Wednesday Journal 072424

of Oak Park and River Forest

A task force urges a mix of nancial and policy-related reparations

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

The Village of Oak Park is considering how to give re parations to Black residents in an attempt to acknowledge historical harms to the Black community and improve racial equity in the future — four years after a task force for med to study the issue.

The Oak Park Reparations Task Force, for med in 2020, finished its re port on such harms to the Black community that contained suggestions for amends and compensation in February 2024. They include a for mal apolog y and a mix of financial and policy options, including purchasing the historic East Avenue home owned by the family of Oak Park chemist Percy Julian.

Several members of the village board urged action.

“I do want to continue to listen to the recommendations, but also make sure we keep our foot on the pedal here, and not slow down or become complacent,” Trustee Chibuike Enyia said. “There’s people that are still

REPARATIONS on page 16

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D97 student celebrates America with original song for national contest

Leo Hooper won a trip to the Statue of Liberty

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Ten-year-old Leo Hooper loves his country so much that he wrote a song about it — and won a trip to visit an American landmark. His award-winning song comes as part of America’s Field Trip, a new, nationwide scholastic contest aimed at encouraging students to reflect on what the country means to them.

The contest was organized by America250, a nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

What does America mean to Leo?

“America is where I live with my friends and family,” his lyrics say. “I know that America is good for everyone to see.”

The rising fifth grader at Irving Elementary School lear ned about the contest through his piano teacher, an Eikmeier, ho had

omposition. Leo has been playing piano for in America and I thought it would be cool to write a song it,” Leo said. “I thought it would be

merica is Where I Live” aveling across the country and the different landmarks and cool places North America has to offer.

“Every single landmark or place in my been,” Leo said, addtry to take a road

rite landmark has been the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota, said Leo.

According to a news release email announcing the awardees, 150 first and second place awardees hailing from 44 states re selected.

First-place winners were awarded with a field trip experience to one of the nine chosen destinations, which included a tour of the Statue of Liberty in New York, a weekend at the Rock y Mountain Na-

tional Park in Colorado, a tour and hike at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana, and a candlelight tour at Fort Point at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Leo got to pick his top three and was awarded a trip from those options.

He and his mother, Amber Hooper, will be traveling to New York City to experience the Statue of Liberty for the first time in August.

“I am pretty excited,” Leo said. “I never thought I would see it up close.”

The duo will also be exploring the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Museum and Learning Center and the New York Headquarters of BNY, the country’s oldest bank.

“I am excited to experience that new side of New York City with Leo,” said Amber Hooper. “I am so excited that he picked me to go with. It is just fantastic that he won this, that he worked so hard and that he has a piano teacher who encouraged him to put himself out there.”

The contest will continue in 2025 and 2026. The next opens in September.

PROVIDED BY AMBER HOOPER

PROVIDED BY AMBER HOOPER

Leo Hooper with his dad, Kevin Hooper, and grandpa, David Hooper, at the Field of Dreams in Dyersv ille, Iowa

Reconciling Emotional Cuto s in the Family

Friday, July 26, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Carleton Hotel

A conference hosted by the Center for Family Consultation, led by Dr. Anne McKnight, a scholar in Bowen Family Systems Theory and a family therapist with ex tensive experience in helping families understand emotional cuto and coaching them to reconnect and reconcile. For mental health professionals and the public. Click for details: https://tinyurl.com/2jnh54tf, 1110 Pleasant St., Oak Park

Hidden Disability Circle

Thursday, July 25, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

This circle for adults with hidden/non-apparent disabilities will be focused on healing. Examples of non-apparent disabilities include, but are not limited to, mental health, arthritis, diabetes, neurodivergence, hearing, and more. Peace circles are structured with equal opportunities to share, listen, and re ect. This event is part of our Disability Pride Month celebration. Register at //oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Tech Help Drop-In

Thursday, July 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

Have a tech question? Join us for monthly Tech Help Drop-In sessions. Our digital learning sta will help you answer your technology-based questions and address your concerns about laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Sessions are limited to 15 minutes. Bring your questions and your device. No registration required for these sessions. To protect everyone’s safety, masks are required. The Creative Studio is located on the third oor of the Main Library. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

BIG WEEK

July 24-31

‘Romeo & Juliet’

Outdoors, multiple dates, 8 p.m., 7 p.m. Sundays, Oak Park Festival Theatre

Lovesick Romeo Montague and vivacious Juliet Capulet have fallen madly in love. Unfortunately, the age-old feud between their uncompromising families forbids them from being together. William Shakespeare’s famous story of love at rst sight is full of action and swordplay, features some of the Bard’s most memorable language, and ponders the inevitability of a tragic end when the convictions of youth are directly at odds with the commands of their elders. Performances on July 25, 26, 27, 28, and 31.

Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/54p7cyc f, Austin Gardens, 167 Forest Ave., Oak Park

Understanding AI

Saturday, July 27, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

Join Creative Technology Specialist Kay and Health & Wellness Specialist Claire for a discussion of the social and ethical issues surrounding AI. We will explore common uses and limitations of AI to demystify its presence in ever yday life and supposed impact. Breaking down how AI actually works, we will talk through practices like web scraping, training algorithms, and the lack of transparency about how data is collected. Register at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Teen Take ‘n’ Makes

Monday, July 29, All Day, River Forest Public Library

Pick up a program-in-abag kit to enjoy at home. Bags include craft/activity supplies and vary weekly. Available on a rst-come, rst-served basis. Grades 5-12. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest

UNCORKED

Friday, July 26, 6 - 8 p.m., Oak Park Conser vatory (Rubinstein Garden) Outdoor event featuring music and drinks, presented by the Friends of the Oak Park Conser vator y. Admission includes two drink tickets and an appetizer. 21 and over. $20. To learn more, visit fopcon.org. 615 Gar eld St., Oak Park

Compiled by Brooke Duncan

Anne McKnight, LCSW, Ed.D

Rep. Camille Lilly gives away free natural gas alarms

By ZOË TAKAKI Contributing Reporter

On the week of the one-year anniversary of the natural gas explosion that killed an Oak Park man, legislators are stepping up ef for ts to push for natural-g as alarms.

At an educational event Monday, State Re p. Camille Y. Lilly gave out natural gas detectors to senior citizens.

Lilly partnered with DeNova Detect, whose headquarters are in Chicago, to give out 100 of their natural gas alarms.

“Here in Oak Park, on two different occa-

Legislator pushes for natural gas alarm on anniversary of Oak Park explosion Oak Park Public Library expands mental health resources for teenagers

sions, we’ve had gas explosions,” Lilly said. “Today is about providing information to homeowners around natural gas, and how it can be dangerous to your home.”

The move comes amid a national push for better safety re garding natural gas. This year, New York City became the first major city in the United States to require natural gas alarms in homes and buildings. Many are hoping Illinois will follow with the Fuel Gas Detector Act, which would require gas alarms to be installed inside buildings.

Lilly said she supports the act, although it is being revamped.

“We modeled it after New York. New York’s law had all these penalties that were initially red flags for us.” Lilly said.

Statistics show there have been 26 natu-

ral-gas explosions in the state during the past four years.

Katie Moody, an Oak Park resident who lost her father three years ago in a natural gas explosion, also attended the event to advocate for the importance of natural gas alar ms.

“At the time, we had no idea that gas alarms existed. Since the accident, we’ve just made it our goal to spread awareness about gas alarms,” said Moody. “It’s such a small cost to prevent what could be such a large loss of life and property.

The home Moody’s father was staying at the time of the explosion was on an acre of land, yet the explosion was so large it still reached their neighbors house, melting their garage door.

“I always tell my neighbors that if this

happened in Chicagoland, it would destroy an entire block,” Moody said.

In 2023, David Rechs, 64, of Oak Park, died the night after an explosion rocked an apar tment building on the 200 block of South Maple Avenue, authorities said at the time. Twelve residents were displaced. All six apar tment units within the building were deemed uninhabitable, Wednesday Jour nal re porting showed.

Marc Adams, managing director of DeNova Detects said that like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, natural gas detectors are important.

DeNova Detect gave out some alarms at the event, and they will continue to work with Lilly in giving out alarms until they run out.

The library is seen as ideal space for the program, now in its 5th year

By KATHERINE FRAZER Contributing Reporter

An award-winning initiative at the Oak Park Public Library continues its work promoting mental health resources and tools for teens in the community.

Ashley Knapp, an assistant professor and researcher at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, has partnered with the library since 2019 to explore ways to improve access to mental health resources for teenagers in Oak Park.

Knapp, who has a doctorate in experimental psychology, said public libraries are an ideal place for this kind of program.

“I found it’s a really big safe space for teens, especially teens with minoritized identities like BIPOC teens or sexual and gender minority teens,” Knapp said. “It’s a really beautiful safe space that they go to, and they just feel validated. They feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie with other teens.”

The program is now in the final year of

a five-year seed grant from the Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities, a program of the Center for Community Health at Nor thwestern University.

After years of research and community engagement, the team is currently developing and testing resources they created.

“Right now, we’re in the developmental stage for creating the app for kids, for teens, and they can have access to that through Oak Park Public Library,” Simmons said.

Simmons said funding to sustain this initiative will continue from a combination of library resources and Northwester n’s Feinberg Institute as they go forward with these resources. He said that the team hopes to have a digital mental health resource available for teens through the library’s website by December 2025.

Par tnering with Oak Park Public Library’s Middle and High School Services staf f and Robert Simmons, director of Social Services and Public Safety, Knapp has worked alongside a team to develop tech-

nology-based mental health resources for teens with access to the library.

Creating advisory groups of individuals in the community, the team was able to assess and understand the specific mental health concerns of teenagers in Oak Park. Both adult and teen advisory boards were for med to see how mental health issues present themselves in teens and what resources from the library might aid the community, assessing what is needed and what currently stands in the way.

“The teen advisory board was comprised of predominantly teens from Oak Park, but also Oak Park teens that use Oak Park Public Library,” Simmons said. “From the Austin area, from Western Cook County. We got a wide swath of teens that use the library, in general, to give us feedback and to help us with the design strategy and things of that nature.”

Using for mal library programs, teen-led town halls, assessment interviews, and infor mal conversations, the team has been

able to work closely with the community to develop tools that best serve the area.

“The main message, I think, that I got was they just don’t feel like their current mental health experiences are in the current teen narratives of mental health and we just have to do better,” Knapp said. “So, that’s what we’ve been doing. Co-creating and co-adapting with teens to create digital mental health resources.”

The team’s initiative won the 2023 ARCC Community-Academic Research Par tnership Award last September for their work

The ARCC established the CommunityAcademic Research Award in 2012 to recognize collaborations for strong research principles and collaboration promoting health and equity in Chicagoland.

“I think that reco gnition really highlighted the importance of the partnership,” Simmons said of the award. “But also the need for more digital resources for marginalized teens in our country, really. Not just Oak Park.”

OP-RF League of Women Voters highlights ‘plastic-free July’ with clean-up

LOWV, along with Environment Illinois and other volunteers turned out in the heat Saturday to beautify the Miller Meadow Forest Preserve (North).

Plastic Free July® is a global movement that promotes cleaner streets, oceans and beautiful communities by reducing or eliminating the use of plastics.

and

of Oak Park help in the e ort to clean Miller Meadow Forest

ve dur ing the Plastic Free July campaign sponsored by the League of Women Voters and Environment Illinois, July 20.

PHOTO S BY ERIC A BENSON

Jim Gill

Elaine Petkovsek

Preser

The development, 6 years in the making, was supposed to be completed by June 30

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park residents know by now – Pete’s Fresh Market hasn’t ke pt its promises on when it will open its Madison Street location, even after six years of delays.

The developers blamed the COVID-19 pandemic, utility work and supply chain issues for delays, and as of July 16, Oak Park officials said they have no active permits on file from Pete’s.

That leaves residents wondering: What is the hold-up now?

Pete’s won’t say. The grocery store’s re presentatives did not answer Wednesday Journal’s questions.

“Thank you for reaching out. Someone will reach out to you if there is any interest,” Kris Murdock, a corporate customer service manager at Pete’s Fresh Market, said in an email.

The development at 640-728 Madison St. has been underway since 2018. The deadline was last moved in January 2023, after village trustees approved an extension that changed the opening date to June 30, 2024. That day has since passed.

In January 2024, the project manager, Eugene Grzynkowicz, said he could not confirm a specific opening date. Cameron Davis, the village’s assistant director of development customer services, said at the time that an application for a building permit related to the structure was submitted to the village, but incorrectly.

In June, re presentatives from Pete’s were expected to update the village board and discuss an amendment to the redevelopment ag reement, and determine a new timeline for the project. They did not appear, although according to Emily Egan, the village’s development services director, re presentatives from Pete’s have been in “close communication” with village staf f.

“Once Pete’s has something they would like to present to the board, as soon as possible, that’s when they would be back,” Egan said, adding that she hopes representatives can return quickly with the amendment.

The next step in giving Oak Park residents another Pete’s Fresh Market, Egan said, is to complete the permitting process. Some contractors complete building permit work at once, Egan said. Pete’s did not.

“We try to work with contractors and developers, so if they’re ready for portions of the permit and it makes sense, we do wo with them and allow them to submit for that work in order to expedite the process,” Egan said.

The village has approved Pete’s perm for utility relocation, but that work ap pears complete, Egan said.

On June 7, Egan said, Pete’s submitted its permit application for the earth retention system. This permit related to the structure would allow the developers to start building foundation and underground parking for the grocery store.

It’s unclear why it took Pete’s so long to file the application, although a response was expected last week. T he village gave relatively minor corrections and comments back to Pete’s, Egan said. If they respond, the permit could be approved this month, at which point Pete’s can begin parts of construction.

“That doesn’t mean that would complete the permit applications that they’ve submitted,” Egan said. “They’re still working through some of the other items that they need. But it would be significant progress.”

The other parts of the permit application include things such as electric and plumbing work, Egan said. But outside construction could begin while those internal work components are being approved.

In 2023, Wednesday Journal re ported that if Pete’s didn’t meet deadlines, it would face financial consequences. The fe e, starting at $2,000, is supposed to increase with every extension request. Trustee Lucia Robinson has said that the penalty is not enough. Pete’s did not pay a penalty for the original extension.

My specialty is Italian CoffeeLavazza - Oak Park’s favorite coffee!

The Buggy is now going into its second year! It became a staple at the farmer’s market, Ridgeland L stop, and Lake Street at the Library. The ‘Cafe Bliss’ is the signature drink, made of whipped espresso over ice cold whole milk.

I personally have lived in Oak Park for 25 years, with 3 kids, one left at the high school. Love this little town!

-Belinda Carucci, owner

Kinslahger hosts GoFundMe for lead brewer’s family home destroyed in hurricane

By MARTHA BRENNAN Contributing Reporter

Hurricane Beryl, a category 4 hurricane that struck Jamaica in early July, killed least 22 people, destroyed houses and triggered power outages. Russhane Dawkins, a 10-year Oak Park resident and lead brew at Kinslahger Brewing Company, is experiencing such damage first-hand.

Dawkins’ family lives in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, an area that experienced a bulk of the hurricane’s aggression.

“[They] lost the roof of their house and a lot of belongings, furniture,” he said. “Everything you could possibly think of [got damaged].”

He also noted that once their roof was damaged his family’s house was unable to provide sufficient protection. As a result, they temporarily relocated to a neighbor’s house during the storm.

PROVIDED

Russhans’ Dawkins’ family in Jamaica.

attitude,” Huizinga said.

“[They are] currently staying in the room that has the most shelter and are basically toughing it out until they can get to the repairs, [with] no electricity,” Dawkins said.

His family said they are also hearing that it could be “up to a month” until they regain power. Even the surrounding towns that have power do not “have their full power capability.”

As a result, his family is left without the proper resources to rebuild their house and resume their normal lifestyles. While local assistance is providing minimal help, his family continues to endure less-thanideal circumstances.

The brewery’s owner, Keith Huizinga, organized a crowdsourced funding-campaign for Dawkins’ family on behalf of Kinslahger Brewery in Oak Park in light of this situation and their positive, personal connection with Dawkins.

“We are asking you to help our lead brewer and one of the best humans we know,” they wrote on the GoFundMe page.

Huizinga met Dawkins in 2014 at the permanently closed Kinderhook Tap. Dawkins was an employee at the establishment with an attitude to which Huizinga, and his partner, were immediately “gravitated.”

“We were just really impressed with his

T heir comradery resulted in Dawkins becoming an assistant brewer at Kinslahger, and they have been business partners ever since.

Now, Dawkins is the lead brewer, and works as an electrician at Oak Electric. He has worked as an electrician since living in Jamaica, before arriving in the United States. Roughly five years ago, Dawkins received his U.S. citizenship.

“He’s just a great person and you’re glad that you know him,” Huizinga said. “While all of the people that know Kinslahger know Russhane, I know there is a broader community in Oak Park that may not know Russhane and his relationship with the community. We hope they’ll contribute.”

“People are on their own to try to figure this out,” Huizinga said. “It’s all the families in this area that are struggling with the same things that Russhane’s family is struggling with.”

This is not a situation, he added, where surrounding households in Treasure Beach can pool their money to fix Dawkins’ family’s house. They are relying on outside help For more information, visit https:// www.gofundme.com/f/kinslahger-brewers-family-needs-help

New mini-murals extend embankment ‘galler y’

Ar ts Council project continues along the CTA Green Line

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Public transit lovers, drivers and pedestrians alike who have long admired the results of the local mini-mural program that decorates the railroad retaining walls along the Chicago Transit Authority Green Line now can spot some new pieces.

Joey Depakakibo, a Berwyn resident and artist for as long as he can remember, just finished his mini mural located on South Boulevard outside the CTA Green Line stop at Ridgeland Avenue.

Sara Jaworski, an Oak Park resident and nurse at RUSH Oak Park Hospital, is finalizing details of her mural on South Boulevard east of Scoville Avenue.

According to Camille Wilson White, executive director of the Oak Park Area Arts Council, these are just two of 23 mini mu-

rals approved for 2024. The murals, which range in size from about 6 feet by 8 feet to 6 feet by 11 feet, enhance the railroad retaining walls all over town.

“That was the plan,” she said. “To turn something very unattractive into something really beautiful and we have done that over the years.”

How the program works

The mini-mural program was created in 2010 to “promote creative expression and provide an enriching visual experience for residents and visitors alike,” according to the Oak Park Area Arts Council website.

The Green Line wall near Oak Park Avenue is almost complete with mini murals, Wilson White said, and that’s the goal. But not every “frame” along the railroad walls is suitable to be painted due to damage or leaks

Around February of each year, Wilson White said a call will go out, online, through social media and through village channels, for new artists to make their mark on Oak Park Another round

of applications will be acce pted about six weeks later, she said, for artists that missed the deadline.

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

We are

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage.

We are now part of an

Gagliardo Group, which includes 4 generations of realtors, has over 20 licensed realtors, who are highly recognized and respected in the Oak Park, River Forest and greater Chicagoland area. They are among the most knowledgeable real estate agents in the field with personal roots in the communities they serve, giving them an “at-home” advantage. We are now part of an innovative real estate company, Compass, that

TODD BANNOR

Artist Joey Depakakibo works on his mural at the Ridgeland Green Line station.

OPRF switches gears a Illinois requires ACT exam for graduatio

O cials say they are exploring options regarding test prep

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

With an official switch back to the ACT exam, Oak Park and River Forest High School District 209 will be looking to bring in services to help students prepare for the colle ge readiness assessment.

“We have outside agencies that will come in and provide ACT support or test prep, just like we did for SAT prep,” said Lori Fiorenza, assistant superintendent for student lear ning at D200.

Prep courses offered would be optional and be an out-of-pocket expense for students. Need-based financial aid may be available, according to the district’s website.

Fiorenza said the district is “exploring” those options, but no decision has been made on which company will be contracted to provide the optional ACT prep.

In the past the district had used ExcelEdge, a test preparation company, to provide a seven-week test prep program for PSAT/NMSQT assessments.

The Illinois State Board of Education announced that beginning next spring, high

school students will take the ACT exam rather than the SA required test since 2016. Prior to 2016, the required test was the

Juniors will be taking the in the spring, with sophomores taking the PreACT Secure ing the PreA

According to federal la Succeeds Act, quires all states to administer an accountability assessment to high school students. Illinois state law gives districts the option between the ACT or SA be nationally recognized.

According to ISBE, the ACT was driven Colle ge Board ability assessment ending in June 2024. A new $53 million contract was awarded to ACT based on technical specifications, commitment to diversity and price.

daily lesson plans.

The new contract with ACT will run through the 2029-30 school year.

State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders shared the news in a weekly message back in May that not only does the ACT “align to the Illinois Learning Standards,” but it also provides secure online testing, reduces administrative burden on districts, and is accessible and actionable in reporting.

“I understand the effect that changing

Handyman Services

“Through the curriculum and through the educational opportunities provided here in Oak Park we will continue to ensure they are well prepared to be as successful as possible on the ACT test,” Fiorenza said.

Students will also not be required to take a separate Illinois Science Assessment as juniors as science is incorporated into the testing subjects with the ACT. This will cut down on testing time, ISBE said.

Fiorenza said that students will still be able to take the SAT if they chose to.

According to the OPRF website, PSAT/ NMSQT testing for sophomores and juniors will still be of fered in October. The test offers students scholarship and recnition programs through the National Merit Corporation and the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

recent years, there has been a national drop in the number of colleges and universities requiring either the ACT or SAT.

But testing score requirements have been coming under fire in the past years, highlighting concerns over equity gaps affecting students of color, low-income students, and students with disabilities. According to Higher Ed Drive, making admissions test scores option at private colleges showed “modest” enrollment increases within underre presented racial

many testing locations. This contributed to the increase in removal of the ACT/ SAT score requirement from college admission packages.

According to FairTest, the National Center for Fair & Open Testing, more than 80% of U.S. four-year colleges and universities will not require scores for fall 2025 applications.

According to Quad Education, an educational consultant fir m, many universities including Brown University, Columbia University, and Dartmouth Colle ge had made the change permanent for now. Others, such as MIT, have chosen to reinstate. According to MIT Admissions, their ability to accurately predict a student’s success at their school greatly improves by considering testing scores.

In Illinois, lawmakers passed the 2021 Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, which created a “test-optional” policy for admissions for state public universities and community colle ges. According to Illinois State Democrats, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) tests scores do not showcase a student’s ability.

“Students struggle each year to do well on ACT and SAT tests,” Belt said. “Removing this requirement will help test-anxious students get into colle ge.”

A list of testing dates and re gistration deadlines can be found at OPRF’s website.

JAVIER GOVEA

Oak Park ballerina takes dancing skills abroad

Ankle injury now healed, local dancer resumes her training

By KATHERINE FRAZER Contributing Reporter

Oak Park native Trijntje MacKay Masoncup’s ballet skills and hard work have landed her a coveted position training at the English National Ballet School this fall.

The 19-year-old is headed to London to participate in the Professional Trainee Programme at the English National Ballet School, continuing to work towards her goal of becoming a professional dancer.

“

The program prepares young people for a dancing career, bridging the gap between life training and studying and life as a professional dancer

“I always loved ballet as an art and as a way to express myself,” Masoncup said. “It was always a safe place for me to go.”

Masoncup has been homeschooled, which she said allowed her to spend more time focused on both dancing and her education. She was accepted and started at the English National Ballet School in September of 2023, but an ankle injury stopped her from finishing the program.

Following two ankle surgeries this spring and lots of time spent recovering, Masoncup is looking forward to returning to the English National Ballet School and completing the program.

I always loved ballet as an ar t and as a way to express myself. It was

always a safe place for me to go.”

TRIJNTJE MACK AY MASONCUP

“It’s a program that sort of encompasses the transition between being a student and a ballet school with very long hours and very strict training schedules,” Masoncup said. “It sort of moves you into this professional life where there’s a little bit more personal responsibility, and you have to be disciplined with yourself and keep your body in shape.”

Masoncup began dancing at the Academy of Movement and Music in Oak Park when she was three years old. There she had the opportunity to try out various for ms of dance and to express herself through her art.

“My mom decided to enroll me in ballet classes because I would put on performances for them and I just loved the music and the dancing, and it was just such a fun way to express myself,” Masoncup said. “I got enrolled and I loved it, and I’ve been dancing ever since.”

Time spent at the Academy of Movement and Music, located at 605 Lake St., led Masoncup to find a passion for dancing. Although she has tried many for ms of dance, she said classical ballet is what she was always most drawn to.

“I’ve been working with my physio for a while now and just trying to get back on my feet so I’m ready for this program, and that’s been a journey, to say the least,” Masoncup said. “I think injury is always hard. That’s been a big sort of learning curve for me in terms of my dancing and how I pursue it now versus before.”

She values the support she has received from the Oak Park community, her friends and mentors.

“It’s really cool to sort of see everyone branching out and doing their own things, but we can all sort of come back to Oak Park,” Masoncup said. “It’s such a lovely little community of people. I obviously love being away, but it is nice to know that coming from this place where everybody is so entwined … It’s cool to sort of have connections as I pursue my professional career.”

After her time in London is over, she hopes to remain abroad dancing with a company, inspiring other dancers and helping them find their paths, similar to the way that Oak Park community members helped her to find a passion and career in ballet.

“I see myself dancing with a company long term and happy and in Europe somewhere, and I would really like to sort of start branching out into other thing s, too,” Masoncup said. “I’d like to influence other people and help them create their paths and their journey.”

Let

Whether

Trijntje MacKay Masoncup per forming ‘Perseverance,’ a solo piece choreographed by Sigismondi d Masoncup for MOMENTA dance company’s 40th Anniversar y Concert.

Housing Forward seeks state funding for emergenc homeless shelter

The overnight shelter at St. Catherine – St. Luc y rectory will be expanded

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Housing Forward is working with partners to expand the emergency overnight shelter at St. Catherine – St. Lucy Rectory for individuals experiencing homelessness. But they need the funds to do it.

The expansion will double the number of beds available from 20 to 40. The shelter operates from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. and provides visitors with meals and basic hygiene facilities in addition to sleeping accommodations.

The emergency shelter has been operating since 2023. Housing Forward’s Public Action to Delivery Shelter, where faith-based and community organizations provided overnight shelters on a rotating basis, had to be stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the rectory needs certain enhancements before the expansion can take place, including updating zoning requirements, improving the HVAC system and roof, and ensuring fire safety and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. That work won’t come cheap.

Vanessa Matheny, the village’s grants manager, said rehabilitating the space for code compliance and fire safety is estimated to cost about $795,000.

Funding

On July 16, the Oak Park village board authorized a grant application to be submitted for Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus funds in the amount of $637,166. That alone, if approved, won’t be enough to fund the project.

However, Housing Forward also received a commitment of $500,000 from the State of Illinois for the shelter rehabilitation. If the CDBG – Coronavirus funds are not approved, Housing Forward might be asking the village board to put up money to

help expand and improve the shelter. shelter, located in Oak Park at 38 N. tin Blvd., ensures individuals experienc ing homelessness in this area have a space to land, rather than having to potentially travel miles to another, which could easily be at capacity, Matheny pointed out.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity allocated $15 million in CDBG – Coronavirus funds to shelter construction in “urban entitlement areas,” which Oak Park qualifies. This means Oak Park has its own programs and funding.

But this is not the only CDBG – Coronavirus fund application Housing Forward is partnering with the village to apply The entities also came together to ask for $2 million from the same fund to rehabilitate The Write Inn, a temporary shelter site for those experiencing homelessness.

Matheny said Housing Forward does have competition with other similar organizations applying for the funds from this pool. The application status should be known in the next few months, she said. Trustees indicated July 16, however, that they would likely support funding for the project if needed, although no dollars are requested or approved from the village at the moment.

The other possible financial backing could come from a third round of Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services funding. In this third round, Matheny said the funds could be used to support unhoused residents, too. Oak Park had received SMASS grant funding in the past to aid mig rants in the village.

Individuals experiencing homelessness

Matheny told the village board July 16 that 371 individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness were aided by Housing Forward in 2023, a 26% increase from 2022. Of that number, 112 were in Oak Park. So, the need for an emergency overnight shelter here still exists and might even be growing. Individuals experience homelessness in Oak Park, according to the statistics, might have a low income, they might be a veteran, might be a survivor of domestic violence

or could have a disabling condition. But the narrative that individuals experiencing homelessness have issues with drugs, and that’s why they are experiencing homelessness, is one that needs to stop, Trustee Cory Wesley said.

“We really do need to approach the situation with a level of empathy for folks who need the assistance,” he said.

Of the 112 unsheltered individuals Housing Forward worked with in Oak Park in 2023, at least 95 had an area median income of 30% or less. That would be anything up to $26,000 of yearly income, said Lynda Schueler, Housing Forward’s chief executive officer.

Opening up space in the emergency shelter by moving individuals through interim housing and on to permanent supportive housing needs to happen, too, Schueler told the board July 16. But to do that, Housing Forward and the unhoused residents it serves need access to more housing.

The answer to homelessness isn’t just more emergency shelter, Trustee Brian Straw said. That’s just the first step in a process

“It’s important that we keep that pipeline moving as we want to create a pathway from homelessness to independence,” Straw said.

The village process

Wesley also asked to streamline the process for projects like this as much as possible, potentially by waiving some village fees or having permit applications skip commission reviews and come directly to the board to approve.

“We’re trying to get people of f the street,” Wesley said. “If we’re going to vote on it anyway, I’d rather us just vote on it and not have to go through three, four layers of bureaucracy.”

It might not always be possible to skip those steps, however, Village President Vicki Scaman pointed out. But certain projects can be prioritized when directed, she said.

Wesley also motioned to have a study session on another way to help Housing Forward connect with individuals experiencing homelessness – by requiring landlords to attach resources available in the village to eviction notices. Straw seconded.

There’s more work to be done.

“We are not in the business of managing homelessness,” Schueler said. “Our vision is to end it. And you can only do that by having housing at the end, or to prevent it at the outset.”

TODD BANNOR

St. Catherine-St. Lucy rector y, part of which is used as an emergency homeless shelter.

New village sustainability o cer to begin July 29

Oak Park position has been vacant since November 2023

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park has hired a new chief sustainability officer, Lindsey Roland Nieratka, after the role has been vacant for about eight months.

Marcella Bondie Keenan previously held the role, starting in March 2023. She was originally hired as a sustainability coordinator for the village in August 2021. Her last day as chief sustainability officer was Nov. 10, 2023, according to village officials.

Roland Nieratka will take on the position beginning July 29. Since 2018, she has been the first sustainability manager for Boca Raton, Florida. She was also the first environmental sustainability coordinator in Hollywood, a suburb of Miami.

“I am very proud of the work I have done in sustainability in the Southeast and am

MINI-MURALS

Embankment canvases

from page 9

Artists and experts in the area are invited to serve on a panel to judge the applications. The number of designs chosen each year varies, but this year it’s 23. Once selected, the artist will enter into a contract with the village

“You will see so many different artistic interpretations of what they felt would be fabulous for that wall of mini murals,” Wilson White said.

The artist receives $1,500 total for the mural. The first $750 is doled out for supplies, the additional $750 handed over after the work is complete.

“It’s not that much money, according to today’s standards, as far as artists who paint murals,” Wilson White said. “Artists are trying to make a living these days. The pandemic hasn’t been kind to any of us, and especially the arts community.”

The chosen artists are also expected to use certain materials to make their mural long-lasting, including an ultraviolet protectant sealant. Artists must be 18 or older and the work cannot be salacious. It also cannot have any advertisements or politi-

very excited to return to roots in Illinoi born, raised and educated,” land Nieratka said in a news release. “The sustainability work Oak doing is remarkable and I am eager to continue moving that ef fort forward.”

Oak Park’s chie ity officer position is intended to help further goals in the Climate Ready Oak opted in 2022, according to lage Manager Kevin Jackson. The plan lays out goals to respond to the global climate crisis, including decreasing community greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Some recent moves to reach those goals include the upcoming implementation of

a user fee for electric vehicle rk Climate Acclimate coacham, and an ordinance buildings constructed after Jan. 1, 2024, to be

“I am confident that Lindsey’s strong skillset and vision align well with our priorities as she brings nearly a decade overseeing susogramming at the municipal level,” Jackson said in the release. “We are thrilled to welcome her back to her home state to lead the many initiatives that will help us reach our goals in this key area.”

Roland Nieratka is also a founding member of the Coastal Resilience Par tnership of Palm Beach County, according to village

officials. This team worked on a re gional climate change vulnerability assessment, policy development, grant applications and programming, according to the news release.

She has also spent more than 15 years in higher education, according to village officials, and was an adjunct environmental science instructor at American Intercontinental University.

The soon-to-be chief sustainability officer is a member of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives and the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network. She recently completed coursework at Harvard University in executive education for sustainability leadership. Roland Nieratka has a Bachelor of Arts de gree in biolo gy and anthropology, as well as a graduate de gree in tropical ecology and a Master of Science in environmental studies.

cal statements, including the artist’s own social media handles, which could make it difficult for artists to get more exposure.

The timeline for completing a mural, however, varies from artist to artist, Wilson White said. On average, it takes anywhere from four to six weeks, she said. But one artist finished his in a singular day, she recalled. Extensions are granted when needed, but Wilson White said she does like for them to be finished around Labor Day before the weather changes.

Wilson White said the Oak Park Area Arts Council receives funding from the village to keep the program alive

“Go out, enjoy the art,” Wilson White said. “It’s a great time to see it.”

New ar twork

Depakakibo said he did his first mural in San Fransisco at his sister’s coffee shop, Pinhole Coffee. As a Berwyn resident, he often visits Oak Park, and has noticed and appreciated the murals near Oak Park Avenue. He’s missed the deadlines in years past, but this year was able to apply and was chosen to complete a mural.

“He’s just amazing,” Wilson White said. “[His artwork] is whimsical, it’s different and it just pops.”

His piece is called 1985. As a Generation

X individual, Depakakibo said he appreciates and is inspired by 1980s and 1990s nostalgia and tried to capture that time in his piece – by incorporating vibrant colors, technology and fashion. He’s also been influenced by comic books, he said.

It took him about three weeks to finish this mural, he said, balancing the work with caring for his kids who are on summer break. He used spray paint and latex paint to create his piece

“I’m detailed and I’m a perfectionist,” Depakakibo said. “I was lucky to be picked.”

The location of the mural, outside the Green Line Ridgeland stop, is a high-traffic area and located near a main intersection. Depakakibo said he’s grateful for that and has talked to many residents passing by about his piece, including kids.

“That’s my goal,” he said. “To inspire the younger generation to keep creating, and be creative, especially in this day and age where everyone’s on their phones or their iPads or TVs.”

Some of Depakakibo’s other work can be found on Instagram at @joeyd76.

Jaworski, a single mom with two kids, also said she loves the community aspect of the mural painting, especially talking to the young kids who like to watch her paint. It’s her first time doing a mural and a painting on this scale, she said. And it

hasn’t all been smooth sailing

She said she’s had to redo parts of her mural, which showcases an octopus interacting with plastic and trash in the ocean, about four times. That’s because heavy rainfall and a lack of enough protective spray on top of her acrylic paint melted parts of the mural. She started her mural in early June, and she’s nearly done.

“I’m kind of a perfectionist,” she said. “It’s been a really great experience despite the frustrations of the weather.”

Jaworski said she’s passionate about saving the ocean and drew inspiration from that for her mural. Instead of buying gifts for each other on Christmas, she said her family pools money and takes turns choosing where to donate it. Jaworski said that twice she’s chosen Ocean Defenders Alliance, an organization working to clean and protect marine ecosystems

“There’s just so much plastic and pollution [in the ocean],” she said. “If our oceans die, we die.”

Jaworski also said she chose to paint an octopus because of their intelligence. Nowadays, she said people are learning more about sea creatures, their intelligence, and the pain they can feel.

“Oak Park is already a beautiful village, but [public art] offers extra beauty,” she said. “We need art in our lives. It’s important.”

LINDSE Y ROL AND NIERATK A

Two men rob Crystal Lake residents at gunpoint

Two Crystal Lake residents arrived at the 6100 block of West Roosevelt Road on July 15 to buy an item for sale from two men. One of the men displayed a black handgun with an extended magazine and stole money from the victims. The men then fled in an unknown direction. The estimated loss is $4,500.

Burglary

■ A man shattered the drive r’s s ide wind ow to g et i nto a Crystal La ke resident’s 2016 black Dodge Ram on the 100 block of S outh Har ve y Avenue on Ju ly 15. T he man stole a nail g un, a vacuum and a battery pack from the ca r. He then g ot in a da rk blue Nissan S UV and fled the scene. T he estimated loss is $1,450.

■ S omeone broke i nto an Oak Pa rk resident’s ga rage b etween

April 4 and 5 on the 700 block of Clinton Avenue. T he person stole three bikes and g olf club s.

T he estimated loss is $2,200.

■ A man used a prying tool to break i nto an Oak Pa rk business on the 200 block of Madison Street on Ju ly 18. T he man stole automobile tools and gl oves. He was last seen walking east on Madison Street. T he estimated loss is $1,200.

Armed robbery

Two men a pproached an Oak Pa rk r esident Ju ly 16 on the 7100 b lock of West Roosevelt Road .

One man displ ayed a firear m and took a pair of A ir Jo rdan shoes, a gr ay wallet and money

T he men we re last seen leavin g on their bikes heading west on Roosevelt Road. T he estimated loss is $238.

Robbery

A man met up with a Palatine resident July 20 on the 100 block of North Oak Park Avenue. He used physical force to steal money, a phone and 43 norco pills. The man fled on foot south on Oak Park Avenue. The estimated loss is $1,130.

Motor vehicle theft

■ Someone stole an Oak Park resident’s red 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV between July 17 and 18 while it was parked on the 1000 block of South Humphrey Avenue. The estimated loss is $12,000.

■ A man broke into and stole an Elgin resident’s blue 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee on July 18 while it was parked on the 100 block of Chicago Avenue. The car was last seen heading east on Augus-

ta Street. The estimated loss is $45,000.

Criminal damage to proper ty

Someone shattered the front driver’s side door window and windshield of an Oak Park resident’s orange 2017 Ford Fiesta while it was parked on the 200 block of South Oak Park Avenue between July 13 and 14. The person did not enter the car, but the estimated damage is $700.

Arrests

■ A 42-year-old Chicago man was arrested July 18 on the 400 block of Madison Street for disorderly conduct. He was given a citation and released.

■ A 31-year-old Chicago man was arrested July 18 on the 300

block of Wisconsin Avenue for criminal damage to property. He was given a notice to appear and released.

■ A 26-year-old Oak Park man was ar rested for domestic battery July 20 on the 200 block of North Grove Avenue. He was held for bond hearings.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department reports dated July 15 – 22 and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest. Compiled by Luzane Draughon

REPARATIONS

Village moves forward from page 1

being denied housing to this day … This hasn’t ended just because we’ve said we’re this village of equity. We have to actually walk that walk.”

Trustee Lucia Robinson, however, asked first for a deeper historical study of a century-plus of discrimination against Black residents so that the village can craft a better articulated and more authentic apolo gy for its actions.

“We cannot have an apolo gy that says ‘Well, the re parations task force said we did bad things, and so we’re sorry,’” Robinson said. “We have to take more ownership than that. We have to say, ‘We did the work to figure out what the history was of this community.’”

Village Manager Kevin Jackson said that while the village has to address legal concerns for a re parations program, it doesn’t mean they can’t move forward on some of the issues in the meantime but didn’t specify at the July 16 meeting what that might look like.

Christian Harris and Nancy Alexander, two members of the task force, detailed examples of historical harms to the Black community at the village board meeting last week.

One example, Alexander noted, is when white Oak Parkers got the village board to rescind a building permit for a Black congregation that purchased property on Cuyler Avenue and Chicago Avenue. The congregation later built Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in 1905, on what is now Westgate Avenue near Harlem Street and Lake Street, only to have it burn in a “mysterious fire.”

That area was the hub of Oak Park’s small Black community. It was soon rezoned for commercial development and is now the core of downtown Oak Park Those choices to rename and redevelop erased the evidence of Oak Park’s early Black residents, Alexander said.

The task force members also pointed out the struggles Black families faced in the 1960s and 1970s to purchase homes in Oak Park. In some instances, white people became “straw buyers” and bought homes on behalf of Black purchasers, Alexander said.

And, while Oak Parkers might think racial equality is already prevalent here — with a middle school, for example, named after famed scientist Percy Julian — the Julian family nonetheless continues to

face struggles without compensation, Alexander said.

Harris said re parations are necessary because racial equity initiatives tend to fall short of addressing the past and focus instead only on the future.

“How can we truly build an equitable economic future for Black people when many of the laws, systems and people that have historically extracted wealth from the Black community still exist with no signs of changing?” he asked. “We must look back to repair the harm.”

“We do have a tendency here in Oak Park to put rose-colored glasses on the history of our actions,” Village President Vicki Scaman acknowledged at the meeting. Re parations could be a step toward changing that.

Oak Park is not alone in this ef fort. Evanston was the first United States city to issue re parations for Black residents. Its first phase involved giving 16 residents $25,000 each for home re pairs or property costs. But now, the city is facing a lawsuit over its program. A conservative group claims it is unconstitutional because the payments are based on race.

And re parations aren’t a new idea in the United States, either, one public commenter pointed out at the July 16 meeting

According to the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University, slaveowners got re parations, while the enslaved persons got nothing. According to the National WWII Museum, Congress also

ate a cultural center, while also allowing rcy Julian’s daughter, Faith, to stay in the home until her death.

The task force said they don’t want private developers to get ahold of the home. But some board members said July 16 that they’re not in favor of taking any agency ay from Faith Julian, and that she needs to be in conversations about the future of her home.

Reactions

Trustee Cory Wesley noted other historical harms to Black communities, including the effects of race-based zoning practices and racist real estate tactics.

“I think there’s more we can do here to uncover specific instances of action that this village has taken against Black folks that would justify re parations,” he said. “A general apolo gy just for committing acts of harm after over 100 years of harmful actions, I just don’t think is suf ficient.”

paid re parations to Japanese Americans after their incarceration. And 9/11 survivors received compensation, too, according to WSHU.

So how might Oak Park try to re pair harm done to the Black community?

Oak Park reparations options

The task force recommended that village officials first issue an official apolo gy for policies, practices and procedures that have been harmful to the Black community. They are also asking for the village to partner with financial institutions to create housing-related services for the Black community. This could help create equitable opportunities for homeownership, maybe through low-interest loan or downpayment assistance programs.

The task forces also suggested creating a “Percy Julian Restorative Justice Fund and Foundation,” a nonprofit that advocates for restorative justice and works to re pair effects of discrimination and racism. The village board, the task force said, should commit 50% of inclusionary zoning funds to this, as well as $350,000 in startup funds.

“The village board has already spent [about] $350,000 on migrants,” Alexander said. “What will the village commit to its resident, voting, taxpaying African American citizens?”

The group’s final suggestion was for the village to buy the Percy Julian home to cre-

He described how Percy Julian, whose home was firebombed twice, would station himself under a tree with a shotgun, telling his son it was because others in the neighborhood didn’t want him there.

Enyia recalled times he has had people try to break into his home, too.

During the public comment portion of this discussion, Oak Park resident Sheila Wesonga said the issue of re parations is personal to her. She said she’s had family members who’ve faced housing difficulties, who’ve experienced pain and trauma from police, and personally faced constant stares for wearing her native dress.

“It’s ridiculous. It’s painful,” she said. “It’s important that you know that these things not only existed in the past but continue in the future.”

Another resident, Lisa Shelton, said that in light of the aid the village gave to the migrant community during the recent crisis, a conversation about reparations is needed for the Black community. One area of focus should be for people of color in Oak Park experiencing homelessness, she said.

“Reparations are not charity nor donations,” said Dot Lambshead Roche, an Oak Park resident. “They are owed.”

Trustee Susan Buchanan said she finds the village’s feedback so far “wholly inadequate,” noting the delays in discussing the issue.

“I want a proposal from the village staf f of how this village can … take the first ste ps in addressing re parations,” she said. “We can’t sit on our laurels,” Trustee Brian Straw added. “We can’t let another year pass without having done something.”

A er Biden bows out, local o cials turn the page to what’s next for Democrats

The

area’s federal, state and local o cials weigh in on latest

turn of events

By ERIKA HOBBS Editor

Democratic leaders across the western suburbs have come out en masse in support of President Joseph Biden’s extraordinary decision to withdraw as the Democratic candidate for president with many ready to endorse the passing of the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Praise came from elected officials at the state, federal and local levels, who said Biden’s decision was the courageous and right thing to do for the country and for the Democratic party.

“Joe Biden did … what Donald Trump could not. He put his country first before his own ambition.,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park “Voters will have a clear choice in 2024 – Donald Trump, who is only concerned about himself, or a candidate for president who believes in something bigger.”

He added, “His presidency will go down in American history as one of our most consequential. His le gacy of service to our nation, and specifically to the people of Delaware, is secure. His leadership, faith, and bravery in this moment will live in the memories of the American people for all time because the choice before the American people is now set.”

Although Harris all but clinched the number of dele gates she needed to move on by publication, the 147 delegates from Illinois still had not endorsed her.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday added his voice to the Harris endorsements, saying in a statement: “It’s important to be thoughtful about what’s next for the Democratic Party and for the country, which is why I spent hours yesterday talking to fellow leaders in our Party getting and giving input about the road to victory in November. I am also cognizant of the unique role we play here in Illinois as hosts of the Democratic National Convention. Vice President Harris has proven, at every point in her career, that she possesses the skills, strength,

and character to lead this country and the vision to better the lives of all Americans. From protecting women’s rights to defending American workers and strengthening the middle class, Vice President Harris is a champion of the American values we hold dear. She re presents our Party’s best chance to defeat Donald Trump in November, and I will work my heart out to help her do that.”

His endorsement was one of many

In a statement on X, U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, whose district includes Brookfield and North Riverside, said, “President Biden is putting the country over his political career and that is the true definition of a leader. His ef for ts will be remembered by a grateful nation.”

Rep. Danny K. Davis of the 7th District praised Biden in a statement for his “unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy, justice, and equity.”

He then added his resounding support for Harris, saying: “Vice President Harris has proven herself to be a dynamic and visionary leader, dedicated to upholding the values we cherish. Her tenure as Vice President has been marked by her tenacity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. She has been a steadfast advocate for the underserved and a powerful voice for those often overlooked ... As the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American to hold the office of Vice President, she has already broken countless barriers and inspired millions. I have every confidence

that she will continue to lead with integrity, vision, and courage.”

State Rep. La Shawn Ford of the 8th District that includes the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, Oak Park and Forest Park, said in a statement on X that as a pledged delegate to the Democratic National Convention in August for the Biden-Harris campaign, that he wanted to “express my appreciation for President Biden’s steadfast commitment to public service and his legacy of prioritizing the nation over politics. Our country is at a critical juncture, and it’s crucial for us to unite and ensure that our leaders remain dedicated to unity and progress. I believe that the upcoming ticket will uphold these values and lead us to a resounding victory over Donald Trump, reaffirming our commitment to a brighter and more inclusive future for all Americans.”

Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, also a DNC dele gate, said he backs Harris as the next candidate for United States president.

“I always knew that President Biden would do what he thought was in our country’s best interests,” he told Growing Community Media. “So, I support his decision. He’s been a very consequential President. I will support Kamala Harris.”

On X, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch of the 7th District said: “President Biden has put our country first time and time again. His commitment to moving forward even amidst adversity and personal loss embodies who we are as Americans. Today, he has put our country first again.

“I want to thank President Biden for his selfless leadership, and for again putting our country and our democracy ahead of individual ambition. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help move a united Democratic Party forward to victory in November.”

Biden, 81, dropped out of the race after three weeks of pressure from donors and top-ranking Democrats who said they believed he could no longer beat for mer President Donald Trump because of agerelated issues.

Biden stood resolute until Sunday, saying that he was the best candidate to defeat Trump and that he had unfinished business in doing so. He also said is intent on finishing out his term in office.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” he said on his X account. “And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my ter m.”

He also put his full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

That Biden has stepped aside as the frontrunning candidate of any party so close to the election had moved the nation into unchartered waters. For mer president Lyndon B. Johnson, under pressure about the Vietnam War, stepped down in March 1968.

The message from the DCCC remained optimistic.

“Here in Chicago, our mission remains the same. During the convention, we will have an opportunity to show the country and the world who Democrats are and what we stand for,” said Democratic National Convention Chairperson Minyon Moore.

“Over the past year, we have been building the stage — literally and figuratively — for President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats to tell our story to the American people. The historic progress Democrats achieved under the BidenHarris Administration will still be central to that story, as will the story of what is at stake in this election.”

Illinois Re publicans used the opportunity to take a shot at Democrats

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of lies from the Biden White House and Democrats shaming anyone who questioned the fitness of President Biden,” Kathy Salvi, Illinois Republican Party chairperson said in a statement. “Democrats are divided, torn apart by their own duplicity trying to pass off President Biden’s inability to fulfill his role, while Republicans stand united behind President Trump and an agenda of freedom, prosperity, and safety. Democrats have become the party of self-service while Republicans have become the voice of this nation. We as Illinois Republicans must continue to call attention to JB Pritzker’s tax-and-spend, pro-criminal agenda that drives families away from this state to protect the rest of the nation.”

Reporter Trent Brown contributed to the article.

K AMALA HARRIS Vice President

Volunteer Ser vice Award recipients at Wright’s Studio entrance. (Le to right: John Dames, Matthew Patrician, Brian Flora, Bill Kundert, Graham Rarity, Andy Kaczkowski, Julie Conmy, Bob Trezevant, Jack Lesniak, Terry Watson, Michael Connelly, Gary Northrup Jack Bizot, Je Jaglois and Richard Katz)

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust celebrates 50 Years of community

FBy LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

ifty years ago this week, on July 17, 1974, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust opened the doors of Wright’s Home and Studio in Oak Park to the public for tours for the first time

The nonprofit was founded as the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Foundation in June of 1974 when a group of determined preservationists planted the seeds for what is today a model of historic preservation, education and tourism.

On the 40th anniversary of the founding in 2014, Wednesday Journal spoke with architect John Thorpe about the history of Oak Park’s most famous foundation. Thorpe, who died in 2016, recalled that he started a walking tour of Oak Park for the Chicago Architecture Foundation in 1971.

Through his tours, he met the owner of the Home and Studio, Charlotte Nooker. In 1972,

she listed the home for sale for $400,000. The Historical Society of Oak Park River Forest and the Landmarks Commission of Oak Park for med a committee to explore purchasing the home. Committee member Dawn Schumann, who would become the founding president of the organization that would eventually be known as the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Department of Housing and Urban Development re garding the home. Ne gotiations continued for almost two years with Thorpe working as a go-between for Nooker and the preservation groups. Eventually, in 1974, a purchase price of $168,000 was ag reed upon, and on June 17 the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Foundation of ficially became a 501(c)3 organization.

See 50 YEARS on page 21

TINA HARLE/COURTESY OF FRANK LLOY D WRIGHT TRUST CHIC AGO

Lind,

50 YEARS

Foundation dinner celebrates FLW legacy from page 19

A group of volunteers began the work of creating a foundation dedicated to education, restoration and tours. In 1977, four board-member architects (Thorpe, Bill Dring, Carl Hunter and Don Kalec) developed a master plan as a guide to restoring the Home and Studio, and the book was used by the National Trust as a model for other restoration programs across the country.

Not all of the original founders are still around, but a fair number of them were in Oak Park on the second weekend in July to celebrate the institution now known as the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.

“The 50th anniversary dinner brought together past directors, presidents, founding members and current volunteers,” said Celeste Adams, president and CEO of the trust. “Everyone shares in the achievement.”

Founder and former board member Bill Dring

Jack Lesniak on 50 years of volunteer

Three speakers at the dinner included Dawn Schumann, the founding president; Bill Dring, a founding Board member; and Carla Lind, a founder and director, each of whom played a key role in establishing the legacy of Wright in Oak Park. Nine additional founders attended, including John and Theresa Bruun, Patrick Cannon, Jan Dressel, Jack Lesniak, Gail Orr, Susan Remington, Alice Sinkevitch and David Sokol. Lesniak was recognized for 50 years of volunteer service. Adams described the significance of the 50th anniversary: “Since 1974, the trust has brought approximately 3 million cultural tourists and preservation enthusiasts to Oak Park to tour Wright’s Home and Studio and discover the architectural treasures of this community. This is a moment to look

Oak Park seeks nominations for Community Awards

The village is seeking nominations for the 2024 Historic Preservation, Cavalcade of Pride and Sustainability Awards.

Cavalcade of Pride Awards reco gnize property owners who have done an exceptional job of maintaining and improving the exteriors of their homes and businesses. Categories include: residential, multi-family, garden, commercial and sign. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 16. More information and online nomination for ms are online: www.oakpark.us/cavalcadeofpride

Historic Preservation Awards are awarded for restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use, additions/new construction, stewardship, detail and design. Buildings do not need to be in a historic district to be considered, and interior work may be considered in conjunction with exterior work The deadline for nominations is Oct. 18. For more details and nomination forms, visit: www oak-park us/preservationawards

Sustainability Awards reco gnize community members and organizations, local businesses, nonprofits, institutions and collaborative projects and initiatives that demonstrate leadership in advancing equity-centered climate action, climate resilience and sustainability in alignment with Climate Ready Oak Park. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 31. More information and an online nomination form go to: www.oak-park.us/greenawards

back with gratitude to those who established the trust and those who have contributed their talent over the years.”

While it celebrates the past, Adams said the anniversary also is an opportunity to look forward. She paraphrased Lind’s speech, which emphasized the importance of evolution in an organization: “To thrive, an organization must evolve and continue to be nourished.”

To that end, Adams said that the Trust’s commitment to the community is growing stronger, as more than 200 volunteer interpreters educate an expanding and diverse audience at four Wright sites, fulfilling the trust’s vision “to preserve the universal value of the arts for all people.”

In June, the Home and Studio hosted more than 300 visitors with a two-day community open house, which offered parent and child activities, and featured speakers on architecture, landscape architecture and preservation. Many of the visitors enjoyed complementary tours of the Home and Studio

Expanding the trust’s reach into the community is a key part of the trust’s planned expansion and the rehabilitation efforts of the historic buildings at 925 and 931 Chicago Avenue on the site of the Home and Studio.

Site preparation is underway for the new learning center, and Adams said the trust is moving full speed ahead with the capital campaign to raise the funds necessary for construction. (See https://www oakpark.com/2024/04/03/franklloyd-wright-trust-plans-learning-center-expansion/)

TINA HARLE/FRANK LLOY D WRIGHT TRUST, CHIC AGO

Bill Dring, founder and former board member.

TINA HARLE/FRANK LLOY D WRIGHT TRUST, CHIC AGO

congratulates

service.

TINA HARLE/FRANK LLOY D WRIGHT TRUST CHIC AGO

Dawn Schumann, founding president of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, speaks at the 50th Anniversar y Dinner on Sunday, July 14.

TINA HARLE/FRANK LLOY D WRIGHT TRUST, CHIC AGO

Carla

founder and former executive director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, speaks at the 50th Anniversar y Dinner.

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ARTBEA T

A coming-of-age story, set in Oak Park

After living in Los Angeles for three years, I moved back to my hometown of Oak Park to begin pre-production for my feature film, Girl Crush. I am a screenwriter, actor, and producer with over a decade of experience in the film industry. As a two-time childhood cancer survivor, my resilience and deter mination permeate my work, infusing it with authenticity and depth.

Growing up with an autistic brother further cultivated my empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives

My first short film, “Bath Salt” (2017), explores themes of loss and survivor’s guilt, and premiered at the MinneapolisSt. Paul International Film Festival. It was also recognized as a finalist at the USA Film Festival. “Purgatory” (2020), my second short, delves into the self-imposed barriers we face, earning the Best Short Screenplay Award at the Chicago Genre Screenplay Competition and a nomination for Best Dark Comedy at Indie Shorts Fest.

Girl Crush follows a 13-year-old girl, Ivy, whose world turns upside down when she falls hopelessly in love with a woman twice her age, and then deals with the fallout of unrequited love. The genesis for this story came from my own memory of being 13 and realizing I was bisexual. This was in 2009, when kids would use the word “gay” to insult or punish.

One View

I was scared to come out then, even to myself, and did not do so until many years later. Now that I work part-time as a teacher, I notice the profound difference in how accepting kids are today. Being queer is not the same shameful secret it once was, and I think movies should reflect this cultural shift

Many LGBTQ+ coming-of-age films focus on the oppression and marginalization of the community. While these stories are vital to our existence, so are the stories of unabashed acceptance. Instead of focusing on her sexuality, I drew attention in this script to Ivy’s year ning for a crush she can never have, making it a story many can relate to, regardless of their orientation.

Director Nadyja von Ebers, who also has roots in Oak Park, and I are collaborating to create a film that is grounded, intimate, and humanistic in its tonal and visual execution. I met Nadyja over a decade ago when she was my high school English teacher at Chicago Academy for the Arts. After graduat-

VIEWPOINTS

When someone seeks help, what must I do?

Sometimes it feels as though our sins are bubbling up around us like flood water, charged by things we did or did not do. Here I’m thinking of the many people who stand in parking lots or on street cor ners or in traffic at stop lights with a hastily scrawled message on a shred of cardboard or maybe a tray of candy offerings. The M&Ms always catch my eye.

I stopped one outside a drug store back in March and asked where he was from. No English, Venezuela. He was young, thin, less than half my weight, clothed in spare pants and a coat inadequate to the weather. Not for a second did I doubt what he said.

DONALD NEKROSIUS

One View

I am skeptical of some of the supplicants I see everywhere. I’ve told this tiny interaction before, but on Lake Street once a fellow asked me for some money, and I gave him five dollars. Not minutes later as I shopped in a store, there he was making his selection in the liquor aisle. At first I was incensed that he was using money people had given him to buy a drink. But later I recalled words I had heard about maybe a guy like him needs to get high. I don’t know what his life is like, and maybe I shouldn’t stand in judgment of someone I know nothing about.

But I do make a judgment during the not infrequent occasions of someone on the street asking for money. Do I give a few bucks to a person smoking a cigarette? What about a person who just put a cellphone in a pocket before retur ning to solicit funds? Or the young man I saw check his wristwatch before holding out his hand?

A woman carrying a small child in her ar ms or in a sling on her back, how can I ignore that need? Or the fellow whose gait clearly shows infirmity? Or the person whose clothes and shoes are bedraggled and worn? What about the man and woman team whose faces look reddened by wind and sun and maybe booze?

As a person moves through stopped cars at a light, I avert my gaze even as I am drawn to look at them, to see how they’re presenting themselves. Sometimes I make eye contact and almost always shake my head no, I won’t help you. But every time I am struck to my moral center by the request and equally as deeply by the denial of aid. Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me, it

says somewhere in the good book. If there is no god and therefore the prophets are nothing more than representatives of ideas we generate out of our social understanding, do I not still have the responsibility to respond anyway? They are not angels, not devils, not saviors in disguise. Nor are they occasions of my sins like excessive self-regard, or meanspiritedness, or anger, or hate. They are people.

Somewhere recently I heard that the worst thing you can do to another person is to fail to see them, to leave them invisible

Only now, in addition to the men and women who congregate in public byways that we’ve come to recognize over time as homegrown beggars, there is a new wave of those who may or may not be immigrants up from the souther n border trying to make their way in a world that doesn’t have an easy entry to housing, sustenance, schooling and work. I watched one young man walk forward between the stopped traffic. I could see there was no excess body because the seat of his sweatpants sagged. He looked like a hard traveler. Did he walk from his home far away, all the way to this particular intersection with hope in his mind and is that the hope that motivates him to hold up a scribbled sign? Often these apparent immigrants don’t look into drivers’ eyes, unlike our more familiar practitioners of the ask who know to appeal directly to a person as a more fruitful strategy.

A woman walked past my car the other day and she was a tiny human being, really child-like in stature, but her face showed her years. The older woman sitting on a blanket up against a restaurant wall keeping watch over a child and as people pass, she holds up a hand to seek a little something — this is a scene out of naturalist novel or a WPA photo gallery.

It should be clear that I’m sheltered. I have not seen the poverty that I hear about from world travelers. I read yesterday about advice a fellow gave to a seatmate on a flight to India that whatever you do, do not give anything to a begging child. Of course, the advice went unheeded and the person did respond to a request and immediately

What we owe Joe Biden

Reparations owed

It is good to see the urgency expressed last week by multiple members of Oak Park’s village board as it finally took up discussion of recommendations from the Re parations Task Force.

At least five members of the board — Cory Wesley, Lucia Robinson, Chibuike Enyia, Susan Buchanan and Brian Straw — said they want village staf f to begin moving forward with at least some aspects of the recommendations set out by the task force.

And Village President Vicki Scaman rightly noted that “We do have a tendency here in Oak Park to put rose-colored glasses on the history of our actions” re garding issues of race. An understatement for sure.

Racial equity is not original to this village’s DNA. The task force has identified multiple moments when racism led to deeply offensive actions, some official while others were, in effect, sanctioned by a community culture where racism was baked in.

Oak Park, of course, is not alone in this original sin. But as a village that eventually turned toward racial integration in the 1970s — as a policy borne of both virtue and strong self-interest — we have too often cocooned behind the rose-colored glasses mentioned by Scaman. Along with overt acts of racism that continue to this day, Oak Park has too often lost itself in smug self-cong ratulations about its inte gration ef forts.

This re port challenges Oak Park to closely examine its history through today and to atone for genuine failings. Robinson rightly said we need a deeper look at our history so the village can craft an authentic and genuine apolo gy

There is also a recommendation that Oak Park work with financial institutions to structure housing-related incentives that would benefit Black residents in securing or improving housing choices.

And, interestingly to us, the task force focuses on Percy Julian, the famed scientist and initially unwelcomed resident of the 1950s, with a proposed restorative justice fund in his name. There is also a proposal that the village work — alongside Faith Julian, the surviving daughter — to purchase the family home on East Avenue and convert it into a community center.

To us, what is impor tant is steady action. Inaction and endless review is a quiet out from a discussion that must, by design, bring discomfort, but ultimately “repair.”

Why we claim Newhart

Among the many things Austin and Oak Park share is Bob Newhart. He died last week in California at the age of 94, almost as beloved as Betty White.

The famed comic and sitcom star was bo rn 94 years ago at West Sub in Oak Park. He grew up on Nor th Mason in Austin at a time when Austin Boulevard was just a busy street down the middle of a shared community. He went to grade school at St. Catherine of Siena. He had family, aunts, uncles and cousins, in Oak Park We knew them, over by Jackson and Lyman.

St. Ignatius, Loyola, Mister Kelly’s, fame and for tune followed.

The shared history of Austin and Oak Park continues today. Bob Newhart is one small piece of it.

Reflections, and questions, in the wake of Joe Biden’s honorable decision to be a one-ter m president:

Biden was treated badly during the intense media ef fort of the past month to pressure him to withdraw his candidacy. Ridicule and recriminations, damning with faint praise (as opposed to Trump, whom we continue to praise with faint damns). Biden deserved better

But it must be a tremendous relief not to have his every move and utterance micro-analyzed.

Trump is the old guy now. Let’s see how he likes it.

Biden has set the parameter: 82 is now the outer limit for presidents.

KEN TRAINOR

But that won’t stop Trump from running again in 2028, whether he wins or loses this time, if he isn’t in jail by then — and maybe even then.

B iden, meanwhile, is going out on top, with a better record than most. He did mor e g ood in four years than most presidents do in eight.

He ste pped forward when we needed him most and defeated the greatest threat to this country since the Civil War. With the thinnest of governing margins, he and his administration and the barely Democratic Cong ress produced a record of le gislative accomplishments unmatched since the 1960s. They also proved everyone wrong about the economy, which has remained consistently strong, despite the doomsayers. We cannot overestimate what Joe Biden has meant to this democracy. He was the right guy at the right time

The next 100 days, on the other hand, will make — or break — the Democratic Party. It is the proverbial opportunity riding on a dangerous wind.

Trump is sure he’ll win, but however cocky, I’ll bet he wakes up in a cold sweat these days at the thought of losing to a woman of color. Is this country still too racist and sexist to elect a woman of color? We’re about to find out.

Biden’s bow-out has put the onus on us. Hmmm, “The Onus is On Us” might make a catchy campaign slogan. No excuses. It’s up to us.

Here’s another: Will we “Unite at the United Center”? Re publicans blindly confor m. But what does it mean to truly unite? All I know is if the pro-democracy coalition holds, Trump can’t win. We proved that in 2020. If we’re united, energized and mobilized, I don’t much care who tops the ticket at this point. But Kamala seems the obvious, and best, choice. And if Trump gets beat by a woman of color, that would be justice at its most poetic.

Biden just did something noble, a word that doesn’t exist in Trump’s vocabulary. Will we rise to this occasion or fade into fatal passivity? Will we prove worthy of his sacrifice? The last thing he wanted to do was leave this race. He did it anyway. That’s heroism. He bowed out with grace and with honor. That’s class. He led with his heart and his head and he listened, conducting a master class on leadership and setting a great example for his successor. That’s a le gacy.

Biden has earned his place in our hall of heroes. Will we do likewise? Will we be remembered as the Next Greatest Generation, the one that saved democracy? We cannot escape history, Lincoln said during the Civil War. He saved government of the people, by the people, for the people. What will history say about us someday?

Wi ll we unleash wh at has been so long pent up and turn back this extremist, authoritari an tide? Wi ll we see a genuine voter uprising at last?

Biden’s single ter m has been a minor miracle. He and his administration made the federal government work better for most Americans — which is essential to our national security. Imagine what might happen with a governing majority.

For now, the onus is on us — to work our own miracle: Getting Biden’s successor somehow, someway elected in roughly 100 days is just the first ste p.

Whatever happens in the uncertain four months ahead, this much is clear: Joe Biden is a man of remarkable character. And he is one ve ry special president.

Correction

In the July 17 Viewpoints section, a letter, “Reconsider Cozy Corner’s rent hike,” included an incor rect name for the restaurant’s landlord. The letter has been corrected online (oakpark.com). Wednesday Jour nal re grets the er ror.

SHRUB TO WN by Marc Stopeck

Tornadoes and other turbulence

If 10 tornadoes last week is indicat ive of wh at ’s to c ome this fall in re ga rd to contention in the U. S. and elections mimicking the we ather, I need to remind myself to breathe right now. I’m reminding you to do the same thing . I find that one of the best ways to stay present and to remember that we are a ve ry small pa rt of a ve ry big wo rl d is to enjoy the community we ’re in. Wi th the 10 tor nadoes that visited us recently, 4-5 of wh ich we re in the Chicago area, we are for tunate there wasn’t more d amage. Nature is resilient. Nature is a good teacher. We can be resilient too through these winds of change in our nation. Now is a good time to go to the l ibrary and learn about history in this community so that we do n’ t re peat the things we do n’ t want to re peat , but rather do the things that are progr essive and brin g us into a positive future.

Now is a good time to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright houses, the Hemingway house, Scoville Park, and all of the places that are quintessential Oak Park and River Forest, to appreciate the little things and breathe. If I’m able to appreciate a small community, then I am able to expand

that appreciation to a larger nation even at times when it is difficult to do so.

Now is a good time, especially before the season changes again to go and stand in line for your ice cream at one of the local shops. Sit outside and eat at one of the many restaurants because you never know when you might be met with 10 tornadoes or other winds of change that don’t afford the time and ener gy to enjoy and breathe your community in.

Children will be back at school soon. Life will become busier and potentially more chaotic as we get closer and closer to this election. Clearly, there are no predictions that can’t be upended during this time. Spending time in nature always helps. OPRF has many huggable trees which keep standing through all of the storms. Like I said, we can learn a lot from nature and from taking time to enjoy the finer things in our little community. It takes the edge of f of weathering our politics at this time.

El S erumaga River Forest

WEDNESD AY

of Oak Park and River Forest

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e goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have su cient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it o en is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it.

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Rush to judg ment on leaf-bagging

Ihave lived in my current home since 1977. The current issue impacts us directly as the nearby park trees deposit much of their leaves into our yard as well as the impact from parkway trees in front of our home.

MICHAEL GOODMAN

One View

I want to add my thoughts regarding the leaf-bagging issue. The stated concer ns have existed for years, are rare events, and are weak excuses for making a change that impacts all, both financially and in time and labor expended

Our largest and most mature trees are on our parkways and in our parks. They are the village’s trees, not ours. For years we have assisted in leaf collection. The piles created help capture leaves in the street. With “our” leaves bagged, our streets and alleys will still be filled with leaves and require management by the village, with the same equipment previously used. The streets will need to be cleaned or the sewers will be clogged and snow removal hampered.

We will not be having any “Green Block Parties” to manually clean the streets for you. Another issue not addressed is the village manpower required to pick up the leaf bags While our garbage and recycling are picked up directly by trucks, our yard waste bags are picked up by an individual lifting them into a truck.

It has been said that “it is too late to change.” This should have been considered before a hurried decision was made. We are talking about a decision made in April for services to start in October. Lakeshore Recycling provided these services for several years and they either own or lease the equipment. They will still need to manage our streets and

alleys. We have a contract. It is absurd to think this can’t be reversed If necessary, find a new provider. I believe we should re-engage LRS to provide the previous services, and take time to examine the issue. Beyond the issue of leaf-bagging is something more important. How are we represented by our village government? The trustees rushed the decision even though the village president and others asked for further study. A petition was presented, a request for a referendum was made, and all were ignored. Are there other dynamics such as cost savings in the budget, transfer ring expense to the public without a compensatory adjustment in taxes? This issue affects everyone and didn’t require emergency action. If the trustees don’t respond appropriately then we, the voters, should vote them out at the next opportunity. They aren’t representing our interests. Elected gover nment officials are not expected to reach out to voters on every issue, but with an issue that affects all, and a strong negative opinion, they need to be responsive. Due to the staggered nature of terms, it will take time to replace the trustees in question.

Consider civil disobedience. It may be the only way to make a point. My previous neighbor never raked and when I asked him about it he said, “If you wait long enough the wind will just blow them away.” In the movie Network when everything was going badly and you felt helpless, it was suggested to stick your head out the window and yell, “We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take this anymore.” We may be at that moment. Hopefully, there is a more reasoned solution. Michael Goodman is an Oak Park resident.

e stark contrast

I have mixed feelings about President Biden’s exit from his re-election campaign. It’s sad that he was subjected to such a relentless dismissal by both gleeful foes and even reluctant friends. Through it all, though, and in this final act, he showed us his true character, putting the best interest of the country — particularly in light of the existential threat to our democracy — abov e himself. The contrast between Biden and self-serving Trump could not be more stark. This changes how the campaign will be conducted. Now it can be open sea-

Don’t claim to speak for everyone

This responds to a recent Wednesday Jour nal letter urging OPRF High School to address the antisemitism complaint brought against OPRF and three OPRF teachers [Viewpoints, July 17]. The letter’s author mentions harm done to “Jewish students,” “Jewish families,” and “Oak Park and River Forest’s Jewish community,” as if these are monolithic groups all having the same opinions

As a Jew, I can assure the author of the letter, and anyone else reading this letter, that there is no single group of Jewish students or Jewish families, and there is no single Oak Park and River Forest Jewish community in which everyone has the same opinions. Jews are like everyone else who have similar religious ethnic, cultural, racial, and/or gendered traits —

not all Jews think and feel the same Some Jews, such as the letter’s author, might consider the acts alleged in the complaint to be antisemitic. However I, and other Jews who I know, do not hold that same sweeping opinion. For us, acts or statements that do not actually disparage Jews are not antisemitic, even if they make us uncomfortable or even offended. In the future, please keep in mind that the there is no such thing as a “Jewish community.” If you label conduct or words as antisemitic, please speak only for yourself and for those who you are sure actually share your opinion. Please do not claim to speak for everyone because to do so is wrongly presumptive and misleading.

Jim Poznak, Oak Park

More emergency training needed

As a volunteer with Oak Park’s Community Emergency Response Team, CERT, the sister volunteer organization to the Medical Response Corps, I was fortunate to get training on A) responding with naloxone to an opioid overdose and B) how to stop bleeding. Given that the village has experienced an explosion in opioid overdoses since 2013 and there are much more deadly opiates on the street these days — and have recently had two tor nado watches, not to mention residents are out

in their yards working with lawn mowers and hedge trimmers — I think this training offered by the Health Department, plus CPR and AED training (offered by the Fire Department) should be made more broadly available to all residents. I realize that this is not free, but neither are preventable or treatable disasters. The more of us prepared for emergencies, the better.

Ron Elling, Oak Park

Garbage bags vs. leaf bags

If we are not supposed to rake the leaves into the street but collect them in bags, just wondering, like with yard waste during the summer, will we be able to use garbage cans instead? During the sum-

son on the many evidences of Trump’s diminished capacity at age 78+. Of course he never had the character, intellect, or record of accomplishments to qualify for any elected of fice, much less the highest of fice in the land.

His blatant criminality, both his convictions and the multiple indictments awaiting trial, should have ruled him of f the ballot. His GOP toadies dishonor themselves by their obstinate, immoral, and irrational insistence on honoring him so highly that it verges on idolatry.

Fred Reklau, Oak Park

mer we can put the stickers on garbage cans instead of bags and the yard waste is collected.

Papierniak, Oak Park

Economic non-development

There once was a very popular restaurant on Madison Street just east of Ridgeland Avenue [Pizza Palazzo, originally Pat’s Pizza]. It was quite successful thanks to the delicious pizza it offered. Individuals making decisions re garding economic development in the village came up with the idea to offer financial incentives to Pizza Hut and KFC. The fast-food franchises were recruited to operate in

the lot directly next door to the existing restaurant. Pizza Hut shut down operations at the location within months after opening and KFC recently closed. The beloved pizza place wasn’t able hang on and stay in business. Here we are today and there’s no longer any dining options at that location.

Jim Coughlin, Oak Park

Michael

Now what?

This past weekend, President Biden withdrew his candidacy from the 2024 presidential race, thereby putting country above self, aspiration, and ego.

My immediate reaction was a flashback to the final scene of the movie, The Graduate If you recall, Ben storms into the church during Elaine’s wedding and whisks her off.

Hand in hand, they excitedly run out of the church and board a city bus. As they sit there catching their breath, their facial expressions change as the sobering reality of “now what?” sets in

Now what are we going to do to help Kamala defeat Trump, and save our democracy?

Barbara Hausman, Oak Park

Save the pavers, give us pickup

We have lived in Oak Park for 45 years and this is the first time I have ever sent my opinion to the paper. Looks like the village of Oak Park likes to spend our tax dollars redoing a parking lot downtown that was perfectly fine. And pavers, as far as I know, are not practical, high maintenance and very expensive. Instead, they could have kept its citizens happy

with annual leaf pickup. Our taxes were just raised significantly. Is a newly paved parking lot going to make anyone happy? The excuses for ending the leaf pickup were pretty lame I’m sure plenty of people are not yet aware of what is happening, but come this fall they will be deeply disappointed in that decision!

Karin Ryan, Oak Park

Say ‘No’ to term limits

Imposing term limits on the elected position of president of the River Forest Village Board is not good policy. A term-limit policy penalizes the residents. The democratic process allows residents to vote in or out candidates they find acceptable or unacceptable. Term limits circumvent the democratic

process. Additionally, imposing term limits can have a detrimental effect with the loss of valuable experience and expertise. Let the voting process work. If a resident is unhappy, vote them out!

Carolyn

Kilbride, River Forest

No time to waste

Many of us Dems breathed a collective sigh of relief when Joe Biden stepped down from the presidential campaign last week. I have to admit feeling excitement over the new match between Kamala the Cop and Donald the Felon.

She is already doing one thing Biden was no longer capable of doing: making the case that Trump the Divider and Trump the Bitter Old Man (“I will be your retribution”) is a bad fit with the nation’s zeitgeist. As Kamala said recently, “I know Donald Trump’s type.”

Democrats are showing uncharacteristic unity, but the green shoots sprouting from the ground will need watering. The $85 million in small donations that came in the first day of her Presidential campaign is a start. And an opening salvo against Elon Musk’s pledged (but delivered?) $45 million a month to Trump Kamala heading to Milwaukee as her first campaign stop is another good omen. Biden won Wisconsin by 20,000 votes in 2020, which came down to a few votes per Milwaukee ward. Turnout there and a college town like Madison could be the difference. But as my friend and retired committeewoman for the Democratic Party in Oak Park, Jerry Delaney, might say, the door knocking and phone calls (in Wisconsin and Michigan) need to begin. Now!

GRACE MELON Filming in Oak Park

from page 23

ing, much like the protagonists of Girl Crush, Nadyja and I for med an important friendship that had a major impact on both of our lives. Now, as artistic collaborators, we feel there is no better feature film to debut than the one I wrote that was partially inspired by our intergenerational relationship.

Having spent the last few years living across the country, I realized just how lucky I was to grow up in such a close-knit, artistic, and diverse community. Oak Park’s proximity to Chicago, and Ivy’s frequent trips to the city, perfectly symbolize her transition from childhood into adolescence.

I can’t imagine making this movie anywhere else. We are set to begin shooting in the summer of 2025, and I firmly believe involving our community in this production is the only way to authentically portray it in my film.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring this story to life in my hometown, where every street corner holds childhood memories and inspiration for our cinematic exploration of identity and acceptance. It’s truly an honor to share Girl Crush with Oak Parkers and beyond, inviting everyone to experience this journey of storytelling and self-discovery.

DONALD NEKROSIUS

e charity dilemma

from page 23

was mobbed by a crowd of children seeking something I don’t see that here … yet. Ours is a wealthy country and we live in a wealthy suburb. Still, we make choices. On Dec. 14, 2023, I wrote down the amount of the defense budget for the coming year, $886 billion. I read that number and marvel at the choices our society makes. That inconceivably large amount shelters me, I know. It keeps the wolf from the door. It also cheats other options we could exercise if only our imagination could make the arguments to bring resources to bear confronting obvious needs.

It falls to me to struggle when a stranger asks me for help. The stranger in need has chosen to seek help. What must I do?

Don Nekrosius is an Oak Park resident.

Pamela Drummond, 75 Ms. Fix-it

Pamela Drummond, 75, a lifelong Chicago and Oak Park resident, died suddenly at home on July 9. Born on Oct. 14, 1948 to William and Emily Drummond, handyperson, tinkerer, repairer, renovator, jack-of-all-trades, mechanic, and mender were just a few of her many talents. Whether you had an electric switch that needed rewiring, or a snowblower that needed to be overhauled, she was your go-to-neighbor for fixit advice and action.

A graduate of Kelvyn Park High School and the University of Illinois Chicago, where she earned a de gree in Industrial Design, while at the university, she designed a futuristic car model intended to run on compressed air. Her creation was shared at Expo ’86, the World Exhibition on Transportation and Communication in Vancouver, British Columbia, a 1986 World’s Fair. She launched her

career with the United States Postal Service, first as a letter carrier and for decades as an electronic technician, working to find ways to improve the design of the machines that handled the mail. She had many hobbies and was an avid woodworker, reader, nature show watcher and animal lover. Labrador retrievers Eddie and Buddy were her “fur babies,” often hosting backyard playdates with neighborhood dog lovers. She made a mean chocolate chip cookie, and nothing pleased her more than to share a plate of freshly baked goodies and a cup of coffee (Nespresso preferably) with friends.

Pamela is survived by her sister Bonnie (Chuck) Dema, nieces Jennifer Dema and Kathryn (Alex) Dema Tapia, and many friends, whom she considered her extended family

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Donations in her memory can be made to Crop Walk Oak Park, www.hwwcrop.org; Beyond Hunger, www.gobeyondhunger.com, or the Animal Care League of Oak Park, www.animalcareleague.com.

Jack Crowe Oak Park

Geung Goo Lee, 84

Owned Lee’s Auto Service

Geung Goo (Michael) Lee, who was born in rural Korea and became a prominent and successful businessman, entrepreneur, andfather, and leader Chicago’s Korean American community, died on July 17, 2024, after suffering a heart attack, in Holland, Michigan.

er 30 years, until 2006, he owned and operated Lee’s Auto Service, a Mobil franchise and mechanic shop on the southeast corner of Madison Street and Desplaines Avenue in Forest Park. He and his wife, the for mer Seung Ja Oh, raised four daughters in the large brick corner house in Forest Park that they bought in 1983.

Born on Dec. 20, 1939 in Hansan, Choong Nam province in Japanese-occupied Korea. His father and mother, Yong Kyu Lee and Soo Bae Park, like most of their neighbors, were rice far mers.

A towering figure in the Chicago Korean American community, he was an early Korean immigrant to Chicago after the 1965 elimination of quotas on Asian immigration to the U.S., and he sponsored numerous relatives and others to immigrate to the States.

His last day was a joyful one: An accomplished golfer, he played 18 holes of golf in the morning, spent time with his grandchildren, and did yard work at his daughter Linda’s Michig an home — three of his favorite activities.

Along with his brother, he served in the South Korean ar my and lived during the 1950-53 war between communist North Korea and democratic South Korea that ravaged the Korean peninsula with violence, death and deprivation.

In 1969, after the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act revoked the American immigration quota system, Mr. Lee immigrated to the United States.

In 1970 he met Seung Ja Oh, a fellow Korean immigrant and Gastsarbeiter nurse from a neighboring province, at Niagara Falls, New York. They were married in August, 1970 at St. Clement Church in Chicago.

In 1973, after working as a mechanic in other gas stations, he opened Lee’s Auto Service, which he owned and operated for 33 years until he retired in 2006. For most of those years he ke pt to a strict routine: He rose at 5 a.m. to open the station. Fourteen hours later, at 7 p.m., he would close the station, deposit his day’s proceeds at Forest Park Bank, go home for dinner with his family, and then go to the driving range. Sometimes, if his brother-in-law was working, he would sneak out during the day to play a quick nine holes of golf at Columbus Park in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Mr. Lee (who later took the American name Michael) was scrupulously honest, diligent and fair. He would fix flat tires for free. He ke pt pots of fresh flowers by the pumps, and detailed business records in an old-fashioned, handwritten ledger book in his careful, practiced

script. He worked under cars and under their hoods alongside his mechanics, and his hands, already worn through years of farm work, coal mining, and welding, became heavily calloused, cracked, and darkened. When hiring workers for Lee’s Auto Service, he often chose those facing challenges and willing to work hard. For many years, he and his daughters served Christmas dinner to guests at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, located in the same neighborhood where he had lived in poverty as a newly-arrived immigrant many years earlier

Mr. Lee became a U.S. citizen in 1977, and was committed to the responsibilities of citizenship and the promise of opportunity for all Americans. He diligently voted in every primary and general election, and in 2020, in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of the Minneapolis police, he posted a Black Lives Matter sign on his front lawn.

Mr. Lee was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Geum Yae Lee and Yong Sook Lee, his brother Hang Koo Lee, and his grandson, Marlowe Greenwood.

He is survived by his wife, the for mer Seung Ja Oh; his sisters, Choon Hyung Huh and Jung Sook Lee; his daughters, Anna Miran Lee (John Lillig), Linda Miyoung Lee (Jared Kalina), Viola Misun Lee (Conor Klaus) and Michelle Mihwa Lee (Zachary Greenwood); his grandchildren Eun Hae and Tae Won Lillig, Isabella, Samuel and Noa Kalina, Phillip and Willa Klaus, and Ar row and Echo Greenwood; and numerous relatives, Godchildren and friends.

A wake was held at Nelson Funeral Home in Park Ridge on July 22. A funeral Mass was celebrated on July 23 at Chicago Korean Martyrs Catholic Church in Chicago, followed by interment at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hana Center, 4300 N California Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618 or to the Chicago Parks Foundation.

Gail Vijuk, 56 Lifelong travel and learning

Gail Kathryn Vijuk, 56, of Oak Park, died on July, 14, 2024, after a short illness. Born on Sept. 10, 1967 in Kapuskasing, Ontario, to the late Robert and Sally Vijuk (nee Bensette), she moved to Nairobi, Kenya for two years, and later to Illinois. The experience of living in three countries as a child ignited a lifelong love of travel and learning. Forever identifying proudly as a Canadian, she was also passionate about hockey and the Montreal Canadiens.

She was able to marry her wife, Barbara Uher Vijuk, on their 10th anniversary in Toronto, Ontario, and they celebrated 19 additional years together.

The CFO for a nonprofit, she was once described as a

“more is more kind of gal.” She loved and advocated as fiercely as she celebrated.

Gail is also survived by her sons, Gabriel, Dean and Henry Vijuk; her sister, Helen Haggith (Jason Pongracz); her ne phews, Michael Haggith (Tianna Rice) and Robert Haggith; and her cousin Mark (Ellen) Sibincic.

A memorial service was held on July 20 at the 19th Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

Those wishing to honor her memory through contributions or acts of service are asked to consider advancing those causes Gail was most passionate about: adoption, racial justice, and minority youth participation in hockey.

Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with the family at www.KuratkoNosek.com.

Kathy Henr y, 78

D97 occupational therapist

Kathryn “Kathy” D. Henry of Oak Park, died peacefully in Seattle, Washington on June 19, 2024. Born on Oct. 23, 1945 in Indianapolis, Indiana, she graduated from La Porte High School in 1963 and earned an occupational therapy degree from Indiana University in 1970. She worked for decades as an occupational therapist for children in the Oak Park District 97, including 27 years at Whittier Elementary.

Throughout her career she helped countless children learn to re gulate and coordinate themselves, both physically and emotionally. She was also a devoted daughter, sister and aunt: frequently driving back to La Porte to spend time with her dad, Don, sending lovingly-chosen Christmas gifts and homemade candies (sea foam, English toffee, pralines, and rum balls) to her family in Seattle every year, and flying each of her five nieces and nephews out to Oak Park when they turned 15 for the much-anticipated “Aunt Kathy visit.” She was herself a lover of chocolate, an adorer of cats, a skilled knitter and baker, and maker of music, playing both piano and guitar, and singing along to her favorite songs. She possessed a keen sense of humor and a dry wit. Kathy spent the final her final three years in Seattle, where she enjoyed frequent visits from her family

Kathy is survived by her five nieces and ne phews, Jennifer Thames, David Wong, Ben Wong, Greg Wong, and Alan Wong; her brother-in-law, Victor Wong; and five great-nephews and -nieces, Nick Hall, Robin Hall, Vinh Wong, Mai Linh Wong, and Tai Wong. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lisa Wong; her father, Donald Henry; and her mother, Charlotte (Warstler) Henry.

A small gathering remembering her life will be held on Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. in Seattle. Please email auntkathy@ wongs.net for address

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to UNICEF.

SPORTS

Youth blossom at Flowers’ football camp

By LAUREN RECCHIA Contributing Reporter

Former OPRF High School and Indianapolis Colts player

Dallis Flowers has been wanting to give back to his community, and on Saturday he did so in a big way.

Flowers, who played for four years at OPRF (2012-2015) and had his jersey retired this past August, hosted his inaugural youth football camp at the high school last Saturday morning, with kids from all over the area getting to work with him and other for mer OPRF players and coaching staf f. Flowers was happy with the turnout and the opportunity to work with kids in the community.

“Today was great,” he said. “The coaches who helped out, the parents who came, and the kids, this is what you do it for. Growing up, I didn’t have this opportunity, so I just wanted to give these kids that opportunity.”

Fellow Oak Park alum Jared Scott was on hand to help with the camp and was also happy with how the day went.

“It was great,” he said. “The kids came with a lot of energ y. This was the first of hopefully many camps and it can only get bigger and better, that’s our hope and that’s our plan.”

Both Flowers and Scott are proud to be OPRF alumni, and being back in their hometown was an experience both cherished.

“Coming back home to my old stomping grounds here was a surreal moment,” Flowers said. It’s a blessing to come here with my people and my family.”

Scott said, “I don’t get to come back here often. Seeing the kids who are in the same shoes as me coming to these camps back in the day, going to different levels and having the pros come back and give back, that’s what it’s all about. It’s what you dream about as a kid, making it to the highest level and giving back to the kids who are in your shoes.”

Kids learned all about what the game of football has to offer, and Flowers knows how important it was for him to get involved in the game at an early age. He made sure to pass that knowledge on.

“It’s very important,” Flowers said. “Nowadays, there

are a lot of distractions in this world, so being able to play sports, whether it be football, basketball, or any sport, is just a blessing. You never know what you can do with it; you could change your family’s life. If I can do anything to help the kids with that, I’ll do it.”

Scott, who has b een playing in pads since age 6, also made sure to p ass his love of the g ame on to the k ids who attended

“I think it’s very important. My dad coached youth football when I was growing up, so I was around the g ame from a young age and wanted to get into it. Not everyone looks forward to g etting their kids in contact and tackle football at an early ag e, but there’s so many ways to get involved with flag football and seven on seven. If they have love for the g ame, I say why not, just g et involved in it any way you can.”

Flowers now shifts his focus to his upcoming NFL season for the Colts (his third season) as training camp begins this week.

“I’m definitely in that mindset, excited that the season starts next week,” he said. “It’s going to be a big year for all of us and I can’t wait to get on the field.”

C AROL DUNNING

OPRF alum Dallis Flowers (center), currently a defensive back with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, addresses campers at the debut of his youth football camp, July 20.

C AROL DUNNING

Flowers (le ), prov ides guidance to campers then leads a drill (right) at OPRF High School.

Local player inks deal with Bulls

Former Fenwick boys hooper DJ Steward rewarded for strong summer league play

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

DJ Steward, who spent his first two high school seasons at Fenwick, inked an one-year, two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls following a quality showing with the team during NBA Summer League play last week in Las Steward, a 6-2 guard, who grew up in Oak played at Brooks Middle School, averaged 6.4 assists per game and shot 40 percent from three-point range in five games with the Bulls. He had a game-high 37 points and added seven rebounds in the Bulls’ victory over the Atlanta Hawks.

As a freshman at Fenwick in 2016-17, Steward was a starter on the Friars’ IHSA Class 3A state runner-up team. In the title game against Morgan Park, he turned in one of the best performances in state finals histor 26 points (10-for-10 on field goal attempts, including 2 from three-point range; 4-for-4 from the free-thr and adding seven rebounds and four steals it wasn’t enough as Fenwick couldn’t hold on to a late lead in re gulation and lost in overtime, 69-67.

In his sophomore year, Steward was named the Catholic League Player of the Year, averaging 4.5 rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game, shooting 52 percent from the field (41 percent from three-point territory). He also played football for the Friars’ freshman team as a wide receiver.

Steward and his family moved to Chicago nior year, and he played his final two seasons with Chicago powerhouse Whitney Young. He was named to the 2020 McDonald’s All-American Team and opted to pl basketball at Duke University.

Steward spent only one season with the Blue Devils, leading all Atlantic Coast Conference freshmen in scoring with 13 points per game. He also had 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

Steward declared for the 2021 NBA Draft, but went unselected. He signed a free-agent deal with the Sacramento

IAN

Oak Park native DJ Steward (#21 in white) applies defense for Fenwick against St. Ignatius in a 2018 Chicago Catholic League game. Steward, who played his rst two high school seasons with the Friars, signed an one-year, two-way deal on July 21 w ith the Chicago Bulls.

Kings and spent two y -League ate, the Stockton Kings. Steward then spent a year with the Vancouver Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League He returned to the States last year to join the Philadelphia 76ers’ summer league team, then signed with the Boston Celtics in the fall. He was released before the re gular season, but ag reed to a deal with Boston’s G-League affili-

e,

Signing a two-way contract means Steward will be able to play for both the Bulls and their G-League affiliate, the Hoffman Estates Bulls. The G-League is designed for developing young players like Steward, and with the Bulls undergoing a rebuilding process, there is a real opportunity for Steward to make his NBA debut this coming season.

McLEOD

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

CITIZENS BANK, N.A. F/K/A RBS

NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

CITIZENS, N.A.

Plaintiff, -v.-

CLOVER L. MATTHEWS

Defendants 2023 CH 10280 119 47TH AVENUE

BELLWOOD, IL 60104

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 17, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 A.M. on August 14, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

LOT 29 IN BLOCK 25 IN HULBERT’S ST. CHARLES ROAD SUBDIVISION, BEING A SUBDIVISION

IN THE NORTH HALF OF SECTION

8, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Commonly known as 119 47TH AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104

Property Index No. 15-08-213-0070000

The real estate is improved with a residence.

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

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030

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

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

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-23-07801

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2023 CH 10280

TJSC#: 44-1074

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2023 CH 10280

I3248183

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is currently engaged in engineering and environmental studies for the improvement of Washington Boulevard from 1st Avenue to Thatcher Avenue in Cook County. The scope of work for the improvement consists of improved safety and mobility of Washington Boulevard by removing and replacing the structure over the Des Plaines River due to the poor condition of the structure. The roadway improvement consists of a road diet to avoid/minimize impacts on both sides of Washington Boulevard which matches the roadway west of 1st Avenue and east of Thatcher Avenue. Pedestrian and bicyclist improvements consist of a 6’ sidewalk on the south side and 5.5’ on-street bike lanes on both sides of the roadway. IDOT is seeking public comments on impacts the Washington Boulevard will have on G.A.R. Woods, Quercus Woods Family Picnic Area, and Thomas Jefferson Woods owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC).

G.A.R. Woods, Quercus Woods Family Picnic Area, and Thomas Jefferson Woods are protected under federal regulations originally enacted as Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, which protect public parks, recreation areas, and wildlife and waterfowl refuges, as well as public or private historical sites. IDOT anticipates a de minimis impact finding for G.A.R. Woods, Quercus Woods Family Picnic Area, and Thomas Jefferson Woods, based on the determination that the project will not adversely affect the features, attributes, or activities qualifying the property for protection under Section 4(f).

The project will impact 0.060 acres of Quercus Woods Family Picnic Area, 0.239 acres of Thomas Jefferson Woods, and 0.070 acres of G.A.R. Woods Area of FPDCC for demolition, reconstruction, and access to maintain the proposed structure, connecting proposed drainage improvements, and removal of existing guardrail terminals. Documentation of this proposed action and its impacts, including avoidance, minimization, mitigation, or enhancement measures, will be available at the following locations:

DATE: 7/24/2024 to 8/14/2024

TIME: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday thru Friday PLACE: Illinois Department of Transportation Bureau of Programming – 4th Floor 201 West Center Court Schaumburg, IL 60196

7/24/2024 to 8/14/2024 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday thru Friday Forest Preserve District of Cook County 536 North Harlem Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

An electronic version of this documentation is available on the IDOT website at: https://idot.illinois.gov/ transportation-system/environment/ section-4f-documents.html. Written comments can be submitted at the IDOT office, mailed to the IDOT office, or sent electronically to the above referenced website. Comments received by 8/14/20224 will become part of the public record.

This comment period will be accessible to people with disabilities. Anyone needing special assistance including Spanish interpretation should contact Corey Smith, P.E. at (847) 705-4103. Persons planning to attend who will need a sign language interpreter or other similar accommodations should notify the Department’s TTY/TTD (866) 273-3681 at least five (5) days prior to the meeting.

All correspondence regarding this project should be sent to:

Illinois Department of Transportation 201 W. Center Court Schaumburg, IL 60196-1096

Attn: Bureau of Programming Corey Smith, P.E. (Corey.Smith@ illinois.gov)

Published in Wednesday Journal July 24, 31, 2024

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project:

2024 CATCH BASIN CLEANING PROJECT VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS

This project includes removing debris and cleaning drainage structures at various locations within the Village of Brookfield.

Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, the 14th day of August, 2024, in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Wednesday, the 14th day of August, 2024, at the Village Hall.

Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be

requested by emailing info@ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Friday, the 9th day of August, 2024. A non-refundable fee of Fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company

All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.

Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.

In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be emailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.

The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards.

The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.

BY ORDER

THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS

Published in RB Landmark July 24, 2024

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following project:

2024 FIRE HYDRANT PAINTING PROJECT

VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS

This project includes painting approximately 400 fire hydrants at various locations within the Village of Brookfield.

Sealed bids will be received up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, the 14th day of August, 2024, in the Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois. All sealed bids received will be publicly opened and read at 11:00 A.M. on the same day, Wednesday, the 14th day of August, 2024, at the Village Hall.

Electronic copies of bidding documents, consisting of the bid proposal, project specifications, and project plans are available from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154. Bidding documents can be requested by emailing info@ehancock.com. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Friday, the 9th day of August, 2024. A non-refundable fee of Fifteen dollars ($15.00) will be required to obtain bidding documents. Proposals will only be accepted from bidders that have obtained bidding documents from the Edwin Hancock Engineering Company

All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond, cashier’s check or certified check in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. Checks shall be made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check.

Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery At the request of the bidder, or in the event that the Village deems the interpretation to be substantive, the interpretation will be made by written addendum issued by the Village.

In the event that a written addendum is issued, either as a result of a request for interpretation or the result of a change in the bidding documents issued by the Village, a copy of such addendum will be emailed to all prospective bidders. The Village will not assume responsibility for receipt of such addendum. In all cases it will be the bidders’ responsibility to obtain all addenda issued.

The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards.

The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals.

BY ORDER

THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2024 for Project: 24-06, Pavement Preservation. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of various sized asphalt patches; cleaning and sealing of any cracks, voids, or joints less than 2” inches in width with asphalt cement reinforced by polypropylene or polyester fibers; micro-surfacing application; petroleum maltene‐based rejuvenator application; thermoplastic pavement marking removal & installation; and all appurtenant work thereto. The work will take place in various locations throughout the Village of Oak Park.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, July 25th, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 9232702 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening. The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal, July 24, 2024