Wednesday Journal 060723

Since our founding in Oak Park in 1957, Forest Insurance has provided generations of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Parkers with trusted guidance, personalized service, and best-in-class coverage that adjusts throughout every stage of life.

From home and auto, to business and commercial, we provide superior insurance products that deliver better value, better outcomes, and greater peace of mind.

Whether shopping multiple companies, advising you on coverages, or guiding you through claims, we’re with you every step of the way. From graduation and beyond.

Since our founding in Oak Park in 1957, Forest Insurance has provided generations of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Parkers with trusted guidance, personalized service, and best-in-class coverage that adjusts throughout every stage of life.

From home and auto, to business and commercial, we provide superior insurance products that deliver better value, better outcomes, and greater peace of mind.

Whether shopping multiple companies, advising you on coverages, or guiding you through claims, we’re with you every step of the way. From graduation and beyond.

We’ve been there....you made it!

Dan Browne, OPRF AlumFred Arkin, OPRF Alum

Produced in partnership with Oak Park and River Forest High School. Special thanks to Karin Sullivan

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Sales and Marketing Representatives

Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck

Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Digital & Development Stacy Coleman

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Publisher Dan Haley

HOW TO REACH US

141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Pak, IL 60302

Phone 708 524 8300

Fax 708 467 9066

Online www.OakPark.com. Wednesday

Congratulations, Class of 2023

As you set out on the next phase of your life’s journey, I want to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of your class.

Among this year’s graduates are 41 Scholarship Cup winners, hundreds of recognitions at our Honors Convocation, and $11.6 million in merit-based scholarships. Athletically, the achievements of your class are just as jaw-dropping.

To highlight just our state qualifiers alone, a total of 93 student-athletes qualified for state competitions across 13 different sports.

As a class, you spent thousands of hours creating experiences and stories and memories through your involvement with plays, concerts, spoken word performances, clubs and activities, athletics, academic

competitions, service to our community, and so much more. You’ve filled the classrooms of this school with an incredible amount of energy, thoughtfulness, humor, and creative excellence.

You’ve had serious challenges, too. In the classroom. On the field. On the stage. Some of you have taken action in the face of these challenges and advocated for changes to OPRF--which is exactly what you should be doing.

Still others of you have impressively

struggled through personal obstacles in the pursuit of your diploma. I know that many of you have experienced the loss of a loved one, anxiety, and dramatic, sometimes permanent shifts within your families. Having the courage to work through those struggles is often worthy of accolades far beyond what we offer to our academic scholars and state champions.

All of your experiences over the past four years have prepared you for the path ahead, whether you’re moving on into the military, trades, college, work force, a gap year, or are understandably undecided. On behalf of the school community, faculty and staff who have been here with you over the past four years--it has been our privilege to work and learn together here with you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Greg Johnson Superintendent

DR. GREG JOHNSON Superintendent

AJakobie Acree

Carson A. Adam

Noa Elinor Adams

Grayson W. Adelstein

Joel E. Adkins

Zayna Ahmed

Jay Matthew Ahn

Khylie Marie Aiello

Janabi Aya Al Janabi

Henry Johnson Albrecht

Tyler Roma Alfonsi

Dontrell Allen

Violet Jule Allgood

Sebastian Cristobal Alonso

Danny Abrahim Ammra

Nicholas Edward Danie Amstutz

Isabella Grace Amunategui

Callie Elizabeth Anderson

Cara Maria Anderson

Donovan Mekhi Anderson

Jeremiah Lashawn Anderson

Jaime Anguiano, II

Richard Kwame Ansong

Christina Christina Anthony

Louise Francine Anzaldi

Lucy Lia Stenglein Armbruster

Landon Mateus Arnold

Jordan Parker Arnold-Anderson

Corrine Therese Arquette

Amani Bishop Ashe

Pippa Cornelia Anderson Ashley

Ava Ashton

Katherine Marie Ashton

Sophia Lucy Atkin

Autumn Atkinson

Ryan Atkinson

Asimah Khene Aton

Owen Andrew Augustine

Samuel George Aylesworth

BHenry Paul Babwin

Allyson Ann Baer

Kavi Robert Bahuleyan

Clayton Michael Baird

Charles Mario Baker

Cora Marbury Baker

Jackson Henry Baker

Marin Ruth Baker

Nikolaos Balafas

Minali Mahela Bandara

Daniel Joseph Barney

Colin Moore Barrett

Samantha Carol Barrett

Alexander Michael Barron

Hailey Grace Bartelli

James Bartley

Gia Kaur Batra

Patrick Devin Bayer

Eriana Bayron

Saul Fridland Bazer

Anthony Lemeil Beacham, II

Eloise Clementine Beaulieu

Vivian Beck

Payton Iman Beeler

Spencer Andrew Bell

Benjamin Bellmar

Jordan Bender

Arina Maximovn Benevolenskaya

Ralph Carl Bennett, III

Lillian Rose Berg

Violet Marie Berg

Jennifer Ann Berggren

Aidan Victor Bertocchini

Aiyana Barbara Best

Leo Esteban Best

Lauren Elizabeth Bevan

Ian Bezaire

Jaylen Auris Billups

Brock Randal Bisaillon

Daniel Jameson Blatchford

Aaron Douglas Blue

Matthew L Boland

Lianna Alexa Bolivar

Deric Jerome Bomar, II

Joshua Caleb Isaac Bonds

Benjamin Phillip Bonick

Della Bonigut

Charlotte Carlson Boultinghouse

Lily Irina Boyer

Jaimie Elizabeth Marie Bradley

William Eben Brandhorst

Ian Cager Brandis

Jacob Thomas Brauner

Kristina Bray

OPRF 2023 GRADUATES

Martha Brennan

Aurelia Aurelia Brice

Katherine O’Malley Bromet

Phillip Daniel Brooks, Jr.

Tyler Michael Brooks

Jonathan Reed Brown

Molly Kathleen Brown

Samuel Brown

Tremayne Brown

Trinity Alexander Brown

Lucy Brownlow

Julia Lee Brummell

Mariana Angeni Bryan Johnson

Sage Bryning

Konner Ray Buford

Mikola Burdin

Kimberly Marie Burgos

Joshua Burns

Marchand Willie Burton

Samuel Ervin Busch

Margaret Rachel Butman

CJohn Christopher Caceres

Sandra D. Caldwell

Seth Coleman Calhoun

Louise Anna Calkins

Zakiyah Aziza Nia Callender

Charles Martin Callero

Evan Joseph Campbell

Matthew Michael Carbone

Patrick Liam Carmody

Natalie Carrera

Roger Elliott Carstens

Amaurie Fias Carter

Pierson Anthony Case

Talia Grace Cassel

Lee Chaloemtiarana

Kendall L. Chandler

Kyle Joseph Chapleau

Samuel Ronald Chapman-Rienstra

Lily Kathryn Charkow

Ava Cheeks

Maya Pauline Cherikos

Annika Rohs Chesney

Gabriela Chlebek

Ariadne Bridget Chow

Elise Catherine Chranko

Mia Rene Christmon

Sunjeet Singh Chugh

Sunveer Singh Chugh

Dejuan Vontrell Cintron

Ignas Timonas Ciulada

Dylan James Clancy

Aidan John Clark

Justice Symone Clark

Miles Caven Clary

Sion D. Clay

Benjamin Cohen

Shane Guiying Colpoys

Maizy Jane Compton

Brianna Elizabeth Connell

L. Conour

Ethan James Cooper

Neilo Browning Cornell

Marcus Oscar Corona

Kelly Rosemary McDonnell Cortez

Kevin Edward McDonnell Cortez

Joseph Richard Cote

Margaret Louise Cotter

Jaiden Sanaa Cox

Regan Mary Cronin

Nasir David Cruz

Isaac Christian Cummings

Leah Paige Curtin

DAva May Dalton

Kennedy Daniel

Luis Edwin Hoop Daniel

Madeline Daniel

Yasmin Daniels

Rylee Brooklen Danley

Joseph Daschbach

M Milan Datta-Nemana

TODD A. BANNOR

Congratulations OPRF Huskie Helpers!

“I encourage you to live with life. Be courageous, adventurous. Give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve."

- Maya Angelou

Caps off to our volunteer graduates!

Your spirit of service and helping others will take you to great places in life!

Grayson Adelstein

Julia Dingman

Keyla Pillacela

Maya Schwartz

Maya Guerriero

Grace Winkelhake

Jessica Locke

Jackson Davis

Tyler Joseph Davis

Stephen Day, III

Joaquin Andres De La Rosa

Michael Halloran De Lisle

Rebecca Anne Dee

Katherine Rose Dehaan

David Erik Delaney

Reece Cyrus Delaney

John John Delfin

Colette Patricia Delgado

Valeria Delgado

Paul Jean Marsel Delignon

Amyr Desruisseaux

Nadya Jasmine Dhillon

Jacob Jacob Diaz

Jade A’Miya Dillard

Jacob P. Dimaso

Joseph W. Dimaso

Joshua Taylor Dingman

Julia Ruth Dingman

Samuel Ross Dingman

Faris James Michael Dispensa

Clara Dodge

Ella Dodge

Vance Tyler Domenz

Joshua Dominguez

Ellis Dominis

Blake Ladon Donalson

Jaden Downen

Thomas James Dowse

Julien Walter Doyle

Jacob Scott Drews

Lillian Rose Drews

Kiera Josette Dublin

Iris Dugan

Genesis De Juan Dumaraog

Mia Daniel Dunavan

Kyndal Duncan

Kaitlyn Dunlop

Roger Christopher Dunn

Annelise Dusterberg

Kendrick D. Edwards, Jr.

Lauren Edwards

Roan Gerard Egan

Amelia Ann Eigen

Lina Paige El-Karimi

Zachary Ethan Ellis

Jackson Matthew Elza

William Voelkel Endres

Benjamin Damond Atticus

Engelhardt

Heidi Sophia Enger

Aidan Esparza

Eric Evans

Faye Ennis Evans

Victoria Mae Evans

Angus Brian Evanson

Owen D. Falconer

Brianna Danielle Ferrarini

John Philip Ferraro

Mia Lena Ferrigno

Matthew Loren Fielding

Amera Janelle Fields

Enzo T. Filoramo

Joshua Leo Fine

Ciaran Finn

Luke Peter Finn

Kevin Ryan Fischer

Sadie Schubel Fliegel

David Flint

Alice Catherine Flynn

Desmond Duke Flynn

Charles Jenton Folker

Gary Ford

Joshua Fortman

Morgan Elizabeth Fox

James Darley Freedman

Maxwell Joseph Friedman

Theodore Henry Friedman

Jackson Kenneth Friker

Lillian Grace Fulton

Jonah Frederick Elijah Funk

Giavanna Celeste Furlin

GCollin Daniel Garcia

Reese M Garland

Mary Hope Gaskill

Rachel Ellen Gaskill

Alicia Gaylord

Calvin Thomas Gearhart

Giovanni Noel Gerace

Roya Yvonne Gharavi

Abigail Rose Giemza

Damian Damian Giljen

Kalil Gill

Ivan Nicolas Gillman

Ian Andrew Glossa

William Constantine Godellas

Tamaya Michelle Goggins

Catherine Jensen Goldberg

Kathryn Belle Golla

Alexa Celia Gomez

Pablo Xavier Gonzalez

Jack David Gooch

Michael Goto

Anabel Govea

Casey Cotter Greenfield

Lilah Beatrix Grove

Natalia Mariel Guerrero

Maya Susan Guerriero

Joe Nathan Abuyabor Guevara

Isabella Asha Gupta

Sonia Maria Gutierrez

HJoseph Haarvei

Rasaan Jamal Hall

Samuel Frank Halperin

Grace Elizabeth Hamilton

Katherine Mary Hampson

Jake Ramon Hanson

Nikiya Haralson

Brian William Hardy

Emmett George Harmon

Owen Basil Harris

Harrison Mauro Hartzell

Alexander Nicholas Hasapis

Evan Zachary Hauptmann

Alexander Heniff Hayden

Colin Michael Hayes

Patrick Joseph Healy

Francis Lawrence Zarle Heinzmann

Owen Zachary Hendrixson

Nicholas Edmund Henry

Sophia Emmaline Henry

Cyrus Major Herbert

Tukura Randall Hess

Nathan James Hiestand

Andrew Hill

Nicholas Hinojosa

Sarah Myonne Hollis

Payton Marie Hope

Kylie Houghton

Andrew Lukacs Hoyt

Jadyn Marlee Hsieh-Bailey

Elanor Edith Huber

OPRF 2023 GRADUATES

Fantasia A. Hughes

Lillian Isabelle Hunt

Gordon Robertson Hunter

Brad Edmier Huseby

Victoria Morgan Hutson

Halym Hwang

Kayla Krystina Hyde

Alex Hymson

IAva Virginia Issel

JCyniah Chanel Jackson

Elijah Fredrick Jackson

Jhaden Taylar Jackson

Isabelle Leila Jacobson

Ian Jaggi

Shenice Tressia James

Ava Ann Jankovich

Tara Sandra Janssen-Singh

Jakob J. Jenks

Aaron David Jenkyns

Alaiya Johnson

Alistair James Johnson

Keziah Laura Evans

TODD A. BANNOR

TODD A. BANNOR

OPRF 2023 GRADUATES

Carnel Johnson

Claire Maria Johnson

Gavin Alexander Johnson

Sophia Marie Johnson

Carter Preston Jones

Cassidy Kitzrow Jones

Connor T. Jones

K

Rose Kalemba

Isabella Eun Mi Kalina

John Robert Kane

Alan Kang

Austin Kansa

Jeremy Abraham Kantz

Jacob Aaron Kaplan

Daniel Louis Keane

Gabriel Skaggs Kedziora

Ian Michael Kelley

Alfred Fox Kelly

Emmett Kelly

Genevieve Marie Kelly

Isaac Fox Kelly

Lauren Ellen Kelly

William Thomas Kelly

Jolie Ethel Kennedy

Peter B. Kenoian

Isaac John Kent

Keegan Rose Kerrins

Benjamin Cheng Kerstetter

Ma’ayan Paz Kertcher

Gwendolyn Ellery Keyes

Jalen Kimani Kiarie

Braeden Joseph Kiker

Robert Daley Kilburg

Joshua Courtland Kilworth

Amelie Gia Kim

Emmett Kindler

Mason Charles King

Sophie (Silver) Germaine King

Rohan Ameet Kini

Weston Lee Kirk

Paul Matthew Kitch

Grace Cecilia Koch

Andrew John Koenig

Alexis Lynn Kohn

Vincent Charles Kolovitz

Benjamin Koritz

Hederik Gerhard Kristiaan Kosten

Victoria Ella Kouris

Tal Kremer

Abigail Grace Krozel

Isabel Kathleen Krusinski

Joseph Michael Kucharz

John Joseph Kuenster, Iii

Lucas Martin Kult-Banout

Leora Rose Kurtz

LAdolfo Braulio Laborde

Cooper Heinz Lacey

Rosalie Lagattolla

Helen Grace Lallos-Harrell

Eli Landsman

Amanda Lane

Maxie Langenberg

Mia Lanz Moreyra

Gillian Xin Ting Irene Larson

Clare Aislin Lau

Romare Alim Lawrence

Zan Zaniya Lay-Pigram

Michael Layton

Adam Joshua Lazarczyk

Adelaide Helana Lazarski

Eva Burniece Leach

Matthew Seoung Mahn Lee

Olivia Jia Zhen Lee

Caroline Elyse Leman

John F. Lenehan

Maria Mahay Leon

Sidney Churen Leonard

Owen Robert Lerner

William Forrest Leshnock

Liam Joseph Lesiowski

Adam Lesny

Aniah Aniah Lewis

Micah Saul Liebman

Daniel John Lim

Maya Magdalen Lim

Estefania Linarez

Kassidi Fidela Lisle

Ethan Zhuokai Liu

Angeline Lobaton

Jessica Jane Locke

Ronan Loebel

Natalia Loehr-Peebles

Abigail Kate Lofgren

Ray R. Longstreet, Jr.

Cimya Joli Love

Zamere Zamere Lucas

Nora Lynn Luptak

Mecalia A. Lyles

Bridget Erin Lynch

Cecilia Teresa Lynch

MCydney Joy MacDonald

Autumn T. Macklin

Mckenna Beatrice Jacqueline Macon

Angelo Pierre Madison

Kelvin Madjitey Madjinor

Reid P. Maggio

Luke Chet Mahalko

Audrey Maidlow

Elizabeth Majka

Chloe Mingli Manno

Alexander Ivan Marinov

Margaret Belle Marko

Christian Lance Marshall

Samuel Matthew Kaleb Marshall

Emily Celine Martignon

Michelle Barbara Martignon

Ryan Lewis Martin

Alan Martinez

Julian Martinez

Alexandra Massoumi

Annabelle Grace Mastbrook

Declan James Mastbrook

Jaden English Mathews

Kathryn Powell Matoka

Finley Henry Mattes

Jaiden Chase Matthews

Henry Nicholas Maychruk

Sabina Anna Mazur

Rachel McCann

TODD A. BANNOR

Student Council President Irewamide Osikanlu speaks during OPRF High School’s commencement ceremony on Sunday June 4, 2023.

Kellen Kai McClain

Andrew Crawford McConville

Shania Latrice McCoy

Henry Francis McEachen

Cole Kang Joo McElravey

Audrey Denboer McKenna

Imani Grace McLaurin-Young

Isys Skyy McLaurin-Young

Mallory Ruby Meadows

Kayla Means

Ellis Amada Medina

Gabriel Mateo Medina

Keith Michael Megaridis

Joshua Vincent Meister

Joaquin Mendoza

Olivia Lourdes Meneses

Tej Menon

Henry Daniel Metric

Henry Ellison Mickus

Felix Edward Mikos

Emmi Maya Miksek

Gavin Miller

Owen Patrick Miller

Ryan Jeffrey Miller

Trinity Noelle Miller

Gia Marie Finella Mills

John Laurence Mills

Sintao Shamon-Kyell Milton, II

Avery Grace Minnis

Isaac Miranda

OPRF 2023 GRADUATES

Ariana Cecelia Mirkovic

Daaniyah Kamran Mirza

Samuel Thomas Missman

Myles Aaron Mistak

Benjamin Robert Mitchell

Christopher Joseph Mitchell

Emerson Molas

Azabagic Alexander MolinerAzabagic

Adam Charles Moncrieff

Taylor Elise Montes-Williams

Ryan Patrick Montroy

Meredith Ann Moody

Justin Dwayne Moon

Charles Eric Moore, Iii

Micah Gabriel Moore

Nathaniel Ezra Moore

Tyler James Moore

Isabella Roscelia Morales

Daniel Moran

Maeve Moran

Anne Sheridan Moroney

Ryan McAuley Moroney

Hodari Justin Motley

Elijah Alejandro Mowatt

Saadiq K R. Muhammad

Agustin Munante

Andrea Monserrat Munoz

Samuel A. Murcio

Rodney Andrew Murphy, Jr

NIsabella Patrice Nache

Vivian Therese Naffziger

Haji Kalet Najera

Isabel Rose Najera

Nabil Erasto Najera

Eva Sloan Myna Ncho Allepot

Wells Grover Negron

Jeremiah Allen Nelson

Mateo Francisco Nery

Ethan Louis Neuner

Liam James Newhart

Madeline Kate Newmark

Benjamin Robert Niewoehner

Josephine Clarice Nolan

Will Norman

Matthew Gregory Novak

Alyssa Sophia Nychyk

OBrady Edward O’Connor

Fiona Meagher O’Connor

Oluyinka Ife Ogunseitan

Nainoa Clark Ohata

Nyah Oliveras-Gray

Ruthanne Jane Olsen

Teshell Grace O’Neal

Irewamide Mayen Osikanlu

Adrian Rose Ostrow

Clara Swigers Ottati

Aida Oufkir

Luke Edward Owen

Nicholas Joseph Owen

PCaden Caden Pacheco

Jayden Alexander Pagan

Yanasia Monee Pandy

Roman Spyridon Pantazopoulos

James Robert Panton

John Dennis Papier

Paloma Stitziel Pareja

Jessica Park

Colin M. Parker

Nicholas Mark Parrell

Louis Emmanuel Pascarella

Sophie Payne

Kristopher J. Peace

Mariana Amelia Pedraza

David Peel

Marko Pehar

Keydy Alexandra Peralta Mejia

Janaiya C. Perez

Amelia Joy Perisho

Elsa Alice Perry

Cassidy Michelle Peterson

Gabrielle Christine Pickens

Keyla Nayely Pillacela

Jairo Noe Pillado

Jordan Faith Pillow

Panast W. Pimsarn

Taisei Yamamoto Pinc

Malik Mariano Pintado-Vertner

Rolando Pisabaj

Luca Paul Pisellini

Anelise Pitroda

Zoe Emily Pizano

Ezra Avi Luck Plotkin

Matthew O. Poe

Sophia Layne Pope

Elysabeth Joy Davis Porter

Sasha Poveda

Ella Powers

Calvin H. Proskey

Olivia Pruden

Aasha Puri

Nikhil Puri

QWilliam Manus Quinlan

Natalie Elise Quinn

RGeneva Rader-Carter

Caroline Annette Raducha

Eleanor Christmas Raidt

Castaneda Sofia Ramirez Castaneda

Valentina Leanna Ramirez

Maya Rankin

Nicholas Dan Raschke

Trevor William Raymond

Charles Thomas Readling

Morgan Jeanne Reckamp

Eoin Michael Redmond

Charles Vincent Reeder

Shannon Elizabeth Reese

Kelly Marie Regan

Summer Katherine Regan

Bradley Wolf Reichardt

Richard Renner

Abigail Hope Revsine

Caroline Vivi Revsine

Addison Grace Rexroat

Francisco Andrew Reyes

Ella Grace Rezny

Grayce Catherine Riccio

Benjamin Richards

Rhea Nicole Richards

TODD A. BANNOR

TODD A. BANNOR

Shea Alexander Richards

Lauren Anna Richter-Stewart

Sophie Charlotte Rietveld

Camila Rios

Cole Parker Roberson

Saada Kimani Allegra Roberson

Charles Roberts

Hadley Hazel Rockey

Gabriel Osval Rodriguez

Henry Anders Nicastro Roloff

Scott Jin Woo Root

Logan Rose

Julia Davie Isabella Rosen

Sophia Bea Rosenbaum

Hezekiah Hosea Ross

Trinity Teresa Doherty Roy

Simon Mills Ruff

Catherine Rose Rutman

Julian Casey Rutstein

Sophia Rose Ryadi

Cate Ryan

OPRF 2023 GRADUATES

Michael Ryan

Ameer Saadiq

Aleksander Brian Saame

Lyle James Sage

Miles Vaudrene Sage

Ruhi Shastri Saldanha

Cole Hughes Salgado

Emily Sanchez

Nana-Yaa Binma Sarpey

Riley Anne Sarsany

Isobel Claire Saydah

Zack Anthony Saylor

Michael Patrick Scelfo

Harold D. Schaafsma-Krubsack

Jonathan Henry Schiff

Eleanor Jane Schottler

Zoey White Schulman

Alyssa Joy Schulz

Tewabech Grace Schuster

Maya Rose Schwartz

Remi Keren Schwartz

August John Schwob

Roger Louis Scott, III

Wesley Francis Scott

Elizabeth Rose Sersen

Jaime Shalla

Alex Young Shapiro

Andrew Min Shapiro

Owen Robert Shepherd

Holly Margaret Sherman

Sadie Orietta Sherman

Aria Danielle Short

Honors student Mateo Nery speaks during OPRF High School’s commencement ceremony on Sunday June 4, 2023.

Malcolm Terry Short

Saniya Jordan Shotwell

Macy Panjalai Shunmugam

Jayden Reid Siddall

Jean-Aubrey Samuel Silvetti-Schmitt

Matiss Nathaniel Simitz

Rachel Jael Simon

Markiian Skomarovskyi

Margot Williams Sloan

Aaron Michael Smeaton

Adelyn N Smith

Thomas Arthur Smith

Kole Samuel Sneed

Vincent Joseph Solari

Reuben Bonfiglioli Sonnenschein

Zion Sophia Sosa

Maya Kathryn Souden

Henry Douglas Souders

Molly Spillane

Timothy Spillane

Matt Matthew St Martin

Brennan Butler Stamm

Amari Kayden Starks

Stefano Marten Stella

Eloise Sylvia Stern

Monica A L. Stewart

Oona Marguerite Stewart

Anne Elise Stine

Amelia Genovaite Strimaitis

Katherine Grace Sturgeon

Ella Anne Suchomel

Otto Hobart Summy

Angelina Angelina Sunardio

Ian Tobias Sutor

William Henry Swift

TNicholas Simon Tamas-Orlandea

Phoebe Ruth Tanacea

Ellison Rafferty Tanner

Mekhai N Tate

Maxwell Marvin Taub

Iris Margaret Taylor

Rosa Lucia Telek-Lundal

Shayla Thambi

Emily Allison Thiesse

Taylor Thomason

Aaliyah Siri Thurman

Josie Nell Tikkanen

TODD A. BANNOR

TODD A. BANNOR

Zaria Kelly Townes

Evan Craig Thomas Trevelyan

Julia Trevino

Jack Edward Trimarco

Mia Lucianna Trotta

Isabella Lola Trotter

Cameren Alexis Truelove

Isaac Tulian

Dior Liani Tullberg

Bianca Jean Turner

Faith Kimberly Turner

Reed L . Uebelhor

Camron Joseph Underwood

Nathan David Urban-Williams

Alexander Adam Uz

Matthew Robert Valentine

Molly Valentine

Will Robert Van Duinen

William Joseph Vargas

Ian Phillip Vasko

Katherine Anne Vest

Timothy Michael Vietzen

Ingrid Sophia Vigsnes

Nolan Robert Vitale

William James Vollentine

Gia Sofia Waisvisz

Cara Loretta Walicki

Lillian Esther Walker

Clara Christensen Ware

Zoe E. Warzecha

Jackson B. Watters

John Patrick Weber

Quentin William Wei-Henrys

Simon Henry Wellner

Ezekiel Abundance Wells

Jayla Wells

Lauryn Wells

Payton Wernet

Katherine Werthmann

Cooper Temple Wesley

Genevieve Scarlett Westmeyer

William Michael Wheeler

WJamari Christopher Whitlock

Elliott Winn Whitmore

Ada-Louise Margarete Wigfield

Carlynn C. Williams

Jamari Marsean Williams

Marcus Devon Willis

Iris Kathleen Willoughby

Rohan Nicholas Wilsnack

Bryce Kenneth Wilson

Laila MacKenzie Wilson

Reid Torrance Wilson

Trevor Landen Wilson

Kalib Andre Wimberly

Grace Ann Winkelhake

Aiden Winter

Beck Winter

Dylan James Wipf

Edward Wolinski

Julianna Jean Wolinski

Sam Wellek Wolkstein

Gabriel Bradford Wolter

Jessica Lynne Wolthusen

Noah Woods

Lilyan Kathryn Wozniak

Tess Elizabeth Wright

YEmily Maika Yanagibashi

Nicole Sayaka Yanagibashi

Charles Luke Yang

Don Jabary York

Yeochan Youn

ZElla Marie Zarosl

Matthew Aleksander

Zochowski

Peter Richard Zurawski

Rush Oak Park says North Ave. project eases ‘landlocked’ campus

Says current hospital can’t accommodate expected increased demand

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Rush Oak Park Hospital, 610 S. Maple Ave., has described the new Rush University Health System at the for mer North and Harlem Sears store site in Chicago’s Galewood neighborhood as a way to expand services – something that, it says, it can’t do given

See RUSH on pa ge 16

Life story of the ‘ice cream man’

By JESSICA MACKINNON

Contributing Reporter

Just as soon as the weather turns warm and the buds begin to bloom, Anis Bsiso once again becomes the most popular man in Oak Park and River Forest. The familiar chimes

ringing from his truck announce that the “ice cream man” is back, drawing dozens of squealing children from school playgrounds and ball fields.

Often referred to as “Dennis,” Bsiso has been driving his truck for three decades and now sells ice cream to the children of many of his original cus-

tomers. His decision to operate in Oak Park and River Forest was a stroke of luck for those of us who eagerly await his return every spring. Bsiso discovered the community by chance because it is near the Pars Ice Cream company on

Keep Your Trees Healthy and Beautiful with

Few tree specialists know the trees of the Near West Chicago Suburbs as well as we do. That’s why so many residents and businesses—including many parks, municipalities, schools, universities, and commercial properties—call on Davis for tree service. Healthy, beautiful trees not only enhance the look of your property, but its value as well.

From large scale urban forest management to the oak tree in your backyard, you can expect the same expertise, attention and care that we have shown since 1955. Call us for a free evaluation and quote.

Oh, no! Gina’s Italian Ice goes up for sale

After 46 years, Gina Tremonte is ready to sell building and business

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

With summer in full swing, the line for Gina’s Italian Ice can stretch down the block. That line’s about to get a lot longer as the Berwyn-based institution, 6737 W. Roosevelt Rd., is hitting the market. After 46 years in the business Gina Tremonte is hanging up her scoop.

She and her son Pat have listed the business and building for sale with Andy Sokol for $850,000.

Sokol says that price includes the building on Roosevelt Road as well as the business licenses. He adds, “Within reason, Pat would stay on to show folks how the business is run.”

In real estate, all things are ne gotiable, and Sokol admits that the highest bidder might not want to keep the business going but he thinks there’s a lot of value to be had in the Gina’s Ice name.

“There’s big potential from the busi- ine Gina’s Ice being sold in grocery stores,

urbs flocking to the small storefront since 1977, Sokol says the business comes with a great personal story.

Realizing the neighborhood was missing a place Tremonte founded the busielt Road after purchasing $9,000. Using an old Italian , she originally sold her lemon ices have two nickels to rub tohen they started,” Sokol says of the family

He’s listing the property with mixed emotions and says he’s honored that the family trusted him with the sale but also sad the family is saying goodbye to the business

There’s also a bit of pressure to get them a good sale. He says, “I’d love to make a bazillion dollars for her. She’s worked so hard, walking miles back and forth in that shop. She’s an icon.”

As the listing for the business goes live, Sokol says he expects his south Oak Park friends to flip out. Nothing is for sure, but he states the business will remain open pending a sale. He’s hopeful that a buyer will see a value in kee ping Gina’s Ice alive

CREDIT: FACEBOOK BY NEIL SY Gina Tremonte (above and le ) in 2013 during their 36th anniversary.

CREDIT: FACEBOOK BY NEIL SY

CREDIT: FACEBOOK BY NEIL SY

Summer Reading Kicko Part y

Thursday, June 8, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., River Forest Public Library

Start the summer o right with our annual Summer Reading Kicko Party! Sign-up for our summer reading program and you’ll receive a ticket for a free scoop of Brown Cow Ice Cream. Festivities will include a live music performance by School of Rock Oak Park, face painting, and a bubble performance. Get ready to read All Together Now this summer! *In case of rain, the event will be held inside. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.

A Beginner’s Guide to the Golden Age of Radio

Wednesday, June 7, 2-3 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

This overview looks at some of the biggest shows and stars to emerge from the early years of radio, including Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Amos & Andy, and The Shadow, with sound clips and stories about how radio became America’s rst mass medium, transforming the United States of America from 48 states into a national listening community. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Professional Networking for Teachers

Thursday, June 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

Dr. Kira J. Baker-Doyle, author of Critical Network Literacies: Humanizing Professional Development for Educators, hosts a workshop on professional networking for teachers. Connect with other educators in the Oak Park area, share your questions and experiences, and learn about how to be strategic in building a support network that will help you meet your professional goals. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

BIG WEEK

June 7-14

Roses From Concrete

Tuesday, June 13, 3-4 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

In this bi-weekly program, students will explore the positive impacts rap music can have on the self and others. With a total of ve meetings, students will get to talk about their favorite positive rap songs, review their favorite songs, write a positive song about themselves and one about someone else, and will have a compliment rap battle. Learn more at oppl.org/hip-hop-50. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Hip-Hop Film Screening Series: ‘House Par ty ’ (1990 Film)

Tuesday, June 13, 3-5 p.m., Oak Park Public Library House Par ty is an infectious, engaging comedy starring the rap duo Kid ‘N Play, as well as Tisha Campbell, Mar tin Lawrence, George Clinton and the late Robin Harris. Kid is grounded by his father, but that doesn’t stop him from sneaking out to the party in question. Register now at oppl.org/calendar and learn more at oppl.org/hip-hop-50. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Fashion Show: 50 Years of Hip-Hop Style

Sunday, June 11, 2-3 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

Hip-hop wasn’t just a genre of music that originated from the Bronx. There was a fashion sensibility that went along with it. This exhibit celebrates 50 years of hip-hop style that changed fashion as we know it. Watch some of the best looks inspired by your favorite hip-hop ar tists come down the runway. Enjoy live per formance, music, and the chance to see the work of local fashion retailers. Register now at oppl.org/calendar and learn more at oppl.org/hip-hop-50. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Listing your event in the calendar

Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper

Oak Park Vintage Car Show

Saturday, June 10, 10-1 p.m., Oak Park River Forest History Museum

All kinds of historic automobiles will be crowding the streets, on full display, for this special show. 129 Lake St., Oak Park.

Symphonic Summer Sounds

Wednesday, June 14, 7:30 p.m., Cheney Mansion Members of the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest will perform an intimate outdoor concert. Selections by Copland, Tchiakovsky, Schumann and Fine will be performed. Maurice Boyer conducts. $41 nonresidents, $32 residents. 220 Euclid Ave., Oak Park.

Funnies At The Friendly

if you let us know what’s happening by noon

■ Send details to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302

■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

Tuesday, June 13, 7:30 p.m., Friendly Tap Monthly comedy showcase. Tonight, the featured comedian is Chris Higgins. 6733 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Marc Stopeck, WJ sales guy, Shrubtown creator, departs to teach J ewish Studies

Somewhere there is a comic in that headline. And perhaps before Marc Stopeck takes his leave from Growing Community Media this summer, he will fold it into one of his Shrubtown comics in Wednesday Journal.

Thirty-two years ago we hire Marc to sell ads for the Journal and he was good at it. It was plain, though, that neither of us thought it would be his life’s work. He was writing plays on the side, several of which were produced at the old Circle Theatre in Forest Park. And he turned one of those plays, Shrubtown, into a weekly comic for the paper. Or maybe he turned the comic in the paper into a play at Circle. Either way is funny.

When he told us a few weeks ago that he was decamping for the lassroom by mid-summer he realled that a couple of years in at the Journal we were all gathered on a colleague’s deck for a party. And he said that I told him then that he was doing good work but that I felt we were holding him back from teaching. That prescient comment I do not recall. But a decade ago when Marc began taking classes at Spertus Institute toward a master’s degree in Jewish Studies I know I said to colleagues, “The only way we’ll ever lose Marc is when he gets a job teaching Jewish Studies.”

And now it has happened. By fall he will be teaching at the Rochelle Zell Jewish High

School in Deerfield. They are lucky to have him.

Marc will be a wonderful teacher. He knows, and is passionate about, Judaism and its history and culture and he communicates with young people in an easy way that is filled with love and humor.

We, of course, will really miss him. Not only does Marc remember the date of every milestone in the history of our quirky little enterprise but he has been central to most of the accomplishments that we now see as our milestones

His wit is quick but always kind. He is wise but goes out of his way to pretend he is only funny.

All of this is a long way of saying, we really need a new marketing and salesperson. You don’t need to be Jewish or witty, but we are looking for someone kind and smart and

who has a passion for growing community through neighborhood journalism. We offer a genuine opportunity, decent benefits, and the opportunity to work alongside Lourdes Nicholls and Kamil Brady, two wonderful people with deep roots in our many neighborhoods, warmth, and a work ethic based on making abiding connections with local business people who want to grow their business

Lourdes is out of town, but she told me I needed to find her a new wingman before she gets back from her trip in a week. Don’t make me disappoint Lourdes.

So join us here. Help us build this nonprofit newsroom through smart marketing. Send me an email and a resume at dhaley@wjinc. com. And if you want to leave in 32 years to teach, that will be OK.

Circle season starting in Elmwood Park

Enjoy the weather in Elmwood Park’s Village Circle neighborhood

Staff Reporter

Elmwood Park is known for its bustling Restaurant Row along North Avenue, but the cafes and taverns in its Village Circle neighborhood deserve just as much credit. The charming neighborhood has everything needed for a perfect day this summer – or any season really. When the weather cools down, the fun certainly doesn’t, but

as things warm up, you don’t want to miss out on one of Elmwood Park’s hottest areas.

You can even make a day of it, starting with breakfast or brunch at Eggsperience, 16 Conti Pkwy. Grab some breakfast tacos for yourself and an order of fluffy pancakes for the table. Eggsperience is open for lunch too, if mornings aren’t your cup of tea.

Starting the day with eggs is a great way to get your protein in early but put the protein to work building muscles after breakfast by heading over to the Barre, 12 Conti Pkwy. Village Circle’s newest addition, the fitness studio offers Zumba, yoga and

dance classes. It also features a coffee shop with pastries, tea and java – a little reward for sweating it out on the dance floor.

Later on, check out Union Tap or Circle Tavern. Both are excellent places for burgers and beer, but that’s not all they have to offer. Union Tap, 7707 Westwood, makes a mean martini. Paired with some chicken wings, it’s a fun way to mix sophistication with an American classic. You can also share wine and a pizza for a more European experience. No passports required.

Over at Circle Tavern, 18 Conti Pkwy., take in the summer sunset with one of the restaurant’s specialty drinks: Circle Sunset. Pomegranate vodka, triple sec, grenadine, orange and lime juice come together to mimic the beautiful orange of the sky when the sun starts to set. It’s not the only delicious cocktail either, plus Circle Tav-

ern has wine and beer too. Don’t drink on an empty stomach though; be sure to dig into one of the tavern’s enormous, juicy burgers or order the tavern sampler for a delicious spread of bar food classics.

End the evening on a sweet note by heading over to Culver’s for a concrete mixer, milkshake or sundae. The favorite fast-food joint is known just as much for its frozen custard as it is for its butter burgers. Each day has a new featured flavor, so your dessert will never be boring – just like your time in the Circle.

Flautas de Papa appear among the popular “south of the border” menu options at Eggsperience in Elmwood Park.

The double smash burger from Circle Tavern with house made tavern sauce, pickles and American Cheese is served with specially seasoned fries.

Pistachio and hazelnut gelato, perfect for a summer day at Massa Café Italiano.

Oak Park focuses on tra c options with new sta ng

Division will focus on transportation and mobility issues to help develop Vision Zero plan

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Traf fic calming measures, bike lane plans, accessibility, mobility and traffic signals, among other transportation-related matters, will fall within a new division inside of Oak Park’s public works department.

As it begins planning a Vision Zero project aimed at reducing and then eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries within the village, the newly constituted division will bring focus to a range of traffic issues. The new Transportation Engineering Division will be led by Village Engineer Bill McKenna. He will take on the additional title of assistant public works director.

Within the division falls the newly created position of assistant village engineer and transportation engineer and two civil engineer positions. The village currently has one civil engineer position filled. The village intends to list a job posting in the coming weeks for the two open positions.

Having a division solely dedicated to matters of transportation, mobility and traffic was recommended by village staf f with the intention of putting Oak Park in a position to execute a future Vision Zero plan.

First developed in Sweden, Vision Zero is a strateg y to completely eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. The Village of Oak Park has engaged the services of Sam Schwartz Engineering for its Vision Zero plan development, entering into a contract worth $176,620 May 15. The village received a $120,000 grant for its Vision Zero ef for ts from the Illinois Department

of Transportation.

Vision Zero plan development has not yet be gun as IDOT still has to review and approve the ag reement between the contracted engineering department and the village. The state’s transportation department has not provided an anticipated date of completion of their review, according to Oak Park spokesperson Dan Yopchick.

“We are hoping that we get approval from IDOT on the ag reement sometime this summer so work can start in late summer or an early f all time frame,” said Yopchick

As part of Vision Zero Plan development, existing processes and policies will be examined to identify any potential areas in need of change. Such processes that will fall under the scope of review include that of traffic calming petitions. No petitions will be directly reviewed through the Vision Zero effort

“The VZP will be reviewing the existing traffic calming petition process to see if there should be any recommended changes to the process and how the traffic calming petition process can best fit within the overall umbrella of a Vision Zero Plan,” said Yopchick.

Traf fic calming petitions are submitted by residents facing traffic problems in their neighborhood. Petitions must be signed by residents re presenting no less than 51 percent of properties along the street frontage where traffic calming has been requested.

Currently the village has 19 traffic calming petitions in-hand that need to be reviewed by the Transportation Commission, which is made up of citizen volunteers, not staf f members.

e Children’s School

new home

School secures First Baptist Church’s school as its new location

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

After months of searching, The Children’s School has found a new home in Oak Park and will be relocating in the Fall for the 2023-24 school year.

The school will be moving to the school portion of First Baptist Church of Oak Park, 820 Ontario St. The facility is on the north edge of Scoville Park.

The move comes after months of searching due to the lease not being renewed at their current location, the old St. Edmund School, 200 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, where the school had been for the previous five years.

Hoping to find a new location in time for the new school year, the school launched a search for a new facility in January, evaluating more than 36 properties according to the press release received from First Baptist Church of Oak Park

After having a tour and upon further discussion, Freese said they realized the missions of both the school and church lined up, creating a real possibility for a partnership.

According to Freese, renovations have already begun, and they are “all systems go,” to get everything up and running for the new school year.

As they start making plans to move, Freese said she is excited to be able to have a sense of normalcy and be able to return their attention to the students.

“Getting back to doing what we do, this has been tremendously disruptive as you might have imagined,” Freese said. “We are looking forward to getting back that stability for families, for students, so that they can know what to expect … that felt so uncertain for families and that is not what you want around school.”

The school has already begun creating happy memories at the new space, celebrating this year’s graduation onsite.

“It was amazing,” Freese said. “Really, powerful. We were so happy to have some

of their parishioners there, they have been so welcoming. It feels really good.”

“Our committee of directors, board members, and parents identified First Baptist Church of Oak Park as the most suitable for our needs in terms of location and space,” said Sandi Car r, president of the school’s board, in the press release. “We enjoy a productive relationship with the leadership of First Baptist as we work together on the renovations necessary to meet our needs.”

Christina Martin, the school’s curriculum director, said the building, with some renovations, would be perfect for the curriculum taught at the school, which is childcentered, play-and project-based, and allows for a democratic approach to teaching and lear ning.

According to Freese, the building was originally built as a school and had classrooms in place, but renovations will help bring the sizes up to match more contemporary classroom sizes.

Additionally, gender-neutral bathrooms and accessible bathrooms are also being added.

“First Baptist has proven a tremendous partner in this, they’ve already begun, so as soon as possible, we are going to keep intentions to get this done as quickly as possible,” Freese said, adding there will also be contingency plans in case the space is not ready by the start of the new school year.

Earlier this year, the Archdiocese of Chicago declined to renew the lease for the school, citing maintenance concerns that would not be able to be fixed. In a newsletter emailed to parishioners, Rev. Rex Pillai, pastor of Ascension and St. Edmund, and Rev. Carl Morello, pastor of St. CatherineSt. Lucy and St. Giles, infor med parishioners of the extensive re pairs needed.

“Recently we learned that the building in need of extensive repairs, repairs which our parish is unable to finance,” read the newsletter. “Our parish is also unable to financially manage the risk associated with this building while occupied by the school.”

Being denied a lease extension surprised Pamela Freese, director of administration at The Children’s School, who previously told Wednesday Journal they were under the impression that the lease would be re newed.

Grassroots response to in ux of asylum-seekers in Austin

rillo, director of Clinical and Community Wellness Programs at BUILD, said.

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff

Volunteers and local organizations are responding to the needs of asylum-seekers sheltering in police stations in the Austin neighborhood, as reported by this publication last week. In the last two weeks, a group comprised of volunteers and representatives of local organizations and social services providers sat together in two meetings convened by BUILD Chicago to evaluate the situation and try to organize a coordinated response

The goal of the many groups and individuals is to move from simply providing for immediate needs for food and shelter, and to begin building an infrastructure to create ongoing services to meet the complex and ongoing needs of the asylum-seekers.

Among the attendees at the meetings are police leaders from the Chicago Police Department’s 15th and 25th districts, representatives from Family Focus, a nonprofit organization that runs several Illinois Welcoming Centers in partnership with the Illinois Department of Human Services, BUILD Chicago leaders, Beyond Hunger representatives, Austin Coming Together representatives and members of the volunteer group known as the Police Station Response Team.

“We don’t have an infrastructure, we have a WhatsApp chat,” said Celine Woznica and Kate Nolan, volunteers for the Police Station Response Team. The “room for inequity is enormous,” they said.

The situation these organizations and volunteers are responding to is fluid and complex, as it is unknown how long the city of Chicago will continue to use police stations to shelter incoming asylum-seekers, mostly from Venezuela, but also from other Latin American countries. Volunteers and local leaders also don’t know how many more asylum-seekers will arrive in Chicago or for how long large groups of asylum-seekers bused from states like Texas will continue to arrive.

In addition, changes in federal immigration policies may impact the number of migrants and asylum-seekers who arrive in the U.S. and consequently, in Chicago. For example, after the COVID-19-related direc-

tive known as Title 42 expired on May 11, the country expected an increase in people crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, but in the first two days after it expired, U.S. border patrol agents saw a 50% drop in the number of migrants crossing the border, as reported by the news outlet Reuters.

Anna Cameron Gomberg, one of the organizers of the Police Station Response Team for the 15th district, said the volunteer-led group started when she found out asylumseekers were sheltering at the 15th District police station, 5701 W. Madison St., without access to social services at the beginning of May.

The group provides three to four hot meals a day to asylum-seekers at the police stations, donates clothing, shoes, personal items, phone and SIM cards, blankets, towels and other items to asylum-seekers. When they can, they provide information or transportation, help connect individuals to services they need and partner with local organizations. They also collect information on the current needs of asylum-seekers at the police station, so they can respond as needed.

“We hope to be creating the start of an infrastructure that should have been there,” Gomberg and other volunteers told this publication.

Currently, this response is being organized out of the volunteer group’s WhatsApp chat, handwritten lists of needed items pulled together by volunteers at police stations, Excel files, food made in volunteers’ kitchens or donated by local restaurants and personal items and clothing being collected by volunteers.

The need is continuous as police stations

continue to be used as shelters as the city’s shelters and respite centers are at capacity, though police stations do not have the infrastructure to serve as shelters. They do not have proper sleeping facilities, showers or kitchens that can be used to serve asylumseekers. Also, when a group or individual leaves the police station, other asylum-seekers arrive, creating a continuous need for resources.

As a result, the response continues to evolve and changes from week to week. For example, during the week of May 22, the Kinfolk CoLab, an Oak Park-based space for BIPOC led groups, offered to store clothing and other items at their location so volunteers from the Police Station Response Team could sort and organize collected items before distributing them at the 15th District police station. After volunteers and representatives from local organizations held their first meeting on May 25, BUILD Chicago opened the doors of its Austin campus so asylumseekers in the 15th and 25th districts can use their showers and laundry facilities at coordinated times and dates throughout the week. Some of the items collected by volunteers and others obtained by BUILD Chicago are also now distributed to asylum-seekers at BUILD Chicago, not only the police station.

As the asylum-seekers come to BUILD Chicago, 5100 W. Harrison St., organizers and volunteers wish to be able to address more of their needs, including access to wraparound services. Last week, BUILD Chicago’s staff started connecting with asylum-seekers and connected a pregnant woman to a healthcare provider while she was on-site, Jessica Car-

The local nonprofit Family Focus could bring case management services, like the ones provided at its locations that serve as Illinois Welcoming Centers to a centralized location in Austin. That way, it would be easier for asylum-seekers to get assistance and navigate services provided by different organizations, each with their own system.

“We need to organize, right now we’re just responding,” Mariana Osoria, senior vice president of partnerships and engagement at Family Focus, said.

Some of these services include specialized immigration counseling and translation services, application to eligible benefits like rent assistance, health care, mental health, early childhood services, job placement services, education and English classes, among many other needs.

Yet, as they continue to meet, a prevalent concern is the need for infrastructure and a system that ensures an equitable distribution of resources and wraparound services

“The priority is finding permanent housing and getting them outside of police stations,” said Adam Alonso, CEO of BUILD Meeting attendees discussed options to coordinate ways for asylum-seekers to find housing in the area and, if possible, apply for rental assistance, though individuals are not required to stay in Austin. Yet, this step could help asylum-seekers as they navigate their individual immigration processes

Another concern is their access to continuous wraparound services, especially if they leave the police stations after they find housing or other shelters.

“It’s important for the community to show up for Venezuelan brothers and sisters,” said Crystal Gardner, Austin community activist and volunteer for the Police Station Response Team at the first meeting. She added it is a priority to ensure there is an equitable distribution of resources among all asylumseekers in the Austin area, though there currently is no for mal infrastructure to do so.

Volunteers and local organization leaders continue to work together to respond to the ongoing challenges and find long-term solutions, while searching for solutions from other social services providers, elected officials from the city, state and surrounding villages, and other nonprofit leaders. The Chicago Police and the mayor’s press office did not respond to our requests for comment as of this publication’s deadline

For last month, volunteers and local orgs have provided immediate help

Reporter

PROVIDED, CHRISTINA-MARIA VAROTSIS, REFUGEE COMMUNIT Y CONNECTION

Volunteer Valentina Paez interacts with a toddler who is one of the asylum-seekers temporarily sheltered at the 15th police dist rict station on 5107 W. Madison St.

Heather Mack to plead guilty in conspiracy to murder case

Oak Park native allegedly took active role in murder of mother

By BILL DWYER Courtesy of Chronicle Media

Heather Mack, the Oak Park native who stands accused of conspiring to murder her mother, Sheila von Wiese, will enter a change of plea June 15 and plead guilty

In a morning status hearing by teleconference on June 1, prosecutor Marie Ursini told Judge Matthew Kennelly that the defense and prosecution had made “significant progress toward plea negotiations.”

“We expect the case will resolve with a change of plea,” said Ursini. “We’re still working out some specific language.”

The AP reports that Mack lawyer Michael Leonard said in an email that, “We anticipate that the parties will be in a position to enter a written plea agreement and proceed with a change of plea hearing on June 15.”

Kennelly set a hearing on the proposed change of plea for June 15. A ruling of the admissibility of hearsay evidence was to be issued on June 2, but has been suspended until the change of plea hearing.

Mack, 27, faces 40 years to life in her federal criminal case. She has already served just over seven years in an Indonesian prison for assisting in the brutal murder of her mother in Bali, Indonesia in August 2014. Since being deported to the U.S. and her arrest on Nov. 2, 2021, she has been incarcerated at the downtown Metropolitan Correction Center.

The sheer volume and specificity of the evidence against Mack strongly suggested she would eventually opt for a plea agreement. Had she been convicted at trial, she would almost certainly have faced a considerably longer sentence, possibly including lifetime court supervision upon release

On Dec. 9, Kennelly ordered her detained until trial, saying there was clear evidence of her propensity for violence. On May 10, the judge denied a defense motion seeking to dismiss count two, Conspiracy to Murder, which carries the heaviest sentence.

In agreeing to a plea deal and avoiding a trial, Mack saves the gover nment time and resources. Prosecutors have infor med the court that “the trial would involve the testimony of multiple foreign witnesses,” and

that that would “… require arranging their travel from Indonesia and securing the services of interpreters,” as well as lodging and meals

The federal sentencing guidelines chart places Mack’s offense level at 43, the highest possible, carrying a minimum of 40 years and up to life in prison upon conviction.

Any plea deal will most likely give Mack a three point reduction in her “offense level,” specifically a two point reduction for her “affirmative acceptance” of personal responsibility for her crimes, and a one point reduction for her “timely notification of intention to enter a guilty plea.”

The reduction to 40 points would place her statutory sentencing range at between 292 months and 365 months, approximately 24 to 30 years, though that is advisory.

Prior to sentencing, both the prosecution and defense will submit sentencing memos to the court, arguing for what they consider to be a just term of imprisonment.

Kennelly is not bound to accept the terms of any plea ag reement or sentencing recommendations from the prosecution or defense and may sentence Mack to a term higher or lower than the recommended range. However, federal judges usually pass sentences within the recommended range.

On top of a daunting pile of evidence from texts and social media posts already made public, on April 17 prosecutors released a partial transcript of a conversation Mack had with a “K.W.” sometime around September 2014.

In that filing, prosecutors alle ged that “Sheila Von Wiese was brutally attacked as she lay in bed — re peatedly beaten … until her face was fractured and she suf focated. Injuries to Von Wiese’s forear ms reflect her desperate and futile attempt to fend off her attackers: her own daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend (Tommy Schaefer).”

Prosecutors contend the recorded conversation between “KW” and Mack proves the central de gree of Mack’s involvement.

When “KW” asks, “So basically she [Von Wiese] had to die, otherwise both of you would have gotten into other…” Mack replies, [...] Tommy would have gotten in to such trouble.”

Mack then re por tedly told KW “…if the real the actual story came out both of us would be here forever. Like if we said the

See MACK on pa ge 15

Grow with Growing Community Media

We’re looking to hire an enthusiastic and experienced marketing/advertising representative who understands the power of local markets and the strength of community journalism to reach those markets.

• Work with businesses across GCM’s five flags to create marketing opportunities building o our digital, print and event platforms.

• Be the lead on targeted special sections and products.

• Work collaboratively within our nonprofit news organization as we build a new model for community journalism.

• Bring an enthusiastic and creative approach to marketing and a sense of fun and energy to our work.

GCM publishes five newspapers and websites serving 15 villages and neighborhoods.

Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark and Village Free Press.

The position is full time with medical and 401K. Send your resume and a cover letter to Dan Haley, the publisher at dhaley@wjinc.com

‘Move with the Mayor’ brought the moves to Oak Park

Free West African dance class o ered

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

The titles of mayor and village president are interchangeable in Oak Park. Since Vicki Scaman was elected in 2019, she chose to be referred to as village president. Last Saturday, she changed her stance – at least briefly – in the name of exercise Scaman joined members of the public and other civil servants Saturday morning to raise heart rates for “Move with the Mayor,” a national initiative to encourage communities to engage in physical activity to lead healthier lives.

“I hope to support as many events like this as possible,” said Scaman.

Those who braved the heat were treated to a free West African dance class on the lawn of village hall, 123 Madison St., taught by Donna Callender, Kuumba Kids LLC artistic director and founder. Callender led the crowd through some stretches then got to work teaching “manjani,” a social dance traditionally performed by young girls in Mali. Music was provided by the expert hands of professional drummers Felix Pollard and Akinjobi Davis, playing the djembe and dunun, respectively

“The event was educational, joyful and promoted a great sense of community,” said Scaman.

Several familiar faces were seen at “Move with the Mayor,” including Police Chief Shatonya Johnson, wearing exercise clothes in lieu of a badge, and “Pawfficer” Howie, the police department’s community service dog. Oak Park Public Health Director Theresa Chapple-McGruder brought water and sunscreen to share, while Village Clerk Christina Waters danced with her two daughters. Even State Rep. Camille Lilly stopped by to shake a leg.

“I had rhythm I didn’t even know I had,” Lilly told the crowd.

Kuumba Kids is an educational enrichment program teaching Oak Park school kids about the African diaspora through traditional West African and Caribbean dance and music. One of Kuumba Kids’ littlest members showed off her skills Saturday – 6-and-a-half-year-old Anika Rigaud. A kindergartener at Lincoln Elementary School, Rigaud told Wednesday Journal she was originally nervous to join Kuumba Kids but is excited to do it again next year

Rigaud came to “Move with the Mayor” with her parents, her little sister and her grandmother. Her little sister, tired from an earlier swimming lesson, preferred to hang out under the shade of a tree, but not Rigaud. Her favorite part was the freestyle twisting at the end of “manjani.”

After practicing the choreographed dance a number of times, the group for med a large circle, known as a “bantaba,” according to Callender. Inside the “bantaba,” individuals rotated who took center, while the rest of the group cheered from the sidelines

“Everybody gets to come into the circle and just do their own freestyle dance moves; how ever they want to move to the wonderful rhythms of the drum,” said Callender

TODD A. BANNOR

Donna Calendar, artistic director of Kuumba Kids, leads Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman and others during a West African dance class on the lawn of v illage hall at the Move with the Mayor event on Saturday, June 3.

TODD A. BANNOR

Drummers per form West African drumming on the lawn of Oak Park Village Hall. Felix Pollard (foreground) plays the djembe drum accompanied by Akinjobi Dav is on the dunun dr um

TODD A. BANNOR

78th District State Representative Camille Lilly participates in a West African dance class.

Oak Park police lls ranks with two deputy chief hires

One a department vet; other arrives from Chicago police

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Two veteran police officers, one local and one from Chicago, were sworn in May 23 as the deputy police chiefs of the Oak Park Po lice Department. Together, they bring nearly 60 combined years of police experience as deputies

Dave Jacobson and Roderick Robinson were appointed by Chief Shatonya Johnson and Village Manager Kevin Jackson, following a nationwide search. Jacobson has served as an Oak Park police officer since 1995, most recently as the sole interim deputy chief, while Robinson joined the department the day of his swearing in. He previously spent 30 years serving as an officer in the Chicago Police Department, making him the second for mer Chicago officer on Oak Park’s current command staff.

The chief described both deputies to Wednesday Journal as hardworking and knowledgeable in the field of policing, sharing that she believes Jacobson did “a great job” while acting as interim deputy and she looks forward to the perspective Robinson will bring to Oak Park

“I do believe that Robinson was the missing piece to put the puzzle together to move forward,” said Johnson.

BSISO

Nearing retirement

from page 1

Chicago’s West Side where he picked up his truck every day. He appreciated the historic homes, overarching trees and the friendliness of the residents, and decided to make it his sales territory as well as his home “I dreamed of a place like Oak Park for myself and my family. One day, while I was parked near the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, I saw an ad for an affordable onebedroom condo near Fenwick High School. I called the Realtor and she met me at my truck so I could sign the papers. I gave her a $1,000 cash deposit on the spot and a week later she gave me the keys. What a life!” Bsiso said.

DAVE JACOBSON RODERICK ROBINSON

Both men wasted no time ollowing their Johnson. The day after the ceremon deputies with Oak of South block’s inclusion in a rizing the towing of The ordinance is nal activity and disturbances associated with Berwyn bar patrons Oak Park

Beyond meeting with neighbors, Jacobson’s and Robinson’s first day was spent getting lunch with the chief and giving Robinson a tour of the village Jacobson is already well acquainted with Oak Park, having lived in the village almost as long as he’s been serving in its police de partment. He moved to the village three years after joining the force.

Jacobson spent a decade as a patrol officer and resident beat officer, before becoming a patrol sergeant. In 2010, he became a community policing sergeant, where he supervised

Bsiso’s life wasn’t always so idyllic. Born in a refugee camp in Jordan after his family was forced to leave their home in Palestine following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Bsiso is still bitter about their displacement.

“My father and grandfather owned a prosperous business and my family lived in a large, beautiful home in Palestine. We didn’t have any problems with the Jewish people As a Muslim, I believe in all of the prophets of God — Jesus, and Moses and Abraham. I didn’t have any issues with the different religions — but imagine how you would feel if you spent all your life and money on a home and then it was taken away,” Bsiso said.

Although life in the refugee camp was very challenging, Bsiso’s father managed to put all of his six sons through college. Bsiso attended the University of Jordan, where he majored in economics. Following college, he got a job at a bank in Amman. Although he

and engage in active and consistent training on a regular basis.”

While Jacobson will not be training his fellow deputy, who comes with decades of his own experience, he is helping Robinson to get acclimated with the operations of the Oak Park department. The two deputies “hit it off right away,” according to Johnson, and Robinson’s background has made the transition easier on everyone.

“I’ve just been showing him around a little bit, getting him caught up to speed,” said Ja-

had a number of promotions, he still found it difficult to pay for milk and diapers for his children, so he decided to come to the United States in 1992 to improve his family’s life. He found work in a gas station in Chicago but left after being held up three times. He lived in Orland Park for several years before moving to Oak Park, where, at one time, nine family members shared his one-bedroom, one-bath condo.

“I love Oak Park. People treat me like family. I see that they love their kids and families. I once saw a 14-year-old boy hugging and kissing his mother. Even though I am not from here, people like me. They have helped me if I needed help. My children have told me they never want to leave Oak Park,” Bsiso said.

Bsiso supplements his income by driving a cab in Chicago during the cold months. He and his wife have raised six children: Nancy, 35, who graduated from the University of Il-

at he’s doing.” years of service and policing, Robinson Jacobson together provide ooting for collaborative leadership to the benefit of the safety and livharacterizes the majority of his law enforcement career as “violence reolice districts on Chiouth Sides in such roles as , captain and tactical sergeant. the COVID-19 pandemic, ommander of Area Four, three Chicago police disricts, acting as right hand man to a Chicago supervising the district combinson, along with the deputy for developing COVID-19 safety protocols implemented across

oundation going forward andemic, which was obvieveryone,” said Robinson.

As district commander in Chicago’s 7th Police District, he put together a community policing network and achieved the largest reduction in shootings and homicides in 20 years.

He retired from the CPD last November. He told Wednesday Journal he decided to apply for the open deputy chief position because he missed police work and wanted to engage in community policing.

“Oak Park was a perfect solution,” he said.

linois at Chicago (UIC) with a degree in medical engineering; Eanas, 34, who came to Oak Park with her two daughters last month; Rania, 33, who now lives in Florida; Mohammad, 31, who owns a grocery store in Chicago; Diana, 23, who graduated from UIC with a degree in nutrition science; and Tala, 21, who attended Oak Park and River Forest High School and graduated last month from UIC with a degree in nursing.

Bsiso asserts that now that he has put his children through college, he plans to retire in 2025 so he can relax and enjoy life. Until then, he will continue to drive his truck and sell ice cream, including his most popular treats-strawberry shortcake and ice cream sandwiches. The ice cream man has become a reliable harbinger of spring and summer, and our community won’t be the same without him. In the meantime, get those Drumsticks while you still can!

Credit union aims to create nancial opportunity

Self-Help Federal Credit Union provides nancial services at North Avenue branch

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

On the left side of the building, a wall is covered with black-and-white photographs of labor and civil rights activists Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez and historic institutions like the Food Processors Credit Union and the Seaway National Bank of Chicago, among other notable figures. The words on the wall read “We lend. We build. We serve.”

On the opposite side are the doors to a large-capacity meeting room that is available to nonprofit groups and other community members at no cost.

This is Self-Help Federal Credit Union’s Oak Park branch at 6011 W. North Ave. At this location, which opened earlier this year, the branch is poised to serve individuals and families in surrounding Chicagoland communities like Austin, Galewood and Belmont Cragin.

“We’re a full-service financial institution,” Roman Ruiz, branch manager, said, adding this new location will allow them to serve Black and Hispanic communities that have been “overlooked” by financial institutions or have been damaged by predatory lenders.

As a federal credit union, it offers affordable financial services to its members and is designed to serve working families and communities that have historically faced systemic barriers to financial inclusion.

Members can open checking and savings accounts and have access to home mortgage loans, personal loans, credit cards and individual retirement accounts, among other products that may not be available to them at commercial banks

“We want to make sure that we’re working and helping Black and Brown communities, rural residents, women,” said Ruiz of the credit union’s philosophy. “We’re all about giving access to individuals that would not nor mally have that access.”

Any individual can become a member through a one-time $5 fee, gaining access to all services and products of fered by Self-Help Federal Credit Union.

“I think one of the largest differences is a finance institute typically is owned by investors whereas a credit union is owned by the membership,” Daniel Martinez, director of mortgage origination, said. As a result, he said, members “speak volumes” into determining what products they want the credit union to offer.

For starters, opening a checking account is more feasible as the credit union has no minimum balance to open and maintain a personal account and keeps service fees affordable. Several types of savings accounts are also available, with some starting with a minimum deposit of $5.

In its mission to expand economic opportunity, the credit union has designed specific products that help its members buy a home and are not as common in the financial marketplace.

“We are breaking down barriers to home ownership because we understand that home ownership is the primary vehicle through which individuals can build wealth,” Ruiz said.

One of these products is the equity boost home loans, which stands out for being a mortgage that requires 0% down payment, finances up to 5% of closing costs of the home purchase and requires a minimum credit score of 580, among other requirements

These terms help many of the homebuyers the credit union serves overcome the barriers to home ownership, such as low credit scores, insufficient savings for a down payment or insufficient funds to cover the closing costs of a home purchase

“We’re not here just to create an oppor-

tunity for you to get a mortgage,” Kimberly Adams, mortgage loan originator, said, explaining that through other products, homebuyers can access financial resources needed to maintain their home, make improvements or pay for unexpected repairs

The credit union also offers mortgage and personal loans to self-employed individuals.

“We are creating home ownership and sustainability, and how we’re able to do that is to offer personal loans and improvement loans,” she said, “as opposed to you own a home, now you’re on your own.”

As it recently opened in the area, the credit union has gar nered interest from people who stop by to ask what a credit union does or are looking for personal loans, Ruiz said.

“What we’re seeing is individuals coming back because they heard about our credit building loan,” Ruiz said.

Popular among credit union members in the Cicero branch, which serves many Latino communities, the credit building loan helps individuals build or fix their credit history.

Also known as the “tanda loan,” a Spanish word in reference to an infor mal savings scheme popular in the Latino communities In a “tanda,” friends and family get together once a week to pool together a portion of their paychecks and rotate getting the accu-

mulated sum for the week, allowing them to save more money than they would traditionally be able to.

Similarly, the credit building loan helps individuals access a certain amount of money in a savings account after they complete recurrent payments that add up to the requested amount.

‘Imagine you come in and you get the loan, and you say, ‘I want $1,000 and I want to pay it off in 12 months,’” Ruiz said. “So, what we’ll do is we’ll put $1,000 and we’ll put in a savings account for you, so you don’t have to come up with $1,000.”

“So, you’re making your payments every month and we’re reporting that payment to the credit bureaus. So, by the time you get to that 12 payment, we now release the funds and we say, here’s your $1,000.”

“You had a full year of credit that was being reported, so now you have money and you have good credit,” he said.

Lauro Sinchi Chamba, a member of SelfHelp Federal Credit Union, first learned about the credit union because of the “tanda loan.”

“They helped me improve my credit so that I could buy a home,” he told the Austin Weekly News in Spanish, adding staff members helped him understand how credit works.

In its new location, as well as other locations, Self-Help Federal Credit Union offers marketing and informative resources in Spanish and has onsite bilingual staff.

Last week, he completed the purchase of his home through a mortgage loan from Self-Help Credit Union. He said he improved his credit score through personal loans that helped him buy furniture for his new home He was never late on his payments, he said, and now he has a home with two units, one where he will live and one he will rent.

Historically, at other Self Help Credit Union branches entering a new community, consumer lending is one of the initial mostsought products, which helps individuals build credit and further access loans that could help them purchase a car or a home

“We start noticing as individuals start building credit on getting credit builder loans, personal loans, credit cards then after they start going to bigger loans [like] small personal loans, car loans and then once you’re successful, they’re motivated to purchase a home,” Martinez said.

FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ

Self Help Federal Credit Union opened its doors on the building located at 6011 W. North Ave. e credit union o ers banking and lending services in its new branch, in addition to mobile and online banking services.

College and Career Pathways give OPRF students a leg up

Two students become rst at high school to receive endorsement

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School celebrated the first two students to receive the new College and Career Pathways endorsement CCPE as the school continues to add additional pathways to give their students a leg up post-graduation.

Senior Ava Ashton and junior Rosalie Lagatolla both completed the Certified Nursing Assistant Program, receiving their CCPE in Health Science and Technology.

Julie Lim, director of student learning at OPRF, said a goal of the high school is to focus on post-secondary school preparation and help provide students with college and career pathway endorsements as part of The Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act PWR, which was signed into Illinois law in 2016 to help students be more prepared for college and careers.

The endorsements demonstrate a student’s readiness for postsecondary programs and entry-level experiences in a selected career OPRF was approved by the Illinois State Board of Education for their first pathway, Health Science and Technology, which falls under the OPRF CNA program, which has been running at the high school for the past six years.

“Once they go through all the requirements, they are able to graduate with a seal on their transcript for a particular college and career pathway,” Lim said, adding that endorsement was added first as the CNA program had a smaller gap to close to meet all the

requirements for approval.

The students completed career-focused courses, including 60 hours of work experience at Rush Oak Park Hospital as well as completing two projects and having an outside mentor.

Lim said one of the projects is done at Rush and the other is in collaboration with The Sheridan of River Forest, which offers assisted living for seniors.

“It is amazing that we have two communitybased organizations, close to OPRF, that are willing to partner with us so that our students can have this opportunity,” Lim said.

Lagatolla said in a press release by OPRF that she was proud to be one of the first to complete the program.

“It makes me feel good to be one of the first students to get the CCPE,” Lagatolla said. “Now that the program will be in place for next year, more students can take the class and get exposed to the same subjects that I did.”

Ashton, 18, already knew she wanted to be part of the medical field when she began on the Health Science and Technology pathway.

“When I was little, I loved going to the doctor and I just loved everything in the medical field so I always just kind of knew,” Ashton told Wednesday Journal.

Having the endorsement on her transcript will help set her apart from others, as it showcases her dedication to her chosen field, said Ashton, who will be pre-med in the fall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“I had an amazing experience with the class. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to go into the medical field. It really affirmed that I wanted to go into that field,” Ashton said. “It was a lot of outside and extra work I would only recommend it to people who are diligent about their schoolwork because you must keep up with it.”

Jaclyn Thompson, applied technology teacher who runs the CNA program at OPRF, said the program gives students a chance to find out if that field is something they like

“This class allows them the opportunity to try it out and see if they like that before they get into college and are more committed to it,” Thompson said. “We always have a few kids who decide ‘Hey, I don’t think this is for me,’ which I find just as beneficial.”

OPRF added a second pathway option, Human and Public Services: Education, for their 2023-24 school year for students who are interested in being teachers, said Lim, who added the program already has a healthy enrollment number

“We all hear about the teacher shortage out there, so why not provide our students who are interested in becoming future teachers the opportunity to get ahead?” Lim said.

While the high school was not required by the Illinois State Board of Education to provide a pathway until 2025, Lim said it was important for her to start the work and give students those opportunities.

Currently, the Illinois State Board of Education offers seven endorsement areas: Ag-

riculture, Food and Natural Resources, Arts and Communications, Finances and Business Services, Information Technology, and Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades.

“I am very happy that we are ahead of schedule by two years, that we were able to submit for 2023 and we will continue to submit,” Lim said, adding the seals help students stand out.

“They have something for mal and official that says they have made a commitment to their career pathway.”

Participating in a pathway requires preplanning, which is why Lim said they start making students aware of the options as incoming freshmen. According to Lim, most students who are interested enroll in the courses their junior year

As OPRF continues to work to provide additional opportunities to students, Lim said it is important to ensure those opportunities are “diverse,” including those that don’t require a traditional four-year college degree

“I think it is great that we are bringing these things in so that we have more options for students to choose from,” Lim said.

from page 11

actual story with my involvement and with everything, not yeah both of us would be here forever there’s nothing either of us could do to help each other.”

“I know it’s hard though for (Schaefer) to have the whole world thinking that he

did it. Because it wasn’t like that,” Mack said. “He would never have done it if well you know if I hadn’t of put him in this situation. He would not have done it; it was not his battle [...] It was my fight and I just couldn’t handle it by myself and I shouldn’t have involved him.”

Mack’s recorded admission is similar to her six minute online video confession in 2017, in which she stated, “I killed her myself and then I told Tommy

that if he did not help me clean the room and get rid of the body, that I would tell the police that he did it, that I would pay money to get him arrested.” She subsequently retracted that confession.

Schaefer, who is indicted on the same federal charges as Mack, was convicted by an Indonesian court of having murdered von Wiese. He remains in Kerobokan Prison on Bali, serving an 18 year sentence.

C ORRECTION

In our May 31 story about Beye Elementary School Principal Cheryl Sullivan we mistakenly said Sullivan was diagnosed with brain cancer. In fact, Sullivan did not receive a cancer diagnosis but rather the masses removed from her brain were found to be benign. Wednesday Journal apologizes for the mistake.

PROVIDED

Le to right: Ava Ashton, teacher Jacly n ompson, and Rosalie Lagatolla.

Oak Park denies nei to rezone Rush

Sta directed to plan study session on hospital neighborhood zoning

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Hospital zoning will remain as it currently stands as a proposal submitted by neighbors of Rush Oak Park Hospital was struck down by the Oak Park village board June 5, as it had been one month earlier by the Plan Commission. The proposal called for stricter zoning restrictions to prevent hospital encroachment upon residential properties.

This is the first time in Oak Park’s history that a zoning proposal was brought forward by a group of residents. The defeat was perhaps made less bitter for those residents by Trustees Chibuike Enyia, Susan Buchanan and Brian Straw voting in their favor. A super majority, however, would have been needed to overturn the Plan Commission’s vote against the proposal.

Down the line, there is a chance Rush Oak Park may be presented with more zoning roadblocks to clear before expanding its campus near Madison Street and Harlem Avenue, which there are no immediate plans to do. The village board unanimously voted in favor of directing staf f to plan a study session with a recommendation for hospital zoning and community engagement during the planned development process.

Residents and the board alike praised the hospital for its quality services, the board made it clear they understand neighbors feel the planned development process is stacked against them. Four residents behind the proposal – David Osta, Ann Frueh, Bruno Graziano and Mike Weik – went so far as to hire an attorney for the proceedings.

“Neighbors don’t pool their money for a lawyer for no reason,” said Village President Vicki Scaman.

Developers wishing to build outside what zoning allows

RUSH Growing in Galewood

from page 1

that its current campus is at capacity

The project, which was originally announced in December 2022, calls for a new 61,000 square foot outpatient facility which will offer primary and specialty services found in other Rush facilities. Rush will lease the space, with the landowner, developer Novak Construction, building

are required

300 feet of the property ment application.

residents of the meeting 15 days special use per dents 15 days’ notice Building ment.

Prior to Dr. Dino Rumoro becoming Rush Oak CEO in 2021, hospital leadership and the neighbors had a very poor relationshi this. Howev between the hospital’s neighbors and Plan Commission Chair Iris Sim

Sims accused the neighbors on Monday of trying to relitigate the past through their zoning proposal at the village board meeting. In all planning matters related to Rush Oak Park, neighbors have called upon Sims to recuse herself, yet she has never done so. Sims’ husband sits on the hospital’s board of directors, an unpaid position. The residents’ attorney told the village board he believed his clients were denied due process by Sims’ participation in the hearing.

With no financial stake in the hospital, Sims maintains she has no conflict of interest, but she still lauded Rush Oak Park for its quality and employment capabilities, while reminding the board that the previous owners of Oak Park’s other hospital filed for bankruptcy. Had the proposal passed, the zoning changes would have also affected West Suburban Medical Center.

Sims further called the neighbors “adversarial” toward the hospital for proposing the zoning changes and accused them of not wanting to mend fences with Rush Oak Park “They are now trying to recharacterize that and show a

a “shell” to the health system’s specifications and Rush finishing up the interiors

At the time, it wasn’t clear what role Rush Oak Park will play in the new facility. But according to an application to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, which must approve any new medical facilities, the major purpose of this facility is to provide expanded services Rush Oak Park simply doesn’t have room for. Aside from the state approval, the project needs to clear Chicago’s City Council, which must approve the changes to the site’s development plans

The application lists Rush University

willingness, but that willingness wasn’t apparent during our process or prior to that,” said Sims.

This led Scaman to gently caution the chair, ultimately dismissing Sims from sharing her input any further.

“I would li ke to refrain from any accusations against the neighbors,” said the village president. “I think we’re done here with your participation.”

No date has been set for the planned development study session, but it will likely take place after the June 23 retirement of Tammie Grossman, director of the village’s Development Customer Services Department. Her department presently oversees planned development and zoning matters, among several others, but it is being split in to two departments: Development Services and Neighborhood Services. The latter new department will focus on neighborhood-based education, support and engagement, as well as housing.

Health System, Rush University Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital as coapplicants – but the documents make it clear that Rush Oak Park is the lead, and the project would largely benefit it

“Rush Oak Park Hospital is land locked and experiencing space constraints that are inhibiting it from meeting the significant demand for ambulatory care in the surrounding community,” the application states. “Rush Oak Park currently maintains a multi-specialty clinic and other standalone offices within the medical office building located on-campus. However, at this time all available space has been

utilized and demand continues to grow.”

The application states that they are particularly interested in expanding “cardiovascular services, mammo graphy, and neurology services.”

“Taking no action now will result in the existing facility being unable to accommodate the anticipated visit growth and needs of the Oak Park and sur rounding communities,” it states, “It also will result in a notable gap in available care and would reflect poor healthcare planning.”

The next meeting of the state agency is scheduled for June 27, but the agenda was not available online as of June 5.

PROVIDED

Rush Oak Park Hospital

Woman ees man with large knives

An Oak Park woman ran away from a man carrying two large knives, who beckoned her to “come over here by me” and “stay with me,” while she was out walking at 4:20 a.m., June 3, near the intersection of Madison Street and Oak Park Avenue.

The man, who may have introduced himself as “Paul,” waved the two knives at the victim, before she fled the scene on foot northbound on Oak Park Avenue. No loss or injuries were re ported

Reckless discharge of a rearm

■ An armed man in an older green vehicle shot several times in the direction of a newer model sedan at the intersection of Madison Street and Cuyler Avenue at 5:15 p.m., June 4. No damage or injuries were re ported.

■ Oak Park police responded to calls reporting one gunshot was heard at 2:17 a.m., June 4, in the 1100 block of South Ridgeland Avenue. Police recovered one spent 9 mm shell casing. No injuries or damages were re ported.

Armed robbery

Th ree men robbed 7-El even, 661 S outh Blvd ., at 6:19 a.m., May 29. After entering the co nvenience store, the first off ender hopped over the front c ounter and pointed a g un at the clerk, d emandin g she open the re gister. Once open, two of the of f enders pocketed the c ontents of the re gister and then all three of f ender s fled, tr aveling northbound on foot. Th e estimated loss is $400.

Burglary

Someone broke into a home in the 500 block of South Kenilworth Avenue between 3:30 p.m., April 8, and 7:54 a.m., May 30, and ransacked the residence, damaging the victim’s mirror and dining table. Taken during the burglary were a white Apple iPhone 13, a green Apple iPhone 13, an Apple MacBook laptop, shoes and a black trunk of clothes. The estimated loss and damage is $7,900.

Motor vehicle theft and recovery

■ A 2017 Hyundai Elantra was taken between 1:45 p.m. and 3:17 p.m., June 1, in the first block of Superior Street.

■ A 2021 Infiniti QX-50 was removed between 6:25 p.m. and 8:50 p.m., June 2, in the 100 block of South Grove Avenue.

■ Someone removed a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, using a key fob left inside the vehicle, between 4:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., May 29, in the 900 block of Pleasant Street.

Attempted motor vehicle theft

Someone peeled the steering column of an unlocked 2014 Honda CR-V between 10 p.m., June 1, and 4 a.m., June 2, in the first block of Ontario Street.

Theft

■ Someone cut the catalytic converter from a 2010 Toyota Prius in the 300 block of South Boulevard between 4 p.m., May 31, and 8 a.m., June 1.

■ A brown lawn chair was taken from a front yard in the 200 block of South Scoville Avenue between 4 p.m., June 3, and 6:19 a.m., June 4.

Criminal damage to property

■ Someone damaged the front and rear driver’s side windows of a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee parked in the 100 block of Forest Place between 1 p.m., May 27, and 9:44 p.m., May 28.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports, May 30-June 5, 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 Stacey Sheridan

Celebrating the Healthy Chef Challenge!

Beyond Hunger celebrated its annual Healthy Chef Challenge for the fi rst time at the fabulous Goose Island Barrel House. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and to those who participated in our silent auction. The generous support of our guests and sponsors will allow Beyond Hunger to continue to provide healthy and nutritious food for our community. Guests enjoyed a delicious selection of bites catered by New Rose Catering throughout the evening. All chefs were challenged to use healthy ingredients found in Beyond Hunger’s specialty food boxes available to individuals who visit Beyond Hunger’s drive-through food pantry. Chef YiVy of PHS Desserts Bar emerged as the Victor of Variety, preparing a delicious diabetic-friendly meal, while her competitor, Chef Arshiya Farheen of Verzênay Chicago created

a similar vegetarian dish. In the second showdown of the night, Chef Connor Hepburn of The Alinea Group was declared the Master of the Menu for his Latin-fl avor inspired plate, while Chef Zita Smith of Zita Cooks Catering, used gluten-free ingredients.

Thank you to our fabulous judges: Phil Vettel, Emily Hallock, Sam Yousif, and Liz Abunaw.

Another big thank you to Monica Eng, who kept the party going with her amazing emcee skills both in and out of the kitchen.

The event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including First Bank Chicago, Kribi Coffee, Edward-Elmhurst Health, Byline Bank, Forest Park Bank, Goose Island’s Barrel House, Music & Potlucks, Pure Squash LLC, and T-Mobile.

(Pictured from left to right) Michele Zurakowski, Chef Connor Hepburn, Chef Zita Smith

Photos courtesy of Matt Kosterman Productions.

Recognition for a life in real estate

Al Rossell named Realtor of the

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

When Al Rossell was growing up in Oak Park, he lear ned pretty early on that real estate has meaning. He was in high school when his father got a job transfer, requiring a move to Cincinnati for the family.

“Mom didn’t want to move,” Rossell recalled

She loved their home with a swimming pool in the 400 block of North Kenilworth Avenue, and she loved her friends and organizations like the Nineteenth Century Club.

Rossell’s father moved to take the job, leaving the family in Oak Park to sell the house. They listed it for sale with Gloor Realty, but Rossell’s mother would remove the for-sale sign from the front yard during the work week when her husband was gone. While leaving the for sale sign up only on weekends might have driven their realtor crazy and slowed down the inevitable, eventually the family moved. Rossell stayed behind to finish up his time at Oak Park River Forest High School.

He met his wife Bonnie at a sock hop at the high school, and the rest was history. Her parents owned a real estate company, and his mother-in-law worked for Jack Ca rpenter Realty

After earning his de gree in political science from Northwestern University, Rossell started working for a title company. He soon earned his real estate license and began working as a broker and appraiser

Before long, Rossell was working for Jack Carpenter Realty as well. He notes it was an easy commute down Pleasant Street to Marion Street. When they first married, he and his wife lived with her parents on Pleasant Street.

They then moved into an apar tment on the same block and later upgraded to a twoflat. Before long, they’d moved to a house on the same block.

At the time, the neighborhood looked a bit different than it does today Rossell re-

calls there was a gun shop on one corner and “flop house” next door to the Carleton Hotel. The ethos of the community was different, too. Rossell notes that the Fair Housing movement was just beginning to gain traction across the country.

He was one of the realtors who worked hard to make sure that Oak Park integrated.

“The real estate business really was the gate keeper at that time,” Rossell said.

Chicago neighborhoods near Oak Park were experiencing white flight, and Rossell was among the group that fought for the ban on for-sale signs to forestall a similar movement in Oak Park

He notes that there was not-so-subtle steering going on among realtors at the time, with white clients being urged to only consider homes west of Ridgeland and Black customers being shut out of showings.

“We had to do reverse steering,” Rossell said.

With white clients, he says, “We had to sneak in houses east of Ridgeland. Conversely, with Black customers, we made sure they saw everything, including on the west side of town.”

In April, the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors recognized Rossell as Realtor of the Year, in part for his early advocacy for

fair housing in Oak Park. Rossell had also served as past president for the association.

For mer Oak Park Village Clerk Sandra Sokol recalled her early days in Oak Park when she and her husband David couldn’t find an apar tment to rent in a community full of apartments. Later, through her work with the schools and the newly formed Oak Park Housing Center, she often crossed paths with Rossell.

“Kudos to Al,” Sokol said of Rossell receiving the realty award. “He is totally dedicated to the community.”

See AL ROSSELL on pa ge 20

Al Rossell started working for Jack Carpenter Realty more than 40 years ago. He’s now the rm’s managing broker and owner.

Oak Park Commons Cohousing

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• 1200sf Roof Garden reduces runoff.

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Oak Park Commons Cohousing info@oakparkcohousing.com oakparkcommons.com 708-772-8817

ROSSELL

Changing with times

ties,” Rossell said. “I’d call the other broker before you saw the house, and if you liked it, I’d draw up a contact back at my of fice.

“The buyers’ representative and the sellers’ met with the sellers at the house to work out a deal.”

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from page 19 brookdale.com

Sokol says that not only were people leaving Oak Park over concerns about integration, but the village’s older housing stock was not in good shape

“Community people like Al cared about the neighborhood and invested their own money in areas that were in bad shape to fix them up and invest in the community,” Sokol said.

Realtor Frank Williams has known Rossell for 50 years. He says of their business and personal relationship, “We’ve been the salt and pepper of real estate in our communities.”

He calls Rossell a fighter and champion of diversity.

“We were young brokers starting out together, facing the realities that our communities had to deal with,” Williams said. “He worked in Oak Park to stop white flight and to keep Oak Park diverse.”

While the 1960s and 1970s were a time of much-needed change in the local real estate community, Rossell says some of the personal practices from his early days are much missed when it comes to the relationships he built with clients.

“Years ago, we’d meet in the office to talk about what you were looking for. Then I’d drive you around in my car to see proper-

Today, he laments that everything happens on a computer. Buyers have already seen houses online before going to see them in person. Keypads did away with the need for sellers’ representatives to be at showings, and contracts are signed online and presented via email.

“There’s no conversation,” Rossell said, ruefully. “It turned into being very impersonal.”

He also doesn’t shy away from sharing his opinions on historic preservation.

“The [Oak Park Historic Preservation commission] thinks we’re Williamsburg,” he said.

Rossell’s also vocal about development.

“It’s one thing to have architectural controls when you’re building something, which we don’t seem to have, but another not to let people make their own houses livable,” he said. “It’s a shame the village doesn’t pay attention to the zoning code.”

Not shy about sharing his opinions, Rossell is still proud to have earned his second Realtor of the Year award from the board of realtors, and jokes that he only had to wait 40 years to win the award for a second time

He’s also still proud to call Oak Park home He’s spent the last 55 years on one block and notes he has no plans to retire

“What else would I do?” he asked

Realtors from Mike Gobber, the 2023 Illinois Realtor president. AL

OPRF volleyball grabs 3rd at IHSA state nals

Huskies spike O’Fallon for to notch best postseason nish in 18 years

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior libero Danny Moran and his Oak Park and River Forest High School boys volleyball teammates were grateful to reach the state tournament quarterfinals for the third year in a row.

In 2021, the Huskies lost their first state match in two sets. Last season, they lost the match in a tough three-setter. Not this time.

The Huskies won their opener June 2 to guarantee a top-four trophy. Then they rallied to win their final match the following day 25-27, 25-16, 25-18 over O’Fallon to take third place and finish a winner at Hoffman Estates.

“It’s very meaningful to us. We all wanted to put it on the line today,” Moran said. “It’s great to even make it past the [quarterfinals] and now third place. It was great for all of us, very emotional as a team, especially the last game. We’re all going to miss this season.”

The Huskies (23-7) earned their first trophy since taking fourth in 2019 and their highest finish since their last previous trophy for third in 2005.

They beat Whitney Young 25-20, 25-20 in the quarterfinals before losing to state champion Glenbard West 29-27, 25-16 in the semifinals.

Seniors Peter Zurawski, Ryan Montroy, Roan Doody, Saddiq Muhammed, Jonathan Brown, Ralph Bennet and Moran, along with juniors Quinn Bozarth, Danny McNeilly, Lincoln Beecroft and Garrett Lundgren and Ben Naber saw action in the state matches.

With Glenbard West (40-2) beating Lyons Township (35-7) in the championship, the West Suburban Conference’s Silver Divi-

sion had all three top state finishers.

“It’s something we always shoot for. We won the first match handily, we fought [Glenbard West] really hard,” OPRF coach Justin Cousin said.

“You could tell they really wanted it and then just the proof in the pudding was when they came back in that third-place match. They really showed they wanted to be top three in state. Kudos to the boys for how hard they worked this season and how they worked together as a team.”

Zurawski (15 kills, 8 digs), Montroy (12 kills), Moran (11 digs), Bozarth (37 assists), McNeilly (8 kills) and Doody (5 kills, 2 blocks) helped OPRF rally past O’Fallon (31-8) after not converting two set points in the first set. Brown served for four straight points and a 16-11 lead in the third set. Zurowski’s ace opened a 19-12 lead.

“After we lost to Glenbard West, the worst we could do was get fourth. It’s still very big and a great accomplishment. We just had to get third,” Montroy said. “We were always very confident, very early on in the year. We had this vision that we’d come very far at state.”

Zurawski (236 kills), Montroy (232 kills), Moran (251 digs), Bozarth (594 assists) and Doody (42 blocks) were stats leaders this season.

Zurawski and Moran were varsity re gulars in 2021. At that time, Zurawski was the setter.

“I feel like this was our time to come out and shine. We really put the work in. We knew what we could do,” Zurawski said. “We knew what we needed to do. I have experience playing here. I thought we played a really high level game.”

Zurawski has continued as setter with his 630 club team and will at Ball State University, but he switched to hitter with the emergence of Bozarth’s setting talents. Many Huskies are 630 club teammates.

“All of these guys I’ve known since seventh, eighth grade. They’ve all kind of brought me to where I am today,” Bozarth said. “We’ve been playing grass, beach,

OPRF senior Peter Zurawski leaps to smash one of the 15 kills he racked up against O’Fallon dur ing the Huskies’ third-place game victory dur ing the IHSA boys volleyball state championships in Ho man Estates on June 3.

wherever we can.”

Moments after hoisting the trophy, the Huskies went to the crowd and gave it momentarily to 2022 graduate A.J. Robateau, a starter for last year’s team who has attended several matches.

“He set the foundation for what it means to work hard and want something. He was a leader by example and by his voice. He feels like family,” Cousin said. “This group is really special. They reco gnize and appreciate all that has come before them.”

De La Salle boots Fenwick from state soccer tourney

Meteors earn payback, defeating Friars in supersectional round

By MELVIN TATE

Contributing Reporter

Last season, the Fenwick High School girls soccer team made a memorable run to the semifinals of the IHSA Class 2A tournament, which included a supersectional win on penalty kicks over De La Salle

On May 30, the two teams met agai n in the supersectional round, but history didn’t re peat itself as the Meteors used a pair of goals by Mia Orte ga to win 2-0 and advance to their first state semifinal in progr am history.

However, after losing 11 players from the previous year, Fenwick making a return to the supersectional was a remarkable accomplishment.

“Our girls had a very successful season,” said Fenwick coach Craig Blazer. “Us coaches are very proud of our progress, and we’re looking forward to continued progress.”

In the 37th minute, Orte ga drew a foul inside the F riars’ box and was awarded a penalty kick. Her shot beat Fenwick goalkeeper Leah Hyland and broke a scoreless contest.

Five minutes into the second half, Orte ga doubled De La Salle’s lead. After that, the Friars (8-10-5) generated a few opportunities, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Junior Grace Kapsch, who moved to forward from defender this spring, was named to the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State Team. She led Fenwick with 17 goals and five assists, while junior Susie Shank added seven goals and six assists.

T hey’re two of 16 returning players for the Friars in 2024.

Fenwick softball bows out in sectional semi nal

In the IHSA Class 3A St. Ignatius Sectional semifinal on May 31 at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the host Wolfpack scored twice in each of the final two innings to defeat Fenwick 5-2.

With the score tied at 1-1 in the top of the sixth, Giovanna Sanfratello hit a two-run single of f Fenwick’s Talia Lorenzo. After a sacrifice fly by Ellie Kolb pulled the Friars (16-15) back within a run, Abby Lee got the Wolfpack insurance in the seventh with a two-run single of her own.

Fenwick managed to get the potential game-tying run to the plate with two outs, but Madelyn Entler’s deep fly ball to left was caught by Lauren Walton, ending the game and season for the Friars

Lorenzo, who entered in the third in relief of starter Kailey Janda, took the loss in her final Fenwick game, allowing five

runs (two unearned) on seven hits over 4.1 innings. At the plate, Sophie Stone had two of the Friars’ seven hits.

Lorenzo, Entler and Janda were named to the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference All-Red Division team. T he latter two headline a list of 12 returners for next season.

SARA JANZ

Grace Kapsch, who led Fenw ick this season with 17 goals, was named to the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State Team.

OPRF so ball advances to state’s nal four

Morales two-hits Lake Park as Huskies breeze to supersectional title

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Senior Bella Morales spent last season honing her craft as a pitcher for the Oak Park and River Forest High School softball program.

She played on the junior varsity.

“It wasn’t a big deal,” Morales said. “I love the coach there. It also gave me the chance to focus on what I wanted to work on and not really focus on.”

Morales and the Huskies have come a long way.

Actually, all the way to the IHSA Class 4A state semifinals for the first time since 2017.

T he state’s greatest turnaround continued impressively June 5 as the Huskies defeated Lake Park 7-1 to win the St. Charles North Supersectional. OPRF (307) will play in the state semifinals June 9 against Yorkville at 3 p.m. in East Peoria.

T he Huskies, who finished 11-16 in 2022, are riding a 13-game winning streak. T hey return eight varsity players but still played only two seniors against Lake Park – Morales and left fielder Kelly Cortez

“I can’ t really put it into words. I knew we were totally capable of it,” said Morales, who threw a two-hitter with two strikeouts and no walks. “I thought we could make it pretty far but now this far. It’s just amazing.”

“It’s team bonding that helped us improve,” Cortez said. “The connections we made are so different from last year. We’re a family and I think that’s got us far.”

As the No. 7 and 8 hitters, sophomore Gloria Hornek had three of the Huskies’

OPRF pitcher Bella Morales retired the rst 12 hitters she faced before allow ing her only two hits of the game and a run in the fourth inning.

eight hits and junior Macy Callahan had two run-scoring singles. Sophomore Anna Topol scored twice.

The Huskies also took advantage of five er rors by the Lancers (26-12-1), including the game’s first run in the top of the third inning without a hit.

“I didn’t think we were going to triple our wins and go downstate [entering this season], but I was hoping we could be competitive in conference and in the sectional,” second-year OPRF coach J.P. Coughlin said. “This group just gets better and better every single day. They’re young and they’re hungry. It’s all them. They’re such a great team with each other.”

Morales (12-4), who will pitch at Salem Colle ge, retired the first 12 hitters she faced before allowing both hits and a run in the fourth. The Lancers’ only other baserunner reached on an infield er ror in the seventh.

“In my opinion, she’s an all-state pitcher. She’s beaten four [NCAA Division I] pitchers so far this year,” Coughlin said. “She’s just a bulldog out there. She’s not overpowering, but she spins the ball constantly and puts it where we want and literally followed our game plan to a T today. She was awesome.”

The Lancers had defeated defending state champion St. Charles North in the sectional final.

“Honestly, I was a bit worried,” Morales said. “We got a little [scouting] card right before the game. I was like, ‘This is a big bunting team. How is this going to go?’ and then it all came together, amazing. It was

just perfect.”

In the third, No. 9 hitter Cortez walked on four pitches, stole second and went to third on a ground out. After sophomore Elyssa Hasapis was intentionally walked, she initiated a delayed steal. When the ball was thrown past second base, Cortez easily scored.

Loughlin said Hasapis, the standout shortstop who played for the freshmen team in 2022, calls delayed steals on her own.

“I kind of wanted to toy with the catcher a little bit, and I noticed that when she threw down, the shortstop wasn’t covering second base,” Hasapis said.

Cortez ran like the breeze in the fourth. With the bases loaded and two outs, junior Jordan Alioto hit a popup to short right field. When the ball was dropped by the second baseman, three runs scored, including Cortez all the way from first for a 5-0 advantage.

“I was flying. I’m not going to lie,” Cortez said. “If I would have stopped, I probably would have fallen. That was just a clutch hit.”

The Huskies won the West Suburban Conference Silver Division title at 11-1 after losing their opener to Downers Grove North. Cortez said winning the rematch was among the catalysts to the team’s success.

“That’s where we started getting our momentum, because that was the biggest conference game ever,” Cortez said. “From there our winning streak went up and up and up and here we are.”

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310

ktrainor@wjinc.com

e beauty of our own impermanence

Since my hear t surgery last year, I’ve lost weight, I exercise daily, and I am energetic and forwardlooking. A few weeks ago, working out with a trainer, I did full squats on a balance ball, something I never even knew I could do. I was very pleased with myself that day.

The very next day, perhaps because I was still pleased with myself, I put a little too much weight on the leg press machine and proceeded to pull my thigh muscle. For about 24 hours, I was in pain, I could barely hobble around and I could not fall aslee p. After a day of Tylenol and icing every four hours, I was mobile and able to keep my limp to a minimum.

The day after that, I went to our Far mers Market, where there is always a circle of local acoustic musicians. I was standing behind the fiddle player, eating a pint of fresh-picked strawberries, listening to the singing and the instruments. But I couldn’t hear the fiddle and I wondered what was wrong with it. I walked halfway around the circle to face the fiddle player, and as I did, I realized I’d forgotten to wear my hearing aids. Nothing wrong with the fiddle, just me.

Imagining a world without gun violence

BLESOFF

Pulled muscles. Hearing loss. Heart surgery. Perhaps Parkinson’s or a stroke or a slip and fall? Changes are inevitable as we age. So are opportunities, if we allow them. We have choices how to react to the inevitable changes. Do you ever think about how you’ll actually change as you age, or even just how you’ll appear? Are you impacted by social pressure to “look” a certain way, or by your own unconscious bias as you dread getting older? Can you see who you are becoming as you age?

As I’m getting older, I am more aware that appearances are often not as they seem. I’ve written about the time I realized that the old person I saw across the street, walking slowly, so carefully, with a cane, hunched

Over 50 years ago, John Lennon invited us to imagine a different kind of world — where all people would be “livin’ life in peace.” This June, local faith communities and neighbors have united to extend a similar message. Throughout Oak Park and River Forest, orange banners and yard signs will invite you to “Imagine a World Without Gun Violence.”

The idea was sparked by a group of Oak Park Waging Peace activists after seeing an image of a similar banner in NYC. The banner image was included in an article written by a Presbyterian pastor following the Nashville mass shooting, calling on churches to be more vocal about gun violence. And to lead the demand for action from the government.

As June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, we hope this banner campaign will communicate a strong message of solidarity, as well as our unwavering conviction that our country can exist without gun

violence.

This conviction begins with the capacity to truly imagine our country free from gun violence. We have the audacity to ask our children to prepare for — to imagine — a live shooter in their school cafeteria. Yet we don’t ask our children to imagine living in a country where they would be protected from gun violence. We are responsible for the images that shape our children’s minds, their sense of well-being, their hopes. They need to know that we are committed to taking action and that our imagination has muscle.

What does this look like? Perhaps a bit different for each person, but certainly committing to at least one action. Join Oak Park-Austin Area Moms Demand Action. Volunteer at Mercy Garden for Peace and Healing, a community garden in the Austin neighborhood

Tara Dull and Lois iessen

OUR VIEWS

New balance for Rush

Two interesting and interrelated stories in the Journal this week about Rush Oak Park Hospital, its growth plans and its limits on growth.

We re port on the application now filed with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board by Rush Oak Park and the Rush mothership for an OK to build a new 61,000 square foot outpatient facility at North and Harlem – a portion of the site of the old Sears store.

Approval is almost certain. What’s notable is the prominent emphasis in the application on the lead role the Oak Park-based Rush satellite will play in this new facility. Also that Rush directly acknowledges that its Oak Park campus is effectively landlocked and will not be able to accommodate the expansion in programs that it wants to undertake.

That is a fair statement and a positive acknowledgment by Rush Oak Park that its ability to stuff more health care services into an Oak Park campus that abuts a lovely residential neighborhood on two sides has reached a limit.

On June 5, Oak Park’s village board gave Rush Oak Park a nar row win in pushing back against an impressive ef fort by neighbors to actually change current zoning to limit future expansion at the Madison and Harlem campus. Three village trustees actually voted with the neighbors, which is more than notable and should be fair warning to Rush Oak Park that its free pass to acquire homes and build anew is likely over.

Also impressed that the village board unanimously approved a request that staf f set up a study session on how neighbors and hospitals need to eng age actively before a local medical center can enter a planned development process for expansion.

As we have said on this page for decades, as important as Rush Oak Park and West Suburban Hospital are to Oak Park’s health care and employment picture, the village government has rolled over to allow incursions into neighboring residential areas.

The combination of the village board signaling a more balanced approach to Rush’s growth and Rush acknowledging the limits of its growth on the Oak Park campus is all positive.

Finally, why is Iris Sims still the chair of the Oak Park Plan Commission? She made another stunning appearance on June 5 before the village board as it considered the commission’s recommendation re garding Rush and its neighbors’ attempt to change zoning.

Neighbors are fully correct that Sims should always recuse herself from matters involving Rush as her husband is on the institution’s local board of directors. She never does. Beyond that she was openly hostile to neighbors in her comments to the village board.

It reached the point where Village President Vicki Scaman effectively cut her off. “I think we’re done here with your participation,” Scaman told Sims.

As we have said before, that viewpoint should be extended fully to her participation on the plan commission.

A world without gun violence

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month and one local group’s contribution to raising that awareness is a banner and sign campaign. The banner in front of First United Church of Oak Park reads: “Imagine a World Without Gun Violence.”

Which got me imagining:

A world without gun violence would be a world without fear of our kids and grandkids getting blown apart by an AR-15, the weapon of choice among mass murderers.

■ No more fantasizing what we’ ll do if (more likely when) we find ourselves in an active-shooter situation.

■ No more feeling helpless and numb after hearing about the latest massacre and the horror of realizing we’re getting desensitized to these reports, that it’s becoming “nor malized.”

■ No more wondering what it will take for voters to stop electing candidates who enthusiastically support easier access to these killing machines.

■ No more of our kids wondering if each day at school might be their last.

■ No more pathetically inadequate expressions of “thoughts and prayers” because public figures don’t believe anything can be done about the problem.

■ No more reporters lamely repeating the same tired line that “officials are still [still, STILL] trying to deter mine a motive for the shooting,” as if answering that question would stop mass killings, and instead of asking those “officials” what, if anything, they intend to do about this murderous free-for-all.

■ No more reporters faking empathy as they ask loved ones of the victims how they “feel,” instead of asking members of Congress how they “feel” about the latest massacre “considering your pro-gun-violence voting record,” or asking the relatives of victims how “angry” they feel about the fact that no one seems to be doing anything to stop the slaughter

■ No more journalists pretending to be “objective” in reporting on the gun violence issue when there is no place for objectivity in the wake of dozens of school children being butchered by military-style assault weapons that are still, still, STILL legal and easy to acquire.

■ No more deadbeat electees raising alarms about “crime” but refusing to support universal background checks

■ Nor more inter nalized rage in the face of all this ineffectuality

■ No more families traumatized for life because they had to bury their first-graders and create shrines to their memory instead of being able to celebrate the nor mal happy milestones of living.

■ No more fretting about loved ones going to school or church or concerts or sporting events or parades because bullets could start flying.

■ No more seething over perpetrators who should

have been identified (or were identified) as dangerous long in advance or who left a trail of their intentions across the wasteland of social media but no one was paying attention.

■ No more fury about people helping disturbed family members obtain weapons they never should have been allowed to get anywhere near

■ No more living with outrage and something approaching hatred of those who hate, and those who profit from the casualties of that hatred, and those who support mass murderers by preventing legislation so they can amass campaign “war chests” with donations from the gun-violence industry just so they can stay in office and keep obstructing

■ No more listening to twisted rationalizations about “protecting our freedoms” which amount to protecting the license to kill at the expense of the common good

■ No more ludicrous claims of self-defense after someone shoots the innocent because of their racist paranoia.

■ No more children shooting themselves or their playmates because guns were left out carelessly at home

■ No more discovering the grisly after math of a loved one’s suicide because a gun was available and accessible in the house

■ No more guns stolen from vehicles that end up being used in crimes elsewhere.

■ No more fear of fellow citizens carrying concealed guns who might lose their temper over the petty frustrations of daily life

■ No more feeling like we’re stuck in a nightmare Wester n where law and order exists only at the point of a gun.

In a world without gun violence, no more will the vast majority of us feel unsafe and unfree so that the heavilyar med vast minority can feel “safe” and “free” even though they don’t and never will no matter how many guns they own.

A world without gun violence would eliminate so much of this negative psychic energy, freeing us to live again in mutual trust, a world where our dark phantoms would dissipate, leaving room for greater fellowship, a world where we can reach out to those who have become so isolated that they start viewing mass murder as their only recourse

A world without gun violence would be a statement of faith in the goodness of humanity and a statement against a dark, dangerous world where imagined predators lurk around every cor ner. It would relieve us of the darkness so pervasive in our films and our murderous video games and our vicious politics. It would shine light into the dark dungeons of our fearful psyches so we can breathe in the beauty of the world that has been all around us all this time

What a wonderful world that would be.

On May 10, an Oak Park village employee placed on my outside door knob a green hang tag indicating that my lawn “was just a little too much,” adding that “Village Ordinance 20-7-14 did not permit grass to exceed 8 inches in height” and that I needed “to attend to my lawn.” Furthermore, “Failure to do so could lead to a revisit of my property and a Notice of Violation.”

Why is no-mowing a no-no? CARROL SMITH

One View

I had heard someone come up my front steps without ringing the bell; I wondered who it could be as the letter carrier had already “made his appointed rounds.” When I found the tag, I was dumbfounded and royally enraged! How dare the village salary someone to come to my home to tell me my g rass was too high! I soon learned that I was not the only person on the block who had received such a notice. These dire warnings appeared after infor mation about “No Mow May” had been published in the online village newsletter of May 3 (vopnews@oakpark.us).

Merely five days had elapsed between these two events. I had read about No Mow May as well as other online materials about bees and other insects needing these dandelions, wild violets, clover, etc. They are impor tant for nectar, shelter, and cross pollination of plants during a time when other fl ers have not yet begun to bloom. Bees, in particular, need our help as they are being decimated throughout the Earth by pesticides at both the larval and adult stages. So, what was the Village thinking?

practiced “no mowing” at cer tain junctures of the growing season. None of us received notices before this year. What was the deal?

Personally, I have thought of several responses: I could have a neighbor photograph me measuring the height of the dandelions on my parkway to show that many do not exceed the required 8 inches; I could write this letter and distribute it widely at village hall as well as in the local press. I could make an appointment with someone in the Neighborhood Services Department at village hall to express my outrage at this turn of events. I could also just wait until I receive the threatened “Notice of Violation” to learn what would happen afterward. Finally, I can attend the next open village board meeting, get on the agenda, and take issue with this nasty practice by the village.

It is true, the emailed village notice stated that, this the village would be trying No Mow May in a couple of sectors in order to solicit public comment. And they discouraged village residents from participating in No Mow May. er, since some of us already practice other rden activiare within our rights to manage our lawns, within bounds.

What is the problem w ith tall grass?

The newsletter stated that the village was supporting two areas in Oak Park without mowing: the greensward immediately south of village hall and an area on Jackson Boulevard. Villagers were asked to observe activity in these two places and provide comments. We were also expressly asked not to try this plan in our own yards, that if propitious, during the year 2024, the village might declare No Mow May as a sustainable activity for both village operations as well as residents.

Others on my block who received these door tags were likewise non-amused; especially those of us who garden sustainably, do not use pesticides, grow and save seed of heirloom varieties, and have always

PROVIDED

Not cutting the grass for one month hardly seems ying a village employee to tag “noncompliant” homes and to follow up with violation notices as necessary.

If I am to receive a Notice of Violation, bring it on! And how will I be punished? The south side of Oak Park already receives somewhat poorer services. (Note: the big announcement that Oak Park has been designated as a “Tree City USA” when the area south of the Ike has less tree cover than the remainder of Oak Park — where are our trees. This is just one example and we can name more!

Meanwhile I will be out measuring my dandelions and probably not cutting off the ones that are greater than 8 inches high. This letter will be sent anywhere else we think will do some good and serve notice to Oak Park residents that we will not be subverted.

WEDNESD AY JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley

Senior Editor Bob Uphues

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Senior Repor ter Stacey Sheridan

Sta Reporters Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Big Week Editor James Porter

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

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady

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

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.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

■ 250-word limit

■ Must include rst and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for veri cation only)

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

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

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Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $2.00.

Carrol

Smith, PhD, RN, is a proud south-side Oak Park resident.

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Withering heights = Stress

One summer afternoon between my freshman and sophomore years in high school, Eddie Lloyd and I pedaled our bikes to Thatcher Woods so that we could climb a tall tree, and if that some of the trees had vines a few feet of ground, we could like Tarzan.

On this certain da die and I brought a rope because we planned to climb the tallest tree we could find while we linked to g ether with the rope

Appreciating the Repair Cafe

I had the opportunity, pleasure and privile ge of using the services of Oak Park’s Re pair Cafe the first Saturday of June and wanted to take a minute to express my appreciation for living in a community that supports something like this.

For those who are unfamiliar, the Repair Cafe is open every first Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Fox Park Rec Center. Re pairs to all sorts of items are made for free (donations cover small commonly used parts, donuts and coffee) by a cadre of extremely handy and dedicated volunteers.

The cafe, which is the second in the U.S.,

is now in its 10th year. I came in with a problem with the cord retraction system on my vacuum; while I was there I saw other folks come in with a string trimmer, a tuner, a lamp, a leather bag missing a rivet, and more.

Whether you are interested in saving money, keeping items out of the landfill, just keeping items you love, or taking part in a true community experience, I highly recommend the Re pair Cafe.

One of the many things I love and am proud about Oak Park

Deborah Levine Oak Park

Don’t let cats roam in Oak Park

While Oak Park is among the most highly re gulated suburbs in the country, residents are allowed to let their cats roam. We even have a neighbor who brags about her cat being a “huntress.” In the past three days, I have encountered a dead baby bird, a decapitated baby rabbit, and a robin’s wing in my front yard. It is no secret that cats kill an inordinate amount of wildlife. It is also ridiculous that they are allowed to use our yards as litter boxes.

I am sure I am not alone in my urgent request to have cat owners become responsible! It is also time for the village to take a stance. Families are not allowed to adopt cats from shelters without promising to keep them indoors; for the sake of our precious wildlife, sanitation, and for the wellbeing of the cats, please stop allowing cats to roam in Oak Park!

Karen Bopp Oak Park

We found the tall tree, and we climbed steadily, but when we got near the top with Eddie in the lead, I slipped, but Eddie grabbed the rope with one hand and held it while I quickly re gained my footing.

Breathing hard from this singular brush with catastrophe, we gingerly climbed to the bottom of the tree and canceled further plans to do any more climbing or any swinging

On a calm summer evening a few weeks after I had graduated from high school, Bob Ault and I went to Riverview Amusement Park in Chicago where we met up with George Warren standing by the Fer ris wheel.

I asked George if he was going up, and he said that he was scared of heights and was not going on the Ferris wheel. However, Bob and I decided to take the ride

Once we settled in our seats, the Ferris wheel started, and we thought that the ride would be a piece of cake

When we reached the top, howeve r, the Fer ris wheel stopped because of a mechanical malfunction.

We were at the top for at least 30 minutes, and our hands were white from gripping the safety bar.

Finally, the wheel be g an to turn, and as we neared the bottom, we hollered that we wanted to get of f, and when the wheel stopped, we climbed out to the jeers of the people waiting their tur n to ride

the word es my ner ves

hen I was in high school, four years of physial education was required ay enty-four other guys in my senior class and I re assigned to the gymnastics coach as our physial education instructor This man was a fanatic oncerning gymnastics, which was our first six weeks of gym class.

T he first thing he told us was that gymnastics was the most impor tant exercise to improve physical fitness and health, and we would learn four gymnastics systems so as to ensure our total fitness and health.

T he first system was Danish and consisted of free and continuous group drills that had a definite sequence and were done in 30 minutes.

During this time, all class members assumed postures and positions that indicated fitness with a stress on flexibility, balance, and endurance (oh, yes).

T he second system was Swedish, which emphasized good posture and fixed positions that were assumed on command from the teacher We used benches and balance beams to develop what the teacher called our flab by muscles.

T he Ger man system used a variety of equipment such as parallel bars, ropes, and rings

T he American system was the last one, and it combined features of the other three systems but with slightly more stress on the Swedish gymnastics to correct posture and develop our flabby muscles. The American system, though, added tumbling, trampoline work, and fitness tests

T here were times when I thought I could not keep the pace, but I did, and although I didn’t think so during the classes, I came out in better shape than when I started the class.

First Saturday of the month at the Fox Park Rec Center.

DOOPER ’S MEMORIES

Electrify buildings? Maybe not quite yet

I appreciate Jim Schwartz’s good intentions in his One View of May 31 [Electrify buildings to reduce climate change, Viewpoints, May 31]. Unfortunately, total electrification isn’t feasible yet. Why not? Capacity and reliability. Also, it turns out that in Illinois, electricity isn’t really “clean.” We don’t have sufficient electrical g rid capacity to accommodate going totally electric. Think California. Think rolling brown-outs. In places where the power g rid is even less reliable than in OPRF, people have back-up generators powered by, you guessed it, gas. I’ve never experienced a natural gas outage. Have you? But even in our area, I’ve experienced plenty of power outages. Electricity is not cleaner than gas. In Illinois our electricity is primarily generated by nuclear power and coal. We have the largest number of nuclear power plants in the country. OK, we do rank fifth in wind-powered electricity generation. But do the math. Use more electricity = burn more coal. Any chance we’ ll want to build more nuclear power plants? Would you have one

in your neighborhood?

We humans have ignored the climate war ning signs for decades. Now in the 11th hour, we’re in bad trouble. So we’re supposed to jump on mandating electrification because, superficially, the optics look good. Yep, about as good as those trusty fluorescent light bulbs that Al Gore was touting a few years back.

I’m as concerned about climate change as Mr. Schwartz. I do ag ree with him about heat pumps. We installed heat pumps at both our Oak Park home and at our River Forest condo. We definitely saw a significant drop in our electric bill as a result. However, I can’t support the notion of total electrification at the present time. Electrification could be the answer, but first we’d need to update the power g rid to be able to handle the load. Then we’d just need to figure out how to generate the power cleanly and in massive quantities.

Louise Mezzatesta River Forest

Take our thumb o the scales

Wi llie Wi lson’s ex c ellent op-ed on Black youth unemployment of fere d specific recommendations to address this generations-long problem. But it had a g laring omission: the “family b usiness” factor N ot onl y in the b lue-collar sector, b ut most prominently, children — mostly sons — f ollow in their parents’ — mostly fa thers’ — career paths. Police wo rk , firefighting, even elected office is p assed down, along with jobs as ca rp enter s, p lumber s, electricians, and other o ccupations, even unionized ones with apprentice progr ams.

In another, loftier r ealm, “le ga cy admissions” are a longtime fixtur e in I vy League and other educational i nstitutions. Because status and i nheritance we igh in, so should racial and ethnic quotas, arguably.

Across our society, personal connections count for more than personal q ualifications F amousl y, a Chicago Machine minion in the old days re por tedly used to say, “We do n’ t want nobody that nobody sent. ”

Because this is so de ep ly embedded in our c ultur e, finding a fix is ve ry difficult, and making it happen would be even harde r. But reco gnizing and owning our c omplicity in the problem is the start. T hen c onsciously setting aside preference favo ring “my kind” when recr uiting young p eople for job training would make a r eal di ff erence over time, for all of us.

Ta ke the thumb of f the scales of justice and equity

Our beautiful 6-story building provides quality, a ordable, independent housing for seniors. e Oaks o ers studio and one-bedroom apartments, with kitchens and private bathrooms. Amenities include an award winning interior landscaped atrium, central meeting room, library, laundry facilities, computer learning center, internet access, electronic key entry system, and parking.

On-site management includes 24/7 emergency maintenance service and a senior services coordinator who is available during business hours to assist residents in accessing service

Fred Reklau Oak Park

agencies and programs designed speci cally for seniors. e Oaks is owned and operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation and is funded by the US Department of Housing and Ur-ban Development through the 202/ Section 8 Program. Monthly rent is based on the resident’s income, with individuals paying approximately 30% of their monthly income toward rent.

For more information, please visit us at www.oakparkrc.com or contact us at 708-386-5862.

RIVERSIDE ARTS WEEKEND JUNE 10 & 11

SATURDAY, 10 am - 5 pm

10 am - 4 pm

Make plans now to join us in Riverside’s Guthrie Park for this fun and FREE community event!

25+ Artists

Live Music

Children’s Art Activities

Student Dance Performances & Art Exhibition

Local Food & Drink Vendors

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors:

Memorial Day 2023, Scoville Park

War bludgeons our souls and imbeds fear unrelentingly ... all people bear the pain lifelong.

Remembering what others have done while allowing us comfort, is travesty and denial.

Today we remember all who fought too many wars and bear the scars of thinking we are all free.

www.riversideartsweekend.org

Guns ev erywhere bludgeon our communities ... the travesty of thinking we are free. How must we honor all people, as valuable in our community.

Mary Rose Lambke, Oak Park

Children play by the Peace Triumphant Memorial dur ing Day in Our Village last year at Scov ille Park.

Kudos for a new book about Oak Park

One of the challenges of growing older is that my eyes have aged with the rest of me, wh ich somewh at diminishes my joy of reading. As a youngster, my f amily and I live d in the rear of our store, so I c ould n’ t have pl ay mates visit. Books filled that vo id and became a big pa rt of my l ife. S ometimes I imagined being the heroine and other times I pl ayed the villain. My reading was more than a p astime

Books we re my passion.

As years p assed and my focus c entered on history and p olitics, I primarily read non-fiction b ooks. T he classic literature and f un or mystery novels we re for tr avel and before-bedtime entertainment. I rarely recommend b ooks because we all have our individual areas of i nterest, and my enthusiasm for some pa rt icular wo rk may not be of interest to anyone else

However, I am c ompelled to rave about a newly published b ook, Our To wn Oak Pa rk – Wa lk with Me, in Search of True C ommunity , by our ve ry own Ken Trainor. This b ook will certainly l ift your s pirit s and fill you with pride for the c ommunity Wi th his usual stellar w riting skill, Ke n shares stories and i nsights about Oak Pa rk ’s perfections and imperfections. He takes an honest view that is b oth heartwar ming and thought-provoking .

TARA DULL

Imagine no gun violence

from page 25

dedicated to survivors of gun violence (a program of MothersOnaMission28).

March with Gun Responsibility Advocates and friends in Oak Park’s July 4th Parade. Contact your school board, demanding a secure firear m storage policy Keep the tele phone numbers for your state senator and re presentative in your cellphone contacts so it’s quick and easy to call them during critical legislation pushes (a call takes one minute!). Submit witness slips — with a few clicks you can file your position on a particular gun violence prevention bill to an Illinois Senate or

Perfect Weather graced the 40th Hunger Walkathon West CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday May 7th

The Planning Team wishes to thank and bless the Team Captains and Participants who raised money for this annual event and the businesses and individual donors who supported them. This year’s walk was dedicated to the memories of Doug Wyman and Sylvia Menninga, two long-time champions of the walk.

This year we again did not hold a centralized walk. Each team captain arranged an event for their team. Photos from various teams are included here.

Many of Ke n’s previously published c olumns, are included. T here’s an “our town” f eel to the b ook as Ken explores the meaning and true sense of c ommunity that exists here.

Harriet Hausman River Forest

House committee hearing. https://my.ilga gov (witness slips from constituents were one of the reasons the Illinois General Assembly just passed the Gun Industry Accountability Act).

I recently heard in a pastor’s sermon that “hope is a decision.” I would say that imagination is a decision too. And I believe that, prior to his death by gun violence, John Lennon meant for his words to inspire life-altering decisions and actions: You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.

I hope someday you’ll join us, And the world will li ve as one.

Tara Meyer Dull, Lois Thiessen Love, Sandy Je erson First United Church of Oak Park Celine Woznica Ascension & St. Edmund Parish

THANKS TO:

The following Businesses that provided financial and/or inkind support:

GOLD LEVEL:

CLO Marketing, Inc.

Remedial Environmental Manpower, Inc.

Ideal Facilities Services

SILVER LEVEL:

Curry Motors

Forest Park Bank

Mohr Oil Company

BRONZE LEVEL:

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore

Team Blonde

David King & Associates, Inc.

Forest Insurance

Todd & Holland Tea Merchants

Louie’s Grill

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

ALL OTHER BUSINESS

SPONSORSHIPS:

Spotless Auto Wash, Inc.

Elite Tire and Auto Service, Inc.

McAdam Landscape Professionals

Forest Park Foot Care Center

Team Captains and Walk

Planning Team* Members

Billye Biles

Sara Catalano

Marty Colchamiro*

Joanne & Ted Despotes

Meghan Dowdle

Mary Lou Dwyer*

Lexa Ennis

Brent Friesen

Harriet Hawkins*

Jerry Hills

Rev. Tom Holmes*

Frank Hughes

Charlaine McAnany*

Marjorie McKenzie

Nick Menninga*

Cynthia Mobley*

Rev. Kathy Nolte

John O’Rourke*

William Pouncy

Amy Stearns

Douglas Wyman (posthumously)

Craig Zeller

Participating Teams (in addition to recipients):

Ascension Catholic Church OP

Broadview Wesleyan Church

Euclid Ave United Methodist Church OP

First Baptist Church OP

First United Church of Oak Park

First United Methodist Church OP

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church OP

Pilgrim Congregational OP

Social Media

St. Paul Thai Lutheran Church FP

Unity Church of Oak Park

Recipients of the money raised in 2023 include hungry and hurting people served by international relief and development programs of Church World Service and the following nine local agencies: Beyond Hunger, Learning Edge Tutoring, First Baptist Church of Melrose Park Food Pantry, Forest Park Food Pantry, Housing Forward, Pine Avenue Food Pantry, Proviso Food Pantry, St. Martin de Porres Food Pantry, and Vision of Restoration Food Pantry. These agencies provide services in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, Oak Park, Forest Park, Maywood and Melrose Park. We are pleased to report that the amount raised to date is over $70,000. The 2022 Walk raised $127,000. The need continues and donations of any size are still welcome. The CROP Team wishes to acknowledge and thank Wednesday Journal/Growing Community Media for their many years of outstanding generosity and continual community support!

OBITUARIES

Mary Bresnahan, 100 Mother of eight boys

Mary Rita Bresnahan (nee Carron), 100, of Oak Park, died peacefully on June 3, 2023. Born on Aug. 10, 1922, she was loved and respected and will be remembered for her elegance and grace. A caring wife, mother, Nana, great Nana, sister, aunt and friend, she had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and her Catholic faith.

Mary was the wife of the late D. Robert Bresnahan; the mother of Dennis (Roxolana), John (Jane), Patrick (Natalie), Timothy (Sharon), William (Mary Bernadette), Robert (Mary), Neil (Carla), and Joseph (Mary) Bresnahan; the grandmother of Dennis, Alexandra, Michael (Laura), Timothy (fiancé Ruth), Daniel, Erin (Brian Dix), Sara (Nick Banchero), Allison (Andrew Davis), Kaitlin, Neil (Cecilia), Patrick (Sandra), Daniel, Kara (Daniel Stintzi), Holly (Cortney Jantzi), Jack

(Maria), Sean (Hadja), Ariana (Simon Dellamalva), Nicolette, Michael (Zoe), Mariclaire (Brian Kadlec) and Matthew; proud great-grandmother of 19 with 4 more on the way; oldest sister of the late Jack (Jeanne) Carron, Tom Carron, Ann (Larry) Byrne, Pe gg y (Bob) Wasberg, and Jeanne (Jim) Gaffney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Giles Catholic Church, 1045 Columbian Ave., Oak Park at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 9. Visitation will precede the Mass from 10 to 11:20 a.m. Interment will be held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls (www.mercyhome. org) or Macular De generation Foundation (www.eyesight.org) are appreciated.

Arrangements were handled by ConboyWestchester Funeral Home.

Arlene Cramer, 92

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

Teacher, counselor, community volunteer

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more important.

Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours. Immediate availability in our Memory Care Assisted Living Small House

We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.

99% OF OUR CALEDONIA STAFF IS VACCINATED

Melba “Arlene” McKnight Cramer, 92, of Oak Park, died peacefully at home on Saturday, May 27, 2023. Born on Nov. 26, 1930 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Harry J.B. McKnight and Melba June Hogan McKnight. A coal miner’s daughter, she grew up during the Great Depression in the tiny coal-mining town of Brownfield, Pennsylvania. She and her three siblings would bottle homemade root beer in used ketchup bottles. She graduated salutatorian from South Union High School in 1948 and went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where she graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, then worked as a teacher in the Pittsburgh public schools. A fellow teacher introduced her to her future husband, Walter H. Cramer Jr. They married on July 2, 1955 and shared 57 happy years together.

The couple lived in Pittsburgh, Wash-

ington D.C., Baltimore and St. Louis before moving to Grosse Pointe, Michig an, where they raised their two children. Active in many community and church organizations, she loved playing bridge, golf and tennis. She spent many happy weekends on Lake St. Clair aboard the family ’s sailboat and served as a den mother to Cub Scouts, a troop leader for Camp Fire Girls, and a volunteer “picture lady” in public schools — leading grade school kids in discussions of significant ar t, one painting at a time.

When her children were teenagers, she earned a master’s de gree in counseling at Wayne State University in Detroit, then worked in the St. Clair Shores public schools as a guidance counselor before the couple retired to Wilmington, North Carolina in 1992. She cared for her husband as he battled Parkinson’s disease for 20 years until his death in 2012.

She cultivated friendships across geo-

graphic borders and multiple decades, and those who knew her treasured her wisdom, kindness and sense of humor. She outlived her three siblings, her inlaws, and most of her numerous friends. That was challenging, but she continued to find joy in her family and beauty in the people and places around her. Reaching her 90s did not stop her from dispensing love and insightful advice to her kids and grandkids, and she often entertained her family and the staf f at Brookdale Oak Park with her succinct humor.

In addition to her husband Walter, Arlene was preceded in death by her siblings, Harry McKnight Jr., Mary Bailey, and John McKnight. She is survived by her children, Michael Cramer (Harlene Ellin) and Christina Cramer Mulligan (Michael), and her grandchildren, Noah, Jack, Michara, Caitlyn, John and Mary. Her family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Brookdale Oak Park where she lived for 15 years, with special appreciation going to her longtime caregiver, Irena Pylypiv, who faithfully cared for Arlene and Walter for more than a decade

OBITUARIES

A private memorial service will be held in Wilmington, North Carolina at First Presbyterian Church, where she will be interred with her husband

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org)

Ruel Lehman, 99

Peoples Gas VP, WWII B-17 pilot

Ruel Forrest Lehman Jr., 99, died peacefully on May 28, 2023. A longtime resident of Oak Park, he moved there from Newark, New Jersey as a child, and moved away only for colle ge and World War II service.

After attending Emerson Elementary School in Oak Park and Oak Park and River Forest High School, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michig an and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He retired as vice president from the Peoples Gas, Light & Coke Company in

1987. An avid golfer and member of the River Forest Country Club for nearly 50 years, he served on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Urban League as well as the Duncan YMCA, and honorably served as a 1st Lieutenant with the 8th Air Force, piloting B-17 bombers during WWII.

He was the husband of the late Marilyn (nee Moore) and is survived by his three children, Bruce Lehman, Scott Lehman and Martha (Michael) Cordts, and granddaughter Allison and stepgranddaughter Katie Cordts. Services will be held privately.

Arrangements were handled by Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home. Memorials to Brookfield Zoo or the Oak Park Public Library are appreciated.

BLESOFF

from page 25

over and shaking, was probably not the very old and very over-the-hill person I was judging them to be. Probably, that person had not always looked like that and was quite possibly very creative and very alive — and maybe still is. I’ve gone through most of my life judging others and myself based on my unconscious biases, including ageism.

T he poet David Whyte has written about how the only choice we have as we age is how we inhabit our vulnerability, how we become larger and more courageous and more compassionate through our intimacy with disappearance. Can we embrace our inevitable disappearance?

Can we appreciate the beauty of our own impermanence?

As I try to age with intention, I am conscious of not catastrophizing my inevitable changes. I’m trying not to blame myself for g etting old. I’m trying to take my changes in stride, no matter what they are. And I’m trying not to take things for granted.

I don’ t know what all my chang es are going to be, but they’re going to be things that both scare and delight me, that both wor ry and astonish me. And that’s OK. That’s being alive … or maybe I should just say that’s life

Block party of the week (a little late!) • 700 block of N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park

The 700 Block of N. Oak Park Ave. hosted a block party on May 6th. Based on the historical neighborhood account, this was the first block party the 700 block ever hosted, as neighbors took advantage of the street closure during construction. Hats and fascinators adorned many of the block revelers, in honor of the Kentucky Derby, which was later that afternoon.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator in the Health Department/Village Manager’s Office. This position will coordinate disaster response, crisis management and medical countermeasure dispensing/ distribution activities for the Village of Oak Park, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies, hazardous materials spills, biological releases) or disasters. This single class position is also responsible for the complex administrative duties required for state, federal and local response processes and grant management. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https:// www.oak-park.us/your-government/ human-resources-department.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications will be June 19, 2023.

COLLECTIVE IMPACT MANAGER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Collective Impact Manager in the Village Manager’s Office. Under the general direction of the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer, the Collective Impact Manager will be responsible for building and assessing racial equity impact needs and developing a strategic plan to support those needs. This includes driving the initiatives focused on the Racial Equity Action Plan through community assessments, community engagement, data functions, and overall internal and external functions. Applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://secure.entertimeonline. com/ta/6141780.careers?ApplyToJob=537117711 or visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

CASHIER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Cashier in the Finance Department. This position will perform all clerical tasks related to the cash receipt function. Collect, process, and deposit payments made to the Village received directly from customers, via mail, lockbox, or from other internal departments. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/human-resources-department. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled, first review of applications will be on May 23, 2023.

GARAGE SALES

The Oak Park Residence Corporation (OPRC) is looking to hire talented and experienced individuals for the following positions. OPRC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide competitive compensation and a generous benefits package.

JOB OPENINGS

SENIOR PROPERTY MANAGER, HOUSING PROGRAMS – Provides oversight in the management of three housing communities in Oak ParkMills Park Tower, The Oaks, and The Farrelly-Muriello Apartments.

ROSS PROGRAM SERVICE COORDINATOR (RPSC) – MILLS

PARK TOWER – Develops and coordinates service programs that promote self-sufficiency and independent living for Mills Park Tower residents.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/ PROGRAM SUPPORT – MILLS

PARK TOWER - Provides administrative and clerical support to Mills Park Tower Property Manager and Assistant Property Manager.

HCV PROGRAMS CASE MANAGER(S) – Provides case management to Oak Park Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher participants.

PROPERTY MANAGER, MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL –Manages multiple market-rate buildings throughout Oak Park. In collaboration with leasing and maintenance teams, provides excellent customer services to residents.

For a complete job description for each of these positions and information about how to apply, please visit our website at https://oakparkrc.com/ about-us/work-for-oprc/ OR Send Cover letter and resume to bswaggerty@oakparkrc.com

SYSTEMS ANALYST

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Systems Analyst in the Information Technology Department. The ideal candidate will perform a variety of complex technical duties in design, application programming and development, PC configuration and support, testing and maintenance of the Village’s computer application systems and perform a variety of technical duties as required. Knowledge of a wide variety of computer programming languages and systems, such as, City View Permit, License & Inspection Suite, Laserfiche, ESRI ArcGIS, MS-SQL, Reporting Tools, Java and HTML is wanted. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application by visiting the website https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/human-resources-department. This position is open until filled.

River Forest Public Schools

District 90 is seeking an experienced full-time School Psychologist

Qualifications:

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with an endorsement in School Psychology.

• Prefer at least 5 years of successful educational experience in both general and special education; and at least five years of successful experience in evaluating students, collaborating, and problemsolving with school and District teams.

• Master’s Degree preferred.

Demonstrates knowledge of special education legislation and acts in accordance with those mandates; follows policies and procedures of the District. Develops and implements activities that encourage students to be life-long learners. Identify and assess the learning, development, and needs of individuals and groups, as well as, the environmental factors that affect learning and school success. Uses assessment data about the students and their environments in developing

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department is seeking Part-Time Parking Enforcement Officer(s); Shifts to be filled are 8:00pm – Midnight or Midnight – 6:00am. The position is a rotating schedule assigned by the Supervisor – 4 days on and 4 days off which includes weekends and some holidays. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), a valid driver’s license, knowledge of basic parking regulations, and good verbal and written skills.

Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

IT OFFICE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Office Coordinator in Information Technology. This position will perform a variety of responsible and complex administrative duties for the IT Department; provide information and assistance to Village staff regarding requests for service; and provide administrative support to the IT Director and the IT staff. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/human-resources-department. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications will be June 21, 2023.

appropriate interventions and programs. Conducts appropriate individual psychoeducational assessments for children who have or are suspected of having a disability and provides written reports of assessment results. Participates in all staff conferences of students having received psychological evaluation or re-evaluation, including hospital discharge. Provide support to special education personnel including assisting staff with development of functional behavioral analysis and behavior intervention plans, modeling “best practices” and assisting special educators with instructional practices. For a complete list of duties, please visit our website at https://www.district90.org/about/employment Interested candidates should complete the online application available at www.district90.org.

WE ARE MOVING. EVERYTHING MUST GO!

827 CLINTON AVE, OAK PARK

SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 16TH & SATURDAY, JUNE 17TH

9 AM – 5 PM

Garage sale items: furniture, house decors, dishes, pic frames, vases, Christmas decorations, girls clothes, girls shoes, women shoes, kids toys and more. Everything will be setting in our garage and whole backyard. They are all in good condition!

If you need to see items before garage sale dates, message me privately at 708.269.4433 or email at gomd1.yy.lucky7@gmail.com

2 FAMILY GARAGE SALE

835 S. GROVE AVE., OAK PARK

SATURDAY JUNE 10TH

8 AM TO 4 PM

Retired from antique mall. Left with a lot of goodies. Vintage items includes: furniture, household, collectables, garden décor, vintage hand sewn quilts, clothing, artwork, and too much miscellaneous to list.

GARAGE SALE

1156 WENONAH, OAK PARK

SATURDAY, JUNE 10TH

9 AM - 3 PM

Three households: furniture, decor, lighting, designer clothing, craft, homewares and some great vintage finds. Also, tons of free moving boxes and packing material.

GARAGE SALE

2252 S 5TH AVE. NORTH RIVERSIDE

SATURDAY JUNE 10TH & SUNDAY JUNE 11TH

9 AM TO 3 PM

Home decor, glassware, books, clothes, furniture, and more.

HOME SERVICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: YY23010581 on May 17, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of ARCADIA FINANCIAL STRATEGIES with the business located at: 830-A NORTH BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60301. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DAVID WALZ 1518 ELGIN AVE. FOREST PARK, IL 60130.

Published in Forest Park Review May 24, 31, June 7, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010635 on May 31, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of LOUIS CO with the business located at:203 COSMAN RD, ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL 60007. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: PHILIP SCHUBITZ

Published in Wednesday Journal June 7, 14, 21

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Public Meeting

The Oak Park and River Forest High School, District 200, located at 201 N. Scoville, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 will conduct a Community Meeting which will take place on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 6 p.m. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s Petition for Planned Development of Project 2. If you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park and River Forest High School, District 200, you are urged to attend.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 and at kportillo@brookfieldil.gov. Oral or written public testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation in order to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 4857344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (south) entrance of Village Hall.

By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark June 7, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

On Thursday, June 8th 2023 at 9:00 a.m., a meeting conducted by Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District 95 will be taking place at S.E. Gross Middle School, 3524 Maple Ave. in Brookfield, in the 2nd Floor Conference room. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the District’s plans for providing special education services to students (who reside within the boundaries of Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District #95) with disabilities who attend private and home-schools within the District for the 2022-2023 school year. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact Dean Pappas, Director of Student Services, at 708-588-8863 or dpappas@district95.org

Published in RB Landmark June 7, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

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FLOORS

KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 • www. klisflooring.com

If you have any questions regarding this Community Meeting, please contact Marian Gerena at mgerena@ oprfhs.org or call (708) 434-3263.

Published in Wednesday Journal June 7, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

Notice of Public Hearing

Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission June 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM

NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider a request by the Village of Brookfield, as petitioner, to amend the text of the Village of Brookfield Code of Ordinances, Chapter 62 Zoning, for the land use of smoke and vape business.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments.

Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010646 on May 31, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of SISTERS OF LIGHT & LEGACY with the business located at: 6604 OLD PLANK BLVD., MATTESON, IL 60443. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MICHELLE WILLIAMS-SLATEN 6604 OLD PLANK BLVD. MATTESON, IL 60443

Published in Wednesday Journal June 7, 14, 21, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF THE PROPOSED APPROPRIATION FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AND OF HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING

THEREIN

Notice is hereby given that copies of the Proposed Appropriation for the Village of North Riverside for the Fiscal Year commencing May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024 are available for public inspection during normal business hours at the Village Commons, 2401 South DesPlaines Avenue, North Riverside, Illinois or on the Village’s website at: www.northriverside-il. org.

Notice is hereby given that a Public Appropriation Hearing shall be held by the Mayor and the Board of Trustees for the Village of North Riverside:

Date: Monday, June 19, 2023

Time: 6:00 PM

Place: Village Commons 2401 South DesPlaines Avenue North Riverside, Illinois

All interested persons may attend the meeting and shall have the right to present oral and written comments and suggestions regarding the proposed appropriation. After the public hearing and before final action is taken on the proposed annual appropriation ordinance, the Mayor and Board of Trustees may revise, alter, increase, or decrease any line item contained in the proposed annual appropriation ordinance.

Final action on the proposed annual appropriation ordinance will occur on July 17, 2023.

KATHY RANIERI VILLAGE CLERK NORTH RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS

Published in Wednesday Journal June 7, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHAN-

CERY DIVISION

FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC

SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2019-3;

Plaintiff,

vs.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

gaged real estate:

P.I.N. 16-07-309-045-1019.

Commonly known as 248 S. Marion St., Unit 206, Oak Park, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g)

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

MATTHEW MCMURRAY; SOUTH MALL COURT CLUB CONDOMINIUMS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 17 CH 11906

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed 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 11:00 am on Friday, June 30, 2023 for the following:

Village of Oak Park Public Works Center Locker Room Upgrades

Bid #: 23 - 120

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 June 7, 2023

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF KAREN PEISS AKA

KAREN P. PEISS AKA KAREN GAR-

DINER KOLOZSY; EDWARD J. KOLOZSY AKA EDWARD KOLOZSY;

MICHELLE P. PURCELL AKA MICHELLE PURCELL AKA

MICHELLE PEISS; CHARLES H.

PEISS AKA CHARLES

PEISS; WILLIAM (BILL) BUTCHER AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR KAREN

GARDINER KOLOZSY;

UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS;

Defendants, 22 CH 8974

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty

Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate:

P.I.N. 15-34-124-065-0000 (new); 1534-124-056 (underlying ).

Commonly known as 9523 Monroe Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1396-183819

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3221091

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

NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION; Plaintiff, vs. PATRICIA CRAWFORD; MARION-AT-MILLS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 9108

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mort-

(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 7020184095

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3220520

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HMC Assets, LLC solely in its capacity as separate trustee of CAM XI Trust

Plaintiff,

vs. Elizabeth Meza aka Elizabeth A. Meza; Agustin Meza; Unknown Owners and Non-Record

Claimants

Defendants, 21 CH 2539

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-18-135-009-0000.

Commonly known as 826 South Grove Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1491189651 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3220513

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

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 20151; Plaintiff, vs. MATTHEW O. MCMURRAY AKA

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate:

P.I.N. 16-07-314-024-1022.

Commonly known as 1150 Washington Boulevard, Apartment 1, Oak Park, IL 60302.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act

Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 6184190190 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3221092

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

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE NRZ INVENTORY TRUST

Plaintiff, -v.WANDA HURST, AKA WANDA M. HURST

Defendants

2022 CH 11588

1820 SOUTH 3RD AVENUE

MAYWOOD, IL 60153

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 27, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 5, 2023, 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 1820 SOUTH

3RD AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153

Property Index No. 15-14-305-0220000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $50,404.15.

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. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, ONE EAST WACKER, SUITE 1250, Chicago, IL, 60601 (312) 651-6700. Please refer to file number 19-030291. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI LLC

ONE EAST WACKER, SUITE 1250 Chicago IL, 60601 312-651-6700

E-Mail: AMPS@manleydeas.com

Attorney File No. 19-030291

Attorney Code. 48928

Case Number: 2022 CH 11588

TJSC#: 43-934

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 # 2022 CH 11588 I3221473

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF VINCENT DENARDO

AKA VINCENT J. DENARDO JR.; 413 SOUTH HOME AVENUE CONDOMINIUM INC.; JASON DENARDO; KAREN DOHERTY; SAM DENARDO; THOM-

AS QUINN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR VINCENT J. DENARDO JR.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 9109

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-323-047-1001.

Commonly known as 413 Home Ave, Unit 1A , Oak Park, IL 60302.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act

Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1446185825

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3221634

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS

INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST;

Plaintiff, vs. ALAN SIMKOWSKI; AUSTIN BANK OF CHICAGO; KELLY SIMKOWSKI; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 10656

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate:

P.I.N. 16-08-106-001-0000.

Commonly known as 330 N. Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1496188556

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3221639