W E D N E S D A Y
July 7, 2021 Vol. 41, No. 49 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Deputy in line to be Oak Park’s interim village manager
Village board will vote to appoint Deputy Village Manager Lisa Shelley By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
NEW RECRUIT: Howie, a Labrador retriever mix, has joined the Oak Park police department as a community service dog. Off. Joe Schejbal offers a warm welcome.
Pawtrol pup joins Oak Park community policing team
The canine officer will assist in community engagement and officer wellness By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
The Oak Park Police Department has a handsome new of-
ficer with friendly brown eyes and sleek black hair flecked with gray. His compassionate personality makes him the type of guy anyone would want to bring home to meet the family – as long as they have no dog allergies. The officer, or pawfficer, in question is Howie, a 21-monthold rescue dog, who has recently taken on the enviable occupation of community service dog within the Oak Park police department. And he’s already on track to receive an excellent performance review. See HOWIE on page 14
Deputy Village Manager Lisa Shelley is in line to become the interim village manager following the imminent departure of Cara Pavlicek, who is leaving to serve as the village manager of Northbrook. “With over 20 years of experience, she is positioned well for moving our director heads forward,” Village President Vicki Scaman said of Shelley, who was not immediately available for comment. The village board was expected to vote to appoint Shelley at its July 6 meeting, after Wednesday Journal’s print deadline. The meeting was not held Monday per the usual as the village was closed in observance of Independence Day. Shelley’s history working as a member of the village staff dates back to 1998, when she was hired as the assistant to the public works director. Two years later, she was promoted to assistant to the village manager. She’s served in her current position of deputy village manager since 2003. As deputy village manager, Shelley has already been working closely with the village board, assisting them in clarifying their goals. That, coupled with her long history at village hall, made Shelley a prime candidate for interim village manager in the board’s eyes, according to the village president. “She’s an obvious choice, as far as we’re concerned,” said Scaman, who expects each village board member will vote in favor of appointing Shelley. See SHELLEY on page 14
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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When the spell gets broken
est Eye,” her novel about Pecola Breedlove, ’ll never forget a conversation I had with two Black female Oak Park and River Forest High a Black girl who prays for blue eyes. In one School students back in 2019. I was interviewpassage, Morrison uses a doll to symbolize ing them for a story about a networking event the white standard of beauty that had been they were hosting that year. rendered universal. The students dubbed the event “Black and “Adults, older girls, shops, magazines, Brown Faces in White Spaces,” which they crenewspapers, windows’ signs — all the world ated to “allow young minority women [the space] had agreed that a blue-eyed, yellow-haired, to safely discuss the challenges of, and learn tools pink-skinned doll was what every girl child for coping in, white (particularly professional) treasured,” Morrison writes. environments,” I reported at the time. This passage brilliantly illustrates how the “I think OPRF and the Oak Park community mass consumption inherent in Western liberkind of have a way of trying to slowly suck the alism, which is supposed to facilitate free and Blackness out of you,” one of the young women fair competition as a way of purging the world Commentary told me during an interview back then. of prejudice, works to solidify the advantages “While I don’t have to code-switch as much as of whiteness through so many self-reinforcing other Black people do, because I grew up in Oak Park, I do and often unseen social cues that we’ve feel like I code-switch nonetheless; just differently,” she been conditioned to think are value said. “I feminize my voice and try to talk higher. I try to neutral (i.e., the subtle psychology of make myself seem more girly and less threatening. I smile advertising, the hidden biases of newsmore … I need to stop doing that.” paper articles, etc.). She added that the “whole premise” of the networking In this way, the white gaze in our event “is centered on assimilation, on this theory that liberal democratic society operates Black and Latina women need to change themselves to fit more like a disciplining mechanism, into this white norm.” a constant feedback loop reinforcing I didn’t realize it then, but the experience this Black whiteness and the power of the West student was articulating isn’t exclusive to non-whites, even without us knowing that this is what is though most of us — white and non-white alike — are used happening. to thinking about it only as something affecting non-white “All the world agreed” might be a standpeople, particularly Blacks. in for “the Washington Consensus,” the The awareness that my humanity, my culture, my compackage of liberal democratic reforms munity is being scrutinized, judged, appraised as worthy promoted by Washington, D.C. policy- and or unworthy of dignity by a will to power that supersedes opinion-makers after the fall of Commumy own — to be under the spell of a normalizing gaze — is nism in 1989. a universal and ancient experience. The reforms were supposed to guide Consider the etymology of the word subject, which “backward” countries like Hungary, Russia ia in our modern parlance can mean a visual element in a and Czechoslovakia into the enlightened photograph or video or within another person’s field of 21st century — one marked by ever-increassview. The word’s roots, however, reach back to the early ing economic growth, globalization and 14th century. As in a “person under control or dominion of democracy. In other words, the freedom to another,” according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. shop (as George W. Bush put it after 9/11). Even earlier, in the 12th century, the French had the word As globalization opened up borders and tore down sujet, from the Latin subiectus, “lying under, below, near competitive barriers across the world, the ancient tension bordering on,” figuratively “subjected, subdued.” between the center and the periphery was thought to be Throughout history, to be subject to a normative gaze has vanquished, once and for all, by technology and free trade. meant to be outside of the dominant power structure, to One scholar famously announced “the end of History,” be on the periphery — on the outside looking in and being meaning the end of mankind’s political evolution and his looked upon. search for the best form of government. And after this “Rulers and administrators representing a strong center pronouncement, the conventional wisdom was, for a few tended to view the periphery as an unattractive or less years after Obama’s election, that we were finally becomthan admirable segment of society,” writes Islamic studies ing “post-racial.” scholar Akbar Ahmed. “The periphery, in turn, saw the And yet, here we are. Liberal democracy is in retreat, center as predatory, corrupt, and dishonorable, an entity to anti-immigrant and autocratic governments are being be kept at arm’s length.” installed around the world, racial tensions are simmering, Ahmed adds that “history shows a direct correlation beand half of the U.S. governing system is authoritarian. tween waning power at the center and increasing indepenWhiteness and the West have lost both their luster and their all-powerful invisibility (or, more precisely, their dence at the periphery. “When strong, the center attempted to create pliable lead- seeming omniscience). This is problematic, particularly for whites who sense ership and eliminate those elements on the periphery that themselves on the periphery of power. As Ivan Krastev resisted it,” he writes. “When weak, it withdrew to attend and Stephen Holmes show in “The Light That Failed: Why to its own affairs, leaving the communities on the periphthe West is Losing the Fight for Democracy,” white people ery to their own devices.” can also feel themselves subject to the white Western gaze, This is precisely what we see in our current moment, particularly when it is under threat. as the white Western gaze gradually loses its ability to For instance, white ethnics in the old Soviet satellite hypnotize. countries like Hungary and Czechoslovakia have tried Toni Morrison deconstructed this gaze in “The Blu-
MICHAEL ROMAIN
modeling themselves after the U.S. and other liberal democratic countries in the West only to be told that they aren’t truly Western, after all. And after these whites at the periphery have put themselves through contortions (some of you may remember the Velvet Revolution) and changed their cultures and ways of living only to be met with condescension, they’ve discovered that behind the Western gaze is really a moral and cultural emptiness — an abandoned mall, figuratively speaking. Since these peripheral European countries have tried democratizing, there have been two major economic collapses, two major wars and historically high income inequality that is threatening to turn parts of some Western countries into the Third World countries they used to look down upon. “At issue is the kind of comprehensive political makeover that, partly p because becau it is orchestrated not at the West’s West command but ‘under Western eyes,’ eyes, evokes feelings of shame and resentment and stokes fears of culrese tural tura erasure,” Krastev and Holmes writes. writ The italics are mine. This is how Hungary’s Orbán, the T white whi ethnic autocrat, can shrug at law and order, saying with his l beefy bee shoulders, ‘What will it pay me to mimic the pluralistic liberal democracy of the West? My whitede ness, being on the periphery of ne hegemony, pays me no premium. he And besides, Trump, the former A leader of the free world, looks up le to me.’ For Orbán, what pays is not n the ideology of liberal democratic openness, but of naked c nationalism. n And just as leaders of white ethnic countries like Orbán are experiencing experiencin diminishing returns from the white Western gaze, young people of color nowadays are feeling less and less restricted by the politics of respectability that was their parents’ and grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ preferred method of navigating life as subjects under the spell of the gaze. Young people like that OPRF student I interviewed a few years ago don’t feel the need to signal their goodness or competence to the white world (“I need to stop to doing that”), in large part because the return on the investment, the emotional tax, the tribute paid to “fit in” is dwindling with every economic quarter. And also, like Orbán, they can see the gaze for what it is — essentially hollow. What happens when whiteness and Western dominance become fractured and threatened? When the illusion of their universality and omniscience get stripped away? It pains me to write this, but I fear we’re returning to a past that wasn’t that long ago. “Three things seem to me necessary to explain the extreme violence of the twentieth century,” writes historian Niall Ferguson in “The War of the World: Twentieth Century Conflict and the Descent of the West.” “These may be summarized as ethnic conflict, economic volatility and empires in decline.”
CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
Idea Box: Pride Through Tuesday, July 13, Main Library Celebrate Pride Month and beyond with an Idea Box window display. Learn about the Pride flag and its evolving design representative of people’s different identities, test trivia knowledge with Kahoot and explore book recommendations. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Movies in the Park Thursday, July 15, Dusk, Scoville Park Pack the blanket, some snacks and settle the whole family in for monthly movie under the stars courtesy of the Park District of Oak Park. In July, see Toy Story 4. Up next: Aug. 19 – Black Panther Sept. 16 – A Dog’s Way Home Free. Drop in event. Lake and Oak Park Ave. More: pdop. org/events/moviesinthepark
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Our Village Our Story: The Black Experience Today in Oak Park & Beyond Tuesday, July 13, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Virtually with the Oak Park Public Library Converse with fellow Black residents of Oak Park on issues important within the Black community – raising a family, running a business, community activism, mental wellness and more. This virtual space is designed to center Black people and their experiences. All welcome. Moderated by Christian Harris of Walk the Walk and panelists Darien Marion-Burton, Jacques Shalo, Juanta Griffin and Saria Lofton. More/register: oppl.org/calendar.
BIG WEEK July 7-14
“Austrian Serenade” View through Labor Day, Virtually with the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest See a recording of the live concert performed in June at the Nineteenth Century Club by The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest. Enjoy works by Mahler, Schubert and Mozart. $15 per household. Questions: theSymphonyOPRF@gmail. com, 708-218-2648. Tickets: symphonyoprf.org/2020-2021-season.
Friday Night Flicks: Jurassic World Friday, July 16, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., River Forest Public Library Lawn Bring a blanket, some snacks and watch a favorite family movie. Weather permitting. Free; drop in. PG-13; recommended for ages 10+. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com/events/fridaynight-flicks-jurassic-world. 735 Lathrop Ave.
Black History Self-Guided Bike Tour Go Anytime with Guidebook from Oak Park River Forest Museum For Juneteenth the museum debuted this free, self-guided bicycle tour of sites that tell some of the many stories of African-American life in Oak Park. The guidebook includes photos, stories and a map that has stops at the site of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, the homes or home sites of several prominent Black residents and more. More/view the guidebook: oprfmuseum.org/events/black-history-bike-tour
Selling Your Strengths & Enhancing Your Brand: A Resume Development Workshop Register now; Thursday, July 15, 2 to 3 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Library Resumes are often the first point of communication with a potential employer. It is important that it accurately conveys all skills and work history. Learn the components needed for a great resume and review the most common mistakes job seekers make when drafting their resumes. Presented by Libby Scanlan, Employment & Employer Services. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Concerts in the Park are Back!
Hemingway Shorts, Vol. 6
Sunday, July 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Scoville Park Enjoy family-friendly music and entertainment courtesy of the Park District of Oak Park. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and listen to a variety of music each Sunday through Aug. 29. First up, Serendipity featuring young female talent covering dance favorites. Up next: July 18 – Sushi Roll, pop, driving rock and theatrics July 25 – Billy Elton Band, Billy Joel/Elton John covers Free. Drop in event. Lake and Oak Park Ave. More: pdop.org/events/summer-concerts
The sixth annual Hemingway Shorts literary journal is now available. Enjoy new and emerging voices in short story form. The result of a literary writing contest held by The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, it demonstrates the foundation’s “commitment to thoughtful writing and reading,” part of their mission statement, and their goal to preserve Hemingway’s literary legacy. $15. More/purchase: hemingwaybirthplace.com/hemingway-shorts
Queerios: Cartoonist Sage Coffey Saturday, July 10, 3 to 5 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Library Join a Chicago cartoonist as they teach about zines (short for magazines). Zines can contain anything including comics, photo collage or poetry. Attendees will fold and cut a single piece of paper to make a six-page zine about the subject of their choice. Queerios is a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies, grades 6-12. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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Need a helping of
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Interim this, interim that
dds and ends with some a bit odder than others. Princeton bound: My Twitter feed brought news that Carol Kelley, until last week, in name the superintendent of our District 97 elementary schools, was alive, seemingly well and packing up for her move to Princeton, New Jersey. She told me so in her very enthusiastic video. “Can’t wait.” “Here’s my 100day plan.” “Listening.” “Coming back to my home state.” Etc. By now she is there and is all in on Princeton. That’s good. Every town needs a superintendent who is all in. It was an odd departure, though. Kelley spent the last 45 days of her Oak Park tenure on an unspecified medical leave. The two interim superintendents are now appointing interim principals. And the Golden Apple teacher at Beye, Patrick McAndrew, is still fired. That’s even though the superintendent of the district has moved 1,000 miles away. The D97 HR director has vacated her office. And the one-year principal of the school who precipitated the furor has returned to a school district in Naperville. I do wonder what the school board which voted unanimously to save McAndrew’s job
a couple months ago makes of all this. Would love to hear. Thanks Steve: The 40 departures from the newsroom of the Tribune under its deadening new ownership by Alden Global Capital have gotten the headlines the past two weeks. But here in Oak Park and River Forest the true loss was the decision by Steve Schering, lead reporter for Oak Leaves and Forest Leaves, to also take the buyout. A strong, steady reporter, Schering did a remarkable job covering a gamut of beats in the villages, keeping the Leaves credible in a time of scarce resources. And trust me, we know something about scarce resources. All the best to Steve, a fellow Sox fan, by the way. A notable grant for Growing Community Media: While the board of Tribune Publishing chose to sell itself to a notorious hedge fund, here at Wednesday Journal we’re plowing new ground and have become a nonprofit newsroom. Last week brought the great news that our Growing Community Media was one of 27 nonprofit newsrooms in America, and one of two in Chicago, to earn a $20,000 grant
DAN HALEY
Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit OakPark.com/ subscribe
from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The funds will be used to support our digital technology over the coming year. Thanks to the Knight Foundation, News Revenue Hub and the Institute for Nonprofit News for this key support. And we’re hiring: A couple of months back we added a full-time education reporter to Wednesday Journal thanks to the support of our 2,000-and-counting donors. Now we have two more jobs to fill. One is a replacement for our digital publishing and technology manager. We’re also adding a position in development and sales coordination. Job descriptions coming this week. And next week we have two promotions to announce. I hate sports betting: There is a bit of a Puritan in me and it surfaces most quickly on the subject of state-approved gambling. Now that the Black Sox and all of Major League Baseball is knee deep in sports betting, it makes listening to sports radio or watching the incessant ads during Sox games difficult. Into the world: Felt great last week to have dinner on the patio at New Rebozo and to give and get a hug from Paco Lopez, my friend of 30 years and the chef and owner. And Monday, our first trip back to the Lake to see the terrific and highly relevant “Summer of Soul.” Small steps.
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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Midterm Oak Park village trustees reflect on new dynamics For two, it’s a stark change By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
It seems a new era of calm and improved communication has begun at Oak Park’s village board table. Trustees interact with each other politely during meetings as Village President Vicki Scaman calmly shepherds the board through its docket of agenda items. In the two months since Oak Park’s new village board members were sworn in, no major public arguments have broken out. In independent interviews with Wednesday Journal, mid-term trustees Jim Taglia, Susan Buchanan and Arti Walker-Peddakotla reflected on the change in dynamics between board members, as well as between staff, from the previous two years. “It has been a little bit like night and day,” said Buchanan. One of the factors that has contributed to the change, Buchanan believes, is the polit-
“We have yet to have really difficult conversations.It’ll be interesting to see how those conversations go.” ARTI WALKERPEDDAKOTLA Trustee
“From my perspective ... it’s the same.” JIM TAGLIA Trustee
ical views of the new faces at the board table –temporarily a virtual table as in-person meetings have yet to resume. “Overall, it’s a more progressive board,” she said. The board has made a number of goals related to increased sustainability and equity, revamped community safety and proactive transparency. The goals are not dissimilar from those made by the previous board, according to Buchanan, but the current board is more committed to achieving theirs. “We made goals two years ago, and I never heard a word about them again,” she said. Buchanan relayed that it took her two years on the board, then under the leadership of former village president Anan AbuTaleb, to figure out the staff member in charge of coordinating meeting agendas. “I couldn’t figure out why we weren’t getting follow-up on items that were clearly priorities for the majority of the board,” said Buchanan. “And that was due to a lack of accountability and a lack of transparency.” She credits the current board’s mutual desire for improved governmental accountability and transparency as being one of the biggest changes to come from the board’s turnover. Taglia feels it unfair to categorize the
g n a H e r e h in t k r a P k a O
previous board as unwilling to promote accountability regarding goals, especially considering how COVID-19 has impacted the village. “What members forget, on occasion, is that we’ve gone through a pandemic that has totally changed every facet of what we do at village hall,” he said. “We’ve all been working remotely, and the board didn’t meet for three months.” He cited keeping village spending at a reasonable level and preserving only a three percent increase to its tax levy yearly as goals the previous board both committed to and saw accomplished. Taglia doesn’t believe the current board is more united than the previous board. “From my perspective, again, it’s the same,” he said, adding that he got along with the members of the previous board just as he gets along with current members. Walker-Peddakotla believes there has been a “marked difference” between the previous board and the current. “It’s a pretty seismic change,” said Walker-Peddakotla. She believes the board’s set of goals are more progressive than any previous Oak Park village board has set to her knowledge. While board members are united now, Walker-Pedakkotla thinks it possible that could change. “We have yet to have really difficult conversations,” she said. “It’ll be interesting to see how those conversations go.” The relationship between the board and staff evolves, taking time to establish consistent pace for operations, said WalkerPeddakotla. With the goals approved, she is interested to see how staff will work to achieve them. While Taglia said he is in regular communication with current members, just as he was with the previous members, WalkerPeddakotla has said her scope of communication has widened with the new board. “I would say I didn’t really communicate with previous board members,” she said, citing Buchanan as the exception. “Now I’m communicating on a regular basis with almost all of the board members.”
“I couldn’t figure out why we weren’t getting follow-up on items that were clearly priorities for the majority of the board.And that was due to a lack of accountability and a lack of transparency.” SUSAN BUCHANAN Trustee
The previous board was notable for public discord among members, which occasionally led to arguments. Taglia was reluctant to discuss past acrimonious relationships, but Buchanan was candid. “I was ready for that session to be over,” she said. “Because of the differing personalities.” Walker-Peddakotla, who often sparred with previous members over racial equity in relation to community safety, felt it important to convey that an absence of arguments is not necessarily better than an abundance. “Sometimes the absence of dysfunction could mean that people are comfortable, and they’re not really making any changes,” she said. “I think conversation sometimes require healthy debates.”
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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Brimming with ideas is important, but having a personal space to dedicate time and energy to develop, refine and turn those ideas into finished works can be a godsend. Both of these are now true for Rebecca Morgan Frank, the new Writer in Residence (WIR) at the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park (EHFOP). Frank, a poet who lives in walking distance of Hemingway’s birthplace, 339 N. Oak Park Ave., has published four poetry collections, the latest, Oh You Robot Saints! in February this year. Poet Sean Singer said of the book, “The poems wonder if robots — mechanical ones and Rebecca Morgan Frank spiritual ones — mimic creation itself.” that highlight poet and composer collaboFrank’s Sometimes We’re All Living in a rations. My hope is that we will be able to Foreign Country, published in 2017, has poState Farmpartner with other literary organizations ems “voiced by perpetual outsiders searchandILlocal businesses, like our local gem The Bloomington, ing for a sense of place.” Her other poetry Book Table.” collections are The Spokes of Venus and 2001290 The Hemingway Foundation also has Little Murders Everywhere. She has also an annual writing contest, Hemingway published poems in The New Yorker, The Shorts, which WIRs are involved with long Guardian, Ploughshares, Kenyon Review, term. The short story contest “is designed and Academy of American Poets (poets. to capture new voices engaged in the creorg) to name a few. ative writing process” and gives “new and The EHFOP Writer in Residence program emerging writers the opportunity to see is a two-year term in which the writer has their work published” according to the access to the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum’s attic writing space. The residen- EHFOP website. Submitted works are recy, which begins on July 15, will allow Frank viewed by a panel that includes current and past WIRs. to work on her next book. The Writer in Residence program was “The wonderful attic writer’s room will reintroduced in 2012. Frank is the sixth provide me with space to work on several writer to “serve as an ambassador for the projects, including my fifth collection of poems, which revolves around histories and foundation” since that time. She will hold ideas of the built world, including failed and the post until 2023. Outgoing WIR, Laura hostile architecture,” she said. “I can’t think Young, worked on The Butcher, her horror of a more perfect workplace for reading and novel with an anticipated September 2022 thinking about architecture and the spaces publication date, while working at the muwe inhabit than a landmark writer’s home.” seum. Young teaches English at OPRF High Frank will also be using the space to ex- School. Frank is on the faculty of Northwestern’s plore other art forms. School of Professional Studies, teaching “I am also working with Chicago composer Eric Malmquist on a short opera based masters-level writing. She is the co-foundon a mysterious historical event here in Il- er, editor-in-chief and poetry editor of the linois,” she said. “An uninhabited Victorian online literary magazine Memorious: A house should provide a lot of inspiration for Journal of New Verse and Fiction. A board member of the National Book Critics Circle, that project.” The WIR also mentors Oak Park and which “honors outstanding writing and fosRiver Forest High School seniors who were ters a national conversation about reading, recognized in the Hemingway Foundation’s criticism and literature,” she serves on the Scholarship writing contest their junior poetry committee. For more on Frank and to read her poetry, year. Another responsibility is to assist in developing educational programming, open visit rebeccamorganfrank.com. Find her books at The Book Table: booktable.net, 1045 to the community. Frank said she plans to work with EHFOP Lake St., Oak Park. More on the HemingExecutive Director Keith Strom “on curat- way Museum, including tour information: ing readings, as well as some performances hemingwaybirthplace.com.
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Library board appoints new trustee Susanne Fairfax chosen out of 26 applicants By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
The Oak Park Public Library (OPPL) Board of Trustees appointed writer and filmmaker Susanne Fairfax to fill the trustee seat vacated by Saria Lofton, the candidate that won the position in the April 6 municipal election but effectively resigned by not participating in the board’s swearing in ceremony. Fairfax was among 26 applicants vying to fill the vacancy – an unexpectedly large candidate pool. “It was a surprise to all of us,” library board president Matt Fruth told Wednesday Journal. At most, he expected 10 people to apply. Other trustees, Fruth noted, anticipated only five or six. Not every applicant had prior experience working with libraries, although some did. A doctor and public health
Join Us in Celebrating 35 Years! Upcoming Programs and Events July 10: Year of the Butterfly at the Conservatory July 20: Get the Dirt Free Virtual Lecture July 23: Uncorked at the Conservatory
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Library board candidates More than two dozen Oak Parkers applied for the open position on the library board. Susanne Fairfax was chosen for the seat. ■ Vicki Bielanski ■ Marta Segal Block ■ Melissa Byrd ■ Sarah Corbin ■ Ann Dvoretsky ■ Susanne Fairfax ■ Nathan Green ■ David Gulbransen ■ Christopher Hamilton ■ Vernice Haskins ■ Lou Anne Johannesson ■ Kendall Harvey ■ Carol Jago ■ Deborah Kadin ■ Mary Kilbridge ■ Molly Lowe ■ Juan Munoz ■ Chidinma Osineme ■ James Robinson-Parran ■ Ira Rigaud ■ Kelly Schweitzer ■ Marie-Louise Settem ■ Terez Stewart
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■ Mathew Thompson ■ Carolyn Walter ■ Karen Lee Williams
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professionals, as well as two former village election candidates, submitted themselves for consideration. “It was a wealth of talented people – so many of them could have been excellent board members,” SUSANNE FAIRFAX said Fruth. Applicants were invited to publicly present their candidacies during the board’s June 22 meeting. In executive session following the presentations, the board unanimously chose Fairfax as Lofton’s replacement. “She seemed to be for me, as well as everyone else, the strongest candidate,” Fruth said. Her background in equity set Fairfax apart from the others, according to Fruth, as it fell in line with the library’s goal to actively promote anti-racism and equity education in the community. As part of its anti-racism mission, OPPL is looking to hire a director of equity and anti-racism as well. Fairfax applied for the two-year appointment to further the library’s anti-racism effort. “We are currently at an inflection point in history regarding race and equity,” Fairfax told Wednesday Journal. “It is well past time for Oak Park to live into our reputation as a diverse community and create an equitable one.” Fairfax’s name is familiar to many in Oak Park. She has been active in the community since she and her wife moved to the village 16 years ago, frequently making public comments at village board meetings advocating for a number of social causes. Her resume is extensive, especially as related to equity. She has previously served on the board of the Chicago-based organization Women in the Director’s Chair. Fairfax is also active with Center on Halsted, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community center in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. She co-facilitates cohorts for Race Conscious Dialogues and organizes with Freedom to Thrive Oak Park. Her name is listed among those who signed a letter asking the village board to defund the Oak Park Police Department. Fairfax also formed the diversity committee for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Illinois for four years. In December 2019 Fairfax was on the host committee for the “Re-envisioning Community Safety” event in Oak Park. “I very much look forward to serving in this new capacity,” she said.
Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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Pop up partnership: Lively Athletics and OP Brewing Restaurant meets retail in Oak Park Ave. mash up By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor
Anne Pezalla and Kate Pezalla Marlin, coowners of Lively Athletics, have had longtime dreams of opening a men’s annex to complement their women’s boutique at 109 N. Oak Park Ave. Now, Lively in Guyville, a men’s pop-up shop, is expected to open on Saturday, Aug. 7 inside of Oak Park Brewing Company, 155 S. Oak Park Ave. “We need a few permits and a special business license, but all of that is in process and the village has been very responsive to all our questions,” said Pezalla. “It feels like we will never be ready in time, but I know we will get it done in time. We always do.” Pezalla and her sister Kate became friends with Jim Cozzens, co-owner of Oak Park Brewing, at a Hemingway District block party in 2014. When a microburst whipped up winds and torrential rains poured down on Cozzen’s beer tent, the “Lively girls” came to his rescue. From there a friendship blossomed and the Lively running club often spent time at Oak Park Brewing. “We love beer, and we love Jim,” said Pezalla. “He is a smart, easy-going, nice guy and such fun to work with. Kate was sold the second she saw the space at Oak Park Brewing.” Lively in Guyville, named for Pezalla Marlin’s affinity for musician Liz Phair, will be housed in the former home of Hamburger Mary’s connected to the brewery. The shop is temporary for now and set to remain open through the end of December. Pezalla indicated if the venture is successful, they would be open to the idea of extending the lease. Men’s athletic apparel, running shoes and gift items will make up the bulk of the
Guyville inventory. “The Lively girls have so much energy,” said Cozzens. “They took one look at the space and wanted to go for it. It will be great to have them here.” The pandemic took a toll on the resilient brewery and Cozzens is patiently waiting for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to be replenished in hopes a financial infusion will help take some pressure off the five-year-old business. He is also in the process of securing a Class L designation as a historic store front in hopes it will alleviate some of the tax burden on the restaurant. In the meantime, Cozzens will continue to peddle deep dish pizza and house-brewed beer and anticipates Lively in Guyville will bring a new set of customers to the restaurant during daytime hours. As far as Pezalla and Cozzens know their restaurant-meets-retail collaboration is the first of its kind in the village and they hope to leverage the partnership into collaborative events. On Sunday, Aug. 8, the pop-up shop is offering a classic rock themed yoga class for men and Cozzens will take participants through a beer tasting following the class. The businesses owners have come together to brew a beer to commemorate the collaboration and promote the men’s shop, as well. The name of the beer has yet to be revealed, but Cozzens said it is an “American style adjunct lager similar to Miller High Life” designed to beef up Oak Park Brewing’s array of summer beers. “Oak Park loves its restaurants and breweries,” said Pezalla. “This is a unique collaboration where people can enjoy a local brew pub and support another small business at the same time.” Lively in Guyville will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily beginning Aug. 7 and shoppers can expect Oak Park Brewing to offer “beer specials” to customers.
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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River Forest clarifies commission appointments Trustees agree to bolster communication, create guide about expectations, responsibilities By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter
The River Forest Village Board moved forward with two enhancements to the village’s advisory body appointment process at the June 28 village board meeting, strengthening communications and post-appointment support. The issue was first raised by resident John Grant at the Jan. 25 village board meeting and he and other residents provided additional comments in February. In addition, comments from 20 additional residents on the issue were submitted. More input was obtained at a public meeting in June, at which nine members of the public made comments. An extraordinary 28 appointments or reappointments to committees and commissions were approved at the June 28 meeting causing some consternation for some trustees. In a memo to the board, Lisa Scheiner, acting village administrator, recommended using the village’s website, e-news and social media communications channels and its “robust communications program” to better educate members of the community regarding how applications can be submitted to advisory bodies, commission vacancies and what happens once an application has been submitted. She said the website should have information regarding roles/responsibilities and accomplishments of the advisory bodies, how the appointment process works, how residents can engage with these bodies and specific information about each advisory body, including clearly articulated duties, number of members of each advisory body and appointment terms. Scheiner said the communication process
should include other community partners “What are we doing a few months out to to extend the reach of the village’s engage- prepare?” she asked. “What is the role of ment. the president and what is the role She also suggested making of the chairman or the other comadditional resources available missioners?” to further acclimate newly apShe suggested that the chairpointed officials to their roles, person approach committee or including creation of a guide commission members six months to help officials understand the before their terms expire to ask if roles and responsibilities of they plan to continue. each advisory body; parliamenTrustee Katie Brennan supporttary procedure and rules of ed involving the chairs, noting procedure specific to each advi“That’s the person with boots on sory body; statutory guidelines the ground.” of the Open Meetings, FreeVillage President Cathy Adduci dom of Information and Gift also agreed but noted that “sometimes we don’t know until the very Ban acts; the requirement that last minute” that a committee or statements of economic intercommission member plans to reest must be filed annually; and sign or decides against continuing the roles and responsibilities after his or her term expires. of advisory body and positions “I agree that as soon as we know within the advisory bodies. we ought to begin the process of Trustees were generally supCATHY ADDUCI letting residents know,” she addportive of Scheiner’s recomRiver Forest President ed. mendations, although some Brennan suggested that propoints generated discussion spective volunteers be encouraged more than others. to attend a meeting of the commitTrustee Bob O’Connell adtee or commission they hope to vocated including job descriptions and said he was not in favor of “a sub- join which would “give them more information about what that commission does.” stantial vetting process.” She proposed that encouraging prospecTrustee Ken Johnson said it is “very important” that officials continue to develop tive volunteers to attend such a meeting be transparency and advocated “taking time to “baked in” to the application. Noting that residents have said they don’t educate residents about the process.” Trustee Respicio Vazquez noted that resi- know enough about the process and have dents do not have to wait for a vacancy to ap- expressed a desire for more transparency, ply for a position on a committee or commis- “Let’s put it out there.” Adduci pointed out that some residents sion. He also noted that residents can apply at any time and be placed on a waiting list. don’t know which committee or commission They also can apply for a position on more they want to join, noting, “They just want to give back.” than one committee or commission. Bachner’s suggestion that trustees see apRegarding the post-appointment process, Vazquez suggested that a “strong emphasis” plications of those not chosen by the presibe placed on the importance of participa- dent was opposed by Adduci, who defended the current practice. tion and the need to have a quorum. She said “almost all” municipalities folTrustee Erika Bachner said residents have been asking about the process since low the same process that River Forest folFebruary and suggested that a timeline be lows and said she wanted to avoid adding established that would let residents know in another level of bureaucracy. “I don’t think we need that,” she said. “I advance of a potential vacancy.
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think it works and I think it’s not broken.” Brennan asked that trustees be given recommendations “a month or two” in advance and cited the pressure she felt having to vote on 28 appointments and reappointments. She noted that the majority of the reappointments were for positions that expired April 30 and two were chairs. Vazquez acknowledged that the 28 appointments and reappointments were an extraordinary number to consider at a single meeting, but he noted that action was deferred not only because the board was studying the process but also because the village president position was on the April 6 election ballot and a change in leadership was possible. “We will do our best to get it as quickly as we can,” Adduci said. The village currently has 11 standing advisory bodies and two ad hoc committees. Of the 11 standing boards and commissions, five are created by state statute and account for 21 of the 52 appointments by the village president and board of trustees. The remaining six standing boards and commissions were created by the village board and account for 31 appointments. In addition, 54 individuals are appointed to the ad hoc committees.
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
Keystone wins, and loses, in latest court battle with River Forest
Village won’t have to repay $1.1 million school says it is owed
ers,” said Adduci in the statement. “Nearly 25 years ago, school officials willingly and knowingly entered into an agreement with the village promising to pay property taxes on the North Avenue location they are in, prior to moving into this important commercial corridor. It is disheartening that the By MARIA MAXHAM school has put such substantial financial reStaff Reporter sources into court battles, when the village The long-running and litigious battle be- has consistently offered to help the school tween the village of River Forest and Key- find an alternate location where they could stone Montessori School reached a notable appropriately seek tax exempt status.” At the heart of the bitter legal battle bebut split decision in June as an Illinois appellate court ruled that the school on North tween the village and Keystone is the origiAvenue could claim tax exempt property tax nal contract between the two entities, a constatus as a nonprofit but that it could not tract that led to Keystone suing River Forest in Cook County Circuit reclaim the $1.1 million in Court in 2018. Keystone’s taxes it has previously paid. claim was that the school’s The issue dates back a original zoning approval, quarter century to when the which they accepted at the Montessori school relocated time, included an agreement into a commercial property that the school would never – a large bridal salon – on seek a property tax exempNorth Avenue. An agreetion. But Illinois tax code ment was made at the time states that “all property of between the village governschools, not sold or leased or ment and the school that it otherwise used with a view could move in if it agreed to profit, is exempt” from to pay property taxes and to property taxes. not appeal that decision in The lawsuit claimed that the future. the original agreement reThe First District Appelgarding property taxes, late Court of Illinois ruled which the school entered that the original contract into willingly, was unconbetween Keystone Montesstitutional and illegal. KeyCATHY ADDUCI sori School, 7415 W. North stone Montessori asked River Forest President Ave., and the village of River for reimbursement for atForest is void, according torneys’ fees, an end to the to a June 25 press release original agreement with the from the school’s attorneys, village, and $1.1 million in property taxes Mauck & Baker, LLC. According to the press release, Keystone they say they should never have paid. In December 2018, the Illinois Department will now work to reclaim its nonprofit real estate tax exemption, suspended after the of Revenue granted Keystone a property tax village appealed the Illinois Department exemption, but the village appealed that rulof Revenue’s decision granting one to the ing. In 2019, the school faced foreclosure, which school. Keystone attorneys predict appeal proceedings will be successful for the school. they blamed on the village’s alleged illegal The village, however, won’t have to re- insistence on the payment of property taxes. imburse the school for the $1.1 million in At that time, an anonymous donor stepped property taxes Keystone says it was forced in and bought the school’s mortgage bonds. In the June 25 press release, John Mauck, illegally to pay. In a statement, River Forest President attorney for Keystone, said, “The obstinate Cathy Adduci said they are “pleased” the re- insistence by the Village of River Forest to quest for reimbursement was dismissed but enforce an illegal contract has harmed many. expressed dissatisfaction with the decision But Keystone is certainly gratified that the appellate court has confirmed the opinion of regarding the contract. “The village is disappointed with the ap- the circuit judge that a real estate tax exemppellate court’s decision invalidating Key- tion is a ‘quintessential right’ for schools.” “As far as next steps,” Adduci said, “the stone Montessori School’s property tax agreement, and the unfair tax burden it now village will continue to weigh its options, as puts squarely on all River Forest taxpay- our fiduciary responsibility is to represent and to protect all River Forest taxpayers.”
“The village is disappointed with the appellate court’s decision invalidating Keystone Montessori School’s property tax agreement, and the unfair tax burden it now puts squarely on all River Forest taxpayers.”
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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When seniors need a helping handyman Joint taxing body program helps seniors in need of modest home repairs By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Senior citizens in Oak Park and River Forest have a new source for help their home renovation and maintenance tasks. Oak Park and River Forest townships, as well as the respective village government counterparts, have banded together to start a new handyman program for residents over 60 years old. “We’ve seen this need resurface through the years, and this was a really exciting option to bring forward as a solution,” said Pam Mahn, senior services director of Oak Park and River Forest townships. Through the new handyman program, Oak Park and River Forest seniors can have an insured and reliable professional clean their gutters, repair faucets, hang shelves and take care of many other home maintenance needs for a cost of $20, $30 or $40 an hour, depending on income level. The fees are much more affordable than hiring a professional outside of the program, according
“We’re focused especially on home modifications to make sure that it’s accessible for them to stay in the home and be able to stay in the community.”
to Mahn. to include the residents of “Generally, if you call a Oak Park and River Forest plumber or a professional for into their scope of work,” said home repairs, you’re often Mahn. “Robyn Sandys, executimes looking at even a $50 tive director, has been an asset or $75 charge just to come out to moving the work forward and look at the home,” she throughout this time.” said. “And that’s before they To reserve a handyman, even do anything.” Oak Park and River Forest seThe two townships and vilniors need only to call Northlage governments are splitwest Housing. The non-profit ting the program’s adminiswill take down the caller’s trative costs during its first information, discuss what year, with each entity contribtasks need accomplishing and uting $1,750. Those costs to then schedule a visit from PAM MAHN the local governments include the handyman, who happens Senior services director interviewing handymen, conto live locally, according to ducting background checks Mahn. The senior then pays and training. the handyman directly. “What we’re going to also do application David Taub will serve as the program’s for funding for those who are low income to handyman. Mahn said that Taub will gauge receive services without cost,” said Mahn. whether additional workers should be hired For the program, the four taxing bodies based on the amount of repair work generare working with Northwest Housing Part- ated through the program. nership, a non-profit agency promoting pubThe handyman’s training extends beyond lic and private partnerships that that which is required to make general recreate and preserve cost-effective quality pairs and install basic home necessities. “The handy person is going to be particihousing for residents of low to moderate pating in dementia friends training, so they incomes. “We really appreciate the Northwest know what it looks like to work with someHousing Partnership for their willingness one who may have dementia and know that
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they can reach out to us if they see any concerning issues,” said Mahn. Given there is only one handyman, the availability to make emergency repairs is not guaranteed. The program is meant to help seniors with routine upkeep and general fixes, such as the installation of grab bars. “We’re focused especially on home modifications to make sure that it’s accessible for them to stay in the home and be able to stay in the community.”
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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Two D97 vets named dual interim principals at Beye
Carter, Sullivan will lead school for next year By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter
Two former educators from Oak Park Elementary School District 97 have recently
been named co-interim principals of William Beye Elementary School. Beye is at 230 N. Cuyler Ave. During a June 29 special meeting, the Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Cheryl Sullivan and Sheila Carter to share the role of principal at Beye for the 2021-22 school year. Sullivan and Carter replaced Jennifer Schemidt, who resigned
William Beye Elementary School
from her position as principal after one year and plans to take on a school psychologist post in the Naperville Community Unit School District 203. The position was posted internally, and two other candidates were interviewed, said district spokesperson Amanda Siegfried in an email to Wednesday Journal. Sullivan, a longtime Oak Park resident, comes to Beye with 27 years of experience in education, dedicating nearly half of that time to District 97. Sullivan has served as an assistant principal for Longfellow Elementary School, as well as an interim principal and student support specialist at Mann Elementary School, according to a news release issued June 30 by the district. As for Carter, she has spent more than 40 years working many different positions in District 97. Carter was the principal of Hatch Elementary School for 17 years and an assistant principal at Lincoln Elementary School for five years, the release also stated. While Carter retired in 2015, she has continued to support the district and most recently served as a co-interim principal at Lincoln Elementary School, according to the release. “I am honored and humbled to have been chosen to be a co-interim principal at Beye along with Sheila Carter,” Sullivan stated in the news release. “I am passionate about working hard to meet the needs of all stu-
SHEILA CARTER
CHERYL SULLIVAN
dents in collaboration with students, staff and families. I am truly looking forward to serving the Beye community.” Interim Superintendents Patricia Wernet and Griff Powell, who also began his position July 1, plan to work with the district’s senior leadership team and provide further support to Beye throughout the school year, the release stated. Plans for a formal and open search for a permanent principal will “likely begin after the district’s new superintendent is named in early 2022,” according to the release. “Cheryl and Sheila are collaborative, student-centered educators who care deeply about our community and the families we serve,” Wernet said about the incoming cointerim principals. “We are confident that they will provide excellent leadership and stability to Beye during the coming school year.”
The superintendent search continues At the June 29 meeting, board members also continued their discussion on finding a permanent superintendent for District 97. The board is currently considering working with one of the following search firms to help with the hiring process: BWP & Associates; Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, and School Exec Connect. Board members plan to invite the three search firms to a meeting later this month, so they can learn more about them, said Board President Jung Kim. With that meeting, the board hopes to select a firm and offer a contract, Kim added. With BWP & Associates, Kim said she was impressed to learn that 82% of the superintendents placed by the Libertyvillebased search firm stayed at their districts beyond their three-to-five-year contracts. Among the board’s list of potential firms, BWP & Associates had one of the highest retention rates for superintendents hired and a strong community engagement plan, said Kim and board member Nancy Ross Dribin. For board member Gavin Kearney, he said what he appreciated most about BWP
& Associates was its commitment to bringing in a diverse pool of candidates and forming relationships with organizations such as the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents and the National Alliance for Black School Educators. Also up for consideration was Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates, a search firm out of northwest suburban Schaumburg. This past January, Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 hired HYA to conduct the search for the district’s next superintendent. Like BWP & Associates, HYA also had a high retention rate for superintendents hired, Kim said. In previous years, people of color made up half of HYA’s candidate pools, “which is impressive considering how white leadership tends to be in education,” Kim added. Board members also mentioned that one of Hazard’s team members is Connie Collins, an Oak Park resident and a former D97 superintendent. As for School Exec Connect, Kearney said the Oak Park-based organization had associates in at least eight states, which meant they could help cast a wider net of
applicants. Kearney said he wanted to ask School Exec Connect questions about its engagement process and whether it would include open forums, “so people don’t feel handpicked” to be JUNG KIM part of the conversation. Board members also briefly spoke about Educational Leadership Solutions (ELS) and the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), which they later ruled out from their short list. While ELS seemed to involve the board in the search for the next superintendent, Kim and board member Cheree Moore said their biggest critique was that the Mississippi-based firm didn’t lay out any plans to pull in diverse applicants. With IASB, the district recently sought help from the organization and worked with a consultant after Superintendent Carol Kelley resigned. During the board’s
conversation, Kim said IASB’s retention rate for superintendents with three-year contracts was 68%, which was lower than BWP and HYA. The upside, however, was that IASB had previously worked to staff superintendent positions for schools in diverse communities such as Berwyn, Lyons and Country Club Hills, she said. As far as the hiring process goes, IASB had “à la carte” options, Kim said. That meant the board would work alongside IASB and be more hands-on in the superintendent search, she said. Board member Venus Hurd Johnson commented on IASB and said she did like its approach, as it allowed her and her colleagues to customize the search process, but “I also see how it could get overwhelming.” She also voiced concerns on how the organization may not be helpful when it came to drawing in candidates from out of state. The next school board meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 13.
F. Amanda Tugade
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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HOWIE
To serve and calm from page 1 “He is the new shining star,” said Administrative Commander Kellie Murphy, who is charged with overseeing Howie’s care until a permanent service dog coordinator is chosen. As community service dog, Howie’s main responsibility is to make people happy. He will join sworn officers in attending events around Oak Park to increase community engagement with the police department. “We want as many people to meet Howie as possible,” said Murphy. His other job duties include assisting in officer wellness and helping department members who experience traumatic incidents, relieve their anxiety and raising serotonin levels by putting his bodyweight into snuggling, in a form of deep pressure therapy to relax a person’s nervous system. Howie carries out his responsibilities with enthusiasm. “He likes to do his job,” Murphy confirmed. Howie made his way to the Oak Park Police Department by way of SIT Service Dogs, an Illinois-based organization which trains and places service dogs. During his time with the organization, Howie underwent 1,250 hours of service training, including deep pressure therapy, according to the village of Oak Park. The majority of the dogs that go through SIT come from its own breeding program, but Howie was a rescue who came to the organization a couple months short of his first birthday. The department was inspired to get a community service dog after learning about Sage, the canine community cop with the Illinois State University Police Department. Sage came from SIT as well, according to Murphy. Howie’s home is in police station, located in the basement
SHELLEY
Interim manager from page 1 Scaman does not anticipate any members of staff having any concerns in appointing Shelley, believing village personnel have a great respect for their colleague. Pavlicek’s last day as village manager of Oak Park is Aug. 19. If appointed July 6, Shelley will continue in her role as deputy village manager until Pavlicek’s exit. Shelley expressed interest in becoming interim village manager, according to Scaman. Pavlicek did not present Shelley or any other
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
CRIME DOG: Village crime analyst Susannah Yong, left, and officer Joe Schejbal work with pawfficer Howie on training exercises on Friday, July 2, 2021, outside Village Hall. of village hall on Madison Street. He has his own room, as well as multiple beds and toys around the station. His favorite toy is a tennis ball. During the day, Howie likes to lie down under officers’ desks. Howie did not provide a comment but did give the reporter a kiss on the face. While the kiss was well-received in this particular instance, Howie is still being trained in workplace professionalism. “No licks,” Murphy reminded him. He works from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. A schedule dictates who takes Howie out on bathroom breaks, which occur three to four times during the day. He also goes out to exercise at least twice a day.
Howie wears a special vest designating him as a community service dog. The uniform alerts people that he is safe to pet, unlike many other dogs that accompany police officers. When the vest comes off, Howie is off duty. “Once we take off his vest, we play ball with him in the hallways or we go out on the grassy knoll and run around with him,” said Murphy. Murphy doesn’t know whether Howie, who is believed to be a Labrador retriever mix, was in a shelter prior. The Oak Park Police Department didn’t choose Howie. He was placed by SIT, but it’s safe to say everyone is pleased with the arrangement. “Everyone loves Howie,” said Murphy, who agreed that Howie was the handsomest officer in the department.
while serving as Interim Vilmember of staff to the village lage Manager,” the resolution board as a possible interim redictates. placement. The resolution also allows “She responded to questions reShelley to revert to her previlated to Lisa, as a member of our ous position as deputy village personnel, but she did not recommanager after the conclusion mend any individual directly,” of her service as interim vilsaid Scaman. lage manager and allows her to Identifying a temporary replacerollover any unused vacation ment for Pavlicek took place in LISA SHELLEY time. If appointed, Shelley will executive session, where terms of the position were worked out. The reso- determine who will take over her responsilution to appoint Shelley states that, should bilities as deputy. Scaman told Wednesday Journal that Shelshe become interim village manager, she would receive a salary of $195,425 on a pro ley would accept the position if appointed but did not know whether Shelley intended rata basis beginning Aug. 20. “Ms. Shelley shall maintain all of her cur- to submit herself for consideration as Pavrent benefits as Deputy Village Manager licek’s full-time replacement.
“I would hope that that she would apply for the job on a permanent basis,” said the village president. While Scaman called Shelley’s qualifications “stellar” and said looks forward to working with her, the village board will hold Shelley to the same standard of accountability as any other village manager. “I have expressed very clearly to Lisa Shelley the expectations of our board of improved collaboration, communication and transparency,” said Scaman. “Just as we would be holding any village manager accountable to meet those expectations, any interim village manager would still be held accountable for meeting those expectations.”
Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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C R I M E
East Ave. home uninhabitable after Friday fire Oak Park had no fireworks related incidents over the Fourth of July weekend, but the Oak Park Fire Department was still called into action last Friday when a fire broke out in a residential building in the 1000 block of South East Avenue. “No one was at home at the time of the fire,” said Erik Jacobsen, the village of Oak Park’s social media manager. Firefighters responded to the scene at about 4:45 p.m. Crews reported smoke and flames overtaking the building’s first and second floors, spreading throughout the building. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, it is believed to have begun in the basement of the building, according to Jakobsen. The building sustained heavy fire damage, leaving it uninhabitable. Five residents have been displaced but have found alternative housing. “The family’s pet dog was rescued and revived with CPR and an oxygen mask at the scene,” said Jakobsen. One firefighter sustained minor burns to his ear and face as a result of the fire but was transported to Loyola Medical Center where he was treated and released. “Due to the heavy fire load and size of the structure, a box alarm was sounded, bringing units from River Forest, Forest Park, Berwyn, Cicero, North Riverside and Stickney to the scene,” said Jacobsen.
estimated loss is $1,200.
Motor vehicle theft
■ Someone took a vehicle, left with the keys inside, from the 1100 block of South Boulevard between 9 p.m., June 25 and 9 a.m., June 26. The estimated loss is $10,500.
we are open and living life like never before!
Attempted armed robbery Two men approached a man as he was driving through an ATM, showed handguns and demanded money at 2:10 a.m., June 30 in the 900 block of Madison Street. The victim was able to push one of the handguns away from his face and then drove off. The offenders were last seen traveling eastbound on Madison Street in a black Jeep Cherokee.
Robbery A resident was robbed while riding her bicycle when she was approached by two teenage boys. One grabbed her bike by the handlebars then took it from her, while the other boy watched at 6:35 p.m., June 29 in the 100 block of South Humphrey Avenue. The first boy fled the scene on the bicycle, while the second ran. The bike was recovered on the north side of South Humphrey, but the attached saddlebag, which contained the victim’s property, was removed.
Burglary A man was observed via video surveillance breaking the window of Na Siam Thai Restaurant, 6851 North Ave., then removing cash from the register and a tablet from inside the restaurant at 2:57 a.m., June 25. The
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Homes
New book gives fresh look at Wright Home and Studio
Former Frank Lloyd Wright Trust education director explores how landmark building evolved By LACEY SIKORA
T
Contributing Reporter
hey say you can’t go home again, but sometimes if home is Oak Park, it’s not that easy to stay away. Architectural historian Lisa D. Schrenk may no longer live in Oak Park, but she hasn’t been able to leave the village behind. In her latest book, “The Oak Park Studio of Frank Lloyd Wright,” the former education director for the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust delves into the evolution of Wright’s studio in Oak Park from 1898 to 1909. Schrenk says the book has been percolating since she worked at the Home and Studio from 1988 to 1992. Her education and career have led to her to work at the University of Arizona. As an associate professor, she continues to educate others about Wright’s life and work in her courses and makes frequent trips back to Oak Park, where she volunteers with the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust during Wright Plus housewalks. After earning her master’s degree in architectural history at the University of Virginia, Schrenk says her interest in Chicago’s architectural history was enhanced when she visited a friend who lived near Unity Temple in Oak Park. “I visited Oak Park, and thought I could really see myself living here,” Schrenk said. At the time, the trust -- then known as the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Foundation -- was wrapping up years of restoration on the Home and Studio, and Schrenk fortuitously interviewed for the position of education director on Wright’s birthday. A National Endowment for the Humanities grant to document the restoration of the Home and Studio made the position full-time, and she jumped in with both feet. By the end of her tenure, the Home and Studio had programming for all ages, from kindergarten to graduate students. Schrenk says her job also entailed gathering materials and making them more accessible to scholars on topics as varied as Wright’s family, decorative arts and lists of resources. “Those were the germs of this book,” Schrenk said. In writing the book, she spent hundreds of hours going through archives and interviewing family members, trying to assess what life was really like in the Home and Studio
Photos provided
FRANK-O-PHILE: Former Frank Lloyd Wright Trust education director Lisa D. Schrenk, now an architectural history professor at University of Arizona, has written a new book about the evolution of Wright’s Home and Studio in Oak Park. Above, Schrenk stands next to a statue of the famed architect, which faces a Mason City, Iowa, hotel Wright designed in 1909 about a year before closing his Oak Park studio. and notes that first-person memories are not infallible. She points out that Frank Lloyd Wright was not the most reliable narrator, and she discovered writings from others who lived and worked in and around the studio that revealed a different take on circumstances. The book details the contributions made by other architects in the studio and the influence of Wright’s family on work in the studio. “There may be a few Wright aficionados that may be unhappy with the way the narrative kind of breaks the myth of the lone wolf genius,” Schrenk said. But she stresses there was constant dialogue, discussion and debate taking place in
the studio in Oak Park, and notes that Wright took inspiration from is time at working in Steinway Hall, where he was one of many young progressive designers, and tried to replicate that at his studio with the young men and women who came to work there. At the end of the day, she says that she tried to be meticulous with the details in the book. “There are about 1,200 footnotes in the book,” Schrenk said. “It’s jam-packed with information. It was very important for people to know where this information was coming from.” The book also is the story of the physical space of the Home and Studio, and includes many illustrations of the building and
changes it went through. “One thing I think that nobody had really talked much about before was the history of the building between 1911, when Wright leaves, and the founding of the Home and Studio Foundation in 1974,” Schrenk said. “Particularly, in the 1920s and 1930s when it was used by the Austin Oak Park and River Forest Art League, and there were artists living in the home. There’s a lot more to discover here.” “Many people know the basic story from the tour but don’t know the evolution of the building.” In her courses at the University of Arizona, Schrenk brings her students to Wright’s buildings in Arizona and in Oak Park, noting that it’s important for them to see the architecture firsthand. If possible, she times her visits to coincide with Wright Plus, the annual housewalk in Oak Park, so she can volunteer. Post-COVID, Schrenk hopes to schedule a local book signing event to coincide with Wright Plus, rescheduled and for Sept. 18 this year. While the pandemic put her travel on hold last year, returning to Oak Park is something she plans to continue as she finds meaning in reconnecting with others volunteers from the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. In fact, she dedicates the book to John Thorpe, Don Kalec and the other early volunteers so pivotal to saving the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, and says the importance of volunteers to the successful restoration is something to celebrate.
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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SPORTS
Fenwick football’s Cobb, Pugh make NCAA I commitments Friar WR will play Big 10 ball at U of I; QB headed to Ball State By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
The Fenwick High School football team has a several rising senior student-athletes who have the potential to play major college football in 2022 and beyond. And, two of those players -- quarterback Kaden Cobb and wide receiver Eian Pugh -- recently made verbal commitments to two NCAA Division I institutions. Cobb announced on June 24 he would attend Ball State University, while on the previous day, Pugh announced a commitment to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “I had plenty of options, but I had a gut feeling when I visited Ball State in mid-June,” said Cobb of the decision to play for the Cardinals next fall. “It just felt right, and I didn’t have the same feeling about any other school that I visited. My family and I loved it, and they treated us like family.” Pugh committed to the University of Cincinnati last year, but took an official visit to the University of Illinois at the beginning of June. “I liked the coaching staff. They really made me a priority since the beginning,” Pugh explained of his decision to play for the Illini, who have a new head coach in Bret Bielema. “I felt comfortable and at home with them, and I felt I had to pull the trigger and stay home.” Lifelong friends, Cobb and Pugh expressed their pride and support in each other regarding their decisions. “Kaden is one of my best friends,” Pugh said. “I’ve known him since we were toddlers, and I’m really happy for him.” “I’m super-proud of Eian,” Cobb said. “There’s no place better than home.” Now that Cobb and Pugh have made their college choices, they are focused on getting better this summer in preparation for the upcoming season. Pugh said he would like to get better not just as a player, but as a leader. Meanwhile, Cobb is looking to bounce back from an injury that cost him the final three games of last season, which was moved to the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “For me, it’s about getting mentally ready for the rebuild and having a good senior season,” Cobb said. “[My injury] gets sore from time to time, but it’s nothing that will keep me from working out this summer.” Both Cobb and Pugh also realize that they are part of a very strong Class of 2022 for the Friars. Teammates Jimmy Liston and Max Reese are also receiving several major college offers, and according to Cobb, several other rising seniors are receiving attention from recruiters. “We have some good guys who are strong,” Cobb said. “It’s been tough with COVID-19, but we’re all getting through it, and hopefully there’ll be news soon of other commitments.” Pugh said that he had never been around a lot of talented classmates until he arrived to Fenwick. Playing with the likes of Cobb, Liston and Reese has helped him to hone his skills. “Growing up, I was one of the better kids,” he explained. “But being around all these guys has made me work hard.” The Friars, who finished their abbreviated season 3-2 in the spring, are looking forward to a true season this fall. Full capacity will be allowed at Triton College, where Fenwick plays its home games, and both Cobb and Pugh can’t wait to play in front of the Fenwick fans again. “It was tough playing football in the spring as opposed to the fall,” Cobb said. “We have a good fan section and I’m excited about getting full capacity back.” “The last time I played in a full stadium was November 2019, so I’m excited to play and put on a show for Friar Nation,” added Pugh.
File photo
SIGHTS SET: Fenwick quarterback Kaden Cobb (top) said he decided to play his college football at Ball State University after his visit there in June. “It just felt right,” he said. Meanwhile, wide receiver Eian Pugh (above) will head downstate to play Big 10 football at University of Illinois following his final year at Fenwick.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com
C O N S C I O U S
Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
VIEWPOINTS
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That flag
p . 24
A G I N G
Me and We: Aging with intention
A
few weeks ago, my granddaughter and I took a summertime walk to the local market. On the way home, the afternoon sun was at our back. In front of me I saw the shadow of an 8-year-old girl and her grandfather holding hands as they walked. I was momentarily surprised that it was me, and then I smiled appreciatively. What a beautiful sight — my own shadow as an older person. What a wonderful image, and it was me! Seeing that flash of shadow reminded me of both my present age as well as when I was an 8-year-old. I remembered spending time every summer at a lake near where I grew up. Our family still makes pilgrimage to that lake. Anytime I wanted, I’d run full-steam down the hill, arms outstretched like wings, and just plunge non-stop into the water. Ducks and frogs and minnows and turtles and sun-fish would make room for me. I loved the exhilaration of swimming underwater with my eyes open, surveying the lake bottom, and then bursting through the surface to lunge for a gulp of air and feel the warmth of the sun. My granddaughter and I have been looking forward to jumping into that lake when we make our post-vaccination pilgrimage this summer — perhaps jumping in as we hold hands! That will be another wonderful shadow to see. That changed when I read the email I got the other day detailing how swimming has been banned in the lake because of cyanobacteria. What? No swimming? This lake is 15 miles around! Cyanobacteria phytoplankton form the base of the food web of some freshwater ponds and streams. The presence of cyanobacteria is natural and important, but too much cyanobacterial growth (called blooms) leads to the release of dangerous amounts of cyanotoxins, which can seriously poison wildlife, humans and pets. Over the past decade there have been some late fall blooms of cyanobacteria in the lake, but never as early as mid-June and never enough to force people and pets out of the water. Global warming, fertilizer run-off and septic tank seepage have combined to create blooms and have changed the world I knew. That world would have changed no matter what. Life is change. But this is harmful, human-made change that is not inevitable. As we age, we have a continuing responsibility to be good stewards, good role models, and to work alongside younger people to right the wrongs. One aspect of aging with intention is to share and listen while forging intergenerational relationships. Not everyone grows up near a lake, but all of us older people will have our own cyanobacteria in one form or another — systemic harm that hits close to home. It could be ecological security or economic security or health security or job security. It could be the intersection of ageism or ableism or racism or sexism or homophobia. Toxic cyanobacteria blooms are one thing calling me to activism in my third third of life. What calls to you to be part of aging with intention?
MARC BLESOFF
PHOTO BY MICHAEL ROMAIN
FIRST AND FOREMOST: Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch in front of his district offices in Westchester. He has expanded his offi ce complex since becoming Speaker.
T
Chris Welch: the back story
he last thing on the mind of Emmanuel “Chris” Welch as he drove from his home in Hillside to Springfield on Friday, Jan. 8 was that he would make history as the first elected Black Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, just five days later. “It didn’t hit me right away,” he told the Black pastors gathered on Zoom for the February PTMAN (Proviso Township Ministers Association Network) monthly meeting. “Things happened so fast.” Following is the story in Welch’s own words of how he was transformed in just five hectic days from being representative of the 7th District, which includes Forest Park, to becoming Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. “I was whipping votes for Speaker Madigan,” Welch, who had represented the 7th District since 2013, recalled, “along with every other member of the Black Caucus.” When a vote was taken on Sunday, however, Madigan who had served as Speaker for 36 years fell nine votes
short, and no one in the legislative body knew what would happen. The next day, a Monday, Welch said he was going through security at the Capitol when he got a call on his cellphone from Madigan. “Chris,” said the voice on the other end, “I just wanted to give you a call to tell you that I am suspending my campaign for Speaker. Chris, do you want to be Speaker?” Welch paused, not knowing how to take the question. “The votes aren’t there,” Madigan continued, “and I want this House to be turned over to someone who I know will do a good job. I have watched you work and how your colleagues respond to you. I feel that you would be a really good Speaker, so I’ll ask you again. Do you want to be Speaker?” This time the representative from Hillside had his wits about him and replied, “If there’s an opportunity, I’d be crazy not to want to want to make history, and I do believe I’d do a good job.”
TOM HOLMES
See HOLMES on page 27
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
O U R
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V I E W S
Two hospitals with varied challenges
he two local hospitals have made news these past two weeks. The news out of Rush Oak Park, which is welcoming a new president, is encouraging to us. We’ve lauded this satellite of the Rush Health System for its steady, determined comeback over two decades. Today it is the preeminent community hospital for these two villages and beyond. Our criticism has been harsh, though, of the institution’s arrogance in dealing with its immediate residential neighbors through its multiple and continuing incursions into what is fundamentally a neighborhood. So, to hear Dino Rumoro, the new president and a veteran of Big Rush downtown, tell our Stacey Sheridan that working to heal the frayed relations with neighbors is a priority is excellent and overdue news. “There should be open discussions about how we can find a way to coexist,” Rumoro said last week. “If there’s any gaps in that, I’d like to take care of that.” He is planning a gathering with neighbors before the summer is out. Rumoro also said that there actually is not a master plan for the campus. But he can assure neighbors that beyond a very large parking garage already approved for construction and now, with demolition of several hospital owned homes complete, the addition of an 80-car surface parking lot on Maple, that the immediate plans for investment will all involve remaking existing spaces within the facility. A vital hospital in a wildly shifting health care environment is going to need to invest and change. We’ve always agreed with that. And it is a position we know many hospital neighbors accept. But they want to be heard, they want to be respected. Rumoro is making that promise. We’ll do out part to hold Rush Oak Park to account. We’d also expect Oak Park’s village government to take its thumb off the pro-Rush scale and give neighbors more consideration. Which, oddly, brings us to West Suburban Hospital Medical Center. The new chair of this California-owned hospital’s local board is none other than Anan Abu-Taleb, until two months ago Oak Park’s village president and a consistent believer that both local hospitals topped Oak Park’s list of vital institutions. Abu-Taleb pointed to the jobs created, to the care provided and to the immense physical plants each hospital fronted. We reached Abu-Taleb the night before West Sub was planning to land a PR campaign around the theme “Save West Sub.” The website was live, the ads were placed and the “we’re on the brink” messaging was ready to go. A stunned Abu-Taleb seemingly placed calls to California headquarters of Pipeline Health and the messaging changed suddenly. We could laud Abu-Taleb for his influence. Or we could go with our original take, which is don’t trust anything that Pipeline says. Its new president spent a long interview with our Michael Romain threading the needle between “we’re making progress getting additional funds from the state” and “it is still a crisis for this safety net hospital.” Remember, Pipeline bought three Chicago area hospitals two years ago. One, Westlake Hospital, got ditched by Pipeline almost before the contract was signed. Now, we’re told West Sub and Chicago’s Weiss are on the bubble. A far cry from “we love community hospitals and can’t wait to invest in them.” Abu-Taleb is right. Both these hospitals are vital to Oak Park. West Sub is also critical to the West Side. The challenges of the physical campus at Rush Oak Park can be addressed with honest talk among sincere people. There’s going to need to be give on both sides. West Sub, which has been spinning through ownership changes at an absurd rate over 25 years, is still a basket case. Pipeline’s first order of business is rebuilding trust that it actually intends to operate West Sub as a community hospital. The topsy-turvy, on the brink, slightly back from the brink nonsense of two weeks ago does nothing to create trust.
The way we are, here in Our Town It’s July and the donuts are back at Farmers Market. With life reopening, I decided to revisit a column I wrote back in the “beforetimes,” which first ran in September of 2013.
W
aking to a rainy day was soothing. As beautiful as Friday and Saturday were — low humidity, clean skies, clarified sunlight, comfortably cool — I enjoyed this cloudcast Sunday even more. A light but steady, day-long rain soaked the parched earth. It was soothing to feel how nourishing and sustaining that must be for all rooted, living things. On Friday, I drove two hours west to White Pines State Park, where a young Oak Park couple was married outdoors on as perfect a wedding day as has ever been ordered — and delivered. Later, under bright stars and a glowing half-moon, the twosome was encircled and blessed and feted. I left them to their dancing and their midnight bonfire because I had a 6:30 a.m. date with donuts at Farmers Market. I served coffee and OJ to the remarkably large number of people who are up and about before 9 a.m. on a weekend morning. This was no ordinary Saturday. It was prime time for vegetables, midway through September, one of our best weather months. As if to punctuate my sentiments, a young father came through the donut line with two young children, including a boy no more than 5, possibly younger, who was singing “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” from Oklahoma. He knew all the words (“All the cattle are standing like statues …”) and sang on key. Artlessly un-self-conscious, he was not showing off. I don’t think his father was even paying attention. What will this kid be like in 10-15 years? Made me wonder. I serve this shift once a year for PEO, a service group that makes available scholarships (thanks to dollars raised partly by donut sales) to young women to help fund higher education. A friend recruited me for this detail about eight years ago. I enjoy it. I especially enjoy the “cycles.” Young couples, with young kids in tow or in strollers, come under the tent looking a little weary and craving caffeine. These parents were young children in 1990 when I moved back to town. Their parents are now my age and looking more relaxed. Life seems to fit them better — or they fit life. They’ve been through enough cycles to have confidence in the reliable continuation of things. The year, too, is getting older — a cycle so familiar we have it memorized. Farm produce has its cycle as well, foodies loading their reusable bags as they have all summer, as they have for many summers and falls before that. We are, in our way, rooted, living things as well,
our lives entwined to begin with, here in Spoon River, as songwriter Michael Smith composed it. Or as I prefer to think of it, here in “Our Town,” as Thornton Wilder described it in his classic American play: “The Cartwright interests have just begun building a new bank,” the stage manager/narrator tells the audience, “and they’ve asked a friend of mine what they should put in the cornerstone for people to dig up … a thousand years from now. … What do you say, folks? What do you think? Y’know — Babylon once had two million people in it, and all we know about ’em is the names of the kings and some copies of wheat contracts and contracts for the sale of slaves. Yet every night all those families sat down to supper, and the father came home from his work, and the smoke went up the chimney — same as here. … So I’m going to have a copy of this play put in the cornerstone and the people a thousand years from now’ll know a few simple facts about us. … “So, people a thousand years from now, this is the way we were in the provinces north of New York at the beginning of the 20th century. This is the way we were: in our growing up and in our marrying and in our living and in our dying.” Cycles and circles. This is the way we are, here in Spoon River, here in Our Town, here in Oak Park at the beginning of the 21st century. With a few more soakings like last Sunday, the grass will green up again and demonstrate its stubborn perseverance deep into autumn. But by then we’ll stop noticing because the littering of leaves will blanket it, and besides, we’ll be pulled inside by the warm, well-lit, ornamented, pumpkin-spiced interiors of our holiday fellowship. But for the moment, it’s still glorious late summer. The young couple who got married on Friday may or may not birth children, but their life together will bear fruit in many ways and that will be cause for further blessings and celebrations and encirclements. And many others who declared their lives joined will contribute offspring to the next cycle. Not everyone stays, of course. Many migrate and root elsewhere. But some have left elsewhere and rooted here. On Saturday, I noticed numerous accents from other lands. The cycles continue with soothing predictability, yet each is new and fresh — like the donuts at Farmers Market, which have become a cherished symbol of this Saturday morning ritual. Circles and cycles. Summer ends. Autumn begins. We’re captives on the carousel of time, as Joni Mitchell composed it. We can’t return, we can only look behind from where we came (and ahead from where we are) and go round and round and round in the circle game.
KEN
TRAINOR
V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Equity Editor/Ombudsman Michael Romain Staff Reporters Stacey Sheridan, Maria Maxham, F. Amanda Tugade Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Arts Editor Michelle Dybal Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Mark Moroney Business Manager Joyce Minich Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs SUBMITTED
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN: The author still dreams of his boyhood porch in Berwyn.
I
All our homes still live in us
asked my Mom and Dad, “Are we going to change our name to Eck?” My parents had just bought a 30-yearold bungalow on Clarence Avenue in Berwyn. I was 4. It was 1958. Dad and Mom were walking me through this house, with, I think, a couple of members of the seller’s family. As a little guy, I was puzzled: how can you move into someone else’s house just like that? Our home, the only one I’d known, stood on Park Avenue in Brookfield near, yes, a big park. All of my friends lived on that block. How can you just all of a sudden leave your house and move into another? Wasn’t this place the other family’s house? Sure it was. What my question implied, without being able to say so at the time, was that I had come to know and understand who I was, in part, out of identification with our home in Brookfield, and by extension, with the nearby neighborhood. So if that was my house, this was their house; and if I was going to live in it from now on, well … I, along with my family, would have to become them, too. But of course, despite my puzzlement, when we moved to Berwyn, we moved the Kordesh name and identity with us. Over time, our bungalow became known to our new neighbors as the Kordesh home. Three of my five siblings were born there. We graduated from the Catholic school, St. Mary of Celle, a half-block from our front door. I left for college at 17, having experienced all of my grade school as well as high school years in that house on Clarence. While we hadn’t seen much of the sellers after we’d settled in, there was one amenity that they had built into our bungalow that always reminded me of them: the whole-house fan in the attic. When I would open the upper-floor door, hit the switch next to it, hear the
motor kick in, listen to the large blades start to whir, and feel them pull cool air through the windows and up the stairwell, I’d experience that fan’s impact as the prior family’s legacy, still here, comforting us. The bungalow on Clarence grew on me and in me. I still dream of living there, walking in the basement, peering out through the dining room windows, or looking into the yard from the alley through which I’d walk to school. I still imagine Mom calling us in for lunch through the front screen door. The floorboards in the attic squeak as I saunter over them in my memory. The concrete slabs on the front porch, on which I sat with my friends, still rest there, solid and cool. In Oak Park today, I walk past classic homes whose plaques honor the architects who designed, and families who built, them. Other special abodes are labeled for renowned, former residents. Current occupants value their homes for these historical legacies. But even as the visions of architects and builders live on in these gorgeous structures, the families of today, I imagine, edit their own stories into the chronicles of their archways, floors and gardens, whether or not their own names end up engraved on bronze plates by the sidewalks. A few years ago, sitting one night on the deck of the Victorian in which we had raised our kids, I began sobbing, knowing that we were readying her for sale. This gracious blue lady had been ours for 16 years; and we, hers. From the grey of the wood that I had painted, through the tint of the kitchen window through which I had watched mornings emerge, and out of the glow from stringed lights hung for our son’s wedding, she seemed to say, “In these memories and more, I will move with you.”
Growing Community Media BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer
RICH
KORDESH One View
About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@ wjinc.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY
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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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U S
ADDRESS 141 S Oak Park Ave., Oak ParkIL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-5248300 EMAIL Dan@OakPark.com ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $43 within Cook County and $53 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address corrections to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Il 60302. © 2021 Growing Community Media, NFP.
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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What, and who, the flag represents
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estled in our cozy cul-de-sac, an always-pristine American flag flies over the house in which I’ve lived my entire life. My dad replaces the flag at least once a summer, ensuring it is clean and cared for. It never needed to be said — I always knew that the flag was something that deserved my respect. The flag represented the country that welcomed my grandparents and great-grandparents as immigrants. The country that allowed them to make homes for themselves here and eventually give their kids, and their kids’ kids, lives that were better than the ones they had known at home. It also represented a place where I could continually benefit from their decision to come here. Recently though, my perspective on the flag has begun to change. On the night of the election last year, a group of us huddled in a friend’s tiny campus apartment watching the results roll in when we heard commotion outside. Pick-up trucks drove through town decked in “Trump 2020” signs, right alongside — you guessed it — plenty of American flags. After moving to rural Ohio, a much different political climate from home, this was not an unusual sight. American flags regularly flew next to signs supporting a politician who did little to handle a pandemic in which 600,000 Americans have now died. A politician who separated children from their parents at the border. A politician whose administration conducted 13 federal executions, the most under any presidential administration since the death penalty was reinstated in 1988. People who adamantly supported someone so full of hate, proudly flew the American flag. They were proud of the state of the country as it was, and the flag represented that. Perhaps this change in perspective was a result of beginning to see what the reality of living in America is, and has been like, for so many. While things were undoubtedly made worse by who was in charge, maybe last year, and the last four years, really just brought problems to the forefront that have been around for decades. I think sometimes people believe that young people criticize the state of the nation because it is the “cool” position to take. Challenging the establishment and all that. The reality is that life for some Americans is exponentially more difficult than for others. For people of color, indigenous people, queer people, people experiencing poverty, there are hurdles in the way simply because of who they are. Acknowledging that can only strengthen the country for all of us. It is the most patriotic thing one could do. On Saturday, Nov. 7, when the election was finally called for Biden, I was driving through town when I saw that a group of people had gathered to celebrate his victory, waving American flags. They had voted for someone who promised to make substantial changes and as such, were actively changing what it was the flag represented — a power we all have. The flag is really just a symbol. The nation for which it stands is all of us — people with the power, the opportunity, to constantly improve this country of ours. Mary Hester is a student at Kenyon College. She is serving an internship at Wednesday Journal this summer.
MARY HESTER
PHOTO BY KEN TRAINOR
SUBMITTED
FRESH FLAG: Mickey’s seems to have gotten the message from Ken Trainor’s column last week. A new flag is flying crisply over the Harlem Avenue fast food staple.
Flying the flag requires taking some responsibility
I
read with great interest Ken Trainor’s recent column on the tattered and torn American flag flying over the Mickey’s fast food joint. [My favorite flag, Viewpoints, June 30] As usual, Ken had a unique and thoughtful angle on this issue. However, I disagree with his overall premise. He got it right with the opening sentence, “At first glance, this was one of my least favorite flags.” I agree. My favorite flag is one that’s handled with the dignity and respect it deserves as a symbol of our country. The folks at Mickey’s aren’t honoring our country. They’re desecrating its primary symbols and violating federal law in the process. If they’re feeling all patriotic but are too lazy to raise and lower the flag each day, or at the very least take it down when the weather turns inclement, they shouldn’t bother hoisting it in the first place. Obviously, they’re not up to the responsibility entailed. There’s nothing special about a tattered flag. It just reflects a lazy man’s idea of patriotism. Both sides of the political spectrum have been guilty here. Those who would attack the flag because they’re unhappy with the behavior of people entrusted to run our country are just as wrong. I’m on the political left; I don’t hesitate to criticize our elected leaders and other officials in either party. But the flag is as much a symbol of our hopes and dreams and better angels as it is the distressing realities of our current political situation.
Disrespecting the most visible symbol of those higher values, for whatever reason, is, in my opinion, the coward’s way of confronting political opponents. For the record, federal law, i.e., 4 U.S. Code § 8. “Respect for flag” states in part: (e) The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. The law also states “No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform.” There are exceptions: “A flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.” Clearly, that doesn’t include using it to make shirts or halter tops or head scarves, (as we saw with many of the criminal right-wing yahoos who attacked our nation’s Capitol and killed and maimed law enforcement officers). Soiling the flag, whether with your sweat or other bodily fluids, is ignorant and disrespectful. Finally, section (k) of the law states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Not by letting the wind and rain slowly tear it to pieces. In any event, I’m done patronizing Mickey’s until they take down their old, battered flag and destroy it properly. I hope others feel the same. Bill Dwyer is a longtime Oak Park resident and patriotic progressive.
BILL DWYER One View
Independence Day
I’m enjoying an early morning walk along the quiet sidewalks of my hometown. Squirrels, bunnies, and chirping birds keep me company. Most people are either still asleep or out of town for the weekend holiday. I’m walking unmasked and unafraid. Two shots in the arm freed me from the fear of the tiny virus. So small, so
deadly. A woman is walking toward me, her dog in tow. We smile at each other. I reach down and pet the dog. “Beautiful day,” I say. She answers, “It is. Freedom smells sweet, doesn’t it?” It sure does.
Gary Belenke
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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The library’s permanent art collection
It was with pleasure that I was reminded of the efforts and success of the Library Art Selection Committee in Wednesday Journal’s Artbeat [Obama’s portraitist also has work in Oak Park library, June 23] by Michelle Dybal. I would like to add to this tribute: The library’s permanent collection was selected painstakingly by the volunteer committee that included: Ed Byers, former executive director, and Janet Kelenson, former library board member; Aaron Skoog, an employee; Oak Park Area Arts Council Executive Director Camille Wilson White and Charity Piet Miska, her former assistant; community members Frank Pond, a longtime FLW docent, and Sandy Meade, an interior designer, who is now deceased. The notable artists the committee pursued included: Chris Ware, Judy Ledgerwood, Barry Tinsley, Jon Loving, Jacob Hashimoto, Tia Etu’, Nancy Fong, Jonathan Franklin, Jeanine Guncheon, Higgins Glass Studios, and Weeks Ringle. They commissioned David Gustin, who painted the large piece in the Veterans Room. Committee members were able to visit his
“Easter Realness #2,” oil on canvas by Kehinde Wiley is on display at the Oak Park Public Library. Photo provided by Oak Park Public Library
studio and view the work in progress. Since the library was under construction in 2002 and 2003, the committee improvised its meeting places, often at Frank Pond’s home, the former Pep Boys building on Harlem in
Kehinde Wiley. Barack Obama, 2018. Oil on canvas. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution. The National Portrait Gallery is grateful to the following lead donors for their support of the Obama portraits: Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg; Judith Kern and Kent Whealy; Tommie L.Pegues and Donald A. Capoccia. © 2018 Kehinde Wiley. Courtesy of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.
Forest Park, which was the library’s temporary home, or Oak Park Village Hall. It was a labor of love over 2-3 years. So wonderful to see the selection and recognition of Kehinde Wiley, not only
of his Obama portrait, but “Easter Realness,” on permanent display at the Oak Park Main Branch Library.
Cynthia Breunlin
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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he was central casting’s quintessential “little old lady.” At best, 99 pounds soaking wet. Five-feet-two would be aspirational. Bent from years of whatever work she did, 89 years old and looking frail, it was easy to “look right past” her, as I did, when I showed up to fix what the last guy left undone. Looked right past. One day, a few years ago, on a whim I decided to write down all the different jobs I have performed for which someone paid me. Yes, there was the usual newspaper delivery boy, babysitter, mower of lawns. But there was also usher at the Bear games, night clerk at a 7-11, psychology teacher, factory worker, electrician, tree pruner. And lots more. Interests other than jobs? Gardener, stamp collector, ham radio operator, UFO enthusiast, bread maker, marathon runner … Who are you? Who am I? Who are all the people we come in contact with? Really? We pack a lot into our short lives. Make your list. Right now. See what I mean? Inside our skin, bearing our name and fingerprints, there are an amazing number of “who’s.” Each of these is one strip of interpersonal “Velcro tape” just waiting to connect with a shared interest. Need an “old man” to complement the “little old lady?” He’s retired. Surviving open-heart surgery and a recent knee
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Who are you?
replacement, He spends much of his time sitting either on his back porch or in a lawn chair under a warming sun. Eighty-two years old, moving slowly, easy to “look past,” to dismiss. Just renewed my driver’s license that was about to expire and got my “real ID.” When I arrived at the facility, the line, I kid you not, was at least a block and a half long. OMG! Knowing that there might be an “old people’s line,” I parked and, indeed, was directed to that line. Eight people in front of me. Eight. Once inside, I see seniors with walkers and boys looking too young to shave. An hour later, I’m taking my driving test (yes, they make you do that) and I asked the examiner what gave him more concern: the 16-yearolds or the 76-year-olds? “They both have their challenges,” he said. I bet. I have more than 400,000 miles behind me; 16 complete trips around planet earth. The 16-year-old has all that in front of her. I am history. She is the future. I am a book about the past; she, a book to be written in the future. If we dismiss history or show little interest in the future, how much do we miss at both ends of those journeys? After working for the “little old lady” for only a few hours, it dawned on me that there was more here than met the eye. So
I apologized for my “looking past” and inquired about her story. She was an accountant, in charge of the books for a large hotel. A genius with numbers. Neither a CPA nor college graduate, she was so good, no one asked or cared. That explains why she still had all 52 cards in her deck, and the two jokers as well. A rich story I almost missed. We bring to every conversation and interaction our lifetime of experiences and interests or dreams of things yet to be. You know what makes for a “great conversation?” When we get to talk about and share something we’re interested in or passionate about. And we are listened to. (I know. All too guilty.) But unwrapping our Velcro hook does not necessarily mean there was an eager Velcro loop to meet it. So would a better human connection involve checking for some common interest before we begin talking? Or at least sharing the conversation time so the other person can get a chance to share their interest? Having a conversation they might also and equally consider “great?” So I join him once a month on his back porch for a drink. He points out the very unusual rocks he has collected. Then there are the wine bottles he has cut the bottoms
BILL SIECK
One View
off of and turned into folk art wind chimes, and the whiskey bottle hummingbird feeders, and the incredibly beautiful stained glass windows, and the collection of bubble gum dispensers. And what’s left of his golf game. And our shared interest in UFOs. Since he’s an avid fan of Fox News, we don’t discuss politics. So much to miss if I saw only his politics. Way too much that is admirable, beautiful, and fascinating. Way too much. Who are you? Or, to steal a great movie line, “How many of you are in there?!” Are we willing to find a way and time not only to share but also to discover some of the many “who’s” there are in the 400,000 mile histories of the old as well as the 400,000 mile futures of the young? Would that be a good conversation topic? She’s 14, vegetarian, great cook, wants to be a veterinarian. She’s 17, art gallery intern, wants to be an art historian. He’s 19, accomplished musician, wants to be a social worker. Those would all be some really interesting conversations. At both ends. Wrapped too much in ourselves, how much are we willing to discover — or miss — in others? Next month: What are you? Stay tuned. It will be a trip. Bill Sieck is a longtime Oak Park resident.
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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M E M O R I E S
These life lessons have served me well
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ven though I loved and respected my family members, I knew that none of them were my best buddy because they were adults and lived in a different world from me, and I was a kid in training to be a responsible adult, and yes, I needed a lot of training. I never heard a kid call an adult who was not a family member by his or her first name, and adults did not suggest that kids do this. My neighbors were the Dunnes, the Grissoms, and the Bournes. I addressed them as Mr. and Mrs. — or, in the case of the Grissoms, Dr. and Mrs. Shaking hands with adults was mandatory. I was taught to shake hands readily with men, but to shake hands with a woman only if she extended her hand first.
I was told never to extend a wet-fish hand. If my hand was damp, I was to wipe my hands on my pants before I shook a person’s hand. Also the shake I gave had to be firm but not to the point of trying to out-muscle the other person. When shaking hands, I was told to look the person in the eye and tell the person that I was either glad to meet him or her or glad to see him or her again. I was instructed to stand when a woman entered the room and sit only when the woman sat. Opening doors for women was also part of my good-manners schooling. My family also instructed me in good table
manners. I was told not to talk when my mouth was full of food, to remove bone or fat from my mouth with a napkin and not to reach across the table for a helping of food. At the dinner table, I said, “Please pass the potatoes” and not “Give me some spuds” and “Please pass the meat” and “Not give me a slice of cow.” I also learned to use cutlery only for the purpose for which they were designed. I was told more than once to never take more food than I planned to eat and to eat every piece of food that I took, and when leaving the table, I was expected to excuse myself.
JOHN
STANGER
When someone gave me a gift or did me a favor, I was told to thank him or her, and if the person lived away from me, I was told to write a thank-you note to the person. When I was preparing to go to college, I was told four life lessons by Mr. George Bruckert our family lawyer: ■ Practice your religion faithfully. ■ Prepare your work to the best of your ability and do not cut corners. ■ Do not entertain arrogance because when a person believes they are hot stuff, they will fail. ■ Listen to older people because they have been there, and you will profit from their advice. Over the years, I have learned that good manners and the four life lessons presented to me by Mr. Bruckert have served me well.
Serving students just got easier, and better The CLAIM Committee of District 97 wants to express our sincere appreciation to Senate President Don Harmon and State Representative Camille Lilly for their longtime support for Data Sharing Legislation HB 3424 that will enable non-unit districts like ours to enter into Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGAs) to share student records and information with other districts that serve the same students. We are tremendously proud to announce this legislation has passed the House and Senate and HB 3424 is ready for the Governor’s signature. The proposed legislation would allow districts like ours to provide the same continuity of support to students, and to engage in the same longitudinal assessment of our efforts, as our colleagues in unit districts. It does so through flexible, voluntary IGAs. D97 serves Oak Park’s students from Kin-
dergarten through eighth grade, at which point the great majority attend District 200, Oak Park and River Forest High School. OPRF also serves students from River Forest Elementary School District 90. Unlike our counterparts in unit districts, which serve students from Kindergarten through high school, as our students graduate from D97, we are unable to share relevant information about them with our colleagues in D200. This inhibits our collective ability to meet the needs of Oak Park’s children because the wisdom we have gained about how best to support a given student during their years spent in our district cannot be passed forward to the teachers, counselors, social workers, and others entrusted with their education and growth through high school. Our inability to share information also inhibits our ability to assess data over time to gauge the effectiveness of instruction-
al, social-emotional and other programs, supports, and practices in a nuanced way. Among other things, longitudinal data plays an important role in efforts to address opportunity gaps and ensure that all students receive an excellent education. Districts are under no obligation to share data and IGAs can be written to cover all of the data available to unit districts or can be more limited should districts decide that this is preferable. It also protects student privacy by only allowing IGAs between districts with overlapping attendance boundaries, and only allowing data to be shared for students who have been enrolled by both districts or would be enrolled by both districts given attendance boundaries. We are grateful that Senate President Harmon and State Representative Lilly have supported this effort since we brought the issue to their attention in 2014 and provid-
ed other legislators opportunities to learn about the issue as well. We thank all of the members of the community and all past and present members of the CLAIM Committee over the last seven years for their hard work and tenacity. We share the goal of the entire district to provide the highest quality education and ensure resources can be utilized in the most efficient and effective way possible.
HOLMES
first, get the support of the Black Caucus; second, get the support of the Latino Caucus; and finally, “go talk to a couple of downstate legislators. They may not support you for whatever reason, but let them know that you will listen and be as helpful as possible.” By 10:30 that night Welch had all 22 votes in the Black Caucus. The next morning the Latino caucus promised 11 more votes, with the magic number being 60. After the first vote was taken later on Tuesday morning, the total had reached 50, with his closest competitor getting only 15. He spent the next 12-14 hours negotiating, and the result was a total of 70 the next day, putting the former president of the Proviso High Schools District 209 school board president over the top.
“Right after being sworn in,” the new Speaker recalled, “I remember eating a box lunch that tasted like a gourmet meal.” Welch said that while his family was eating breakfast on Martin Luther King Day, his 8-year-old son asked him when Illinois became a state. When the boy heard that the date was 1818, he did the math and marveled that it had taken over 200 years for a Black person to become Speaker. “The look on his face was priceless,” said Welch. “At that moment, it started to sink in. My son had never asked me to speak to his third grade class before, and all of a sudden I got invited.” Welch listed the following as the “monumental tasks” that lie ahead: ■ Ethics Reform. Change the rules to
limit the terms of the Speaker and the opposition to 10 years. ■ Budget. “For the first time in history, every one of our appropriations committees is chaired by a Black person except one, and that is chaired by a Latino. ■ Redistricting. “Any new map has to be reflective of our diversity because diversity is the strength of our state.” The new Speaker, a religious man, gave credit to both God and his own diligence by saying to the African-American clergy in PTMAN, “I want to give honor to God. Nothing is an accident. If you are prepared for your opportunity, when it comes you have to seize the moment. And the moment seized me. It wasn’t an accident.” Tom Holmes writes a regular column for our sister publication, the Forest Park Review.
How Welch became Speaker from page 21 Hearing Welch answer in the affirmative, Madigan gave him four tips, the first of which was to “call your wife because if she’s not on board, none of this matters.” When he made the call, his wife knew something was up by the intense emotion in his voice. “What do you think of your husband being Speaker of the House?” he said and she responded, “I think you would be a fantastic Speaker of the House. You’ve prepared your whole life for this. You’d do a great job.” The three other tips from Madigan were
Theresa Jurgus, Chairwoman Jay Rowell, Vice Chair Dr. Felicia Starks, Asst. Supt. of Education Gavin Kearney, D97 Board Member Lou Anne Johannesson Deacon Wiley Samuels Rick Boultinghouse Julie Mann Sara Dixon Spivy, President, D200 school board Thomas Nowinski Matt Fruth, President, Oak Park Library Board CLAIM Committee Members
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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O B I T U A R I E S
Percy Julian principal created CAST theater program Dr. Benjamin Williams dies at 87
Dr. Benjamin Williams, 87, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2021 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Principal of Percy Julian Middle School, Dr. Williams, and his wife Donna made River Forest their home and dedicated themselves to the Oak Park and River Forest community. Dr. Williams understood the link between academics, arts, and drama in building confidence in young people. In 1985, he launched CAST -- a concept spawned from an afterschool program started “to keep an eye out on children until their parents ‘got home from the Loop.’” Williams recalled in a 2010 interview with Wednesday Journal, “I just wanted a good program that really respected children.” The idea was to bring in real actors to teach children the craft – not from textbooks, but in real life. Williams called on Jill and Michael Poehlman, a husband-and-wife acting duo who lived in Oak Park at the time, to run the operation. “The job of a principal is to hire good people and free them up, let them go,” Williams said in the interview. The two married thespians put CAST on the map and ultimately achieved “what few thought possible: Having middle school boys and girls sing and dance on stage.” Dr. Williams attended Arkansas Baptist College and served in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army. During this time, he
attended Northwestern University and received his Master’s in History and his Ph.D. in Education Administration. He leaves a legacy of love and a treasure trove of beautiful memories to his wife Donna E. Williams, his son Bennett (Janene) and daughters Kitt (Zim), Ayanna (Kevin), and four granddaughters, Kennedy, Carson, Kai, and Baylee. They will all deeply miss his gentle and kind ways, his radiant smile, and his humor. His positive and inspiring nature, his dedication to service and education positively impacted thousands of lives. Because he lived, we are forever changed. A celebration of Dr. Williams’s life will be held on July 31, 2021 at St. Andrew By-TheSea in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Memorial donations can be made to CAST in his name.
John Saraceno, 69 Forest Park home inspector
John A. Saraceno, 69, of Mexico Beach, Florida, formerly of Forest Park, died on June 24, 2021. He worked as the village of Forest Park’s home inspector. A father, grandfather, brother, veteran and friend, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time at the beach. Loved by many, he will be greatly missed. Left to treasure his memory are his daughters, Sarah Arnett Martinelli (Michael), Victoria Saraceno Hanrahan (Edward), Rebecca Saraceno and Julia Saraceno; his sons, Joseph Saraceno (Jenni) and Joshua Saraceno; and his grandchildren, Ella Saraceno, Ashely Saraceno, Joseph Martinelli, Dino Martinelli, Mia Francesca Martinelli, Arya Hanrahan, Edward C. Hanrahan and Madelyn Hanrahan. A celebration of life is planned and will be announced at a later date. To leave online condolences, please visit www.heritagefhllc.com.
Alfia Sassetti, 91
Alfia M. Sassetti, 91, died on Jan. 7, 2021. Born on May 5, 1929, she was the wife of the late Robert C.; the mother of Robert J. (Karen), the late Rita (James) Farina, Donna (Jose) DeAvila, Marian (Robert Kent Jr.) and Francis (Tracy); daughter of the late Fortunato and late Rosa (nee Valiensi); sister of the late Louis (the late Carol); grandmother of 14; and great-grandmother of 13.
Drechsler, Brown & Williams
Robert P. Gamboney
Since 1880 Family Owned & Operated
I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.
Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director
Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667
203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191
I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.
Funeral Home
Due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the long delayed funeral for Alfia will be held on Saturday, July 10, at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in River Forest, gathering at 9:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m., followed by inurnment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to PetersonBassi Chapels. If you are not able to join the family at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, please visit our website to send your condolences to the family.
Gloria Onischuk
Owned Under the Ginkgo Tree B&B
Gloria S. Onischuk the longtime owner of Under the Ginkgo Tree bed and breakfast in Oak Park has died. The beloved wife of the late Daniel; loving mother of Danette Colella, Pamela Polvere (Michael), Suzanne Sloma, Christopher Onischuk (Linda), John Onischuk, Paul Onischuk (Lisa), Nicolle Karlson (David), and Anjelica Schuda (Michael); dear grandmother of Kathryn, Mark, Natalie, Kevin, Monica, Danielle, Morgan, Madeline, Matthew, Robert, Sarah, Noelle, Rachel, Alexandra, and Zoey; great grandmother to James and Louis; fond sister of John Volpi (the late Meg), and the late Fred Volpi. Visitation is July 8 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Wayside Church, 434 W. Park St., Arlington Heights. Mass to follow. Mass will be live streamed and the link will be accessible at olwparish.org. In lieu of flowers kindly to donate to Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago at luriechildrens.org or 312-227-7500
Funeral Director
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com
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BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM PUBLIC NOTICES
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VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in the Riverside Township Hall Auditorium (2nd Floor), 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider proposed text amendments to the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance relative to accessory uses. Application No.: PZ 21-02 Petitioner: Village of Riverside Proposed Text Amendments: Various changes to the Village’s accessory structure regulations. Affected sections include, but may not be limited to, Section 10-7-3 (Accessory Structures and Uses) of the Riverside Zoning Ordinance. Among the potential changes being considered are changes relative to the provisions regarding uses within accessory structures, allowing plumbing fixtures in accessory structures, and changes to the existing regulations and formula regarding the maximum size of individual accessory structures and the maximum percentage of lot coverage of accessory structures. The above application and proposed text amendments are available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. The proposed text amendments may be added to or otherwise revised as a result of the public hearing. During the Public Hearing the Planning and Zoning Commission will hear testimony from and consider any evidence presented by persons interested to speak on these matters. Persons wishing to appear at this hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative and may speak for or against the proposed text amendments. Communications in writing in relation thereto may be filed at such hearing or with the Planning & Zoning Commission in advance by submission to the Village’s Community Development Department at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546 prior to 4:00 p.m. the day of the public hearing. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dated this 2nd day of July, 2021. Jill Mateo, Chairperson Planning & Zoning Commission Published in The Landmark July 7, 2021
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park (“Village”) will receive proposals from qualified contractors to perform the collection of Municipal Trash, Recycling, Food Scrap/Yard Waste, Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics and other collection services pursuant to the Request for Proposals. Proposals will be accepted at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2021 for the following: Village of Oak Park Municipal Trash, Recycling, Food Scrap/Yard Waste Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection Proposal Number: 21-110 Specifications and proposal forms may be obtained at http://www.oakpark.us/bid or at the Public Works Center at the address listed above or by calling 708-358-5700. There will be a mandatory Pre-Proposal meeting held virtually on July 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. To attend the Pre-Proposal meeting or for questions on the Request for Proposals contact Cameron Hendricks, Environmental Services Manager, at 708-358-5700 or by email to chendricks@oak-park. us. Attendance will be limited to two people per contractor. The Village Board of Trustees reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals or to waive technicalities, or to accept any item of any proposal. There will be no formal ‘Proposal opening’ for the contract. Electronic signatures will be accepted on all documents. Upon a formal award to the successful proposer, a written agreement will be executed for the Services and will be required to post performance security and to provide a certificate of insurance as set forth in the Request for Proposals. Published in Wednesday Journal July 7, 2021
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK COMMUNITY DESIGN COMMISSION HEARING DATE: July 28, 2021 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits CALENDAR NUMBER: 02-21-DRC APPLICANT: Lissa Dysart ADDRESS: 812 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL REQUEST: The Applicant, Sugar Beet Co-op, is seeking a variation from Section 7-7-15 (C) (1) of the Village of Oak Park Sign Code, which requires that permanent window signs affixed to or painted on the inside of a window shall occupy no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the surface of each window area, in order to affix new window graphics that would cover between approximately 26% to 94% of the surface of multiple window areas at the premises commonly known as 812 Madison Street. A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Commission will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT U-Verse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7(e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may provide written evidence, testimony and public comment on the application by email to Zoning@oak-park. us or by drop off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 28, 2021. An individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. Interested persons may also participate in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses, present evidence, testimony or public comment by emailing Zoning @oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone. The public hearing may be adjourned by the Commission to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. Published in Wednesday Journal July 7, 2021
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 22nd, 2021 for the following BID 21-132 VILLAGE OF OAK PARK UNITERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL CABINETS PROJECT REQUEST FOR BIDS Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-3585700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information is also available from the Streets Superintendent, Scott Brinkman, sbrinkman@oak-park. us or on the Village’s website: https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700.
PUBLIC NOTICES
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: Y21007190 on June 14, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of GEEK WRANGLER with the business located at: 3130 KENILWORTH AVENUE, BERWYN, IL 60402, PO BOX 510 OAK PARK, IL 60303. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DAVID SCHAEFER 3130 KENILWORTH AVENUE, BERWYN, IL 60402, USA.
LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF STICKNEY 6533 Pershing Road Stickney, Illinois 60402
Published in Wednesday Journal June 23, 30 and July 7, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21007299 on July 1, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of JOYFUL NOISE MUSIC STUDIO with the business located at: 256 WASHINGTON BLVD #2, OAK PARK, IL 60302, 411 PARK AVE #3, RIVER FOREST, IL 60305. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: OLIVIA MULLINS 256 WASHINGTON BLVD #2, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal July 7, 14, and 21, 2021
THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal July 7, 2021
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.
Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review
Starting a New Business? Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark
Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Mary Ellen for details: 773/626-6332
The President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Stickney will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 6:45 p.m. at the Village of Stickney, 6533 Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois 60402 for the purpose of presenting the proposed Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2021 and ending April 30, 2022. You are hereby invited to attend the public hearing and you will be given an opportunity to be heard in respect to any matters pertaining to the proposed Appropriation Ordinance. All persons attending the hearing will be required to wear face masks and 6 feet social distancing requirements will be strictly enforced. A copy of the proposed Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance is available for inspection at the Village of Stickney and has been available for inspection at least ten (10) days prior to consideration for passage. A copy of the tentative Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance is available for public inspection at the Finance Department at Village Hall, 6533 Pershing Road, Stickney, Illinois during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In the event of questions, please contact David Gonzalez, Treasurer for the Village of Stickney at (708) 749-4400. IMPORTANT NOTICE: As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor of the State of Illinois’ declaration of an emergency, the below described public hearing will be conducted in person and via Zoom in compliance with P.A. 101-0640. All persons attending the hearing in-person will be required to wear a face mask at all times while in the building and will further be subject to strict social distancing (6 feet separation). Electronic attendance via Zoom is strongly encouraged. The information for the Zoom hearing is as follows: Website: Zoom.us Meeting ID: 312 915 7558 Password: 768782 PUBLIC COMMENT: Persons not attending the hearing in person may submit “Public Comment” to the Village Clerk no later than one (1) hour before the scheduled start of the hearing. Please send public comments to the Village Clerk at villageclerk@villageofstickney.com. Audrey McAdams Village Clerk Date of Publication: July 7, 2021 Published in RB Landmark July 7, 2021
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Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD
Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education of Riverside Brookfield High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, that a safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services plan for said school district for the 2021-2022 school year, will be on file and conveniently available at the school district’s administrative offices at Riverside Brookfield High School District 208, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Illinois, from and after 8:00 a.m. on July 9, 2021. Notice is hereby given that a public hearing on said safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services plan will be held at 7:00 p.m. on August 10, 2021, at Riverside Brookfield High School District 208, 160 Ridgewood Road, Riverside, Illinois. Published in RB Landmark July 7, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission July 22, 2021, 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, July 22, 2021, at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider an application for a variation from the Village Municipal Ordinance for property located at 3700 Grand Boulevard (PIN 15344200010000). The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Please check the following webpage one week before the meeting for more information: https://brookfieldil.gov/ audio-files/ The variance application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. 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 Kendra Kuehlem, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 and at kkuehlem@brookfieldil.gov. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations 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. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman. Published in RB Landmark July 7, 2021
Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission July 22, 2021, 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, July 22, 2021, at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider a zoning text amendment to Sec. 62-219 Parking Credits and Reductions. The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Please check the following webpage one week before the meeting for more information: https://brookfieldil.gov/ audio-files/ The variance application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. 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 Kendra Kuehlem, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 and at kkuehlem@brookfieldil.gov. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations 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. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman. Published in RB Landmark July 7, 2021
HELP WANTED River Forest Public Schools District 90
District 90 is seeking qualified and experienced applicants for the following positions:
• English Language Learners Teacher (Full-time at Roosevelt Middle School and Parttime FTE 0.50 at Lincoln Elementary School) • Social Worker (Roosevelt Middle School) • Speech and Language Pathologist (Roosevelt Middle School) • Physical Education Teachers, ( Full-time at Roosevelt Middle School and Part-time FTE 0.77 at Willard Elementary School) • STEM Teacher, Grades 6-8 (Roosevelt Middle School) • Instructional Specialist (Roosevelt Middle School) • Kindergarten Teacher Part-time FTE 0.50 (Willard Elementary School)
For detailed qualifications requirements and job duties, please visit our website at https://www.district90.org/about/ employment for our complete list of employment opportunities.
General Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Education License with endorsement in field of study, a Master’s Degree is preferred and successful teaching experience with students in a classroom setting is preferred. General Duties: Provide excellence in education by developing and implementing activities that encourage students to be life-long learners. Possesses knowledge of District policies and regulations relating to areas of responsibilities. Create an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental maturity and interests of each student. Application: Apply online at www.district90.org. Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90.org. Please do not send hard copies of supporting documentation, i.e. cover letters, resumes, licensure, etc. to River Forest Schools District 90; instead, upload these materials onto the online job application system for proper processing. BAND SAW WELDER TECH, GENL LABORER OPENINGS Local sharpening service has two openings: Band Saw Welder Technician and General Laborer position. Apply at 1233 Circle Ave. Forest Park, IL 708-209-1636 GRANTS SUPERVISOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Grants Supervisor in the Development Customer Services Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible for developing. Administering and coordinating activities related to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other grant-funded programs for the Village. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than July 16, 2021. HEALTH DEPARTMENT SANITARIAN The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sanitarian in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than Until position filled. POLICE RECORDS CLERK The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than July 16, 2021. 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 http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than July 16, 2021. PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER Must have own transportation. For more information CALL 708-738-3848
CAREGIVER SERVICES WANTED HOME HEALTH ASSISTANCE River Forest family seeking overnight in-home healthcare assistance. Nursing students, Respiratory Therapists, CNAs, LPNs, RNs, etc. welcome. For more information, contact kpatterson10@gmail.com.
MARKETPLACE WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400 Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-334
Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2021
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(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM R E N TA L S & R E A L E S TAT E
SUBURBAN RENTALS Apartment listings updated daily at:
SUBURBAN RENTALS
ROOMS FOR RENT
DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 1BR
Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt. 312-212-1212
Small 1BR apartment in DTOP. Renovated and freshly painted. Harwood floors. Walking distance to El. No pets. $850/mo, utilities included.
708-657-4226
SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.
STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service
OAK PARK & FOREST PARK
708-386-7355
MMpropMgmt.com
RIVERSIDE 3 FLAT FSBO Three above grade 2BR apts. Unfinished basement w/ laundry & 1/2 BA. 4 car brick garage. Zoned for residential and office, if desired. Well maintained. $529,000 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 708-446-1324
OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011
COMMERCIAL/RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT A RETAIL SPACE FOR LEASE IN SHOPPING CENTER! 315-325 S. Harlem Ave. Forest Park, IL. 1,000 sq ft. Good cond. *Recently Updated. Heavy Business/Traffic Area. (Min. Monthly Rent in the area: $17.50 sq ft.) OUR PRICE-NEGOTIABLE! TEXT, EMAIL or CALL Mr. B.(708)828-6491 If leave a message: Include Your Name, #, and Type of Business.
OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION FOREST PARK HIGHLY VISIBLE OFFICE/STORE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE 1350 SF w/ AC & HIGHLY VISIBLE MADISON STREET EXPOSURE. 7607 Madison Street. Village parking lot next door. Bright, clean office. Great Madison Street exposure! Call Francis 708-3838574. OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICE OAK PARK Free wifi; flexible leasing, and offices nicely furnished right down to the Kleenex. Secure building & friendly colleagues, often giving referrals to other office mates. Shared Waiting room, Conference room & option to join Peer Supervision Group. Ideal for new practice or 2nd location. 708-383-0729
S W E N
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equalopportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-6699777.
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