Wednesday Journal 080322 by Wednesday Journal

W E D N E S D A Y

August 3, 2022 Vol. 43, No. 1 ONE DOLLAR @wednesdayjournalinc

JOURNAL

@wednesdayjournal

@oakpark

of Oak Park and River Forest

Dom’s Kitchen fills Field’s space Oak Park splits sales tax to lure ‘European-style’ market

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park’s Marshall Field’s building is let at last – or will be in the near future. Dom’s Kitchen & Market is set to open

its first suburban location in the historic structure at 1144 Lake St. While lease negotiations are still underway, the upscale grocery/restaurant/food hall has landed a sales tax rebate sharing agreement with the Village of Oak Park.

Securing the agreement was “essential” to “move the project forward,” according to Draper and Kramer’s Mike Mallon, who is representing Dom’s. See DOM’S KITCHEN on page 5

YAPPY HOUR Animal

Care League volunteer supervises his dogs during the Yappy social hour at Cheney Mansion on July 28. See more photos on page 18

SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor

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Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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RibFest Every Day! Mickey’s is the place!

Mickey’s Rib Special 1/2 Slab Dinner Full Slab Dinner B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS

$14.49

$21.79

includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 Italian Beef 11am - 9pm Daily 3 Vienna

Hot Dogs w/ Fries

9.99

Sandwich w/ Fries $ .89

Wednesday

Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $13.99

Every day Special!

Gyros with fries $9.69

1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger

Big Mickey! $ .69

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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Oak Park, River Forest to get share of $760M opioid money Oak Park could see roughly $2.8M, River Forest roughly $344K over nearly two decades By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced plans July 29 for how the state will distribute its share of funds from a national settlement with opioid companies. And Oak Park and River Forest are poised to see a significant portion of that money. Illinois expects to receive approximately $760 million over 18 years from a $26 billion national settlement with three opioid distributors – Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen – and one opioid manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson. “The opioid crisis will go down as one of the most disturbing examples of corporate greed and medical mismanagement in

human history, giving way to an epidemic that has become more deadly almost every year of the last 40 years,” Pritzker said at a news conference in Chicago. Under an executive order that Pritzker said he would sign July 29, the money will flow through a new Office of Opioid Settlement Administration to be set up within the Illinois Department of Human Services. That agency will also appoint a Statewide Opioid Settlement Administrator to ensure that the funds are used in accordance with the State Overdose Action Plan, which Pritzker announced earlier this year, and that they are used to fund recovery and treatment programs in the counties and municipalities with the most urgent need. Allocation of funds will be based on recommendations from a newly created advisory board, chaired by the state’s chief behavioral health officer and made up of state and local appointees. The board will work with an existing state opioid steering committee led by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and the state’s directors of the Illinois Department of Public Health and IDHS.

CREDIT: BLUEROOMSTREAM.COM

Gov. JB Pritzker, along with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, announce plans for distributing funds from the state’s share of a $26 billion settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors. “This crisis has reached into urban, suburban and rural areas, every kind of community,” Stratton said at the news conference. “It’s also true that opioids have disproportionately hurt BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) communities,” Stratton said. “In fact, in Illinois alone, the opioid fatality rate for Black communities was 55.3 per 100,000, and that is the highest of all demographics.” The settlement, which was first announced in July 2021, resolves more than 4,000 lawsuits that were filed across the country by state and local governments against the drug companies. In Illinois, Raoul said, 94 counties and 77 municipalities have signed on to the agreement. Terms of the settlement spell out what percentage of the proceeds each community will receive, and they require that at least 85 percent of the funds be used for programs that will help address the ongoing opioid crisis through treatment, education and prevention efforts. Oak Park and River Forest each signed on to the agreement, according to the settlement terms. Oak Park could get around $2.8 million while River Forest could get roughly $344,000. Raoul noted that the state stands to receive even more money in the future from

other national cases. He said Illinois is part of a national settlement to resolve opioid claims against drug manufacturer Mallinckrodt. That settlement was finalized in a bankruptcy plan that took effect last month and will bring about $36 million to Illinois over nine years. Raoul also announced last week that state attorneys general have reached settlements in principle with drug manufacturers Teva and Allegan that will bring as much as $6.6 billion of additional relief to states and local governments nationwide. “It’s important to highlight that the abatement and remediation of the crisis is the primary goal of the settlements and the resources that come from the settlement,” Raoul said. “Unlike major settlements of the past, the vast majority of funds Illinois receives through the settlements will go towards a remediation fund,” he added. “This fund will be used to pay for abatement programs throughout the state instead of being used to pay for other unrelated initiatives.” Editor’s note: This article was slightly modified by Growing Community Media to include specific dollar figures for Oak Park and River Forest.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

Teen Activities Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2-5 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 10, 1-5 p.m., Maze Branch Library Teenagers, ages 13-18, are welcome to get together for board games, snacks, relaxing, coloring and more. 845 Gunderson Ave., Oak Park.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

BIG WEEK August 3-10

Anthony Frank Cassano Trio Pokey LaFarge/Taylor Rae

Saturday, Aug. 6, 8-11 p.m., Donny G’s Tribute to the Rat Pack era, featuring the songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and others. Limited seating, please make reservations in advance. 7308 North Ave., Elmwood Park.

Sunday, Aug. 7, 8 p.m., FitzGerald’s LaFarge comes to Berwyn with his mix of old-timey Appalachian folk, 1920s hot jazz, plus related styles from the same era. Also on the bill: Taylor Rae, a singersongwriter whose most recent album, Mad Twenties, does not celebrate the decade so much as it does the last eight years of her life. $35, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Latinx Author Book Cafe: ‘Mexican Gothic’ Tuesday, Aug. 9, 6-7 p.m., Oak Park Public Library On the second Tuesday of every month, works by Latinx authors will be discussed. Featured this month: Silvia MorenoGarcia’s Mexican Gothic, a 2020 horror/murder novel. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Mike Wheeler Friday, Aug. 5, 9 p.m., FitzGerald’s, Wheeler is a Chicago blues guitarist who was a fixture on the scene for a long time as a sideman before striking out on his own, with three albums to his credit. $15, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Friends Book Fair Friday, Aug. 5, 2-6 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 7, 2-4 p.m., Oak Park Public Library The Friends of the Oak Park Public Library Book Fair returns, albeit on a smaller scale. Underground parking, with the first two hours free, and elevator access are available. On Sunday, there will be free materials for educators. Please bring proof of educator status and/or employment. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Taste Of Elmwood Park Friday, Aug. 5, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 6, 12 - 11 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 7, 12-10 p.m., Central Park This family-oriented outdoor festival features activities and bands all weekend long. For more information, visit tasteofelmwoodpark.com. 2430 N. 75th Ave., Elmwood Park

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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DOM’S KITCHEN New life for Field’s from page 1 Under the agreement, the Village of Oak Park will split half the local sales tax revenue generated from the retailer’s alcohol, grocery and retail sales with Dom’s for a period of 20 years. The agreement comes at the recommendation of the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation to make the two-level space, which has been primarily vacant for the last 11 years, more attractive to the retailer. OPEDC expects Dom’s to bring in $350,000 in total annual sales taxes. All village board members present at the board’s Aug. 1 meeting voted to concur with the OPEDC, directing staff to draft a final agreement to be voted on at a later date. Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla was unable to attend the meeting. “We are very excited about bringing Dom’s Kitchen & Market to Oak Park,” Mallon told Wednesday Journal. In exchange for the village’s partnership, OPEDC has requested Dom’s commit

Dom’s is a “unicorn” tenant for the old to hiring staff from local minority hiring programs, minimize the use of plastic in Marshall Field and Company Store, accordpackaging and work with anti-hunger orga- ing to John Lynch, OPEDC’s executive direcnizations to donate food. Dom’s will also be tor. The market will occupy the building’s subject to the village’s 10-cent plastic bag fee. ground floor and lower level but does not Dom’s Kitchen & Market is a hybrid food require much in the way of parking. The building was most recentmodel launched by a triumvily occupied by a Border’s bookrate of grocery executives, instore, which closed in 2011. Ofcluding Bob Mariano, founder fice space is leased on the upper of Mariano’s and former CEO floors, but the building has been of Dominick’s. The other two coover a decade without a primary founders are former Mariano’s tenant, despite being located on and Dominick’s executive Don the prominent corner of Lake Fitzgerald and Jay Owen, the Street and Harlem Avenue. great-grandson of Dominick’s Finding a tenant has been a founder Dominick DiMatteo. JIM TAGLIA high priority of OPEDC’s, acThe grocery store project Village Trustee cording to Cory Wesley, chairaims to expand quickly. The first man of the OPEDC board of Dom’s location opened only last directors. Dom’s will not only summer in Chicago’s Lincoln occupy the space but activate Park neighborhood. A second that part of downtown. location in Old Town will open “Things kind of fall off a little bit once you this November. Dom’s plans to have a total of 15 stores opened by 2025. The Oak Park get past a certain point on Lake Street golocation has a planned opening date for the ing west,” Wesley told Wednesday Journal. “Having a key tenant there will really bring third quarter of 2023. “If this store is not open by the third quar- some life back to that part of the street.” ter of next year, I won’t be talking. I’m goThe concept of Dom’s was inspired by ing to be in there building,” Mallon told the European food halls, which resonated with board. Nick Karras, the owner of the Marshall

“Half a loaf is better than none. And I’ll take that half a loaf.”

Field’s building. “That’s where my family started in this country — a Greek family in the grocery business,” said Karras. Karras has been working to restore the building’s historic façade, but Dom’s will still require major construction. Mallon said “a lot of attention will be paid” to make the building more energy efficient. Construction costs are estimated between $6.5 to $8 million which is more than Dom’s has spent on its other locations. The sales tax agreement will not entirely mitigate those costs but will help to defray costs considerably, according to OPEDC. This is not the village’s first foray into shared sales tax agreements. It entered into a similar agreement in 2015 to develop the Sherwin Williams paint store on Madison Street. The village board entered into another shared sales tax agreement in 2016 to develop 1 Lake St. into One Lake Brewery. The village board was widely pleased with the prospect of entering into a sales tax agreement with Dom’s, with all present board members voting in favor of doing so. Trustee Jim Taglia kept in line with the grocery theme when offering his support: “Half a loaf is better than none,” he said. “And I’ll take that half a loaf.”

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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Bonding over Branzino at Amerikas

Chef Armando Gonzalez experiences a resurgence of culinary creativity By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Ordering the branzino at Amerikas is contagious -- as soon as the whole roasted fish makes an appearance on one table it’s as if an invisible fish monger has pushed a domino and fish after breath-taking fish begins showing up on every nearby table. On a recent sunny evening the patio at Amerikas, 734 Lake St., bustled with a sense of camaraderie thanks to one such branzino bonanza. Customers craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the dish, asked their fellow diners what it was and openly talked between tables about how to eat it and how much they enjoyed it. Amerikas’ roasted branzino, boasting crispy soy-glazed skin, is served on a bed of rosy-hued fried basmati rice spiked with garlic, scallion, cabbage and tomato. Spicy serrano chili salsa adds an option to heat things up while a grilled lemon offers a subdued citrus punch. A delicate herb and radish salad adds visual intrigue and fresh notes to the rich and satisfying dish. It is among the finest menu offerings available in our restaurant alcove and a dish that is distinctly reflective of the chef behind it. “I’ve cooked many fish before and I noticed that no-one else in the area is serving a whole fish,” said Chef Armando Gonzalez, owner of Amerikas. “The branzino is a home run because it reflects what Amerikas is all about— a melting pot of all my ideas.” Gonzalez is clear the popular main dish also represents a return to creativity in his restaurant kitchen. After “cooking just to survive” the darkest days of the pandemic the chef has found inspiration in the feeling that the restaurant community is coming back to life. Though he would like to see dinner patronage increase on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays he is delighted to see his patio and dining room alive with

guests clamoring for the boldly flavored, vibrantly colored and artfully plated dishes he has been crafting since opening Amerikas five years ago. Nuanced menu favorites including the popular cauliflower with carrots and farro in a hibiscus arbol reduction and seared scallops with black rice remain on the menu, but new elements like a 16-ounce bone-in pork chop served with blueberry compote made from berries sourced from the Oak Park Farmers Market suggest the chef is connecting with his community in delicious new ways. “I don’t follow the rules; I cook my own food,” said Gonzalez. “It is not Mexican. It is not American. What I cook is in my blood.” The road to Gonzalez’s independent approach to his cuisine began to take shape when he began cooking alongside his mother at eight years old. She ran a fonda, an unpretentious open-air eatery, in Oaxaca, Mexico where the two cooked together. She passed along her love for home-style mole sauces and bold Mexican flavors. At age 17, Gonzalez made his way to Chicago, landing at O’Hare with just four quar-

MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor

A tried-and-true favorite from Amerikas, the roasted cauliflower dish is served with carrots, farro, Manchego, almonds and hibiscus arbol reduction.

MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor

FABULOUS FISH: Chef Armando Gonzalez shows off the branzino from Amerikas. ters in his pocket and little knowledge of the English language. His brother was supposed to meet him at the airport, but never showed up. Gonzalez, who lost half his quarters trying to make a phone call, ultimately made his way via taxi to his new family home in the city. His brother paid for the taxi and took him straight to a Smashing Pumpkins concert — a moment that taught him to be open to new experiences. Gonzalez developed an insatiable hunger for kitchen knowledge, honed his techniques, and embraced his natural ability to combine flavors, but few may know bar food paved the way to that beautiful branzino. After arriving in America, Gonzalez took his first kitchen job at a sports bar where he cooked up little more than chicken wings and French fries. “The bar owner would come in every Tuesday and ask me to make him a meal, but never wanted it to be something from the menu,” said Gonzalez. “So, I’d basically make family for him — cooking food my

way. Eventually he told me to go over to the Hudson Club. That is where I began working side-by-side with chefs using meats and vegetables and fish I had never seen in my life.” He parleyed that experience into stints at French, Italian and Japanese restaurants across the city, before opening the muchlauded Libertad in Skokie. In time, Gonzalez made the bold decision to break away and open Amerikas in Oak Park. “I decided it was time to cook whatever came to my mind and cook from my heart,” said Gonzalez. “Opening Amerikas was a dream come true. This isn’t a job; if I lose this, I lose my dream. I want this restaurant to be one of the best in the city. I think Oak Park deserves that and everything I do is for Oak Park. The simple truth is we have a seriously competent chef serving up top notch dishes right on Lake Street -- take one bite of that branzino and you’ll taste the rebirth of creativity.

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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Savoring the savory side of Spilt Milk

Lunch menu launched and Friday night dinners will start soon By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Interested in sipping some wine with your pie? Spilt Milk, 811 South Blvd., has got you covered. In addition to serving up wine by the glass in the cheery bakery, co-owners Meg and Molly Svec have launched a grab-and-go lunch program featuring sandwiches, snack trays, quiche and puddings. Friday night dinners are set to start this week as well. The Svec sisters each had a baby in the past year and credit the lifting of their postpartum fog (and quality daycare) for spurring them on to launch lunch and dinner programs at their beloved bakery. “The lunch program has been a long time coming,” said Meg Svec. “We’ve been thinking about this in many iterations, but we settled on a grab-and-go fridge. You can take

the items home or pack them up to take to Millennium Park or Ravinia.” Chef Michael Foreman is a new presence at Spilt Milk and dedicated to bringing the savory side of Spilt Milk to life. He spent time working as a butcher at Carnivore and spent time working the kitchen at Girl and the Goat before luck and good timing brought him to Spilt Milk. “Most of our recent hires have approached us about working here,” said Meg Svec. “And we’re proud that people are coming to us because of our reputation. We are trying to run an ethical company with good benefits and fair compensation. We don’t want to churn through staff.” Foreman stopped by Spilt Milk after a colleague from Carnivore tipped him off that the sisters were looking to hire a savory chef. Though he was looking to float between various restaurants over the summer he was drawn to the collaborative work environment and the freedom to develop a globally influenced menu with support and encouragement from the owners. “I am looking forward to working with lo-

MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor

SAVORY CHEF: Michael Foreman looks forward to learning more about bakery operations but will be dedicated to savory dishes on the lunch and dinner menu.

MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor

FRIDGE FINDS: (from left) Molly and Meg Svec showcase sandwiches from Spilt Milk’s lunch menu. cal ingredients,” said Foreman as he stirred some house made giardiniera. “Spilt Milk has always been on my mind, and I look forward to learning more about the bakery side.” He was also quick to mention they had already purchased a pig head in hopes of crafting artisan head cheese for use in banh mi sandwiches. But the meat chatter shouldn’t scare off vegetarians and even vegans. The fridge, located at the back of the shop,

MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor

The charcuterie plate (right) features meats, cheeses and nibbles, including nuts, pickles and honey.

is filled with a wide variety of fresh staples in eco-conscious packages. Expect to find vegan coconut chia pudding parfaits and a vegetarian mezze plate filled with hummus sprinkled with sumac, tabouleh with marinated feta, olives and pita chips. Spilt Milk’s colorful “Garden Goddess” sandwich, served on oat bread, features roasted beets, cucumber, avocado, and fresh pea shoots, dressed in a homemade green goddess dressing. While waiting for the arrival of head cheese, carnivores will appreciate the charcuterie plate brimming with artisan meats and cheeses served with seasonal array of house made accoutrement including pickles and mostarda. A ham, butter and gruyere sandwich is also a lunch menu mainstay. “Look I just started in Instagram account about ham sandwiches,” laughed Meg Svec about @hamaroundtown. “I am serious about ham sandwiches, and this is a good ham sandwich.” Family style dinners, available via preorder, launch on Friday, Aug. 5. The inaugural meal serves four and includes a whole roasted chicken, fresh squash with herbs from Molly’s garden, and roasted rosemary potatoes. “I feel like this is perfect for Oak Park,” said Meg Svec. I think it’s cool we can let Michael do his own thing.” “I am just so excited about the menu because I feel like I will be able to learn so much from him about the savory side of things,” chimed in Molly Svec, the mastermind behind the sweet side of Spilt Milk.

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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Monkeypox ‘not a concern’ for Oak Park at this time First presumptive case in Oak Park reported July 26

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

While Oak Park’s first presumptive case of monkeypox has recently been reported, Oak Park Public Health Director Theresa Chapple-McGruder believes the community should not be alarmed about contracting the MPV at present. “It really should not be a concern for the community at this time,” she told Wednesday Journal. “And if that ever changes, then we will make sure that the community knows that and help them with any adjustments that needs to be made.” The Village of Oak Park announced the village had seen its first presumptive case of monkeypox July 26. The first case in the current U.S. monkeypox outbreak was identified May 18. The length of time for the virus to hit Oak Park has been much slower compared to that of COVID-19, which tore through the United States with

alacrity. “We’ve made it almost to August before having our first case, so that is pretty much indicative of how it’s not spreading as easily as COVID,” Chapple-McGruder said. “You have to have really close contact in order for monkeypox to spread.” Currently, men who have sex with men have been affected most by monkeypox, but the virus is by no means exclusively a threat to that particular demographic nor is it a sexually transmitted disease. For their safety, however, the Oak Park Public Health Department is considering men aged 18 and up who have sex with other men as high risk. “That is a group that we are working with to get vaccinated,” Chapple-McGruder said. As federal and local health agencies are targeting that specific group of people through outreach and messaging, apprehension has surfaced that the special atten-

Israel/Palestine It’s All About Human Rights I am queer, so I support Palestinian rights. I believe that • Israel’s use of ‘pinkwashing’ (explicit branding itself as a queer haven and sexually liberated society) to distract attention from the oppression and dispossession of Palestinians is unacceptable. • Israel’s “Queer Oases” (e.g., Tel Aviv) are built on top of Palestinian villages and owe their existence to the forced expulsion of Palestinians. • Sending trans women to men’s military prisons for refusing to serve in the Israeli military and violate international law threatens their safety and denies them their identity. More information on this issue and others at cjpip.org/progressive-for-palestine and CJPIP on Facebook I AM QUEER, SO I SUPPORT PALESTINIAN RIGHTS.

tion could lead to stigmatization, discrimination and marginalization. The World Health Organization grappled with those concerns in deciding to declare monkeypox a public health emergency. Now that the declaration has been made, WHO Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on civil society organizations to fight against prejudice. “Stigma and discrimination can be as dangerous as any virus,” he tweeted. In Oak Park, however, Chapple-McGruder said the health department has not encountered any such hateful rhetoric in the community, citing the village as a “welcoming” and “progressive” municipality. “All that I have heard is – how can we help support the community that is most at risk?” she said. “And the best way that we can is by encouraging them to call the health department to get screened to see if they qualify for the vaccine.” People at any age or sexual orientation can contract monkeypox as it is spread through close physical contact with bodily fluids and monkey pox sores. It can also be transmitted by items, such as bedding or clothing, contaminated with fluids or sores. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky disclosed July 22 to the Washington Post that an infant and a toddler had contracted the virus – becoming the first two confirmed pediatric cases of the outbreak. The CDC believes the unrelated cases are likely the

result of household transmission. The Oak Park resident who contracted the virus is in isolation. Confirmatory diagnostic MPV testing is pending at the CDC. In the meantime, health officials are considering it a probable case of monkeypox based on the initial epidemiological characteristics. Those who have been in close contact with the resident have been identified by the Oak Park Public Health Department and it is administering post-exposure vaccinations to those individuals, according to Chapple-McGruder, as recommended by the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health. MPV infections typically last two to four weeks. Monkeypox causes a pimple-like rash on the face and inside the mouth but also on the hands, feet, chest, anus and genitals. Other symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes and exhaustion. Some only get the rash. Symptoms typically appear within one or two weeks of infection. While monkeypox is seldom fatal, according to the CDC, it is potentially serious. The very rare disease is caused by the MPV virus, which is of the same family as the smallpox virus. CDC researchers are collaborating with partner health organizations to determine how long the virus has been circulating, if it is being transmitted through semen or vaginal fluids and the clinical course of the illness.

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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Unity Temple basement flooded Church still open for services, tours, rentals

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The basement of UNESCO World Heritage site Unity Temple flooded after a heavy early morning rainstorm, July 23. About two inches of contaminated water covered the floor of the church’s lower floor, but the historic character of the building was not compromised by the flooding nor was any of the extensive recent restoration work damaged. “This is as though a finished basement got damaged,” said Heidi Ruehle, Unity Temple Restoration Foundation executive director. Unity Temple is at 875 Lake St. The damage done to the basement, however, is extensive, requiring high levels of expertise and refinishing, according to Ruehle. Restoration firm Green Water & Fire has been contracted to carry out the necessary work to fix the basement, which holds offices, storage and a couple bathrooms. Green Water & Fire holds certification through the non-profit Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration. Church services, tours and rentals are still available as the flooding has not necessitated a closure of Unity Temple, which was built in 1905 and designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The air quality also remains good. Fewer restrooms are available at the moment – a relatively minor inconvenience. The church has a fully functional accessible bathroom on the first floor open to guests. “I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea and think we’re closed again because we’re definitely still open,” Ruehle said. The flooding was caused by a sewer backup, but the contaminated water did not come from sewage. Rather, the water came through contaminated pipes. While the water looked clear, the restoration crew found bacteria in the water. “They didn’t want that to spread or mold,” said Ruehle, “so unfortunately we weren’t able just to do a thorough cleanup.” Crews had to remove the materials touched by the water, including the vinyl tile in the hallways and the ceramic tile in the bathrooms, as well as some carpeting. Sections of drywall also had to be removed due to water creep. Fortunately, much of the basement is concrete, preventing worse damage. All of the church’s technical equip-

PHOTOS BY HEIDI REUHLE

DAMAGE CONTROL: A quick response by volunteer crews limited the damage. ment is stored on shelves in the basement, saving it from damage. The damage was first noticed at about 9:30 a.m. the morning of the flood by a member of the church’s congregation. By that time, Ruehle said, most of the water had receded. The flood water was about two inches at its highest, but that height was not consistent throughout the basement. Green Water & Fire was able to get to Unity Temple open within a couple hours of the damage’s discovery, which proved a

huge relief as many contractors were busy with other flood-related projects. The expense of the repairs is unknown at this time because it still needs to be determined how much of the cost insurance will cover. Labor is likely to make up the majority of the costs, according to Ruehle, as nothing of high insurance or historic value was damaged by the flooding. No one was harmed by the flooding either. “If anything’s going to happen, you want it to be when no one’s there,” said Ruehle.

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

BACK TO SCHOOL

Health & Resource Fair 19th Annual Saturday, August 13th, 11am - 2:30pm Where: West Suburban Medical Center Main Hospital Parking Lot, 3 Erie St, Oak Park, IL 60302

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OPRF renews agreement with Housing Forward to help families in need

Agreement links families facing homelessness with immediate resources By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 has renewed an agreement for the 2022-23 school year with one local nonprofit to continue an effort to support students experiencing homelessness. At a July 14 special meeting, the D200 Board of Education voted unanimously 6-0 to renew a data-sharing agreement with Housing Forward, a nonprofit headquartered in Maywood that works with individuals across Cook County to find housing stability. Board member Gina Harris was absent from the meeting. With parental consent, the agreement allows the district to share students’ information — name, grade, school and a parent’s contact information — with Housing Forward, if they are looking for help with

@OakPark

What to look out for: Free Back Packs w/ School Supplies • Zumba with Erika "Those Funny Little People" • Free Refreshments • Music/DJ Free Health Screenings and other community resources *Face masks and social distancing recommended*

housing and need a resource. Parents can withdraw their consent at any time, and families have the choice of participating in the program. According to the Illinois State Report Card data, students without permanent or adequate homes have made up at least 1% of the student body at OPRF – between 20 to 30 students – in any given year since 2016. District spokesperson Karin Sullivan shared the school has currently identified 17 students who are experiencing homelessness. She said district families who are experiencing homelessness are generally not living in shelters or cars, rather they are in a “temporary, transition situation” and living with relatives or friends until they find stability. Sullivan told Wednesday Journal the district has a housing liaison that works closely with families in need and pairs them with local agencies. She said D200 has also teamed up with West 40, an education organization that supports dozens of school districts in West Cook County, to offer students backpacks, school supplies and Ventra cards for transportation assistance.

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Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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What does it take to land a job?

Youth skills initiative workshop just might have the answer By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

When Gabriela De Santiago composed her first resume, she used a template she found online and plugged her information into three categories: experience, activities and references. But a free week-long workshop aiming to help teens find and land the right job last month gave De Santiago new tips to improve it. “My resume is definitely a lot more professional. It looks a lot neater like an older person wrote it,” said De Santiago, 16, an incoming junior at Oak Park and River Forest High School. De Santiago said she knew a good resume leads to the next step of the hiring process – the interview – and wanted to know how to better describe previous work experiences and roles in extracurricular activities. She also wanted to learn how to ask potential employers about salary, hours and their expectations during that interview. Lisa-Marie Johnson, instructor of the annual youth skills initiative workshop, said teens entering the workforce need to understand one thing: They have what it takes to get the job. “There are so many skills – transferable skills – you have that, just because you don’t get compensated by an employer, doesn’t mean they’re not marketable,” Johnson said, adding her main goal is for De Santiago and other workshop participants to realize they are valuable even as high-schoolers. Since 2004, the village of Oak Park’s Community Relations Department has held the youth skills initiative workshop, an extension of the village’s youth job fairs and an answer to local parents who asked officials to provide more resources for teens in Oak Park and surrounding areas, said Cedric Melton, director of Community Relations. Johnson said she joined this effort over a decade ago, first as a panelist and later as a teacher leading the workshop, which typically takes place during the last week of

July and at the Oak Park Public Library, including three-hour sessions where students learn how to look for work, build resumes, collect references and be successful in the job interview. Johnson said she knows job and college admissions interviews can be scary and intimidating for teens, but they don’t have to be. The key to nailing the interview, she said, is to treat it like a conversation. The whole point of the interview is for the applicant and the potential employer or admissions director to get to know each other, she said. “You are interviewing the employer just as well as they are interviewing you,” Johnson said. “You want to have a good fit wherever you apply. Not every role you apply for, every job you apply for, is meant for you. You just got to find one that’s the best fit for you.” For many job seekers, it’s a lesson learned through time and practice, but Johnson said she weaves that message in as early as Day 1 of the workshop. She tells teens the story about her first job interview for a telemarketing position at Time Magazine, which had an office in Chicago. Johnson said a friend told her about the position, and she applied in person and was called back for an interview. “I had no resume,” said Johnson, who was 17 at the time, a high school graduate looking for a part-time summer job before heading to college in the fall. “I never forget when I showed up, I was nervous. Back then, we didn’t have the internet. Who was going to tell me how to dress?” One thing Johnson recalled was she “showed up with my best self ” and gave herself a pep talk. “I told myself: ‘You have to relax. Just take a deep breath. Treat this like a casual conversation.’” She was hired for that position. “And that’s worked for me throughout my career.” Though Jay Ahn’s first interview did not have a happy ending like Johnson’s, he has taken her advice and is prepared to score the next one. The incoming OPRF senior said he no longer fears being asked to “tell me about yourself,” which initially stumped him in that first interview. “I remember I was kind of answering the question, but I wasn’t so sure if I was actually answering it,” recalled Ahn, 17, whose first interview was for an internship at an airline. “I wasn’t so sure if I was presenting

F. AMANDA TUGADE/Staff Reporter

CASUAL AND CALM: Local teens Gabriela De Santiago (left) and Taylor Girschek listen to a presentation during the village of Oak Park’s youth skills initiative workshop held July 28 at the Oak Park Public Library. myself in the best way I could be.” With Johnson’s help, Ahn said he felt a little more comfortable navigating those openended questions. Now, if a future employer or college admissions director asked him to describe himself, he said he just might have

a better answer. “You want to portray yourself in the best way,” he said. “If new things happen in my life, I just want to point out [those] things that have happened [and] the things I’ve learned from those experiences.”

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Four Day Festival: Celebrate the Taste of Elmwood Park Revelers should expect food, music, art and a meatball-eating contest

MELISSA ELSMO Food Writer

The Taste of Elmwood Park has been a signature event for our sister suburb to the north for more than 30 years. The four-day food festival is back this year with a wide variety of dishes to please every palate. The Taste is free to attend and will be held at Central Park at 75th Avenue and Fullerton from Aug. 4 to 7 in Elmwood Park. “The Taste is a fun community event where local restaurants, businesses, neighbors and friends come together for a weekend of food, fun, and entertainment,” said Angelo “Skip”

Saviano, Elmwood Park village president. “Participation by our village’s finest restaurants has been outstanding, and the crowds continue to grow as talk of the taste spreads.” Twenty-five food vendors are set to showcase signature menu items at the festival and several participants call Elmwood Park home. A cluster of establishments on “the circle” and a stretch of “restaurant row” eateries situated on North Avenue have transformed Elmwood Park into a local dining destination for globally inspired fare — the Taste of Elmwood Park is an ideal place to enjoy affordably priced restaurant favorites. A bevy of notable Elmwood Park establishments including Jim and Pete’s, Café Cubano, New Star, Massa Café Italian, Gringo and Blondie and Johnnie’s are set to bring Italian, Cuban, Japanese, Chinese and Mexican fare to hungry festival

A POPULAR CHOICE: Johnnie’s beef sandwiches will be available with sweet or hot peppers at the Taste of Elmwood Park.

MELISSA ELSMO

BAR FARE: Toasted Ravioli joins mozzarella sticks and sweet corn fritters on Circle Tavern’s Menu.

MELISSA ELSMO

goers later this week. Jim and Pete’s, 7806 W. North Ave., has been serving customers for 81 years and the mainstay is proud to participate in this year’s taste of Elmwood Park -- chefs have planned a robust menu to mark the occasion. Attendees should plan to choose between six menu favorites including a duo of risotto bites, Tuscan puffs, fresh stuffed peppers and hearty neck bone gravy. They are also offering a custom version of saccottini stuffed house made meatballs and Italian cheeses. Those looking for sweet treats at the Taste of Elmwood Park can dig into a serving of Jim and Pete’s original bread pudding. “The invitation from Mayor Saviano and his team was fun to receive and quite special as the world and our neighborhood begins to smile with refreshed normalcy,” said Michael Bucchianeri, owner of Jim and Pete’s. “Thank You Mayor Saviano! It is quite exciting to bring our great, truly authentic Italian fare out to the community.” In addition to Italian favorites, the Taste of Elmwood Park is bringing New Star’s best loved eggrolls, crab rangoon and California Rolls to the masses while Circle Tavern will provide toasted ravioli and sweet corn fritters. Traditionalists will appreciate that Union Tap is serving up traditional Sliders with kettle chips. Gringo and Blondie plans to offer their namesake tacos — “The Gringo” features slow roasted barbacoa beef, pickled onions, cilantro and

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S P O N S O R E D cotija cheese. Angelo Lollino, chef-owner of Massa Café Italiano will be serving up scoops of his award-winning gelato to help attendees cool off on a hot day. Folks looking for classic Elmwood Park fare can happily grab an Italian Beef with sweet or hot peppers from Johnnie’s or snag a junior sized pork sandwich from Russell’s Barbecue. The 75th Avenue Market, featuring Sergio’s Seafood, made its debut at the Taste in 2019 and will return to the festival again this year. Attendees can expect to enjoy raw and baked clams, fresh shucked oysters, grilled octopus, and other Italian seafood specialties at the tent designed to mimic seafood markets in the Bronx. “Elmwood Park has a long history of delicious dining and has long been a food destination,” said Saviano. “The Taste of Elmwood Park is a celebration of that his-

C O N T E N T

tory and the ever-evolving food landscape that we have here.” Taste of Elmwood Park’s 1st Annual Meatball Eating Contest is set to make its debut on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 4 p.m. Twelve randomly selected contestants will vie for first, second and third place prizes at the competition hosted by ESPN 1000’s Carmen DeFalco and sponsored by Rosebud Restaurants. The Mayor’s Cup Bocce Tournament, The Taste Lounge, Fitness at the Fest and an art market are also among the featured events during the family friendly experience. Several bands will entertain festival goers all weekend long with the event running Thursday, Aug. 5 and Friday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 7 from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 8 from noon to 10 p.m.

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Oak Park’s interim public works director made permanent chief

Sproule named top public works official By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Rob Sproule is now Oak Park’s official public works director. Sproule has been serving in the position in an interim capacity since the village’s previous public works director, John Wielebnicki, retired June 24. Sproule has spent eight years working for the Village of Oak Park’s public works department. Prior to Wielebnicki’s retirement, Sproule worked under him as assistant public works director, a position Sproule held in addition to being Oak Park’s forestry superintendent. “I am honored to have this opportunity to continue leading the great team that makes

up the Public Works Department,” Sproule the Chicago area to receive the distinction. The certification is issued to individuals said in a news release. “Oak Park is a dynamic community with engaged residents in the public works field, recognizing them as having the knowledge and who take pride in their surexperience to manage public roundings. I’m committed to works organizations. providing the high-quality He is a board-certified masservices that residents have come to expect and look ter arborist through the Inforward to tackling the chalternational Society of Arbolenges ahead as we work to riculture and has a master’s maintain Oak Park’s public degree in forestry from the infrastructure in sustainable University of Maine. Sproule and cost-effective ways.” also serves as the chairperWednesday Journal has son of the Illinois Urban and reached out to Sproule for Community Forestry ComKEVIN JACKSON comment. mittee and is also a member Village Manager Sproule is one of 77 public of the Illinois Forestry Deworks officials in the United velopment Council, as well States and Canada to have as the Chicago Region Trees earned designation as a Certified Public Initiative Executive Advisory Council. Works Professional through the American The public works department is responPublic Works Association. He is the ninth in sible for maintaining Oak Park’s public in-

“With Rob Sproule I am confident we will have a steady, experienced hand at the helm.”

ROB SPROULE frastructure, including 103 miles of villageowned streets and 105 miles of water mains. The department also handles urban forestry, waste management and recycling, as well as traffic signal and streetlight upkeep. “With Rob Sproule I am confident we will have a steady, experienced hand at the helm of the Public Works Department,” Village Manager Kevin Jackson said in the news release.

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For kids with sensory issues, a space to call their own

The Imaginarium Sensory Room is a play space tailored for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

At first glance, a room tucked away in the south end of Melrose Park’s George A. Leoni Complex, 8000 N. 18th Ave., might look like a regular children’s indoor play space, with a slide, a trampoline, a “cabin” kids can climb onto and hide inside, and plenty of toys. But it doesn’t take long to realize there is more to it than that. The lights are dimmer and the room is quieter than most children’s play spaces. There is emphasis on patterns and sensations, with interactive panels on the wall and the floor responding to touch and movement. The staff can pipe in soft music and fill the room with gentle scents. The Imaginarium Sensory Room is geared toward kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities that make it harder for them to process sensory input. Most playgrounds are simply too overwhelming for them, but facilities like this

provide a calming alternative that also helps them improve their motor and social skills. The room is open by appointment only and it’s not restricted to kids with disabilities. The Imaginarium is operated by the West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA), a collaborative of 13 park districts and municipalities created to provide recreational programs for residents with disabilities. In the Growing Community Media coverage area, that includes Forest Park, Melrose Park, Northlake, North Riverside, Oak Park, River Forest and Riverside. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that causes problems with social interactions and leads to restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. The way it manifests varies, with some individuals needing little to no support and some needing a great deal of support. Haviva Siegel, an Oak Park pediatric physical therapist, previously told this newspaper that kids with developmental disabilities such as autism or anxiety “have a tendency to go into fight or flight” when faced with the sensory overload of an average playground. They may run off, or chase after a ball someone else is playing with, or they may want to find a spot where they can play alone.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Equipment board in WSSRA’s Imaginarium.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

A child plays with one of the touch boards in the West Suburban Special Recreation Association’s new sensory room. While WSSRA has multiple programs for kids with autism, the Imaginarium was their first space geared toward that population. April Michalski, WSSRA’s superintendent of recreation, said that the staff visited other sensory rooms and drew on online resources. For example, some of the “sensory toys” geared toward kids with sensory issues came from “good old Etsy.” The sensory room includes two projection-based play features: the “sparkle wall” of lights that move in response to touch and the Gesturetek Cube, which projects environments such as an ice surface that cracks as kids step on it or a ground full of leaves that move when kids touch them. According to Gesturetek’s website, the latter helps users “experience marked improvement in their physical and cognitive abilities.” Michalski said that the physical structures serve multiple purposes. Most notably, the cabin gives kids a place to relax if they become overwhelmed.

“It’s a very calming space for our participants,” she said. “The little ones like to calm and relax inside.” The Imaginarium Sensory Room originally opened in Oak Park at 228 Madison St. WSSRA executive director Marianne Birko said that the location was always meant to be temporary. They moved it to the current Melrose Park space in November 2021, because it was a more central location. While the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted their momentum, once the restrictions started to relax, they were able to allow families in. “[The sensory room] really provides realization and decreases anxiety,” Michalski said. “In addition, it also helps with coordination and motor development.” Phil Regan, of Oak Park, was at the Imaginarium with his two kids. He said that threeyear-old Gabriel, who has autism, benefited from the physical activity, as well as the “sensory stuff ” in the room. “I think it’s perfect for him,” Regan said.

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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Local nonprofit helps incoming freshmen set goals Oak Park-based YEMBA launches first summer program to mentor youth

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Jalen Martin has one thing on his mind this summer – his first day at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Like most incoming freshmen, the 14-year-old is nervous about being in a new building packed with new faces, but with the help of one local youth organization, he has started to embrace the changes to come and set goals for himself like getting good grades and trying out for the school’s badminton team. “There’s like a lot of things that I want to do in high school,” said Martin, who graduated from Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School this past June. Martin is one of 16 recent eighth-grade graduates who attended and completed YEMBA’s first summer program geared toward helping middle school students transition to high school. The goal was to teach them skills to stay organized, manage time between homework and activities, and build self-confidence. Short for Youth Educational Mentoring Basketball Association, YEMBA is an Oak Park-based nonprofit that once used basketball to guide teens and help them engage with other parts of their lives, a mission that has evolved over the years. The addition of the latest program is an extension of that, said founder and executive director

Edward Redd. Redd, who launched the nonprofit in 2007, said his team often works with young students who are entering middle school or high school. Redd called those years “pivotal” with students getting a little older and learning about themselves and the world around them all while being tasked with more responsibilities at home and at school. “Along with that comes a heightened level of peer pressure that our kids face. They’re really trying to identify themselves and who they are,” Redd said. “In that process, we have to be cognizant of who is influencing our youth.” With YEMBA’s newest program, Redd said he wanted Martin and other students to feel empowered and give them the time and space to think about their first year of high school. For over a month, Martin and his peers, who will also be attending OPRF in the fall, gathered in a classroom at YEMBA’s office on Lake Street, and checked out the high school’s sports teams and after-school clubs. They also perused the school site together to find key faculty and staff and learn more about resources. The organization also partnered with a local branch of Byline Bank to teach the program’s teens how to budget and save their own money and the basics of credit. Saadia Gayton, another student in the sum-

SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor

TEXTILING: Saadia Gayton’s crochet work was on display during the YEMBA program at the Nineteenth Century Club.

SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor

VISIONARY: Jalen Martin presents his vision board to audience members during YEMBA’s ceremony at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association July 28. mer program, said she liked learning about the “financial stuff” and wants to start her own business someday. Gayton, who is also 14 and came from Brooks, makes and sells her own crochet accessories such as keychains and hats to friends, family, teachers and classmates. One goal Gayton has for herself is to make at least one friend in each one of her classes at OPRF and to try to be more outgoing. “I want to be open because I never really wanted to talk to a lot of people when I was in middle school,” she told Wednesday Journal. Workshops aside, Redd told the Journal that the program’s purpose was to bring young people together and help them “own” who they are as individuals, as well as motivate them to support each other and hopefully become a family. “You never know what talents, what skills these other individuals in this room that you’re going to this big high school with, can help and support you along the journey,” Redd said. “The goal is for them to be accountable to each other.” During the program, students created vision boards, pasting cut-out images onto a

poster that signified their hopes and dreams; finalized their list of high school goals and penned letters to themselves, encouraging themselves to stay the course. The weekslong program concluded with a brief ceremony for students where they presented their vision boards to their families. “That’s what the commencement ceremony is all about,” Redd said. “[It’s] not only [about] them being able to talk about their vision for themselves but to also help to celebrate their commitment and their growth into the next phase.” On Martin’s board, he drew a college building with the word “engineering” underneath. In one corner, there was a picture of a fancy watch, and another, featuring a home with a porch. Simple stick figures of Martin and his future wife were in the middle of the board, their hands holding, ready to leap into the next chapter of their lives. With the first day of high school just weeks away, Martin is already planning ahead – and dreaming big. “Don’t give up on your dreams when you’re scared,” he said, a lesson he learned through YEMBA. “Always be prepared.”

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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Carroll, retired Dominican prez, takes interim North Central post

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Expects to serve Naperville college during search process dent,” said Carroll. “As Donna Carroll, who retired an admiring colleague for as president of Dominican many years, I have witUniversity in River Forest nessed the college’s growth a year ago, has been named in academic complexity, interim president of North reputation and athletic statCentral College in Naperure and I look forward to ville. Carroll will serve in working collaboratively the post until a permanent with trustees, colleagues, president is appointed by the students and the Naperville North Central board. community to continue that “Dr. Carroll is a visionprogress, and at the same ary leader and an experitime, prepare the campus to enced administrator who is DONNA CARROLL welcome its next long servuniquely qualified to serve ing president.” as our interim president. Carroll will succeed Troy D. Hammond We are grateful that of all the places she could have shared her talents, she chose who announced his resignation after leadNorth Central College,” said Jim McDer- ing the school for nearly 10 years. The school expects to appoint a permanent met, board chair at North Central. “I am delighted to join the North Cen- president before the start of the 2023-24 tral College community as interim presi- academic year.

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LICK OR TREAT

Dogs and owners socialize during the Animal Care League’s Yappy Happy Hour at Cheney Mansion on July 28.

PHOTOS BY SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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Man sleeping in his vehicle ends up carjacked

An Oak Park resident sleeping in his black 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix was carjacked by five men at 4:15 a.m., July 28 in the 1000 block of South Lombard Avenue. After the five men approached the vehicle, one knocked on the window and asked if the victim was OK. The second offender then took out a black semi-automatic handgun and demanded the victim get out of the car. When the victim complied, all five offenders hopped into the vehicle and fled southbound on Lombard Avenue.

Aggravated robbery ■ Two men in their 50s, one of whom was said to be armed, robbed a Chicago resident at an ATM in the 1000 block of Lake Street at 2:10 p.m., July 29. Under the guise of asking for help with the cash machine, the two men approached the victim, who agreed to assist them. Once they walked to the ATM, one of the men demanded the victim take out cash, stating he had a gun. The victim complied, handing over approximately $550. ■ An Oak Park resident was robbed of a

watch, wedding ring and headphones after being approached from behind by a masked man who implied he had a gun at 5 a.m., July 31 near Fillmore Street and Highland Avenue. The estimated loss was unknown at the time of reporting.

Motor vehicle theft ■ A Hillside resident’s car was stolen after he pulled over and exited the blue 2017 Dodge Challenger, which was left unlocked and running, to assist an injured person in the 100 block of North Harlem Avenue, at 9:43 p.m., July 25. The victim heard someone yell, “Go, go, go!” and saw a man in his early 20s get into the vehicle and drive away. The vehicle was later recovered by Bellwood police July 26 in the 900 block of South 25th Street. ■ Someone removed a black 2021 Toyota RAV4, left unlocked with the keys inside, parked in the 1000 block of Lake Street between 8:50 a.m. and 9:27 a.m., July 27. The estimated loss is $25,000. The vehicle was recovered that afternoon by Chicago police at 3:33 p.m. in the first block of North Parkside

in Chicago. ■ A 2016 Honda Civic, left unattended, running and unlocked, was taken from the first block of Lake Street between 9:30 a.m. and 10:27 a.m., July 28. The estimated loss is $17,000. ■ Someone removed a black 2014 Lincoln MKZ, left unlocked with the keys inside, parked near Home Avenue and Pleasant Street between 7 a.m., July 27 and 7:42 a.m., July 28. The estimated loss is $20,000. ■ An unlocked, running and unattended 2016 Honda Civic was removed from the first block of Lake Street between 9:30 a.m. and 10:27 a.m., July 28. The estimated loss is $17,000. ■ A yellow 2014 Kia Soul was removed from the 700 block of South East Avenue between 4 p.m. and 9:51 p.m., July 31. The estimated loss is $10,000.

Recovered stolen vehicle ■ The gray 2015 Hyundai Tucson reported stolen July 21 from the 100 block of South Kenilworth Avenue was recov-

ered by Chicago police in the 1400 block of South Kedvale Avenue in Chicago July 25. ■ The gray 2019 Volkswagen reported stolen June 24 from the 800 block of South Boulevard was recovered in the 2800 block of West 5th Avenue June 24in Maywood by Chicago police. ■ The dark green 2014 Nissan Pathfinder reported stolen out of Oak Park July 22 was recovered by the Oak Park Police Department July 26 in the 4600 block of West Monroe Street in Chicago. These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports, July 26 to Aug. 1, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

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Homes

Second H installment property tax bills months late Impact on local taxing bodies will be real By LACEY SIKORA | Contributing Reporter

ave you noticed something missing in your summer mail this year? Typically, second installment property tax bills are mailed in July and due Aug. 1. Not this year. For 2021 property taxes, which are payable in 2022, the second installment statements have not been mailed and likely won’t be for months to come. Oak Park Township Assessor Ali ElSaffar says the official reason for the delay is a computer compatibility problem that has put the Board of Review process way behind. In December 2021, Board of Review Commissioner Larry Rogers first alerted the public that the bills would be late saying the blame lay with Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi who had mismanaged the transition from a mainframe computer to a newer, integrated property tax system. Kaegi, an Oak Park resident, is reported

ALI ELSAFFAR

FRITZ KAEGI

to have claimed that the Board of Review was uncooperative during the transition. Whatever the cause, that computer transition was still incomplete as of early July, and the bills will be later than they have been in a decade. See PROPERTY TAXES on page 22

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PROPERTY TAXES

UNDER CONTRACT

Typically, that final installment bill can be a good way to correct the record, but it is not available yet, meaning those overpaying will be doing so for several extra months. It also creates issues for those trying to sell from page 21 their properties. In a normal sale, because taxes in Cook County are paid in arrears, Just how late is anybody’s guess. ElSaffar the seller is responsible for taxes through points out that the Board of Review is still the sale date of the property. It’s more difworking on appeals for 18 out of 38 town- ficult to estimate those taxes when the final ships as of late July. Of the townships await- installment is months late. ing determination of appeals, he points out In addition, there is the problem of huthat seven are from the city of Chicago, man nature. For those who pay their taxes which tends to have a higher number of themselves, without escrow, ElSaffar says it properties and therefore a high number of can be easy to forget to set aside the money appeals. when the bill does not arrive He emphasizes that the on schedule. When the final entire process is one of installment for 2021 taxes arbuilding blocks saying, “It’s rives late in 2022 and the first like a relay race. It’s very seinstallment for 2022 taxes arquential. One agency can’t rives in early 2023, property act until the earlier one is owners will be looking at two finished. The state equalizer big expenditures close togethcan’t be determined until all er in time. the appeals are done. The “If you don’t have that disexemptions can’t be figured cipline, it can be a problem,” out until you have the state he states, adding “To put it equalizer. Etc. Etc.” away and then pay a second Once all the appeals are time so quickly is hard. It’s finished, he said it can take important for individuals an additional six to eight and the government to have a weeks in a normal year to schedule.” move forward with billing. The last time bills were this Then, there has to be a 30late was for 2009 taxes, which day period between when were payable in 2010. That fibills are issued and when nal installment was due Dec. they are paid. 13, 2010. ElSaffar says that According to ElSaffar, all delay was due largely to the ALI ELSAFFAR of this has real life impacts. real estate recession. Many Oak Park Township Assessor “Obviously, the taxing dispeople saw the impact of the tricts need money,” he said. recession in 2009, so the tax Cook County Board Presiassessor decided to reduce dent Toni Preckwinkle the entire county’s assessed pledged to help towns, school districts and values. In a typical year, one third of properother taxing bodies affected by the delay ties are reassessed, so the changes to assesswith a loan program. Details for this plan ments for all properties resulted in a huge are not yet available number of appeals. “Here we go again,” ElLess obvious ElSaffar says is the impact of Saffar said about the late bills. late bills on municipalities going forward. This year, with 18 townships left to reHe points to infighting in Oak Park in previ- view as of July 21, he says the appeals proous years over District 200’s ballooning fund cess alone could take another two months. balance. He posits, “If it’s possible bills will While he won’t guess as to a definitive date come out in December instead of August, that property owners will receive their bills, that could mean you might need a much ElSaffar is hopeful that the bills will go out bigger fund balance. Some taxing bodies in in 2022, which is helpful for those who plan some municipalities might have to borrow to claim a deduction for property taxes on money or pay interest because of this delay.” their income taxes. For property owners, there may be issues At the end of the day, he says that people as well. ElSaffar notes that many property like to receive their bills on a regular, semiowners pay their property taxes through es- annual basis. He says, “Seeing a bill is a crow on their mortgage accounts. For a mi- strong indicator that something’s not right. nority of these property owners, they may With a long gap like this, there’s less of a be paying too much or too little into escrow. chance to see that.”

Blame game

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“It’s like a relay race. It’s very sequential. One agency can’t act until the earlier one is finished. The state equalizer can’t be determined until all the appeals are done. The exemptions can’t be figured out until you have the state equalizer. Etc. Etc.”

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CONDOS

Saturday, August 6 • Sunday, August 7 ADDRESS ............................................................................. REALTY CO.......................................... LISTING PRICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TIME 2245 DesPlaines Ave, #C, North Riverside . . . . . Baird & Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$140,000. . . . . . . . . . . . .Sun 1-2:30 107 Home Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $619,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat 1-3

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ADDRESS ............................................................................. REALTY CO.......................................... LISTING PRICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TIME 846 S Elmwood Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $579,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sun 12-2 337 Marengo Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacknow Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $699,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat 3-6 1032 Fair Oaks Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $939,900. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sun 1-3

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Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

SPORTS River Forest 10-U girls win state tourney Comeback kids develop confidence in dramatic turn-arounds

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

After a dramatic comeback to reach the championship series of the Illinois Little League 10-Under softball state tournament, Thursday, Zoe Daly and her River Forest allstar teammates knew anything was possible. “It gives us momentum and confidence because we feel like we can fight back no matter what the score is and what inning it is,” Daly said. River Forest delivered two of its strongest performances to capture the state title by beating Evergreen Park 4-3 in seven innings and 6-3 in the winner-take-all finale in Brookfield. Team members are Emma Alvarado, Alice Bath, Avery Bryant, Ariana Catrambone, Daly, Grace Dine, Anna Dore, Charlotte Ireland, Lauren Leibundguth, Olivia Matz, Alysa Ortiz, Emma Sakellaris and Lindy Teclaw. Ann Bath was manager/coach with Laura Catrambone and Juan Ortiz as assistant coaches. Sadie Briggs and Caroline Leavy were practice coaches. “I’m excited and proud of the entire team because this is really amazing,” said Daly, the winning pitcher in both games. “I want to remember this feeling of winning. It feels so good to win, and also playing with this amazing team is just going to stay with me forever.” In the decisive game, Daly, who pitched the final 4.1 innings, and starter Alvarado stranded runners on third base in four of the six innings. Leadoff hitter Sakellaris was 3 for 3 with two runs, No. 2 hitter Matz was 2 for 4 with two runs batted in and Daly was 2 for 2 with two runs. River Forest added two insurance runs in the top of the sixth amid controversy. With two outs and the bases loaded, Matz beat out an infield grounder, scoring Daly, and Dine, a pinch-runner for Leibundguth, kept running from second and was safe at the plate on a close play. Daly retired Evergreen Park 1-2-3 in the bottom of the sixth. The previous day, River Forest scored six runs in the top of the sixth to rally past Brookfield 10-6. “I think we knew we could do it, especially if we could score six in one inning, we knew we could score over six in one game,” Sakellaris said. “I will never forget this moment with this team, even though we only played like eight games. Even though we were losing, we never really quit. We were always cheering our teammates on.” Having that feeling again was great for Ann Bath, who was part of three River Forest state championships as a player, including 10-U. After Thursday’s victory, she was given the cowbell that her coach’s wife (Cheryl Klonoski)

PROVIDED

used to inspire players from the stands. “The last time I saw this cowbell was in 1987 or 1988 so it’s been a long time. It’s very, very special,” Bath said. “I went through the same thing in the late 1980s as well as my sisters in the late ’70s. These girls worked hard. They’re amazing. We focused on all of the controllables in practice and games and that’s why they won.” Daly also scored the winning run of Thursday’s first game on a wild pitch after reaching on an infield error. Contributing to River Forest’s first three runs were Sakellaris (2 runs, double), Ortiz (single, run), Alvarado (RBI), and Matz (single) and Dine (sacrifice), whose balls in play led to run-scoring errors. River Forest needed to beat Evergreen Park twice out of

the consolation bracket after losing their first meeting 3-1, July 26, minus shortstop/No. 4 hitter Ortiz. “I’m a big fan of the loser’s bracket,” Ann Bath said. “If you get that loser’s bracket win, you ride that momentum and come into that championship much more primed and ready to go.” Alvarado enjoyed the championship ring around her neck before she signed team balls, given to each player. “I’m going to remember this ring. It’s going to stay here every day and I’m going to remember my friends and the [team] pictures,” Alvarado said. “I’m very happy for my team and very excited. We did really good and we were all brave in the game, confident and tried our best.”

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VIEWPOINTS

Farewell, Rick Carter p. 34

Is Joni too old?

ast month, Robert Reich, one of my favorite political commentators and journalists, wrote an incredibly disappointing and ageist article titled, “Is Biden Too Old?” People’s competencies, abilities and capacities do change as we age. A serious health condition or a disability may occur regardless of one’s age. Whether President Biden is physically and mentally fit to run for President in 2024 is a question for him, his family, his medical team and the American people to answer, and should not be based on broad-brush ageist stereotypes. Last month, Joni Mitchell performed a 13-song set at the Newport Folk Festival. It was her first time back to Newport in 53 years. It was her first full-length live set in over 20 years. It was her first public performance in nine years. When I watched and listened to those songs, it brought tears to my eyes. Tears to my eyes? Hell, it made me cry. I remembered the first time I went to the Newport Folk Festival, as a senior in high school, to see … who else? Joni Mitchell. All at once, I remembered her amazing lyrics, her wondrous voice, the excitement she generated on stage and some of the other great concerts I’ve been to. Parts of my whole life kind of flashed before me. As I watched the videos and listened, it was a poignant moment for me. I could feel the pride and confidence in the future that Joni had represented. And, looking back, I could sense some of our generational arrogance of 50+ years ago, as well. Sitting at my laptop, watching Joni perform her song ‘The Circle Game’, I felt a circle closing. I recalled seeing her 1967 Newport performance and how her music has accompanied most of my life. “We can’t return, we can only look behind from where we came, and go round and round in the circle game.” Part of aging is becoming aware of circles closing. This summer I watched my granddaughter play softball on the very team I helped start so that her mother would have a place to play and excel,

MARC BLESOFF

See BLESOFF on page 33

A G I N G

D I S G R A C E F U L L Y

Beware the Ides of August

hen is the next Outrage Festival? Grief Glorification Week? Horror Hullaballoo? It was about six weeks between Uvalde and Highland Park, so maybe we should all stay home on Aug. 15, which is six weeks after Highland Park. I have a feeling gun-crazed shooters notice stuff like that. But that’s only a feeling. On the other hand, it’s an absolute certainty there will be another mass shooting and there’s nothing we can — or will — do about it. Maybe the shooter(s) will wait until school starts or maybe they’ll go after a crowded grocery store like the Buffalo shooter did, shooting 12 people, killing 10. We can’t, of course, round up every young male who doesn’t get along with his family, has no friends, and has access to weapons that blow bodies apart. Why not? Because although those traits are sad, scary, and heartbreaking, they are not illegal. Neither, unfortunately, are the weapons. Further, a desperately unhappy teenager often makes his parents desperate enough to give in to his crazy demands. The Sandy Hook shooter used a gun his mother bought for him. He shot her to death before going on a

rampage at the school. The Uvalde shooter, a school dropout, bought $2,000 plus worth of guns — through the mail — with his birthday money. The Highland Park shooter’s father signed a permit for his son to get a weapon of war even after the shooter said he was going to kill everyone in his family. My only comfort is that although the shooters wanted to be recognized and remembered — to be known — my faulty memory has already forgotten their names and I refuse to look them up online. It’s the very least I can do. Since there’s nothing we can do or will do about guns, maybe we should consider the way these tragedies are reported — graphically and endlessly — and our reactions to them. First there’s our need to know the basics: who, what, when and where are aired on every outlet. Our individual terror soon subsides as most shooters are quickly arrested and the details of their troubled lives are revealed. Next there’s the extended kabuki of mourning: TV

MARY KAY O’GRADY

See O’GRADY on page 34

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

O U R

V I E W S

New life at Field’s

V I E W P O I N T S

s Downtown Oak Park has blossomed and been remade over the past decade, there has been one stubborn and seemingly inexplicable vacancy. While some may think of the structure on the northeast corner of Lake and Harlem as the grand old Marshall Field’s, others of more moderate age will recall it as Borders Bookstore. Younger and newer residents, though, likely think of it only as a glaring void at a key gateway to Oak Park — an 11-year void. On Monday the Oak Park Village Board wisely approved a generous but necessary pact to split all local sales tax revenues for the next 20 years with an exciting, upscale and entrepreneurial Chicago business that seems ready to lease the entire 22,000-square-foot, two-level space. It will become the third Chicago-area outpost of Dom’s Kitchen & Market. This is the latest invention of Bob Mariano who started at the old Dominick’s grocery chain, then launched the trendy Mariano’s grocery chain. When Mariano’s was sold to Kroger a few years back, Mariano began looking for his next venture. This is it. In its recommendation to the village board to sign off on the tax-share pact, the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation described the project as part grocery store, part restaurant and part food hall. This model works for the higher residential density Oak Park has intentionally built into its downtown over a decade and for the wider marketplace of Oak Park and River Forest. The first Dom’s has reportedly done well in Lincoln Park. A second store is under construction in Old Town. Oak Park would be its first suburban location. The argument for the sales tax sharing is clearcut. Oak Park needs to see this space leased. At 22,000 feet, split between ground level and a basement, this has been a tough sell as 11 years’ emptiness would attest. The buildout costs in an old and historic building are very high and for all the pluses of the location there is also no immediately adjacent parking. Finally, we’d argue that the building ownership — the Karris family and its Water Tower Realty — have been unmotivated and unimaginative, likely because offices on the upper floors have floated the building over this period. A few years back when Oak Park was determined to bring a grocery store to Madison and Oak Park Avenue, there was clamoring to attract a Mariano’s. Almost happened until the sale to Kroger brought expansion to a halt. Now we have a second Pete’s Fresh Market coming to Madison and we’re getting the next best thing and filling a critical vacancy in downtown, too. Detractors will worry that we are reaching food service saturation. Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, River Forest Jewel, the lesser Jewels, Carnival, Sugar Beet, two Pete’s, too much? And we say, let the market sort it out. Dom’s has certainly studied the opportunity and is ready to invest millions, to sign a 30year lease. There could hardly be a better outcome.

Placid parks, serene spaces

he last week of July is sacred time, peak summer, pinnacle of my year. When the weather is as temperate and benign as it was last week, life doesn’t get any better — with just enough rain of late to keep the grass green going into August, which is rare. Undistracted by chores or email, I gave the sky my full attention. Sapphire mornings gave way predictably to the arrival of great battleship cumulus each noon, looking like the Pacific fleet pulling into port. Summer sky. During the past week, I spent a lot of time in Oak Park’s crown jewels: Mills Park, Scoville Park, Austin Gardens, and the grounds of Cheney Mansion. Each has an interesting story and involves a great house. Two are still standing, Cheney Mansion and Pleasant Home, sold or bequeathed to the Park District of Oak Park, as were the houses in Scoville Park and Austin Gardens, which no longer exist, except in the informational graphics the park district provides. All four can be reached on a short walk, three connected by Ontario Street, beginning with Cheney at Euclid Avenue, Scoville at Oak Park Avenue, and Austin Gardens at Forest Avenue. From there it’s three blocks south, down Forest/ Home Avenue, to Pleasant Street. At the intersection of Pleasant and Home, you’ll find Pleasant Home, George Maher’s masterwork, built originally for John and Mamie Farson and, after John died in 1910, purchased by Herbert Mills (a colorful character known as “The Slot Machine King” for the one-armed bandits his West Side factory produced). He lived there until he died in 1939, when the Mills family transferred ownership to the park district. The expansive grounds became Mills Park. An extensive recent rehab made the park a favorite shortcut for joggers, dog walkers and others seeking solace, sanctuary and sanity in a troubled world. That includes butterflies who take nourishment in the milkweed patch. Pleasant Home hosts weddings and other events, many held on the biggest porch in town — where this Thursday night, for instance, and the next three, up to a hundred people will watch silent comedy films, accompanied by the home’s piano. These four “green spaces” are described as “passive parks” — in spite of the highly energized badminton match I watched Friday night in the Mills Park meadow. Austin Gardens is, if not “passive,” then placid nine months of the year, but every June, a stage erupts in the meadow and poor players (but fine performers) strut and fret many hours upon it. This year’s summer Shakespeare offering bears the counter-seasonal title, “The Winter’s Tale.”

Otherwise, Austin Gardens, half forest, half meadow, is an oasis of tranquility downtown, though infringed by hissing and whining high-rises that overhang and squelch the illusion of bucolic isolation. As you contemplate the surrounding serenity, the thought keeps intruding that we could put a man on the moon, but somehow we can’t design a quiet truck. Scoville Park is dominated by the towering World War I memorial, but 110 years ago, it was the site of Charles Scoville’s grand home, which can be seen in the graphic just beyond the curious-looking “Horse Fountain” at the corner of Oak Park and Lake. The hilltop monument was dedicated in 1926 by the vice president of the U.S., but Oak Park being Oak Park, it has a higher calling. Despite the visually prominent military figures, it is named “Peace Triumphant,” a notion reinforced by the children who climb the massive bronze plaques listing the names of those who served, and some who died there. They would likely take little umbrage at this trespass, and the angelic female statue looking down seemingly approves, since innocent children represent better than anyone or anything else the meaning of peace triumphant — or life triumphant, best facilitated by peace. On summer Sunday nights, Scoville defies its passive label as crowds gather to listen while a band plays and kids cavort in front of the well-disguised stage. On late July summer afternoons, however, one has the luxury of wondering when the last of the living named on these plaques passed and what it would take to track that down. Such thoughts surface in placid settings, all of which are wellbenched and shaded, with anchoring trees — a great swirling elm atop Scoville, a rare, graceful willow in Austin Gardens, a sturdy ginkgo at Cheney, and flowering horse chestnuts at Mills. Many try to hang the nickname “Oak No Park” around this town’s neck, owing to the dearth of parking, but we might better adopt “Oak Yes Parks” to celebrate these serene spaces. To be sure, there are many fine parks in the Oak Park system — Lindberg and Taylor, Barrie, Rehm, and more — but most are dedicated to recreation not re-creation, where the heart feels whole. From our “village green” (Scoville) to our “village porch” (Pleasant Home), these four are the best places to lose yourself when a summer day beckons outside — and where you can find yourself again, and feel grateful for the foresight and generosity of the Cheney, Scoville, Mills and Austin families who bestowed these micro-Edens. And also the many who protected, preserved and restored them to their current idyllic beauty.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S S U S T A I N  A B I L I T Y

Going solar is easier than ever … and cheaper Each month, we feature a column on environmental issues submitted by IGov, an intergovernmental body composed of two representatives each from the village, public library, park district, township, and school districts 97 and 200. ‘How can we go solar as quickly as possible?” That’s a question many Illinois residents are asking. With recent growth of the industry, and new state laws, it’s easier and cheaper than ever! Even if you can’t install solar panels for whatever reason, you can still go solar. Here’s an overview, with contact information to pursue these ideas further. The first step in going solar is to review your latest electric bill. In addition to your account number, you need to know two things: a) How much electricity, measured in kWh, did you use over the past 12 months? b) In the “Supply” section of your bill, is an alternative supplier listed? (If yes, the signup procedure is slightly more complex.) After you’ve reviewed your electric bill, either take a photo of both sides, or make an electronic copy. Community solar is an important option for apartment dwellers, homeowners, and small businesses. You won’t need to do anything physical to your building, you won’t have any upfront costs, your monthly savings will be 10-20% of the supply portion of your electric bill, and you won’t need your landlord’s permission. The simplest way to sign up is “one-stop shopping” through municipal programs. Both the villages of Oak Park and River Forest have community solar programs available through their websites: https:// oakparksolar.mc2energyservices.com or www.vrf.us/ CommunitySolar. Finding additional information about community solar procedures and providers is not hard. A good way to learn about community solar providers is to look at the Citizens Utility Board website, https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/solar-in-the-community. The four companies listed below have been particularly active in Illinois community solar: ■ MC2 (MC Squared), https://www.mc2energyservices.com/IL/Community-Solar

■ Nexamp, https://illinois.nexamp.com/ ■ Trajectory, https://trajectoryenergy. com/ ■ US Solar, https://www.us-solar.com/ il.html Rooftop solar is a good choice for homeowners, businesses and nonprofits who own buildings. For rooftop solar, there are over 30 certified and experienced solar installation contractors working in the Chicago area; you can find many of them listed on the Illinois Solar Association’s website at https://www.illinoissolar.org/FindAProfessional. Another resource is Grow Solar Chicagoland. Since 2019, this nonprofit-led program has educated over 1,700 people with “Solar Power Hour” presentations. You can sign up for a presentation, and for Grow Solar Chicagoland’s free site assessment, by visiting their website, https://www.growsolar. org/chicagoland. Getting quotes from solar installers is straightforward; many contractors give these over the web using Google Maps and other tools. It’s a good idea to ask other homeowners about their experiences with rooftop solar, to get multiple quotes, and to check references for each installer. It’s also important to remember that about 50% of US rooftops may not be appropriate for solar panel installation due to tree interference, insufficient area exposed to sunlight, or rooftop construction. If you install rooftop solar, typical “payback periods” are 7-10 years. Residents should also be aware that an additional way to address climate change, and save money by lowering utility bills, is to improve the energy efficiency of your homes. At https://www.sustainoakpark.com, the village of Oak Park offers a free home energy assessment and opportunities to apply for grants up to $10,000 to cover all or part of the cost for improving the heating, air conditioning, and weatherization of homes. For the long term, community solar and rooftop solar are only stepping stones to the goal of 100% renewable energy in Illinois. One key will be “utility scale” solar projects, which are beginning to be investigated by both utilities and municipalities in Illinois. However, since the timeline to complete a utility-scale solar plant is as long as six years, this solution is a long way away.

IGOV

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022 W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Michael Romain Senior Editor Bob Uphues Digital Publishing and Technology Manager Briana Higgins Staff Reporters Stacey Sheridan, F. Amanda Tugade Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Big Week Editor James Porter Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Harriet Hausman, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady Business Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Donor Relations Manager/Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Special Projects Manager Susan Walker Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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

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Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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The angel in my seat

n my early school years, encouraged by the nuns who taught me, I’d often sit in my desk chair slightly off-center to make room for my guardian angel. Each child, we were taught, had an angel assigned by a senior spirit to protect and guide him or her on the journey to Heaven. One had the option of naming one’s angel. I didn’t do so. But I did appreciate “him” (angels are not of a particular gender): I’d thank him for being there, and would ask him occasionally for advice, like how to deal with a difficult kid, how to make a tough choice, or what to tell Mom and Dad about something I’d done wrong. In a neighborhood like ours in Berwyn, one couldn’t forget about angels, saints, the Blessed Virgin, or Jesus very easily, what with 1,000 kids from the surrounding blocks enrolled in St. Mary of Celle’s school. In my early grades, each day began at morning Mass. And beyond the school, just about everyone I knew was Catholic, including the barber, the butcher, the florist, and corner grocers. They took out ads in the church bulletin. The neighborhood oozed Catholicism. The pervasive presence of Catholicism cultivated a palpable sense throughout the day of being immersed in a spiritual milieu. Daily prayer in school and at home would reinforce it. We acknowledged it in how we said hello to superiors: greeting a priest or sister entering the classroom, “Praise be to Jesus and to Mary, good morning, Father Bob (or Sister Mary Inocen-

cia).” Furthermore, Catholicity wasn’t confined to church, school or home: I remember getting into a debate in the alley with a couple of kids about whether something we had done was a sin. So the idea that a particular angel had my back didn’t play as odd, especially in the early grades. I let go of the concept somewhat as I got older, but angels still mattered to me. In fifth grade, I chose Michael as my Confirmation name out of reverence for the Archangel. As I saw it, who better to have my back; he’d slay the demons that were in the way of my doing in the world what God called me to do. But now, in a world in which the Church is shrinking, and secularism tends to prevail in our neighborhoods, how do I relate to those spiritual beings? And if there is a different, undefined kind of spiritual climate that has emerged around us, what helps us make sense of it? In our more secular culture, we’re in fact awash in myths, but they’re more likely propagated through games, movies and TV shows. They portray all kinds of magical creatures protecting our neighborhoods, fending off evil, and guarding innocents. Some gaming platforms allow us to create numinous, heroic characters to play ourselves. In today’s milieu, it’s Daredevil poised like an avenging angel, looking down on his broken neighborhood, Hell’s Kitchen, from a shadowy rooftop. It’s Batman swooping into a fractured Gotham City, with wings. It’s Ironman, Thor, and Super-

RICH

KORDESH One View

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GUARDIAN: Michael the Archangel above the entrance of Ascension Church in Oak Park. man who can fly. Maybe there are angels around us, maybe not, but our souls sure seem stirred by the idea that there is another world intermingled with ours where powerful, noble and self-sacrificial figures do battle for us, however invisibly. We pay a lot of money at the theater, through online games and in front of our television screens to participate vicariously in these mythical events. And we carry the experience in mind and muscle, reliving battles well after logging off. In a milieu that is more secular than Catholic, whose myths flow from the likes of Marvel and DC Comics, where do I now stand with the angels of my faith? For some time, Batman, a mysterious,

tortured and complex figure, has been my favorite of the comic heroes. But what of Michael the Archangel or that unnamed guardian who shared my seat when I was a little boy? Maybe what I sense now is that our broken neighborhoods and fractured world do indeed need the steadying presence and compassionate ferocity of the angels. But the urgency I feel, whether it’s stirred by Michael or Batman, might come from an inner voice saying that it’s also on me to protect and support those I care about. I might not know exactly where the angels are, but I can do a better job of being one myself — for my community and those I love. Rich Kordesh grew up in Berwyn and now lives in Oak Park.

Equity and Oak Park’s communications technology Technology already plays an integral role in our lives, and I believe in an increasingly digital future. Then why did I express reservations about the proposed modernization of the village communications and community engagement infrastructure using the Granicus technology platform? Our communication needs have evolved from sharing information with residents to having a conversation with the residents (all residents). The proposed solution using Granicus seeks to address this shift through the ■ modernization of the village website,

■ implementation of a community engagement platform and ■ implementation of a customer service hub to deliver village services. Overall it is a step in the right direction for the village because it consolidates our communications technology footprint, cost-effectively, with a single vendor, Granicus. However, my reservation stems from the following: ■ the community engagement aspect of the Granicus solution does not include a mobile app. The equity implications of not having the mobile channel available to

households that do not possess additional digital devices is a significant failing. Also the flexibility and convenience of mobile engagement and experience is something modern society is accustomed to and takes for granted. ■ the analysis presented to the board did not include the Civic Information Systems Commission’s views on this recommendation. Technology enabling village communication and community engagement is an explicit part of the CISC’s work plan for 2022. While the analysis compared status quo with the recommended option, it does

not sufficiently evaluate/consider alternate technology options. I’m encouraged by the possibility of third-party mobile solution integration with Granicus as a potential future option. I’m optimistic that this recommendation in the end could very well be the right approach for the village. However, without due diligence to support this recommendation, I find it hard personally and professionally, as a digital transformation practitioner, to fully endorse this direction.

Ravi Parakkat

Oak Park village trustee

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Business must be more engaged in civic affairs Serious staff shortages continue to plague hospitals, nursing homes, government, and private industries more than two years into the pandemic. Polling places in June’s Illinois primary election were also woefully understaffed. More than ever, it is vital for private-sector employers to become engaged in civic affairs. Corporate sponsorships in the public’s interest have grown, along with their financial campaign contributions directed toward achieving their private interests. Businesses could have a greater civic impact if they allowed employees paid time

off to serve on Election Day as non-partisan election judges. Our election judges get nonpartisan, in-person training, and are crucial for fair and efficient elections. In times when corporations are strategizing how to retain and recruit employees, paid-time-off policy to serve on Election Day demonstrates a corporate commitment to civic participation. The general election in November is not far away. Corporations and businesses should step up and support employees who wish to contribute to their communities.

Andrea Raila Oak Park

A fitting tribute to Lin Brehmer I want to express my gratitude for your tribute to Lin Brehmer [Lin Brehmer signs off, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, July 20] who has been a gracious, generous, comforting, and genius presence on the radio for some three decades. As I read your column, it occurred to me that Mr. Brehmer has been

the Walter Cronkite of rock music DJ’s: honest, down-to-earth, devoted to his subject and to his audience, devoid of partisanship or cynicism. As you said, he is an institution.

Bill Clark

Berwyn

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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Oak Park Village Board agenda items

Just days apart, a second homicide has occurred in Oak Park. Will the Oak Park Village Board add the recent significant increase in homicides, aggravated vehicular carjackings, and armed robberies of local businesses to their agenda? Why are topics most important to current board members those that will divide this community? There are four Roman Catholic parishes in Oak Park, yet at the forefront of the last board meeting is how they are 1,000% in favor of abortion rights. The board should immediately address: ■ the proliferation of illegal guns into Oak Park originating from Chicago, the largest exporter within the state of Illinois. ■ hold the Cook County State’s Attorney and Judges accountable when they release violent criminals back into the community immediately after arrest. ■ hold state officials representing Oak

Park accountable for the increased crime that will result when the “no bond” Jan. 1, 2023 law goes into effect. The law was passed with the support of all state officials representing Oak Park. If these same officials are so proud of this law, why are they now hiding under a rock and refuse to address the illegal guns used in Oak Park crimes? Are they now ashamed? ■ immediately bring the Oak Park Police Department to full complement. There are many retired police officers who could be hired to address low-priority calls. Oak Park Village Board Trustees needs to put aside the topics that will get them recognized nationally and address issues that affect the community from which they were elected.

Richard Willis

Former Oak Park Township Trustee and Community Mental Health Board Member

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D O O P E R ’ S

M E M O R I E S

The game the guys never spoke of again

or six weeks during the summers of 1949-1957, my uncle Gene’s daughter, Linda, came to visit us. In July 1952, Linda was accompanied by her 22-year-old aunt, Claire Schafer, a 1952 graduate of the University of Nebraska. Claire stayed with us for three full days before leaving for New York City, where she would attend Columbia University in order to work toward a master’s degree in English. She wanted to go to New York City a month before classes began so that she could get the lay of the land, as she put it. She had never been to Chicago, and when Gene and on the drive to our house from Union Station, Claire was amazed by the tall buildings and the traffic she saw as we made our way to Oak Park. On the first full day Claire stayed with us, my mother and I took her and Linda to the Field Museum, the Planetarium, and the Shedd Aquarium. Claire loved baseball and, being from Nebraska, she told us she was a die-hard Cub fan. It so happened that the Cubs were home while Claire was visiting us, so on the second day of her visit, Gene and I took them to Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play the Dodgers. Claire had never been to a major league game, so she had fun rooting for the Cubs. The Cubs lost, but she got to see Hank Sauer hit two home runs. On the third day of her visit, I asked her if she would like to play softball with the neighborhood guys. I figured it was a gentlemanly offer for a visitor. I should have asked about her background in softball before I made my offer. Linda told me just before the game that Claire had been an all-city softball pitcher in high school and an all-conference softball pitcher in college. The team on which Claire played that afternoon beat the team I was on 16-0 and Claire struck out 18, gave up two hits, walked no one, and hit two home runs. In the years to come, none of the guys ever spoke of this game. When it was time for Claire to leave, Linda, my mother, and I took her to Union Station so she could board The New York Central. Before we left for the station, my grandmother wanted to give Claire some money, but Claire told us that, with her two scholarships and money she had saved from jobs she had had in high school and college, she would be fine. During her two years at Columbia, we received Christmas cards and letters, and when she traveled home for summer vacation in 1953, she called us from Union Station, and my mother and I met her for lunch at the station cafeteria. The last time I saw Claire was when my mother and I met her at Union Station as she was returning to Lincoln following graduation. Claire sent Christmas cards and letters to my mother for many years, and she called my mother three or four times a year as well. Claire married a fellow teacher, had three children, and taught English at a Lincoln high school for 40 years. She and her husband retired in 1994 and moved to Phoenix.

JOHN

STANGER

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The Anti-Life Court

Flooding, excessive heat, famine due to drought, and other climate-induced weather events are already killing people, while island nations and coastal communities are being threatened with extinction. And thus are we exposed to ecological destruction, essentially because the climate crisis is being ignored. The light from the prophetic glow of Pope Francis’ Laudato si’ was lit seven years go, but his voice remains as one crying in the burning global wilderness. Last month the Supreme Court lit a match under Laudato si’, with their shocking decision to diminish the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation of deadly power plant emissions. As the conservative members of the Court unfurls their flag of Big Business and Fossil Fuels, the United States continues to lead the world in carbon emissions; thus, the Court’s decision will have global impact. A major cause of ecological destruction are these emissions, which pose a deadly risk to life for humans, animals and all nature. Our compelling objective is to accelerate the use of clean air, by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. A senate bill containing the proposed allocation of hundreds of billions of dollars for climate and energy programs has languished in Congress

despite Democratic support, because one senator, Joe Manchin of West Virginia has been opposed to it, negating the Democrats’ razor-thin majority. The bill also includes lowering prescription drug prices, raising taxes for the affluent, and lowering the federal deficit. But the bill will now begin inhaling the oxygen of hope. Joe Manchin has undergone a legislative apocalypse, informing Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer he will now support billions of dollars to fight climate change. The new bill could become the most important legislation in President Biden’s first two years. When the bill was first considered, it was estimated adoption would reduce emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030. What can we as Americans do to incorporate climate change into the template of our lives? We can use the trumpet’s blare to promote awareness of a proposed U.N. resolution on everyone’s right to clean air and water. We also need to hope and pray that a lawsuit isn’t filed against the new climate change bill once passed by Congress. Because it could reach the Supreme Court!

Tom Lynch Oak Park

Hemingway as a model of intellectual vigor

OPRF’s most famous alum, Ernest Hemingway, graduated over a century ago. But now, in 2022, his return is needed more than ever. Step Back, a required class for boys at OPRF, addresses the idea of “toxic masculinity.” This class taught me to “step back” from traditional masculine expectations that may lead to unhealthy or unkind behavior. I enjoyed the Step Back class I took my sophomore year, but I found a problem in that there was not an exciting solution. This is where Hemingway can come into play. Making some of Hemingway’s work required reading will cultivate a culture of intellectual competitiveness and curiosity, inspiring struggling boys in the classroom and tackling toxic masculinity in the process. Playing football for the Huskies and fighting in the first World War, Hemingway fit the traditional image of masculinity. However, he also embodied an intellectual masculinity. He was an ultra-competitive writer and steadfast in defending his clear, simple prose. It’s why Woody Allen depicted him in Midnight in Paris

saying, “If you’re a writer, declare yourself the best writer! But you’re not as long as I’m around!” Hemingway’s idea of masculinity was that to be a man, it is essential you have the ability to write clearly and stand up straight while defending your ideas. And while these skills are vital for all genders, our current generation of struggling young men especially needs this reminder. Boys are struggling in school. Women outnumber men in higher education 60-40%. And in my recent graduating class at OPRF, the Scholarship Cup — given to students tied for No. 1 in the class — was dominated by girls at a near 3:1 ratio. High school boys will be inspired by Hemingway’s character as I was a couple of years ago. An ambitious, strong man who channeled his energy into writing can be an example for our current Huskies on how masculinity is not one-dimensional; there is also an intellectual aspect. OPRF already has a “Hemingway Room” on its third floor. Now it’s time to fill the rest of the school with his spirit.

Calvin Roe Oak Park

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Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

River Forest is a model of good governance Last week the city of Chicago passed its second major revision to its code of ethics since Mayor Lightfoot took office. Among other things, the newest revision broadens campaign finance restriction on city contractors, strengthens conflict-of-interest provisions, requires specific disclosure of conflict of interest and strengthens fines for ethics violations. As the former chair of the Cook County Board of Ethics and the former chairman of the Better Government Association Board of Directors, I commend this effort and wish to shine a light on a similar effort that recently took place in the village of River Forest, In the fall of 2021, Village President Cathy Adduci contacted me and asked me to lead an effort to update the village of River Forest’s Code of Ethics. “Let’s draft a new code that’s best in class,” she told me. “I want River Forest to be known for its good governance, and I want rules that make it clear that village officials and employees can’t profit from their positions.” I was thrilled to

be asked to help with this important effort. The Civic Federation has counted more than 8,900 separate governmental units in Illinois, more than any other in the country. Many of these units of government, such as small villages and towns, have been rife with corruption and self-dealing by governmental officials. A recent report authored by Dick Simpson, “Corruption Continues Through the COVID-19 Pandemic,” shows that the Northern District of Illinois, which contains Chicago and its suburbs, is still the most corrupt metropolitan area in the country, while Illinois, on a per capita basis, remains the third most corrupt state in the nation. Casual readers of our local papers will be aware of the recent examples: Commonwealth Edison admitted it bribed speaker Michael Madigan over a nine-year period; Jeff Tobolski, a former member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and former mayor

of McCook, pleaded guilty to extortion conspiracy and failing to pay taxes; and Crestwood’s Mayor Louis Presta was indicted for bribery arising out of fraud in a red-light camera program. It was refreshing to know that leadership in my own village wanted clear rules prohibiting such behavior. Along with my fellow River Forest Board of Ethics members Anastasie Senat and Greg Ignoffo and with input by the village of River Forest and the village board we drafted a new code of ethics that strengthened the conflict-of-interest rules, disclosure requirements, gift bans and more. This new code was passed without fanfare earlier this year. After so many stories of corruption and greed, it’s so refreshing to know that village of River Forest officials are focusing on what’s good for the citizens and are working diligently to make it harder for corruption and waste to thrive.

Peggy Daley

River Forest

BLESOFF from page 27 like the boys did. The circles that we feel closing may be different, but we all have them. I watched more of the videos. I saw Joni Mitchell moving in rhythm, laughing, shimmying her shoulders and belting out the last line of “Big Yellow Taxi.” I saw the surprise, admiration and tears in her back-up singers’ eyes as Joni led them with creative interpretation. She performed sitting in a regal chair. Her soprano voice was now an alto. Joni Mitchell — a shining example of how life is change. After her debilitating brain aneurysm in 2015, Joni had to re-learn how to get out of a chair, how to play the guitar, and she had to teach herself how to sing again. There she was, a living example of how strength, determination and resilience are integral parts of being old, and a role model for us at all ages. A far cry from what our ageist culture teaches. I wonder if Reich would ever write an article titled, “Is Joni Too Old?” Hell no!

LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services 6645 North Ave Oak Park (708) 386-5080 oakparktherapists.com

Congratulations to LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services for opening their new location on North Avenue! Now open Monday - Thursday 8am - 9pm, Friday 8am - 5pm & Saturday 9am - 3pm. To learn more, or schedule a free consultation, visit oakparktherapists.com.

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Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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Speed writing

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Rick Carter, doing what he did best.

Mourning the loss of Rickshaw Rick We are saddened to announce the passing of Rick Carter, locally known as “Rickshaw Rick,” on July 26. An avid biker, for years he passionately provided pedi-cab and bicycle tours throughout Oak Park and parts of Chicago. Wheth-

O’GRADY

Sacrificial lambs from page 27 news sends its prime-time anchors to the site of the shooting, the President visits, protests begin, politicians promise to “do something” about mass shootings, gun manufacturers “take to the mattresses.” This phase does not last. These shootings have become almost ritualized and scripted. Can it be that we get something positive from them? If they are as chilling as we say they are, why do we let them continue? The term “sacrifice” comes from the Latin sacrificium, which literally trans-

In this chaotic world of 2022, the everincreasing emphasis on speed continues. It seems there are shortcuts for everything we say or do, i.e. using a microwave instead of oven cooking, relying on electronic implements to hurry our movements, texting instead of talking, etc. I often have difficulty understanding simple current news reports because of abbreviated words and phrases. Therefore, I’ve prepared this personal glossary to aid my old brain. Perhaps it may be of use to you, too: ■ POTUS – President of the United States ■ FLOTUS – First Lady of the United States ■ SCOTUS – Supreme Court of the United States ■ GOP – Grand Old Party (Republicans) ■ DEM – Devotion, Equality, Morality (Democrats) ■ MAGA – Make America Great Again (Trump Republicans)

■ BLM – Black Lives Matter ■ AG – Attorney General

■ FDA – Federal Food and Drug Administration ■ USPO – United States Post Office ■ PTA – Parent-Teachers Association ■ PA – Prosecuting Attorney ■ GDP – Gross Domestic Product ■ WTO – World Trade Organization ■ PCA – Paris Peace and Climate Accord ■ INPT – Iran Nuclear Peace Treaty ■ HHS – Department of Health and Human Services ■ PAC – Political Action Committee ■ SOB & MF – Abbreviations you should never use! LOL (Laugh out loud) There are dozens more abbreviations you could add to this list. We are obliged to use these abbreviations just to keep up with today’s speed texts. In the meantime, I hope my little glossary will be helpful to you.

Harriet Hausman River Forest

Keep up the good work

er you saw him during a Frank Lloyd Wright tour, a wedding, or you hitched a ride during an Oak Park street fest, his presence will be missed.

Kris Wade-Matthews Oak Park

lates as “to make holy.” Therefore, the act of sacrificing a human — practiced by ancient societies — is one in which a human victim, particularly a child, is made holy and becomes sacred by being killed. In theory, all sacrifices are made with an intended purpose. They are undertaken with an anticipated function or some ultimate goal. According to religious historian David Carrasco, “Human sacrifices were carried out to restore authority and rejuvenate the well-being of towns and cities.” Highland Park did not need to have its well-being restored. It was doing just fine without the phrase “Highland Park Strong.” The horrific videos of Uvalde’s emergency responders hemming and hawing and running away may have righted their response system, but our inaction on guns allowed these human sacrifices.

Ms. Sheridan, I’ve been reading your articles since you began at Wednesday Journal. I’m always impressed by how well written and thorough your work is. I just finished the piece on monkeypox (let’s hope for a new name for that virus), and appreciated your clear style and unflinching ability to use the proper language even when discussing a

The Catholic Mass is the re-enactment of a human sacrifice: God sacrificed his son to save us. As a Catholic, I was taught that God the Father allowed his son to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. The Mass commemorated this sacrifice, with the priest eating a bread wafer, representing Christ’s body, and drinking wine, representing Christ’s blood. I didn’t get it then, although I thought I did, and I don’t get it now. Why do our children have to slaughtered (sacrificed?) because we refuse to ban guns? Of course there remains the Mobile Mass Shooting and Murder Mash, which occurs every weekend — and sometimes every day — in Chicago. Young people on the move, in cars, in parks, on public transportation, shooting and killing for the thrill of killing, almost as a pastime.

sensitive medical situation. I worked for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and know how difficult it is to discuss an illness that affects everyone but might be spreading within a marginalized group at a higher rate. It’s tricky.

Lisa Higgins

Oak Park resident Prof. of English, College of DuPage

These kids often are born with two strikes against them: three if there’s a gun in the house. We won’t be able to stop these killings until we take guns off the streets and there is simply no public will to do that. Why do we allow these mass shootings to continue? What’s in the minds and souls of the people who manufacture, sell, buy, and use these weapons (other than profit)? Who really thinks the new federal laws, designed to skirt the problem by largely funding more mental health assistance, will get guns off the streets? Why do we allow ourselves to continue to live like this? Mary Kay O’Grady has lived in Oak Park for 30 years, taught high school English in three states, and was an award-winning public relations specialist for school districts and nonprofits.

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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The road forward to safer streets

On Aug. 1, the Oak Park Village Board was set to consider the petition of the 500 and 600 blocks of North Taylor Avenue, based on the recommendation of the Transportation Commission. The commission also unanimously approved a second recommendation to the village board at the same time as the one under consideration, on my motion, stating: “Given recent concerns over traffic safety and public safety, especially around the periphery of Oak Park and along its busy arterial and collector lanes; this petition reflects resident concerns the Transportation Commission has seen from across Oak Park. We recommend the village board direct staff to generate a systematic approach to slowing traffic and improving safety in the village.” While the gun violence concerns present in the petition by our neighbors on North Taylor Street are not repeated with the same urgency across the village, the concerns regarding speeding cars, ignored stop signs, and threats to pedestrian safety are a constant across our community. My motion recommending that the village board direct staff to generate a systematic approach to resolving these issues is motivated by a recognition that addressing these communitywide concerns on a block-by-block basis is neither an efficient use of village resources (funds and staff time) nor an equitable approach to an issue that is impacting our entire community. I urge the village board to work with staff and put together a comprehensive approach to evaluating community needs and desires regarding transportation infrastructure, in all of its modes. Then, based upon that evaluation, staff needs to develop a comprehensive plan that evolves our current transportation infrastructure to slow down vehicle traffic in order to improve safety and accessibility for people on bike, on foot, or using mobility devices. Finally, the village board needs to approve and fund an implementation plan to make this accessible and inclusive infrastructure plan a reality. In addition to improving safety for our residents, taking this approach to resolving our neighbors’ concerns related to dangerous traffic conditions will, ultimately, benefit local businesses and help in the board’s efforts to make Oak Park a destination — rather than just another community that commuters speed through at rush hour.

Brian Straw Oak Park

O B I T U A R I E S

Rick Carter, 62 Operated Rickshaw Rick

Ricky (Rick) R. Carter, 62, died peacefully in the company of his wife, Darlene Matthews-Carter on July 26, 2022. Born on April 29, 1960, he was a familiar sight around Oak Park, operating Rickshaw Rick, a pedi-cab tour service for many years. He knew his village history, which he related in entertaining fashion as he pedaled around the village. He also worked for H&R Block. Oak Park resident Steve Hartmann recalled, “He taught my first class. When I walked into the classroom there was this man with a suit on standing up front. I said to him, ‘I think I know you’ but could not place him. Of course it was the famous Rickshaw Rick. I worked with Rick Carter at H&R Block for five years. He was the nicest guy with a very dry sense of humor.” Wednesday Journal wrote an article about Rick in 2005, shortly after he started his pedicab business, which began, he said then, after losing his job at the Shedd Aquarium. He also reported that he was a Realtor, which provided material for his tours around town. He also said he had been an actor, a jeweler, a limo driver and a tour bus captain, all of which, no doubt, provided grist for his mill. “I love that I’m outside,” he said, “using my gift of gab.” Rick Carter was the father of Brooke Carter and step-father of Kristopher Wade-Matthews; the son of the late Lela Imogene Carter and James LeGrone; the nephew of James Cleo (Gleema) Wilson, Zella Faye Hudson and Anna Mae Reynolds. He will be missed dearly by all of his family and friends.

Virginia Uphues, 86 School secretary, principal

Virginia Uphues (nee Williams), 86, of Berwyn, died on May 28, 2022. Born Aug. 26, 1935 to Harvey B. and Marie (nee Gallery) Williams, Ms. Uphues was raised in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago and attended St. Catherine of Siena School in Oak Park and Siena High School in Chicago. A longtime resident of Berwyn and member of St. Odilo Parish, Ms. Uphues worked as the school secretary at St. Odilo School for 35 years. During that time, she impacted the lives of many, many students and their families. She, along with her husband, Bob, were active in many parish organizations and participants in the St. Vincent DePaul Society. After retiring as school principal in 2015, she enjoyed her time volunteering for St. Thomas Hospice and MacNeal Hospital. Virginia Uphues was the wife of the late Robert F. Uphues; the mother of Therese Hawkins, Bob (Lynlee), Mike, Pat (Alena Murguia), Chris (Jen Koehl) and Elizabeth Evans; the grandmother of Sara E. (Michael) Pendergrass, Allison M. (Neil) Puri and Megan T. (Oliver) Sloup, Robert

A visitation was held on Aug. 2 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 7750 W. Cermak Road in Forest Park. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Catholic Church, 38 N. Austin Blvd, Oak Park. Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnchicago.com for the Carter family. C. Uphues, Patrick D. Uphues, Daniel E. Uphues, Benjamin M. Uphues, Katherine I. Uphues, Patrick R. Uphues, Connor T. Uphues, Matthew J. Uphues, Michael T. Uphues, Delavan Uphues, Luke E. Evans, John W. Evans and Joseph D. Evans; the great-grandmother of Catherine E. Pendergrass, Liam S. Pendergrass, Owen M. Pendergrass and Kayge Uphues; the sister of the late Irene, the late Jack, the late Tom, the late Sue, the late Pat, the late Marita, the late Harvey, the late Mary Ann, the late Dick, Larry and Mike Williams; and an aunt to many, many nieces and nephews. Visitation was held on Aug. 1, at The Alexine Chapel, 1515 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park. The funeral Mass was celebrated on Aug. 2 at The Alexine Chapel. Interment is at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Robert and Virginia Uphues Memorial Scholarship, Nazareth Academy, 1209 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park, 60526. Checks can be made to Nazareth Academy. Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, Wheaton, handled arrangements. See OBITUARIES on page 36

O B I T U A R I E S

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022 Continued from page 35

Marilyn Johnson, 89

Psychologist, musician, counselor Marilyn Johnson, PhD, a most intrepid and independent mother, grandmother, psychologist, musician, friend and colleague, left the physical world July 28, 2022 at the age of 89, but memories of her abound. Her daughter and dear friends were by her side, as Sondheim played in the background. Born in Brookville, Pennsylvania in 1933, she was the daughter of Mabel Carr and Howard Johnson. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1977, and worked in the Dept. of Psychiatry, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, from 1957 to 1978. One of her proudest accomplishments was as a founding mother of the Philadelphia Feminist Therapy Collective. After leaving Philly, she was an Asst. Professor at Syracuse University before moving on to become the director of the Student Counseling Center at Rush University Medical Center, from 1979 to 2000. It was in this position she

landed in Oak Park, which she dearly loved, and where she met a multitude of wonderful people who became close, lasting friends. Her move to Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park supplied another raft of amazing people and tight friendships, for which she was incredibly grateful. She is survived by her daughter Pat, and granddaughter Alexandra, both of Connecticut, and her half-brother Craig, of Florida. A gathering to celebrate her will be at Plymouth Place at a date to be determined, and donations in her memory may be made to the International Rescue Committee, or to a place of your choice.

Mitch Tillotson, 78 Oak Park resident

John Mitchell “Mitch” Tillotson, 78, of Oak Park, died on July 29, 2022. Born on Jan. 30, 1944, he had a zest for motorcycling, fishing, cooking, reading and family. Mitch was the father of Anne (Karl) Jones; grandfather of Phoenix Jones and Dakota Jones; brother of Suzanne (the late Joe) Lucas, Geoff (the late Linda) Tillotson, and Stephen (Diane) Tillotson; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4, from 3 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 5 from 10:30 a.m. to the time of service, 11 a.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 W. 31st St. in Brookfield. Interment is at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.

Heritage HeritageFuneral FuneralHome Home and andCrematory Crematory

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OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Gerhart Schmeltekopf, 80 Musician extraordinaire and avid gardener

Gerhart Alan Schmeltekopf, 80, of Oak Park, died peacefully at Plymouth Place in LaGrange, on the morning of July 21, 2022. He had a humorous view on life, told stories that always brought humor and light-heartedness to every conversation, was an avid gardener and made excellent rhubarb sauce. Born Gary Alan Smeltekop on Sept. 18, 1941 to Esther (nee Aue) and Henry Smeltekop in Muskegon, Michigan, he grew up playing in the woods of Wolf Lake, and later moved to Muskegon, where he graduated from Muskegon High School. As an adult he adopted his original family name of Schmeltekopf. After graduating from Michigan State University with a Brass Specialist Degree, he played trombone in the Glenn Miller Band with Buddy DeFranco, and in ensembles accompanying Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, The Carpenters, Sonny and Cher, Sammy Davis Jr., Rita Moreno, Pearl Bailey, Peggy Lee and others. He toured Mexico with Orquesta Sinfonia del Noroeste and played with a touring company of Man of La Mancha throughout much of the U.S. He taught band in the Chicago Public Schools and taught trombone at the American Conservatory of Music and at Concordia University. He played for the musical 1776 for one season and played in the back stage band at Lyric Opera of Chicago for about eight years. After moving to Oak Park in 1973 he began building harpsichords and clavichords and established The Gerhart Ensemble, later renamed the Early Music Celebration. This early music group played concerts and gave school demonstrations in Illinois, Mis-

souri and Michigan. By 1978 he had opened the Early Music Center on Garfield Street, where he sold sheet music, harpsichords, recorders, krummhorns, cornamuses, lizards, rebecs and replicas of other early instruments, some of which he made. Gerhart was preceded in death by his mother Esther Dengler, and is survived by his wife of 48 years, Angela Schmeltekopf (nee Wright); his brother, Duane Smeltekop (Nancy, nee Kizina); his nephews, George Collar (Connie) and Douglas Collar (Diane); and many other friends and relatives. His body has been donated to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois for educational purposes and no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to The James Fund at Lawndale Christian Health Center, P.O. Box 23113, Chicago, IL 60623.

Robert P. Gamboney Eric Kopicki Eric Kopicki

Funeral Director I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.

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I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022 Growing Community Media

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE COORDINATOR

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture. 2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays. 3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers. 4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management. 5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software. 6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system. 7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review. 8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning. 9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs. 10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data. 11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training. 12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling. 13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions. Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures. 2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports. 3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies. 4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems. 5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations. 6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner. 7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis. Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android. Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology. Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down. Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant. Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts. Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment. Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages. Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others. Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance. Work overtime as operations require. Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking. Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment. Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator in the Health Department/Village Manager’s Office. This position will coordinate disaster response, crisis management and medical countermeasure dispensing/ distribution activities for the Village of Oak Park, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies, hazardous materials spills, biological releases) or disasters. This single class position is also responsible for the complex administrative duties required for state, federal and local response processes and grant management. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications will be August 5, 2022.

RIVER FOREST PARK DISTRICT PARK SPECIALIST

Sr. Portfolio Manager (Chicago, IL) to seek mispricings & mkt, create investment strategies. 6 mo exp w/ a proven track record. Resume to: HR, Polaris7 Investments LLC, 200 W Monroe St, #1440, Chicago, IL 60606

Working Hours: The Park Specialist is a full time non-exempt position working 40 hours per week, plus overtime. The scheduled work hours for this position are Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, including ½ hour unpaid lunch. Hours may be shifted occasionally to accommodate speciﬁc tasks.

Construction Project Engineer (Chicago, IL) Review blueprint/speciﬁcation/ plans/ project manual/Geotech report; Prep/review docs for RFIs, Submittals, QA/ QC Testing & Inspection plan w/ knowl of specs for interstate, highways, bridges & commercial bldgs; Support mgr in scheduling/estimating complex civil construction projects using Primavera P6, Bluebeam, E-Builder, Procore, AutoCAD, Revit BIM, MS Excel; Perform in lab instrument calibrations as per AASHTO & ASTM stds, ﬁeld inspections & quality control. MS in Civil Engg/ Construction Mgmt + rltd exp. Contact Princeton Technical Services, Inc. thughes@ princetontechnical.com

Starting Salary Range: $17.50 $20.38/HR plus full beneﬁts

Summary: The Park Specialist is responsible for assisting the Director of Parks with the maintenance operations of the Park District grounds, facilities, and equipment. The work includes, but not limited to: 1. Landscape maintenance operations for the Park District. This includes but not limited to: a. Turf maintenance: Mowing, irrigation, fertilizing, seeding, weed control, and trash removal. b. Athletic field maintenance: Baseball diamond infields, soccer fields, football fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and installation and maintenance of necessary apparatus of each field use. c. Landscape maintenance: Soil grading and preparation, tree planting, tree trimming, tree spraying, tree watering, mulch bed maintenance, and flower bed maintenance. d. Construction: Installation of park/ playground equipment, park benches, park signage, retaining walls, and drainage systems. 2. Assist with the custodial maintenance of all Park District facilities. 3. Assist with any equipment repairs for the Park District. This includes but not limited to vehicles, tractors, any facility, or program equipment. 4 Assist the recreation department in set up, construction, and repair of all special event props. Qualifications: 21 years of age. A valid Illinois State Driver License (Class A). In good physical condition with sufficient strength to lift and hold 50 pounds. Interested candidates shall submit an application in person or by email: John Beto, Director of Parks 401 Thatcher Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708-366-6660x103 jbeto@rfparks.com

HELP WANTED Senior Associate, Senior Talent Strategy Consultant I (Mercer (US) Inc. - Chicago, IL; FT) Lead client projects to translate HR & org data into actionable insights that improve & drive talent decisions; Lead quant & qual analyses. RQTS: Master’s deg or foreign equiv in Indust/Org/ Dev Psych, Stats or rel + 5 yrs of progressively resp exp in pos offd, or as an Assoc, Workforce Strategy Consultant or rel. Must have 5 yrs of progressively resp exp w/: Cleaning dataset w/ complex logic structure; Constructing statistical tables & graphs & bldg multivariate regression models; Performing advanced stat analysis incl regression modeling & statistical tests incl signiﬁcance testing & clustering using SAS & R; Performing data transformation & quant analysis using lg data sets to provide labor mkt insights; Supporting labor mkt diagnostics regarding D&I; Explaining stat analysis results & economics concepts to clients; Using data visualization tools incl Tableau; Providing day-to-day tech support to address issues or discrepancies w/ data & resolving data issues; Peer reviewing & overseeing data structures built by jr analysts; & Bldg new tools &amp; protocols for future use, incl creating shiny modules in R shiny app, bldg user guide of tools, & writing SAS macros for improving efﬁciency of progs. Alt, employer will accept a PhD or foreign equiv in Indust/Org/Dev Psych, Stats or rel + 2 yrs of progressively resp exp in pos off’d, or as an Assoc, Workforce Strategy Consultant or rel, + 2 yrs of exp w/ all of the above-stated rqts. Any suitable combo of edu, training, & exp is acceptable. TRAVEL REQS: 5% travel req’d to various & unanticipated co & client sites. APPLY: http:// www.mmc.com/careers Keyword R_194065. EOE

ties; and provides consultation and information to residents, architects, attorneys, ﬁre services personnel and builders regarding laws, rules, regulations and policies relating to ﬁre and life safety. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

CROSSING GUARD

The Forest Park Police Department is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Crossing Guard. This position requires flexible hours during days when schools are in session. A background investigation and drug screening will be conducted prior to consideration for the position. Applications available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue or on-line at www.forestpark.net and should be returned to Vanessa Moritz, HR Director, at Village Hall. For additional information, contact Dora Murphy at 708-615-6223 or write dmurphy@forestpark.net. Applications accepted until position is filled. EOE.

RIVERSIDE, IL - POLICE OFFICER

Application deadline: Aug. 15, 2022 4 P.M. (CST) Find more detail at IO Solutions at https://iosolutions.com. Orientation and written test is Sep. 17, 2022, 8 a.m. at Riverside Township, 27 Riverside Rd. Riverside, IL.

FIRE INSPECTOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a qualiﬁed candidate for the position of Fire Inspector Part-Time in the Fire Department. This serves the public through enforcement of Village ﬁre & life safety codes and ordinances; through inspections of residential, commercial and industrial proper-

North Riverside Police Department (Crossing Guard Application) School Crossing Guard Job Summary The North Riverside Police Department is looking for a dependable person to fill a School Crossing Guard position. Your job is to ensure the safety of children and other pedestrians as they cross the street before and after school. While wearing your safety vest and holding a light-weight stop sign, you will check for oncoming traffic, step into the road, and direct vehicles to come to a stop before instructing people to cross. You must be comfortable working outdoors in various types of weather. There will be an interview by the Police Chief and/or his designee. You must be able to pass a background and drug test for this position. Rate of pay will be discussed during the interview process.

School Crossing Guard Duties and Responsibilities • Assist children, parents, and other pedestrians as they cross the street before and after school • Manage the flow of traffic • Report suspicious activity School Crossing Guard Requirements and Qualifications • High School diploma or GED certificate • Availability during the school week/hours • Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions • Communication Skills

*To inquire about this job position call the North Riverside Police Department@ 708-762.5414, or Email Commander C. Boenzi cboenzi@northriverside-il.org If you want to fill out a job application for this position visit the North Riverside Police Department -2359 S. Desplaines Ave. North Riverside Illinois 60546.

River Forest Public Schools

District 90 is seeking an experienced School Psychologist the students and their environments in Qualifications: developing appropriate interventions and • Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with an programs. Conducts appropriate individual endorsement in School Psychology psychoeducational assessments for • Prefer at least 5 years of successful educational children who have or are suspected of having a disability experience in both general and special education; and provides written reports of assessment results. and at least five years of successful experience in Participates in all staff conferences of students having evaluating students, collaborating, and problem-solving received psychological evaluation or re-evaluation, with school and District teams. including hospital discharge. Provide support to special • Master’s Degree preferred. education personnel including assisting staff with development of functional behavioral analysis and Demonstrates knowledge of special education legislation behavior intervention plans, modeling “best practices” and and acts in accordance with those mandates; follows assisting special educators with instructional practices. policies and procedures of the District. Develops and implements activities that encourage students to be For a complete list of duties, please visit our website at life-long learners. Identify and assess the learning, https://www.district90.org/about/employment development, and needs of individuals and groups, as Interested candidates should complete the online well as, the environmental factors that affect learning application available at www.district90.org. and school success. Uses assessment data about

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

CLASSIFIED Oak Park

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

MARKETPLACE

R E N TA L S

GARAGE SALES

CITY RENTALS

FREE - EVERYTHING MUST GO 800 NORTH LOMBARD SAT. AUG 6 12PM– 2PM SUN. AUG 7 2PM-4PM NO EARLY ACCESS

Room Size Oil Filled Radiators, Carpeting, Carpet Shampooer, Cedar Chest, Handheld Vacuums, Printers, Ice Chests, Holiday Lights, Pet Crates/Supplies, House Plants, Garden Tools, Small Household Appliances, Lots of quality items pending Something for everyone. Donations Requested Westchester

MULTI-GENERATIONAL GARAGE SALE 1224 WESTCHESTER BLVD (ROOSEVELT RD) FRI AUG 5-SAT AUG 6 9:00AM-4:00PM

GARAGE SALE 512 S HARVEY SAT AUG 6 9AM-2PM

Clothes, ceramic log set, jewelry, CDs, bicycle, king size bedding, luggage, frames, art, theatre chest, serving trays.

3bd, dining room, kitchen, living room, bathroom, closed in back porch. Heat included. $1150 per month. 1 month security. Call 773-626-5751

SUBURBAN RENTALS STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service

CARS WANTED

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 2BR APT

2BR, 1BTH apartment for rent. Hardwood ﬂoors. Renovated and freshly painted. Small, vintage building. No smoking. No pets. Parking included.

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ﬂags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

CEMENT

3 BEDROOMS 911 N LECLAIR CHICAGO 60651

Furniture, lamps, appliances, hand & power tools, ﬁlm photography equipment, toys, comics, books, educational materials, CDs, LPs, cassettes, electronics, model railroad (mostly HO gauge) engines/cars/entourage/track, automotive, vintage Schwinn, apparel, camping gear, original artworks, and more. No early birds please. Oak Park

HOME SERVICES

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette,Cars: Ferrari’s, Domestic / Import Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

Ferrari’s, James Jaguars,• 630-201-8122 Muscle Cars, Collector Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ allWANTED makes, Etc. CLASSICS Collector James Restored or Unrestored Cars630-201-8122 & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars:

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

“QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 )281'$7,216 3$7,26 67(36 &85% *877(56 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

OFFICE/RETAIL FOR RENT

Mike’s Home Repair

BASEMENT CLEANING

Therapy ofﬁces available on North Avenue. Parking; Flexible leasing; Nicely furnished; Waiting Room; Conference Room. Ideal for new practice or 2nd location. 708.383.0729 Call for an appt.

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

*Heavy trafﬁc location. Ideal for: CLEANERS, FAST FOOD, RETAIL PRODUCTS, OFFICES, ETC.! (SPACE FOR A DRIVE-THRU BUILD) *Special Rates. If Leave message, Include: Your Name, Phone Number and Type of Business. TEXT or CALL: (708)828-6491

HOME SERVICES

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N

HAULING

1,635 Sq. Ft. (END CAP) Excellent Condition. Recently Updated.

or Unrestored Cars &Restored Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Import Cars:

MAGANA

HANDYMAN

1 RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT/SHOPPING CENTER FOREST PARK, IL.

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored

CEMENT

708-657-4226

OAK PARK THERAPY OFFICES:

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

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

Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060

CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

Free estimates Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

PUBLIC NOTICES

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 773-722-6900

PAINTING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost • 708.749.0011

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of NYCHOLAS XAVIER DIAZ 2022CONC000964. There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: NYCHOLAS XAVIER DIAZ to the new name of: NYCHOLAS XAVIER RODRIGUEZ The court date will be held: On October 7, 2022 at 10:30am at Via ZOOM: Meeting ID: 958 9492 1843 Password: 226532 Cook County in Courtroom # 1707 Published in Wednesday Journal July 20, 27, August 3, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE PROPOSED 2nd SUBSTANTIONAL AMENDMENT TO THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM YEAR 2021 ACTION PLAN Date of Publication: August 3, 2022 Village of Oak Park 123 Madison Street Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 383-6400 Notice is hereby given of a proposed Substantial Amendment to the Community Development Block Program (CDBG) Program Year (PY) 2021 Action Plan for additional funding allocations using $136,000 in returned CDBG PY2020 funds to the following CBDG Infrastructure projects carried out by Village of Oak Park Public Works to be completed in PY2021: An additional $136,000 for street resurfacing for the already approved PY2021 project. These projects will be completed in Low to Moderate Income Areas. The proposed substantial amendment is on file at the Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 and is available for public examination and copying weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST from August 3, 2022 5.p.m. to September 6, 2022. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any comments concerning the proposed substantial amendment may be submitted in writing to the Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, via: email to Vanessa Matheny, Grants Supervisor, at vmatheny@oak-park.us, or at the virtual Public Hearing to be held from 1:00PM-2:00PM on August 30, 2022. Please send a request to the above referenced email address to attend the virtual hearing. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed. Published in Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22009380 on July 12, 2022 Under the Assumed Business Name of SHABBYFLY with the business located at: 738 HIGHLAND AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: KAREEM PRICE 738 HIGHLAND AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA Published in Wednesday Journal July 20, 27, August 3, 2022

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

CLASSIFIED

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

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know

Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year • OakPark.com • RBLandmark.com • ForestParkReview.com • AustinWeeklyNews.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:

A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’s website at www. vrf.us/zoningvariation no less than 15 days prior to the public hearing. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www.vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing.

The ZBA will consider an application for a fence variation and a major zoning variation submitted by Dr. Brett and Sarah Hampson, owners of the property at 105 Thatcher Avenue, who are proposing to replace an existing non-conforming fence in the Secondary Front yard, and to install a hot tub in the Secondary Front Yard. Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board of Appeals jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to the Fence regulations. Section 10-5-6 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board of Appeals jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to the Zoning Ordinance. The applicant is requesting a variation to Section 4-8-4-C-1 of the fence regulations to allow a Type 3 fence (any approved fence material, maximum 7 feet high, with only that portion of fence above 6 feet to be a minimum of 50% open to view) to be installed in the Secondary Front Yard. The regulation requires the fence in a Secondary Front Yard to be a Type 2 fence (metal materials, maximum 6 feet high and a minimum of 80% open to view). The applicant is also requesting a major variation to Section 10-3-1, deﬁnition of “Yard”, which deﬁnes this term as “An open space between a building and any lot line which is open to the sky and unobstructed by any temporary uses or structures or by any permanent structures…”. The applicant seeks to install a hot tub in the Secondary Front Yard. The legal description of the property at 105 Thatcher Avenue is as follows: LOT 7 (EXCEPT THE NORTH 50 FEET AND EXCEPT THAT PART THEREOF TAKEN BY THE VILLAGE OF RIVER FOREST FOR VINE STREET) IN BLOCK 1 IN EDWARD C. WALLER’S ADDITION TO RIVER FOREST IN THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 11 IN TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participate in the hearing by visiting www. vrf.us/zoningvariation. Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals Published in Wednesday Journal August 3, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE INTENT OF THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARK DISTRICT OF FOREST PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS TO SELL NOT TO EXCEED $800,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION LIMITED TAX PARK BONDS PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Park District of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois (the “District”), will hold a public hearing on the 18th day of August, 2022, at 6:00 o’clock P.M. The hearing will be held in the Administration Building 7501 Harrison Street, Forest Park, Illinois. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive public comments on the proposal to sell bonds of the District in the amount of not to exceed $800,000 for the payment of land condemned or purchased for parks, for the building, maintaining, improving and protecting of the same and the existing land and facilities of the District and for the payment of the expenses incident thereto. By order of the President of the Board of Park Commissioners of the Park District of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois. DATED the 21st day of July, 2022. Jackie Iovinelli Secretary, Board of Park Commissioners, Park District of Forest Park Cook County, Illinois Published in Forest Park Review August 3, 2022

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.RASHINDA PLUMP, WAVERLY CLARK, JR, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, WAVERLY CLARK JR., INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR Defendants 12 CH 25204 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 11, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 30, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-325-0470000 The real estate is improved with a one story two unit brick building with no garage. 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 20-05419IL_615363 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 12 CH 25204 TJSC#: 42-2600 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 # 12 CH 25204 I3199063 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST Plaintiff, -v.ROSE M. BARRACO, BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, OAK CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. Defendants 2019 CH 08117 405 S HOME AVE, #202 OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 7, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 9, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 405 S HOME AVE, #202, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-323-0481009 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-22-01316 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019 CH 08117 TJSC#: 42-2262 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 # 2019 CH 08117 I3199280

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 422-1719. Please refer to file number 402910. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719 Fax #: 217-422-1754 E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com Attorney File No. 402910 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 18 CH 08348 TJSC#: 41-2137 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 # 18 CH 08348 I3199894

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE, LLC Plaintiff, -v.SARA DANKER, CORNERSTONE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, THE CORNERSTONE CONDOMINIUM, CITY OF OAK PARK Defendants 18 CH 08348 846 WESLEY AVE APT 2 OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 13, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on August 29, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 846 WESLEY AVE APT 2, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-18-226-0361012 The real estate is improved with a residential condominium. The judgment amount was $125,856.02. 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. 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.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

Wednesday Journal, August 3, 2022

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