Wednesday Journal 083023

August 30, 2023

Vol. 44, No. 9

$2.00

of Oak Park and River Forest

Bragging rights

Friars tackle Huskies 34-13 in River Grove

REPORT BY MELVIN TATE, PAGE 19

OPRF’s Kahrmelo Kelley Weaver (12) heads up eld a er his catch with Fenwick’s Erik Ferjak (16) Saturday, in pursuit during their season-opener Saturday.

Special section, page B1

Oak Park team hit the streets to help senior citizens beat extreme heat

How villages kept the vulnerable elderly population safe

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

As dangerous temperatures surged this week, Oak Park and River Forest officials took swift action to check on one of the most vulnerable populations – seniors.

Throughout the two-day heatwave, the senior services department of the Oak Park and River Forest townships was out in the field doing home visits, delivering meals and conducting

See HEAT on pa ge 14

STEVE JOHNSTON

Japanese BBQ is coming to Oak Park

From the owners of Kyuramen comes Gyumon, all you can eat (and cook)

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

After successfully launching Kyuramen last year, the ramen shop’s owners are opening their second Japanese eatery in downtown Oak Park. Part restaurant, part customer experience, Gyumon will be an all-you-can-eat Japanese barbecue restaurant where diners will get to cook fresh food right at their own table.

“Each table will have a barbecue right in the middle,” said Hui Zhu, who co-owns Gyumon and Kyuramen with Miao Chen, Zhixin Hu, Han Wang and Ziyi Wang.

Set to open early next year at 105 N. Marion St., Gyumon will feature a selection of different meats and ve getables, chopped and ready for guests to roast over their table’s open cook tops to dip in Japanese sauces. Zhu said Gyumon promises the highest quality cuts and freshest pro-

duce, upholding the same standards as its sister restaurant.

“It’s very healthy, very fresh,” said Zhu.

Smoke won’t be a problem, even for the diners who li their food extra charred. The grills entirely smokeless, on top of being designed and manufactured in Japan, adding to the restaurant’s authenticity.

Those looking for a more traditional dining experienc won’t feel left out at Gyumon. The menu includes meals made by chefs in the back kitchen, as well, so diners who ar not interested in cooking won’t have to lift a finger – except for lifting chopsticks from their plates to their mouths

The all-you-can-eat concept is intended to keep minds ease and bellies full.

“People don’t need to worry about the bill that much enjoying our so many delicious food options,” Zhu said.

Gyumon is leasing the storefront once occupied by Kalamata Kitchen, which closed last September. The beautiful space in the friendly downtown Oak Park corridor was chosen specifically for its proximity to the Metra station, which makes the restaurant easily accessible to Chicago residents and Oak Parkers alike. The storefront is also just a one-minute walk from Kyuramen at 118 N. Marion St., making it convenient for the restaurants’ owners, who also just really like the community of Oak Park.

“The people are very friendly, very kind,” Zhu said.

Kyuramen’s owners are active participants of the community, including in events and communications with Downtown Oak Park, the business alliance that works with the Village of Oak Park and other local agencies to promote businesses and restaurants in the downtown district, according to DTOP Executive Director Shanon Williams

“They’ve been a great addition and they’re very engaged in the community,” Williams said. “There’s nothing but great reviews coming out of their current restaurant, so I’m

sure this second location is going to be just as successful.”

Gyumon also is bringing bubble tea to Oak Park. Bubble tea is a Taiwanese drink famous for its boba, which are little balls of tapioca that fill the bottom of the glass the tea is served in.

Gyumon is being decorated by a China-based interior design firm that has branches in Japan and Taiwan. The plan is to bring eastern influence to the west Chicago suburb, according to Zhu. Its atmosphere and décor will be similar to that of high-end restaurants in Japan.

“It’s going to surprise you,” Zhu said.

IMAGES COURTESY OF GYUMON RESTAU R ANT

Design plans for Gy umon, the new Japanese BBQ restaurant in downtown Oak Park.

WDCB Bluesday Tuesday: Demetria Taylor

Tuesday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m., FitzGerald’s

Ms. Taylor is the daughter of blues guitar legend Eddie Taylor, the sister to a very talented clan of blues musicians, and a powerhouse on her own. 6615 Roosevelt Road., Berwyn.

Labor Day Celebration

Monday, Sept. 4, 2 p.m., St. Paul Thai Lutheran Church

The church is inviting friends, neighbors and the entire village to join them in a free fun event featuring a water slide and games for kids of all ages. The food will include pizza, chicken wings, fruit, ice cream, snacks, and cold drinks, with a movie to be shown at 6:30. This will all take place on the corner of Brown & Dixon in Forest Park. 7416 Dixon St., Forest Park.

BIG WEEK

Aug. 30-Sept. 6

Illinois Libraries Present: The Power of Story With Colson Whitehead

Summer Sounds ‘23: Street Jaxkson Band

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 7 p.m., Dominican University Performing Arts Center

This ve-piece blues band will knock it out on the DU quad, outdoors. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.

Thursday Night Out: Box Band

Thursday, Aug. 31, 5-9 p.m. The folk-bluegrass sounds of the Box Band will ll the cobblestone neighborhood streets. Marion between Lake Street and Nor th Boulevard, Oak Park.

Wednesday, Sept. 6, 7-8 p.m., virtually through Illinois Libraries Present Colson Whitehead is a renowned author famed for such books as The Underground Railroad, The Nickel Boys, Harlem Shu e, The Noble Hustle, Zone One, Sag Harbor, The Intuitionist, John Henry Days, and Apex Hides the Hurt. Whitehead, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, is only the fourth writer to win two Pulitzers in the Fic tion categor y (for Underground Railroad in 2018 and The Nickel Boys in 2020). His highly anticipated latest, Crook Manifesto, is a darkly funny tale of a city under siege, but also a sneakily searching portrait of the meaning of family. This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries—including Oak Park Public Librar y— o ering premier events. Register now at bit.ly/ILP_ColsonWhitehead.

Listing your event

Wednesday Jour nal welcomes notices about events that Oak Park and River Forest groups and businesses are planning. We’ ll work to get the word out if you let us know what’s happening by noon Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper.

■ Send details to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302 ■ Email calendar@wjinc.com

COLSON WHITEHEAD

DEMETRIA TAYLOR

Superintenden Greg Johnson will lead OPRF

for 4 mo

from the $247,500 he made last year. Raises in the final three years of his contract are dependent upon performance and the will of the school board.

After the meeting, school board member Mary Anne Mohanraj praised Johnson noting that he became superintendent in 2021 in the midst of the Covid pandemic.

By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

Greg Johnson, superintendent of Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, has a new contract.

Even though Johnson had one year remaining on his initial three year contract as superintendent, the school board gave him a new, four-year contract in a unanimous vote Thursday.

School boards typically don’t allow a superintendent to enter the final year of their contract without an extension if they want the superintendent to stick around. Johnson has been a popular leader at OPRF.

“It was a seve for

and has carried them through with and tremendous patience,” she said.

In his two years as superintendent, Johnson was leading the ef cussed and argued-about Project 2 of much of the school’s physical wing, complete with a ne ming pool, approved by the school without going to a referendum. Project 2 is now estimated to cost about $102 million.

Some thought the question of whether to bor row the money to pay for such an exeen decided

for

Project 2 by issuing about $45 million in debt certificates — a type of borrowing that does not require a referendum — and using about $44 million from the school’s large cash reserves. Private donations are expected to cover the rest of Project 2’s cost.

Last year, the freshman curriculum was revamped as OPRF implemented its Honors for All freshman curriculum, in which most freshmen are placed in Honors courses for most freshman classes other than math. T he mid-level Colle ge Prep Level track was eliminated for most freshman classes in an ef fort to g et more Black students exposed to more rigorous classes that can lead to Advanced Placement classes later in high school. Black students at OPRF are under re presented in Honors and AP classes compared to their percentage of the student body

“I’m very excited about continuing the work and I’m appreciative of the board for their suppo rt,” Johnson said.

Unlike some superintendents, Johnson has been an outgoing and visible presence at OPRF, regularly walking the halls and often chatting with faculty, staff and students

“Every single day I make an ef fort to be out in the school and at least walk the

halls, whether it ’s during passing periods or lunch periods, or whatever it is and interact with folks that I see there,” Johnson said.

Johnson has also built a cohesive administrat ive team.

Johnson, 48, was born in Elmhurst and attended York High School. He came to OPRF in 2017 as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and was bumped up to the post of associate superintendent in 2019 before becoming superintendent in 2021. While heading curriculum and instruction, Johnson led the first curriculum review process at OPRF in many years.

Before coming to OPRF, Johnson spent seven years as the principal of Centennial High School in Champaign. Before becoming Centennial’s principal in 2010, he taught English at Urbana High School for nine years and then served as assistant principal at Urbana High School for two years.

Johnson has three degrees from the University of Illinois, including a Ph.D. in education policy, organization and leadership. Johnson’s new contract runs until June 30, 2027.

The school board shows their suppor t: ‘He’s heading us in the right direction’

BOB SKOLNIK

Supt. Greg Johnson and D200 board member Tom Cofsky dur ing a rece nt school board meetin g.

D200 Superintendent Greg Johnson.

Preservation e orts on village hall take a step for ward

Oak Park issues RFQ to architects specializing in historic renovation

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Historic preservationists are feeling optimistic that Oak Park Village Hall will be saved from demolition since the village board walked back its original decision to direct staff to design a brand-new facility.

Now, focusing on renovating and modernizing the historic building, the village of Oak Park is planning to hire an architectural consulting firm specializing in historic preservation. The village issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) last week, which won the approval of local architect Frank Heitzman, co-founder of the advocacy group Preservation Oak Park

“I’m pleased they did that; I think that’s a great idea,” said Heitzman.

Responses to the RFQ are due Sept. 13. The village board expects to choose the firm and enter into an ag reement later that month. The RFQ was developed by Public with, Oak Pa , and also ad

“The intent is that the RFQ process will help deter mine which firm is best suited and qualified to move forward,” said Trexler.

Once chosen, the firm will work in collaboration with FGM Architects, the firm already contracted to carry out a structural assessment of village hall, 123 Madison St. The two firms will determine the feasibility of renovating the Harry Weese-designed building to make it more efficient, environmentally sustainable, and accessible.

FGM Architects has been involved in the project for several years, beginning when the village was only looking to update its inadequate police station, which sits in the windowless basement of village hall. A better police station is still very much a part of the project.

Furor and panic spread through Oak

Park after FGM included demolishing village hall and building a new facility in its place among the recommended options brought forward to the village board on July 5. By far the most expensive option with an estimated cost of $118 million, the new structure would solve the issue of substandard police facilities while fulfilling the moder n needs of local gover nment.

The village board was initially excited by this plan and directed staff to proceed into the design phase, which resulted in consid-

erable backlash from the community, upset over the prospect of tearing down a building on the National Register of Historic Places. Heitzman, who authored village hall’s register nomination, was particularly incensed

“I was really mad because I love that building and it’s one of the best mid-century modern buildings in the Chicago area,” Heitzman said.

The public’s reaction prompted the board to quickly reconsider its stance. The board back-pedaled at its July 31 meeting, voting

5-1 to amend its contract with FGM, and committed to trying to preserve the building. The move won the board the approval of Preservation Oak Park

“When the board reversed the original vote, I thought that was a really positive sign,” said Frank Lipo, local historian and Preservation Oak Park co-founder.

The group hosted a forum Tuesd ay night at Unity Temple, after Wednesday Journal’s print deadline, to discuss village hall’s history and its open government design concept, as well as opportunities to improve its operational deficiencies. About 170 invitations to the for um were sent out, according to Heitzman.

Longtime resident and architect Bill Dring, who served as project manager for Weese during the 1974 construction of vil-

BOB UPHUES

Oak Park Village Hall at 123 Madison St. ROB SPROULE

“

That building can and should be used for another 50 years.”

FRANK LIPO

Local historian and

Preser vation Oak Park

co -founder

lage hall, presented it at the for um, as did architectural engineer Mark Nussbaum, who is widely known for designing the geothermal heating and cooling systems for several historic buildings, including Unity Temple and Pleasant Home.

A complete demolition of village hall could still be in the cards. The village board has not given express i nstructions to village staf f to nix the idea entirely and no further directions have been made to staf f since the board’s last meeting on July 31.

“We’re continuing to explore the original options,” said Sproule.

Village President Vicki Scaman, who attended the for um at Unity Temple, con-

firmed that the village hall could still end up being demolished, although that is not her hope.

“Anything is possible, but we wish to focus on the opportunities that may exist to rehabilitate the building,” she said. “The desire is to fully vet all options with the goal to have a functional space that meets our municipal needs for the next 50plus years.” Still, the historic preservationists in Oak Park remain hopeful that the Weese-designed structure can make it another half a century if the right investments are made to it.

“That building can and should be used for another 50 years,” said Lipo.

Two people found dead in cars in separate Oak Park incidents

There were no signs of foul play in either case

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Two people were found dead in cars in separate incidents on Friday in Oak Park, authorities said.

One died of natural causes, while the other died of a gunshot wound to his head. T here were no signs of foul play in either case

Both cases have been turned over to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The two individuals were found in different parts of the village at different times in the afternoon.

The woman was identified as 71-year-old Barbara Sandusky. She was found inside her own vehicle in the 700 block of Euclid Avenue at about 1:45 p.m. Sandusky died of

AND FORGET IT! SHRED IT

natural causes, police said.

Sandusky was a for mer resident of Oak Park but moved in 2022, according to Oak Park spokesperson Dan Yopchick. Yopchick said Sandusky was re ported a missing person from unincorporated Elmhurst by her sister.

T he man, whose identity has not been determined, was found by Oak Park police in a vehicle parked in the 200 block of North Taylor Avenue just after 4 p.m. T he man had sustained a gunshot wound to his head

Police were called to the scene to carry out a welfare check on the vehicle, which had re por tedly not been moved for several days. Upon their arrival, they discovered the man’s body and a firearm inside the vehicle. An investi tion is ongoing.

Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon

(NOTE: If the trucks fill-up sooner—we finish sooner!)

Forest Park Bank, the locally owned and managed community bank, is pleased to continue the tradition of sponsoring the Annual FREE Sensitive Document Shredding Event in the Municipal Parking Lot located south of the Drive-Up Facility. The Bank has, again, engaged a professional shredding service to shred your documents with an industrial shredder.

Forest Park Bank and Forest Park Police Department personnel will be on site to discuss identity security issues, including ways to protect your identity and what to do if you become a victim of identity theft or financial scams.

You may bring up to two 12” X 12” X 18” boxes of documents to be shred at no charge. Three-ring notebooks and binders with large metal rings cannot be shredded. Staples are allowed. If you have questions about this event, please contact the bank at 708.222.2800.

BOB UPHUES

Noted Chicago architect Harr y Weese designed Oak Park’s village hall.

Sip N’ Stroll Brings Wine Tasting Experience for Second Year to Elmwood Park

Visitors can enjoy wine tasting by 10+ wineries in Elmwood Park

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

Wine lovers are invited to enjoy a 21-andover wine tasting experience at Elmwood Park’s Central Park that features a vibrant end-of-summer event with food, live music and of course, wine.

“Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a different kind of evening out with friends, this event is sure to satisfy,” said Elmwood Park Village President Angelo “Skip” Saviano.

Now in its second year, Sip N’ Stroll promises not to disappoint wine lovers and those who are still exploring their

thirst for wine. With more than 10 wineries on-site, attendees are on track to find a new favorite or try something new and tasteful.

For a $50 ticket, attendees will get 10 wine-tasting tickets and a commemorative wine glass. They’ll also be able to enjoy live music by Vince Amore amid the great and vibrant community atmosphere that distinguishes Elmwood Park.

“Sip N’ Stroll is a great way to sample 10 different wines and compare them to your favorites,” Saviano said.

Some of Elmwood Park’s favorite food vendors will be back with bites for purchase. Local favorites’ caterer Elmcrest Banquets and Massa Café Italiano will be at this event. Enjoy a variety of light easyto-eat bites such as antipasto skewers, antipasto trays and Italian sausage skewers, prepared by Elmcrest Banquets. The catering specialists will also bring bowtie pasta

covered in savory vodka sauce, Italiantwisted sliders filled with chicken parmesan or the classic beef tenderloin sliders, served with blue cheese aioli and caramelized onions. For a sweet bite, enjoy freshly made biscottis.

Not a fan of wine? Those who imbibe can sample tastings of tequila and whiskey brought by Proximo Spirits.

Sip N’ Stroll will be held Friday Sept. 8 from 5 to 9 p.m. It is located at Central Park at 2430 N. 75th Ave.

Find tickets at tinyurl.com/2828ksmh or search eventbrite.com.

Wine connoisseurs and the wine curious may sample vino for all tastes at this year’s Sip N’ Stroll.

T housands of p eople c ame out to this year ’s Galewoodstock, Galewood ’s annual neighborhood music festival.

Held in front of Sayre Language Academy at 1850 N. Newland Ave., the event featured six Chicago-area musical acts, including Austin R&B singer Alicia Ya Yah Townsend and Edward Carpio y Su Ensamble Latino salsa band. Galewoodstock expanded its food area and added more activities for kids, including lessons from local artists Galewoodstock is organized by the Galewood Neighbors community organization to bring the neighborhood together and show it off to the surrounding communities.

PHOTO S BY TODD A. BANNOR

(Above) e band Edward Carpio y Su Ensemble Latino; A family (le ) enjoying a picnic.

ART BEAT

Oak Park actor lands a lead role in ‘Lehman Trilogy’

Tony-winning play can be seen at the Broadway Playhouse till Oct.

29

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Family! Ambition! The collapse of an American investment banking company that contributed to the global financial crisis of 2007-09! The Lehman Trilogy has it all — and it stars Oak Park actor Anish Jethmalani.

“It’s really quite a ride,” Jethmalani said of the play at Playhouse inside the Place in downtown Chicag

J plays Emanuel Lehman, one of three founding brothers of the Lehman Brothers Inc. financial services firm. diences can catch him in the threeman play from Sept. 19 to Oct. 29. Tickets are on sale now and Jethmalani said it’s very much worth seeing.

“There’s a lot happening, and it’s done in a way that’s really theatrical and poetic,” he said.

T he play charts the rise and f all of the company, which at one time was the fourth-largest investment bank in the United States, across two centuries. Beginning with the brothers’ mid-19th-centu-

ry immigration to America, the play ends right at the cusp of the bank’s ultimate and infamous collapse in 2008, when it filed for bankruptcy.

Written by Stefano Massini and adapted by Ben Power, The Lehman Trilogy opened to critical acclaim in 2018 in London’s West End theater district, where it earned five Laurence Olivier Award nominations. The play became an even bigger success during its Broadway run, raking in eight 2022 Tony nominations and winning five, including Best Play.

In this production, Jethmalani stars alongside Mitchell Fain and Joey Slotnick, who play Henry Lehman and Mayer Lehman, respectively, the eldest and youngest of the Lehman brothers. In the same order as their birth, the Lehman brothers left Bavaria, one by one, in pursuit of the American Dream. Emanuel Lehman left Europe in 1847, three years after Henry Lehman and three years before Mayer Lehman.

The trio of actors slip into more shoes than just those of the bank’s founding brothers. The play covers three generations of the Lehman family over three acts, so the three men also play the brothers’ sons, grandsons, and even wives and girlfriends.

Jethmalani has the particular responsibility of playing Emanuel Lehman and his fraternal ne phew, Herbert Lehman, the 45th governor of New York and for mer U.S.

senator. He describes Herbert as “a very progressive, outspoken leader.”

“He was ahead of his time in terms of being able to speak out about issues that were affecting the common person,” Jethmalani said.

Progressive values are part of what drew him and his family to Oak Park, but

he also values the community’s appreciation for the fine arts. Several actors call Oak Park home, he said, and the village’s local theater scene, particularly Oak Park Festival Theatre, was already on his radar before he and his wife moved here in 2017.

“It’s got quite a re putation for good theater,” he said.

JOE MAZZA / BR AV E LU X, INC

Anish Jethmalani (top) plays Emanuel Lehman in TimeLine eatre Company’s Chicago premiere production of e Lehman Trilogy, presented at Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse, Sept. 19 – Oct. 2023.

JOE MAZZA / BR AV E LU X, INC

Anish Jethmalani as Emanuel Lehman in TimeLine eatre Company’s Chicago premiere production of e Lehman Trilogy.

Teens learn options for civic participation at OPRF’s rst civics fair

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Last week a number of prominent local politicians and leaders of local non-profit groups stopped by Oak Park and River Forest High School for the school’s first Civics Service Learning Fair.

Congressman Danny Davis, State Senate President Don Harmon, State Re presentatives Camille Lilly and La Shawn Ford, and Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman all attended the event. About 550 OPRF juniors and seniors are taking civics this semester.

“You don’t have to have gray hair before you engage,”

Congressman Davis told the students, according to a news release from OPRF. “There are many places in history where very young people got things changed, made things happen. You’re that group today.”

The purpose of the fair was to give students ideas about how they could fulfill the five hours of community service that is required of each student for graduation from OPRF and to inspire them to become involved in civic life.

Civics education has been mandated by state law for high school students starting with ninth graders who began high school in the 2016-17 school year.

After some panel discussions, the re presentatives of the community organizations sat down at tables and talked about their organization and how to volunteer.

Senior Skyy Cast said that her visit to the League of Women Voters table made the biggest impression on her.

“I’ll be 18 and able to vote soon,” Cast said, according to a news release from OPRF. “I’ll be able to have my say instead of leaving it to someone else.”

The fair was organized by OPRF civics teachers Matt Maloney and Steve Schwartz, as well as pre-vocational education co-coordinator Brian Dubina.

At last week’s OPRF school board meeting, Schwartz

gled to find meaningful service hours and often ultimately just did something that didn’t have a great deal of meaning to them. He said that the fair gave students the opportunity to learn about various organizations and gave them

ideas of how they could fulfill their community service requirement. Schwartz also said that the re presentatives from the community organizations were excited to meet with students.

“It’s really a win-win for everyone,” Schwartz said. Schwartz said that the school plans to hold another civics fair at the start of the second semester because civics is a semester-long class.

‘You don’t have to have gray hair before you engage,’ Congressman Danny Davis says

PANELIST: (Le to right) Pegg y Kell, League of Women Voters of OP & RF; Village Trustee Ravi Parakkat; Vicki Scap (78th dist.); La Shaw n K. Ford, state rep (8th dist.); Mike Carmody phzibah, in OPRF’s Little eater.

State Senate President Don Harmon (center).

COURTESY OF OPRF

Pegg y Kell, Rep. Danny Davis, and Village President Vicki Scaman.

Lake & Lathrop gets one more year with sti conditions

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

Like the proverbial cat with nine lives, the Lake and Lathrop condominium project in River Forest survived a vote by the River Forest Village Board Aug. 28 that could have resulted in the plug on the longdelayed project being pulled.

Board members voted 4-2 to grant the developer, Sedgwick Properties, yet another in a string of building permit extensions However, whereas the extension runs through Aug. 30, 2024, it comes with a series of conditions that must be met by Sept. 15. Trustees Erika Bachner and Katie Brennan voted against granting the extension.

T he project has been on life support since April when Beverly Bank and Trust, which is financing the development, filed suit against Sedgwick Properties

Through the lawsuit, filed in Cook County court, the Wintrust-affiliated bank is looking to claw back $4.2 million from the $20 million line of credit it issued in 2022. In the lawsuit, the lender has re portedly cited several provisions in its loan ag reement with Sedgwick affiliates that were violated, including that the contract required the borrower to stay in compliance with local re gulations and to stick to a tighter construction timeline.

Securing viable financing, and providing proof of such financing to the village, is the top condition Sedgwick Properties faces by Sept. 15. In addition, the developer must also resolve the pending litigation with Beverly Bank and Trust. Other conditions are: paying the village $98,905.32 for the permit extension fee and paying $21,000 in unpaid property taxes. If any of the conditions are not met, the village will revoke the permit and issue a stop-work order.

Sedgwick Properties representatives Mark McKinney, project manager, and Marty Paris, president, faced tough questioning from all board members with those from Bachner and Brennan being the toughest.

“It’s very difficult to get information from you,” Bachner said. “Why don’t you communicate with us?

“We keep giving them leeway,” she added. “This is at least the third time.”

Brennan took issue with Sedgwick Properties not paying property taxes.

“Why don’t you pay your taxes?” she asked, calling it a pattern of non-payment. “I’m concerned this pattern will continue if we give you this permit.”

Comparing village officials to characters in the Peanuts comic strip, Brennan asked how many times they would allow Lucy to pull the football away.

“We keep saying, ‘This is the last time,’” she added.

Dozens of residents, most living in the neighborhood near Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue, attended the meeting, with 11 addressing the board. All 11 advocated voting against the extension, citing the developer’s financial troubles, an overall lack of progress on construction, and the condition of the site itself and surrounding area.

“You need to address the appearance,” Village President Cathy Adduci told McKinney and Paris. Referring to the use of plywood covering broken sidewalks, she said, “We’re not going to allow our residents to walk on plywood.”

McKinney and Paris defended their organization.

“We acknowledge the delays,” McKinney said, citing the pandemic and a concrete workers strike as contributing factors. “We’re not here to make excuses

“The biggest delay is the lender pulling out. We are working diligently to obtain financing. We are very committed to completing the project.”

Paris blamed Beverly Bank for the most recent delay, saying they are “very unhappy” with Wintrust.

“The project hasn’t progressed as we would have liked,” he added. “We hope we can work things out with Wintrust.”

If not, he said, they have “backup lenders.”

Adduci blamed some of the early delay in the project on contaminated soil from a dry cleaning business that was once on the site. She said village officials were not only aware of the contamination but also concerned that it was spreading, which could have affected the village’s public works land as well as properties of residents.

“This has been a long, winding road,” she said, but added, “I think it’s a good project.

Adduci said if Sedgwick Properties misses the Sept. 15 deadline, village officials will work with Wintrust.

“We will stay the course but it will take time and money. We know what our community wants.”

In addition, Sedgwick Properties has ag reed to provide a construction update at each re gularly scheduled village board meeting until certificates of occupancy are issued for all residential units. In addition,

the developer must obtain certificates of occupancy for all residential units by the August 2024 permit deadline. If work is required beyond the deadline, Sedgwick Properties must pay $197,810.64 for a threemonth permit extension. If work is required beyond the deadline, the developer must pay $36,000 in outstanding fines owed to the village. If they hit the deadline, that amount will be reduced to $2,000.

The project has been on the drawing board since before the village board approved, in 2016, the proposal by Lake Lathrop Partners LLC to build a four-story, mixed-use development containing 22 condominium units with 14,000 square feet of retail space. Variations on the same project had lurched and lingered for a decade previously. The original project included another story and eight more units but was scaled back

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.

Oak Park woman arrested for aggravated assault

A 35-year-old woman from the 100 block of Washington Boulevard was arrested Aug. 26 and charged with aggravated assault after being identified as the person who held a kitchen knife at another Oak Park resident’s throat and threatened bodily har m.

The incident was domestic incident involving the offender and the victim, who police identified as the offender’s mother.

Robbery

A man grabbed a key fob and keys out of an Oak Park resident’s hand, then pushed the resident and fled at 10:53 p.m. Aug. 24 on the 1000 block of Randolph Street.

Motor vehicle theft

■ A 2017 Nissan Rogue parked in the 200 block of South Elmwood Avenue was re-

HEAT

from page 1

well-being checks for their senior clients

Several of senior citizens took advantage of the department’s Thursday movie showing of the 2014 film “Kingsman,” watching Colin Firth play a debonair spy while eating popcorn in the air-conditioned senior services building, 130 S. Oak Park Ave.

“We’re ensuring everyone is comfortable, has food and are staying hydrated,” said Pamela Mahn, senior services director of the Oak Park and River Forest townships.

People ages 65 and older are more prone to heat-related health problems, including heat stroke, for a variety of reasons, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seniors and elderly people do not adjust as well to sudden changes in tem-

moved between 9 p.m. Aug. 25 and 7:50 a.m. Aug. 26.

■ A 2015 Dodge Charger parked in the 400 block of South Harvey Avenue was removed between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Aug. 26.

■ A 2018 Kia Sportage parked in the first block of Erie Street was removed between 12:52 p.m. and 1:53 p.m. Aug. 24. Chicago police recovered the vehicle on the 100 block of North Mayfield Avenue, Chicago, at 1:15 a.m. Aug. 25.

■ A black 2019 Ford Escape was removed between 10 p.m. Aug. 22 and 5:59 p.m. Aug. 23 in the 1000 block of Randolph Street.

Attempted vehicle theft

An Oak Park man re ported seeing two men fleeing from his 2016 Kia Sportage after the car alarm had been set of f at 1:05 a.m. Aug 26 on the 200 block of Chicago

peratures. They are also more likely to have a chronic medical condition, which can affect how their bodies respond to heat. Medications they take can also affect their bodies’ regulatory abilities to control temperature and perspiration.

Although neither Oak Park nor River Forest experienced a notable increase in ambulance calls from the heat, the Oak Park Fire Department received one heat-related ambulance call and some seniors still faced dangerous situations.

The air conditioning of local commercial real estate broker David King’s mother went out Wednesday night. Delores King was left without a proper cooling system amid the oppressive heat outside her Oak Park townhome.

The danger of the heat was compounded by her body’s inability to recognize the air conditioning had stopped. It wasn’t until her son stopped by Thursday morning that she lear ned it was broken.

“I said, ‘Mom, your AC is not working.’

Avenue. T he Kia’s rear passenger ’s side window was broken and its steering column peeled

Theft

■ Someone removed the copper downspout from a residence in the 1000 block of North Euclid Avenue between 1 p.m. Aug. 20 and 1 p.m. Aug. 26.

■ A FedEx package containing baby furniture was taken from a common area of an Oak Park resident’s apartment building in the 6400 block of West Roosevelt Road between 3:43 p.m. and 4 p.m. Aug. 22. The estimated loss is $699.

■ A man was captured via video surveillance removing a package from a front porch in the 1000 block of South Harvey Avenue at 5:32 p.m. Aug. 23. The package contained a denim skirt and a pair of sunglasses, an estimated loss of $150.

And she goes, ‘Really?” King recounted to Wednesday Journal. “She was sitting there with a sweatshirt on.”

His brother spent all Thursday with their mother, who turned 93 the following day, as two different re pairment from two different companies tried to fix her heat and cooling unit.

King spent the day going back and forth from work to the townhouse, keeping abreast of the situation and bringing over portable air conditioners.

Luckily for King, he did not have any viewings that day; the owners of vacant buildings on the market generally do not keep the air conditioning running and they don’t turn it on for showings. Had a client wished to see a property, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway, King said. The safety of King’s mother comes first.

“My priority is getting the AC working for my mom.”

The portable units kept the heat at bay for King’s mother, whose 50-year-old air condi-

Criminal proper ty damage

Someone shattered the glass windowpane on the front door of a building belonging to the Oak Park Residence Corporation between 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. Aug. 24 in the first block of South Boulevard.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports dated Aug. 22-28 and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

tioning unit turned out to be kaput, according to King.

He was able to wish his mother a happy 93rd birthday in person on Friday while he installed new window air conditioning units for her

Across the communities, businesses and residents stepped up to help the public beat the heat. A cooler full of bottled water helped to hydrate passersby, courtesy of Angie’s Pantry on 809 South Blvd. A printed sign advertising the free water hung in the window above the cooler, the top of which had a note on featuring a smiley face and the direction to “Help yourself!!” handwritten on a piece of eye-catching bright orange notepaper.

To beat the heat, the CDC recommends drinking more water than usual, not using the stove or the oven to cook, taking cool showers and baths, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity and wearing light, loose clothing. All of that should be practiced on top of the CDC’s number one recommendation: staying inside air-conditioned buildings.

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Homes

e home at 434 N. East Ave. in Oak Park has stood there since before street addresses were a thing and it was referred to simply as “the old Carter place.” But its appearance has changed quite a bit over the years since its construction in 1874. e photo on the le shows the original design — that’s the building’s original owner Michael Carter, in a rocking chair with daughter May sitting on the steps and two grandchildren at his feet. At right, is how the home appears today.

e old Carter place’ is for sale

Histor y of early Oak Park home illustrates how residences evolve over time

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

Today, most people label homes based on their house numbers, but in the days when families tended to stay in a home for more than one g eneration, homes often had mor e colorful monikers.

The home at 434 N. East Ave. in Oak Park is no exception. Built in the 1870s, the house was known for generations as “the old Carter place” in honor of the first family to live there.

Frank Lipo, executive director of the Oak Park and River Forest Historical Society, says the house and the family who lived there are an important part of Oak Park’s history. While the home certainly looks

historic today, he says it is a great example of how older homes evolved.

“Although it looks like an old house to the average person,” he states, “Thi s shows you how a lot of times, a house here can be deceiving. It had a much different appearance.”

Michael Carter was born in Nova Scotia in 1827 and moved to Oak Park following the Civil War in 1865. At the time he moved to the area, Henry Austin owned 200 acres of land, one mile wide from Oak Park Avenue to Austin Boulevard. The only improvement on all of that acreage was a far mhouse at what is today Fair Oaks Avenue and Iowa Street. Austin owned the farm, and Carter worked the farm for years with his sons, James and George.

In 1874, after Austin sold his land in what

was called the Fair Oaks subdivision, Carter built a new home at the intersection of East and Chicago avenues for his family, which included at least three sons and a few daughters.

Local lore says that the road was curved to allow an ancient oak tree in to remain. Lipo notes that the area was then part of Cicero Township, for which building permits do not exist for this time, but says, “This date puts it in that really early generation of houses” in Oak Park

T he Carters far med the land around the house and raised their f amily in the home. When Michael Carter died in 1902, his obituary stated, “The whole neighborhood felt stricken.”

His son, James Carter was a local coal and ice merchant. A founding member of

St. Edmund Church, he lived most of his life in Oak Park, save for a few years when he moved to South Dakota.

James Carter attended Lowell School and was a graduate of Oak Park High School in 1884. When he died at age 68 in 1933, his obituary noted he was “born on the knoll in Fair Oaks” and that “most of his life was lived in the white house at East Avenue and Chicago.”

The Carters were also associated with the Cicero Fire House building on Lake Street, which houses the Oak Park River Forest History Museum today. It was built in 1898, when James Carter was the chief of the Ridgeland Fire Association. One of James Carter’s sons, Donald Carter was See CARTER on pa ge 17

THE HISTORICAL SOCIET Y OF OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST

CARTER Design altered a er sale

from page 15

born in 1926, and lived in the East Avenue house as a boy.

Don Carter was quoted in an oral history, recalling that he grew up in the house on East Avenue, with his parents, his brother Jimmy and his school teacher aunts, Annie and Mary.

He remembered that the house had a front kitchen and a back kitchen. He fought in World War II and was known for years for driving his old Ford Model T in village parade s.

Don Carter died in 2019.

“Essentially, Carter men lived here [in Oak Park] a very long time, from 1866 to 2019,” Lipo said.

After James Carter’s death, the family listed the house for sale for $12,500. It sold to the Petersen family in 1937, and they embarked on a series of changes to the home.

When it was constructed, the home was an Italianate-style far mhouse with a gabled front roof, ornate trim on its wide front porch.

The front porch has been removed, and the windows and roof have been altered. The elaborate gingerbread trim is no longer in evidence. Additions over the years have elongated the house. What were once fields for melons have become separate lots for new houses to the south.

Today, the house is listed for sale for $999,988. The original sweeping staircase remains, but a new gourmet kitchen and renovated bathrooms offer a bit more comfort than the 1874 far mhouse originals.

Lipo says that the home’s history in

Before adjacent lots were sold o to build other homes, the Carter property included the family farm. A note on the back of the photo above, which was taken in 1896, described the scene as a “watermelon party.” Below right is the home’s newly remodeled kitchen. Bottom le is the Cook County property tax bill from 1875 – for $19.61.

the village is important, notwithstanding some of the changes it has undergone.

“These things are living, breathing,” Lipo said. “Every generation does something to a house. This is a really good example of how a house can be historic and ha many changes, and some of those changes themselves can become historic.”

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

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

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

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

99% OF OUR CALEDONIA STAFF IS VACCINATED

Immediate availability in our Memory Care Assisted Living Small House

Sweet revenge for Friars to open football season

D’Alise scores 3 times as Fenwick scampers past Huskies in second half

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

For four Fenwick High School football players who reside in Oak Park -- OL/DL David Blake, RB/LB Luke D’Alise, QB Marek Hill, and WR/DB Elijah Romeus -- last year’s 35-7 defeat at the hands of crosstown rival Oak Park and River Forest High School didn’t sit too well.

On Aug. 26 in front of a standing-room crowd at Triton College in River Grove, they got their revenge as the Friars pulled away in the second half to defeat the Huskies 34-13.

“It’s awesome,” said Hill, who completed 21-of-35 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown.

“The four of us talked all week about how important this game was, and we just went out there as a team, executed and got the result we wanted.”

Fenwick (1-0) got a huge gift to begin the game as OPRF (0-1) failed to cover the opening kickoff and Romeus pounced on the loose ball at the Huskies’ 10-yard line. The Friars cashed in when D’Alise scored on fourth and goal from a yard out. But Nate Marshall was stopped on the two-point conversion.

“It’s hard when you start off with a big mistake,” said OPRF coach John Hoerster

“We basically spotted them seven points and against a team like Fenwick, it’s going to make life really hard for you.”

However, the Huskies immediately responded by marching 80 yards over seven plays to take the lead. Sam Gray’s 41-yard burst helped set up a 14-yard touchdown run by OPRF sophomore quarterback Johnny Nelson (14-of-26, 118 yards passing; 37 yards rushing), making his varsity debut.

“Johnny had a great camp,” said Hoerster of Nelson winning the starting job over junior Owen Watson. “He brings a lot with his athleticism, size, and strength, and his passing game has come along. He did a great job.”

Late in the first quarter, Fenwick used a 12-play, 67-yard drive that carried over into the second to re gain the lead. D’Alise (22 carries, 94 yards) scored once again, this time going in from three yards out, and Hill found Marshall for the two-point conversion to give the Friars a 14-7 advantage with 10:15 left in the half.

OPRF pulled back within one as Watson, replacing an injured Nelson, hit Khalil Nichols out of the backfield for a 9-yard touchdown. But Tommy Thies blocked Eric Guerrier’s point after to maintain Fenwick’s lead, which stood at 14-13 at intermission.

After stopping Fenwick on downs inside Friars’ territory early in the third quarter, OPRF had a golden opportunity to take control. But the Huskies’ offense couldn’t move the ball and had to punt.

Then Fenwick defensive lineman Aiden

Fenw ick running back Luke D’Alise (le ) carried the ball 22 times for 94 yards and three touchdow ns during the Friars’ 34-13 season opening win over OPRF at Triton College on Aug. 26.

Burns made a momentum-changing play on OPRF’s next possession, sacking and stripping Watson of the ball, which was recovered by Timmy Mulcahy at the OPRF 27.

Five pl ay s later, Ninos A meer found the house from 9 ya rds out to raise the F riars’ lead to 21-13 at the 4:34 mark of the third quar ter

On Fenwick’s next possession, OPRF junior Matt Winkelhake intercepted Hill in the end zone. It gave the Huskies a brief spark as Nelson returned and completed three consecutive passes to Mykah Riley

OPRF had a 4th and 3 from the Fenwick 23 early in the fourth quarter, but Nichols was stopped short, resulting in a turnover on downs.

“I like how our kids fought,” Hoerster said of the Huskies, who have just

five returning re gulars from last season. “They’re learning and growing. They’re a great group, and I think we’re going to be alright. You want to keep yourself together and stay positive, but at the end of the day, we made too many mistakes.”

The Friars marched 78 yards in nine plays to create breathing room as Hill found T.J. Smith for a 24-yard touchdown pass. Nichols blocked Noah Sur’s point after, but Fenwick had a 27-13 lead with 8:50 to play.

Then after stopping OPRF twice more on downs, D’Alise’s 26-yard jaunt set up his third touchdown run, from one yard out, which sealed things with 1:36 left.

“Luke had an absolute monster game,” Hill said. “He was the player of the game in my opinion. He just makes plays.”

OPRF soccer kicks o 2023 season on front foot

Huskies outscore opponents 8-1 in winning rst two matches

By MELVIN TATE

Contributing

Reporter

Senior forward Easton Bogard and senior defender Diego Zarate each scored

twice to help lead the Oak Park and River Forest High School boys soccer team to a 5-0 victory over Willowbrook on Aug. 26 at the Addison Trail Invitational.

The Huskies (2-0) started this season on

a high note Aug. 21 with a comeback 3-1 home victory over St. Ignatiu s.

It marke d the 100th career win fo r OPRF c oach Jason F ried, who admitted he had no idea until a re porter mentioned

it afterwards

“I’m not sure exactly how he knew,” said Fried, now in his eighth season. “But See BOYS SOCCER on pa ge 20

STEVE JOHNSTON

New coaching sta in place for Fenwick girls cross country

Zubowicz-Hill optimistic as season gets under way

By MELVIN TATE

Contributing Reporter

Fenwick High School girls cross country coach Latoya Zubowicz-Hill likes how her team is looking at the start of her debut season.

“We feel confident enter ing the season with numerous juniors and seniors with sity experience,” said Zub icz-Hill, who replaced longtime coach Kevin Roche. “This gr of upperclassmen has helped me as a new coach to the program tremendously.”

Fenwick returns five of year’s top seven runners, includ ing sophomore Romy Bergetz, ju niors Emma Brennan and K Miller and seniors Amalia Anderson and Ireland Reynoso.

Senior Anna Scholten, w to race last year, returns to supply further depth for the Friars

“Anna is disciplined and talented and will be one of our top performers this season,” Zubowicz-Hill said. “She and freshman Juli-

BOYS SOCCER

Six starters return

from page 19

it feels good. A lot of coaches and players have really worked hard all these year and their families as well as mine have been a part of it. It’s a cool milestone, but let’s keep going forward.”

Bogard, who’s been on the varsity all four years, is one of Chicagoland’s top players. Last season, which saw OPRF finish 16-4 and reach the IHSA Class 3A sectional semifinals, Bogard tallied 22 goals and added 13 assists, both team highs. He is one of six returning starters for the Huskies. Junior midfielder Bryce Richards, who scored the go-ahead goal in the 74th minute against St. Ignatius, had 14 goals and 10 assists in 2022, while senior goalkeeper Christian Dussias posted a 0.82 goals-against average.

anna Gamboa can often be seen leading practices. They have qualities that every coach hopes for when developing runners.”

Three more freshmen, Allison Austin, Lilly Kotynek and Isabella Lefko, could play a role on the varsity this fall.

“We have a strong team atmosphere, which usually leads to a successful season,” ZubowiczHill said. “We’re excited to see w our girls grow as a team and in racing as the season goes on.” Highlights of Fenwick’s schedule include the St. Ignatius Connelly Invitational and the Peoria vitational on the course where the IHSA state meet takes place.

In the Girls Catholic Athletic onference, Zubowicz-Hill sees Loyola Academy and St. Ignatius (her alma mater) as the top teams. She also ep, Nazareth Academy, Rosary and Trinity are strong programs.

“We want to continue to grow as a team and develop a strong mentality of racing,” Zubowicz-Hill said. “Having new coaches [assistants Liam Walsh and Father Chris Johnson] means getting to know the return-

ing runners and continuing to build upon the successes of coach Roche and previous traditions while also developing new traditions

We are looking to have a strong showing in conference and work towards getting our top runners to state.”

State-quali er McGreal returns to pace Trinity

The Trinity High School cross-country team hopes to build of f a modestly successful 2022 season, which saw the Blazers place third in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Red Division meet and have two runners merit all-conference honors.

One of those honorees, sophomore Molly McGreal, is back after qualifying for the IHSA Class 2A state meet with a personalbest time of 19:00 at the Kaneland sectional.

“Molly will look to build on what was a fantastic freshman year in both crosscountry and track,” said Trinity coach Johann Gonzalez.

Trinity’s other key returnees include senior Myla Roy and junior Jade Morelli, who were both part of the 3200-meter relay

Addison Trail, Streamwood and in Bettendorf, Iowa, at the Great River Classic highlight OPRF’s non-conference schedule.

“The Great River is an invitational loaded with quality competition,” Fried. “It’s a couple of weeks before the postseason, so it’ll help us get ready.”

Fenwick opens season with 2 wins

Fenwick High School be g an this season with a pair of wins at the J. Buckner Classic hosted by Chicago University High last week.

team that qualified for the Class 2A track and field state meet in the spring.

Seniors Anais Fernandez, Andrea Garcia, and Amy Vargas supply the Blazers with further depth. Moreover, Gonzalez feels he has a talented group of freshmen who has the potential to contribute to the varsity later this season.

“We had a big senior class that graduated and left spots to be filled,” Gonzale z said. “We look at it as an excellent opportunity for some of the other athletes to step up and help the team achieve our season goals.”

One of those goals for T rinity will be development of its newcomers. Gonzale z believes that once it happens, he’ll have a better understanding of each r unner’s capabilities and be able to establish a re gular lineup.

“When I ran cross-country my junior year, our t-shirt quote was “the road to success has no shortcuts,” Gonzalez said. “We will need to work harder than we ever have before in order to achieve what we believe can be a successful season. Nothing will be given; everything will need to be earned.”

to Steinmetz in the IHSA Class 2A playoffs.

“We have shown an improved level of maturity on and of f the field, and this group has improved tremendously over the last few weeks,” he said. “We’re looking to be consistent with defending, attacking, and overall control the controllable in terms of preparation, energy, and ef fort.”

OPRF’s other returnees include senior forward Robert Sambou, senior midfielder Charlie Maguire and senior defenders Zarate, Isaac Felder and Ben Naber. Senior midfielder Nate Day along with senior goalkeeper Cameron Smith are newcomers looking to make an impact this fall.

“I’m overall feeling very positive about this team, and we’ll definitely put together some high-quality soccer,” Fried said.

Matches at Fenwick and RiversideBrookfield along with invitationals at

Senior striker Ian MacKinnon scored twice on Aug. 25 to lead the Friars to a 2- 0 victory over Chicago Latin. T he following day, senior defender John Ballarin, junior midfielder Sam Allaire and junior midfielder Ryan Agozo each tallied goals, while senior midfielder James Zimmer added two assists in Fenwick’s 3-0 win over U-High.

It’s a promising start for the Friars, looking to bounce back after a 7-10-2 2022 season that ended with an opening-round loss

Zimmer and fellow midfielder and classmate Evan Hickman made the Chicago Catholic League All-Conference Team last fall, and Zimmer also made the All-Sectional Team. Each scored five goals, while senior midfielder Jake Brecknock is the Friars’ top returning goal-scorer, having tallied seven.

Sophomore goalkeeper Dominick Ballarin made 75 saves and posted a 2.27 GAA. Allaire and MacKinnon are other key returnees.

Sophomore defender/midfielder Matthew Simon, junior midfielder/defender Jack Kupiec and senior midfielders Agozo and Armando Castro are newcomers hoping to help the Friars.

LATO YA ZUBOWICZ-HIL

EASTON BOGARD

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310

ktrainor@wjinc.com

Highest priority: voting rights

Aquestion was posed to me last week, asking what I’d like to see the Biden administration do or complete before the 2024 election. I responded with a question, “Can I answer that in plural?” The person talking to me said, “No, I want to know your highest priority.” Having to state which issue mattered the most to me, I said “voting rights.”

Voting rights are basic to our democracy and are a constitumy husband and I traveled to Selma to join oting rights, and at happened on that bridge are still painful. Two in 1963, Martin red his faa Dream” speech, us to activism. It certainly impacted the decision of my husband and me to march in Selma. I remember, too, how dedicated our fellow marchers were We were led by John Lewis, who later became a longstanding member of Congress. We were impassioned, and we felt assured our ef for ts would succeed. Unfortunately, on Bloody Sunday in 1965, many patriots were injured and some slaughtered for this effort

HAUSMAN

Some two years later, in 1965, a Voting Rights bill was enacted with overwhelming support. Although the road to this success was dreadful, many of us felt great satisfaction. Our expectation was that this law would be in effect for all time.

Fast forward to today, and here we are fighting the same battle over fair and equal access to vote. Many state legislatures, predominantly in Southern states, have passed bills that skirt the legality of the Voting Rights Act. Establishing unrealistic obstacles to voting for cer tain groups of people is one way this is accomplished. Polling places for people of color are often located as far as 50 miles away from where they reside. Restrictive balloting rules and adding rigid qualifications for proof of identification are other ways people of color are disproportionately impacted.

Finally, this year in June, even our conservative-leaning Supreme Court stepped up. They could not tolerate an outrageous ger rymandering bill from Alabama. They voted against the state of Alabama in the Allen v. Mul-

When I moved to Oak Park in 1990, the restaurant on the southwest corner of Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street was Cafe Winberie. I liked this restaurant’s location. Being able to walk four blocks to my home, rather than driving, was a plus after a meal that included two glasses of wine. It soon closed for remodeling and re-opened as Winberie’s

The interior walls of the remodeled restaurant were a pleasant mix of brick and dark wood. I tended to eat in the dining area only when I was with friends or was hosting family members. When I was there by myself, I preferred to sit at a small round high-top table in the bar area where the lighting was better for reading while I waited for my meal to be served.

The restaurant’s website claimed that Winberie’s was a place “where everyone is a re gular.” I once overheard Ben, a bartender, saying he reco gnized half the people who walked through the front door. When he left Winberie’s to open a store in Chicago with his wife, I wondered how the restaurant would adapt to his absence. Soon a woman named Yvonne be g an serving the bar area on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Lisa was the bartender later in the week. When I arrived, typically once or twice a week, I ordered a glass of the least expensive Cabernet. The usual response from Yvonne or Lisa was, “And two pieces of bread, no butter!” (They knew I loved the multigrain bread.) One evening, Lisa approached my table and said, “Yvonne called me at home. She told me, ‘When Kevin comes in, tell him to order Chianti. They’ve changed the brand of the house Cabernet and it’s awful.’” I drank Chianti until the restaurant changed to another brand of inexpensive Cabernet.

According to its website, Winberie’s was a “casually elegant cafe cooking up New American cuisine.” My friends and family members who ate there always found something appealing and reasonably priced on the menu or on the list of daily specials. With my more picky tastes and cardiac concerns, I usually ordered the Chicken Marsala. Yvonne and Lisa, however, knew that it should be served with no mushrooms, no sauce, and no extra salt. In other words, plain g rilled chicken.

Gone,

but not forgotten.

Investing in a super

Public school superintendents are paid well. They also have jobs that are frequently brutal and sometimes short-lived.

That’s the context in which we observe that the school board at Oak Park and River Forest High School last week voted unanimously to tear up the final year on Supt. Greg Johnson’s initial three-year pact and replace it with a new four-year agreement.

Smart move

As we regularly note, a superintendent is the single school employee who reports to the school board. When, after two years of working together, the board feels they have a strong leader, it is time to extend that contract, show support for their employee and send a clear message to all constituencies that the vision of the school is fully aligned.

In a job that is way too big, Johnson’s critical projects are to make the detracking of the freshman curriculum work over the coming years and to push through the largest capital improvement campaign in the school’s history.

We find Johnson to be smart, thoughtful, accessible, and largely without the ego that can sometimes swamp a school leader. He ear ned this post through his solid work as an assistant and then associate superintendent at OPRF under Joylynn Pruitt Adams since 2017. While he has worked to build an administrative team, there have been some bumps, in unexpected departures and hires that did not stick. He is not alone in facing this era of job fluidity, but some of his hires and promotions have been stellar.

Civics in real life

Thanks to the efforts of three teachers at Oak Park and River Forest High School, more than 500 juniors and seniors had the chance last week to see their first semester civics class come to life

The first-ever Civics Service Learning Fair brought students face to face with many elected leaders at both the local and state level. Cong. Danny Davis, state Senate President Don Harmon, state Reps La Shawn Ford and Camille Lilly, and Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman were all there. They encouraged the students to feel the power they have to change the direction of our politics and to focus on issues that directly impact them.

It didn’t hurt the messaging that Lilly and Scaman graduated from OPRF. And for Junior Jamari Thomas it was meaningful to see three Black elected officials on the panels “As a Black person, seeing people with the same skin color as mine in that position is inspiring,” he said.

We’re not always fans when state-mandated school curriculum decisions come tumbling out of Springfield. But the 2017 mandate that civics be restored to high school curriculums resonates as essential in this depraved moment when we watch intentional disinformation being spread in a perverse effort to undermine our democracy

With two dozen local nonprofits and civic groups arrayed within the fair, students also had the opportunity to connect with a group whose mission is meaningful as they select a cause for their required five hours of community service.

Congratulations to Steve Schwartz, Matt Maloney and Brian Dubina, the teachers who made this happen.

Wanted: responsible, non-elitist citizens

So much of American politics is about class dif ferences and g rievance. It has grown especially toxic in this era of unprecedented economic inequality. The era started in 1980 with Reaganomics and inequality has only gotten worse. A lot of Americans, especially in rural America, feel left behind. They resent urban America, which is politically liberal and racially diverse, so they blame the left — and minorities — for their plight, even though their economic vulnerability was created by conservative, free-market economic policies backed by the 1 percent wealthy elite, which is predominantly right-wing

Instead of aiming their ire at the Republican Party, rural America focused it on the Democrats and their efforts to aid people of color, particularly urban Black Americans and incoming migrants from Latin America, who are their economic “competitors” on the lower rungs of the economic ladder. So they vote for Republicans, which only makes their lives worse, and they vilify the Democrats, who are the only ones trying to do anything to improve their lives.

TRAINOR

them. We are in conflict. Not violent conflict — a conflict of ideas, a clash of cultures. They will defeat us if we do not defeat them. And wallowing in our self-doubt is not going to change that. Their war cry, by the way, is “Own the Libs!” Does that sound like a group of distressed fellow countrymen waiting for us to throw them a lifeline? On the contrary, they believe they own us. And they might be right since so many “libs” have inter nalized the accusation that we’re nothing but a bunch of overeducated, silo-hugging elitists.

Every time someone in the pro-democracy camp agrees with that assessment, and every time the misguided media reinforces that phony notion, we undermine our ef for ts to prevent Trump from re gaining power and destroying democracy. And every time we say Joe Biden is too old to be president, we take another step toward losing. Why are we doing that to ourselves — and to our country?

Instead of voting the real elitists out of office, they have branded the progressive/liberal left as elitist. The media has adopted that false narrative and, remarkably, many liberals accept it as true. It must be our fault. If we weren’ t such arro gant, condescending elitists, looking down our long noses at our long-suffering civic brethren, they would never have cast their lot with the dark side. It’s our inability to reach them and persuade that has caused our Great Divide.

Sorry, not buying it. I hope you aren’t either. Our national challenge is to redefine America as a place where no one feels superior and no one feels inferior. We’re a long way from making this real, but that has always been our nation’s goal. All human beings are created equal, no matter their circumstances, and we all deserve to be treated as equals. Everyone, no exceptions

That includes Trump supporter s, who are not hapless, helpless dupes to be looked down on. They are an energized, feisty, fierce political force to be reckoned with. They do not consider themselves our inferior. If anything, it’s the other way around They don’t agree with us and we don’t agree with

The first rule of any contest is: respect your opposition. Do not underestimate them. But also do not underestimate yourself. They are our equals and we are their equals. No side is ever entirely right or entirely wrong. But we have the advantage. In this case, we are more right than wrong — enough to take a fir m stand.

Donald Trump, public enemy #1, the most wanted man in America (on both sides of the Great Divide) is a liar who tried to overtur n a le gitimate, free and fair election by ille gal means, including, but not limited to, inciting an insur rection against the Capitol. His followers support his ef for ts to overtur n democracy. We are not being elitists by stating our opinion about that effort. We are not being arrogant by pointing out, in the clearest manner possible, that they are wrong about the 2020 election.

On the contrary, we are being patriotic.

I don’t consider myself “better” than any Trump supporter, and I’m guessing you don’t either. As fellow citizens, I see them as equals. Our advantage in the upcoming, all-important 2024 contest, is that we’re more in touch with reality than those who buy into the Big Lie.

We will win if we are committed, actively involved, stop doubting ourselves, and, above all, stay united That is not elitism. That is not ar rogance.

That is responsible citizenship.

Irresponsible elitist

Civics Fair encourages students to give back

The first-ever Civics Service Learning Fair, hosted by Oak Park and River Forest High School, turned out to feature a who’s who of local civic celebrities.

The fair, hosted for 550 juniors and seniors enrolled in Civics classes, included tables with two dozen local nonprofit and civic organizations where students could lear n about how to get involved in their community.

It also featured a panel discussion where Congressman Danny Davis, Illinois Senate President Don Har mon, state representatives La Shawn Ford and Camille Lilly, and Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman joined other local leaders to talk about the importance of young people doing service work

“You don’t have to have gray hair before you engage,” Congressman Davis told the students. “There are many places in history where very young people got things changed, made things happen. You’re that group today.”

Rep. Ford pointed out that young people now have a critical tool that didn’t exist when he was in high school: social media

“Every day,” he said, “we see something that needs to be changed, and your voice is bigger than you know. Use social media to change the larger society for good, for positive change in the world.”

The lear ning fair was put together by OPRF Civics teachers Matt Maloney and Steve Schwartz and prevocational education co-coordinator Brian Dubina. As part of Civics class, which became a state graduation requirement in 2017-2018, OPRF students must com-

plete at least five hours of community service — but many of them don’t necessarily know how or where to do those hours. The fair was aimed at helping them make those connections

As the panelists mingled with students while they visited the dif ferent org anizations, senior Skyy Cast said her visit to the League of Women’s Voters table made the biggest impression on her. “I’ ll be 18 and able to vote soon,” she noted. “I’ ll be able to have my say instead of leaving it to someone else.”

Junior Thomas McNeilly said he noticed that many of the panelists graduated from OPRF, including Re p. Lilly, Pres. Scaman, and Opportunity Knocks’ Mike Car mody. “That’s something that’s been stressed at OPRF since day one — come back and give back to your community.”

Junior Jamari Thomas said he was especially pleased to see Re p. Ford and Re p. Lilly on the stage.

“As a Black person, seeing two people with the same skin color as mine in that position is inspiring.”

OPRF history teacher Peter Ruzicka was deep ly impressed by his colleagues’ ef fo rt s. “The state law [requiring Civics class] asks for speaker s, servic e, and authentic community eng agement, and they g ot this all wrapped into one dy namite packag e, ” he said. “It’s a lot of wo rk , yet they made it happen for our school, our students, our community, and our state.”

Karin Sullivan OPRF communications director

A hearty welcome to Erika Hobbs!

Good news, indeed, for her to be joining our gem of local journalism, Growing Community Media. As a subscriber since Wednesday Journal’s earliest years, I feel fortunate to brag a bit about one of the best local newspapers I’ve encountered in many years of widerange readership.

Helmed by a dedicated and fair, yet gutsy publisher and his staff, Wednesday Jour nal has matured from a humble beginning into a remarkable, respected, award-winning bearer of local news and opinions, while retaining its somewhat quirky personality. I’ve watched

noticeably neophyte writers seem like C students for a few years and finally emerge as A+ professionals. I’ve admired strong editorials taking controversial stands in this socially and architecturally elite community , which can be a tad too full of self-esteem.

Not always in agreement, but always in admiration, I salute this treasure in our midst.

May you be successful, and comfortable, and challenged by Wednesday Jour nal, Ms. Hobbs.

Lauretta Christensen Oak Park

WEDNESD AY

JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor Erika Hobbs

Senior Editor Bob Uphues

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Senior Repor ter Stacey Sheridan

Sta Reporters Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Big Week Editor James Porter

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

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe, Tram Huynh

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Publisher Dan Haley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

About Viewpoints

Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, re you to action

In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for ling.

Please understand our veri cation process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that veri cation, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot con rm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay.

If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

■ 250-word limit

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

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

■ 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

HOW TO REACH US

ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-524-8300

EMAIL Dan@OakPark.com ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com

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

A one-year subscription costs $48 within Cook County and $60 outside of Cook County Adver tising rates may be obtained by calling our o ce. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address corrections to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2023 Growing Community Media, NFP.

PROVIDED

Civ ics Ser vice Learning Fair at OPRF High School.

Appreciating Harriet Hausman

I’ve never met Harriet Hausman in person that I can recall. During my 70+ years of residency in River Forest and Oak Park since arriving in l954 as a newly ordained pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, our paths did not cross I regret that.

But maybe that’s the best context for this tribute to her. I write not as a personal friend but as one who has come to know her at a bit of distance through her Wednesday Jour nal column. In any case, I’m the better for becoming aware of her forceful presence among us

Harriet Hausman is the kind of gadfly every community needs. She chooses her topics with an inherent wisdom, handed

down from family and teachers along the way. She takes on volatile subjects with a nonchalance based on gumption. In her column, she prods rather than soothes. She is shrewd without coming off as cloying. She knows the difference between the obvious and the irrelevant.

In her columns, she regularly takes on public issues with a directness that provokes the kind of controversy that challenges rather than cuts off response — a quality exceedingly rare in this or any day.

Example: Her Aug. 23 column references the shakeup by the National Geographic Magazine’s management in acknowledging its history of condescending treatment of foreign cultures. She learned from that

disclosure by the NGM and acce challenge of revising her own views on the matter

Example: Fox News’ multimillion-dollar settlement of a lawsuit against them Dominion Voting Systems for the claim that Donald Trump had in fact the 2020 election but had it stolen from him. She saw in that transaction how costly “Bi Lies” can be.

In following up on these examples, Hausman did what she’s at her best in doing, appealing to parents to fulfill their responsibility to influence what their children read and learn. Indeed, all of us have that responsibility. Our democracy depends on it Our personal well-being as well.

For the record, keeping small papers alive

Inever fully understood the value of an independent weekly newspaper until I watched a PBS report on the demise of a small-town newspaper in Texas. The Canadian Record closed its doors after 132 years of covering the small town of Canadian, Texas. The loss of the newspaper was mourned by supporters as well as those who didn’t agree with the paper’s editorials

The newspaper served a town of 2,600 in a largely rural area. The residents were described as “tough but empathetic. Forward-looking and conservative.” These conservatives transformed the area into MAGA country.

The Record’s political views, however, didn’t match those of its readers. Back in the day, the newspaper’s longtime publisher, Ben Ezzell, wrote “no-nonsense editorials” opposing the Vietnam War and supporting the Civil Rights Movement.

Local rancher Steve Rader did not agree with the newspaper’s editorials but said, “They always made me think.” He got choked up talking about the newspaper’s demise. He admitted that, “It feels personal. Our paper spoiled us. It celebrated our successes.”

It also chronicled their tragedies. In 2017, a wildfire devastated Rader’s ranch, destroying buildings, equipment and cattle.

After The Record published a story about the fire, Rader received help from every part of the country. People donated hay and feed. One woman even gave him 10 cows

Losing the paper was like a death in the family for many readers. Maybe that’s because the same family published it for 75 years. Ezzell and his wife Nancy took over the paper in 1948. Nancy penned her column, “Petticoat Patter,” for the next 55 years. When Ben died in 1993, their daughter Laurie Ezzell Brown stepped up.

Brown covered countless board meetings, reported from scenes of fires and stor ms and wrote editorials on national issues that had local impact. She worked with Nancy until she died in 2013. The newspaper lost revenue and operated on a shoestring budget. Many staf fers left. Brown searched in vain for a successor, but the newspaper folded on March 2, which was a very hard day for “The Wrecking Crew.”

“Local news reminds people of what they have in common,” Brown said. “It reminds them we’re facing the same challenges. Information is powerful,” she continued, “Information is key to democracy.” A reader named John Julian would agree. “I don’t know who the candidates are. I no

longer feel educated.”

When local newspapers fold, it results in a lack of oversight of school districts and local gover nment, which can lead to greater corruption. A lack of educated voters can result in lower voter turnout or more straight-ticket voting. How can democracy stay strong without local newspapers?

How will we celebrate the achievements of local residents? How will we lear n about local history and honor lives well lived. The paper lets us know what crimes are being committed. It tells us what businesses are opening and which are shutting down. It publicizes our cultural events and our gatherings for just plain fun.

People may not agree with The Review editorials. Others do not trust the newspaper to be fair in its reporting. Readers find factual errors in articles. But The Review has remained an independent news source for 106 years. We don’t belong to a chain. We don’t practice cookie-cutter jour nalism with stories that appeal to a region but not a specific town. We’re not a Republican newspaper, or a Democratic newspaper. We ignore national politics for the most part to focus on local elections.

When I watched the report about The Record, a saying came to mind: “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.”

John Rice grew up in Oak Park, now lives in Forest Park, and writes a weekly column in the Forest Park Review, a Growing Community Media publication.

Despite a nearly fatal health scare at home recently, she pledges to keep on writing — and annoying — us in this her 99th year. Just four years in age behind, I’ll cheer for her and do my best with what I’ve been given. I hope you’re of the same mind

Dean Lueking is pastor emeritus of Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest.

Lake & Lathrop project – Oh, good grief !

The Lake & Lathrop project seems to be caught in a previous bad investment re peating loop without end. This is much like that old car you can’t get rid of because you’ve put too much money into it and you don’t know when to quit.

Time to quit.

But heavens! If not luxury condos, then what? T hankfully, there is quite a groundswell of ideas buzzing around social media that I thought I would share with you, dear reader:

Green space – anything from a dog park to a coyote haven. My personal favorite, though, would be community gardens for us condo and apartment dwellers in the neighborhood. Then there was an archery range suggestion along with a skateboard park. Whee! Let’s not forget the axthrowing range. Climate predictions for the Midwest call for a lot more rain in the future. Might we need a lighthouse then? Or perhaps a waterfall or surfing park? See

DEAN LUEKING HARRIET HAUSMAN

WINBERIE’S Fondly recalled

from page 21

When my “frequent diner” card was full, I would get $20 of f my next meal. I would order salmon with no sauce or extra salt. (I liked the fact that I did not have to go online to re gister for the card.)

For many years, Winberie’s had the same manager, a man named Gary. When the corporate office moved him to another city, so many of the restaurant’s patrons signed a farewell poster that another was needed for other regulars to sign. The fact that the corporate office had made this decision should have been a warning to patrons like me. There is a difference between a restaurant that is part of a chain and a locally-owned entity.

A series of managers followed during the next few years. Eventually, I noticed that the restaurant hadn’ t been quite as busy as it had been in earlier years. At 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, 2019, I sat down at a high top table in the bar area. Lisa, the bar tender, approached me and said, “Before you order, I need to tell you something. The restaurant will be closing on Dec. 28.”

For me, a restaurant is more than a place to consume food and drink. What I see and hear while I’m there has a big impact on my decision whether to retur n and become a re gular.

HARRIET Voting rights

from page 21

ligan lawsuit.

Unfortunately, ef for ts at the state level limiting voting rights mesh with Trump’s ef for ts to undermine the legitimacy of elections and discourage those who do not support him from voting. For me, the Supreme Court’s decision in the Alabama case is a glimmer of light in the dark tunnel of Trump’s rise and a possible beacon of justice in future court decisions dealing with voting rights.

Perhaps the recent indictments against Trump and his minions will allow us to look to a future that incorporates positive change and the democratic principle of access to equal justice for all.

My plea is that all citizens have the unfettered opportunity to exercise their right to vote in free and fair elections and that the leaders we vote for be clearthinking people of integrity.

LAKE & LATHROP

What else could go there?

from page 25

Too bad the location is too close to a school; otherwise we could have a cannabis dispensary. Those things mint money like nobody’s business. Think of the tax dollars! Contrary to popular belief, people don’t hang around them smoking joints, luring hapless children into a life of drugs. The security is better than you find at liquor stores. They even have gadgets that can detect a fake ID.

How about a French market like they have downtown in the Northwestern train station? Think of all the yummy options: rose petal jam paczkis, Belgian fries, French patisserie, River Forest chocolates, and a flower stall. The possibilities are endless. How about a green roof garden where you can hang out and munch on your purchases? Or maybe a green courtyard instead with solar panels on the roof?

I’d like to think our elected officials are neither stupid nor corr upt, two alter natives that would account for their continued faith in a guy who keeps letting us down. No, I’m thinking just hopelessly naïve. Kind of like Charlie Brown and Lucy with the football. I think the phrase you are looking for is “Oh, good g rief!”

Louise Mezzatesta River Forest

COMMUNITY SING: MOZART’S REQUIEM

4 p.m. rehearsal

6 p.m. performance

Singers of all skill levels are invited to a celebratory performance of this sacred masterwork, conducted by Dr. Charles Brown.

UNIVERSITY BAND: FALL CONCERT

8 p.m.

Conducted by Dr. Richard Fischer, the University Band brings together students, staff and faculty as well as members of the wider community. Chapel of Our Lord

Molly Miklosz Shedding Tulips

Doris Kirk, 88

Euclid Ave. Methodist member

Doris H. Kirk, “Nana” (nee Hunt), 88, for merly of Oak Park, died on Aug. 24, 2023 in Batavia, Illinois. A graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1952, she studied voice and piano after high school and was accomplished at both. Music became her lifelong passion, along with volunteering in her community to help others. Shortly after graduation, she went to work for the Hotpoint Corporation as an administrative assistant. One year later she met Jack, and they married in 1954. She went to work for the Oak Park school district in the early 1970s, spending seven years at various grade schools, and 23 years at Oak Park and River Forest High School in the Building and Grounds Department until her retirement in 2000. She was an active member of Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church in Oak Park for

over 45 years, as a member of the choir, bell choir, Euclid Woman’s Group, and as youth choir director, as well as serving on many committees. She was also a longtime member of the women’s singing group “The Profiles” for 40+ years, singing, dancing, performing and entertaining in the Chicago area, bringing joy to many.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John (Jack) Kirk; her son, Gary Kirk; her parents, John and Edna Hunt; her inlaws, John and Ruth Kirk; and her brother and sister-in-law, William and Bonnie Simpson. She is survived by her son, John Kirk IV; her daughter-in-law, Carol; her grandchildren, Johnny (Megan), Ryan, and Lindsey Diemand (Steve); her daughter-inlaw, Pe g Allen (Kirk); her grandchildren, Sarah and Nora Kirk; her nieces, Cynthia Simpson (Chris Frauens) and Jennifer Conway (Toby); her great-niece and greatne phew, Emily and Nathan; and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursd ay, Aug. 31, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at ZimmermanHarnett Funeral Home, 7319 W. Madison St., in Forest Park, when the memorial service beings, followed by interment at Forest Home Cemetery.

T he f amily would like to express their thanks and gratitude for the wonderful

help and care given by the Landings Senior Living Community and Promedica Hospice.

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association of Chicago, http://Act.alz.org.

David Benjamin, 86

Taught speech, theater and lm

Jan “David” Benjamin, 86, died on Aug. 19, 2023, on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Born on June 10, 1937, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Donald and Velma Benjamin, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s de grees at Indiana State Uni where he studied speech communication, radio/TV production and theater.

After graduating, he taught high school students in Evansville, Indiana, and Dolton, Illinois. He was chair of the Speech Department, taught classes, coached

Ken Trainor’s “Our Town Oak Park – Walk with Me, in Search of True Community”…

“… is like nding love letters at the bottom of a sock drawer. They are familiar but new, old yet young. They cover life’s spectrum: the grand, the small, the joyful, the sad. He has put into words the collective thoughts of our better selves. This is a book you will read many times.”

(McLouis Robinet)

“… takes us into the lives of its residents, to the benches and pathways of its parks, and the

challenges and inspiration of a town working overtime to create COMMUNITY – not community as in a geographically de ned set of coordinates, but a sense of place that nurtures and sustains its residents.” (Rebekah Levin)

“… invites readers to celebrate a simple, lowtech stroll around his hometown, discovering the fascinating villagers who make this community the eccentric, unique, cantankerous, and inspirational place it is for so many of us.” (Frank Lipo)

Join this “pedestrian friendly” journey of discovery (and rediscovery) through a community like no other yet, in essential ways, like all others.

speech completion teams, developed a radio/TV curriculum, and directed plays and musicals such as My Fair Lady and King and I. He and his speech students won many state and national awards.

Upon retirement, he started his own video production business, Main Event Video Productions, filming weddings, dance recitals, ice skating shows, graduations, and even the live feed for the Chicago Jazz Festival for over 200,000 spectators in Grant Park. It was his passion, providing families a keepsake for generations

David and Carolyn moved to Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head, South Carolina, in 1997, where he continued his video business in the Chicago area and in the Low Country. He also enjoyed riding his bicycle on the beach, playing tennis, supporting Chicago sports teams, and collecting coins.

David is survived by Carolyn Snoddy Benjamin, his wife of 64 years; their son, Scott G. Benjamin and his wife, Teri; their daughters, Julie M. Benjamin and Jill C. Benjamin; two grandchildren, Jackson and Josie Mae; and his brother, James E. Benjamin, and his wife Barbara.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2, at TidePointe senior community, 301 TidePointe Way, of f Point Comfort Road, Hilton Head, S.C.

“Our Town Oak Park” is available at the Book Table, the Oak Park River Forest History Museum, the Wright Home & Studio’s Ginkgo Tree Bookshop, the Oak Park Public Library, and online sites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Experience or not.

Call for more information.

708-738-3848

DEPARTMENTACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!

Application Deadline is Friday, September 1, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

How to Apply:

• Complete your application at https:// iosolutions.com by the application deadline.

• Submit all supporting documentation by the application deadline.

Police Officer Minimum Requirements:

• At least 21 years of age and have not passed their 35th birthday by closing date for application.

• U.S. Citizen who speaks and understands English.

• Possess at least 60 hours of college credit at a fully accredited college or university, and also possess a minimum grade average of “C” by application deadline.

• Possess a valid driver ’s license.

• Possess a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card at the time of hire

Written Exam Information:

A mandatory written exam will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Testing will take place at Oak Park Village Hall (room# 101) located at 123 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302. Sign-in will held from 8:30a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Additional details will be provided to eligible candidates approximately one week prior to the exam.

About the Village of Oak Park and Police Department:

• Starting Salary: $78,650.74 after 4 years of service $110,953.23

Please contact IOS Recruitment at (800)-343-HIRE or recruitment@

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Research Assistant in the Village Manager’s Office. This position will perform a variety of duties including assisting in coordinating aspects of equity and inclusion projects/initiatives, some data collection, data entry and analysis, synthesizing information, report writing, and presentation of results to stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oak-park.us/ your-government/human-resources-departments. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

CARS WANTED

NOVENAS

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL)

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to suc cor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. R.B

CLASSICS WANTED

CLASSICS WANTED

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

Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles

Domestic / Import Cars:

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

Collector James • 630-201-8122

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

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

GARAGE/YARD SALES

WANTED TO BUY

Collector James 630-201-8122

HUGE LABOR DAY WEEKEND GARAGE SALE

9026 WEST 22ND PLACE

NORTH RIVERSIDE, IL 60546

FRI./SAT./SUN.

SEPT. 1/2/3

9 AM TO 5:00 PM

1 block south of Cermak road between 13th and 14th Ave, look for the signs and flags in front of house (use street access)

Meat slicer, lamps, bread maker, girl clothes (sizes 4-7/8), mens clothes, toys, household items, stuffed animals, books, dvds, vhs movies, frames, wood twin bed headboards, screens, and much more, Come check it out. Priced to sell.

NOVENAS

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail .Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus.

Thank You St . Jude. R.B

Want: I want to buy all your old tools American tools, Wood working tools, Machinist tools. Call, Justin H 708-445-0164 C 708-822-8822

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

NOVENAS

NEVER FAIL NOVENA

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored and glorified throughout the world, now and for-ever. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you. Holy Mary Mother of Jesus, pray for me. St. Theresa child of Jesus, pray for me. St. Jude, helper of hopeless causes, pray for me and grant this favorI ask. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days .R.B

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

RETAIL STRIP MALL: CORNER/END SPACE FOR RENT: On Harlem Ave , Forest Park, IL

GREAT CONDITION, BUSY LOCATION, GREAT PRICE! SIZE: 1500 to 1600 Sq Ft. SPACE.

CAN BE USED AS: A RETAIL STORE, CLEANERS, OFFICE SPACE, OR RESTAURANT (ANY TYPE, IF APPROVED BY CITY & LANDLORD). INFO: CALL, TEXT OR EMAIL, MR. B. LEAVE A MESSAGE! THANKS! (708)828-6491

OAK PARK POLICE

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010902 on August 11, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of ACCURATE ASSISTANTS with the business located at: 2425 S 16TH AVE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: SHANELLE MACK, 2425 S 16TH AVE BROADVIEW, IL 60155, USA

Published in Forest Park Review August 16, 23, 30, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010922 on August 21, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of MAIA HOMES with the business located at: 7617 HAVARD STREET, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: COLLEEN MORONEY 7617 HARVARD STREET FOREST PARK, IL 60130, USA.

Published in Wednesday Journal August 23, 30, September 6, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of MEGAN ANN KOTARSKI 20235003588

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: MEGAN ANN KOTARSKI to the new name of: MEGAN ANN MCGUIRE

The court date will be held: On 10/12/23 at 9:00 AM at 10220 S 76th Ave, Bridgeview, Cook County in Courtroom # 203

Published in Wednesday Journal August 23, 30, September 6, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23010928 on August 23, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of BIG DOG CONSULTING with the business located at: 812 S. GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CARLOS GUERRERO 812 S. GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA

Published in Wednesday Journal August 30, September 6, 13

PUBLIC NOTICES

YEMBA INC. is soliciting bids for a GENERAL CONTRACTOR to renovate Stucco/DIVT Façade of our small commercial building located in the Village of Oak Park, Illinois.

Complete Bid Packet can be obtained by contacting Ed Redd at: eredd@yemba-inc.org.

Pre-bid site inspection is mandatory, and is scheduled to occur by appointment only. Please contact Ed Redd at 708.719.6701 to schedule an appointment.

Bid Deadline is 9:00a on 10/1/23

This is a Federally-Funded (Community Development Block Grant) Project and is subject to all applicable Federal rules, regulations and guidelines, including but not limited to payment of Prevailing Wage.

MBE and WBE contractors are encouraged to bid on this project

Published in Wednesday Journal August 30, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF LAKE

ESTATE OF JOSEPH LAPLACA, Plaintiff File No. 23-10626-CH

Hon. David Glancy vs.Circuit Judge

THE ESTATE OF WILLIE HAYWARD, AND/OR ELIZABETH HAYWARD, AND OR THE ESTATE OF ELIZABET HAYWARD its unknown heirs, devisees, and assignees, and any unknown claimants not of record, Defendants

CARLOS ALVARADO LAW PC CARLOS ALVARADO-JORQUERA (P68004)

Attorney for Plaintiffs 202 S. Harrison Street Ludington, MI 49431 (231) 425-4444

An action to quiet title to property located in Lake County, Michigan, in which the Defendants have a potential interest, has been commenced by Plaintiffs ESTATE OF JOSEPH LAPLACA, against Defendants THE ESTATE OF WILLIE HAYWARD, AND/OR ELIZABETH HAYWARD, AND OR THE ESTATE OF ELIZABET HAYWARD, its unknown heirs, devisees, and assignees, and any unknown claimants not of record, in the Lake County Circuit Court for the State of Michigan, File No. 23-10626CH, and Defendants must answer or take other action permitted by law within 28 days after the last date of publication. If Defendants do not answer or take other action within the time allowed, judgment may be entered against them for the relief demanded in the complaint.

Published in Forest Park Review August 30, September 6, 13

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that on 18 September 2023, at 7:00

P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing to consider a conditional use permit to allow a live music performance venue in the Downtown Business District on the following described property:

Unit 7321-Suite 100, in the Madison and Circle Condominium, delineated on Plat of survey of the following described Parcel of Real Estate: Lot 12 (except the East 25 feet thereof) and Lot 13 (except the East 25 feet thereof) in the Subdivision of Blocks 29 and 27 in Railroad Addition to the Town of Harlem, a Subdivision of the Southeast quarter of Section 12, Township 39 North, Range 12, East of the Third Principal Meridian, which survey is attached as Exhibit “B” to the Declaration of Condominium recorded as Document No. 0510539021, together with its undivided percentage interest in the common elements, in Cook County, Ilinois.

Commonly known as 7321 West Madison Street, Unit 100, Forest Park, Illinois 60130

PIN: 15-12-434-053-1004

The applicant is Donald Biggins.

Signed:

Marsha East, Chair Planning and Zoning Commission

Published in Forest Park Review August 30, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive proposals via email to Sean Keane, Parking & Mobility Services Manager at skeane@ oak-park.us until 5:00 P.M. on Monday, September 11, 2023, for the following: Project 23-003 – Snow-Ice Removal for Public Parking Lots, Sidewalks and Back-Up Snow Plowing. The Village requires the services of a contractor beginning on January 1, 2024. The Request for Proposals may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid

Published in Wednesday Journal August 30, 2023

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-FF14 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FF14 Plaintiff, -v.JUANITA J. LACOURT, CHARLES T. GRANT, WELLS FARGO BANK N.A. Defendants

2020 CH 07380 817 S. SCOVILLE AVE 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 March 16, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 19, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 817 S. SCOVILLE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Property Index No. 16-18-228-019000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $584,316.19.

where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 20 8287.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com

Attorney File No. 20 8287

Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 2020 CH 07380

TJSC#: 43-3260

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

Case # 2020 CH 07380 I3227286

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

TION, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF EWING BLACKMAN; TONYANIKA MILDRED BLACKMAN AKA TONYANIKA HARRIS; STATE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT IF TREASURY; JOHN LYDON AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR EWING

BLACKMAN; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants, 22 CH 10861

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, September 18, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate:

P.I.N. 15-07-116-008-0000.

Commonly known as 1429 Atwood Avenue, Berkeley, IL 60163.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

VILLAGE OF OAK PARK HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

HEARING DATE: September 14, 2023

TIME: 7:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION: The Historic Preservation Commission will conduct a public hearing on an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness filed by the Applicant, Elizabeth Hoffmann, to repair an existing front porch and alter the railing design from a knee wall to a balustrade at 738 N Marion St, Oak Park, Illinois, P.I.N. 16-06-308-002-0000, which is located in the Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. The public hearing may be adjourned by the Commission to another date without further notice other than a motion to be entered upon the minutes of the hearing fixing the time and place of the date. The Commission shall issue or deny the Certificate of Appropriateness within fifteen (15) days following completion of the public hearing.

Published in Wednesday Journal, August 30, 2023

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all

dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

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

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

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

SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC; Plaintiff, vs. IRIS ERAZO; WESLEY TERRACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 7116

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, September 25, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate:

P.I.N. 16-07-419-028-1022.

Commonly known as 415 WESLEY AVE. UNIT 27, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

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

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

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1396182853 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3227325

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

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIA-

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

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 6766-

187341 ADC

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3226811

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

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF AND WITH RESPECT TO BARCLAYS MORTGAGE TRUST 2021-NPL1, MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES, SERIES 2021-NPL1 Plaintiff, -v.-

LATROY ELLIS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants 2019 CH 13253 344 49TH AVENUE

BELLWOOD, IL 60104

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 23, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 15, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 344 49TH AV-

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

ENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104

Property Index No. 15-08-118-010-

0000

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.

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 other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

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

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORA-

TION

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

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

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527

630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-19-07583

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2019 CH 13253

TJSC#: 43-3153

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

Case # 2019 CH 13253

I3227106

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

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF CSMC

2017-RPL3 TRUST

Plaintiff,

-v.JESSICA A. VERGARA

Defendants

2022 CH 05290

1000 NEWCASTLE AVENUE

WESTCHESTER, IL 60154

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 26, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 27, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1000 NEWCASTLE AVENUE, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154

Property Index No. 15-16-318-0590000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $220,867.68.

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

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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

shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

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

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

For information, contact MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, ONE EAST WACKER, SUITE 1250, Chicago, IL, 60601 (312) 651-6700. Please refer to file number 22-004626.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI LLC

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

E-Mail: AMPS@manleydeas.com

Attorney File No. 22-004626

Attorney Code. 48928

Case Number: 2022 CH 05290

TJSC#: 43-3102

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

Case # 2022 CH 05290

I3227487

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

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Plaintiff, -v.-

JULIE FOX, SPECIAL PRERESENTATIVE OF BEVERLY M HARDY, DECEASED, PATRICIA DAVIS, BRIAN HARDY A/K/A BRIAN J HARDY A/K/A BRIAN JAMES HAR-

DY, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF BEVERLY M HARDY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

22 CH 04750 1942 SOUTH 15TH AVENUE BROADVIEW, IL 60155

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 26, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 28, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 1942 SOUTH 15TH AVENUE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155

Property Index No. 15-15-409-0490000

The real estate is improved with a single family home. 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. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC

One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088

E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com

Attorney File No. 21-07538IL_703548

Attorney Code. 61256

Case Number: 22 CH 04750

TJSC#: 43-3240

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

Case # 22 CH 04750

I3227644

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC.;

Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF EMIL J. KOLAKOWSKI SR.; EMELYN KOLAKOWSKI; AMIR MOHABBAT AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF EMIL J. KOLAKOWSKI, SR.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 23 CH 2922

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 Monday, September 25, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-10-405-002-0000.

Commonly known as 205 South 12th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 6710191713 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3227548

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF AND WITH RESPECT TO AJAX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-E, MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES, SERIES 2021-E Plaintiff, -v.JOSEPH R. KLINGER A/K/A JOSEPH KLINGER, VICTORIA KLINGER

Defendants 2023 CH 01770 356 E. LYNDALE AVE NORTHLAKE, IL 60164

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 12, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 3, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 356 E. LYNDALE AVE, NORTHLAKE, IL 60164

Property Index No. 12-32-213-0340000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $162,823.04.

Sale terms: 25% down of the high-

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

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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

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

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

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

For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 23 0251. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602 312-541-9710

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com

Attorney File No. 23 0251

Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 2023 CH 01770

TJSC#: 43-2537

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

Case # 2023 CH 01770

I3227730

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR CMALT REMIC 2007-A5-REMIC PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-A5; Plaintiff, vs. GEORGE CALLOWAY; MICHELLE CALLOWAY; CITIBANK, NA; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 23 CH 1849

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-07-301-047-0000.

Commonly known as 5904 Burr Oak Avenue, Berkeley, IL 60163. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 6710191365

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3227778

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff, vs. KYRSTAL YORE, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE YORE FAMILY LIVING TRUST, U/A DATED AUGUST 27, 2020; UNKNOWN BENEFICIARIES OF THE BEATRICE C. RANDLE TRUST DATED MARCH 6, 2014; UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR TRUSTEES OF THE BEATRICE C. RANDLE TRUST DATED MARCH 6, 2014; KRYSTAL YORE AKA KRYSTAL YORE-EVANS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 9873

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 Monday, October 2, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-20-402-023-0000.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Commonly known as 1606 Downing Avenue, Westchester, IL 60154.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act.

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

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 6766185195 ADC

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3227764

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff, vs. SPARKLE GIBSON AKA SPARKLE N. GIBSON; ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 2628

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 Monday, October 2, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate:

P.I.N. 15-22-402-036-0000.

Commonly known as 2616 South

11th Avenue, Broadview, Illinois 60155.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act.

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

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 6766-

189501 ADC

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3227757

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION

Plaintiff, -v.-

JACQUELINE DESHANA GILES, DEBRINA TARINA RANSON, RICKY R GILES, HELEN GILES, OSCAR GILES, NAPOLEON GILES, JR, CHERYL GILES, VICTOR GILES, RODNEY GILES, PATRICIA GILES, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF NAPOLEAN GILES, DECEASED, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ESTATE OF NAPOLEON GILES, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

2022 CH 04195

1916 S 17TH AVE

MAYWOOD, IL 60153

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 28, 2023, an agent for The Judicial

Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 29, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 1916 S 17TH AVE , MAYWOOD, IL 60153

Property Index No. 15-15-315-023-

0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $130,546.93.

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).

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Attorney File No. 22-13500IL

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER),

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

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

For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810, CHICAGO, IL, 60601 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 22-022095.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

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

CHAD LEWIS ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810 CHICAGO IL, 60601 561-241-6901

E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM

Attorney File No. 22-022095

Attorney ARDC No. 6306439

Attorney Code. 65582

Case Number: 2022 CH 04195

TJSC#: 43-2768

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

Case # 2022 CH 04195

I3227752

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF ANTLER MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-RTL1

Plaintiff, -v.52ND AVE LLC, TERESA CHAMBERS, CROWD LENDING FUND ONE, LLC

Defendants 23 CH 01135 1143 CLINTON AVE 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 July 3, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 25, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 1143 CLINTON AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Property Index No. 16-18-319-0350000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence/condo.

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.

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 Code. 61256

Case Number: 23 CH 01135

TJSC#: 43-3290

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

Case # 23 CH 01135 I3227713

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee of the SCIG Series III Trust; Plaintiff, vs. GAD IKEANUMBA AKA GAD C. IKEANUMBA; 1030-32 NORTH AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION AKA 1030 -32 N. AUSTIN CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION AND HENRY SILVERMAN LIVING TRUST U/A/D AUGUST 26, 1996;

Defendants, 11 CH 33740

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-05-314-031-1001.

Commonly known as 1032 N. Austin Blvd., Unit 1N, Oak Park, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Ms. Mary E. Spitz at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Sottile & Barile, LLC, 7530 LUCERNE DRIVE, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130. 440-572-1511. ILF1810025 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3227769

August 30, 2023

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2023 QUARTER 3

THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY PUBLISHED ITS FIRST QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN CALLED AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) IN 2018. THIS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DESCRIBES HOW AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER (ACT) IS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY TO IMPLEMENT AFT AND OTHER EFFORTS.

REIGNITING A LEGACY

The Austin community celebrates the start of a landmark project

IT TAKES A VILLAGE PAGE 3 | A LOOK INSIDE THE EMMET SCHOOL PAGE 4

MEET THE KEY PLAYERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ASPIRE CENTER CONSTRUCTION PAGE 7

Special thanks to these Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life plan legacy investors:

Since 2010, Austin Coming Together (ACT) has facilitated collaboration to improve education and economic development outcomes in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Today, we serve a network of 50+ organizations committed to improving the quality of life in the Austin community. Our strategic plan is called Thrive 2025 and outlines how we will mobilize our resources to achieve four impact goals by the year 2025: Quality Early Learning, Safe Neighborhoods, Living Wage Careers, and Stable Housing Markets.

ACT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers

CHAIR

Larry Williams

Broker, State Farm Insurance

SECRETARY

Bradly Johnson

Chief Community Officer, BUILD Inc.

TREASURER

LaDarius Curtis

Senior Director of Community Engagement & Health, West Side United

ACT STAFF

Leadership

Darnell Shields

Executive Director

Andrew Born Strategic Advisor

Operations

Deirdre Bates*

Director of Operations

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Darnell Shields

Austin Coming Together

Directors

Sharon Morgan

Director of Graduate Support & Community Outreach, Catalyst Schools

Reverend Reginald E. Bachus Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church

Tenisha Jones

Vice President of Community & Government Engagement, Catholic Charities

Dearra Williams

Executive Operations Lead/ Assistant to the CEO

Strategic Initiatives

Sandra Diaz* Service Delivery Enhancement Manager, Austin Community Hub

Emone Moore Engagement Coordinator, Austin Community Hub

ACT MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS

A House in Austin

Academy of Scholastic Achievement

Austin Childcare Providers Network

Austin Community Family Center

Austin Weekly News (Growing Community Media)

Be Strong Families

Beat the Streets Chicago

Reginald Little

Business Development Specialist, Great Lakes Credit Union

Dawn Ferencak

Senior Marketing Strategist, Chicago Parent Deborah Williams-Thurmond

Community Outreach & Engagement Specialist, Habilitative Systems, Inc.

Ruth Kimble

Founder & CEO, Austin Childcare Providers Network

Jerrod Williams

Law Clerk, Illinois Appellate Court

Max Komnenich

Associate Principal, Lamar Johnson Collaborative In Memoriam

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jack Macnamara

1937–2020

FOUNDING BOARD CHAIR

Mildred Wiley

1955–2019

Dollie Sherman Engagement Specialist, Austin Community Hub

Ethan Ramsay Lead Organizer, Austin Forward. Together.

Grace Cooper Project Specialist, Austin Forward. Together.

Natalie Goodin Micro Market Recovery Program Coordinator

Nicholas Galassini Micro Market Recovery Program Intern

Marketing & Development

Alicia Plomin*

Director of Marketing & Development

Scott Prywitch

Marketing & Development Coordinator

*Also part of the ACT Leadership Team Join the ACT team! Job openings at AustinComingTogether.org/Careers

i.c. stars

IFF

Bethel New Life

Beyond Hunger

BUILD Inc.

By The Hand Club For Kids

Cara

Catholic Charities

Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures

Chicago Community Loan Fund

City of Refuge

Defy Ventures Illinois

Erikson Institute

Friends of the Children

Friendship Community Development Corp. of Austin

Greater West Town Community Development Project Housing Forward

Institute for Nonviolence

Chicago

Jane Addams Resource Corporation

Kids First Chicago

KRA Westside American Job Center

Learning Edge Tutoring

Legal Aid Chicago

Manufacturing

Renaissance

Mary Shyrese Daycare

Maryville Academy

Mercy Housing Lakefront

New Moms

OAI, Inc.

Oak Park Regional Housing Center

Open Books

PCC Community Wellness Center

Project Exploration

Renaissance Social Services, Inc.

Sarah’s Inn

South Austin Neighborhood Association

St. Joseph Services

St. Leonard’s Ministries

Stone Community Development Corporation

The Catalyst Schools

The Journey Forward

The North Avenue District, Inc.

Towers of Excellence

UIC Jane Addams

College of Social Work

VOCEL

Westside Health Authority

West Side Forward

Worldvision

Youth Guidance

It takes a village: The Aspire Center Celebration

By Darnell Shields Executive Director, Austin Coming Together

On July 27th, scores of Austin residents and local leaders gathered at the site of the future Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation on the Northeast corner of Madison and Central to celebrate its path toward progress and the impact it will bring to the community. With the vision of the Aspire Center becoming a reality, the entire Austin community was welcomed to the site for a landmark celebration!

Fulfilling a key focal project from the Austin Forward. Together (AFT) quality-of-life plan, Westside Health Authority (WHA, an ACT member organization) in partnership with Austin Coming Together (ACT) plans to repurpose a closed three-acre Chicago Public School building to create a space where partners can work in collaboration, intersect programmatic initiatives and provide services to residents from one central location. In redeveloping the building space, the location is primed to become the physical embodiment of “collective impact” and a vital community anchor for systemic change.

Establishing the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation in the closed Emmet School strongly dovetails with many of Austin’s AFT quality-of-life plan strategies in economic development and youth empowerment. These include strategies to:

• Expand and support local resources like boot camps and apprenticeships in highdemand economic sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and building and trades

• Build a new Manufacturing Training Center in Austin

• Invest in entrepreneurship development programs

• Incorporate a co-op model for local restaurants, grocery stores, and housing

• Attract major commercial anchors

• Establish physical places where youth can gather and community-based organizations can offer services

• Enhance the trauma support service system for youth and families

• Create paths for youth interactions with mentors and role models

The celebration kicked off with remarks from key developers of the projects. Quiwana Bell, Chief Development Officer of Westside Health Authority spoke on the importance of the deep level of community involvement that has sparked the opportunity to revitalize the vacant site.

Later in the program, various individuals were recognized and presented with awards for their support and dedication to the project. 101st District Representative La Shawn K. Ford and 29th Ward Alderman Chris Taliaferro were honored with an award for their steadfast advocating of the project in acquiring funds on the city and state level, while 37th Ward

Alderman Emma Mitts and 28th Ward Alderman Jason Ervin were thanked for their support as well.

In addition to the recognition of these elected officials, a group of women community activists were praised for walking and praying over the site, showing faith that it would be transformed for community use.

THE WOMEN HONORED:

Ruby Bailey

Kimberly Bright

Mildred Edwards

Queen Esther Forrest

Jackie Guider

Sharon Minor

Mary Joyce Nunn

Erica Perkins

Rosetta Perkins

Jackie Reed

Tina Walker

Vera Wardlaw

Calisa Williams

After being part of the planning for the site since its inception, I am confident that the incredible innovation seen throughout the project’s development will open so many pathways for Austin residents.

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed food from Uncle Remus Chicken, El Azteca Tacos, and Forty Acres Fresh Market, danced to music from DJ Jody Bady, and had the opportunity to engage with a variety of community resource tables.

Thanks to all who joined me at this magnificent community event! With construction already underway at the Aspire Center, the site is slated to open in 2024. n

To learn more, visit austincomingtogether.org/aspire-center

Quiwana Bell, Chief Development Officer of Westside Health Authority, speaks at the Aspire Center Celebration.

A group of Austin women were recognized and awarded for their faith and commitment to the project’s development.

It takes a village. No one person, organization, or entity can move this community forward. It takes all of us.

DARNELL SHIELDS, ACT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A look inside the Emmet School: A fixture of the community

For many Austin residents, the vacant lot at the corner of Madison and Central continues to be a bitter reminder of the deep-rooted disinvestment that pervades the community. Until its closure, the lot at this bustling intersection was home to Robert Emmet Elementary School. The school, which served generations of Austinites, closed along with several other Chicago Public Schools in 2013.

The loss of Emmet Elementary was lamented by the many former students who called it home in their formative years. After its closure, the abandoned school grounds started to decay and slipped into disrepair, effectively becoming an eyesore for all to witness.

Conversations surrounding the reuse and repurposing of the former school site began in 2016. Ideas such as a community health campus proposed by a non-local developer drew community interest into conversations, leading to more dialogue on its potential use. For some time, community skepticism and apprehension slowed the progression of further development. Many residents believed a constructed site led by outside entities would irreparably harm the community, citing the deep-rooted history of systemic discrimination in

Austin. Through more engagements, residents began to urge the project to attach existing community resource partners. During these discussions, the project shifted its focus to a site for job training programs. The community felt more inclined to move forward with a plan knowing that local partners and organizations would take part.

Ultimately, Westside Health Authority purchased the site in 2018 and with support from community stakeholders the project blossomed into the Aspire

Center for Workforce Innovation after its inception in 2020. After several funding commitments to the project were made, the Center broke ground on May 3, 2023, and construction commenced.

The development of the Aspire Center is a special moment for generations of Austinites. By repurposing the former Emmet School site, the community is reigniting their legacy and reclaiming a piece of their history. n

“I was heartbroken by the school closing. Growing up in this neighborhood, I still miss it over 60 years later. The Aspire Center will bring so much renewed hope to Austin residents. I wish them all the best. FORMER EMMET STUDENT AT THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

At a prominent Austin street corner, the Emmet School served the community for over a century. Above is the school in 1920.

Following its closure, conditions of the Emmet School worsened immensely as the site became abandoned.

Construction is now underway after an official groundbreaking in May 2023.

Economic Development

Plan Leaders

Community Narrative

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Briana Shields

Briana Janeé Arts

Kenneth Varner Healthy Schools

Campaign

Dearra Williams

Austin Coming Together

Education

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Housing

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Public Safety

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Youth Empowerment

Civic Engagement

STRATEGY LEADS

Lasondra Kern

Community Resident

Suzanne McBride

Austin Talks

Michael Romain

Community Stakeholder

Alicia Plomin

Austin Coming Together

Cindy Gray Schneider

Spaces-n-Places

Jai Jones

PSPC, The Chicago Community Trust and Community Member

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Jerrod Williams

South Austin

Neighborhood Association

Heather Sattler

Community Development Consultant

STRATEGY LEADS

Erica Staley

Manufacturing Renaissance

Emily Peters

Jane Addams Resource Corporation

Tina Augustus Chicago West Side Chamber of Commerce

Roxanne Charles West Side Forward

Melissa O’Dell Defy Ventures

Fanya Berry

Community Resident

Crystal Bell

Ella Flagg Young

Elementary School (retired)

Charles Anderson

Michele Clark High School

STRATEGY LEADS

Ruth Kimble

Austin Childcare

Providers Network

Madelyn James

Austin Childcare

Providers Network

Pam Price

Chicago Public Schools

Cata Truss

Community Resident

Athena Williams West Cook

Homeownership Center

Allison McGowan

Community Resident

STRATEGY LEADS

Shirley Fields

Community Resident

Rosie Dawson Westside Health Authority

Bradly Johnson BUILD Inc.

Marilyn Pitchford

Heartland Alliance

STRATEGY LEADS

Adam Alonso BUILD Inc.

Edwina Hamilton BUILD Inc.

Gina Young

Catholic Charities

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

D’elegance Lane

Community Stakeholder

STRATEGY LEADS

Deonna Hart BUILD Inc.

Gina Young

Catholic Charities

Aisha Oliver

Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Deborah Williams-Thurmond

Habilitative Systems Inc.

STRATEGY LEADS

Arnold Bearden

Community Resident

Crystal Gardner

Protest to the Polls

Sharif Walker

Athena Williams West Cook

Homeownership Center

Baxter Swilley

Oak Park Regional Housing Center

Bertha Purnell

Mothers OnA Mission28

Jose Abonce

The Policing Project

Ruby Taylor

Taproots, Inc.

Helen Slade

Territory NFP

Dollie Sherman

Austin Coming Together

Chris Thomas YourPassion1st

Bethel New Life INTERESTED

Meet the key players responsible for the Aspire Center construction

By Scott Prywitch Marketing & Development Coordinator, Austin Coming Together

There are many partners involved in this momentous project that have made significant development contributions from its inception all the way to its eventual grand opening. We must recognize the hard work, devotion, and diligence they have evidently demonstrated throughout the course of developing the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation.

AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER

The co-developer on the project who will expand their resource connection arm, the Austin Community Hub, into the Aspire Center

Mission: To increase the collective impact of our member organizations on improving education and economic development outcomes for the Austin community

LAMAR JOHNSON COLLABORATIVE (LJC)

Provides architectural design and engineering services for the project

Mission: To reduce the inefficiency and risk inherent in the design and construction process by leveraging the knowledge and capabilities of its development and construction partners for the benefit of its clients

APPLEGATE & THORNE-THOMSEN

Assists and provides legal services to the project

Mission: To provide legal services for community development projects involving housing, schools, healthcare facilities, community centers, business incubators, industrial facilities and more, both at the local and national levels

CROW ISLAND COMMUNITY CAPITAL

Aids in the project by consulting for new market tax credit and tax incremental financing

Mission: To connect non-profit organizations, mission-oriented for-profit companies, and real estate developers making catalytic investments in economically distressed areas to critical financing

WESTSIDE HEALTH AUTHORITY

Owns the property of the Aspire Center and are the co-developer on the project

Mission: To use the capacity of local residents to improve the health and well-being of the community

SERGEANT BLINDERMAN

The general contractor of the project, leading all construction services

Mission: To provide a full range of construction services to satisfied customers in the Chicagoland area and beyond

ILLINOIS FACILITIES FUND (IFF)

Provided predevelopment and bridge lending services to the project

Mission: To strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve by providing leadership, capital, and real estate solutions

PROJECT MANAGEMENT ADVISORS INC. (PMA INC.)

The owner’s representative of the project who provides construction management services

Mission: To provide real estate consulting services as the Owner’s Representative to help clients solve challenges, minimize risk and maximize outcomes

RUDD RESOURCES

The lead on public relations and event management for the project

Mission: To provide public relations and communications work that advances people, communities, and ideas intersecting with community development and economic opportunity, diversity, equity and inclusion, transportation and public transit, healthcare, and education

BORDERLESS STUDIO

A historic preservation consultant for the project

Mission: To support healthy, vibrant, and meaningful communities by presenting and demonstrating how design adds value to the built and social environments