W E D N E S D A Y
August 29, 2018 Vol. 39, No. 4 ONE DOLLAR
@oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
SAY Connects
Special pullout section
‘AMERICA TO ME’ EPISODE 1
Board votes in favor of Lake and Lathrop proposal
Approval in spite of outcry over parking, building height, traffic safety By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter
A majority of Development Review Board (DRB) members voted to approve development of Lake and Lathrop at long last, provided the developer agree to a few conditions. DRB members David Crosby and Therese “Tagger” O’Brien voted against the development, while Mary Ann Fishman, Gerry Dombrowski and chairman Frank Martin voted in favor. Members Lisa Ryan and Michael Ruehle were absent. “I don’t trust these people; they’ve changed the plans too many times,” Martin said, noting that the final project must be in accordance with the plans presented at the Aug. 23 DRB meeting. Developer Lake and Lathrop LLC, comprising Sedgwick Development and Keystone Ventures, plans to build a five-story, mixed-use building at the southwest corner of Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue, from 7601 to 7621 Lake St. The parcel also includes 423 Ashland Avenue. The plan is to have parking and commercial spaces on the ground floor — which they’re See LAKE AND LATHROP on page 13
File photo
REALITY TV: Steve James and members of his production team shot for a year at OPRF during the 2015-16 school year for their 10part documentary series, “America to Me.” The result is a fascinating, metaphorical, non-judgmental exploration of race in America.
Watching ‘America to Me’
By MICHAEL ROMAIN
Staff Reporter | Opinion
This is the first in a series of reaction pieces to each episode in the 10-part docuseries, “America to Me,” currently airing each Sunday at 8 p.m. on the Starz channel. ‘The room numbers — that’s deep’ The first scene of the first episode shows an African-American male student negotiating the terms of an interview
Wednesday Journal Wednesday Journal
about the explosive Black Lives Matter assembly that happened at OPRF during Black History Month in 2015. The assembly was held exclusively for African-American students — the school’s auditorium, at least for that day, transformed into a protected space where black students could vent on their own terms about the way they are treated at the high school. At the time, the assembly provoked a harsh reaction from some community
Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker (Hoop Dreams, Life Itself)
Director of STARZ® Documentary
CONVERSATIONS
“America To Me”
members and students (many if not most of them, presumably, white). James includes those voices later in the episode, but only as disembodied internet commenters. “It sounds like treason,” one comment reads, referencing the assembly. “#BlackRacismMatters” reads another. “Did you go to the Black Lives Matter assembly?” someone behind the camera See ‘AMERICA TO ME’ on page 12
Steve James Tuesday, Sept 11 7pm n
Dominican University Performing Arts Center Tickets: $15 • oakpark.com/conversations
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Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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I N S I D E
R E P O R T
Let the band play on For students at Longfellow Elementary in Oak Park, the first day of school on Aug. 22 may have felt more like a vacation in the French Quarter. The First Day of School Band, which accompanied some Longfellow students to school last Wednesday morning (proceeding from Wesley, east on Jackson and onto the school’s playground) may be about the closest you’ll come in Oak
Coming to the LemonAid of Austin nonprofits
In 2002, residents of the 700 block of Bonnie Brae decided to hold a modest lemonade stand, in honor of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Seventeen years later, that small stand has attracted thousands of attendees and raised more than $250,000. This year, LemonAid will again be held on the anniversary of 9/11, with residents of River Forest and surrounding villages stopping by to donate to the chosen nonprofits — this year, the Austin-based New Moms and A House in Austin. Attendees can enjoy ice-cold lemonade, popcorn, baked goods, kids activities and live entertainment from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 11, with the goal of raising $40,000 for the nonprofits. In a statement, Laura Zumdahl, president and CEO of New Moms, said she was thrilled that proceeds from LemonAid would partially benefit her nonprofit, which provides transitional housing for low-income mothers.
Park to feeling as if you’re genuinely immersed in a second line parade. This was the band’s second, perhaps annual, gig. It’s enough to make the first day of school feel downright magical — whether you’re still of school age or not. See more pictures of the band in action on page 19.
Michael Romain
“This year we are constructing a new building in Oak Park, which will provide homes to 18 homeless families and new, expanded office and program space for our programs in the near west suburbs,” Zumdahl said in a statement. “The special support from LemonAid will help construct a playground at the new Oak Park Center, which we know will be well-enjoyed by the kids who live and visit there.” More than 80 Bonnie Brae residents, mostly kids, participate each year in the organization and success of LemonAid. Carl Olson, a junior at Oak Park and River Forest High School (OPRF), and Isabel Keidan, a sophomore at OPRF, are co-chairs of the event this year. Patty Henek, a village trustee and longtime organizer, assists in bringing the event to life. Erica Hilgart, the founder and executive director of A House in Austin, likewise was thrilled to receive funds for her childcare and parenting support nonprofit. “LemonAid’s generous funds will help as we renovate our permanent space to serve more families in the Austin neighborhood for generations to come,” Hilgart said in a statement.
Nona Tepper
File 2015
Stairway of the Stars from the Maywood Fine Arts Association performed at LemonAid on Sept.11, 2015.
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
The band performs for Longfellow students last Wednesday, on Jackson Boulevard in Oak Park. More photos on page 19.
About 25 OP, RF artists show work at Garage Galleries
The Garage Galleries art walk in Forest Park celebrated its fifth and largest year yet on Aug. 25, with 16 garages showcasing the work of some 40 artists. From painting to pottery to wearable art, the show highlighted the work of fine artists and artisans, including about 25 artists from Oak Park and River Forest, like Kimberly Adami-Hasegawa, who runs the Galaxie Safari homemade greeting card business. Adami-Hasegawa is a part-time employee at the Paper Source in Oak Park, and her cards can be found in the Oak Park Visitors Center. About 500 people were expected to attend the walk, with garages clustered from 122 Elgin to 1508 Marengo in Forest Park. “Thank you to all of our amazing artists and our wonderful garage hosts,” organizers said in a statement.
Nona Tepper
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Submitted photo
The beer is nearer
Brewing tanks have arrived for installation this week at One Lake, the craft brewery currently under construction at the corner of Lake Street and Austin Boulevard. Another key step in the long conversion of the handsome old bank building into a multi-level beer pub. Careful watchers, including Green Line riders, have seen the rooftop deck take shape. And a picture of the temporary sign for One Lake turned up last week on social media.
Dan Haley
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Aug. 29 - Sept. 5
BIG WEEK Last Weekend: “The African Company Presents Richard III” Wednesday through Saturday, Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, 8 p.m., Austin Gardens: See Oak Park Festival Theatre’s Jeff Recommended production before it closes. $32; $27, seniors; $15, students; free, under 12. Tickets/more: oakparkfestival.com; 708-300-9396., 167 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Telescope Night Thursday, Aug. 30, 9 p.m., Taylor Park: Join NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Mark Benson for a night of telescope viewing and a discussion of current and upcoming NASA missions and discoveries. Bring a telescope if you can. Meets the last Thursday each month, weather permitting. Up next, Sept. 27, Fox Park, time based on the season and on when the sun goes down. 400 Division St., Oak Park.
Fall Garden Planting Time Native Shrub and Tree Sale Order through Saturday, Sept. 22: Make your yard a refuge for birds (butterflies and other pollinators, too). Select from 22 species of shrubs and trees listed on Audubon’s Native Plants Database. Order: wild-ones-west-cook. myshopify.com. Sponsored by Green Community Connections in collaboration with West Cook Wild Ones. Plant pick up Saturday, Sept. 29, Euclid Avenue United Methodist parking lot, 405 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park.
Oak Park Conservatory Bulb Sale Order through Friday, Sept. 21: Select from crocus, tulips, daffodils, allium, hyacinth and more. Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON) members received 10% off – enter FOPCON at checkout. Orders may be picked up at the Conservatory when ready (you will be contacted). Or, shop the bulb sale in person at the Conservatory, beginning Sept. 21., Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented by the Park District of Oak Park. Order/more: pdop.org/events/ fall-harvest-market-and-bulb-salebegins. Questions: patti.staley@pdop.org, 708-725-2400. 615 Garfield, Oak Park.
Life Saving CPR/AED Classes Register now, Main Station: The Oak Park Fire Department offers a variety of classes including CPR and training in how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) on adults and children as well as First Aid. Class size is limited and are offered monthly. Up next: ■ Sept. 6 Heartsaver/AED ■ Sept. 10 Infant/Child CPR ■ Sept. 11 Heartsaver/First Aid $55, residents; $80, nonresidents; $5, textbook fee. Other dates, info on healthcare provider training and registration form: www.oak-park.us/cpr. Questions: 708-358-5605, cpr@oak-park.us. 100 N. Euclid Ave.
Back to School Fit Fest Saturday, Sept. 1, noon to 2:30, Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex: Get physical at this free event, which includes hitting practice in the batting cages, soccer skills clinic on the field, ice skating lessons and hockey puck shooting in the rink, chess demonstrations, dance competitions, family relays, fitness class demos, nutrition seminars, mural designing, games and more. Register: pdop.org. 415 Lake St., Oak Park.
Happy 20th, Buzz! Friday, Aug. 31, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m, Buzz Café: Stop by and celebrate. Sip free coffee samples from Metropolis Coffee Company as you enjoy birthday cake and live music throughout the day. 905 S. Lombard Ave., Oak Park.
Social Change Theatre Project Tuesday, Sept. 4, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Small Meeting Room, Main Library: All teens, ages 13 to 18, come explore theater as a means of social change. Learn improv techniques and help create a piece to perform at the library and elsewhere. No experience necessary. Meets regularly on Tuesdays; come as often as your schedule allows. Questions: 708-452-3440. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Heartland Blood Drive Thursday, Aug. 30, noon to 4 p.m., VVeterans Room, Main Library: Give blood and give someone a Gi chance at life. All donors receive a long-sleeved Chicago Bears T-shirt that says, “Type C Blood.” Prepare by drinking plenty of fluid aand bringing a photo ID. Appointments: heartlandbc.org, 1-800-7864483; walk-ins welcome. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
First Tuesday Film Club: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?“ Tuesday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m., noon, and 7 p.m., Lake Theatre: This 2018 documentary explores the life of PBS children’s TV host Fred Rogers. Noon showing introduced by film buff Doug Deuchler. $8.50; $6, matinee/seniors/children. Info: classiccinemas.com. 1022 Lake St., Oak Park.
Restorative Justice Conference Logo Contest Deadline Tuesday, Sept. 4, Oak Park Public Library: Calling all kid and teen artists, ages 10 to 18. Turn your idea of how you see restorative justice into a logo for the library’s Restorative Justice Conference on Saturday, Oct. 6. Submit a brief artist’s statement responding to, “How do you see restorative justice?” Email submissions to jcruz@oppl. org or deliver physical submissions to any service desk at the Main Library. Include name, phone and email. The winning logo will be used in the weeks prior to the conference and all submitted logos will be on display at the conference. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
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ART BEAT
Believers, non-believers and mutual respect By GARRETT GLASS
W
Guest Author
hen it comes to understanding where the idea of God comes from, we live in an age of discovery. In the past, theologians proved to us that God existed because Holy Scripture said so. Today, researchers in fields as varied as anthropology, sociology, evolutionary biology, psychology and neuroscience have looked at the question of God’s existence from different perspectives. Quite a variety of theories about God-belief have originated from this research. Societies that worship an all-seeing, all-knowing and judgmental God can use such beliefs to promote social cohesion and order. Humans have a propensity to see “agency” in unexplained phenomena like earthquakes and droughts, so a God could become useful in explaining the unknown, including the origin of the universe. Neurologists have discovered a way to activate parts of the brain to produce a mystical “oneness” with what some perceive to be God. The communal bonds of religious ritual could have provided an evolutionary advantage for hunter-gatherer tribes that required group cooperation for survival. Many of these theories rely on a “nature” argument — it is in our nature to seek a supernatural explanation for phenomena we don’t understand. None of these theories say we are genetically obligated to believe in God, nor do they take into account any explanations from “nurture.” I began to wonder if there was an equally persuasive, and perhaps even more compelling argument that God-belief comes from our childhood experiences — the nurturing provided to us by our parents or caretakers. It’s undeniable that we all met God when we were infants. To our infant minds, those figures who cared for us must have appeared as all-powerful, all-loving, all-knowing creator figures who came to our aid every time we cried. Is this not the very definition of God, as described by multiple cultures and religions? I studied any research in the child-development area that might help formulate my theory that nurture is an important source of our longing for God in our adult lives. I
found plenty to think about, but because each researcher has their area of specialization, I had to fit the pieces into an overarching theory. I came up with, or “discovered,” a five-stage process that begins at birth and traverses all the critical child-development stages, ending with the terrible discovery that the God-like figures in our early life are deceiving us. They are not omnipotent, nor immortal. They will die, desert us and leave us to confront our own death alone. This discovery creates a God-shaped hole in our heart that urges us, but does not compel us, to replace the real gods we once knew with an illusory God who will be a steadying presence in our lives, and whom we long to meet in the afterlife. The first third of Who Cuts God’s Hair describes this model, but the model raises some serious questions: What happens to children who have unhappy or even horrific childhoods? Are they more or less willing to believe in God? Why do some people, in fact an increasing number of people, grow up to have doubts about God’s existence, or conclude he does not exist at all? The remainder of the book addresses these and many other questions and concludes with the argument that believers, agnostics, atheists and people who just don’t give the matter of God’s existence much thought, all have something fundamental in common. We all are searching for meaning and a cosmic purpose in our lives. Belief in God is a time-honored, workable solution to this search, but so is non-belief, and the world would be a better place if believers and non-believers alike came to respect the validity of each of these approaches. I am delighted the Independent Publisher’s committee of experts chose to recognize, Who Cuts God’s Hair as one of the four outstanding books published last year in the field of religion and spirituality. Author Garrett Glass, a 30-year resident of Oak Park, received a 2018 Bronze “IPPY,” Independent Publisher Book Award, in the category of Religion (Eastern/Western) in May in New York City. His book is available for purchase locally at The Looking Glass bookstore, 823 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.
Photo provided
Oak Park author Garrett Glass (right), pictured with wife Mimi Ortiz-Glass, received the 2018 Bronze Independent Publisher Book Award for Religion. “T Bone Burnett is like a walking, talking, guitar-playing site of musical historical importance.” —The Telegraph
9.15.18
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Uncomfortable truths at OPRF
merica to Me,” the documentary on race and equity at Oak Park and River Forest High School is underway. The first of 10 episodes played Sunday night on the Starz cable channel. And now the discussion begins. It was a major topic at our dinner table Monday night as our OPRF graduate offered up her take on how the documentary resonated for her, along with a batch of distinct observations about people she knew in the doc, remembrances of how she felt as she made her bumpy way through the school. On page one today, Michael Romain, our education reporter and an OPRF grad, offers the first of what will be his weekly take on the series. In conversation and on social media among recent and not-recent graduates and regulars at the school, there is a lot of shared head nodding about the ways classrooms are numbered, surprise that after all these years the tile in the hallways is not recognizable, and assorted other surface peculiarities of life at 201 N. Scoville.
And then there is divergence: Over race. Over equity, whatever that is, some seem to wonder. For many, among all races, there is instant recognition of how real and true are the stories told about these young black students, their families, their experience at OPRF. Uncomfortable recognition of what we have overlooked, of unearned patience we have granted ourselves and this school in not confronting what is unfair, unequal, unkind. But there is, early on in this series, the counter-reaction, the full throated defense of OPRF, the bootstrap theories, the “why aren’t you grateful for the opportunities we have given you” tone in some comments. All this played out over the weekend and into Monday on a pleasant Facebook page called “Growing Up in Oak Park.” This is a self-declared safe space where the conversations are of how great Petersen’s Ice Cream used to be, do you remember Gilmore’s Department Store at Lake and Oak Park, and how OPRF was near perfect in the 1950s and the 1960s and even into the 1970s.
DAN HALEY
It is a gauzy world view, assuring and maybe harmless, until it is confronted, as it was these past days by people who wanted to test out their takes on America to Me in this protected place. Following from the outside, and as publisher of a newspaper with a web comment board that more often infuriates than inspires dialogue, it has been a bumpy 48 hours for the moderator of Growing Up in Oak Park. Discussions of the documentary series were blocked, and then shunted onto a side lane within the site. Someone tried to explain that comments had become “abrasive.” Seems you can argue about whether peppermint or pistachio was Petersen’s best flavor without being “abrasive,” but,
H O W
T O
not surprisingly, talking about race and the true lives of some of our kids at our high school causes angina among a group of us. Here’s my challenge to you: Keep watching. With your heart and your mind open. Don’t speak out unless you’ve watched. It’s like the admonition to non-voters who crab about the state of our democracy. You’re not entitled unless you watch, unless you vote. If, like me, you’re white, embrace the discomfort. It’s good for us. Join the America to Me watch parties at the high school where 700 people turned out Sunday for this shared experience. Turn out at Live Café for the discussions. Listen more than you speak.
R E A C H
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Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PHONE 708-524-8300 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com | www.RiverForest.com CIRCULATION Jill Wagner, 708-613-3340 circulation@oakpark.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING Dawn Ferencak, 708-613-3329 dawn@oakpark.com
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Wednesday Journal is published weekly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, Illinois (USPS No. 0010-138). In-county subscription rate is $32 per year, $57 for two years. Annual out-of-county rate is $40. © 2018 Wednesday Journal, Inc.
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New grocery opens next month on North Avenue
Oak Park Market will cater to Oak Park, Galewood residents, owner says By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
The 13,000-square-foot grocery store at 6209 W. North Ave. is reopening after about a year-long hiatus, and its new owner, Angelo Palivos, is looking to Oak Parkers and Galewood residents to help make it a success. Palivos, who is the third owner of the store in four years, said in a recent tour of the forthcoming Oak Park Market that he has kept a close eye on the Facebook groups like the Northeast Oak Park Community Group to get a better idea of what patrons are hoping to find there. He said nearby residents have said in the online conversation that they want the store to “cater to the Oak Park community, and that’s going to make it a success.” Palivos also has consulted with Oak Park Village Trustee Deno Andrews to get a better idea of what will and won’t work at the location. Palivos aims to open the store on Sept. 22 and will highlight organic products that appeal to vegetarian and vegan consumers. Oak Park Market also will offer a selection of wine and craft beer, along with a small selection of liquor, among other products, he said. “I need Oak Park to support it,” he said. North Avenue Fresh Market closed its doors in July 2014 and reopened under new ownership as Market Fresh Foods in February 2015.
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
COMING SOON: Angelo Palivos, owner of Oak Park Market, said he hopes to open the new North Avenue grocery store on Sept. 22. The store will highlight organic produce, craft beer, fresh seafood and a wide array of offerings including a hot-food counter. Judith Alexander, chair of The North Avenue District, said in an email that her organization believes Oak Park Market “can do better than its two predecessors by focusing more on the immediate neighborhoods of Galewood and north Oak Park with organic products, craft beer, quality wine and so forth.” She hopes the owner works to attract new customers by offering samples from featured food producers like cheese and sausage makers and provides special offers for residents
Henry Fogel Presents… Evenings of Great Music and Conversation
who join their email list. “We will do everything we can to help, reminding those who get our e-newsletter or belong to our Facebook community page that if we want appealing retail on North Avenue, we need to patronize those establishments,” Alexander wrote. Palivos said Oak Park Market also will feature a meat counter with Boar’s Head products, fresh seafood, freshly baked bread and cookies and a hot-food counter with meals ready to eat. He’s also looking into establishing a delivery service for those interested in ordering their groceries online. Oak Park Market will employee about 20 people, Palivos said. Andrews, who lives near the location, said he has worked to help put Palivos in touch with residents to get local buy-in on the new store to help make it a success. “It’s several notches above what was there,” Andrews said in a telephone interview. He said Palivos asked him to post about the store in his Facebook group Northeast Oak Park Community Group. “There were over 300 comments, so the community stepped up and gave a lot of feedback about what they want.” He added that “it’s nice to see a responsive business owner who wants to work with the community in creating something they are going to want to attend.” Andrews said he believes that if the store is able to get a liquor license, it will greatly improve its chances of success at the location. “There’s nowhere to get craft beer or a bottle of wine in northeast Oak Park,” he said. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com
Family Law Donald B. Boyd Jr. • Divorce/Wills/Trusts • Real Estate Closings • Civil Unions • LGBT Issues • Custody Visitation • Child Support Free Initial Consultation
708-848-1005
Golosa
A Russian Folk Choir
402 Lake Street #200, Oak Park 60302 Evening & Weekend Appointments Available Major Credit Cards Accepted DonBoydLaw@yahoo.com.
Meet Your
Trustee Schedule a meeting with
Village Trustee Jim Taglia to discuss your concerns, ideas and thoughts on issues
Call me at (708) 358-5794
or trusteetaglia@oak-park.us
Golosa is Chicago’s only Russian Folk Choir to preserve and promote the rich tradition of Russian folk singing. Following the concert, the audience is invited to engage with the performers and Mr. Fogel.
September 19 – 7:30pm
Doors open at 7pm $25 adults and $10 students Tickets are available at the Nineteenth Century Club, online at nineteenthcentury.org or at the door. For more information: 142-386-2729
178 Forest Ave. Oak Park. IL 60301
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Illinois, admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the University. While it does give preference to members of the Lutheran faith, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies and loan programs and athletic and other University-administered programs.
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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Marion St. house could be demolished for condos Prospective owner wants to raze building near Mills Park By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
A local developer is asking Oak Park’s preservation commission for permission to demolish a 119-year-old house at 224 S. Marion St., directly adjacent to Mills Park, to make room for what likely would be a condo building. David Lehman will appear before the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission on Aug. 30 to make his case that the building should not be considered as contributing to the historic district. The meeting takes place at 7:30 p.m. in room 201 at Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison St. The 3,300-square-foot residential building, owned by Andrew Palomo under the name 224 South Marion LLC, has been used as office space for years, Lehman said in a telephone interview. Lehman has the structure under contract to purchase — if the demolition is approved by the preservation commission. He said zoning for the property would allow a 60-foot-tall building, which could be about five stories. He estimates the property would include about 10 to 12 condominium
“Why I chose it, is that there are very few properties that overlook a park that are in downtown.” DAVID LEHMAN Developer
units, about 2,000 to 2,500 square feet each. The building would entail a 15-fold increase in tax revenue from the site versus its current use, and it “would provide a much-needed housing option for emptynesters looking to move out of their 3,000- to 4,000-square-foot homes,” Lehman said, noting that the proposal is consistent with the goals of Oak Park’s Comprehensive Plan for downtown, which aims to redevelop land within a quarter-mile of trains that lead to downtown Chicago. Oak Park Village Planner Craig Failor said there are a couple of options for Lehman if the commission denies his application for a certificate of appropriateness for the
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
DEMO REQUEST: Developer David Lehman wants approval from the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission to demolish this 119-year-old building to make room for a residential condo development. demolition: He can appeal to the Oak Park Board of Trustees or he can file for a certificate of economic hardship. The economic hardship appeal would argue that the building could not remain on the site from a financial standpoint, for example, if it were uninhabitable and prohibitively expensive to repair. Lehman said he likely would go to the Oak Park Board of Trustees to appeal the deci-
sion if he is denied by the commission. “I think with this property, why I chose it, is that there are very few properties that overlook a park that are in downtown,” he said, calling it the “ideal development site.” Lehman noted that the building would be located on the north side of Mills Park, arguing that its location would prevent shadows from being cast over the park. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com
River Forest trustees approve North Avenue TIF District stretches from Harlem Avenue to Thatcher Avenue By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter
River Forest trustees unanimously voted to create a tax-increment financing (TIF) district along North Avenue at a village board meeting on Aug. 20. Trustee Respicio Vazquez recused himself from the vote, since he works at the law firm that represents River Forest Elementary School District 90, part of which falls within the TIF area. “The village has done its duty in, I’ll be honest, in terms of trying to communicate with residents and we also welcome continuous conversation,” Village President Cathy Adduci said of the North Avenue TIF. The new TIF stretches from Harlem Avenue to Thatcher Avenue, along the northern border of River Forest, adjoining Elmwood Park. A 2010 Corridor Plan found that 35,000 cars travel the TIF route daily, making
North Avenue the most heavily trafficked corridor in River Forest. Village Administrator Eric Palm noted that the village held more than the number of legally required meetings with the public about the North Avenue TIF before it was approved. But resident Erika Bachner said she still believed there was confusion in the community about the TIF and urged trustees to table voting on the ordinance until the village conducted more outreach. “I live very closely to the North Avenue TIF, so people are wondering, ‘Is it actually worth bringing in developers? Is there a need for that in a TIF situation? Would developers come in, even if we didn’t have a TIF there,’” Bachner said. “An assurance that eminent domain would not be used and is not on the table would be very helpful.” Trustee Tom Cargie said that, like the Madison Street TIF, which the village board created in late 2016, the North Avenue TIF has protections against eminent domain to the single-family homes in the district. The ordinance does not protect against eminent domain to multi-family housing. Cargie said the
goal of the TIF district is to promote development so the village has a broader tax base. “The point of the TIF is we can’t get people to build,” he said. Following creation of a TIF district, the equalized assessed valuation (EAV) of the property is frozen for taxing bodies whose boundaries are within the district. These include elementary and high school districts, Triton College and various county agencies. Any property tax revenue generated by the increased EAV goes into the TIF fund to be spent on improvements in the district, generally infrastructure. But TIF funds can be used for other purposes, including property acquisition and assemblage and providing incentives for redevelopment. The village only one other TIF right now along Madison Street, which generated $56,835 in revenue in 2017, according to a report produced by Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office. TIF revenue accounts for approximately 4 percent of property tax billed in the suburbs and, on average, 1 in 22 suburban properties are in a TIF, according to the clerk’s report. The lifetime of a TIF is 23 years.
“I live very closely to the North Avenue TIF, so people are wondering, ‘Is it actually worth bringing in developers? ERIKA BACHNER River Forest resident
“I agree that this can be very confusing and I appreciate resident concerns,” said Trustee Patty Henek. “I think some people envision a wrecking ball coming through, just knocking everything down, which is not the case. “But to also reiterate, in terms of the process, even if there is development, there is going to be opportunities for the community to have input and raise concerns.” CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com
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Participation rates in clubs, sports at OPRF still growing But board urges action to confront declining rates for blacks, Hispanics By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
According to data released this month by Oak Park and River Forest High School officials, the percentage of students at the school who participate in extracurricular activities, which include both clubs and athletics, was around 78 percent during the 2017-18 school year, which continues a fiveyear trend of increasing participation rates. The improved participation rate for all students at OPRF, however, obscures the declining participation rates of African American and Hispanic students, some board members pointed out during a regular meeting on Aug. 23, when District 200 administration officials presented the report that contained the data. Last school year, 2,627 of the 3,451 students enrolled at OPRF were involved in at least one extracurricular activity. According to district officials, the academic performance and school attendance rates of participating students was demonstrably higher than non-participating students. For instance, the average unweighted GPA
urnal Wednesday Journal
CONVERSATIONS
of participating students was 3.2, compared to around 2.8 for non-participating students. In addition, district officials said, students involved in activities had an average of roughly 13 unexcused absences by class period last school year while uninvolved students had an average of around 32 unexcused absences by class period that school year. According to the report, drafted by John Stelzer, OPRF’s athletic director, and Susan Johnson, OPRF’s director of activities, the district’s data is consistent with national data that shows that students who participate in extracurricular activities do better academically and have fewer unexcused absences. Stelzer added that the overall participation rate among ORPF students is higher than the national average, which is currently “somewhere around 65 to 66 percent,” according to data provided by the National Federation of High Schools. “We’re certainly well above that and we’re certainly very proud of that participation rate and the development of our students here,” he said. But not all students at OPRF are benefitting from extracurricular participation, some board members pointed out. Although the overall percentage of active students at OPRF has grown steadily from 72 percent in 2014-15 to around 78 percent in both 2015-16 and 2017-18, the steady growth has not been uniform among racial demographics.
While the rate of participation has grown among white and multiracial students since the 2015-16 school year, the rate has decreased for African American and Hispanics, according to the data. The participation rate among whites has increased from around 79 percent in 201516 to roughly 82 percent in 2017-18. Among multiracial students, the increased participation increased from 75 percent in 2015-16 to 79 percent in 2017-18. Among African-American students, the participation rate was down to around 74 percent in 2017-18 after increasing to roughly 79 percent in 2016-17 from around 70 percent during the prior year. Among Hispanic students, the participation rate was down to around 71 percent in 2017-18 after increasing to roughly 74 percent in 2016-17 from around 63 percent during the prior year. “What’s driving the trend of increase are white and multiracial students,” said board President Jackie Moore during last week’s meeting, before urging district officials to look into the causes of the declining participation rates among black and Hispanic students. “It’s worthy of some discussion as to where [the declining rates are] coming from,” she said. “Is it the elimination of clubs, kids dropping out of particular activities or sports, new kids coming to the school and not signing up?”
Board member Craig Iseli reinforced Moore’s point. “I want to commend us on the high participation rate that we have, which is fantastic,” he said, “but we need to focus on students who aren’t participating and what structural barriers [to participation] might exist.” Board member Matt Baron said the dip in participation rates among black and Hispanic students should be considered within the context of a period of at least five years in which participation rates among students of all races have increased. “There’s a lot more alarming stats in other areas of the school,” Baron said, before applauding the administration for maintaining a participation rate that’s above the national average and that “could well be a historic high.” District officials explained in the report that the upward trend in overall extracurricular participation rates at OPRF was mainly due to “the continued support and increase in [faculty] stipends over the past two school years, as well as the inclusion of all of our unofficial clubs in our data collection.” Some clubs that experienced the most increases in participation were Huskie Helpers, which grew from 24 to 44 participants; Speech Team, which grew from 33 to 56 participants; Spoken Word, which grew from 101 to 119 participants; and Video Gaming Club, which grew from 49 to 71 participants.
Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker (Hoop Dreams, Life Itself)
Director of STARZ® Documentary “America To Me”
Steve James Tuesday, Sept 11 ■ 7pm
Dominican University Performing Arts Center Tickets: $15 • oakpark.com/conversations • $5 Student* at box office
Sponsors:
Moderated by Charlie Meyerson of Chicago Public Square
Student tickets will only be available at the Dominican box office, the night of the event. Student ID will be required for discount.
$5 Discount for WJ Readers • OakPark.com/conversations • Promo code: WJsub
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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Oak Park begins search to replace police chief
Village manager expects to name replacement before the end of ’18 By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
It’s been a few weeks since Oak Park Police Chief Anthony Ambrose announced his plans to retire from the position, and the village will begin searching for his replacement in September. Village Manager Cara Pavlicek said in a telephone interview that the search will include input from the community as well as village staff and local and state law enforce-
ment officials. LaDon Reynolds has served as acting police chief since Ambrose took a leave of absence in late April when he was diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, also known as NASH. She said the village will make available to residents a survey tool asking them what attributes they would like to see in a police chief. Pavlicek said the search also will include an internal survey of Oak Park Police Department staff. A panel of law enforcement officials — particularly police chiefs from other communities — also will review the applicants for the chief position and provide feedback to the village. That could happen sometime in October,
Pavlicek said. Agencies that conduct searches for lawenforcement officials also will conduct mental health evaluations on prospective candidates to determine whether they have the leadership skills and traits necessary for the position, Pavlicek said. Pavlicek described Ambrose as a wonderful chief, noting that it always was intended to be about a two-year assignment. “It took a detour toward the end that I don’t think anybody saw coming,” she said, noting that Ambrose is “on the road to getting healthy.” Ambrose ends his 34-year position with the village on the last day of August. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com
Anthony Ambrose
Oak Park gears up for 2019 budget Departments present board of trustees with priorities for next year
By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
The heads of various departments in the village of Oak Park – public works, police, fire and finance, among others – laid out their priorities to members of the Oak Park Board of Trustees at a meeting at village hall on Monday. The presentations covered everything from plans for renovation of the police station, which is located in the basement of Oak Park Village Hall, to implementation of new dockless bike-sharing programs. Tammie Grossman, director of the village’s Development Customer Services Department, identified a number of initiatives for her department in 2019, including implementation of a new parking pilot program in the village. Development customer services also aims to promote use of its City View software, which allows developers and homeowners to schedule and check building permits and other tasks associated with the village on the internet. The promotion in 2019 also will include getting the word out about Oak Park’s Passport Parking system, which allows residents to pay for parking permits and passes online. The department also will complete its digitization of remaining microfiche “so people can get information about their home” without having to come to Village Hall. Implementation of a new dockless bikesharing program also is at the top of the agenda list for 2019. Oak Park ended its relationship with Divvy bike sharing in early 2018 because of lack of usage and the high cost of the program. Fire Department Chief Thomas Ebsen laid out a number of priorities for his department, noting that the department would
like to replace one of its fire engines purchased in 1998 and add a third ambulance to its operations. The list of fire department asks also includes: replacing the fire station’s alerting and dispatch system; replacing overhead doors at two of its stations; renovating restrooms, lockers, showers and kitchens at its facilities; and replacing ambulance computers; among others. Ebsen said the fire department also aims to increase diversity through its hiring practices in 2019. Those efforts could include stronger recruitment at Oak Park and River Forest High School and creating mentoring programs for students. “There are things we can do proactively to enhance our ability to recruit,” he told the board. At the Oak Park Police Department, Acting Police Chief LaDon Reynolds told the board that the department aims to further evaluate its use of mobile surveillance cameras in the village and step up its use of social media to help keep residents informed. From the Public Works Department, director John Wielebnicki said he aims to begin looking into purchasing electric vehicles for the village’s fleet of various service vehicles. “Of our complete fleet of a couple hundred vehicles, over 70 percent are what we would consider green vehicles,” he said, noting that those are made up of hybrid, biofuel vehicles and electric. Public works also plans to increase its review of water leaks throughout the village, proposing the village pay to have a leak study conducted in 2019. Oak Park learned earlier this year that about 25 percent of the water it purchased from the city of Chicago was lost due to waste. That amounts to about $1.2 million in unbillable water. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com
Tasty! Rotarian Mickey Baer (above) serves up craft beer while Bill Quick from Trattoria 225 (at left) fires up a pizza during the River Forest Park District’s 5th Annual Food Truck Rally at Keystone Park on Aug. 25. See more photos on page 14. ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
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‘AMERICA TO ME’
WJ Conversation
Race as a maze from page 1
asks an unnamed black male student. “Wait, I don’t get to ask the questions?” the student shoots back. “Did we go over answering in complete sentences?” a voice from behind the camera asks another student — an AfricanAmerican female. “I naturally do that when I talk, so umm,” the student responds. There’s a lesson in this opening scene that frames the remainder of the first episode. James and his team masterfully reveal their own inadequacies and far-from-nimble attempts to engender trust between themselves and the students, who are highly sophisticated at jostling for control of their own narratives. That the filmmakers have, from the outset, ceded narrative control to the students is obvious — it’s an exercise in active listening that is a staple of Steve James’ documentaries. The first scene, however, also works to disarm any whites who may come into the viewing experience with certain preconceptions, namely that they’ll be made the villains in a great racial morality play. That’s obviously not the case. But there is racial tension nonetheless and James shows how this often plays out, in very real terms, when he interviews the whip-smart Ke’Shawn Kumsa, an AfricanAmerican student who is both supremely self-confident and dangerously vulnerable (Aside: at certain points in the episode, Kumsa wears a technicolor basketball jersey; he looks like he could be the regal subject of a Kehinde Wiley painting). “What’s the big deal about Oak Park?” Kumsa asks, starkly announcing his position outside of the great liberal tradition that the village has built for itself since the 1970s. James, a longtime Oak Parker whose kids went to OPRF, explains in a disembodied voiceover that the tradition that Kumsa dismisses has to do with Frank Lloyd Wright and Ernest Hemingway and Percy Julian (whose “home was firebombed twice,” James points out).
Screenshot
CAUGHT IN A MAZE: The documentary shows the biracial freshman Grant Lee, pictured center between his parents, as he acclimates himself to the racially charged conundrum that is OPRF. But the biggest deal of them all, James notes, is the tradition that most Oak Parkers pride themselves on; it has to do with the fact that the village resisted the phenomenon of white flight — of whites who moved, en masse, to other places when blacks started moving next door. “The white people who fled were mostly older and conservative,” James explains. “The white people who moved in were younger and more liberal, wanting to be part of the American experiment in true diversity.” What Oak Park since then has learned, however, is that “diversity is not the same as equity.” Therein lies the crux of what James and his team attempt to explore. How can a bastion of liberalism, a national model of racial integration, maintain such stark racial disparities when it comes to how it educates its young people? How is Kumsa, a young black man who, according to his mother, has lived in Oak Park since he was 3 years old (whose own mother, we’ll see in the next episode, attended OPRF) be so estranged from a liberal tradition that was expressly meant
to benefit blacks like him? The irony frames the whole film series and is announced in the film’s title, which is pulled from a 1935 Langston Hughes poem, “Let America Be America Again.” The poem is Whitmanesque in a technical and stylistic sense and also hauntingly contemporary. The poem’s first stanza (“Let America be America again / Let it be the dream it used to be / Let it be the pioneer on the plain / Seeking a home where he himself is free.”) echoes a chant by an unseen OPRF student on the first day of school (“We are OPRF … we embrace our diversity and our uniqueness, we thrive on opportunities given to us”). And both instances of idealistic rhetoric, whether we like it or not, echo this famous claim of a glorified, but mythical pastime: “Make America Great Again.” To which a voice in Hughes’ poem replies, “America never was America to me.” Traditions, even great ones, can result in blind spots if the kind of criticism that anchors Hughes’ poem isn’t taken into account. But how to confront that blindness is easier said than done.
MICHAEL ROMAIN
The film, which has earned high praise across the country’s media landscape, is currently the talk of the town here in Oak Park. Wednesday Journal announced earlier this month that we’ll be diving into the fray when we host Steve James, the film’s director and a longtime Oak Parker, as our guest for the latest discussion in our Wednesday Journal Conversation series. The event, in collaboration with Dominican University, will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11. Tickets, which can be purchased at oakpark. com/conversations, are $15 for general admission. Students are $5. And Journal subscribers get a $5 discount. If you have questions for James that you want addressed at Tuesday’s conversation, email them in advance to wjconversations@oakpark.com Race at OPRF, the film shows, is lived as an amoral fact. It’s a series of real-life propositions, split-second decisions, day-today tradeoffs. Race is a conundrum built atop layers and layers of decisions, some good, some bad, that actual, flesh-and-blood people are forced to navigate in the here and now. While viewing the first episode, I felt like the biracial freshman, Grant Lee, who gets lost (literally and metaphorically) trying to navigate OPRF (that massive, racially-charged maze). Lee not only has to contend with his own shyness and inexperience, he also has to contend with upper classmen who deliberately give him wrong directions to his algebra class for kicks (a color blind ritual at the school). Aaron Podolner, a physics teacher at OPRF, describes the injustice of it all. “The room numbers,” he says. “That’s deep. The school was built in 17 different parts or 17 different times. It’s just terribly obvious who a freshman is, because they have this vacant look in their eyes, almost a sense of unfairness. They’re like, ‘How come 289 is not next to 288?” That’s race, in a nutshell. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
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River Forest to cover expenses for businesses forced to move Displaced from Lake and Lathrop, businesses looking toward Madison St.
from an existing location we’re trying to redevelop at Lake and Lathrop, so that ultimately leads to increased property tax values with redevelopment. Then, secondly, it goes ahead and helps moves forward with rehabbing and reinvesting in an existing landowner and business.” Any agreement made between the village and two businesses would include a “clawback” clause, which states that if the tenant were to leave their space earlier than expected, it would need to pay back River Forest for the buildout funds provided. Both businesses’ leases extend to 2019, and Palm said he hopes to get them out of the Lake and Lathrop corridor by the end of the year. If River Forest does not cover their build-
out, Lake and Lathrop LLC would be responsible for buying them out of their leases, should it start demolition before the end of the year. In its original application, Lake and Lathrop LLC aimed to demolish the properties in October. “I see this as more, another subsidy for Lake and Lathrop, personally,” said Trustee Tom Cargie. The village has awarded Lake and Lathrop LLC $1.9 million in TIF funds to help with the development, principally for environmental remediation. Village President Cathy Adduci urged trustees to “segregate what’s going on with Lake and Lathrop to the businesses” and trust Palm to negotiate a fair deal.
“If it isn’t reasonable, we’re not going to approve it,” she said. Trustee Carmela Corsini said she worried over the precedent the village was setting by negotiating directly with tenants, rather than with the property owners. When the Lake Street TIF was recruiting businesses to the River Forest Town Center, the village relied on Mid-America Real Estate Group to negotiate buildout deals with its tenants. “My concern would be precedent setting, because we’d be negotiating with lease holders as opposed to the landlord,” Corsini said. “What does the landlord, do? Does he have any impetus or interest in trying to help these leases with buildout, so he can actually lease out these spaces? Where’s his responsibility?” Palm said he felt OK setting this precedent since the businesses would relocate to an “underperforming” strip center and could potentially increase property values. He said he has talked to the landlord about his concerns, and that the landlord is starting to address the issues voluntarily, investing in new signage and façade. Palm also noted that The Skincare Company and Allstate are established businesses that want to move. “Being a small business owner is a very difficult and can be daunting task, and we’re dealing with established businesses,” he said. “So we’re not dealing with folks that are saying, ‘Hey I’ve got this idea, my Etsy store took off, I’m going to launch from my basement to a brick and mortar.’” Palm added: “On some level it’s always better to have these relationships with the individual tenants because then you know the money is going into their building.” CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com
at the Aug. 23 meeting to complain again about the design, parking, traffic safety, developer’s seemingly last-minute change to plans and more, the DRB accepted Lake and Lathrop LLC’s building plans on the condition that 60 parking spaces be reserved for tenants of the building, with another six earmarked for guests. Twenty spaces will be available for commercial customers and employees. “I struggle really with the parking; with the owners, employees, deliveries, maintenance, I just don’t see where or how it could work,” said O’Brien, a DRB member who eventually voted against the development. “People aren’t going to park over at Jackson Avenue and Lake Street to go visit someone at Lake and Lathrop. Too many spots are missing.” The village requires no parking for commercial customers in that zoning district. Per requests from the River Forest Village Board, the DRB did require Lake and Lathrop LLC to look into purchasing an area of off-street parking for the commercial space. They also asked developers to work with the village to institute a safety plan for pedestri-
ans during construction, and limit the loading dock’s hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. DRB board member Crosby continued to criticize developers’ choice of architecture, saying the Beaux Arts design of the building did not reflect “the character of River Forest.” He called for the developer to break up the building using differing colors and step back the façade at different floors, as a way to reduce its scale. He also advocated prohibiting a bank from occupying the corner of the building, as a way to ensure the development broadens the village’s tax base. “We’re trying to meet the needs of the community,” said Crosby, who eventually voted against the development. “We have a lot of banks right here in that one to two block radius. We’re in a position to encourage something else to go there.” Members of the board voted against his requests, questioning their authority to dictate the design and type of commercial customer allowed. When it comes to commercial, Tim Hague, a River Forest resident and owner of Keystone Ventures, said the developer is hop-
ing to lure a fast casual restaurant into the space, like Chipotle Mexican Grill; a seasonal, or short-term, lease to the property, to “allow retail companies to test new markets, test new goods”; a pet store; convenience food market; or even an on-premise dry cleaner. The village has awarded Lake and Lathrop LLC $1.9 million in tax-increment-financing funds, primarily for environmental remediation of a former dry cleaner on the site. “These cleaning solutions have changed dramatically; they no longer present a threat to the environment like it used to,” Hague said. The review board will decide whether to adopt the findings of fact at a meeting on Aug. 30. Their recommendation will then be sent to the Village Board of Trustees, who will decide whether to approve or deny Lake and Lathrop LLC’s application. If approved, trustees would need to grant site development allowances regarding the height of the building, number of condos, parking, and size and type of commercial tenants proposed. CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com
By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter
The village of River Forest will cover partial buildout expenses for two businesses looking to relocate to Madison Street, after developer Lake and Lathrop LLC purchased and made plans to demolish their present locations. At a village board meeting on Aug. 20, trustees directed Village Administrator Eric Palm to look into covering the “reasonable costs” of relocating The Skincare Company and Allstate to 7756 Madison St. Because the property falls in the Madison Street tax-increment financing (TIF) district, the village can use TIF funds to cover the expenses, which Palm said is “not uncommon.” “If you turned the building upside down and shook it, everything that doesn’t fall down is a TIF-eligible expense,” Palm said, naming new plumbing, electrical, drywall and more as eligible for reimbursement. The Skincare Company and Allstate will need to seek multiple bids for the work and submit them to the village, which will cover a percentage of businesses’ expenses and likely cap the total amount it will reimburse. In the Lake and Lathrop corridor, Cigar Oasis and Tulipia Floral Design have found new locations outside of River Forest, and “there wasn’t a desire” by In & Out Fitness to move to Madison Street, Palm said. “This does several things,” said Palm. “It goes ahead, removes businesses voluntarily
LAKE AND LATHROP DRB approves from page 1 hoping a restaurant, retail shops and bank branch would fill — topped by four floors that would include 30 two-, three- and fourbedroom condos. Additional parking is planned for the second floor. Since its original application was filed, the developer has decreased the total number of condos available in the building, with the majority a mix of three- and fourbedroom units; the height of the building has increased to 85 feet at its highest point, to accommodate elevators that lead to private rooftop decks; and, speaking of rooftop decks, the developer has added six of them to the building, available only to residents of the units directly beneath them. Balconies accompany condos, and the ground floor is still a mix of commercial space and parking. Although residents took the opportunity
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
MOVING TO MADISON: The Skincare Company on Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue in River Forest.
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R I V E R
Food and fun
F O R E S T
F O O D
T R U C K
R A L L Y
Photos by ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
The River Forest Park District’s 5th Annual Food Truck Rally at Keystone Park on Aug. 25 featured more than just food. At top left, Asha Lee, of River Forest, gets her face painted, while kids frolicked in the inflatable jungle gyms. Top right, chef Robin Eggleston takes orders at Big Mama’s Kitchen and Catering Truck, while (bottom right) Makenna Murray, of Hoffman estates, buys a frozen treat from an ice cream vendor.
C R I M E
Burglary, car theft on South Taylor
A residence was burglarized in the 500 block of South Taylor Avenue in Oak Park sometime between 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 23 and 5:48 a.m. on Aug. 24. The offender gained entry through an unlocked second-story window and then stole a PlayStation 4, a MacBook Air laptop and a wallet containing cash, credit cards and a key to the victim’s vehicle. The offender then entered the garage through an unlocked side service door and stole the victim’s vehicle. The make and model of the vehicle were not given. The estimated loss is $75,000. ■ The construction site for the new residential development near the corner of Harlem and South Boulevard was burglarized sometime between 11:05 p.m. on Aug. 23 and 6:54 a.m. on Aug. 24. The offender gained entry to the site and stole 13 rolls of electrical wire. The loss is estimated at
$3,400. ■ Leon Dukes, 32, of Oak Park, was arrested in the 100 block of Jackson Boulevard at 2:48 a.m. on Aug. 26 and charged with burglary and possession of stolen property. ■ A vehicle was burglarized in the 500 block of Fair Oaks Avenue at 1 a.m. on Aug. 21. The offender gained entry to the vehicle through an unlocked front driver’s side door and removed a red Lockback knife with a built-in seatbelt cutter. The estimated loss is $20. ■ A common storage area was burglarized in the 100 block of South Maple Avenue sometime between 8 a.m. on Aug. 20 and 4:50 p.m. on Aug. 21. The offender used a pry tool to damage 12 storage lockers. The offender then stole two Sony flat screen televisions from one of the lockers. The estimated loss is $2,300.
Theft
■ An unattended Adidas backpack was stolen from a Scoville Park bench in the 800 block of Lake Street sometime between 4:45 and 5 p.m. on Aug. 24. The backpack contained cash and notebooks. The estimated loss is $130. ■ An unattended fanny pack containing a credit card, a passport, keys, cash and a health card was stolen from the 100 block of Lake Street at 7:32 a.m. on Aug. 25. A male in his late teens, who was accompanied by three or four others, was identified by police as the offender. The estimated loss is $70. ■ A Burbank resident’s vehicle was stolen from the rear parking area in the 200 block of Chicago Avenue sometime between 8 p.m. on Aug. 25 and 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 26. The vehicle was recovered in Westmont at 5:20 a.m. on Aug. 26.
■ A man between the ages of 25 and 30 stole several packages of Nicorette gum from a business in the 1100 block of Lake Street at 2:22 p.m. on Aug. 26. He was described as wearing a light colored T-shirt, black shorts and shoes and carrying a large dark green duffle bag. The estimated loss was $348. These items, obtained from the Oak Park and River Forest police departments, came from reports, Aug. 20-26 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.
Compiled by Timothy Inklebarger
SAY CONNECTS
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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JOURNAL
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A YEAR-LONG SERIES FOCUSING ON COMMUNICATING OUR PRIORITIES FOR CHILDREN
INTRODUCTION
How the library connects with kids
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mong Oak Park citizens’ aspirations are those to live in a community with the resources and opportunities for all to be educated and to learn. The Oak Park Public Library is committed to fulfilling those aspirations. That work begins with our youngest citizens and the importance of promoting literacy and reading. To achieve these objectives, the library shares much more than books. For babies to kids entering kindergarten, the library’s age-specific programs, digital resources, and in-person opportunities help to build strong foundations for learning how to read and for learning how to learn. Library literacy experts promote individual discovery and skill building for grade school, middle school, and high school students every day, all year long. Meeting kids where they are -– at our three library locations, at daycares, preschools, parks, and before, during, and after school -- fosters an excitement and a love for learning. Learn more about how we empower our community’s youth at oppl.org/news.
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
HUNT FOR WISDOM: The Holt family gathered at the library Aug. 18 to take part in Zingela Ulwazi, a new program pairing men of color with young boys of color to foster a reading culture. Left to right: David Holt, Grayson, Ethan and Akaya Holt.
Urging more boys of color into a world of reading Male mentors encourage a “hunt for wisdom”
By CASSANDRA WEST Contributing Reporter
David Seleb
Executive Director Oak Park Public Library
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s a library board member, Christian Harris champions reading and readers. He especially wants to see more young boys experience the kinds of pleasure and discoveries he finds in books.
In partnership with
Reading wasn’t always easy for him, though. His early experiences were frustrating. “Reading initially was pretty difficult for me,” he admits. Around the time he was in the second or third grade, he was struggling with comprehension. Luckily, his family found a reading specialist “who sat down with me and made sure I understood everything,”
says Harris, 27, an Oak Park and River Forest High School grad and local business owner. Once words on the page began to click for him, he began devouring the Harry Potter series. That turned into a competition with his friends over who could read a Potter book the fastest. “It was important that I got that comprehension down because in
school you have to read so much,” Harris says. “It’s easy to get frustrated and think you’re dumb” when you have reading challenges, he adds. And, in a lot of cases, children give up on reading and miss all of its benefits. That seems more true for boys,
See READING on page 18
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Flurry of library programs grab kids by their interests From storytime to Quidditch, graphic novels to W.E.B. DuBois By CASSANDRA WEST Contributing Reporter
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he Oak Park Public Library understands what it takes to get kids to read: engage their interests. Judging by the number of elementary and middle schoolers who show up every day, whether with parents, school groups or by themselves, the library is developing a community of young readers. From the summer reading program to storytimes and maker labs, OPPL aims to create a well-rounded literacy experience for all young people. Librarians aren’t there to merely help young patrons find a book. They are constantly trying out ways to make the world of books a source of wonder and surprise for young readers. And fun, too. “We’re always trying to find ways to make reading fun and part of a community,” says Jose Cruz, middle school services librarian, during an interview in the first-floor children’s department.
“You have to have an entry point” to engage their minds. Cruz sees the library’s role as “trying to develop critical thinkers.” He, other librarians and community members put in a lot of effort developing programs around that mission. One such program, for students grades 6-12, is The Living History Project. Local activist Billy Che Brooks leads the program, which started in May, and meets twice a week. Brooks assigns readings on topics like human or civil rights that have included, for example, W.E.B. DuBois’ historic petition to the United States. Readings and discussions are designed to help participants cultivate social and critical thinking skills, develop research skills while they read and learn about social movements in the U.S. and gain public speaking experience. During a recent wide ranging discussion, Brooks told the students, “Listening is the most critical social skill one can have.” An elementary school student, attending for the first time, of-
HARRY SENT ME: Henry Wright, 9, left, attempts to shoot the ball through the ring against Loyola University student Jessica Anger last Saturday, during a practice game of Quidditch at Scoville Park in Oak Park. (ALEXA ROGALS/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) fered up a confession. “I’m a very slow learner when it comes to reading,” she said. The comment was met with respect and nods of understanding. The Living History Project mostly attracts kids who come to the library after school and are hungry for something to do, Cruz says. About a dozen pre-teens and teens are regular participants. Cruz thinks the just-released “America to Me” documentary film at OPRF could be another entry point “to reading further about certain topics, because [it’s about] what kids are experiencing every day. You’ve got to have an entry point,” to draw kids, particularly those who are less inclined toward reading, says Cruz.
When Cruz heard about a 16-yearold Austin student, Kamarion Miller, who had written and self-published his own book, he invited Miller to do a reading and signing at the library. In addition to growing as readers, “it’s important for kids to write their own books,” he says. And for young people to read works by people their own age. In the high school services department, librarian Racheal Bild likes to see her job as developing programs that encourage civic engagement. And to that point there are a “lot of things happening in this library,” she says. She helped put on an afternoon-long Harry Potter-themed event, “Wizard Rock the Vote,” on Aug. 4. In conjunc-
ROCK THE VOTE: The Quidditch event was a partnership of the library and the League of Women Voters to help boost voter registration. (ALEXA ROGALS/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
tion with the League of Women Voters, the event included voter registration, Quidditch playing and a Wizard band. Bild thinks the explosion in comics and graphic novels gives today’s visually oriented young readers new opportunities “to construct meaning from images, and they are a super important tool for visual literacy.” “From picture books and easy readers that make use of conventions like speech bubbles and panels (like Elephant and Piggie and Toon Books), readers are discovering comics early and reading straight through the kids section, the tween section, into the teen section and hopefully, eventually, the adult section,” Bild says. Bild and Cruz believe early literacy programs build a strong foundation for a lifetime of reading. Parents, caregivers, teachers each play a role in developing readers, whether it’s sharing books, songs or stories as early as possible. When young children hear new words and know how stories are told, the transition to reading books won’t be so overwhelming when they start school. Parents use the library to give their kids that start. As Karen Stoner, a library assistant, observed, in that last week before the start of the new school year, parents were “coming in like crazy to get library cards for their kindergartners and firstgraders.”
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Never stop reading to your kids
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Reading - 3rd Grade PARCC 2017
A lot of science and some magic turns kids into readers By CASSANDRA WEST Contributing Reporter
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arents, more often than not, are their child’s first reading teacher. All those enjoyable moments reading bedtime stories and paging through picture books make up the first reading lessons as a child takes in new words and phrases and the magic of reading begins to happen. “Human beings were never born to read,” Maryanne Wolf, cognitive neuroscientist and child development expert, writes in her book “Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain.” Reading is a human invention that reflects how the brain rearranges itself to learn something new. Another cognitive scientist Mark Seidenberg, author of “Language at the Speed of Light” who studies the science of reading, says that how reading is taught places many children at risk of failure, discriminates against poorer kids, and discourages even those who could have become more successful readers. Those early reading teachers, like one local parent Kate O’Keefe, know that every child comes to reading in
her or his own way. Neither of her two children knew how to read before they started school, but her daughter, 9, picked it up rather easily, she says. Her son, who is 7 and still learning how to read, not as much. “What I’ve learned from that, and I think it has very little to do with the fact that he’s a boy, but I just have to have a different approach with different kids when it comes to reading.” While O’Keefe didn’t have to work on sight words or practicing sounds with her daughter, those exercises have benefited her son. She found that making the reading experience fun and choosing books that “he’s into” worked better for him. O’Keefe, who also is a teacher, has some tips for parents who are introducing their children to books: “Let them read what they want to read,” she says. “Follow their interests. “Sometimes parents quit reading to their children once their children learn how to read,” O’Keefe says. “I think it’s good to continue reading out loud to your kid. That’s how they know their vocabulary. They hear [new] words and more sophisticated language than in books they would pick up themselves.”
Five Stages of Reading Development
• Emerging pre-reader (typically between 6 months to 6 years old) • Novice reader (typically between 6 to 7 years old) • Decoding reader (typically between 7 - 9 years old • Fluent, comprehending reader (typically between 9 - 15 years old) • Expert reader (typically from 16 years and older).
SOURCE: “PROUST AND THE SQUID: THE STORY AND SCIENCE OF THE READING BRAIN” BY MARYANNE WOLF. HARPER PERENNIAL, 2008.
Scores are down from the previous year for both districts and across all demographics. Given the challenges with the PARCC assessment and the unreliability of the data due to families opting out, NWEA MAP scores will be used by SAY to measure progress going forward. The PARCC score gaps remain consistent. Note: Data is not listed for populations of 10 or less students
Like slime? Here’s a book about it E-Team, library partner to tease out reading interests By CASSANDRA WEST Contributing Reporter
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fter District 97’s summer school session ended, 55 students attended another four-week academic program run by the E-Team, an education equity initiative based at the Oak Park Public Library. “E-Team and D97 bring in the best teachers, all reading specialists to make learning fun and engaging for kids so it’s more inquiry based,” says Francis Kraft, who runs the program. Called the Power of Partnerships, the program for second to eighth graders allows students to work in small groups guided by an individual instructor. Students practice language, writing, math problem solving under a personalized plan of instruction. Reading specialists coordinate instruction
and assess progress. The E-Team worked closely with D97 to target kids in the zero to 25 percentile achievement range, says Kraft. Carmelita Brown, a Chicago Public School teacher, was one of the Partnership reading specialists. She speaks of an Oak Park fourth grader who “came in with such a negative attitude about reading. She didn’t like to read, didn’t want anything to do with reading.” After Brown surveyed all of the students and learned this student was interested in fashion, emojis and drama, she introduced the girl to books and other passages related to topics that held her interest. Eventually, the girl told Brown, “I think I’m starting to like reading.” Brown told the girl, “You can literally read about anything. Reading isn’t only for academics. You read so-
cially. You can read to learn how to make slime,” another of the girl’s interests. Ivonne Machuca, who recently completed the reading specialist program at Dominican University and worked in the E-Team programs, says that once you know a child’s interest, “find a real-world application to it. Explain how reading can be applied. A lot of kids might not understand why they have to read. That it’s not just something they have to do at school.”
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READING continued from page 15 as indicated by gender disparities in school reading scores. In both Districts 90 and 97, boys significantly lag girls in reading by the time they reach third grade. Nationwide, research shows that students who do not read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade are four times more likely than proficient readers to drop out of high school. That fact alone when combined with other research on the importance of early literacy skills has intensified the focus on improving 3rd-grade reading proficiency, according to an Education Commission of the States report. Disparity in reading scores is also pretty well divided by race, Harris says. For him, that’s a concern and a cause he has taken up. He and several other African American adult males in June launched a monthly mentoring event built around reading and exploration aimed at boys in grades kindergarten through 12, though anyone is welcome. The events take place at the Oak Park Library’s main branch on the third Saturday each month. Organizers named it Zingela Ulwazi, a Zulu phrase that means “hunt for wisdom.” “We wanted to have a series of events where minority men show up and youth of color can see men are interested in reading and interested in investing in them as well,” Harris says. The program has the support of Success of All Youth (SAY) and its executive director Linda Francis. “As I
WELCOME TO WAKANDA: Professor Anthony Jackson guided kids in fun experiments to learn about the properties of electricity. He was one of the special guests at Zingela Ulwazi’s Black Panther themed electricity workshop. (JENNIFER STIX) looked at challenges we had around literacy, particularly with respect to boys and even more particularly with
respect to boys of color, one of the things it was important to address was the need for them to see other
Left to right: Members of Zingela Ulwazi are Christian Harris, Doug Dixon, Dr. Orson Morrison, Kamau “Maui” Jones, Daryl Thompson. Not pictured: Jose Cruz, Kellen Love
men of color promoting this [effort],” Francis says. Both Francis and Harris want the still-evolving Zingela Ulwazi to be a sustainable and community-based approach to encouraging reading. “Not just reading for the sake of raising test scores,” Francis says. “But reading for community and cultural basis—the hunt for wisdom.” About 20 or so mostly elementary school-age boys (some girls and parents, too) have been showing up. Francis says the mentors decided to go with the popular Black Panther comic book series and movie as a theme for the summer events. The program will be retooled for fall, she says. At the July meeting, Mark Willis, an OPRF alum who plays a warrior in the blockbuster “Black Panther” movie, did a dramatic reading then talked with the group about the importance of reading. Other activities get folded in to broaden the experience around four categories: arts & culture, social justice, geography & language, and science & technology, Harris says. Participants have designed letters
from the Wakadan alphabet and done some 3D printing. Another Zingela Ulwazi mentor is Doug Dixon, a community leader who works with local groups on bridging social/cultural divides. He hopes that over time the young wisdom hunters come away with a deeper love of reading and a love of learning. “It’s a good thing to put an image in the minds of young men in the community that black men are engaged in social justice, technology and education issues and it’s not necessarily uncool to think and read,” he says. As for library board member Harris, he wants to see more black youth checking out more books. He thinks that because of tablet and smartphones, kids today are probably already reading a lot of words. It shouldn’t be that hard to get them engaged with literature that will benefit and stimulate them intellectually, he says. “If we can just shift that and get them to read books, it would good for the community” and their social and civic development as well.
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L O N G F E L L O W
B A C K
T O
S C H O O L
2 0 1 8
Serenade The First Day of School Band conducted a New Orleansstyle funeral (for summer) and a celebration (for the first day of school) at Longfellow Elementary on Aug. 22.
Apartment living with congregate services
114 South Humphrey Oak Park, IL 60302
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his property with its architecturally award-winning atrium, provides seniors and persons with disabilities with parking, library, laundry room, wellness center and other conveniences. A service coordinator is on staff to assist tenants who may need additional services. The units are studio and one bedroom, each with electric appliances, tile bath, and wall to wall carpeting. Modern fire and safety systems are installed in each apartment and common areas of the building. There are 8 accessible one bedroom units for the mobility impaired.
Shortfellows
Photos by ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Students follow the band, pied-piper style, into Longfellow last Wednesday to begin a new school year.
The Oaks is owned and operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation and is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the 202/section 8 Program. Residents pay approximately 30% of their monthly income for rent. For additional information, please visit our web site at www.oakparkha.org or contact us at 708-386-5812.
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COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM | VIEW ALL OF OUR OPEN HOUSES OAK PARK OFFICE 708.524.1100 | 114 N OAK PARK AVE The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. Š2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
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Homes
Talking trees The ins and outs of removal and planting in Oak Park and River Forest By LACEY SIKORA
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Contributing Reporter
f you go by their names alone, the villages of Oak Park and River Forest have something fairly basic in common: both were once forested areas before the introduction of paved streets and blocks of homes and businesses. Today, both villages tout their green space and while little of the native forests survive, trees lining the parkways remain a major selling point for living in the suburbs. Summer is prime season for tree removal, and while residents can’t always tell if a tree is diseased, it’s hard to ignore the buzz of chainsaws and the remaining stump when a Today the village is trying to protect the ash tree is removed. This time of year can bring trees that remain. unwanted changes to streetscapes, and local “We have a little over 100 ash trees that we forestry experts are here to explain what is inject every other year,” Anderson said. “It happening. keeps the emerald ash borer from infesting Oak Park’s Forestry Superintendent Rob- the tree.” ert Sproule says that trees are susceptible to Oak Park is currently experiencing a probweather changes and pests. lem with its maple tree populaHe calls 2018 a fairly standard tion, which were commonly plantyear in terms of problems with ed in response to earlier waves of trees, and notes that some resiDutch elm disease. Sproule says dents might have had problems that the silver maples, which were with their fruit trees due to wet planted in the 1950s and 1960s, and spring weather, which can cause the Norway maples and lindens, problems with fungus, but the which were planted in the 1970s village typically plants ornamenand 1980s, are now showing signs tal trees which are more fungusof decline. resistant. When it comes to Dutch “These are not long-lived cultielm disease, he says this year has vars,” Sproule said. “We call this JOHN ANDERSON been a bit odd. ‘maple decline,’ and it’s a combi“We’re not seeing strong symp- River Forest public works director nation of the urban factor and the toms,” Sproule said. “Trees are quality of the trees. We always still getting it, but they are not allove maples, but we have to reways showing the typical flags. It can be hard member they are riparian, bottom-dwelling to tell homeowners you have to remove a tree trees. They like wet roots, and we don’t have in front of their house when they are not see- that on our parkways.” ing the symptoms.” Emerald ash borer is under control in the Inspection and removal village, primarily because most infested trees have been removed, and the white ash trees Every year, the Oak Park prunes one that remain are less prone to infestation. quarter of the village parkway trees. Prior In River Forest, Public Works Director to pruning, a consultant inspects the trees John Anderson says the emerald ash borer and flags any issues that may mark a tree for led to significant tree loss a few years ago. removal.
FILE
PROVIDED
Oak Park Forestry Superintendent Robert Sproule Residents call in issues with the trees in front of their homes, and on their way to pruning or inspections, employees often see a problematic tree while driving in the village. All of these methods of spotting trees which are in need of removal due to disease
or decline typically lead to 500 to 600 trees being removed every year. To date, this year has been better than most says Sproule. “This year, we’re hovering around 200 to See TREES on page 23
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dive in one more time. HAPPY LABOR DAY
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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TREES
Resisting monoculture from page 21 300 removals,” Sproule said. “In the spring, we planted 289 trees. This fall, we’re on schedule to plant around 300 or so. We’re pretty close to full stocking based on village standards.” When a parkway tree is marked for removal, residents get a notice from the village telling them the tree will be removed and informing them if the tree is approved for a new tree or replacement. Stump grinding takes place in spring and fall, so a replacement tree is typically provided a season or two after the tree is removed. In River Forest, the village trims trees on a five-year cycle. Anderson says that the village planted 90 new parkway trees this spring and plans to plant another 30 this fall. River Forest has also been using GPS to create an interactive map of the trees ROBERT SPROULE in the village. Oak Park forestry Anderson says that superintendent interested residents can “go to the Public Works section of the website, click on Forestry and click on tree location map to see each tree identified by name, size of tree and date of inspection.” The resource can be used as an aid for tree trimming and removal as well.
“We’re pretty close to full stocking based on village standards.”
New plantings River Forest buys its trees in bulk, so it does not give residents a say in the size of the replacement tree, but Anderson says residents can ask for a certain type of tree, with a few caveats. “They can request a specific variety, and if there are not a large number of those already in the area, we try our best to meet their request,” Anderson said. “We don’t want a monoculture. It’s not healthy.” Anderson says that London plane trees, American hornbeam, white oak and Kentucky coffee trees are some of the many varieties of trees planted in River Forest this year, In Oak Park, residents can choose from a variety of replacement trees, but Sproule says the village can’t guarantee what will be planted. “Too many of one variety leaves us really exposed,” Sproule said. “We already are about 25 percent maples on the parkway. If we got an infestation of Asian long-horned beetle, it could wipe out 25 percent of our stock.” Sproule says the village’s forestry division maintains roughly 18,000 trees in the parkways of Oak Park and they are
FILE
DIGGING IN: Village workers and contractors (above) are slated to plant 300 trees in the public way in Oak Park in 2018. constantly trying new trees to maintain a healthy landscape. There is a lot of interest in native species, which for Oak Park is, not surprisingly, the oak tree. This fall, the forestry division will be planting over 40 different species and cultivars of trees. Some of these new varieties include hybrid elm trees that are resistant to Dutch elm disease, an ornamental cherry tree which is doing well, and the Exclamation London Plane tree that was developed by the Morton Arboretum and which Sproule says is related to
the sycamore family. Residents are also often concerned about the size of the replacement tree, and Sproule says the village uses the best science they have to determine the appropriate planting size. He likens the ideal diameter for planting to a soda can. “We typically plant two-inch to two-and-ahalf-inch caliber trees,” he said. “Depending on the variety of the tree, this will be about 10 to 15 feet tall. Bigger trees cost more to buy and cost more to plant. And, the bigger they get, the less likely they are to succeed.”
Sproule says that planting bigger trees does not result in getting a canopy faster, often because it is difficult to transplant the entire root system necessary for a big tree to thrive. “Studies show that within five years, that two-inch tree will be bigger than a four-inch tree because the smaller tree overcomes transplant stress faster,” he said. If residents have concerns or questions about their parkway trees, Sproule urges them to reach out to the Department of Public Works at 708-358-5700. In River Forest, Public Works can be reached at 708-714-3550.
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PRI CE RED U C E D!
N E W L ISTIN G!
GORGOUS TOTAL GUT REHAB of this unique bungalow. It’s a lot of house! This 6 bedroom, 4-1/2 bath home has a big, sunny, open harmonious floor plan with everything new! Quality finishes. Stunning one of a kind Entryway. Mudroom, Family Room, Recessed Lighting................................................................................... $675,000
THIS HOME HAS IT ALL! Open floor plan, hardwood flooring and natural woodwork. High-end kitchen, first floor laundry area. Four large bedrooms. Large basement offers additional living space. 2-car attached garage. Tons of storage with lots of natural light throughout. ............................................................................ $795,000
ELEGANT, GRACIOUS HOME with 4 BRs, 2-1/2 BAs offers a large formal LR w/gas fireplace, spacious DR, hardwood floors, beautiful molding, family room, eat-in kitchen, finished lower level and whole house generator. Outside includes back deck & 3 car garage. ........... ..................................................................................................$719,000
MOVE-IN READY, HANDSOME COLONIAL HOME. Hardwood floors, newer windows , central air. Stunning new kitchen, great size LR, Venetian finished walls in a separate dining room. Three large BRs and heated enclosed porch. Newer 3-car garage with storage. A must see! .................................................................................$419,000
RIVER FOREST HOMES
LOVELY TUTOR in premier River Forest location offers beautiful wdwk and custom built-ins throughout. Flowing space for family, entertaining! Original details blend seamlessly with updated 3-story addition. Elegant, well constructed!.........$935,000 LOVELY BRICK GEORGIAN with elegance, modern day conveniences, and space. Features include hardwood floors, 3 fireplaces, family room, double-sided fireplace, sunroom with heated floors, beautifully paved patio. Lower Level rec room w fireplace and heated floors. ................................................................................$925,000 GRACIOUS FRENCH PROVINCIAL, four bedroom, 3.1 bath home. This beautiful home will not disappoint you! Beautiful kitchen, elegant, sun-drenched LR & DR, 1st fl fam room and breakfast room. Finished LL, and unfinished attic available for further expansion................................................................................................$864,000 SOLID BRICK GEORGIAN located on beautiful tree-lined street. This 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA home offers generous room sizes, breakfast room, sitting room, French doors, and enormous family room. Chef’s kitchen with granite counters and SS appliances. Fin bsmt with updated full bath. ...............................................................$659,000 VINTAGE BRICK DUTCH COLONIAL CHARM with all of the Modern Conveniences. Wood Burning Fireplace, Chef Quality Kitchen (Heated Floors) opens to Family Room. Rec Room, Work Room and Laundry in the Basement. Fantastic Yard, Paver Brick Patio, Garage and addl Parking..........................................................$649,500 GREAT LOCATION & EASY LIVING in this single family Tri-level home on a quiet Cul-De-Sac street. Great flow for entertaining, complete with family room. MBR has an en-suite European bath. Finished lower level has a 1/2 bath, study and exercise room. Growth to make it your own.......................................................................$639,000 YOUR PERFECT HOME! Brick, three generous sized BR Georgian on a corner lot. Updated kitchen with open floor plan, first floor family room, finished basement with bar and fireplace, and separate laundry/storage room. Fenced in yard..........$599,000 BEAUTIFUL 3 LEVEL SINGLE FAMILY offers 3800+ sq/ft of living! Open concept on first floor. Second floor features four spacious bedrooms & a sunroom overlooking backyard. Third floor has great room w/separate guest BR and workout room. Finished basement........................................................................................$595,000
LARGE ENGLISH COUNTRY TUDOR HOME with 5 BRs, 3-1/2 BAs in the heart of Oak Park’s Historic District. Impressive home blends both old and new, with natural woodwork and the modern conveniences in a gourmet kitchen which boasts commercial grade appliances. ................................................................................$799,000 STATELY BRICK CENTER-ENTRANCE COLONIAL. Generously sized LR & DR, wood burning fireplace, high ceilings, beautiful crown molding, architectural details, leaded glass windows and hardwood throughout. Sunroom with French doors. Basement w/ rec room, bar & ample storage. ........................................$798,500 WONDERFUL HOME offers a combination of original features and updated modern conveniences in this five bedroom, 2 full, 2 half bath home. Gracious foyer, gourmet kitchen, family room, beautiful deck, landscaped backyard with 3-car garage. Rec room in basement. ..............................................................................$749,000 MOVE-IN READY with space for everyone! Enjoy the well thought out design of this 5 BR, 4 BA home! 1st FL includes open floor plan, kitchen/fam rm combo, BR, full BA. 2nd FL features 4 BRs, 2 full BAs, laundry. Finished bsmnt with additional BR and 4th full BA...................................................................................................................$629,000 THIS HOME HAS IT ALL! Bright, sunny north east lot located in Horace Mann School District. Freshly painted walls, refinished hardwood floors, over sized Master Bedroom with room for multiple seating arrangements. Beautiful gardening surrounds the home.......................................................................................................$589,000 CLASSIC QUEEN ANNE HOME with 3 bedrooms, 3-1/2 baths includes LR with gas FP and attached Sun room. 1st FL family room, updated kitchen with attached breakfast room. Great closet space. Finished rec room in basement. Custom deck. Great house for entertaining!..................................................................................$555,000 LARGE BUNGALOW with beautiful slate entry, amazing art glass windows, hardwood floors & stunning period lighting throughout! This 5 bedroom, 4 bath home offers gas fireplace, built-in bookcases, cooks kitchen. LL has finished rec room laundry & plenty of storage! ...................................................................................$539,900 ELEGANT BRICK HOME lives large in North OP. Architectural details of yesteryear with today’s amenities. Fabulous brick home on corner lot. 3 BRs, 2.1 BA . Hdwd flrs, updated eat in kitchen, C/A, large finished basement. Must see! .............$519,900 A TRUE OP BEAUTY! Enjoy the deep park-like lot in Northwest Oak Park. Well maintained 1905 Farmhouse with 3 BR, 1-1/2 baths. In great condition!......$479,900 SO MUCH TO LOVE about this house in the Historic Harrison Street District built in 1913! Since then, house has doubled in size. It includes an open front porch, eco friendly lot and location, oak woodwork, family room, lower level office, built-in breakfast bar, 2 car garage. .....................................................................................$475,000 SIDE ENTRANCE COLONIAL on leafy quiet block awaits new owners with fresh ideas. Three BR, two and one half BA, offers a generous LR with wd burning fireplace, formal DR, breakfast rm, laundry in bsmnt, mature fenced yard. ..$460,000 READY TO MOVE IN charming 3 BR features a welcoming front porch with swing and sitting area. Magnificent oak woodwork, stained glass & hardwood floors. Finished basement. Large deck & landscaped yard. Many extras! .................$448,000
BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED, maintained and decorated with impeccable oak floors and natural light. First flr offers bonus rm w/built in storage. Ssecond flr with three BRs, full BA. Too many updates and improvements to list! ................... $367,000 CLASSIC OAK PARK BRICK HOME on beautiful block in great location. Large living room with crown molding & wood burning fireplace. Dining room perfect for entertaining. Hardwood floors under carpet. Large master bedroom + 2 additional bedrooms & unheated tandem...............................................................................$347,000
BURMA BUILT BUHRKE HOUSE combines Tudor revival & chateau style architecture elements. Gorgeous décor and impeccable attention to detail and care found in house and landscaped grounds, extends to fabulous in ground pool and patios. Perfect for entertaining............................................................................$2,399,000 BEAUTIFUL RIVER FOREST ESTATE features a detailed stone and brick exterior leading to a timeless Interior. Two story marble foyer, spiral staircase, 5 fireplaces, banquet sized DR, Fam Rm, 2nd Floor Laundry, rear staircase. LL has an Exercise Room, Fam Rm. Large Landscaped Lot. .........................................................................$1,895,000 REMARKABLE TUDOR with four levels of living space, 6 BRs, 7-1/2 BAs. Grand entry, winding staircase to 2nd floor, formal LR, French doors to DR, elaborate library, family room, game room, custom dressing room for two. Four BRs on the 2nd fl are complete with full baths. .....................................................................................$1,695,000 SPECTACULAR HOME offers modern/elegant architectural design, tasteful decor and attention to detail throughout, featuring 4 BRs and 5 full BAs. Music room, private office, butler’s pantry, family room. Full basement w/wet bar, game room and rec room. .................................................................................................................$1,595,000 CLASSIC, ELEGANT HOME with exceptional design & open floor plan. Special features include a dramatic double door entry, gracious foyer, limestone mantle, open great room, gourmet kitchen. Fin bsmt with wet-bar, game table area, rec room, computer area and half bath................................................................................$1,375,000 PRICE REDUCED PREPARE TO BE IMPRESSED with this STUNNING 5 bedroom brick home that was renovated from top to bottom in 2010. This home offers endless amounts of quality upgrades. Exceptional lower level like none you have ever seen. New 2 level brick and stucco heated garage..................................$1,350,000 SETTING A NEW STANDARD in approachable elegance, this five bedroom, 3-1/2 bath home will exceed your expectations with wide plank hardwood floors, striking lighting and custom millwork throughout. One of a kind floor plan, and three fully finished levels. ...............................................................................................$1,300,000 SPECTACULAR HOME features generously sized BRs, including a Master Suite, with closet space and adjoining BAs, chef’s kitchen opens to great room. High end features, finished bsmnt with fireplace. Two car attached/heated gar........$1,200,000 STATELY LANNON STONE GEORGIAN that is move in ready with five large bedrooms, and three full baths. Large room sizes, remodeled gourmet kitchen, family room, three fireplaces , full finished basement, walk up third floor storage with 10 foot ceiling. Slate roof. Attached 2 car garage............................................................$1,155,000 STUNNING RENOVATION by Birmingham Development. Situated on a tree lined cul-de-sac block, this four bedroom, three and one half bath home has been thoughtfully designed and constructed with high quality craftsmanship & great attention to detail. .................................................................................................$1,059,000 IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED COMTEMPORARY HOME in quiet section of RF. Includes 3 BRs, 3 full and 3 half BAs, expansive foyer, bamboo floors, multi-faced gas fireplace, private office, updated kit, screened in porch, pool. ..................$940,000
OAK PARK HOMES
UNPRECEDENTED ESTATE in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historical district of Oak Park! This meticulously renovated 5 BR, 5 full / 2 half bath property offers exquisite details and refined finishes that boast timeless materials and over the top custom millwork. This is a showcase home! ...................................................................$1,665,000 YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED in this recently renovated, move-in ready E.E. Roberts home. This stunning 4 bedroom prairie style house is located in Oak Park’s estate section. Features leaded glass windows, doors, beamed ceiling, hardwood floors & open floor plan............................................................................................$919,000 COMFORT & CONTENTMENT LIVING in gracious A.L. Gardner House, set in the heart of the FLW Historic District and considered one of the finest examples of Victorian Stick Style in OP. Many improvements include a total kitchen redo and finished 3rd floor family room................................................................................$899,000
FOREST PARK HOMES
METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED NEW CONSTRUCTION built in 2006. Open floor plan features 10 foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and many custom details from crown molding to door handles. High end kitchen, four generously sized bedrooms, open basement ready to finish. ................................................................$464,000 TWO STORY BRICK & FRAME HOME w/open floor plan on first floor with slate entry & hardwood floors. Large LR, formal DR open to wood cabinet kitchen. 2nd floor has 4 BRs, 5th BR in basement. Basement is semi finished with laundry room. Large fenced in yard, 2 car garage. ........................................................................$429,000
ELMWOOD PARK HOMES
PRICE REDUCED PERFECT 5 BEDROOM HOME walking distance to the Metra Train! Beautiful open floor plan, hardwood floors, open kitchen, 1st floor family room. LL has rec room with bar area, 2 BRs, FULL bath and second laundry area. This home has all the size and storage you need. .......................................................$499,000 LARGE BRICK COLONIAL beautifully renovated from top to bottom! Gourmet kitchen, LR with wood burning marble fireplace, four bedrooms, two full baths, and finished basement with family room. Some updates include wood floors, plumbing, electrical, appliances, siding, roof. .........................................................................$429,000 JUST MOVE IN! Serious pride of ownership is evident. First floor features LR with crown molding, a remodeled cook’s kitchen, separate breakfast room with built- ins, den. Two bedrooms and full bath. One first floor BR may be used as office or DR. Finished basement. A must see. ............................................................................$359,000
CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2 FLATS
RIVER FOREST 2BR, 2BA. Unique, luxurious! ..............................................$270,000 RIVER FOREST 2BR, 1BA. Move-in condition...............................................$149,900 RIVER FOREST 2BR 1BA. Neat, tidy unit........................................................$119,500 OAK PARK 2BR, 2-1/2 BA. Sun drenched unit. ..............................................$489,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 3BA. Two separate balconies! ..............................................$415,000 NEW LISTING OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. ........................................................$325,000 PRICE REDUCED OAK PARK 3BR, 2BA....................................................$257,000 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Vintage condo. ...............................................................$115,000 FOREST PARK 2 Flat..........................................................................................$385,000 FOREST PARK 2BR, 2BA. Heated garage space. ..........................................$182,500 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. Vintage unit...........................................................$109,500
For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com
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Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
®
Need Help Buying or Selling? Call your neighborhood experts. 708.848.5550 www.WeichertNickelGroup.com 101 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60301 OAK PARK
3D
1100 N. Oak Park Ave 4BR, 2.1BA $499,000
409 S. East Ave 2BR, 2.1BA $349,000
546 N. Oak Park Ave 5BR, 2.2BA $838,000
3D
3D
NEW PRICE!
NEW PRICE!
839 N. Lombard Ave 3BR, 1.1BA $359,000
517 S. Elmwood Ave 5BR, 2.2BA $549,900
OAK PARK
735 Belleforte Ave 3BR + 1BSMT, 2.1BA $519,000
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NEW PRICE!
1018 N. Humphrey Ave 3BR, 2BA $359,000
333 N. Euclid Ave 9BR, 3.2BA $1,399,000
1100 Home Ave 4BR, 2.1BA $480,000
3D
818 N. Ridgeland Ave 4BR, 3BA $525,000
OAK PARK
3D NEW PRICE!
215 S. Ridgeland Ave 5BR, 3BA $625,900
1136 Gunderson Ave 3BR, 2.1BA $587,900
3D
3D 3D
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RIVER FOREST
NEW PRICE!
1147 Forest Ave 4BR + 2BSMT, 4.1BA $1,400,000
500 William St 5BR, 5BA $843,000
3D
1134 S. Euclid Ave 4BR, 2.1BA $519,000
1029 S. Cuyler Ave 2BR, 2BA $299,000
3D
NEW LISTING!
304 S. Taylor Ave 5BR, 1.1BA $450,000
1022 S. Scoville Ave 3BR, 2BA $419,900
Condos
3D
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1176 S. Taylor Ave 3BR, 2.1BA $544,900
OAK PARK
COMPLETE GUT REHAB!
731 Belleforte Ave 4BR + 1BSMT, 4.1BA $999,000
3D
NEW LISTING!
1123 Schneider Ave 3BR + 1BSMT, 2.1BA $449,000
847 S. Kenilworth Ave 4BR, 1.1BA $519,000
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101 N. Euclid Ave 2BR, 2.1BA $439,000
1218 N. Euclid Ave 4BR, 2.1BA $549,000
1020 Randolph St – 3BR, 2BA $340,000 1118 Washington Blvd – 3BR, 2BA $285,000 6436 Roosevelt Rd – 2BR, 2BA $247,900 720 Erie St – 1BR, 1BA $185,000 821 Lake St – 2BR, 1BA $172,900 424 S. Maple Ave – 3BR, 1BA $168,900 426 S. Lombard Ave – 2BR, 2BA $163,000 642 Adams St – 2BR, 1BA $139,900 7432 Washington St – 2BR, 1.1BA $127,500
101 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301 • 708-848-5550 www.weichertnickelgroup.com
901 Wenonah Ave 2BR, 2BA $385,000
325 N. Grove Ave 5BR, 1.1BA $539,000
Go to
WeichertRNG.com
3D
to view 3D 3D Tours and see what else is on the market! Follow Weichert
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
PREVIEW HOUSE
PRICE CHANGE
UNDER CONTRACT
510 KEYSTONE, RIVER FOREST $1,395,000 :: 7+ bed :: 7.5 bath
1 GALE AVE #4A, RIVER FOREST $850,000 :: 4 bed :: 5.5 bath
Gourmet kitchen opens to family rm. Attached 3 car garage. Walk to train.
Huge condo with over 5000 sq ft of beautifully finished space with balcony & 4 parking spaces. Walk to train.
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Produced by the Advertising Department
Superior and Meticulous Renovation
L
ocated at 846 Bonnie Brae Place in River Forest, this stately 6,528 sq. ft., Mediterranean-influenced Italian Villa is a sight to behold. The stunning faรงade is enhanced by new landscaping and stone barriers. A gracious 2-story entry greets you, with beautiful terrazzo flooring and palladium windows. The first floor offers a sunken living room with a limestone fireplace, a dining room with new Venetian plaster walls, as well as a den and sun room with exquisite leaded glass French doors. The eat-in kitchen was completely remodeled. Brilliantly designed by Mark Menna, this island kitchen, with waterfall Quartzite counters, has custom mahogany cabinetry, a marble mosaic backsplash, Thermador appliances, as well as new windows and doors. The second floor boasts four roomy bedrooms, including an extravagant master suite with new Venetian plaster, ample closets and a Balcony. The Third Floor features another full bath along with guest suite (or rec room). The renovated lower level has an incredible family room with wet bar and fireplace, kitchenette and office. Other updates include: a new powder room, two air conditioning units, new gutters and extensive tile roof repairs, many new windows, a whole house generator, wiring, and more. 846 Bonnie Brae is currently listed at $1,499,000. For more information contact Zak Knebel, 773-290-9293 or Patti Sprafka Wagner, 708-218-8102, at SWK Group, @properties.
LUXURY
PRICE CHANGE
NEW LISTING
1142 FRANKLIN AVE, RIVER FOREST
1104 N ELMWOOD, OAK PARK $749,000 :: 4+ bed :: 3.5 bath
7410 NORTH, #503, ELMWOOD PARK $158,000 :: 2 bed :: 1.5 bath
Stylish brick English Tudor. Beautifully designed.
C/A, in-unit washer/dryer, balcony and parking.
$1,395,000 :: 4 bed :: 4.5 bath Custom modern 6000 sq. ft. home. Dramatic design and unique detailing throughout.
KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Sunday, September 2, 2018 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
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ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
245 S East Ave #2, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ReMax In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $259,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 1206 Lathrop Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $795,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
This Directory brought to you by mrgloans.com
Providing financing for homes in Oak Park and surrounding communities since 1989. Conventional, FHA, and Jumbo mortgages Free Pre-approvals
7544 W. North Avenue Elmwood Park, IL 708.452.5151
Mortgage Resource Group is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. NMLS # 207793 License # 1031
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Wednesday Journal and A Tribe Called Aging welcome
The
Tour
Wednesday, October 10th Pilgrim Congregational Church | 460 Lake St. Oak Park A day long, 3 part event, blending medical science, storytelling and live music The ChangingAging Tour shatters our culture’s damaging myths about aging. This is a beautiful day and evening that fills one with hope and excitement for the future. Disrupt Dementia - ChangingAging Tour Disrupt Dementia 2:30-4:00pm | $20* This immersive and transformational non-fiction theater experience weaves film, music and first-person stories with groundbreaking research turning convention on its head by focusing on what we can all learn from people living with dementia, rather than from experts. This performance is designed for people living with dementia and their allies.
The Lobby Experience - ChangingAging Tour Lobby Experience 4:00-7:00pm In the lobby Dr. Bill Thomas and his friends have created an interactive experience for you to engage with the ideas presented in the afternoon performance, get plugged in with local culture changers’ and connect with others in your community. Dining options available on campus (within short walking distance) between performances.
Life’s Most Dangerous Game - ChangingAging Tour Life’s Most Dangerous Game 7:00-8:30pm | $20* Dr. Thomas’ signature “non-fiction” theatrical performance features original music, storytelling, poetry and groundbreaking insights on aging and care. Featuring musical guests Nate Silas Richardson and Namarah McCall.
*Purchase the whole day pass for just $30
Get tickets at:
oakpark.com/changingaging $5 discount for WJ Subscribers if you use the code WJSUB
A TRIBE CALLED
AGING
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Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Labor Day Weekend
Don’t miss out on
Thursday – Monday!
our remaining 2017 models!
Great local pre-owned cars
SALES EVENT UP TO $13,000 OFF $4,000 & up
Located at I-290 & Harlem in Oak Park (708) 848-8500 Visit us online at volvooakpark.com Look for the tower!
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
Win e
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
r Center e p Su
Miller Lite,
Genuine Draft Coors Light Budweiser Bud Light
y for a Join us EVERY Saturda
STING
TA “FAMOUS” WINE 00 4: 12:00
Tell your friends!!!
7714 W. Madison, Forest Park 708-366-2500 Monday - Thursday 10-10 Friday & Saturday 10-11 Sunday 10-7
105 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard 630-629-3330 Monday - Thursday 9-10 Friday & Saturday 9-11 Sunday 10-9
On sale August 29 thru September 4, 2018 Right reserved to limit quantities and correct errors.
INSTANT SAVINGS Vodka
Canadian Club
21
17
Effen 80 Proof or Flavors
99 1.75 L
After $5 Instant Savings
Whisky
99
1.75 L
After $2 Instant Savings
Mark Your Calendar!
12
99
24 PKC
PLUS Get a bag of chips for 1¢
Heineken
Regular or Light
or
Amstel Light
10
99 12 PK
PLUS Get a bag of chips for 1¢
Tito’s
Handmade Vodka
26
99
1.75 L
Jim Beam White Label Bourbon
12
99
1.75 L After $2.00 Instant and $5 Mail-in Rebate
What - A "Famous High Roller" Wine Tasting. Sample over 30+ wines, from around the world, ranging in price from $30.00 to $100.00+, get samples of food served to you from our Famous local restaurateur friends at Gaetano's. And, as an added "Famous" bonus - plan ahead to make it a "Date Night" by making reservations ahead of time at Gaetano's and bring your favorite wine from the tasting and Chef Gaetano will waive your corkage charge! EARLY reservations for Gaetano's are HIGHLY recommended!! When/Where - Saturday, Oct. 6th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Right inside your Forest Park Famous Liquors & Wine Super Center!
Cost - If you pre-register before the October 7th, the cost
is ONLY $40 per person and... you will receive a $20 credit towards the purchase of a wine from the event! This cannot be doubled. Walk-ins are welcome the day of the tasting, but the cost will be $50.00 per person, and you will still get the $20.00 credit towards a purchase of a wine from the event!
SIGN UP TODAY
Toasted Head
Holiday Beer Specials!
Stella Artois
12
99
Cerveza
Since1899
11
12 PK
Sam Adams Beers
11
PLUS Get a Bag of Tortilla Chips for 1¢
99
Dos Equis
Michelob
Especial or Ambar
ULTRA
99
Superior Light Beer
799
12 PK
Seagram’s
12 PK
Escapes Variety Pack
899
12 PKB
3 For $25
PLUS Get a 24pk of Water for 1¢
Jack Daniel’s Bacardi Rum Light or Dark or
Seagram’s
Black Label
Gin
3599
1399
1.75L
1.75L
Jose Cuervo
RumChata
Especial Tequila
Liqueur
1099
1499
750ml
750ml
Hennessy
Jameson
VS Cognac
29
99
12 PK
12 PKB
10
Sol
Irish Whiskey
99
19
750ml
99 750ml
Oakheart
1599
1.75 L
PLUS Get a 2 Liter of Soda for 1¢
Glenmorangie 10 Year Old Scotch
2999 750ml
Holiday Wine Specials
Chardonnay 2016 or
Kendall-Jackson
Meiomi
Black Pinot Noir 2016
Chardonnay 2016
Pinot Noir 2016
Mark West
5
99 750ml
Vintner’s Reserve
8
99 750ml
California
15
99 750ml
MORE GREAT LABOR DAY WINE SELECTIONS! Diseño Old Vines Malbec 2015 ..............................................4.99 Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio ....................................... 14.99
Clos du Bois Chardonnay 2016 .....................................5.99 Apothic Crush, Dark, Red, Rosé, White ........................6.99 Ruffino Prosecco NV...............................................................8.99 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ................................9.99 Silver Totem Cabernet 2013.............................. Reg. $17.99 9.99
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut or Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut NV ........................................... 29.99 Woodbridge Wines .................................................. 1.5 Liter 8.99 Cavit Pinot Grigio ........................................................ 1.5 Liter 9.99 Black Box Wines.......................................................3 Liter 15.99
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Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
LASER AVAILABLE FOR FUNGAL NAILS • Mention this ad for FREE initial consultation (new patients only) • Medicare covers shoes for diabetics
REGISTER TODAY! PRICES GO UP SEPT 1
Happy Feet... begin with gentle, friendly care for your feet Louis J. Chi, D.P.M.
Mary M. DiSomma, D.P.M.
Ruth A. Chi, D.P.M.
Open Monday-Saturday • Free Initial Exam for Laser Fungal Nails
www.disomma.com 708-383-5554
Most Insurances & PPO’s Accepted Outpatient Foot Surgery Affiliated with Rush Oak Park Hospital
The flat, fast, and scenic 10K course passes by eight Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, including the Home and Studio. REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE Prices go up Sept. 1
5K Walk $33 5K Run $38 10K Run $38 Youth Mile $23
New! START TIMES 10K starts at 8am 5K Run/Walk starts at 8:15am Youth Mile starts at 9:15am
Growing Community.
LOCATION: OPRF High School
The Frank Lloyd Wright Races are made possible by our sponsors
Adam Doe
TRIPLE CROWN
WWW.FLWRACES.COM
www.oakpark.com
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.
Email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com
T
The ART of recovery
he opioid crisis is the latest headline and chapter in the long story of addiction and the struggle to recovery. For many, addiction may seem like some abstract problem or distant dilemma. It is not. It is an illness that afflicts all races, income and social levels, and communities. In Oak Park and River Forest we are confronting it. The Addiction Recovery Team of the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township is committed to helping those in the recovering community — and those seeking recovery — to find prevention, early intervention and treatment options with community support. Created four years ago, the Addiction Recovery Team (ART) helps people in Oak Park and River Forest get treatment and support services for addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling. Over 21 million Americans are battling a substance-use disorder. We have an epidemic across the country, and it is hitting an increasing number of young people. Those who need help can get help and can have the support they need. For many of us, we only become aware of the scope of the problem when it affects the life of someone we love — a family member or friend — or the life of someone we admire and respect. On Sept. 8, ART will screen the documentary As I Am: The Life and Times of DJ AM. The film is an insider’s look at the life of “America’s first million dollar DJ” and his struggle with recovery. Concordia University Chicago will host the screening at the Christopher Center, 7400 Augusta St., Room 200, in River Forest. A Tribeca Film Festival selection in 2015, the film chronicles the spectacular rise of DJ AM, his struggles with drugs and alcohol, and his death in 2009 from an overdose. Widely regarded as the first star deejay, DJ AM (his real name was Adam Goldstein) was popular in Hollywood, New York and Las Vegas. He struggled with weight, drugs and depression. Quoted in an article in People: “Drugs became my identity,” DJ AM said in 2005. “I would deejay until 2 a.m., go get drugs and stay up until 10 in the morning doing drugs alone in my apartment.” This film is about a famous person, but the message is that addiction can hit anyone. Addiction is an illness, and people need to be able to open up about their illness. People can and need to seek help and not struggle in silence. The struggle to recovery waged by DJ AM instructs us all. The struggle requires persistence, education, treatment and support. The story of his struggle teaches us that recovery is not easy, there will be relapses, and it cannot be waged alone. But there is hope. Programs like ART are available. Our community is not idle. We are taking a vibrant and forceful stand to assist our community — our friends, our family members, those we love — in confronting their addiction and the struggle to recovery. Anita Pindiur and Vanessa Matheny, MSW, are co-chairs of the Addiction Recovery Team of the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township.
ANITA
PINDIUR & VANESSA MATHENY One View
VIEWPOINTS
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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Rescuing the Catholic Church Ken Trainor, p. 34
Have you ever thought of tutoring? By SHER WATTS SPOONER
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Cluster Tutoring
very Tuesday and Thursday evening during the school year, students from Chicago’s Austin neighborhood join volunteers from Oak Park, River Forest, Austin, and surrounding communities to form one-to-one partnerships. Their combined mission: to boost student learning. Cluster Tutoring was formed in 1990 as a nonprofit, community-based organization to tutor children from Austin. It has grown from 30-some tutors and students one night a week into a program that offers tutoring to more than 100 students on two nights. For 90 minutes a week, students in grades K-12 get the undivided attention of an adult to focus on reading fluency, vocabulary, math skills, and homework. Many tutors and students return year after year as they form relationships that go from tutor-student to mentor-student to friendship. Both groups obviously enjoy the teamwork: Last year, an average of 81 percent of students and 86 percent of tutors returned to the program. Some tutors have attended their students’ graduations from eighth grade, high school, and college. A few have attended weddings and baby showers. Through it all, they have seen their students grow into young adults more capable of handling the world around them. Here are stories of some of those tutors and students:
Maggie Farren: The high school tutor If tutor Maggie Farren looks more like one of the Cluster Tutoring students than a tutor, there’s good reason. Maggie was one of the few tutors who joined the program as a student at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Maggie’s mother saw a notice in the local paper that tutors were needed. “I wasn’t doing much at the time,” Maggie said. “I went to the orientation and realized that I was one of the youngest people there.” Maggie, who has three younger siblings, realized she loves to work with younger kids. She spent her sophomore, junior, and senior years helping her student, Nickeyah, who started Cluster in kindergarten. It’s been a joyful collaboration. According to Maggie, Nickeyah “is absolutely amazing. She’s made me stick with it. She’s totally enthusiastic. I love that about her.” Maggie shared her tutoring experiences with her friends at school. “Most of them say, ‘Oh, that’s so cool. Tell me more about it.’ When Nickeyah gets a good report card, I tell everyone. I’m so proud of her. I think a lot of my friends would be good tutors. It’s valuable to have teenagers doing tutoring. There’s more understanding of what kids are doing in school.” As a kindergartner, Nickeyah started out learning the alphabet and writing her letters. The pair have kept a notebook throughout the years to measure her progress. “Now, when we look back, we see how far she’s come,” Maggie said. “Tutoring is like a two-way street,” she added. “I teach Nickeyah, but she’s living a life I can’t imagine. I
PROVIDED
Teshell and her tutor, Leslie Hodes learn as much from her as she learns from me.” In the fall, Maggie is heading to college, and Nickeyah will be starting third grade; both have benefited from their time together. Leslie Hodes: Putting 35 years of teaching experience to good use After 35 years as an educator, Leslie Hodes could spend her days with friends, in her garden, or traveling around the world. Instead, the retired teacher and principal shares her love of learning at Cluster Tutoring. A Cluster tutor for nearly five years, Leslie works with rising eighth-grader Teshell. The two meet at Cluster’s Thursday night program at First United Church of Oak Park. Leslie also serves as secretary on Cluster’s board of directors. For Leslie and Teshell, learning doesn’t stop when school is out. The two meet for tutoring during the summer to maintain her learning progress. Leslie is generous in her mentoring: In past years, she also has provided literacy support to other Cluster students in the summer. “I think Cluster is extraordinary, and we make a huge difference,” Leslie said. She loves that many students and tutors stay together for years and build long-term relationships. “My greatest joy is making a difference in the lives of kids,” she said. “I love working with kids who have significant learning challenges and watching them grow, progress, flourish, and feel better about themselves. It’s a gift to be able to do that.” Teshell agrees and says she appreciates all of Leslie’s help. “Leslie won’t give up on you. I don’t stop working until I reach my goals.” Interested in learning more about becoming a tutor? Please attend an information session at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 11, or Thursday, Sept. 13, at First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St. For more information, please call 773-378-5530; email info@clustertutoring.org; or visit https://clustertutoring.org/.
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Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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Change or status quo?
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efore the week is out, Oak Park’s Historic Preservation Commission will discuss a proposal to demolish a handsome old single-family home on Marion Street, used for decades as office space, and replace it with a moderately-sized condo project. We know the arguments on both sides of what will become a debate where this single, interesting property becomes the most immediate stand-in for the more fundamental debate over change and density in our town. The house-turned-office space sits at 224 S. Marion St. That makes it the southernmost parcel of the downtown district along the east side of Marion. It fronts to the north on a parking lot for the Carleton Hotel. To both its east and south it fronts on lovely Mills Park. It is a classic Craftsman-style home, though one still sheathed in asbestos shingles straight from the 1950s. Along with one other hometurned-offices two doors north, this home is artfully out of place. It’s handsome, but it would be hard to argue historic beyond its decades in place. Both current zoning and the village’s Comprehensive Plan have pegged it for more intense residential and mixed-use redevelopment. And there is a local developer who has a contract to buy the parcel if he can win a demolition permit from the village. David Lehman’s plans are for a 10- to 12-unit upscale condo building that with floor-to-ceiling windows and wide terraces take full advantage of the unmatched views Mills Park offers. He argues, and we agree, there is an opening in the market for more spacious and upscale condos for downsizing local families. Both District House on Lake Street and Maple Place on Chicago Avenue reinforce that point. And the notable hike in property taxes that this project would generate is also important. But the discussion is a worthy one and we look forward to watching it play out in public session.
Too fast? Not at Lake and Lathrop There is a large, mixed-use project coming to Lake Street and Lathrop in River Forest. That is certain despite the narrow vote of approval last week from village government’s Development Review Board, despite the still-to-come vote by the full village board. This building, or some very close facsimile, is coming. If a project, addled by fits and starts for a decade, can be described as a runaway train, this would be it. The village board has already directed the village administrator to negotiate financial deals for two of the current commercial tenants on Lake to relocate to a woebegone Madison Street strip mall and to find the moving and build-out funds in the Madison Street TIF. That’s an interesting move. Marketing of the building is already underway. That suggests a certain swagger. Sure, there is the inevitable opposition. It’s too tall. The design is too bold or too banal. Where will all those people park along this currently sleepy stretch. And, yes, even complaints that this is all happening too fast. My, my, my. Critics claim they are startled that after 10 years waiting out a real estate recession, 10 years of endless, sometimes seemingly hopeless recriminations over soil contamination and who was responsible (Ed Ditchfield of River Forest Cleaners, btw) and who would shoulder the cleanup (taxpayers, of course), there is no room for surprise. This is exactly the same project that a succession of village boards have dreamed about. High-end condos. Restaurants. Five floors. Make this happen.
V I E W P O I N T S
@ @OakParkSports
What’s left when things get broken? Sing God a simple song Lauda, Laudē Make it up as you go along Lauda, Laude Sing like you like to sing God loves all simple things For God is the simplest of all.
Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Schwartz
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“Simple Song” from “Mass”
n his dictated, late-in-life memoir, Memories, Dreams, Reflections, Carl Jung recalled “a fine old story about a student who came to a rabbi and said, ‘In the olden days there were men who saw the face of God. Why don’t they anymore?’ The rabbi replied, ‘Because nowadays no one can stoop so low.’” If God is the simplest of all, we have to stoop in order to see him. And apparently we have to listen very closely because God seems to be a peoplewhisperer. And sorry to say, God is almost certainly not a “he.” We get a lot of things wrong when it comes to God. We value certainty over belief, for instance (there’s a big difference). We put words in God’s mouth, some of them awful (instead of awe-full). Our religions and religious beliefs, if unquestioned and unchallenged, tend toward idolatry. And every once in a while, the whole thing comes crashing down. “Things get broken,” as we hear near the end of Bernstein’s Mass, which is getting a revival this year in honor of the composer’s centennial. I had never seen it but was given the opportunity to attend the dress rehearsal at Ravinia in late July. It was awe-full. Largely overlooked, even dismissed, when it debuted in 1971 (commissioned by Jackie Kennedy for the opening of the Kennedy Center), today some call Mass Bernstein’s greatest work, arguably one of the greatest works of the 20th century (John Clay III, one of the more talented OPRF High School alums in recent years, was in the ensemble cast at Ravinia, by the way). At the very least, Mass is a work that should be seen by all Catholics — practicing, lapsed, recovering and returning — because, as many will testify, right now in the Church, things are broken. The recent Pennsylvania grand jury report documenting widespread clergy sex abuse reminded us that the Catholic Church’s biggest self-inflicted wound is nowhere near healed. As one of the faithful commented in a recent NY Times article, it’s tough to be a Catholic these days. The ongoing scandal is a function of the institution’s greatest flaw — patriarchy. A close second is the Catholic Church’s deep resistance to change, defying the wisdom in the adage attributed to St. Augustine: “The Church must always be reformed.” Ecclesia semper reformanda est. Despite the immense energy for reform unleashed by Vatican II, the Ecumenical Council that briefly broke things open, the Church dropped anchor shortly after the ship left harbor in the mid-’60s, and Vatican II was wrongly blamed for the institution’s worsening problems. Successive popes reaffirmed the ban on birth control, turned abortion into the Great White Whale of moral obsessions, and covered up the sex abuse scandal instead of confronting and changing a sick system that has created so many
sexually twisted priests. Inability to change will be the demise of the institutional Church — or at least this version of it. The latest report puts an exclamation point on that warning. And it’s not just in Pennsylvania. It’s not just in the U.S. It’s worldwide. Incremental change won’t save the Church. Women must be ordained and otherwise enjoy equity with men. Clergy must be allowed to marry because it will allow priests to embrace their full humanity, which will make them better ministers (and reverse the chronic priest shortage). Birth Control must be embraced in support of women’s equality and to decrease abortion demand. The laity must be further empowered. Clericalism must end. Sr. Simone Campbell of “Nuns on the Bus” fame, who was interviewed on NPR’s Weekend Edition last Saturday, said that last part is key. It wouldn’t do any good to ordain women into a sick system, she noted. What must change first, she said, is “the culture of arrogance.” The Church hierarchy can’t see the face of God any longer because they lack the necessary humility, despite Pope Francis’ valiant attempt to set a better example. Not everyone is willing to stoop so low. Real change will improve the Catholic Church, making it an institution worthy of Jesus’ legacy, which it purports to protect but often ends up damaging. Things get broken. The moral authority of the Church is one of those things. And when your moral authority is gone, you lose everything. Everything except the core of Christian faith: “Where love is, there God is.” It doesn’t need the protective walls of the institution, though too many Catholics fail to recognize that. Too many lack faith in the faith, turning the institution into an idol — worshipping the protective tabernacle instead of the truth that lies within. The institution has been breaking down for a long time. Those whose natural inclination is to resist change, call for the walls to be rebuilt, ever higher and stronger. But that only makes problems worse by covering them up. Those who embrace change, on the other hand, start by opening the windows to let in some fresh air, as Pope John XXIII did with the Second Vatican Council, 1962-65. Over half a century later, Pope Francis is trying to open the doors but faces powerful resistance, including the recent highly suspect effort by conservative hypocrites to implicate him in the very cover-up that they themselves condoned and/or engineered. Near the end of Bernstein’s Mass, the celebrant suffers a breakdown. He can’t cope with a rapidly changing world and the complicated issues raised by those who live within it. Things get broken, he cries, desecrating the altar in the process. To his rescue come the congregants, singing God a new song, a simple song, making it up as they go along. Because God loves all simple things. Because God is the simplest of all. But that’s Bernstein’s art. In the real world, can grassroots Catholics rescue and resurrect the current Church from this broken, unholy mess? I hope so. It will be a miracle of biblical proportions.
KEN
TRAINOR
V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N
by Marc Stopeck
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Timothy Inklebarger, Nona Tepper Viewpoints Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter Marty Farmer Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Michelle Mbekeani-Wiley, Cassandra West, Doris Davenport Staff Photographer Alexa Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Bill Wossow Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan
Off the Wall was on the mark with mural Oak Park Area Arts Council’s Off The Wall program recently completed its mosaic mural on the wall of Wonder Works Children’s Museum in Oak Park’s North Avenue Business District. Wonder Works is incredibly humbled to have this stunning piece of public art on the side of our building. We thank the Oak Park Area Arts Council for choosing the museum as a site. We also thank Judith Alexander, who was instrumental in making the mural happen at our location. The master artist, Carolyn Elaine, who has been with the Off the Wall program for 13 years, disALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer plays incredible talent, creativity, and innovation with her mosaic BY THE SEA: Volunteers work on the mural together at Wonder Works murals. It was an honor to get to Children’s Museum in Oak Park. know her and watch her beautiful work unfold. We are indebted to society, adds meaning to our cities, and uniqueness her passion and talent. to our communities. Public art humanizes the built We should all be proud of the teens who partici- environment and invigorates public spaces.” pated as apprentices in the program with Carolyn The children who visit the museum are already enElaine. These are local teenagers who worked incred- gaging with the mural through their senses, and we ibly hard to produce a timeless installation that not are delighted with their reactions! only draws people to our museum but to North AvOn the behalf of the Wonder Works team and board enue in general, an area of Oak Park in need of eco- of directors, we thank the OPAAC, Carolyn Elaine, and everyone who was involved in making the mosaic nomic development and beautification. mural “Bliss” happen. In the words of the Americans for the Arts: Rachel Rettberg “Cities gain value through public art — cultural, soWonder Works Children’s Museum cial, and economic value. … It reflects and reveals our
Event Coordinator Carmen Rivera Media Assistant Megan Dickel Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator David Oromaner Credit Manager Laurie Myers Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR ■ 250-word limit ■ Must include first and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote about yourself, your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left
Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
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Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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Complaints show lack of cultural education
Another item for the “VMA scrapbook Thanks for your recent articles reflecting on the accomplishments of the VMA [A torch that begs to be passed, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, Aug. 1]. I also enjoyed reading Doug Wyman’s recent Viewpoints piece [An ode to the VMA, Aug. 8]. I would add the 1984 handgun ban to his list of VMA-era accomplishments. My mom would add Al Belanger to his list of
people to thank! As it happened I was sorting through a box of old letters with my mom very recently, and we came upon this 1973 note from Dwight Follett to my dad, John Philbin. I thought I’d pass it along as a reminder of “what went on.”
Madeleine Philbin
Oak Park
Chiraq or Iraqcago? Why not let the citizens of Chicago protect themselves? Iraq appears to be making progress against crime by expanding legal gun ownership. Iraq is allowing citizens to protect themselves. (Reuters, Aug. 19, Baghdad gunshops thrive after Iraqi rethink on gun control) Maybe Chicago should consider allowing law-abiding Hispanics and African-Americans to have a say in their own individual safety. Actual enforcement of current gun laws is no longer a realistic way to stop “gun violence.” More laws (universal background checks, assault weapons bans, 10-round magazine capacity limits, etc.) can’t get the
votes to be enacted (to stop “gun violence”). The police have no legal duty to protect any specific individual citizen from “gun violence.” White people in safe suburbs work to keep guns out of the hands of minority citizens (to prevent “gun violence”). Chicago continues to be the poster-child for actual “gun violence.” Why not let the citizens of Chicago protect themselves? Maybe the true insult is not calling Chicago Chiraq but rather calling Iraq Iraqcago. Why not let the citizens of Chicago protect themselves? What have we got to lose?
John Erickson Oak Park
The story makes it seem like there is nightly Old West unrest happening on Madison Street. [Robinson’s Ribs faces neighbors’ ire over DJ nights, News, Aug. 15] One woman said, “I moved to Oak Park because I was pregnant,” noting that she lived for years in the city of Chicago where “more noise is expected.” Maybe she lived around Wrigley Field where (mostly white) young, intoxicated people come out of the ball park, toss trash, use alleys to urinate in, and friends howl from the excitement of the game, stimulated with alcohol. Oak Park is not a quiet village anymore. It’s being over-developed and restaurants and nightlife are coming in. Maybe a new board can be created to select which kinds of businesses are good enough to be allowed in Oak Park. It the 1980s, Mike Royko wanted to find out who made the best BBQ Ribs. Charlie Robinson won and soon after opened a place in Oak Park. He moved locations and now has a bar and grill with a DJ. I don’t recall reading police reports about problems at the new location. Now a phone call and a dozen complaints in the Wednesday Journal may be turning something into more than it really may be. The story gives images of bikers hanging out, revving engines, patrons breaking alcohol bottles and trashing the area with cars parked illegally on the streets. Maybe I missed the reports, “Oak Park invaded by motorcycle gang members,” and “Alcohol spills as engines rev.” What I don’t understand is how a village considered above average in education
The heart of the issue
can miss out on being culturally educated. It seems the only way to achieve cultural diversity is if all races act the same. All races dress differently, eat different foods, and even celebrate differently. Those are called cultural differences. Where the dividing line comes is if anyone, regardless of race, is not following the laws. Since I did not read police reports where people were behaving illegally, then I question why this story was published. No pictures go along with the story. Some phone video from the neighbors sent in to Wednesday Journal might have made this seem like a threat to Oak Park. Charlie Robinson, who has been a business owner for decades and worships in Oak Park, is wondering if there are racial elements to the complaints. How could any culturally educated person expect Charlie, a man from Mississippi, not to think that way. Premise checks by police are common when a few complaints come in. The police department will put a watch on an area. If Charlie doesn’t know that, then he is going to feel he is being targeted by police. Madison Street is where the concrete trucks are ready to pour. Is Robinson’s Ribs not the right fit anymore? Isn’t writing a story about how things are out of hand the same thing Trump did? Go to DJ night and find out for yourself. It now has been planted in the minds of those who read the story that there is a problem instead of adding diversity.
Bill Maxwell Oak Park
Concern about race goes back a long way
America to Me at the Lake Theatre, Aug. 13, was thought-provoking but I’m fearful that it misses the heart of the issue. Namely, the extent to which African Americans are viewed and considered as worthy humans, worthy of time, worthy of expense, and most important, worthy of nurturing. The word that struck throughout the viewing was organic. The relationships (especially males) seemed forced and as the assistant principal noted, these kids are not being accepted wholeheartedly. It only speaks to the enormity of the issue, and not just achievement gaps.
I read your column about America to Me. [We’re not where we need to be … yet, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, Aug. 22] I’m looking forward to it. But the achievement gap has not been an issue for a couple decades — more like 36 at least. When I served on the education committee of the 1982 Racial Diversity Task Force, this was the focus of our concern. I think a copy of the report is still at the Oak Park Public Library. I recall there was concern back then about students dividing up by race at lunchtime.
Oak Park
Oak Park
Robert Sherrell
Teresa Powell
V I E W P O I N T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
‘Chilling effect’ is better than a ‘numbing effect’ Trump’s temper-tantrum retaliatory measures are regularly referred to as decisions that “could have a chilling effect” on whoever he’s really pissed at this week. It’s a pretty big club and growing every day. Requirements include dedication to a free press and a fair democracy, a willingness to express your opinion, integrity, courage, a conscience, common-sense and, of course, that rare ability to tell the truth. Comprised mostly of media outlets and intelligence agencies, these institutions and their leadership are regularly beaten up on the playground for their lunch money. Or their security clearance. Every week there’s a potential “chilling effect” being foisted on somebody. Are we at risk of overusing that term? Is it losing its impact? I understand the force behind use of the cold metaphor but maybe we could mix it up a bit with some new phrases to describe the effect of Trump’s poor decisions: ■ Colder than a well-digger’s ass in the Yukon, oldie but goodie
■ Colder than a landlord’s heart, a nostalgic favorite ■ Colder than the icy lake in Dante’s Inferno ninth circle of hell in Dante’s Inferno, so many possible parallels with this one ■ Colder than a hunted witch’s tit — see what I did there? Here’s the lead that inspired me this morning from my NY Times daily briefing referencing Trump’s punitive action toward former CIA director, John Brennan. “Law enforcement officials, lawmakers and members of the intelligence community said the president’s retaliation against one of his critics [could have a chilling effect] on U.S. law enforcement and intelligence officers.” If the mere thought of an impending “chilling effect” continues to shake you to your core, you can disregard all of this. If you’re like me and prefer a little variety when it comes to threats to national security, give this a think. But whatever you do, never, ever let yourself go numb.
Cathy Kestler Oak Park
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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Help us solve this hit-and-run
My name is Quincy Schultz. I am 10 years old and going into fifth grade at Lincoln Elementary School. I am sad, scared and worried because the Oak Park Police Department hasn’t done anything about a crime I was involved in. On July 18, I was walking my dog Ava with my dad. And while we were crossing Jackson Boulevard (at Home Avenue), a car blew through the stop sign going about 25 miles an hour. My dad quickly pulled me back. My shoes fell off and were left in the middle of the street. My dad also pulled my dog back. The dog went up in the air a bit. But the car crashed into the dog, and hit her with its bumper, while the car was going really fast. The car stopped for a second, and then raced off. People watching nearby stopped to see if the dog was dead (she survived) and then they chased down the car and got its license plate and found out what
kind of car it was. Officer Kaniecki of the Oak Park Police came five minutes later. He asked our information. We told him the story and gave them the license plate number and told them what kind of car it was. He checked it, and found out the owner of the car had an expired driver’s license. We have complaint 18-04424. Since then, we’ve called the Oak Park Police Department three times to see if they have caught the bad guy. We have heard nothing. All three times we left a message, and haven’t even heard back. They’ve done absolutely nothing! I feel very unsafe and unprotected that the Oak Park police aren’t doing their official job. Can you please help solve the case of who hit my dog and ran away?
Quincy Schultz
Oak Park
What kind of sanctuary have we created?
I have a problem. I have no problem with Oak Park and, for that matter, the entire country being a sanctuary for people. It is what we should do! I do have a problem with watching my neighbors exploit these people whom we have invited to be here to work and then pay them low wages and no benefits to save my neighbors money. Isn’t this just another form of slavery? We cannot turn a blind eye to this! We all, or our families, came here for a better life not to be ex-
ploited, although this seems to be the tradition. Let’s end this inhuman cycle and commit to providing everyone in Oak Park with a living wage and benefits. See something, say something?! I did and the village did not care. My neighbors are not only exploiting less fortunate people but their children too. Sanctuary city? I don’t think so!
James Tatum Oak Park
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Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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SPONSORED CONTENT
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with the Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce August 26th, 2018
Protection Requires Preparation
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or small, retail or service. Understanding what processes and systems should be in place to mitigate disaster - or to help get your business back on track after disaster strikes - is a universal need. Things happen. They just do.
By CATHY YEN Executive Director
hree good friends ended up in the hospital this weekend. All unrelated, all unexpected. All crazy scary. All keen reminders that life can go awry at any moment. Are you prepared? Can you put your finger on critical information, when needed? Do you have the right contact numbers stored in your phone? Do you have a network of support? Coincidentally, this past Friday, Chamber Deputy Director Liz Holt and I had been designing a program for small business owners under the working title “Protect Your Business.” Liz oversees our professional development series for small business owners. She suggested that our capstone “Small Business Symposium” in September focus on a topic that resonates with all businesses, large
After a bit of brainstorming, we realized that there is no shortage of related topics. Cyber security, physical plant insurance needs, financial resources for that “rainy day,” password management for multiple online systems, protocols for handling mistakes and public relations challenges, employeerelated issues ranging from immigration law to harassment… This list goes on. Because there are so many issues, all important, we will structure the workshop to accommodate as many topics as possible. Using an innovative, multi-speaker format that combines TED talk length with Japanese PechaKucha fast-paced style, we will provide business people with a taste of what they need to know and resources for them to request additional assistance.
We are excited to present this important halfday workshop. Right now, we are assembling an engaging program of eight experts, each of whom will give a ten minute presentation highlighting three different take-aways for small business owners. We’ll end with an exciting keynote luncheon speaker. The exact program and speakers will be announced shortly. The Small Business Symposium will be held Thursday morning, September 27 at West Suburban Medical Center in the lower level community rooms and auditorium. Tickets are $40 for members, $60 for non-members and can be purchased on our website, oprfchamber.org.
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Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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O B I T U A R I E S
Lawrence Wilkinson, 72
Vietnam veteran, owner of Acorn Travel Lawrence Robert Wilkinson, 72, a longtime Oak Park resident, died on Aug. 9, 2018. Born on Nov. 10, 1945 and raised in Ascension Parish, he became co-owner of River Forest’s Acorn Travel. Semper Fi Larry was an avid reader, historian, listener and traveler. He served with the USMC and was a Vietnam veteran, member of the Marine Corps League, Khe Sahn Veterans, Marine Corps V Division and the Third Division. LARRY WILKINSON Larry was the husband of Maureen McGuire Wilkinson for 51 years; the father of Andrew (Jennifer) and the late Sarah Wilkinson; the son of the late Robert and Julie Fitzpatrick Wilkinson; grandpa to Satchel, Lyshon and Bronwyn; brother of Bob (Kathy), Jim (Gina), Tom (Margie) and the late John (Mary) and Dan Wilkinson; brother-in-law to many; special uncle to Rick Dassinger and 58 others; great-uncle to 73; and a great guy to all. Visitation and service were held on Aug. 13 and 14 at Peterson-Bassi Funeral Home/ Gamboney & Son Directors, followed by Mass at Ascension Church and interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
John Kenealy, 26 Veteran, OPRF graduate
John Alec Kenealy, 26, who grew up in Oak Park, died on Aug. 17, 2018. Born on Jan. 25, 1992, he participated in youth sports and Boy Scouts before graduating from Oak Park and River Forest High School. John studied business at Elmhurst College and enlisted in the U.S. Army upon graduation. He was a specialist and vehicle commander in the Attack Company of the 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, with whom JOHN KENEALY he was deployed to Afghanistan. He married Rachel Wanhala on Oct. 4, 2017. John will be remembered for his gentle nature, his constant humor, the strength of his will, and his curiosity about the world. He was an avid hobbyist
and model painter, an animal lover, an expert marksman, and a talented cook. His compassion and playfulness endure in the lives of his family and friends. John Kenealy will be missed by his wife, Rachel; his parents, David and Janet; his sister, Anne, and her partner, Victoria; his grandmother, Virginia; his aunts and uncles, John and Betty Lyon, Kathryn and Bob Mann, Fran and Jim Manos, Phil Kenealy and Eric and Laurie Kenealy; and his cousins, Bill and Kellie Lyon, Dave and Alex Lyon, and Paige, Aislyn, Troy, and Sean Kenealy. Visitation was held on Aug. 24 at Pedersen Ryberg Mortuary followed by a private burial. Please direct any donations in John’s memory to the Cluster Tutoring Program, www.clustertutoring.org, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, www. woundedwarriorproject.org.
Joan Simpson, 79 Multifaceted artist
Joan A. Simpson (nee Penokie), 79, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Aug. 8, 2018. Born on Nov. 26, 1938 in L’Anse, Michigan, she later graduated from the American Academy of Art in Chicago where she studied commercial art. Her first job was with R.R. Donnelly where she did line art for the yellow pages. Some of those illustrations can still be found in the classified secJOAN SIMPSON tion of the phone directory. When her children were young, she worked in the Oak Park studio of Norm Ulrich doing finished art. At FibreCraft Materials, she enjoyed product design and instruction book illustration. Joan’s true love was watercolor painting, and she studied with several nation-
ally recognized artists. She was one of the original chairwomen of the Oak Park Woman’s Exchange when their shop was on South Boulevard. Joan Simpson was the wife of Raymond Simpson; the mother of Lisa and Jeff (Yanet Ramirez) Simpson; the sister of Katheryn Busch and the late Bernard (the late Virginia) Penokie and Mary (the late Guy) Thompson; and the aunt and cousin of many. Visitation was held on Aug. 27 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, followed by Mass on Aug. 28 at Ascension Church with private interment at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial information is available at 708-383-3191.
Marianne Hall, 82 Longtime Ascension parishioner
Marianne Hall (nee Ryan), 82, of Oak Park, died on Aug. 26, 2018. She was a dedicated employee for 20 years at Avenue/US Bank in Oak Park and a devoted Ascension parishioner for over 60 years. She was the center and heart of her large, close-knit family who value her life lessons about working hard, staying strong and having fun. Marianne was the MARIANNE HALL wife of the late Bill Hall; the mother of Mary Jo (Stephen) Schuler, Jeanne (Mark) List, Norine (John) Mullins, Holly Olis, Susan (David) Mika, Katie (John) Cook, Billy Hall, Kerry (Ron) Baer, and the late Andrea Marie; Nana of Brittany Olis, Sarah Mika, Courtney Cook, Elizabeth Mullins, Ellen Mika, Maggie Mullins, Kelly Cook, Katie Mullins, Andrea Schuler, Molly Mullins, Amanda List, Allyson Baer, Teagan Olis, Niall McMahon, Alex Mika, Michael Mullins, Ryan Schuler, Jake Baer and James
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, or fax: 708/524-0447 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.
Baer; daughter of the late Edmond and Helen (nee Lang); sister of Edmond (Nancy) Ryan, Judy (Ralph) Kamradt and John (Sue) Ryan; and friend and relative to many. Services are on Friday, Aug. 31 at Oak Park’s Ascension Church, 808 S. East Ave., with visitation from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m., immediately followed by Mass and interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family appreciates donations to Misericordia, 6300 N. Ridge Ave. in Chicago 60660. Arrangements were handled by Ahern Funeral Home, 708-383-5700.
Genevieve Lizak, 94 Member of the St. Giles choir, gardener
Genevieve Ann Lizak, 94, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Aug. 26, 2018. Born in Chicago on May 5, 1924 to Anton and Anna Galkowski, she graduated from St. Stanislaus Kostka Elementary School. Genevieve was a stay-at-home mother who then later worked as a receptionist. She enjoyed singing in the church choir at St. Giles and gardening. Genevieve is surGENEVIEVE LIZAK vived by her children, Anthony, Martin (Miki Komlosh), Angela, Mary Anne (Kevin) Sorensen and Joseph Lizak; and her grandchildren, Netta Lizak, Darwin and Michael Lizak, Cody and Kyle Sorensen and Joey Lizak. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene F., and her brother, Henry (the late Estelle) Galkowski. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 30 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Oak Park’s Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St. with prayers on Friday at 9:15 a.m. then to St. Giles Church for Mass at 10 a.m., with interment at St. Adalbert Cemetery.
Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home
Since 1880 Family Owned & Operated Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director 203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191
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Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Religion Guide Methodist
Check First.
First United Methodist Church of Oak Park
First Congregational Church of Maywood
400 N. Fifth Avenue (1 block north of Lake St.) Come join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11 am Pastor Elliot Wimbush will be preaching the message. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. 708-344-6150 firstchurchofmaywood.org When you're looking for a place to worship the Lord, Check First.
You’re Invited to A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130
William S. Winston Pastor (708) 697-5000 Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM
LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)
3:30-4:00pm
Nationwide
WJYS-TV (M-F)
6:30-7:00am
Chicago, IL.
WCIU-TV (Sun.)
10:30-11:00am
Chicago, IL.
Word Network
10:30-11:00am
Nationwide
(M-F)
www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org
West Suburban Temple Har Zion
1040 N. Harlem Avenue River Forest Meet our Rabbi, Adir Glick Pray, learn, and celebrate with our caring, progressive, egalitarian community. Interfaith families are welcome. Accredited Early Childhood Program Religious School for K thru 12 Daily Morning Minyan Weekly Shabbat Services Friday 6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org
Nursery Provided
324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Children’s Chapel during Worship Rev. Katherine Thomas Paisley, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship Presbyterian
Lutheran—ELCA
United Lutheran Church
409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland Avenue) Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and children’s chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. www.unitedlutheranchurch.org
708/386-1576
Lutheran-Independent
Grace Lutheran Church
7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor David W. Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m. Childcare Available
Fair Oaks
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
744 Fair Oaks Ave. Oak Park 386-4920
Summer Worship Service
(through September 2)
Sundays at 9:30 am fairoakspres.org
OAK PARK MEETING OF FRIENDS (Quakers) Meeting For Worship Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Park Art League 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park Please call 708-445-8201 www.oakparkfriends.org
Roman Catholic
Ascension Catholic Church
Grace Lutheran School
Preschool - 8th Grade Bill Koehne, Principal 366-6900, graceriverforest.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod
Christ Lutheran Church
607 Harvard Street (at East Av.) Oak Park, Illinois Rev. Robert M. Niehus, Pastor Sunday Bible Class: 9:15 am Sunday School: 9:10 Sunday Worship Services: 8:00 and 10:30 am Church Office: 708/386-3306 www.christlutheranoakpark.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship, 9:30am Adult Bible Class, 10:45am Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org
808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am, 5:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 pm Saturday Taize Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1
Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor
Roman Catholic
St. Edmund Catholic Church
188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. M–F Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 Religious Ed Phone: 708-848-7220
Roman Catholic
St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park
CELEBRATING OUR 107TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Friday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca
St. Giles Family Mass Community
We welcome all to attend Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. on the St. Giles Parish campus on the second floor of the school gym, the southernmost building in the school complex at 1034 North Linden Avenue. Established in 1970, we are a laybased community within St. Giles Roman Catholic Parish. Our Mass is family-friendly. We encourage liturgically active toddlers. Children from 3 to 13 and young adults play meaningful parts in each Sunday liturgy. Together with the parish, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program for children in grades K-8. For more information, go to http://www.stgilesparish.org/ family-mass-community or call Bob Wielgos at 708-288-2196.
Traditional Catholic
The Traditional Catholic Latin Mass
Our Lady Immaculate Church 410 Washington Blvd Oak Park. 708-524-2408 Mass Times: Sat. 8:00am Sun. 7:30 & 10:00am Operated by Society of St. Pius X. Confessions 1 hr. before each mass
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Third Unitarian Church 10AM Sunday Forum 11AM Service Rev. Colleen Vahey thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield, Chicago Committed to justice, not to a creed Upcoming Religious Holidays
To place a listing in the Religion Guide, call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342
See what all the buzz is about.
Aug 29 Beheading of St. John the Baptist Christian Raksha Bandhan Hindu Sep 1 Religious year begins Orthodox Christian 3 Krishna Janmashtami Hindu 8 Nativity of Virgin Mary Christian 10-11 Rosh Hashanah Jewish 12 Hijra - New Year Islam 13 Ganesh Chaturthi Hindu 14 Elevation of the Life-giving Cross (Holy Cross) Christian Paryushana Parva Jain 19 Yom Kippur Jewish 21 Ashura Islam
OakPark.com ForestParkReview.com
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week
YOUR WEEKLY AD
REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO
WEDNESDAY
CLASSIFIED
41
HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
Deadline is Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/Classified/
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
COMMUNITY RELATIONS INTERN The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Relations Intern in the Community Relations Department. This is a seasonal position will provide assistance to the Community Relations Department provides intake and referral services for residents to community resources, assists in investigations of landlord/ tenant complaints, etc. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oakpark.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than September 3, 2018.
PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER POSITION
PART-TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Part-Time Permit Customer Services Technician in the Development Customer Services Department. This position serves the public by providing administrative and technical support in the processing, approval, and archiving of building permit and parking applications. The Permit Customer Service Technician will work to support the permitting processes in Development Customer Services and provide customer service to both internal and external customers. 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 no later than September 10, 2018.
RIVERSIDE PARKS & RECREATION ASST Riverside Parks and Recreation is looking for a highly motivated individual eager to participate in all aspects of the recreation business.
Position averages 29 hours per week and pays $11–$14 per hour.
RIVERSIDE PARKS AND RECREATION BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL COUNSELOR Riverside Parks & Recreation seeks Before & After School Counselors to work with children 6-14 years of age from August 2018 to June 2019. This part-time position typically works M–F mornings (6:15 AM–8:05 AM) and afternoons (2:30– 6:15), approx.. 17-30 hours weekly throughout the year with increased hours during school breaks and days off. Pay $8.75 per hour and up. Requirements include: *Must pass CPR/First Aid Certification–provided by RPRD *At least one year prior camp and/ or leadership experience *Knowledge/experience in an assortment of sports and activities *Exhibits dependability, punctuality, patience, teamwork, self-control and enthusiasm *Possesses good leadership abilities and responsibility *Has the ability to work with minimal supervision with children ages 6-14 years of age *Excellent character, integrity and adaptability *Available for training prior to start of the school calendar year *Must be able to participate in a variety of physical activities requiring energetic enthusiasm *Love for working with children
Contact: Riverside Parks & Recreation, riversidepr@riverside.il.us 708.442.7025.
Contact: Riverside Parks & Recreation, riversidepr@riverside.il.us 708.442.7025
Apply online, http://www.riverside.il.us/ Jobs.aspx?CID=98
Apply online, http://www.riverside.il.us/ Jobs.aspx?CID=98
CROSSING GUARD–Riverside $12.15 hr. Requires working in all weather conditions 4 hrs./day; hours are split as guard is needed morning & afternoon Applications are at Riverside Police Dept. 31 Riverside Rd. Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 447-2127-Sgt. Pontrelli fpontrelli@riverside.il.us Data Entry Clerk/Customer Service Representative/AP&AR Small local company located in Forest Park has an opening for a Data Entry/Customer Service Representative. We are looking for an energetic self-starter with an analytical mind, detail-oriented, advanced customer service skills and a positive professional attitude. This position requires: 2+ years customer service role or environment, strong interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task, flexible attitude, general AP/AR, payroll and payment processing knowledge, and various data entry skills. We offer full benefits, paid vacation and holidays. Please submit your cover letter and resume to datainputjob@yahoo.com ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER PART-TIME Part-time Electrician’s Helper. Must have own transportation and some tools. Call for more info 708-738-3848. FULL-TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Full-Time Permit Customer Services Technician in the Development Customer Services Department. This position serves the public by providing administrative and technical support in the processing, approval, and archiving of building permit and parking applications. The Permit Customer Service Technician will work to support the permitting processes in Development Customer Services and provide customer service to both internal and external customers. 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 no later than September 10, 2018.
The Village of Riverside Fire Department is seeking Individuals for the position of Paid-on-call Firefighter; This is not a full-time position. Applicants must be: * In good physical condition * Reside within 1.5 miles of the boundaries of the Village of Riverside at time of appointment * Be 18 years of age at the time of application * Possess a high school diploma or GED. * Possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record Applications for employment are available on-line at: http://riverside.il.us/Jobs Applications must be returned to: Village of Riverside Village Hall 27 Riverside Rd. Riverside IL 60546 Applications must be returned by September 14, 2018 at 4pm The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FULL OR PART TIME CAR WASH ATTENDANT SPOTLESS CARWASH at 7343 Roosevelt Rd and 7802 Madison St in Forest Park needs an attendant. We are looking for someone who likes to be outside, and is friendly and likes people. The duties are to meet and greet customers, make change, sell tokens, automatic and self serve wash use instructions, keep lot and the perimeter clean, and empty the garbage. Pay is $10.00 per hour. The hours an attendant is on duty are 9-5 on week days and 9-4 on Saturday and Sunday. If you can fit any of these hours on a part time basis we can work with you. Please come to 7343 Roosevelt Rd. in Forest Park to pick up an application. 708-771-2945 Thank you Software Engineer sought by PowerReviews, Inc. in Chicago, IL. Dsgn & dvlp sftwre to achve hgh prfrmnce. Aply @ www.jobpostingtoday.com #59696.
•
Professional Services Consultant sought by 1WorldSync in Chicago, IL (& Other US locs as nedd.). Wrk Clsly w/ thrd prty sftwr vndr, lrn bsic cnfgrtn in the tools & hlp to trblshoot cust iss w/ the sftwr. Ocsnl trvl as nedd. Aply @ www.jobpostingtoday. com #33653. SYSTEMS ANALYST The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Systems Analyst in the Information Technology Department. Applicant will need to be knowledgeable and capable to apply the principles and techniques of various programming languages, database, computer programming, on-line programming and programming documentation. Additional skillsets include systems analysis and design techniques, such as database normalization, business analysis, workflow procedure, modular programming, stored procedures, and interface with operating system. Our technology environment consists of MS-SQL & Tools, Superion OneSolution CAD/RMS, CityView Permit, Licensing & Inspections, ERSI ArcGIS, Laserfiche and web software (Java, HTML, Adobe ColdFusion and Drupal).http://www. oak-park.us/ . Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application (First review of applications will be on September 14, 2018).
DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR •
Wednesday Journal, Inc., is looking for an energetic self-starter for the parttime position of Distribution Coordinator. This person is responsible for data entry, coordinating drivers for pickup of both weekly and monthly publications, management of our warehouse space, fielding customer service calls and attending community events. This position requires: strong customer service and problem-solving skills, some college preferred, basic computer skills (Windows), a valid driver’s license, reliable and insured vehicle and the ability to lift 20-30 pound publication bundles. This position is 20-25 hours per week including Tuesday evenings. Paid vacation and holidays. Send resume to circulation@oakpark.com.
The Recreation Assistant would have administrative responsibilities utilizing RecTrac! and be responsible for instructing classes, supporting with special events, running athletic leagues, as well as day to day assistance with school year and summer camp programs, and helping with the development of recreation offerings throughout the community. The ideal candidate has a background in customer service and community engagement. Desired qualities include hard worker, detail oriented, problem solver, flexible, team player, friendly, and creative. The Recreation Assistant possesses strong oral and written communication skills. Candidates must be driven to excel and perform tasks as requested in a timely manner. His/her schedule must be flexible to accommodate occasional nights and weekends. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and exemplary driving record.
The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer
SUBURBAN RENTALS
M&M
property management, inc.
708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park
SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE NEW CONCEPT FOR MAYWOOD
In this quiet residential neighborhood
902 S. 3RD AVENUE (2 blks W of 1st Ave & 1 blk N of Madison)
Reserve your own affordable 2 or 3 BR condo unit of 1000+ sq ft of living space being built on this historic site. You’ll benefit from a unique 12 year tax freeze and lower monthly living expenses from energy saving systems/appliances, and you can help design your own individual unit. Plans also include building 5 new townhomes onsite. For details Call 708-383-9223.
SUBURBAN RENTALS
ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957 Large Sunny Room with fridge & microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $101.00 week & up. New Mgmt. 773-378-8888
FOREST PARK 2 BR 2nd floor 2BR apt for rent. Newer carpeting throughout hall, BR, LR. Quiet building. no smoking, no pets. Gas & Elec. not included. $1000 + 1 mo. security deposit & credit check. References checked. Garage space avail. Near public transportation. Call 708-366-0552. OAK PARK SMALL 1 BR Downtown Oak Park. Hardwood floors throughout. All utilities included. $800 per month. Call 708-657-4226.
CHURCH FOR RENT OAK PARK CLASSIC CHURCH FOR RENT
Includes Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Kitchen, Midweek Service/ Bible Study, Office Options. 708-848-9776
CHURCH FOR RENT
CHURCH FOR RENT 5634 W. Chicago Ave.
Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.
Apartment listings updated daily at:
Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-888-328-8457 for an appointment.
You have jobs. We have readers!
Find the best employees here! Call 708-613-3342.
Available 7 days a week.
773-307-6488
Selling your home by owner? Advertise here! Call: 708-613-3342
42
Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
CLASSIFIED OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT OAK PARK OFFICE SPACE Private office (approx. 100 sf) for lease at 1100 Lake Street, Oak Park. Includes 24-hr access; desk & chair; high speed Wi-Fi; coffee, tea and water service; nightly cleaning; corporate-style conference room; reception area. Parking in attached garage (with covered access to building) is free for first 1.5 hours or purchase monthly pass from VOP. $375/month. Includes heat, AC, electric. Available Sept. 1. Call 708-267-8072. For pictures and more info, search “6679840557� on Craigslist.
GARAGE/YARD SALES Forest Park
GARAGE SALE 622 HANNAH SAT 9/1 9AM TO 12PM
Come find something interesting! Coffee table, end tables, small ottoman, clothes and good miscellaneous! Oak Park
MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE 828 S CARPENTER SAT 9/1 8AM TO NOON
Everything from Mirrors to Pots & Pans! Fine china, portable wardrobe, bedding, rain barrels, lawn furniture, frmed artwork and so much more!
ITEMS FOR SALE BAVARIAN CHINA 12 5-piece place settings of Bavarian china with Greek key borders. 708-488-8755 BRUNSWICK VICTROLA Upright, floor standing model w/ built in speaker. Needs minor cosmetic & mechanical work, but all intact. Pick up in Galewood. Email: fixit4272@comcast.net CARPENTER TOOLS Several professional carpenter tools for sale for a carpenter who does rough framing or trim carpentry. Negotiable on price compared to the market value. Call for a tool you require. Call Bill at 312 388-4454 CERTIFIED WIND SURFER Full Size, with cover and sail $130.00 WATER SKIS $15.00 708-488-8755 DUNCAN PHYFE DINING ROOM SET Excellent Condition 2500.00. Can send photos. Set includes: -Table (Pedestal) with 3 leafs, 6 chairs (4 chairs and 2 arm chairs) -Buffet–62 inches wide, -Small Breakfront email: organica4-duncan@yahoo.com phone: 773-550-0396 or 708-370-0730 HEAVY WROUGHT IRON SETTEE & COCKTAIL TABLE White. $69.00 Call 708-488-8755. REAL VINTAGE DOORS Variety of interior & exterior doors from 1900 to 1930, painted & unpainted, some with upper glass, for Victorian, farmhouse, and bungalow homes. Most need work. Interior solid wood $30, Exterior with glass $50. Email all dimensions and panel design to fixit4272@comcast.net. You pick up from storage in Galewood.
Attention! Home-improvement pros!
Reach the people making decisions. Advertise here. Call 708/613-3342
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM ELECTRICAL
CEMETERY LOTS CEMETERY PLOT WITH HEADSTONE One cemetery plot in Elmwood Cemetery with shared above ground headstone in Berry Gray color for sale $10,000. Contact Tom at 630 964 1217.
WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers-lead plastic-other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
LOST & FOUND LOST SUNGLASSES Prescription sunglasses; black with teal stems. Reward. 708-763-8099.
AIR CONDITIONING/ HEATING AIR CONDITIONING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Air Conditioning Automotive A/C Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Hot Water Heaters Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience
FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.
708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000
Ceiling Fans Installed
HANDYMAN
A&A ELECTRIC
Let an American Veteran do your work
We make service calls! We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs 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 and all surrounding suburbs
CEMENT Finishing Touch Cement & Masonry Residential and Commercial Driveways | Garage Floors Sidewalks | Steps | Patios Specializing in Stamped Concrete Tuck Pointing and All Types Brickwork
Rocco Martino 708-878-8547 FinishingTouchCement2 @gmail.com
For All Your Concrete Needs!
CONCRETE
• Sidewalks • Stairs • Driveways Patios • Repair Foundations • Stamped & Colored Concrete • Exposed Aggregate
(773) 497-1217 Cell www.georgesconcrete.com Residential Only
OakPark.com | RiverForest.com
CEMENT Residential Commercial Industrial Licensed Bonded Insured Free Estimates ¡ Veteran Owned
Drives Walks Patios Stamped Concrete Curbs/Gutters Garage Floors Foundations Water Control / Management
devegaconcrete.com ¡ 708-945-9001
MAGANA
C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N
CONSTRUCTION Chicago Permit Services For All Construction Permits and Building Violation Solutions. Architectural Drawings, Building Permits, Code Evaluation, General Contractor Licensing 2646 W Cermak • Chicago, IL 773-893-5600
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Mike’s Home Repair 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
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PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE Chertkow and Chertkow (22019) Attorneys for Petitioner 1525 East 53rd Street Chicago, Illinois 60615 STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of CAROLYN DAVIS, Petitioner and DRAKE DAVIS Respondent, Case No. 2018D-005914. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before September 26, 2018, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 8/22, 8/29, 9/5/2018
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D18155257 on August 22, 2018. Under the Assumed Business Name of CLICK PROPERTIES with the business located at: 1410 N. HARLEM AVE. UNIT F, RIVER FOREST, IL 60305. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CHRISTIE GEE, 1410 N. HARLEM AVE. UNIT F RIVER FOREST, IL 60305. Published in Wednesday Journal 8/29, 9/5, 9/12/2018
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The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals at the Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 13, 2018 for the following: Traffic Data Collection for the Village-wide Traffic Study. In general, the contract will require the following work: vehicular traffic data collection for daily volumes and speeds at various locations throughout the Village; peak period vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian counts at select locations in the Village; and license plate surveys at select locations. Proposal forms may be obtained from the office of the Village Engineer starting on Thursday, August 30, 2018 beginning at 12:00 p.m. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. Proposal forms will not be issued after 4:00 p.m. on September 12, 2018. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer Published in Wednesday Journal 8/29/2018
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals at the Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday September 13, 2018 and at that time will be publicly opened and read aloud for the following Village Project: 18-16 VILLAGE HALL PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS. In general, the improvements consist of: removal and replacement of curb and gutter, sidewalks, ADA ramps, driveways, drainage structure adjustments, installation of inlets, pavement patching, cold-milling of bituminous concrete, installation of hot-mix asphalt binder and surface courses, pavement striping, parkway restoration, landscaping improvements, street furniture, structural repairs of basement-garage roof, removal and replacement of lighting foundations, installation of electrical cable and conduit, removal and replacement of parking lighting fixtures, installation of electric-vehicle charging stations, and all appurtenant work thereto. Plans and proposal forms may be obtained from the office of the Village Engineer starting on Thursday August 30, 2018 at 3:00 pm. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required for each set of plans and specifications. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening. All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation before receiving bid documents. The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer Published in Wednesday Journal 8/29/2018
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Wednesday Journal, August 29, 2018
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PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 13th, 2018 for the following:
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 13th, 2018 for the following:
Bid Number: 18-108 Village of Oak Park Police Department Soundproofing
Bid Number: 18-107 Village of Oak Park Public Works Center Roof Repairs
There will be a pre-bid walkthrough at Village Hall in the lower level PD lobby, 123 Madison St. on Wednesday, September 5th, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.
There will be a pre-bid walkthrough at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL on Wednesday, September 5th, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.
Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-3585700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700.
Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-3585700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700.
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals at the Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 13, 2018 for the following: #18-11: Building Demolition, 700 Madison St. In general, the contract will require the following work: demolition of 700 Madison St. building including removal of any remaining contents, underground tank, asbestos abatement, disconnection of utilities, restoration of the site with aggregate, and all appurtenant work thereto.
THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK
THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK
Published in Wednesday Journal 8/29/2018
Published in Wednesday Journal 8/29/2018
Proposal forms may be obtained from the office of the Village Engineer starting on Thursday, August 30, 2018 beginning at 12:00 p.m. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. Proposal forms will not be issued after 4:00 p.m. on September 12, 2018. A pre-proposal meeting will be held on Thursday, September 6th, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. meeting in the parking-lot at 700 Madison St, Oak Park, Illinois. The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer Published in Wednesday Journal 8/29/2018
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 7th, 2018 for the following
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 7th, 2018 for the following BID 18-120 VILLAGE OF OAK PARK TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL CABINET UPGRADE PROJECT REQUEST FOR PRICES
BID 18-119 VILLAGE OF OAK PARK STREET LIGHTING AERIAL TO UNDERGROUND CABLE RESTORATION PROJECT REQUEST FOR PRICES Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-3585700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information is also available from the Streets Superintendent, Scott Brinkman, sbrinkman@oak-park. us or on the Village’s website http://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/finance-department. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal 8/29/2018
Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-3585700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Information is also available from the Streets Superintendent, Scott Brinkman, sbrinkman@oak-park. us or on the Village’s website http://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/finance-department. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening. For more information call the Public Works Service Center at 708.358.5700. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal 8/29/2018
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION WINTRUST MORTGAGE A DIVISION OF BARRINGTON BANK AND TRUST Plaintiff, vs. SARAH GULLETTE-JOHNSON; AARON N. JOHNSON; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 17 CH 10102 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-18-313-020-0000. Commonly known as 1015 S. Kenilworth Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assess-
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
ments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: Bidders must present, at the time of sale, a cashier’s or certified check for 10% of the successful bid amount. The balance of the successful bid shall be paid within 24 hours, by similar funds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. James M. Crowley at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Plunkett Cooney, P.C., 221 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. 312-670-6900. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3095847
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 or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-14679. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-14679 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 13559 TJSC#: 38-4662 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. I3095965
The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-07164. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-07164 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 009087 TJSC#: 38-5687 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. I3095944
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION CITIZENS BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION F/K/A RBS CITIZENS, N AT I O N A L ASSOCIATION SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO CHARTER ONE BANK, F.S.B SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO HINSDALE FEDERAL BANK FOR SAVINGS Plaintiff, -v.CARL T. GROESBECK, LEIGHTON HOLDINGS, LTD., UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 009347 331 N. TAYLOR AVENUE 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 December 15, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 26, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 331 N. TAYLOR AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-109-0110000. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC Plaintiff, -v.CONDE BASEY, 714 N. AUSTIN CONDO ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ANNIE BASEY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, CARY ROSENTHAL, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ANNIE BASEY (DECEASED), DENEENA NORTON Defendants 17 CH 13559 714 NORTH AUSTIN BL., GNE 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 May 25, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 3, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 714 NORTH AUSTIN BL., GNE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-105-0221003. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. 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,
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION STERLING NATIONAL BANK AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO ASTORIA BANK Plaintiff, -v.CARL M. WAHLSTROM A/K/A CARL M. WAHLSTROM JR., SUSAN I. WAHLSTROM, PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, TARGET NATIONAL BANK, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A. Defendants 17 CH 009087 522 NORTH HUMPHREY AVENUE 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 July 2, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 4, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 522 NORTH HUMPHREY AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-326-0080000.
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In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR 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 or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-16-08522. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-16-08522 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 16 CH 009347 TJSC#: 38-6801 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. I3097034
OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 01063 628 HARRISON STREET, UNIT 1 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 May 23, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 10, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 628 HARRISON STREET, UNIT 1, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-18-226-0351002. The real estate is improved with a brown brick, three story condominium 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 in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. Please refer to file number 265517. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. 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. 265517 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 18 CH 01063 TJSC#: 38-4498 I3096406
on September 24, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1023 BELOIT AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-13-417-0250000. The real estate is improved with a multi unit building containing two to six apartments. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in
Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. Please refer to file number 262311. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. 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. 262311 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 15 CH 04292 TJSC#: 38-5245 I3094859
Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 14-036068 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3095319
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 or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-06139. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-06139 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 10619 TJSC#: 38-5278 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. I3095305
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC Plaintiff, -v.JOSE OSORIO, CLARENCE COURT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION NEW PENN FINANCIAL LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Plaintiff, -v.BRADLEY A WAHL, KATHLEEN C. WAHL, FOREST PARK NATIONAL BANK AND TRUST COMPANY Defendants 15 CH 04292 1023 BELOIT AVENUE FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 21, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff, vs. JOSE EDGAR GALLEGOS; Y.A. LOPEZ DE GALLEGOS; STATE OF ILLINOIS; TOWN OF CICERO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION; Defendants, 15 CH 2988 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-04-111-013-0000. Commonly known as 1721 North 38th Avenue, Stone Park, IL 60165. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES TRUST 2006-BC3 Plaintiff, -v.JANET D. JONES, BRENDA E. JONES Defendants 17 CH 10619 334 24TH AVE BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 20, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 24, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 334 24TH AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-10-121-0310000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.
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OPRF soccer scoring in bunches Returning conference champs off to fast start By MARTY FARMER Sports Editor
The Oak Park and River Forest High School boys soccer team has picked up right where it left off last season. In 2017, the Huskies went 15-3-1, earned a share of the West Suburban Conference Silver Division championship with Lyons Township, and won a Class 3A regional title. With standout returners like midfielder/forward James Maguire, forward Brody Bliss and defender Jai Mason Hsieh-Bailey, OPRF has maintained its success early this season. The Huskies routed Riverside-Brookfield, 7-1, and Leyden, 5-0, in their first two matches this fall Larkin, which beat OPRF during the regular season last year, defeated the Huskies again, 4-0 on Saturday. With upcoming matches against St. Ignatius, Hinsdale South and Proviso West, OPRF appears well-positioned to continue its strong start.
Fenwick boys golf The Friars are off to a promising start this fall with notable wins in both invitational and dual-match competition. Josh Kirkham shot a 76 to lead the Friars past St. Rita in their CCL opener. At the Mount Carmel Invite, the Friars placed first with a team score of 297 and individual scores of Kirkham (68/1st place), Jackson Schaeffer (74/6th) and Jake Wiktor (75/10th). The Friars finished third with a score of 318 in the St. Ignatius Invite. Wiktor and Schaeffer carded scores of 37 and 38, respectively, to power the Friars past St. Laurence and Providence in their most recent 9-hole match at the Chicago Highlands. Fenwick hopes to build off last year’s success. In 2017, Kirkham was the medalist as the Friars won a Class 3A regional. The team also notched the Catholic League championship and head coach Jerry Kribs earned the Lawless Coach of the Year Award.
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OPRF forward Brody Bliss (#5) is one of the Huskies’ top returning players. He is a prolific scorer and playmaker.
OPRF boys golf
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The Huskies opened the season with a 161-170 win over Whitney Young in a nonconference match. OPRF lost to Notre Dame 159-160 in their other dual match. Hosted by the Lincoln Oak Golf Club, OPRF placed third (312 points) out of a 20-team field invitational.
Fenwick boys soccer Freshman Jack Powers and junior Teddy Hernandez each scored a goal in the Friars’ 2-1 win against Homewood-Flossmoor in the Windy City Classic. Joe Sedlacek and John Babbo had an assist apiece against the Vikings. In its next match in the WCC, Fenwick lost to Victoria Soto 2-0.
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The Friars won three of five dual matches at the 32-team Jacobs Invitational. Fenwick defeated Wauconda and Rolling Meadows by a score of 4-1 and Cary-Grove 3-2. Hersey and Homewood-Flossmoor edged the Friars 3-2.
Trinity golf The Blazers have beaten Montini, Plainfield Central and Resurrection in a series of impressive dual-match victories. Senior Elizabeth Laffey carded a score of 43 as the medalist in Trinity’s 189-214 victory against Montini. Sophomore Katarina Sheirok was the medalist in a tight 218-220 win over Resurrection.
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Bitter ending from page 48 ting, the clock hadn’t run out. “What (Waubonsie Valley) did was to take the ball and throw it away and do different things to get the clock to run out,” Hoerster added. “The clock hadn’t run out; it was still ticking. But we couldn’t do anything because they had taken our ball and thrown it away and we couldn’t get set. So the officials assumed the clock had run out, and I don’t know how they would’ve assumed that because it hadn’t. We were up in the press box yelling at our guys to get on the ball, but the officials called the game.” Hoerster stressed that the game’s bizarre ending wasn’t the reason the Huskies lost. “It’s disappointing that it ends like that but it is what it is,” he said. “We’ve got to do better things to make sure it doesn’t come down to something like that.” Overall, OPRF had several good moments but also critical lapses at inopportune times against a solid opponent. “I told the kids that there are a lot of good things that happened,” said Hoerster, who coached from the press box as part of his recovery from a serious heart attack this summer. “(But) we cannot give up the big play. Our defense did a nice job shutting them down, and then all of a sudden a big play would be given up. We’ve got to be more disciplined and understand our assignments better.” Turnovers also cost the Huskies. OPRF senior wide receiver Trevon Brown cited another reason for the loss. “We need to pick up our intensity late in the game when we’re down and our defense is getting pushed back,” he said. “I think we need to stay positive and keep pushing.” McGill, a promising sophomore with plenty of ability and poise, made his first varsity start under center. On his first carry, McGill picked up 10 yards on a run to move the chains. However, the Huskies eventually punted (8-yard punt), which gave Waubonsie Valley good field position from its own 49. On the Warriors’ first offensive play of the season, running back Bryce Logan (8 rushes, 96 yards) scampered 51 yards for a touchdown. Cross Holmes’ extra point made it 7-0 Warriors less than five minutes into the game. Early in the second quarter, an illegal block penalty on Waubonsie Valley during an OPRF punt pinned the Warriors deep in their own territory. After the Huskies defense forced another punt, Aidan Shea’s nifty punt return gave the Huskies excellent field position at the Warriors’ 27. Aided by a roughing the passer penalty, McGill led a 6-play scoring drive, highlighted his 8-yard touchdown run. Henry Darrow’s extra point tied the game up at 7-7 with 7:50 left before halftime. On the ensuing kickoff, Waubonsie fumbled and the ball was recovered by the
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
OPRF’s Trevon Brown (#3) runs with the ball after a catch on Friday, Aug. 24, during a varisty football game against visiting Waubonsie Valley. Huskies at the Waubonsie Valley 23. OPRF took advantage as McGill scored on a 2-yard run. Darrow’s kick made the score 14-7 at the 3:19 mark of the second quarter. Logan returned the ensuing kickoff to the OPRF 42. Given its own short field, the Warriors struck quickly as Julian Cain (2 catches, 69 yards, 2 TD) reeled in a 40-yard touchdown pass from Jack Drow. Holmes’ second PAT tied the game up at 14-14, just 16 seconds after McGill’s second score. On the final series of the first half, the Huskies went 44 yards on 11 plays. Darrow’s 44-yard field goal gave OPRF a 17-14 lead at the half.
Huskies scoreless in second half “We started off a little slow,” Brown said. “We picked up the pace in the second quarter. Coming out of halftime, we had the momentum. In the second half, it flipped really quickly.” Midway through the third quarter, a Holmes punt bounced off the shoulder pads of an OPRF player and was recovered by the Warriors at the Huskies’ 28. Drow’s 19-yard pass to Jack LeMoine set up Holmes’ 23-yard field goal which tied the score at 17-17 with 2:28 left in the third. OPRF picked up a pair of first downs on
its next drive, but then McGill fumbled the ball when he was sacked. Waubonsie Valley recovered on the Huskies’ 32. Early in the fourth quarter on a fourth-down play, Drow (6-for-8, 96 yards, 2 TD) connected with Cain for a 29-yard touchdown pass. The extra point made it 24-17 Warriors with 10:12 remaining in regulation. McGill completed several clutch passes to get the Huskies deep in Warriors’ territory before the aforementioned final play of the game occurred. McGill finished 17-for-30 for 175 yards and rushed 22 times for 48 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, he appeared to have command of the offense. “Jaden ended up coming out of the summer doing some really good things,” Hoerster said. “We thought he gave us the best chance of being successful. I was really happy with how he played tonight. I think he played outstanding football.” “Jaden did really good,” Brown added. “He’s an excellent runner and made several nice passes.” Brown snagged eight catches for 101 yards and added 22 yards on three carries. Nazareth Bryant (5 carries, 25 yards; 3 catches, 33 yards) also contributed on offense. Defensively, Naahlyee Bryant and Cincinnati recruit Izaiah Ruffin each registered a sack. OPRF held the Warriors to 201 yards of total offense and just two first downs. While Hoerster liked his team’s effort, the Huskies have some things to work on. “We’ve got some things to clean up,” he said. “I told the kids it’s Week 1. The biggest improvement we can make is between Weeks 1 and 2. So they’ve got to be ready to work because I know the coaches are going to be ready to work.” The Huskies visit Downers Grove South on Friday, Aug. 31. The conference crossover game kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
OPRF’s defensive linemen review plays together on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, during a varisty football game against Waubonsie Valley at Oak Park and River Forest High School football stadium.
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
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Fenwick running back Mitch Lopez runs up the middle against Kenwood at Triton College on Friday, Aug. 24. Kenwood beat Fenwick 20-9.
Friars can’t hold off Kenwood
Mistakes, scoreless second half contribute to nonconference loss By MARTY FARMER Sports Editor
While the Fenwick football team has welcomed every battle in the Chicago Catholic League in recent years, the Friars have also shown a willingness to face tough competition outside their conference. This year’s home opener against Kenwood served as no exception. The well-regarded Broncos scored 20 unanswered points to pull off a 20-9 comeback victory on Friday at Triton College in River Grove. “We had too many mistakes,” Fenwick coach Gene Nudo said. “And too many of those get you an L.” The Friars started well by building a 9-0 lead. Running back Mitch Lopez scored on a 7-yard touchdown run to fuel the Friars’ early run. “I thought Mitch Lopez ran the ball pretty well for us considering it was really his first varsity start,” Nudo said. “Their line was a lot better than I thought they were going to be. They had some bigger and thicker guys. When you have guys playing both sides of the ball like we do, that wears on you.” Trailing by two scores, the Broncos responded with a 20-yard scoring play to whittle their deficit to 9-6 after one quarter. Kenwood scored another touchdown before halftime to take a 12-9 lead. They tacked on eight points in the second half to cap off an impressive road victory. Although Lopez gained 88 yards on 16 car-
ries, the Friars struggled to produce much else on offense. Playing behind an inexperienced offensive line, junior quarterback Danny Cronin completed just 4 for 22 passes for 29. He also rushed three times for 15 yards. The wide receiving corps was quiet as well, with Marcus Wright catching a teambest two passes for 23 yards. “We had our chances offensively,” Nudo said, “but we had a lot of drops.” Defensively, Konrad Skowyra had 2.5 tackles and two sacks and Tom Dvorak finished with 5.5 tackles and a sack. Other top performers included Marcus Thomas (3 tackles, interception), Solomon Singleton (4 tackles), Tim Carey (5 tackles, forced fumble) and Max Forst (4.5 tackles). Thomas Mills, Emmett Bonaccorsi. Bryce Dowd and Andrew Dakuras also contributed on defense. Any loss is a disappointment, but the Friars were well aware of their inexperience entering the season. A better gauge of the team’s development will be available once the younger players get a few games under their belts. Fenwick (0-1) hosts St. Ignatius on Friday, August 31 in Week 2 action. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Triton. “Our message heading into Ignatius is no different than it was last weekend,” Nudo said. “Go to work, do what you’re supposed to do every day, and things will work out for us in the end. We’re not pushing any panic button, but we know we’ve got to play better.”
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Sports Roundup 45
OPRF runs out of time in opener Controversial ending caps off frustrating loss to Waubonsie Valley
By MELVIN TATE
I
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
OPRF quarterback Jaden McGill (#6) hands the ball off to running back Keith Robinson (#26) during the Huskies’ home opener against Waubonsie Valley on Friday, Aug. 24. The Warriors won 24-17.
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n recent seasons, the Oak Park and River Forest area high schools have had questionable calls by referees go against them late in football games. Of course, no one will forget the “Travesty at Triton” in 2016 when a gross misapplication of a rule cost Fenwick a chance to advance to the Class 7A state final. Friday night at Oak Park Stadium, OPRF experienced its own controversial ending in a 24-17 loss against Waubonsie Valley. With the Huskies on the move at the Waubonsie Valley 15-yard line and 15 seconds left in regulation, OPRF quarterback Jaden McGill attempted to pass but was sacked with nine seconds left. With no timeouts left, the Huskies hurriedly lined up in order to spike the ball and get one more play. Unfortunately, Waubonsie Valley wouldn’t let McGill get up after the aforementioned sack. For unsportsmanlike measure, the Warriors threw the ball toward the sideline to run the clock out. With about one second left, Waubonsie Valley was flagged for a delay-of-game penalty. The Huskies should have received one more play after the infraction. They didn’t. Ballgame. “The explanation was that the penalty happened after the clock ran out,” OPRF head coach John Hoerster said. “If it had happened before the clock ran out, then it would’ve been an automatic first down. (The officials) made the assumption that the clock ran out, but from where I was sitSee OPENER on page 46
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