to describe the Holy Spirit — toward recognizing the third person of the trinity as She.

JOHN BIEMER

Between broods

from page 31

pathologist, looking through microscopes for a living. And now, 17 years later, I work in a hospital that’s less than a mile from the site of the Tribune’s suburban bureau where I worked in 2007.

I took a long journey that landed me, geographically speaking, back in the same neighborhood.

Whatever the case, in my inner church, fed and sustained by, but different from, the outer Church, there is a voice praying as I did through the above verses, and others that I’ve composed over the years. That voice speaks to a God who is masculine, feminine … and more. When I was a kid, Mary was beautiful and revered, in her femininity a magnificent “other.” Boys were boys, men were men, girls were girls, and women were women. Priests were men, and in Catholicism, they still are. Nuns were women, and still are. Dads were in charge. Moms were second-in-command, at least in a for mal sense.

But now, as I walk through Austin Gardens, May’s energy pulsates colorfully in and around the trees and along the pathways. My soul tells the older man I am, traversing this lovely public park, that Mary is alive in this place; a Mother’s energy percolates from the soil upward through the shells of the seeds and the softening roots that had lain dormant through the winter.

In a different and more profound sense than I had experienced as a boy, She is everywhere: below, above and within me

The cicadas I hear this spring as I walk to the hospital parking lot at the end of a workday are the offspring of the ones I re ported on for the Tribune in 2007. It’s a small world, filled with wonders and mysteries.

Your life, too, no doubt, has undergone major changes since 2007.

Where will I be in 2041, the next time the cicadas crawl to the surface and unleash their dreadful buzz? Where will you be? Where will our kids be?

That is another myster y. Only time will tell.

John Biemer, a physician and former reporter, liv es in Oak Park.

anks for featuring Teresita and Harriette

Kudos to Wednesday Jour nal for recent front-page features remembering both Sister Teresita (May 15) and Har riette Robinet (May 22). Both of these amazing African-American women were active pioneers for social justice as it related to open housing and women’s rights. Their lifetimes overcoming great odds

to reach these goals serve as great models for all of us. They both will be missed by the many of us blessed to have known them. Thanks for giving them front-page attention.

Frances Sullivan Oak Park

Pest control and cicadas

As cicadas began to emerge across the area after 17 years underground, pest control professionals are being urged to avoid spraying broad-spectrum insecticides that could inadvertently kill these insects. The cicadas pose no threat and are an important food source for many species of birds, mammals, and re ptiles and help keep pest insect populations in check naturally.

Today in Oak Park, a pesticide company (Mosquito Squad) sprayed harmful chemicals on these harmless insects in front and I stopped them from going into my backyard. Not only did they spray my front yard and the wonderful cypresses full of bird nests by my house entrance, they sprayed the wrong house. I never hired the company, they got the addresses mixed up Cicada experts warn that spraying insecticides intended for other pests could disrupt this essential ecological process and needlessly endanger beneficial species.

Property owners are advised to simply tolerate the cicadas during their 4-6 week lifecycle aboveground, after which they will disappear until their next emergence in 2038.

Alejandra Moran Oak Park

Board, beware of the Bilandic precedent

The Oak Park Village Board is an educated and dedicated group. They certainly know history but may have forgotten what happened a few miles to the East with winter of 1979. Chicago’s Mayor Bilandic faced a somewhat unpredictable blizzard that could not be cleared to the citizens’ expectations.

Our board now faces the certain changing of the seasons and falling leaves. Chicago’s dedicated then-mayor never overcame the blame for municipal services missing the mark. Simply put: his snow could be our board’s leaves.

Peter

Manikowski

Oak Park

George Dietz, 93 Family practice physician

Dr. George Dietz, 93, died on May 3, 2024 at his home in Oak Park. A native Detroit, he worked for the U.S. Public Health Service on a Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota immediately after graduating from Loyola University Medical School. Because at that time there was no such thing as a specialty in amily Practice, he followed the advice his medical-school mentor to prepare for general practice by taking three residencies in succession: obstetrics, surgery and psychiatry. Prepared in that way, he later taught medical residents in the first Family Practice residency program offered at Cook County Hospital.

His Catholic faith and medical training, as well as his allegiance to the principles of the Hippocratic oath, for med his deep conviction that human life was sacred and led him to dedicate many years of his career to delivering babies at home as part of a growing movement supporting natural birth and reducing medical interventions in health care The pro-life movement of which he was a part was for him a hands-on activity that found him giving his time pro-bono as the long-term medical director of the Southside Pregnancy Center in Evergreen Park. His convictions found him more than once intervening to save the lives of the babies of mothers who changed their minds after starting the abortion process

Dr. Dietz is survived by his wife, Helen (nee Ratner); his sons, George III and Nicholas; their wives Jamie (nee Witt) and Magaly (nee Cordero); his grandchildren, Carmen, George IV, Edward, and Simon; his siblings, Gerald, John, Anthony, Paul and Lori; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Lorraine Dietz.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on May 11 at St. Edmund Church in Oak Park; inter ment took place at Marygrove Cemetery, Lucas County, Ohio on May 15.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Southside Pregnancy Center are appreciated

Todd Collins, 70 Loved Torch Lake and outdoor sports

Ernest “Todd” Collins II, 70, of Central Lake, Michigan, for merly of River Fo est and Pinehurst, North Carolina), die peacefully on May 19, 2024, overlooking his beloved Torch Lake, surrounded by amily, after a courageous battle with cancer

nent home in 2011. He grew up in River Forest, attending Washington Elementary, Roosevelt Middle School, and Oak Park and River Forest High School, where he competed on the wrestling team and played the French horn in the marching band

He earned his MBA in finance from DePaul University and was a successful entrepreneur. He was the president of Lynn Marketing Group, his family-run, direct-mail, marketing business, which he ran with his ex-wife, Karol, with whom he raised two daughters before retiring to Norther n Michigan. Over the years, he was an active member of First United Church of Oak Park, the Rotary Club of Elmhurst, and the Economic Club of Traverse City, Michigan, and volunteered with the Junior Achievement program, teaching entrepreneurship at Bellaire Middle School.

An avid sailor, he enjoyed sailing MC and E Scows at the Torch Lake Yacht Club and embarked on many sailing adventures worldwide. He organized the TLYCC annual golf scramble, and hosted friends for his annual ice golfing event on Torch Lake each winter

He loved snow sports and worked as a ski instructor at Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin, and volunteering as a gatekeeper at his daughters’ ski races. His other passions included hosting canning parties to make pickles and jam, and cruising around Torch Lake in his boat. A dedicated steward of Torch Lake, he served enthusiastically on the board of the Three Lakes Association and was an active member of the Torch Lake Protection Alliance.

He is survived by his daughters and grandchildren, Erica (David) Schulze and their son Emmett, and Elisse Collins and her children, Maysen, Alden, and Finley; his sisters, Kathleen (Mike) Babb and Nancy (Mark) Saldi; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his favorite dog, Jack A visitation will be held at the Dockside on Torch Lake on Friday, June 28, at 8 p.m. An Irish Wake and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 29, at his home, beginning with a memorial service at 7 p.m., followed by a live band, dancing, and fireworks

In lieu of flowers, please support his legacy through the Todd Collins Keep Torch Blue Fund. Donations can be made on the TLPA website, in memory of Todd Collins: https://tlpa.co/donate Arrangements were handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Born on Jan. 4, 1954, in Chicago, he was the son of Todd and Lynn (Trimmer) Collins. He was proud to be a ourth-generation summer resident of Torch Lake before making it his perma-

Marcia Meng Harms, 76 Avid gardener

Marcia Meng Harms, 76, of Oak Park, died on May 19, 2024. Born on Feb. 12, 1948, she was a world-class gardener and loved to go on long walks with her dog, Ziggy. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, including her husband, Mike; her kids, Chrissie (Chris) Cox and Sarah Eric) Maxfield; and her grandkids, Abby, gan, Natalie and Jane. She is survived her brother, Jack (Inky) Meng.

A celebration of life will occur at a time and place to be deter mined

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Chicago Food Depository.

Arrangements were handled by Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home

SPORTS

State champions!

First OPRF track title since 1987 includes rsts by Garland, Schulz, Osei-Yeboah

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior Kaden Garland became the first Oak Park and River Forest High School boys track and field state champion in shot put since 1947. Junior Caleb Schulz captured the first 100-meter dash championship since the 100-yard dash in 1947. Junior Kwabena “Geegee” Osei-Yeboah achieved the first long jump state title since 1924.

By the end of the Class 3A state meet at Eastern Illinois University, the Huskies’ 121year program history all came down to 1987. That was the last time the Huskies won the team state title Until Saturday.

“Finally!” exclaimed OPRF head coach Tim Hasso repeatedly after the Huskies’ 49 points shared the 3A state championship with Edwardsville.

Grayslake Central was third with 46.

“Nobody has an unscathed state meet. Then you just hope good things happen,” Hasso said. “For a great group of kids who work hard all of the time and believe in our vision, they came out on top and deserve this.”

“All four years, aiming for this moment, just feels amazing,” said the USC-bound Garland, an all-state fifth in discus. “We didn’t do as well [in Friday’s preliminaries] but we fulfilled it by doing everything with everybody who made [finals].”

Garland (20.05 meters/65 feet-9 1/2 inches in shot) and Schulz (100 in 10.58 seconds) won state titles while improving their school records. Osei-Yeboah, (7.19m/23-7 1/4) just missed his 23-9 school record from May 9.

The Huskies added five more top-nine, all-state performances with contributions from seniors Santiago Valle and Kevin McGovern, juniors Lukas Brauc and Kahrmelo Weaver, and sophomore Kingston Petersen.

“It’s fantastic. This team knew what we

could do. We just had to put it out there this meet and we did it,” Osei-Yeboah said.

Schulz is just the second OPRF athlete to earn the maximum four all-state medals in one state meet.

“It’s very interesting because the emotions haven’t hit yet,” Schulz said. “I knew I’d have a ton of events, but I just had to push, really just push for it.”

The Huskies have 18 team state titles Since 1987, they earned third-place trophies in 2012 and 2019.

Hasso became head coach in 2005. This season’s assistant and volunteer coaches are Keven Allen, Chris Baldwin, Tim Bannon, Ty Garland (Kaden’s father), Alex Hasapis, Harold Leonard Sr., Abel Reyes, Kirsten Weismantle, Garrett Davis, Koren Leonard, Angelo Madison and Kevin Word

“Our coaching staff is why we’re so awesome and it isn’t me,” Hasso said. “They care about the kids and they’re really good at what they do. These people take the time from their families to give to ours.”

The Huskies lost the coin flip with Edwardsville to leave Charleston with the lone first-place trophy. They removed the panel of the Runner-Up trophy for photos and Sunday’s graduation.

“What a great weekend, right?” Hasso said.

In shot prelims, Garland’s first two throws of 64-4 1/2 and 65-9 1/2 would have won.

The second achieved another goal, finally surpassing the 65-7 best of his father when Ty starred for Matawan Regional High School in New Jersey

“I knew I had something big in me. I didn’t know it was going to be in the 20s. It means a lot,” Garland said. “I feel like the competition makes me do a lot better.”

Seventh in the 100 last year (11.02), Schulz won Saturday by 06 and beat his second-seeded 10.62 F riday, 02 from his 2023 school record

“I knew I just had to get out and go,” Schulz said. “I think I was last out of the blocks but the top end speed came in with the win.”

Osei-Yeboah, fifth at state last year (22-1), had the winning and second-longest jump (23-4 3/4 Saturday). He beat two jumpers

who surpassed 24 feet this season.

“I still had confidence. I still had faith. I said, ‘I’m the underdog here.’ So I went out there and showed what I can do,” said Osei-Yeboah, also 44th in triple jump (11.20m/36-9).

“There’s no way I could win a state title without the team I have, the support I have Just the energy we brought was unbelievable We’ve never been this loud. And this is just a quarter of the team.”

Garland was fifth in shot last year and fifth in discus as a sophomore. In discus prelims, Garland’s 176-7 placed him fourth. Despite another school-record 179-10 on Saturday’s final throw, Garland was passed by a 180-7.

“I wish we could have gotten that one more team point, but it’s still a win,” Garland said.

Schulz (200 in 21.67), the 4 x 100 (Weaver, Valle, Osei-Yeboah, Schulz in 42.21) and the 4 x 200 (McGovern, Valle, Petersen, Schulz in 1:27.88) were sixth. Brauc (4.60m/15-1 in pole vault) was eighth.

While Schultz took sixth in the 200, the Tigers’ finalists were second and fifth, tying the teams at 49 for good. Neither team qualified for the 4 x 400, the final event.

OPRF sophomore Brian Carter Jackson, Valle, Brauc and junior Connor Schupp were 10th Friday (3:22.12), .39 from the nineteam finals

Grayslake Central, however, could have won by winning the 4 x 400. T he Rams

were fourth after being second with 200 meters left.

T he title is a fitting reward for the Huskies, who have 16 sectional titles since 2004 and currently seven straight outdoor titles in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division, arguably the state’s strongest conference.

The 2023 Huskies were seventh (32 points) with seven all-state performances but only one higher than fifth.

“I never felt the pressure, but I always wanted to win a state title for the kids. With that, there is some pressure,” Hasso said.

“I felt like last year we peaked in April. We had some intelligent and intentional moves [this season]. We ran our best times at conference, sectionals and state.”

Other state entries were junior Liam O’Connor (14th in 3,200, 9:16.32), Valle (17th in 100, 10.87), senior Michael Michelotti (21st in 1,600, 4:20.81), freshman Cameren January (22nd in high jump, 1.85/6-0 3/4), the 4 x 800 of seniors Mariano Escobedo, Lewis O’Connor, Daniel Johnson and Michelotti (23rd in 8:03.20), Carter Jackson (25th in 400, 50.91), senior Khalil Nichols (33rd in 110 high hurdles, 15.55), sophomore Jonathan Sibley-Diggs (33rd in shot, 14.41m/47-3 1/2), sophomore Riley Jackson (36th in triple jump, 12.72m/41-8 3/4), Schupp (39th in 800, 2:02.06) and junior Tristan Kidd (tied for 28th in pole vault, no height).

DA N CHAMNESS AND MOTO JOHNSON

OPRF’s, Track & Field team hoist the state championship trophy for the rst time in 37 years.

OPRF boys volleyball makes sectional nal

OPRF softball wins regional

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park-River Forest boys volleyball team prevailed in three sets over Sandburg — 22-25, 25-19, 25-21 — on May 25 to advance to the Sandburg Sectional final, May 28 (after press time), against Lyons Township.

The Huskies (25-9) had advanced to Sandburg with a victory in the Fenwick Re gional final on May 23, 25-11, 25-20, over Hinsdale Central.

“I thought our boys executed at a high level,” said OPRF coach Justin Cousin. “Hinsdale Central is not a bad team and we knew they were going to give us a fight. But I thought the boys were composed and worked as a team against adversity.”

Senior middle hitter Roan Doody had an impressive night with a .769 hitting percentage. That was the result of strong chemistry with classmate and setter Quinn Bozarth, who assisted Doody on multiple kills, especially down the stretch.

“He’s a high-level player,” Doody said of Bozarth. “Building our chemistry on and of f the court has really helped as our connection has gotten better.”

“We’ve been practicing difficult situations setting for our middles, and it showed today,” Bozarth said.

The Huskies defeated LT in a close match earlier this season, so they’ re anticipating another strong challenge

Regional title for OPRF softball

OPRF softball rolled past Niles West 11-1, May 23, to win the Class 4A Niles West Re gional. A seven-run outburst in the bottom of the sixth gave the run-rule victory for the Huskies (27-8).

“We have n’ t had an of f ensive explosion in a wh il e, and that was nice to see,” said OPRF c oach J. P. C oughlin. “We hit the b all hard all g ame, and I knew it was a matter of time.”

Anna Topel pitched a complete game, allowing a run on six hits and posting nine strikeouts over six innings. She also star red at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a solo homer and RBI triple.

“Anna’s been awesome for us all year,” Coughlin said. “There was a bit of an adjustment period when we lost Jordan [Alioto], who was supposed to be our ace, to injury. But once Anna beat Marist, which was #1 at the time, that gave her confidence.”

C AROL DUNNING

OPRF boys volleyball player Jimmie Chrus eld III (#12) goes for a kill against Hinsdale Central in the Fenwick Regional nal, May 23. e Huskies won the title with a 25-11, 25-20 v ictory

from the Lions, last year’s state runner-up.

“We’ re going to do everything we can to prepare for them,” Bozarth said. “I know we can beat [LT].”

Gloria Hronek had three hits and Tyler Brock, Rachel Buchta, and Elyssa Hasapis two apiece for OPRF, while Sofia Ayala and Maura Carmody each had two RBI.

The Huskies faced Taft in a sectional semifinal at Maine South, May 28 (after deadline). A victory would result in advancement to the sectional title game, May 31, versus either Leyden Township or Whitney Young.

“We need to keep making plays and stay confident and loose,” Coughlin said. “We don’t have the All-Americans Mel (Kolbusz, retired OPRF coach) had, but we’re deep

Stone shuts down Montini for Fenwick so ball regional title

It’s the third consecutive regional championship for Friars

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Led by a dominating performance in the circle by Sophie Stone, the Fenwick softball team defeated Montini 3-0, May 24, to win the IHSA Class 3A Trinity Re gional at Triton College

“It feels good to win, especially on your graduation day,” said Stone, a senior who allowed just one hit, a seventh-inning single, and posted 16 strikeouts. “I was throwing a lot of curveballs, and once the wind died down, [Montini] didn’t seem to be making a lot of solid contact on outside pitches.”

Fenwick (14-9) gave Stone all the support she would need with two first-inning runs, coming on a sacrifice fly from Gianna Pescatore and an RBI groundout by Madelyn Entler. The Friars tacked on a run in the

bottom of the fifth as Entler drew a basesloaded walk.

Montini got the potential tying run to the plate in the seventh, but Stone struck out Erin Grimsley to end the game. The victory gave Fenwick its third consecutive regional title. It’s also the first for head coach Valerie Jisa.

“It’s amazing. I couldn’t be more proud of these girls,” she said. “They delivered when they needed to, and Stone outlasted everyone.”

Up next for Fenwick is Wheaton St. Francis in a sectional semifinal at Glenbard South, May 29 at 4:30 p.m. The winner meets either Elmwood Park or Glenbard South for the sectional title, June 1, at 11 a.m.

“[The sectional] is where we’ve struggled every year before now,” Stone said. “But we have confidence and I think this is our best

chance at making it through.”

“It’s up to them how they’re going to string together hits and do the job,” Jisa said. “I know our defense is there, but everything else has got to be there too.”

Fenwick boys volleyball

It was a challenging season for a young and vastly inexperienced Fenwick boys volleyball team. The Friars finished 5-17 and lost to Oak Lawn Richards 22-25, 21-25 in a Fenwick Re gional quarterfinal, May 20.

Brian Riggs had 13 assists and two blocks, Will Griswold three kills and two blocks, Sean White four kills, Declan O’Rourke and Dom Tortorello three kills apiece, and Aidan Soule two aces for Fenwick in the season-ending defeat.

But head coach Kate Whitman thought her team made progress throughout the year.

“With only four returning players, it was a rebuilding year,” she said. “We didn’t win a lot of g ames, but a lot of our losses were very close. We got better as the season went along, which is all you could ask for.”

Fenwick had three sophomores on this year’s varsity, with two moving into the starting lineup towards season’s end. With eight returnees for next year, Whitman hopes the experience gained will prove beneficial for the Friars.

“The future’s pretty bright,” she said. “We have a few kids from the lower levels that we pulled up for the playoffs who showed a lot of promise. They’ll work themselves into next year’s lineup.”

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

MORTGAGE ASSESTS MANAGEMENT, LLC F/K/A REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC

Plaintiff, -v.-

ANDREW C. CRAWFORD, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Defendants

2021 CH 05362

827 N. GROVE AVE OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 22, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 24, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 827 N. GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-06-305-020-

0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SEC-

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

TION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527

630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-20-03979

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2021 CH 05362 TJSC#: 44-840

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2021 CH 05362 I3244734

PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice – Public Hearing on June 25th for FY2025 Budget

OAK PARK TOWNSHIP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to legal voters, residents of the Township of Oak Park, in the County of Cook, State of Illinois, that Public Hearings on the Tentative Town Fund, General Assistance Fund, and Community Mental Health Fund Budgets for Fiscal Year 2025, will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Oak Park Township Administration building, 105 S. Oak Park Ave., in the Township of Oak Park.

To request a copy of the Tentative Budgets named above for review, call Township Hall at 708-3838005 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. A digital version of the Tentative Budgets is available at www.oakparktownship.org. Oral and written comments concerning these proposed annual budgets are welcome.

All interested citizens, groups, senior citizens, and organizations representing the interests of senior citizens are encouraged to attend.

Oak Park Township does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or employment in its programs or activities. Those needing special accommodations are asked to provide 48 hours’ notice.

Given under my hand in the Town of Oak Park, County of Cook, State of Illinois, the 21th day of May 2024.

DaToya Burtin-Cox Oak Park Township Clerk

Published in Wednesday Journal May 29, 2024

The Village of Oak Park 123 Madison St. Oak Park, Illinois 60302 (708) 358-5416

On or after June 12, 2024 the Village of Oak Park will submit a request to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL93383), to undertake the following project:

Tier 1 Broad Review Project/ Program Title: PY 2023 through 2027 Water Lines

Purpose: CDBG eligible homeowners will receive private-side lead water-line replacements as an ongoing effort to get rid of all Village of Oak Park lead water lines.

Location: The project will take place at several addresses throughout Oak Park.

Project/Program Description: The improvements shall include installing a new continuous one-inch Type K copper water service line on the owner side of the water service from the curb stop/B-box into the house to the water meter. Work shall include a new meter setting including full-port ball valves before and after the meter with a boiler drain valve after the meter. A new water meter is optional to the homeowner and if selected, will be delivered to the jobsite. New meter connectors will be furnished, if necessary, by the Village.

Tier 2 site specific reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review for each address under this program when addresses become known.

Level of Environmental Review

Citation: Acquisition, repair, improvement, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of public facilities

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS FOR TIERED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

and improvements (other than buildings) when the facilities and improvements are in place and will be retained in the same use without change in size or capacity of more than 20 percent (e.g., replacement of water or sewer lines, reconstruction of curbs and sidewalks, repaving of streets): 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(1).

Tier 2 Site Specific Review: The site-specific reviews will cover the following laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 broad review: Contamination and Toxic Substances; Endangered Species; Historic Preservation; Wetlands Protection; Environmental Justice.

Mitigation Measures/Conditions/ Permits (if any): Contamination and Toxic Substances: The Responsible Entity (RE) will assess all addresses for Contamination and Toxic Substances and provide an assessment for each. In doing so, the RE will use data from the following resources to ensure to noted hazardous materials, contamination, toxic chemicals and gases, and radioactive substances, where a hazard could affect the health and safety of occupants or conflict with the intended utilization of the sites: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxic Release Inventory and Toxic Substances Control Act Facilities, Illinois EPA Agency Facility Inventory and Information Search System and Landfills, Illinois State Fire Marshall Underground Storage Tanks and National EPA Assist; Endangered Species: each site will be assessed by the RE to establish if any suitable habitats will be affected; Historic Preservation: the Village of Oak Park has a Programmatic Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office that covers work being done in this project. However, on an annual basis throughout the duration of this project, the RE will contact all Tribal Historic Preservation

Offices that have an interest in ground disturbances occurring in Cook County; Wetlands Protection: the RE will review all properties and evaluate if the land is on or adjacent to land that is designated as Wetlands and provide an assessment for each. All zones will be mapped using the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Wetlands Mapper and proper zone boundaries will be identified; Environmental Justice: pending approval and no findings of Contamination and Toxic Substances, Suitable Habitats, THPO concerns, or Wetlands, all sites will comply with Environmental Justice [Executive Order 12898].

Estimated 5-year Project Cost: $500,000

The activity/activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements per 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(1). An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 and may be examined or copied weekdays 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. or at https://www.hudexchange.info/ programs/environmental-review/ environmental-review-records/.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Village of Oak Park office of Development Customer Service. All comments received by June 12, 2024 will be considered by the Village of Oak Park prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

The Village of Oak Park certifies to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that Ahmad M. Zayyad, Certifying

Officer, in their capacity as Deputy Village Manager/ Interim Neighborhood Services Director, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Village of Oak Park Public Works Department to use HUD program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the Village of Oak Park’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Village of Oak Park; (b) the Village of Oak Park has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be submitted to HUD’s online mailbox at CPDRROFCHI@hud. gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager, Certifying Officer

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive bids from qualified mechanical contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Mon thru Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm local time until 10:00 am on Fri, July 12, 2024 for the following: Village of Oak Park Public Works Center HVAC Repairs Proposal Number: 24-126

Issuance Date: 5/29/24

There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL on Wed, June 5, 2024 at 11:00 am. Bid documents may be obtained from the Village website at http:// www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 29, 2024

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Mon thru Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm local time until 10:00 am on Fri, July 12, 2024 for the following: Village of Oak Park Public Works Center Exterior Façade Repairs Proposal Number: 24-127

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Issuance Date: 5/29/24

There will be a mandatory prebid meeting at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL on Wed, June 5, 2024 at 10:00 am. Bid documents may be obtained from the Village website at http://www.oak-park. us/bid. For questions please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 29, 2024