Wednesday Journal 090722 by Wednesday Journal

ALEX ROGALS/Sta Photographer See TEACHERS CONTRACT on pa ge 8

Bridging cultures service

Ade Onayemi is expanding his Rotary

role SEE JESSICA MACKINNON’S STORY ON PAGE 15 Alibraryforeveryone oppl.org/card

OPRF inks four-year deal with teachers

The OPRF District 200 Board ofEducation voted unanimously to approve the contract at its Aug. 25 meeting after teachers had ratified the ag reement the week before.Thenew contract calls for raises in base pay oftwo percent in the first year ofthe contract and base pay raises of1.3 percent in each ofthe final three years of the contract. But the reinstatement ofstep increases, automatic raises for another year ofseniority, means that total raises will average out to be 3.5 percent annually according to the district. Teachers at the lower end ofthe salary schedule will generally receive greater raises in percentage terms than teachers at the higher ends of the salary scale.

Contributing Reporter

WEDNESD AY @wednesdayjournalinc @wednesdayjournal @oakpark JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest Page 8 September 7, 2022 Vol. 43, No. 6 ONE DOLLAR

“The step increases, obviously, was something that

By BOB SKOLNIK

Teachers at Oak Park and River Forest High School have a new four-year contract and, in a notable win for teachers, step pay increases are back after being eliminated in the previous contract. School officials meanwhile are lauding the overall amount ofthe combined base pay and step increases which average 3.5% in each year of the contract.

Step pay increases return in contract

2 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM JOINTHEAUSTINUNITEDALLIANCE,COMMUNITYSTAKEHOLDERSANDYOURAUSTINNEIGHBORSATACOMMUNITY MEETINGONREDEVELOPMENTOFTHELARAMIESTATEBANKBUILDINGANDSURROUNDINGPROPERTIES Attendthisimportantcommunityengagement meetingtolearnmoreaboutoneofthelargest capitalinvestmentprojectseverinitiatedon Chicago’sWestSide,including: AboutAustinUnitedAlliance AustinUnitedAlliance,includingOakParkRegionalHousingCenterandHeartlandHousing,hasbeen chosenbytheCityofChicagotoredeveloptheformerLaramieStateBankbuildingandapproximately 20,000squarefeetofadjacentlandat5200W.ChicagoAve.ConstructionwillbegininFall2022. •NewHigh-QualityMixed-IncomeHousing •NewOn-SiteBankBranch/FinancialInstitution •CommunityEngagement&ParticipationOpportunities •InnovativeArchitecturalDesign Registeronlineat bit.ly/aua-updates JOINTHEAUSTINUNITEDALLIANCE,COMMUNITYSTAKEHOLDERSANDYOURAUSTINNEIGHBORSATACOMMUNITY MEETINGONREDEVELOPMENTOFTHELARAMIESTATEBANKBUILDINGANDSURROUNDINGPROPERTIES Attendthisimportantcommunityengagement meetingtolearnmoreaboutoneofthelargest capitalinvestmentprojectseverinitiatedon Chicago’sWestSide,including: AboutAustinUnitedAlliance AustinUnitedAlliance,includingOakParkRegionalHousingCenterandHeartlandHousing,hasbeen chosenbytheCityofChicagotoredeveloptheformerLaramieStateBankbuildingandapproximately 20,000squarefeetofadjacentlandat5200W.ChicagoAve.ConstructionwillbegininFall2022. Learnmoreat www.austinunitedalliance.org •NewHigh-QualityMixed-IncomeHousing •NewOn-SiteBankBranch/FinancialInstitution •CommunityEngagement&ParticipationOpportunities •InnovativeArchitecturalDesign Formoreinformation,contactBaxterSwilleyatBSwilley@oprhc.org;(312)521-0059 Registeronlineat bit.ly/aua-updates JOINTHEAUSTINUNITEDALLIANCE,COMMUNITYSTAKEHOLDERSANDYOURAUSTINNEIGHBORSATACOMMUNITY MEETINGONREDEVELOPMENTOFTHELARAMIESTATEBANKBUILDINGANDSURROUNDINGPROPERTIES Attendthisimportantcommunityengagement meetingtolearnmoreaboutoneofthelargest capitalinvestmentprojectseverinitiatedon Chicago’sWestSide,including: AboutAustinUnitedAlliance AustinUnitedAlliance,includingOakParkRegionalHousingCenterandHeartlandHousing,hasbeen chosenbytheCityofChicagotoredeveloptheformerLaramieStateBankbuildingandapproximately 20,000squarefeetofadjacentlandat5200W.ChicagoAve.ConstructionwillbegininFall2022. Learnmoreat www.austinunitedalliance.org •NewHigh-QualityMixed-IncomeHousing •NewOn-SiteBankBranch/FinancialInstitution •CommunityEngagement&ParticipationOpportunities •InnovativeArchitecturalDesign Formoreinformation,contactBaxterSwilleyatBSwilley@oprhc.org;(312)521-0059 Registeronlineat bit.ly/aua-updates JOINTHEAUSTINUNITEDALLIANCE,COMMUNITYSTAKEHOLDERSANDYOURAUSTINNEIGHBORSATACOMMUNITY MEETINGONREDEVELOPMENTOFTHELARAMIESTATEBANKBUILDINGANDSURROUNDINGPROPERTIES Attendthisimportantcommunityengagement meetingtolearnmoreaboutoneofthelargest capitalinvestmentprojectseverinitiatedon Chicago’sWestSide,including: AboutAustinUnitedAlliance AustinUnitedAlliance,includingOakParkRegionalHousingCenterandHeartlandHousing,hasbeen chosenbytheCityofChicagotoredeveloptheformerLaramieStateBankbuildingandapproximately 20,000squarefeetofadjacentlandat5200W.ChicagoAve.ConstructionwillbegininFall2022. Learnmoreat www.austinunitedalliance.org •NewHigh-QualityMixed-IncomeHousing •NewOn-SiteBankBranch/FinancialInstitution •CommunityEngagement&ParticipationOpportunities •InnovativeArchitecturalDesign Formoreinformation,contactBaxterSwilleyatBSwilley@oprhc.org;(312)521-0059 Registeronlineat bit.ly/aua-updates COMMUNTY MEETING ON REDEVELOPMENT OF LARAMIE STATE BANK & NEW CONSTRUCTION OF MIXED INCOME HOUSING Thursday, September 8 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Sankofa Cultural Center 5820 W Chicago, Ave. Chicago, IL 60651

Austin community members took a look at Austin Coming Together’s Quality of Life Plan to evaluate the area’s most critical needs. The categories of the plan in clude Community Narrative, Economic Development, Education, Housing, Public Safety and Civic Engagement. Recognizing how those priorities impact the use of the Mars factory for Austin, resi dents decided the site could fulfill access to jobs and training, arts and culture opportunities, green space and a major commercial anchor“It’dbe great to have a job training facility, especially for jobs of the 21st century,” Austin resident Sharon Hartshor n said. Ideas for the space included a multi-use art center, a library, af fordable housing for young adults and a nature center. Austin residents also decided a candy museum encouraging education and fun would be beneficial or a walking trail to take advantage of the land near the factory. When listing what issues Austin currently faces, residents mentioned the fact that their tax dollars go to Oak Park because of the lack of certain amenities They also said gentrification and the scarcity of posi tive employment opportunities and activities for the youth were an issue. “[The youth] think [Austin] is where their world be gins and ends and that’s just not true. The world is much bigger than just the Austin community,” Hartshor n said. When the Mars Chocolate factory closes in 2024, 280 jobs will be lost. Anders said Mars has worked with associates to line up with their career paths and direct them to opportunities at other Mars market sites in Chicago.Toshare your thoughts on how the Mars site should be utilized, fill out the Galewood Neighbor’s survey. Future meetings will address issues such as taxes, landmarks and history, and they will be located throughout the af fected neighborhoods to hear everyone’s voices, said Seva Gandhi, executive director of Collaborative Connections. The second meeting will take place at Rutherford Sayre Park Field House, 6871 W. Belden Ave., on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. At that meeting, participants will discuss the history of the Mars site. Pre-re gister for the next four meetings here.

OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 3

Residents share their visions for Mars Chocolate site CO URTESY OF MADE IN CHIC AG O MUSEU M Mars Chocolate factory in Galewood LocalNews We’ve got YOU covered. Growing Community Media a non-profit newsroom Donate today at OakPark.com/donate

By JAMIE O’TOOLE Contributing Reporter Collaborative Connections and LISC-Chicago hosted the first of five meetings on Aug. 31 regarding the development of the Mars Chocolate factory, 2019 N. Oak Park Ave., in Galewood following its closure in 2024. The virtual meeting focused on giving community members an opportunity to share how they believe the space should benefit their neighborhood. Ben Anders, the sponsorship and engagement manager at Mars, said the company is donating the factory rather than selling it to give back to the community that has served them for nearly 100 years. The site is 81,000 square feet, sur rounded by Galewood, Austin, Mont Clare and Belmont-Cragin. At the first meeting, attendees were placed into dif ferent groups, each of which represented their neighborhood, and dis cussed the community’s needs and how the Mars site might accommodate those necessitiesThe Mars Chocolate factory includes unique features like the front façade and landscaping as well as a dedicated rail line on the east side to help deliver ingredients, Anders said. Prior to discussion of its uses, residents asked questions that will be answered throughout the meeting series, such as “What will happen to the equipment?” and “Are the next owners going to be as good of a neighbor and of fer economic gain?”

At Aug. 31 meeting, residents said site should ful ll community’s needs when it closes in 2024

Friday, Sept. 9, 6-8 p.m., Maze Branch Librar y

845 Gunderson Ave., Oak Park . Illinois Libraries Present: A Conversation With Marlee Matlin

4 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COM BIG WEEK

Two per formers, Ovation Academy and Clamor & Lace Noise Brigade, will be featured. Bring your own chairs or blanket - event is fr Wesley Ave., Oak Park. Michelle Billingsley

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m., FitzGerald’s his folkish alt- countr y singer will knock ‘em dead on FitzGerald’s patio lounge. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

Thursday, Sept. 8, 4-5 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 7-8 p.m., vir tually through Illinois Libraries Present

In celebration of Deaf Awareness Month, Marlee Matlin joins Illinois Libraries Present to share the highs and lows of her Holly wood career and journeys as an ac tivist. The youngest recipient of the Best Ac tress Oscar, Matlin’s ac ting career recently achieved another milestone as her 2021 lm CODA swept ever y category it was nominated in at the 2022 Academy Awards. Register now at https://bit.ly/ILP_MarleeMatlin.

This Irish folk band from the River Forest area has been enter taining the Chicago area for ve decades now. This special show will feature the Dooleys outdoors on the librar y lawn. Feel free to bring your own chair or blanket. In case of inclement weather, the show will be moved indoors. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest Co ee Monday Sept. 12, 10-11 a.m., River Forest Public Library community residents can get together over co ee and elevant to the neighborhood. Under discussion: the new Home Sharing program, where River Forest donates a bedroom and common space, in exchange for help with small chores. Also: information about new book releases. This will take place in the Barbara Hall Meeting Room. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest Oak Park Porchfest

Saturday, Sept. 10, 7:30-8 p.m., River Forest Public Library

Dooley Band

Stranger Things Night at Maze

September 7-14

Stranger Things fans of all ages are invited for a fun and spooky time after the librar y closes when the Maze Branch turns into the town of Hawkins. Hide at Castle Byers, dance at the Snow Ball, watch out for the Demogorgon, descend to the Upside -Down and visit Vecna’s Attic. For games, tr y the scavenger hunt, play Dungeons and Dragons, or take a quiz to discover which charac ter you are. Refreshments will be ser ved. Costumes welcome. Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

Friday, Sept. 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m., private home

Special event in the Storytime Room. Kids in grades 3-5 can learn how to craft their own magnet to decorate school lock ers. Register at //oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Wednesday Jour nal welcomes notices about events that Oak Park and River Forest community 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 Jour nal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, 60302 ■ Email calendar@wjinc.com Listing your event in the calendar

Craf t: DIY Locker Magnet

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

“I think it ’s a real testament to the growth that Downtown Oak Pa rk and the village has seen in retail,” sai d S hanon Wi lliams, Downtown Oak Pa rk executive director

T he Se p hora c ompany operates over 2,700 stores in 35 c ountrie s. Wi lliams c alled it “huge” that such a retail giant is coming to Oak Pa rk . OPEDC did not c ourt the retailer either. Rather, the multiple high-ris e developments attracted Se p hora to the village, a ccording to Ly nch. We d nesday Journal has reached out to Se p hora for “Whilecomment.wedid not recr uit Se p hor a in the traditional sense, we recr uited Se p hora by a dding 2,000 new residents to downtown Oak Pa rk over the last seve r al year s, ” said Ly nch. T hose who have a love of makeup and b eauty g oods will surely be happy to hear Se p hora is opening an Oak Pa rk location. Teenage resi d ent E llie Loftus told We d nesd ay Journal she is looking forward to shopping at Se p hor a d ue to i ts vast variety of available c osmetics Se p hora carries 250 different brand s, as well as i ts own private label products.“I’mexcited for the Se p hora to c ome,” she said. “I think it ’s j ust going to be nice having something in Oak Pa rk because I f eel li ke in order to actually g et more high-end makeup or a w ider r ange of products, you have to go out to maybe a [diffe rent] suburb or to a mall.” T he 17-year old cu rrently shops fo r c osmetics in Rive r Fo rest at Ulta, 7231 La ke St., d ue to i ts proximity to Oak Pa rk . Loftus said she will li ke ly be c ome a re g ular Se p hora customer once it “Honestlopensy, I think I will sw itch over because I do kind of li ke Se p hora b etter,” Loftus said. “I think it’ll be great.” Se p hora cu rrently has a locatio n within the Kohl’s department store in Nor th Rive

Sephora products coming to Oak Park Park

beauty

Oak Pa rkers will no longer have to tr avel to Oak Brook to shop Se p hora’s c olorful ar ray of cosmetics and beauty products as the village will soon be g etting i ts own location downtown. An official opening date has not ye t b een c onfirmed, but it is expected the store will open by the end of the year, a ccording to John Ly nch, executive director of the Oak Pa rk Economic Development Co rp oration.

and the village has seen in retail.” SHANON WILLIAMS Downtown Oak Park executive direc tor RESIDENTIAL — COMMERCIAL — RETAIL — CHURCHES — SCHOOLS NOW HIRING — FLEXIBLE HOURS — $15/HR TO START SERVING OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST SINCE 1976 SATURDAY, SEPT. 10 9AM 2PM COMMUN ITY YA RD SALE More Than 20 Sellers Onsite • Furniture, Books, Art, Jewelry, Baby Items and More • What G reat Treasur es Wi ll Y ou Find? Nineteenth Century Parking Lot: 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park www.nineteenthcentury.org Rain Date: September 18 9am 2pm

Cosmetics retailer will occupy portion of former Pier 1 “I think it ’s a real testament to the growth that Downtown Oak

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 5

T he b eauty retailer will o ccupy a po rt io n of the for mer Pier 1 at 1143 La ke St., wh ich has b een subdivided sinc e the home décor store’s closure. Se p hora will sit next to Oak Pa rk ’s Sweetg reen location, wh ich opened in Ju ly and also o ccupies pa rt of the for mer Pier 1. It will also be near to the Dom’s Kitchen and Market, wh ich is expected to open in the historic Marshall Field and C ompany building at 1144 W. La ke St Local business officials view the opening of a freestanding Se p hor a location as evidence of the growth in Oak Pa rk ’s retail sector.

rside

Downtown

Israel/Palestine It’s All About Human Rights I RIGHTS.PALESTINIANSOQUEER,AMISUPPORT I AM RIGHTS.PALESTINIANSOMENTALIST,ENVIRON-ANISUPPORT I AM A RIGHTS.PALESTINIANSOACTIVIST,PEACEISUPPORT I AM RIGHTS.PALESTINIANSOFEMINIST,AISUPPORTI AM RIGHTS.PALESTINIANSOLABOR,IRIGHTS.PALESTINIANSORACIST,ANTI-ISUPPORTAMPRO-ISUPPORT sbm.smartin@gmail.com www.cjpip.org

6 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CJPIP promotes information about the impact of the Israeli occupation of Palestine to individuals and groups concerned with peace, racism, women’s rights, workers’ rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the environment. This campaign has become even more urgent with Israel’s recent ransacking and sealing of 7 Palestinian human rights organizations’ offices. (*see link below) These human rights and civil society organizations work directly with Palestinian women, children, low-income families, prisoners, and activists - providing urgent services and monitoring human rights abuses in the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel. For more information on Palestinian human rights issues, see: cjpip.org/progressive-for-palestine *www.972mag.com/palestinian-ngos-army-raids-offices/

“If they’re having deeper issues that are prolonging their g rief, then I would recommend they see a therapist,” Andrews said.

“While I will introduce topics, it will be the mour ners who will lead the conversation,” Andrews said.

The care givers were left to g rieve alone without the suppor t of a community An drews’ research of available caregiver g rief support groups yielded very few results While g rief is universal, caregivers have a unique experience with it due to the nature of their work They experience the sor row of losing a love one, but also the loss of their identities because taking care of someone involves putting that person’s needs above your own, according to Andrews.

If the care giver cares for a person with needs that require around the-clock care, the care giver has little time to attend to personal matters or hobbies.

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

When the person under their care die s, the newly gained free time leaves care givers feeling empty and guilt ridden. Caregivers then fill those hours examining perceived shor tcomings, questioning what they could have done better while their loved ones were alive Through this new program, the Senior Services De par tment aims to show care givers that they are not alone in their sor row and to help them cope with the profound feelings of loss that accompany the death of a loved one, while providing an outlet for rediscovery

This is the de par tment’s first care giver suppor t group purposely designed to navigate the g rieving process Andrews pitched the idea of star ting the group after noticing that many caregivers, who went to sup por t groups through the Senior Services De par tment, stopped attending following the deaths of their loved ones “They feel that, since because they’r no longer caregivers, they have no place there,” Andrews explained.

Township S enior Services debuts caregiver support “When you’re a caregiver, it ’s more than just a dut y; it becomes your identit y.” DEVIN ANDREWS Caregiver support specialist B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS Italian $w/SandwichBeefFries9.893 Vienna Hot Dogs w/ Fries $9.99WednesdayGyrosPlateDinner1lbmeat,2pitabreads,fries&3cupssauce$13.99EverydaySpecial!Gyroswithfries$9.69 1/4 Lb BigCheeseburgerDoubleMickey!$3.69 includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread 1/2 Slab $14.49Dinner Full Slab $21.79Dinner 525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 11am - 9pm Daily RibFest Every Day! Mickey’s is the place! Mickey’s Rib Special

Group helps caregivers grieve the loss of loved ones in their care

T he Senior Services De par tment of Oak Park and River Forest Townships is star ting a new g rief support group for care givers. T he progr am is open to current or for mer f amily care givers who have lost loved“Thisonesgroup provides a safe space for caregivers coping with the re cent loss of their loved one to tell their stories, receive emotional suppor t and of fer valida tion of their experiences and feelings as they g rieve,” Se nior Services Director Pamela Mahn explained.

OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 7

“When you’ re a care giver, it’s more than just a duty; it be comes your identity,” Andrews said. “They essentially become lost in ways dif ferent from how other people would become lost when someone dies.”

The entirely new program is free for people who live in Cook County or neighboring counties, according to de par tment caregiver support specialist Devin Andrews. Star ting Se pt. 15, the group will be gin meeting on the first and third Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. of each month via Zoom. Andrews will serve as the group’s facilitator The meetings are loosely structured to create a laidback atmosphere, allowing the g rieving care givers the oppor tunity to steer the conversation and direct its fl ow.

personal

Caregivers can re gister for the group and star t attending meetings at any time. An drews recommends interested care givers reach out to him directly via email or telephone, so that he can walk them through the re gistration process The plan, Andrews shared, is for participating caregivers to participate in the program for a full year. Should an extension prove necessary, the care giver can continue attending sessions

Contributing Reporter With 47 new hires this school year Oak Park and River Forest High School is making incremental progress toward diversifying its staf f. Employees of color account for approximately 62% of new hires this year Thirty percent of the new hires are Black, 23 percent are Latino and 9 percent are Asian or Pacific Islander. Thirty-eight percent of new hires are white. Among the 20 new teachers hired this year 10 are white, four are Latino, three are Black and three are Asian or Pacific Islander. Currently 27% of faculty members at OPRF are people of color compared to 25 percent last year. Twelve pe cent of teachers at OPRF are Black while nearly 73% of the OPRF faculty are whit OPRF has more employees of color in other job cate gories. People of color mak up 44 percent of administrative and management employees and a whopping 82 percent of campus safety workers. OPRF hired three new administrators this year and they are all Black women. One is new dean Marquita Thompson. For the 36-year-old Thompson it is a homecoming. She grew up in Oak Park and graduated from OPRF in 2004. Thomp son says she is excited to be working at her alma mater. “This is home,” Thompson told the Wednesday Jour nal in a tele phone inter view last week. “I’m where I’m supposed to Afterbe.” graduating from Nor ther n Illi nois University with a de gree in English and a minor in Black Studies, Thompson worked for three years as a residential counselor and supervisor for Oak Park based He phzibah Children’s Association. She then worked for the Elgin U46 school district teaching English at Streamwood High School and at the district’s alter native school before becoming a dean at Larkin High School last year. Thompson, who has two master’s de grees, found out in June that OPRF was looking for a new dean and she decided to apply. She almost missed her chance due to an email foul up but eventually connected with OPRF and came in for three rounds of interviews and was hired. “I saw that they were hiring and just took a chance and applied,” Thompson said. “I almost missed the call because something was wrong with my email and it was going to an old AOL acc ount that I had from when I was a child. ” She is still g etting used to working at the high school she once attended “It’s still very strange for me but I come here very honored and humbled to be in this role,” T hompson said. “I know what an honor it is to be a part of this community.”Whenshe is walking down the halls and sees a teacher that she remembers from her days as a student T hompson has to remind herself that she that she is a peer rather than a student.

By BOB SKOLNIK

“It is such an honor to be here and to be par t of the work that the distric t is doing with racial equit y.”

“When I’m walking down the hallways a lot of the time I still feel like a student and so when I see a teacher who I had I have to remember that I work here and I don’ t go here anymore,” T hompson said.

“It is such an honor to be here and to be part of the work that the district is do ing with racial equity,” T hompson said. “I think the teachers and staf f here are being way more intentional in the work that they are doing.” T hompson now lives in Hof fman Es tates but would like to move back to Oak Park.“I’m hoping to move back to Oak Park because I would like my children to have the same, but a better experience than I had,” Thompson said.

Hardin also disagreed with the conten-

School makes modest headway in diversifying faculty

“We just wanted to make sure what we negotiated was within what we could afford from a levy standpoint,” Cofsky said.

T here are a number of teachers at OPRF who were teachers when T homp son was a student. One is her for mer English teacher, Michael Dorame, who hompson credits for inspiring her to be ome an English teacher He was a passionte and engaging teacher. And he is mixed race, half Black and half Mexican.

Critics of step increase argue that they are unseen raises that allow teachers to get double raises each year, an increase in base salary and a seniority-based increase Defenders of step increases and salary sched ules say teachers should get raises based on experience. Hardin pointed out that unless teachers become administrators, they have no position to be promoted to and thus de serves raises based on experience. She also said that teachers improve with experience.

the faculty wanted and is part of the final deal so we are happy to work together with the Board of Education to come to this ag reement,” said Sheila Hardin, a veteran math teacher at OPRF and the chairperson of the Faculty Senate, which is what the teachers union at OPRF is called. “We want to be good stewards for the district but we also want to retain strong teachers and be able to hire and retain strong teachers in theSomefuture.”school districts, including Oak Park Elementary School District 97, have eliminated ste p increases. But reinstating ste p increases was a major goal of the OPRF teachers union in contract ne go tiations after ste ps were eliminated four years ago. High inflation and a competitive job market led to the reinstatement of ste p increases.TomCofsky, president of the OPRF District 200 Board of Education, said the overall package of raises averaging 3.5 cent a year is in with the district’ expected revenue creases“Their interest was to have step structure our interest to live within means and we and came up a winning solution between the two,” Cofsky said.

TEACHERS CONTRAC T Average 3.5% annual increase from page 1

8 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

M ARQUITA THOMPSON Dean TO M COFSKY

“Experience matters,” Hardin said. “It makes teachers better teachers and more knowledgeable and able to do more than they probably did as a year one teacher.”

“He was one of the first teachers of color that I had and so it was just good to have someone who looked like me that I could look up to,” Thompson said. Thompson says when she was a student at OPRF she wasn’t always as engaged with the school as she might have been and elt like there were things about the college admissions process and financial aid that she didn’t know about. “I’m looking to establish a lot of the connections that I missed out on the first time around and make sure my students are aware of the resources that we have here so that they feel connected as well so they get the support that they need to set themselves up for success in the future,” Thomp son said. Thompson has noticed there are more teachers of color at OPRF now than there were when she was a student at OPRF 20 years ago. “I see a lot more teachers of color and even male teachers than I did when I was here,” Thompson said. She says that OPRF is now much more intentional in how it deals with matters of race and equity.

Former OPRF student returns as a dean

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 9 tion that step increases are hidden raises. “Nothing is hidden, we’re public employees,” Hardin said. “Our contracts, our pay is out there for the public to see.” The new starting salary this year for a OPRF teacher with a bachelor’s de gree and no previous teaching experience is $62,061. That is slightly more than the $61,934 that a first-year teacher earns at Evanston Township High School where a new four contract is also going into effect this year. But Evanston teachers are getting larger raises than their counterparts at OPRF getting a 2.3 percent raise this year and a 3.5 percent in crease in base pay next year. Evanston also has step increases. The new starting salary at OPRF is also greater than the comparable salary for a first year teacher with only a bachelor’s degree at New Trier High School ($61,389), Lyons Township High School ($59,888.), Hinsdale High School District 86 ($57,632) and Riverside Brookfield High School ($56,000). All but Riverside Brookfield have a step system and traditional salary schedule. Cofsky said having a higher starting salary than some other highly regarded districts is a good thing in a competitive market for the best young teachers. “Our goal is we want to be able to attract and retain a new teacher,” Cofsky said. “We want them to give us a good look and say, ‘this is a place I want to work’ so having a competitive and even a slightly advantageous intro salary is beneficial from that context.”AnOPRF teacher in her 10th year who has a master’s degree will make $91,877 this year. A teacher in his 20th year with master’s degree plus 30 additional graduate credit hours is earning $127,311 this year. A teacher in their 30th year with a master’s degree and no additional graduate hours will now make $124,417. The highest salary on this year’s OPRF salary schedule is $151,200 for a teacher in their 30th year who has a master’s de gree and 60 additional graduate school credit hours. Hardin declined to say what the vote was among teachers to ratify the contract.

During the month of October, women who live in these communities can receive a screening mammogram for no cost at Rush Oak Park Hospital.* Now, there’s no reason not to have one. Breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in women — and mammography is the most effective screening tool. Experts at Rush recommend that most women have mammograms every year beginning at age 40.

Make your appointment today!

Do you qualify?

The advisory period, similar to a Home Room, was changed from 15 minutes daily to 15 minutes twice a week. Everyone was glad to g et the nego tiations over and have a new contract in place.“We’ re thrilled to have it done,” said OPRF Superintendent Greg Johnson.

FILE

• Your mammogram must be performed by Oct. 31, 2022. Digital mammography saves lives.

• You must live in Oak Park, River Forest or Proviso Township. Proof of residence will be requested at the time of your visit (e.g., voter registration card, utility bill or personal check).

• To qualify, you must not have insurance coverage.

“We maintained current health care, we maintained current retirement,” Cofsky said.Teachers at OPRF pay 11 percent of their health insurance premiums for the dis trict’s basic PPO plan for single coverage and pay 17 percent of the premiums for family coverage. The district pays the re mainder of the premiums for health insur ance. OPRF provides dental insurance to teachers at no cost to the teachers.

Excellence is just the beginning.

A yourcouldmammogramfreesavelife.

Do you live in Oak Park, River Forest or Proviso Township and need to schedule a mammogram?

• We offer the latest technology in breast screening, including 3D mammography (also known as breast tomosynthesis), breast MRI, and hand-held and automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) screening for dense breasts. To register for your free screening mammogram, call (708) 660-2355.

“We don’ t re lease the vote publicly,” Har dinHardinsaid. said that the negotiating process was“Thecollaborative.FacultySenate is happy that we settled the contract,” Hardin said. “We have a four-year deal. I think the stability for the district is important and for teachers.” There were no changes to fringe benefits.

* Funds are provided by a private grant for residents of Oak Park, River Forest and Proviso Township. Only those who do not have insurance qualify for a free mammogram.

Our beautiful 6-story building provides quality, a ordable, independent housing for seniors. e Oaks o ers studio and one-bedroom apartments, with kitchens and private bathrooms. Amenities include an award winning interior landscaped atrium, central meeting room, library, laundry facilities, computer learning center, internet access, electronic key entry system, and parking.

Taliafer ro said he wants to organize a follow-up community meeting where resi dents will get to hear directly from Novak officials about their plans. He hopes to schedule the meeting for the middle of this month.After the North and Harlem Sears closed, Seritage Growth Holdings, Sears’ for mer real estate arm that was spun off as a sepa rate company, hired Tucker Development to redevelop the original store site and ad jacent parking lot. After several revisions, Tucker settled on building townhomes on the east portion, and expanding the original store building into a mixed-use development with a grocery store on the first floor After Seritage sold its Chicago proper ties to Chicago-based Novak Construction in August 2020, the new owner decided to keep the parking lot portion of the plan the same, demolish the Sears building and build a new grocery store, two retail buildings and a drive through restaurant. According to Taliaferro, Novak hopes to start construc tion of the residential portion this fall. During the Aug. 30 meeting, Taliafer ro said in June he learned Jewel-Osco and a healthcare provider were vying for the space in the development. He said that Jewel-Osco reached out to his office asking for support. The alderman said that he was “excited” to offer his support, given the lack of grocery stores in the area. “[Jewel-Osco] wanted a full-service, community grocery store to serve as their flag ship location,” Taliafer ro said. But around three weeks ago, Paschen infor med Taliafer ro that a grocery tenant “was no longer the goal” and they were go ing with the healthcare tenant instead The alderman said he heard conflicting versions of what happened, with JewelOsco representatives telling him that No vak ignored their overtures while Novak said Jewel-Osco was slow to respond to its follow-upAttemptsinquiries.toreach Jewel-Osco and Novak for comment by Friday were unsuccessful.

Quality, A ordable, Independent Housing for Seniors 114 South Humphrey • Oak Park, Il 60302 • 708-386-5862 • oakparkrc.com

Sears developer turns down Jewel in favor of health tenant Decision at Harlem and Nor th site frustrates Chicago alderman

Taliafer ro said he hasn’t seen any renderings but that Paschen told them the business would face Harlem Avenue and it would have a similar footprint as the proposed grocery store of 40,000 square feet and be two to three stories tall. He said it was “a very reputable entity” in the healthcare field and would provide a variety of health services but the alderman declined to share any details until Novak has a chance to present its proposal.

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

In a recent interview, Judith Alexander, the executive director of the North Avenue District, said she wants to hear more about Novak’s updated proposal.

On-site management includes 24/7 emergency maintenance service and a senior services coordinator who is available during business hours to assist residents in accessing service agencies and programs designed speci cally for seniors. e Oaks is owned and operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation and is funded by the US Department of Housing and Ur-ban Development through the 202/ Section 8 Program. Monthly rent is based on the resident’s income, with individuals paying approximately 30% of their monthly income toward rent. For more information, please visit us at www.oakparkrc.com or contact us at 708-386-5862.

“I put my faith in Novak Development and that they would listen to our request for a quality grocery store and I don’t feel it was listened to,” Taliafer ro said.

10 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th) said that Novak Construction, the current developer of the for mer North and Harlem Sears site, tur ned down Jewel-Osco’s request to become an anchor tenant, choosing to negotiate with a health-care company instead. The alderman, whose ward includes the site and the surrounding Galewood neigh borhood, updated the community on the current state of the long-vacant site during an Aug. 30 virtual meeting, which was at tended by around 50 people Taliaferro said Jewel-Osco reached out to him in June and made numerous overtures to Novak. He said he supported the grocer coming to the property, but that, in early Au gust, Jake Paschen, Novak’s executive vice president of development, infor med him the firm had decided to go with a healthcare tenantTinsteadaliaferro said he couldn’t name the de veloper, citing a potential non-disclosure ag reement. He said that, while he personally saw the change in plans as “a betrayal” of the community that has been asking for a grocery store, he would put his feelings aside if the community wanted him to sup port the medical facility.

“I sympathize with [Taliafer ro’s] disap pointment, I sympathize with the community’s disappoint, but I want to keep an open mind and hear Novak’s plans,” she said.

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12 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Founded in 1983 by the Chicago Communi ty Trust, the third-largest community foundation in the country, LGC has developed more than 1,200 leaders through its Signature Fellows Program. Fellows participate in “an intensive 10-month program that provides the foundation for a lifelong commitment to civic engagement,” according to the organization’s website.Inastatement, LGC CEO Maria Wynne congratulated the newest Fellows class. “We applaud the sponsors of the LGC Class of 2023 for embracing this approach to civic eng agement and for investing in the ability of these leaders to change the world,” Wynne said. “On behalf of the LGC Board of Directors, I congratulate our newest Class and look forward to their contributions to ensure an inclusive future for all who call Chicago home.” In addition to the Signature Fellows Program, LGC recently launched the Daniel Burnham Fellowship, an accelerated civic onboarding experience for senior executives.

Daly selected for Leadership Greater Chicago’s 2023 Signature Fellows Program, which boasts Michelle Obama as alum

Past LGC Fellows include for mer First Lady Michelle Obama, for mer U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, among many others.

A prestigious civic leadership develop ment program that includes some of the most prominent leaders in the country has selected an Oak Park man to be part of its 2023Timothcohort.yDaly, an Oak Park resident who is program director for the Joyce Foundation, a nonprofit philanthropy based in Chicago, was among 53 leaders selected to be part of Leadership Greater Chicago’s 2023 Signature Fellows Program class. “I am humbled and excited to be among those selected for the Leadership Greater Chicago Fellows Program,” Daly said. “I re cently relocated to this area, so this is a tremendous opportunity for me to learn and discuss the most critical issues affecting our community, including Chicago’s urgent public safety challenges, with some of the smartest minds and future leaders of this region.”

For more information on LGC, visit lgcchicago.org. To learn more about the LGC Signature Fellows Program, visit lgcchicago.org/signaturefellowspro gram.

Oak Park man notches fellowship Timothy Daly

prestigious

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

that they help prevent overdoses and de crease the amount of drug use in public areas.Representatives from Live 4 Lali, a community recovery center in Addison, were at the commemoration to provide Narcan training for anyone willing to lear n and fentanyl test strips T he center’s mission is “to reduce stigma and prevent substance use disorder among individuals, f amilies, and communities, and minimize the overall health, le g al and social har ms associated with substance use,” according to its website. Anyone can request free delivery of sy ringes, snor ting kits and other equipment.

CONTAC T: michael@oakpark.com

Leaders unite for International Overdose Awareness Day

OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 13

SHANEL ROMAIN/Sta Photographer West Side residents Sandra Harrison (center right) and her husband Darryl Harrison, far right, longtime advocates, were among the people gathered in Oak Park’s Scoville Park on Aug. 31 to observe International Overdose Awareness Day.

Sarah Goggin-Young, Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman, Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, Maywood Mayor Nathan iel George Booker, state Rep. La Shaw n K. Ford and River Forest Township Superv isor Carla Sloan mark International Overdose Awareness Day in Oak Park

Sarah Go ggin-Young, a recovering ad dict and alcoholic who overdosed 22 years ago, said she has been sober for 18 years.

Community Narrative Reporter Nonprofit leaders and elected of ficials across the west suburbs and the West Side gathered at Scoville Park in Oak Park on Aug. 31 to commemorate Inter national Overdose Awareness Day. Re presentatives with a variety of drug treatment and har m reduction org anizations such as the Way Back Inn, the West Side Heroin Task Force, Live 4 Lali, NAMI Metro Suburban joined elected of ficials from Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Maywood and Austin to remember people who lost their lives to opioid overdoses and to raise awareness about drug and overdose prevention. State Re p. La Shawn K. Ford (8th), the West Side Heroin Task Force founder, said he lost two close relatives to overdoses. “The thing about this disease is that it’s inter national,” he said. “So no matter what color you are or what community you’ re from, we are united today be cause it’s attacking all of our communities and f amilies I lost my favorite uncle, who used to take me to the race track and taught me how to bet on the horses I also lost my favorite cousin, who allowed me to cut his hair even though I had no clue what I was do ing. T hose are two dear people I’ve lost to the heroin opioid crisis.”Ford and his Task Force are exploring the possibility of bringing Overdose Prevention Sites to the Chicago area. So far, the only two in the country are located in New York City. T he locations allow people to use drugs in spaces supervised by professional staf fers who intervene if they see anyone who has overdosed. Proponents of the sites argue

Elected o cials and sur vivors share stories of how they or loved ones were a ected

On Aug. 31, she shared her survival story. “I had everything going for me,” she said, adding that she was on her way to play Division I colle giate spor ts when she blew out her knee. “Our thoughts create our words, our words create actions, our actions create our habits, our habits create our char acter, and our character deter mines our destiny,” she said. “I’m a clear example of that. I let the thoughts, the stigma, the shame, and the failure change everything in my life. I changed my actions. I stopped working out. I stopped hanging around people who lifted me up and suppor ted me That changed my character and it changed the trajectory of my life.”

SHANEL ROMAIN/Sta

By SHANEL ROMAIN

C A L L I N G A L L C O N T R A C T O R S T O L E A R N A B O U T O P P O R T U N I T I E S T O B I D F O R T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N P R O J E C T O F T H E L A R A M I E S T A T E B A N K R E D E V E L O P M E N T . Attend this important meeting to learn about bid opportunities for contractors on one of the largest capital investment projects ever initiated on Chicago’s West Side! About

• New On Site Bank Branch/Fin

• New High Quality Mixed Income Housing

• New High Quality Mixed Income Housing • New On Site Bank Branch/Financial Institution • Innovative Architectural Design For more information, contact

org;

Learn

About Austin United Alliance

• New On Site Bank Branch/Financial Institution I ti A hit t l D i

521 0059 R e g i s t e r o n l i n e a t b i t . l y / a u a - c o n s t r u c t i o n

JAMIE O’TOOLE/Contributor

Attend this important meeting to learn about bid opportunities for contractors on one of the largest capital investment projects ever initiated on Chicago’s West Side!

Attend this important meeting to learn about bid opportunities for contrac the largest capital investmen initiated on Chicago’s West S

Owners Orson and Keri Mor rison said Grealis asked for their values during the process of creating the mural.“Wevalue diversity in all forms, we value community,” Or son said. “And we know that true healing and true wellness doesn’t occur in isolation. It occurs in the context of relationships, connection and community.”

14 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

• New On Site Bank Branch/Financial Institution

For more information, contact Baxter Swilley at BSwilley@oprhc org; (312) 521 0059

CALLING ALL CONTRACTORS TO LEARN ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES TO BID FOR T CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THE LARAMIE STATE BANK REDEVELOPMENT.

Attend this important meeting to learn about bid opportunities for contractors on one of the largest capital investment projects ever initiated on Chicago’s West Side!

The three part mural, titled “Collective Healing, Diversity and Community” will reside in LifeSpan’s window for the foreseeable future. The North Avenue District chose to collaborate with LifeSpan for the Bridge’s second mural project because not only do they value diversity and unity, but North Avenue is referred to by some as the “Medical Mile,” said Judith Alexander, chairwoman of the North Avenue District Inc. Because the street is popular for its multiple medical facili ties, she said it seemed appropriate to choose a major mental health service that helps heal residents of the community “When you heal people, you heal the community,” AlexanderLifeSpansaid.

The second part, “Diversity,” prioritizes visibility and in clusion of people from all walks of life, depicting 12 fictional individuals of different ethnicities and identities who are sur rounded by LGBTQ flags and temples representing various religionsThethird and final part of the mural, “Community,” represents “the most neglected members of our communities clear ly in the foreground: those suffering from homelessness,” ac cording to the statement.

New North Avenue mural aims to heal

‘Collective Healing, Diversity and Community’ was installed in July

Learn more at www austinunitedalliance org

“When I stand there and take a look at it, I hope that everybody’s able to see themselves in some aspects in that piece,” Keri said.

• New High Quality Mixed Inco

Austin United Alliance, including Oak Park Regional Housing Center and Heartland Housing, has been chosen by the City of Chicago to redevelop the former Laramie State Bank building and approximately 20,000 square feet of adjacent land at 5200 W. Chicago Ave. Construction will begin in Fall 2022. more at www.austinunitedalliance.org Baxter Swilley at BSwilley@oprhc (312)

Grealis gathered inspiration for the “Collective Healing” part of the mural from the dancers of the Xochitl-Quetzal Danza Azteca and Najwa Dance Corps, who recently perfor med in Chicago, according to Grealis’ artist statement. In their performance, the dancers encouraged collective healing in the community and solidarity for Black and Brown people

CONTAC T: michael@austinweeklynews.com

Inspired by those three words, Grealis created three parts to the mural: the first being “Collective Healing,” then “Diversity” and lastly “Community.” Grealis started the mural process in February and completed the mural on July 15.

Kasey Grealis created the mural for LifeSpan as a contribution to the North Avenue District’s ongoing North Art Bridge project. The project aims to revitalize North Avenue and bring Galewood and Oak Park together through public art, according to North Art Bridge’s goal statement.

• New High Quality Mixed Income Housing

• Innovative Architectural Design Register online at bit.ly/aua construction

A mural titled, “Collective Healing, Diversity and Community,” lights up the window of LifeSpan Coun seling and Psychological Services.

CALLING ALL CONTRACTORS TO LEARN ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES TO BID FOR THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THE LARAMIE STATE BANK REDEVELOPMENT. Attend this important meeting to learn about bid opportunities for contractors on one of the largest capital investment projects ever initiated on Chicago’s West Side!

By JAMIE O’TOOLE Contributing Reporter

The owners of a Nor th Avenue small business hope that a three-part window mural speaks to the diversity of Oak Park andTheGalewood.window mural was recently installed outside of LifeSpan Counseling and Psychological Services at 6645 W. Nor th LocalAve.artist

CALLING ALL CONTRACTO ID FOR THE CONSTRUCTION PROJEC OPMENT.

• Innovative Architectural Des g

ALEX ROGALS/Sta Photographer Ade Onayemi, from Nigeria to Oak Park to Rotary International.

“My parents were the core of our community. Mother was very religious and conser vative but open-minded. She was a student of the Bible, the Koran and the Talmud and she freely shared her knowledge with the community. She understood the connec tions between the Abrahamic religions and drilled into us the futility of fighting over the dif ferences,” Onayemi said. His father expected his children to serve as role models for their community and stressed the importance of representing the family in a positive way.

Today, Onayemi is president of Urban Resource Inc., an architectural fir m that has been involved in several projects in Chicago. He has lent his exper tise to the construction of Oak Park’s two middle schools and the Park District’s Community Recreation Center As an actively eng aged member of the Oak Park-River Forest Rotary Club for 17 years, he is excited about his new role as gover nor of District 6450 and looks forward to supporting its 60 individual clubs and their domestic and inter national ser vice initiatives. He’s proud of the district’s response to the outbreak of war in Ukraine — organizing a campaign that raised more than $400,000 and sending 300 tons of medical supplies to the besie ged country.

“He had two favorite sayings: When he thought we might be slipping off-track, he would say, ‘If you’re going to do that, you better change your name,’ and, to encourage our pursuit of success, he would say, ‘The bottom is full; you have to rise to the top.’”

Onayemi attended four elementary schools before enrolling in the prestigious American Inter national School, with schoolmates representing more than 60 countries. He attended high school at the CMS (Church Missionary Society) School in Lagos, the oldest secondary school in Nigeria All of his siblings were colle ge-educated and pursued professional careers — in fact, he insists that compared to several of his siblings, he’s been “dogging it.” His beloved brother, who recently died, was an anesthesiologist who at the age of 60 received his master of divinity de gree and became a priest in the Anglican Church.

“My mother never let us forget that we were descended from royalty. She ingrained in us the importance of being engaged lead ers in our community She was a strict dis ciplinarian and a huge influence on our family,” he said. Onayemi is the youngest of seven siblings. His father had a supervisory role in Nigeria’s postal system and the family moved frequently as he was transfer red around the country. His mother was a teacher Both were the first in their fami lies to receive for mal educations and they expected their children to do the same

By JESSIC A MACKINNON Contributing Reporter

OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

He came to the United States to pursue his colle ge education, ear ning an architec ture de gree from the University of Illinois Chicago. His parents attended his graduation and convinced their homesick son to stay in the United States “Nigeria was under a military dictator ship at the time and corruption was something that my parents couldn’t abide My oldest brother, a highly placed engineer with the Nigeria’s Electric Power Author ity, was threatened with assassination be cause he refused to be cor rupted,” he said.

Ade Onayemi takes the next step in bridging di erences

Many local residents consider Ade Onayemi Oak Park royalty, given the inte gral role he has played in our community over the past three decades. The list of orga nizations to which he has contributed his time and treasure is exhaustive, or at any rate exhausting, including District 97, West Suburban Medical Center, Opportunity Knocks, Infant Welfare Society, Oak Park Township, NAMI Chicago, the Austin African American Business Networking Association, and the Rotary Club of Oak Park River Forest. This summer, he was installed as district gover nor of Rotary District 6450, an area encompassing 60 clubs from Chicago’s North Side to as far south as Kankakee But what many may not know is that Onayemi actually is royalty. He comes from a long line of Nigerian royals and political leaders. Bor n in Ijebu Ode, in southwest Nigeria, he is a descendant of the Awujale (King) of Ijebuland as well as Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, a major figure in Nigerian society and culture. Chief Timothy was a great friend of King George VI of England and hosted Queen Elizabeth in his home when she visited Nigeria in 1956.

“Chicago is the bir thplace of Rotary In ter national. Founded in 1905, the Rotary played a significant role in the formation of the United Nations We are all about bridging cultures by advancing peace through inter national training and ser vice and developing young peace ambassadors,” he said.

Onayemi may be uniquely qualified for his new role with the Rotary. In addition to his inter national background — he has traveled all over the world and lived in Italy as well as Nigeria and the United States — he has an extended family of in ter national mar riages that he refers to as a “United Nations melting pot.” He is very proud that two of his grandchildren are Rotary Interactors, a service club for 12- to 18-year-oldsAdeOnayemi embodies the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” He has embraced it in Oak Park and now, through his expanded role with the Rotary, he is extending it to the world.

Rotarian acts locally, thinks globally

In the end Small Batch quite literally couldn’ t af ford to say goodbye T he sud den closure was an intentional choice to protect the fragile business from being overwhelmed. If they had announced the decision in advance, Small Batch would not have been able to meet customer de mand because there were only two people operatin g the restaurant for more than a month. “I would have loved to say goodbye to our loyal customers, but I just didn’t have the staf f to handle a longer goodbye,” said Stinton. “And we wouldn’ t have been able to af ford to buy the food to meetStintondemand.”isclear that is he is proud of the restaurant he built and the food he was able to chur n out of the small establishment, but in the end the business strug gled to navig ate the unenviable combination of limited resources and limited staf f. In the months leading up to the closure, Stinton adapted the Small Batch menu in hopes of streamlining production while simultaneously attracting new customers with new more cost-ef fective menu items. With only two staf f members r unning the restaurant, the owner qualifies the changes as a “last shot that made little difAsference.”kedwhat is next for him, Stinton is clear that he needs some time to consider his next ste ps. He anticipates leaving the restaurant business behind in favor of retur ning to the tech industry and looks forward to spending more time with his 18-month-old son. T he announcement was met with both dismay and support from community members. Fans of Small Batch said on social media, “We literally tried to order today,” “So sad that you’ re leaving,” and “Your bbq is excellent and you will be greatly missed.”

ALEX ROGALS/Sta Photographer Pedestrians walk past the now closed Small Batch Barbeque on Madison Street in downtown Forest Park.

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

“I would always appreciate when people would ask me how I was doing,” said Stin ton. “If you would be sad to see a restaurant disappear, make sure you are reaching out. T he most impor tant thing from my perspective is to talk to the people at the places you love.” T hough the heavy-hear ted owner will not participate in the Forest Park Rib Fest this year, Stinton is clear the closure has not broken him as a person or a passionate chef

“I was trapped in a vicious cycle.”

In a post shared to Facebook on Aug. 31, Greg Stinton, owner of Small Batch Barbecue, 7441 Madison St., Forest Park, announced his three-year-old restaurant had per manently closed. Though the closure was sudden to customers, Stinton had known for months that shuttering the restaurant known for serving up smoked ribs, brisket and turkey was inevitable. “In the end the decision was purely financial,” said Stinton matter-of-factly. “This was the culmination of many factors, but I won’t blame the pandemic, in flation, anyone, or anything for closing. I take full responsibility for this. It falls on my shoulders. I would have loved to keep thisAnplace.”unexpected

victory in the Forest Park Rib Fest in 2016, sparked Stinton’s desire to open a restaurant in his hometown. Since opening Small Batch Barbecue in 2019, Stinton and his employees have been sling ing those same award-winning ribs He was also passionate about fresh prod ucts going from fridge to smoker and selling out in a single day; waste and reheating were not part of the Small Ba tch Barbecue philosophy. In the end, however, this freshness philosophy combined with the volatility of the restaurant industry over the past three years made it challenging to anticipate customer demand and plan proper foodBusinessquantitiesnever nor malized at Small Batch and increasing food costs meant any overage spelled disaster for the pocketsized smoke house. The financial outlay for purchasing large cuts of premium beef and pork could run into the thousands per week. Razor thin margins meant even a handful of leftover portions could be the dif ference between making a profit or suf fering a loss day-to day. As a result, Stinton mitig ated the risk of losing money by simply preparing less food. If business picked up, he didn’t have the staf f to meet demand nor the food on hand to feed them “There were not enough customers or enough money, but I never lost my zest for the creative side of cooking,” said Stinton.

Owner takes responsibility as he closes door on barbecue dream

16 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Litany of factors led to Small Batch closure

18 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Things to bear in mind for those looking to own without buying a detached home US? oakpark.com/real- estate email: buphues@wjinc.com

GOOGLE MAPS NEED TO REACH

“We are both still active and walk everywhere, but downtown can be a challenge for people who are slowing down,” Jon said. “We decided Oak Park was a better place for us to retire. All of the research indicates that the most important thing for being happy as you age is a strong social network. We’ve lived in the Oak Park and River Forest area since colle ge, so we had that here. We also wanted a place where we could age in place.” Those in the market for a condominium have a lot to weigh when it comes to aging considerations. Some area vintage buildings offer charming facades with brick and See CONDO on pa ge 20

Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 19Homes

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

Condo dwellers Jon and Marion Baumgarten have lived in their Oak Park condo for roughly three years. Prior to buying their condo, the empty nesters tried out condo living in the city after selling their longtime River Forest home when their children flew the coop.

hether you’ re looking to get a toehold in the local real estate market, want a right-sized living space or are ready to downsize after living in a larger home, condominiums have a lot to offer. Buying a single-family home might entail taking the neighborhood surrounding the house into consideration, but for condo shoppers there are two kinds of neigh borhoods to consider: the area where the building is located as well as the interior environment of the building. Homeowners associations, or HOAs, can play a big role in the livability of a condominium building.According to the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University, condomini ums made up 19.6 percent of Oak Park’s housing stock in 2021. As of late August, there were 55 condos for sale in Oak Park, ranging from a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit on South Boulevard listed at $84,000 for 700 square feet up to a four-bedroom, threebathroom unit on Oak Park Avenue priced at $699,900 for 3,000 square feet. When it comes to buying a condo, it turns out that, as in all real estate transactions, location matters. Would-be buyers should seriously consider what they are looking for in the near and long ter m.

Jon says at the time of their first move, the city made sense. They were both still working in the city and loved being able to walk a few blocks to the symphony center or theater. As they neared retirement thought, their interests changed.

Condo considerations

Limited

20 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Jon calls the declarations the “nuts and bolts” of the rules. “It’s really important that people read the declaration before buying a condo and see if these are things you can live with,” said Marion.

Jon says that potential buyers should also look at the financials and points out that a good realtor will make sure to advise a buyer about all of these issues.

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“It will be much less trouble than a house,” he said. “Snow-shoveling and land scaping are built-in in a condo. For major mishaps you aren’t personally on the hook. It’s much more collective. Overall, it’s easi er, but nothing is perfect.”

As the current president of his building’s HOA, Jon says future condo owners will want to consider the building’s HOA before making an offer. Condominiums have a condominium declaration, often originally promulgated by the developer, that sets the general rules for the building.

terra cotta accents and interior features like built-ins and decorative molding. Vintage buildings might be strong on character but lighter on the features that attract retirees like the Baumgartens.

“You’re pitching your lot with 50 other owners,” she said. “You have to be wise.”

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Chief on the couple’s list of must-haves were an elevator, no stairs in the unit itself, easy parking at the building and in-unit laundry“Inpractice, in Oak Park, that means a newer building,” Jon said. “We looked at a lot of vintage buildings, but they’re more challenged with parking and most have stairs. Many older buildings are not allowing people to put in in-unit laundry.”

She says things like in-unit laundry or the ability to have pets and the type or number of pets are gover ned by the declarations “You can’t just decide you want to paint your balcony railing pink if the declarations say they all have to be black,” Marion said. “It’s a change from living in a singlefamily home.” Also ask to see the previous board minutes going back at least a year, Marion cautioned“Ifthere are problems with the board, you’ ll see it,” she said.

At the end of the day, Marion says you need to think about the other unit owners when you make an of fer.

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Both Baumg artens say the condominium living experience can be an adjustment but overall, a nice one after living for so long in a single-family home. While Jon commits many hours a week to the HOA board, he knows that when he steps down, someone else will take up that job.

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OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 21

“Jadyn is extremely talented. He plays with a lot of fire,” F ried said. “He’s got amazing technical skill and makes great r uns into the box.”

Fenwick had a few oppor tunities to even things, but couldn’ t cash in. Dussias stopped a blast from Mar tinello with about 11 minutes left, then did the same on a Felice shot three minutes later. Then with about six minutes left, a Mar tinello shot sailed high and wide to the left. “Our guys played a really good OPRF team and responded well,” Blazer said. “It hur ts score-wise, but we’ ll be better for it. We’ ll keep moving forward.” After hosting defending IHSA Class 3A champion York in the West Suburba n Conference Silver Division opener Se pt. 6 (post-press time), OPRF will participate in the BodyAr mor Showdown at Schaumburg ’s Olympic Park on Se pt. 10-11. Fenwick will also participate in the BodyAr mor Showdown after having home matches against Francis Parker on Se pt. 6 and Providence Catholic on Se pt. 8.

OPRF (5-0) star ted f ast, g etting just three and a half minutes match when Hsieh-Bailey’s header cor ner kick from Bryce Richards ars’ goalkee per Finne g an Williams “We came out quick,” F ried said. “Our first ten minutes were really good. We had them on their heels.” However, Fenwick (3-2) stayed composed and star ted controlling play as the first half progressed. T he F riars had a golden oppor tunity to even things with about 90 seconds to go before halftime as Frank Felice had a wide-open net, but his shot sailed of f to the left. Fenwick continued to pick up its play and got rewarded as Ian Mar tinello drilled a shot past Huskies’ goalkee per Christian Dussias four and a half minutes into the second half “It’s a sign of a good team when you can come back after giving up an early goal,” said Fenwick coach Craig Blazer “We showed composure and had a super mature response.” Almost a minute later, the F riars nar rowly missed taking the lead as a shot by Lucas Garcia beat Dussias but went left of the Afternet.that, OPRF be g an re gain momentum. With 25:34 left in the match, HsiehBailey notched his seventh goal of f a nice assist by Ezra Plotkin. “I just got in behind the defender, and I saw the ball swing outside towards Ezra,” he said. “Once it went over to him, I made my r un to the back post, and I knew he was going to pass it to me there.”

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Huskies take home Prevail Cup in meeting of crosstown rivals

ALEX ROGALS/Sta Photographer

ALEX ROGALS/Sta Photographer Fenw ick’s Ian Martinello (10) scored early in the second half to cut OPRF’s lead to 2-1, but the Friars couldn’t capitalize on some other late chances and fell Sept. 2 in the Prevail Cup matchup.

Ranked second in Chicagoland Soccer’s Top 25 poll, the Oak Park and River Forest High School boys soccer team is building upon last year, which featured the best winning percentage in progr am history and a trip to a IHSA Class 3A supersectional. T he Huskies continued their perfect star t to this season Se pt. 2 at Oak Park Stadium as senior Jadyn Hsieh-Bailey’s two goals lifted OPRF to a 2-1 Prevail Cup victory over visiting Fenwick High School.“Itwas a g rind. It always is,” said coach Jason F ried. “Fenwick is good team. It’s a big rivalry and emotional g ame tonight.”

OPRF senior Jadyn Hsieh-Bailey’s two goals li ed OPRF to a 2-1 win over Fenwick High School on Sept. 2, taking the Prevail Cup crosstow n title

22 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 SPORTS

“They were the underdo gs, time we play Fenwick it’s a close added Hsieh-Bailey. “It’s a rivalr f ans boost it up 200 percent. ”

Hsieh-Bailey strikes twice to li OPRF soccer over Fenwick

aLukSeamuseD’AlisetackleProvidenceCatholic on Se OPRF girls v The OPRF other

2villeonrecordstrongto9-2.TheHuskiesAug.South,Nelsonanoutstandingaces.Kinseydigs;ReeseHullingerTowns4kills;andOPRFmer’sEndSept.2-3.TheHuskies went 3-0 on the first day, rolling past St. Ignatius, Niles West, and Niles Nor th. On the second day, OPRF fell to the host Trevians in three sets 25-23, 13-25 and 15-17. breezes past Hins dale South Gooch, Mar tin connect for 4 TDs against Hornets

Quar terback Jack Gooch and wide re ceiver Ryan Mar tin continued their ter rific star ts to the 2002 football season as Oak Park and River Forest High School rolled past host Hinsdale South 42-7 on Se pt. 2. Gooch connected with Mar tin on four touchdown passes (12, 28, 56, and 22 yards) as the Huskies (2-0) opened up a 35-7 half timeGoochlead.finished the evening 16-of-23 passing for 191 yards, while Mar tin had seven rece ptions for 118 yards. The duo has combined for all six of OPRF’s passing scores this (5 car ries, 89 yards) had a 23yard dash for a score and Sam Gray ran for another as OPRF amassed 404 yards of total of Faris Dispensa had five tackles (including one tackle for loss), Kole Sneed 3.5 tackles (1 TFL) while Gray and Tim Spillane (1 TFL) had three tackles apiece as the Huskies limited the Hor nets (0-2) to 126 yards.

OPRF football

EricyearEvans

eruptedoftheAfterRifirstthefor 35 points in the second quar E.J Hosty blingco(10wdownshoAmeeryards,7yards).Conorveringintotheendzone from 36 yards out.

OPRF visits Glenbard West on Se pt. 10 in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division opener. Kickof f is set for 1:30 p.m. at Duchon Field in Glen Ellyn.

ALEX ROGALS/Sta Photographer

Defensifensevely,

Quarterback Jack Gooch, show n here scor ing a touchdow n during the Huskies’ Week 1 win over Fenw ick, threw four touchdow n passes to w ide receiver Ryan Martin dur ing OPRF’s 42-7 rout of Hinsdale South on Sept. 2. Support Community Journalism. Buy a subscription to: Call 708.524.8300 Community Journalism. Buy a subscription to: Call 708.524.8300

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Fenwick football thrashes Thornwood The Fenwick High School football team bounced back from its Week 1 loss to OPRF in convincing fashion, routing visiting Thor nwood 42-6 on Se pt. 2 at Triton Colle ge in

OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 23SPORTS

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

24 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 De-Clutter. Advertise your garage sale for just $25 in Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookﬁeld Landmark Call Stacy at 708.613.3342

I want to set the record straight.

Now the board is considering making another major capital investment with Project 2. To prepare for the deci sions that will be made in the coming months, the CFC is

TOM COFSKY One View the record straight on OPRF nances COFSKY pa ge 30ge 30 VIEWPOINTS

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com613-3310 BLESOFF

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Setting

The district is well down the path of getting its financial health into alignment with best practices. The journey started back in 2013, when the board recognized that the district’s large fund balance and the high tax levels in our villages eroded community trust. During the last nine years, D200 boards have taken a variety of steps to gradually and responsibly bring the fund balance down to a reasonable level.

just finished reading a really good book titled, Breaking The Age Code, by Becca Levy, PhD. I recommend it. It is about Levy’s groundbreaking research, at the Yale School of Medicine, showing how our beliefs about aging impact how long and how well we live Before starting the ook, I was already somewhat f amiliar with her world-class re search, which has been plicated around the lobe. It was the second rt of the book, howev , that pleasantly sur prised me. In it, Levy ddresses creativity and the senses, ageism, and an age liberation vement. She of fers stories that introduce us to people who are ag ing with intention. She describes practical, concrete ways to engender pro-aging attitudes and age-just communities Because of COVID, my 50th colle ge reunion was delayed a year. As I turned page 119, at the top of page 120, I read the following: “When sixty-eight-year old Henry Long fellow was asked to speak at his 50th class reunion at Bowdoin Colle ge, he read a poem he’d written for the occasion: It is too late! Ah, nothing is too late Till the tired heart shall cease to palpitate … Chaucer, at Woodstock with the nightingales, At sixty wrote the Canterbury tales; Goethe at Weimar, toiling to the last, Completed Faust when 80 years were past What then? Shall we sit id ly down and say The night hath come; it is no longer day … Something remains for us to do or dare; Ev en the oldest tree some fruit may bear … For age is opportunity no less Than y outh itself, though in another dress, And as the ev ening twilight fades away The sk y is filled with stars, in visible by day.

ver the years, District 200 has reached out to community members with financial expertise to advise the district. At the beginning of this year, the Community Finance Committee (CFC) was established as a Board of Education committee, to ensure that all discussions are held in public with community input, all in the name of greaterDespitetransparency.thiseffortto be fully transparent, we are seeing misinfor mation both in published communications as well as emails. Soundbites from meetings are being pulled to misrepresent where the district and committee currently are.

First, the district’s tax income was significantly reduced for tax years 2013 through 2021, through a combination of abatement and flat levies. As a result, taxpayers have held on to $59 million, instead of those dollars going to the district. Second, all debt was paid of f, leaving the district debt-free for the past five years. And third, the district invested in the first major improvements to the building since the 1960s. Imagine OPRF Project 1, which cost roughly $40 million, addressed a host of student needs and was paid for entirely from the fund balance. If the board approves the proposed track and fields project, it too will be paid out of the fund balance.

See

ALEX ROGALS/Sta Photographer e new OPRF student center building in its nal stages last December as Project 1 neared completion.

Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 25 Celebrating Martin‘BornHausman’sDeadDay’ p. 30

Sky lled with stars, invisible by day I

The reason Republicans are so bad at governing is that they have become the party of extreme individualism. That’s why our roads suck. Fixing them costs money and that would raise their taxes, so they oppose almost all gover nment ac tion. Wrecked roads and reckless drivers under mine the smooth functioning of our expressway society Everything works much more effi ciently when roads get fixed and citizens show respect for the rules of the road — and also when those who demonstrate blatant disrespect for those rules are held to account. If we don’t hold them accountable, we send the wrong message. The next thing you know, they’re stor ming the Capitol or trying to kidnap the gover nor of Michigan. It would help greatly if citizens would stop voting for representatives who act like jerks, making laws to restrict the rights of the vulnerable, as state legislators have been doing in red-state legislatures lately, often in the name of Jesus Christ.

That said, the school board gets credit for holding a fair line on overall salary hikes with this new contract. Add together the modest base pay increases negotiated with the return of step hikes and the annual cost increase averages 3.5% per year. In this inflationary moment that is a good agreement.

Initially we opposed step increases because we found them a deceitful way to bury the actual total pay increases won by teachers in union contract ne gotiations We admit our view was influenced years back when we got snookered by an announcement out of Oak Park and River Forest High School that a new contract included a reasonable raise of some 3.5%. We touted that in a news story and congratulated the school in an editorial for its fiscal prudence. It was then pointed out to us by more experienced school watchers that the school hadn’t mentioned the additional 3.5% step increase. That led to a whopping 7% pay hike over multiple years. This was all part of an era at District 200 that ran up salaries, general spending and tax rates to an unsustainable level.

We’ve also editorialized against step increases because we believe compensation should be tied in some way to performance, innovation, progress against goals. Extra pay hikes for just showing up for another school year is not going to move the needle in solving the intractable problems our public schools face. So we have felt good as District 97 elementary schools did away with ste ps entirely while finding other, more focused ways to increase teacher compensation. And then, in its last contract, OPRF followed suit and eliminated steps, too. Now we are re porting on a new four-year contract at OPRF that reinstates step increases. This is a mistake — an unambitious solution to using compensation to motivate progress.

couple of weeks back, we gathered to honor Rich Cozzola, a longtime friend who died much too young. We grew up two blocks away from each other in Oak Park. He lived one block east of Ridgeland and I lived one block west of Ridgeland, near Longfellow Park As life went on, through high school, college and beyond, I admired him more and more. Most of us aspire to find our true calling in life. Rich didn’t just hear one call. He heard three. He spent nine years in the seminary and didn’t become a priest, but clearly heard the call of service. He also heard a call to creativity and over the years became a fine singer songwriter, his compositions imbued with wit, depth and insight. And he heard the call to social justice, becoming a legal aid and public guardian attorney, providing representation to the voiceless and disenfranchised He married and had a family and career without compromising his three callings: service, creativity and advocacy. He blended them and lived a balanced life anyone would be proud to live. I thought of Rich last week as I tried to avoid the assholes on the Eisenhower Expressway. You know, the ones who think they’re starring in a Fast and Furious flick (they’re fast, we’re furious), the ones driving 80-90 mph, weaving through traffic like their lives depended on it — and making our lives dependent on their daredevilry.Thecontrast with my departed friend could not be sharper. Rich Cozzola was their polar opposite Acting like a jerk is being thoughtlessly inconsiderate. At times, we may or may not have understandable reasons for being too self-absorbed or distracted to consider our fellow human beings. I’m guilty of it in my more clueless moments. Maybe you are too. But like you, when I become aware of it, I regret the act, apologize and try to do better in the future.

I doubt that Rich Cozzola suffered many of those lapses. He considered other people first. It came naturally. It was his defining characteristic.There’sabig difference, of course, between acting like a jerk once in a while and consistently being a jerk. Being a jerk means indifferently inconsiderate. A jerk shrugs it off, makes excuses or blames someone else and doesn’t take responsibility for his behavior.

OPRF’s ‘step’ backward Over decades this page has been critical of socalled “step increases” built into the salary structures of public school teachers. These are “I’m still breathing” pay hikes paid out annually to teachers in most districts simply on the basis of longevity.

VIEWPOINT S26 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OUR VIEWS

Some may back of f if they fear the consequences, but the highway iJerks must have decided there won’t be any consequences. I’m guessing Trump and other rich tax cheats are their role models because no one holds them accountable. Until society starts sending a message that the rich and powerful will be held to account for anti-social behavior, the iJerks will feel free to get away with, in some cases,Expresswamurder.ys are an apt metaphor for our society We are a culture of individualists, traveling alone, for the most part, in our vehicles. But society only works when consideration is shown for the other individuals around us. Some lean more toward individualism, others more toward the common good. Rules are necessary to prevent our freeways from turning into a free-for-all. Most drivers respect those rules, though we’re flexible about following them. Hardly anyone, for instance, strictly adheres to the speed limit. Extreme individualists, however, mess things up because they cause accidents that wreak havoc on the orderly flow of traffic. They rebel against the rules, opting for chaos.

Being better human beings

I don’t know what motivates the expressway iJerks, but they are most likely extreme individualists who act like they don’t give a damn about the common good, the kind who absolutely hate when other people try to tell them what to do. In other words, socially ir responsible. Rules, they seem to think, only apply to chumps and sheep. The iJerk’s code of ethics is seemingly limited to getting away with as much as society will allow.

Tom Cofsky, president of the school board and a strong critic of step increases, said bringing back steps was a central goal of the Faculty Senate in these negotiations. His overarching goal was to contain total cost increases to an af fordable level. The faculty and the district found a middle ground. And that is what ne gotiations are about.

John Pavlovitz, a for mer evangelical Christian pastor, recently authored a book that should be required read ing for all who claim to be practicing Christians. Not all Christians are jerks, of course, but too many evangelical

KEN TRAINOR RICH COZZOL A

An asshole, on the other hand, is what I call an iJerk, an “irredeemable jerk” — Donald Trump has set the standard, raising asshole to the level of archetype, i.e. recklessly and intentionally inconsiderate.

About Viewpoints

I wonder what massive wave of excuses and rationalizations would come flooding from the mouths of the faithful multitude in front of him, how they might justify their mistreatment of the assailed humanity in their care, the verbal and theological gymnastics they’d attempt to avoid culpability for their own cruelty Would they stridently recite him a verse from Leviticus? Would they blame the Liberal Media for morally corrupting America? Would they talk about people’s wicked lifestyle choices? Would they argue they were loving the sinners in their midst but simply hating their sin? … And there, fully seen in the piercing gaze of the namesake of their very faith tradition, with all their justifications and excuses exhausted and only their fully exposed hearts left — would any of their responses be sufficient reasons for refusing to love, when that was the singular task and primary commandment that he left them responsible for tending to?”

Christians and Catholics have been voting for candidates who espouse jerk politics

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

JOURNAL

Digital Publishing and Technology Manager Briana Higgins Staﬀ Reporters Stacey Sheridan Staﬀ Photographers Alex Rogals, Shanel Romain 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, Stan West Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady Business Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Donor Relations Manager/Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman

The subtitle of the book, by the way, is “Finding a Faith that Makes Us Better Humans.” Extreme individualists do not make better humans. They definitely make lousy politicians. And they certainly do not make Christianity a better religion.

A few weeks later, the girl attempted suicide by taking a lethal dose of sleeping pills Fortunately, her younger sister went into the girl’ room to get something, saw her on the floor, and called an ambulance. The girl was taken to West Suburban Hospital, where her stomach was pumped, and she survived. A subsequent investigation revealed the truth.

The girls were picked up the next mor ning by the 23-year old brother of one of the girls, and the girls were driven to their respective homes Our neighbor girl staggered up the stairs of her home , not alcohol. he young man driving was not known to r, who happened to see the and found it to be a juicy morsel morning phone calls e that many people who start mful gossip are motivated by hate, envy, and the desire to feel important. Rarely does righteous indignation, which slanderers sometimes pretend, play a part in malicious Our neighbor was slandered possibly because she was young and popular. The rty story was made up by people who probably led repressed lives and who secretly wished they could have attended a wild party.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

“As a longtime Christian by aspiration, if not always in practice,” Pavlovitz writes, “I often envision an exasperated Jesus coming back and the first words out of his mouth to his followers as his feet hit the pave ment being, ‘You had one job: Love. So what happened?’

■ 250-word limit ■ Must include rst and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for veri cation only) Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 ‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit

Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00.

The girl had gone to a college dance with several other girls, and with their parents’ knowledge, and all of the girls spent the night in a women’s dormitory at the college and did not get much sleep.

very year, many lives are damaged permanently and untold misery is caused by malicious gossip. Almost every one of us has suf and yet many of us continue to talk ir responsibly about others. When I was a young fello to wag about the 17-year old daughter of one of our neighbors. The gi seen, according to a gossip, a young man’s car at 8 in the mor staggering up the steps of her home The story buzzed around the neighbo hood, gathering details as it went. Ther was talk of a wild weekend at a party on a Chicago college campus. Some neighbors drew the conclusion that this was obvious to them and treated the girl accordingly — with glaring stares and silence.

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.

Many of us have been carriers of hurtful gossip, often without thinking For some, it is fun to gossip, and these people are in clined to forget the dividing line between the har mless and the malicious.

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

The rest of us can, too

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What price gossip? E

Rich Cozzola is my model of a better, more balanced, human (and Christian). His departure leaves a hole in our already frayed fabric. Rich knew that God is love, so he was never a jerk. He advocated for the vulnerable and considered others first. It always hurts to live without those who worked so hard to show us how. Rich would have been extraordinary regardless, but he stood out all the more because too many have lowered the bar for “nor mal.” He lived his true calling — to strive always to be a better human being.

VIEWPOINT S Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 27 WEDNESD AY

My grandmother, who detested gossip, had a way of handling gossipy people. Whenever a visitor came to our home and said something unpleasant about another person or repeated a derogatory remark, my grandmother would tell the visitor that she would make a phone call in the visitor’s presence to the maligned person in order to verify the truth of the derogatory remark.Nothing but a complete retraction from the slanderer would prevent my grandmother from making the call. Her actions resulted in many quick retractions and caused people to never gossip in her presence.

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. © 2022 Growing Community Media, NFP.

of Oak Park and River Forest Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Michael Romain Senior Editor Bob Uphues

The book is titled, If God is Love, Don’t Be a Jerk.

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

As I am writing this, you see the spoiler alert right before you. When I finally relearned to walk, talk, and write, August/September became my nemesis. It be came the time of year I stood on guard with my dukes in the air thinking, “Universe, I’m ready for you!” in my Napoleonesque manner July folded into August like a wave over my body each year, making me wonder if I would be consumed by it. Both my daughter and I, and probably other family members, had a PTSD response. I used to panic and inter nally hide like a tortoise going into its shell through these months waiting for the day I would not wake up in August or September. Yet on my exterior, all you could see was calm, though internally “on guard.”

anniversar y of my near death

EL Serumaga is a resident of River Forest and Founder of ecovici.com.

By the third year, she would mention, “Mommy, do you realize what day it is?” We would recount events of the day I was sup posed to die, like two Vietnam Veterans having trouble “talking about ’Nam,” needing to get it allOvout.er the years, I tried to tur n these two months into a celebra tion of survival. It was my “fantasy Island” moment. “Smiles, everyone, smiles!” This is a reference to a famed TV show and catch phrase, for all of you non-GenXers. That did not work at first and then little by little it did. I believe in God but also understand science. So I know that the body has memory. My concern was that it would remember and think it was “time to sleep” around these months. I feared that my body would be in some type of life fight these months every yearThis year, I didn’t think about it much until I did some self-care in the morning one day. The night before, I read that a boy, Julian Urbina-Medina was hit and killed on LaGrange Road riding his bike. I read this news from the perspective of neighbors on the Neighborhood App, not in an article or TV news. I read thoughts of a man who was at the scene and was with the boy as he drifted off and out of his body to his place of rest. I read comments from others who were near the scene. I heard the emotions it evoked, and then from the mother who had just lost Julian. She was grateful for the love and support. I could not imagine the pain she felt, and yet I could. This boy was taken too soon. I teared up I didn’t even think about my situation this time. I was almost taken too soon. It hit me in the mor ning while doing my health routine. I imagined myself as a ghost, reading the comments and being out of body at the scene of my bedside while dying and while friends and family were saying goodbye. But my warrior genes keep me fighting while remaining in a “happy place.”

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A doctor made a mistake with a medicine (which he admitted) that sent my body into a “shock” response. My histamines took over on overdrive due to lack of administration of the histamine blockers I was supposed to beSubsequentlgiven.y, as my monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genes, also known as “warrior genes” kicked in, that blessing from birth ensured that I stayed in my happy place as my body sent out every available storm trooper to fight for my life. My genes, obviously suf fering from Napoleon complex (aka “short person’s complex”, known to induce aggressive behavior), heightened my aggression against any and every invader to my body to kick butt, even as my family was asked to let me die when doctors felt they had exhausted efforts to save me

e are leaving August and moving into September. At this time about seven years ago, I went into Rush Hospital Oak Park feeling ill. That visit changed my life forever. August, I went in and by September I was dying, almost dead, and did leave my body.

Another Godly blessing from science is that it’s a fact that one’s body regenerates every seven years. Stems cells regenerate, so it’s like having a new body. So Happy An niversary to me. I pray one day August and September will come and go and the most I will think about is that it was hot.

The first year, my daughter was the same. The second year she would just stare at me a lot, wondering if I would notice I was alive on the day I was supposed to die on life support.

28 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COMVIEWPOINT S e

■ “Parties in the basement.” Our basement had a full-size bar if that gives you any idea. ■ “Hitchhiking to high school.” Pock eted a lot of CTA fare for four years.

Last spring, the board that we elected heard, among other things, of how the century-old physical education (PE) spaces (the areas to be addressed by Project 2) no longer serve the students at OPRF and how Title IX and ADA compliance has been a struggle for decades. The Project 2 plan is reasonable. I encour age anyone seeking answers or details about Project 2 to go to the source of factual and unbiased information at OPRF’s website instead of relying on individual, nar rowly focused opinions.Atthis site, the Imagine process and recent powerful testimonials from current teachers re garding how Project 2 will impact the high school community are detailed. Form your own impression of facilities Project 2 will improve by attending a tour the high school offers The Imagine Project is what our community created. The D200 board that we elected should put that plan into action by voting to approve Project 2.

■ “Getting bulletins from church when you didn’t go.” This was a smart tactic, but we still had to name the priest.

■ “First White Sox game.” There were so many of us, we could start a chant that would spread to everyone in right field ■ “Bur ning leaves in the street — great fall smell.” I still miss that smell.

■ “Bread and gravy.” We ate a lot of cheap empty carbs but there was usually some kind of meat. ■ “Paper routes.” My older brother had a Chicago Tribune route that required him to wake at dawn and push a cart through the snowy streets. I went once as his helper and lasted only half a route ■ “Mother hiding soft drinks in the oven.” My mom was an expert at hiding everything we wanted but we never had soft drinks ■ “Mother removing TV tubes during Lent.” This sounds like typical Lenten deprivation, but all I can remember is tuna fish casserole and fish sticks.

■ “No seatbelts with at least nine kids in the car.” What’s a seat belt?

Afew weeks ago, I began a column with, “You know you grew up in a big family if …” Little did I know, this topic would strike a chord with other survivors of big families One of them, Mike Desmond, circulated my column to members of his big family and they found many items I missed. Mike grew up in an Irish Catholic family with seven kids on the South Side His wife, Mary Jo, came from a family of eight Irish Catholic kids in Winnetka. With those credentials, here’s what they came up with.

Laura Minnis Ri v er Forest

Don’t give up on OPRF-parks collaboration

■ “Skitching cars in the winter.” This involved hold ing tight to the rear bumper. Great way to get around … until they put on the brakes.

■ “Aluminum foil at the beach.” Not sure what this was used for. We didn’t even have towels I really want to thank Mike for his contribution.Here’safew more that I remember: Drinking water from the garden hose Catching lightning bugs in a jar. Putting on our swim suits to play in the rain Walking behind the mosquito abatement truck. Sitting on the curb, waiting for the Good Humor man. Coming home when the street lights came on. The milkman coming to the back door every mor ning. Mike mentioned that I don’t list my email address. It’s jrice1038@aol.com, if any other readers would like to chime in John Rice grew up in a big family in Oak Park. He’s happy to hear more memories from those still recovering.

In re ply to Daniel Whitted [Viewpoints, Aug. 31]: Perhaps lear ning about TNR (trap, neuter, retur n) for cats that cannot live in homes and its value might help you get a clearer idea of how it works. Alley Cat Allies is a well-thought-out system to help these cats, and when rats smell cats, they stay away. These neutered cats are cared for by caring people with outdoor homes and food. The area I live in in River Forest has a colony of neutered feral cats They are rarely visible, and there never are any rats, even near the woods. Don’t jump to conclusions and publish uneducated, mean letters. It’s not nice.

Jayne Gould Ri v er Forest

OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 29VIEWPOINT S

Oak Park and River Forest are full of educated and infor med citizen voters. Through our collective votes and voices, we have elected a capable body to steward our almost 150-year old high school, our District 200 high school board. We have elected this board to make the decision to reconfigure and build various fields at the high school that will benefit our children as well as the community at large We have empowered this board to make the decision to approve Project 2 that will benefit our children as well as the community at large. With the needs so clearly documented and suppor ted, the decision to move forward with Project 2 is straightforward. In fact, to make sure all stakeholders were heard, be ginning in 2016, years of public comment and input were gathered into the Imagine Project. The Imagine Project findings were acce pted by the board in November of 2018. It is from this community input and direc tive to the board that Project 1 was successfully completed, and Project 2 is next. Project 2 will be expensive, but we have elected this board to make this decision.

■ “Hiding vegetables in baked potato skin.” Wish I had thought of this. We hid our vegetables in our glass of milk, or our pockets ■ “Never allowed to play inside.” My parents locked the doors to keep us out. The rest of the time it was: ■ “Front and back doors always unlocked.” ■ “Walking home from grammar school for lunch.” We had toasted peanut butter and jelly for eight years and never complained ■ “Wearing same sport coat for entire year in high school.” Some wore the same sport coat for all four years.

I just received my weekly OPRF High School board highlights e-mail. Mention was made of co-operation between the school board and the park district for improvements to athletic facilities With the impending end of season closure of the pools, my mind w ent back to the continuing pool discussion. I have felt for some time that co-operation with the park district with re gard to the pools would benefit everyone if a retractable roof were installed at Ridgeland thus giving us a year round pool facility. Just a thought. Terence Jones Oak Park

■ “No snow days ever.” Except for 1967, this was definitely true. ■ “Sledding all day long — dropped off at 9:00, picked up at 3 p.m.” We weren’t dropped off, or picked up We didn’t even have sleds but we still managed to slide for hours.

■ “Johnson’s baby oil at the beach.” Sounds desperate, like washing your hair with dishwashing liquid.

Educate yourself before reacting We elected the OPRF board to make decisions

More memories from big families …

■ “No air conditioning, window fans will work fine.” Our central AC went out recently and my wife and I were nostalgic about how we grew up without it.

Sometime later, when Charlie had finished his inter nship at Cook County Hospital, he sought to transfer Mar ty to the Fort Sheridan Military Hospital for fur ther care. Charlie donned his Navy of ficer’s unifor m to appear more official in order to expedite the process of moving Marty. He succeeded, after which Marty spent about two months, fur ther recuperating and re gaining his strength.

COFSKY How to stay informed from page

Marty’s ‘Born Dead Day’ holiday

In fact, the board isn’t sched uled to receive an up-to-date cost estimate for Project 2 until the Oct. 28 board meeting, along with the detailed schematic design on which that estimate will be based.Only after receiving that infor mation will the board be able to consider whether to move forward with Project 2 and, if it does, how to fund the project.

HAUSMAN MARTIN HAUSMAN

BLESOFF from page

■ Recordings of all board and board committee meetings: bit ly/YouTubeOPRF ■ Historical overview of the fund balance from 2000 to the present: bit.ly/OPRFfundbalance

e just LaborobservedDay,and I hope you enjoyed your holiday. If you’ re like me, you look forward to holidays For some folks, holidays are a day of f work or a time of patriotic celebration or religious obser vance.Sadly for many, the 4th of July fireworks will be associated with the Highland Park gunfire massacre. When the Juneteenth (June 19) holiday is observed, it, too, is a celebration as well as a harkening back to the ugliness of slavery As it happens, I have a personal reason to observe June 19th. On that date in 1941, Mar tin (Mar ty) Hausman, was pronounced dead! He was the man I eventually met, and then mar ried, in 1946. He and I came to refer to June 19th as “Mar ty’s Bor n Dead Day.” Obviously (and thankfully!) he lived, he mar ried me, and we raised two wonderful children whom he lived to see mar ry and have families of theirTurown.ning back the pages of time to that fateful day of June 19, 1941, Mar ty was volunteering for military service with the S. Ar my along with several hundred other recruits. The gistration, oath-taking, and cursory medical exams took place at the old Chicago Ar During processing, Marty became suddenly ill and passed out, bleeding profusely from his body. The problem as a severe bleeding ulcer. In his statehalf-conscious,Martybegged the doctors to call his older brother, Charlie, an inter n at nearby Cook County Hospital. Because the doctors could not stop Mar ty’s profuse bleeding and because they were convinced he was beyond help, they obliged Mar ty’s request. Mar ty overheard them say, “He’s a goner.”

Tom Cofsky, District 200 High School Board president, is an Oak Park resident

The CFC, administration, and board are leaving no stone untur ned as we consider how to meet student needs in an outdated building while continuing to remain fiscally responsible to our taxpayers. These discussions will continue to be public, and the full facts will continue to be available to all who care to know them.The following resources can help community members stay infor med: ■ Board agendas, packets and minutes: bit.ly/OPRFBoardDocs

revisiting the board’s fund-balance policy, as well as the debt policy. Both of these policies will provide critical guidance as we look at how the district should fund our future capital project needs.Aspresenter Elizabeth Hennessy stated explicitly at the CFC meeting on Aug. 16, what she presented were examples of how dif ferent funding options might fit to gether. The dialo gue also covered what might be included in a debt policy that specifies conditions that could precipitate taking on debt. While the district has a publicly shared goal to develop a financing plan for Project 2 by the end of this school year, at this point, the CFC has not recom mended any financing plan. The administration has not recom mended any financing plan. The board has not considered a financing plan.

30 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK .COM | RIVERFOREST.COMVIEWPOINT S

I hav e lov ed myself for a long, long time. I year ned to treat myself with tenderness.Myachingheart,formeneverrealizingthatIlovedme,thatIwasthereallthose years, maybe all those lifetimes, and I just wasn’t aware as I watched myself and waited Eckhart Tolle says that self observation is an essential part of a change in consciousness. Conscious aging allows the oppor tunity to get closer to being the person we’d like to be. We can re-frame aging. We can all grow into something as we age — including something recognizable for the first time, in a new form. 25 25

Even though this poem was written 150 years ago, it feels contemporary in its claims and concer ns. Longfellow gently but fir mly disputes the thought that old age is a time when oppor tunities are lost. Rather, he contends they can become reco gnizable for the first time, in a new form. I used to believe in coinci dence. I haven’t for several years.Seventy-three-year-old Marc Blesof f went to his 50th class reunion at Bowdoin Colle ge this past June, 2022. He was not asked to speak there. He wrote a poem, not for the occasion:

Note: An impor tant fact in this sequence of events is that this emergency took place moments after Mar ty had been administered the oath to become a member of the U.S. Ar my. Charlie raced to the scene, and even though Mar ty was of ficially under Ar my control, Charlie insisted on taking him to Cook County Hospital. The medical staf f at the Ar mory were so cer tain that Marty would not live to reach the hospital that they released him to his brother, while stamping the word “deceased,” on his of ficial record s. Fast forward, and against all odds, Mar ty survived and spent several weeks recuperating there.

■ Community Updates, includ ing the twice-monthly Board Highlights newsletter: oprfhs. org/mailing-list

Meanwhile, according to his of ficial military record s, Mar ty didn’t exist. This caused much conster nation, as the hospital did not know what to do with him. When Charlie decided Mar ty was well enough for release, he came to the hospital in the wee hours of the mor ning and “took” Marty, placed him in the back of his car, under a blanket, and brought him home. Mar ty and Charlie were convinced that the hospital would be relieved when they realized Marty was no longer a patient in their care. Finally, when Mar ty was well enough to go back to work and retur n to some state of nor malcy, he contacted the Ar my to re gister for a 4-F status. Needless to say, the staf f at the draft of fice could find no record of a live person named “Mar tin Hausman.” It took weeks and multiple cour t visits to restore Marty back to his of ficial life. Some years later, in 1946, when I entered the picture, we decided that June 19th should be an annual day of celebration for us. These special yearly celebrations were not elaborate. Rather, Mar ty would take the after noon of f of work We’d have lunch out, and walk along the shoreline of Lake Michig an, often finding a bench or g rassy spot in the shade. We talked and watched the boats go by. We spoke of the immense gratitude we had for our lives, and for our love To this day, and it’s been many years since my dear husband’s actual passing, I continue to celebrate June 19th, “Mar ty’s Born Dead Day,” all the while reveling in the gift of life and in the love my husband and I shared. May we all have special holidays to observe with joy!

your time of

I am

you

Nancy Arends, 88 Longtime Irving School teacher

OBITUARIES

• Res: 708.848.5667 I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland. Robert P. Gamboney Funeral Director Heritage Funeral Home and3117CrematorySOakParkAve,Berwyn,IL60402(708)788-7775 An affordable option Se habla Español Kevin Kopicki Eric Kopicki Heritage Funeral Home and3117CrematorySOakParkAve,Berwyn,IL60402(708)788-7775 An affordable option Se habla Español Kevin Kopicki Eric Kopicki LocalNews We’ve got YOU covered. Growing Community Media a non-profit newsroom Donate today at OakPark.com/donate North Riverside Recreation │ 2401 DesPlaines │ (708) 442 5515 │ NRRecreation North Riverside Recreation │ 2401 DesPlaines │ (708) 442 5515 │ NRRecreation

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 31VIEWPOINT S

Nancy Holland Arends, 88, a lifelong resident of River Forest, died on Aug. 26, 2022. Born on July 18, 1934, to the late Ki and Virginia Holland, she at tended colle ge at Northwestern University where she graduated with a de gree in Education. While at Northwestern, she joined the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and was active in the chapter throughout her life. After graduating from Northwestern in 1956, she married Chuck Arends in 1957 and shortly thereafter they located to River Forest. She taught at Irving School for over 35 years and, upon retirement, continued to work with young children at Galewood Child Care Center. A longtime member of the River Forest Tennis Club and the First Presbyterian Church of River Forest, she loved to knit and play cards, but most of all loved watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports. She is survived by her children, Mark-Kirk (Robert) Reyf f, Virginia (Robert) Palmer, Chuck (Susan) Arends and Dan (Sue) Arend s. She was the grandmother of Kristy (Kyle) WasRy Reyf f, Heather Welesko, Kelly (Luke) Kirsh, Ryan (Stephanie) Palmer, Brittney (Steve) Berryman, DJ Arends, Taylor (Northey) Tretheway, and John Arends; the great-grandmother of Tatton, Holland, Ruben, Ellen, Gwen, Vivian, Edith, Charlie, Jack and Lucy; the sister of Gay Mead Heppes and Sandra Nelson; and the aunt of many. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of River Forest, 7551 Quick Ave., followed by private interment at Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, donations to Special Olympics of Illinois (soill.org) are appreciated. Arrangements were handled by Peterson-Bassi Chapels. there for in need. handled with dignity and 708.420.5108

All services

personalized care. Cell:

6.configurations.Completeprojects

PREPAREDNESSEMERGENCYANDRESPONSECOORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Fire Inspector Part-Time in the Fire Department. This serves the public through enforcement of Village fire & life safety codes and ordinances; through inspections of residential, commercial and industrial properties; and provides consultation and information to residents, architects, attorneys, fire services personnel and builders regarding laws, rules, regulations and policies relating to fire and life safety. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing

Experience and Training Experience:Guidelines

The Village of River Forest seeks qualiﬁed applicants for the full-time position of Maintenance Worker I/ II in the Public Works Department. This position performs a full range of public works duties, including operating construction equipment and trucks in the care, maintenance, and repair of streets, sewers, the water distribution system, right-of-ways, facilities, and the Village’s urban forest. Additionally, this position performs snow removal and other snow and ice control duties. This position requires availability for emergency duty during offhours in a variety of environmental conditions throughout the year and the ability to adapt to changing work assignments on a seasonal or daily basis. The nature of the position will require the ability to exercise sound judgment, a desire to provide superior customer service, and perform work according to standard safety procedures and regulations. Minimum Qualiﬁcations (Education & Experience)

• Equivalent combination of training, experience, or field certifications related to the work performed which produces the competencies desired for the position will be considered Additional Preferred Qualifications (Education & Experience)

Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures. 2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports. 3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies. 4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer 5.systems.Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and on a timely and efficient manner. effectively both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. and procedures of systems, such as, and

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery 9.planning.Assistend-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system 10.needs.Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware, software and other forms of systems and data. 11. Prepare, create and update user/technical solutions.recommendation13.datanetwork,12.computerdocumentationsprocedureandprovidetraining.Assemble,test,andinstalltelecommunicationandequipmentandcabling.Participateinresearchandoftechnology

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

•preferredPossession of a Class C or Class D Illinois Public Water Operators License is preferred Position Information

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

critical commandandcomputerPrinciplesauto-attendant.PBX,communication,technology,TelecommunicationsandserialCAT5/6,CablingswitchesincludingconfigurationNetworkOS,OSofincludingserversconfigurationHardwareanalysis.andsoftwareof.computers,andmobiledevices,computingenvironmentWindowsServerandDesktopandapplications,Unix/LinuxVMware,iOS/Android.protocols,security,andadministration,firewalls,routers,andwirelesstechnology.andwiring,includingfibernetwork,telephone,communication,termination,punch-down.theoryandincludingVoiP,serialwirelessprotocols,analog,fax,voicemailandandmethodsofprogramming,codingtesting,includingpowershell,scripting,macros,and

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Communicate

• Previous experience in urban forestry maintenance, street repairs, construction, facility maintenance, sewer maintenance, or a related ﬁeld

• Knowledge of computer systems such as Microsoft Ofﬁce products and SCADA systems is

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualiﬁed candidates for the position of Grants Coordinator in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will develop and coordinate CDBG and other grant-funded programs for the department; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Development Customer Services Neighborhood Services Division Manager and department director. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualiﬁed applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco PossessionNetworking.of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of Vaccinationappointment.against COVID-19 strongly preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

• Normal work hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; 40 •hours/weekThepayrange for the Maintenance Worker I position is $26.17 to $32.10 per hour plus beneﬁts. The pay range for the Maintenance Worker II position is $27.06 to Interested$33.24.applicants should submit a Village of River Forest “Application for Employment” to apply@vrf.us. Applications are available at www.vrf.us/careers or the Village Hall (400 Park Avenue, River Forest). The successful candidate must pass a physical, drug screen, driving record, and background check. The position remains open until ﬁlled.

FIRE INSPECTOR

KnowledgeQUALIFICATIONSof: Principals

1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST PARKINGOFFICERENFORCEMENT

POSITION OPENING PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER I/II

• Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brakes endorsement or the ability to obtain a CDL within six (6) months of hire

Senior Tax Manager @ BDO USA, LLP (Chicago, IL) F/T. Cndct top lvl rvw of tax retrns & reslv all tax issues wth clnt. Mstr’s deg or frgn equ in Accntng, Txtn, Bus Admin or rltd & 1 yr of exp in job offrd, Tax Sr, Sr Tax Asscte, Tax Asscte or rltd. Mst hve exp w/: Tax plnng, rcmmndtn of tax strtgs & tax prep prjcts, incl bdgtng & plnnng; Usng tax rsrch d/bases such as BNA & RIA; Usng tax cmplnc prcss s/ware incl GoFileRoom, GoSystemRS, Caseware, BNA Depreciation Software; Corp txtn, cnsldtns & prtnrshps; & Mngng tax prfssnls. Must hve CPA or suffcnt edu/exp reqs (as dtrmnd by state Board of Accntncy) to recv CPA or IRS EA license or suffcnt edu/ exp reqs (as dtrmnd by IRS) to rec EA license w/ in 18 mnths of hire or prom. Mail resume to: T. Brown, HR, BDO USA, LLP, 615 South College St, Suite 1200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Indicate job title & code “YL-IL” in cv ltr. EOE. Associate, Installment Loan sought by Avant, LLC in Chicago, IL. Dvlp & dploy prgrms & pkgs in R/Python. Apply at www.jobpostingtoday.com Ref# Manager,66618.Strategy & Operations sought by Enova Financial Holdings LLC in Chicago IL to rvw, anlys, assmnt, & crtin of actn itms for loan prtﬂo mgmnt actvts. Apply at jobpostingtoday.com Ref# 65002.

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of a public water supply, including the principles, practices, and chemical processes used in a potable water system, is preferred

32 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 Growing Community Media HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.     HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

• Minimum of a high school degree or GED

computer

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

GRANTS COORDINATOR

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

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

The Village of River Forest is an equality opportunity employer.

VB Modernscripts.office procedures, methods and computer equipment. Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages. Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without -assistanceWorking in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others. Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance. Work overtime as operations require.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 33 CLASSIFIED BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG PETS cat calls Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986 Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home House sitting • Plant care Bonded ReferencesWhile you’reyouraway,petsareokay . . . at home 708-524-1030 WANTED TO BUY WANTEDITEMS:MILITARY Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic –other misc. toys. Call Uncle 708-522-3400Gary GARAGE SALE Oak Park MOVING SALE. 245 S OAK PARK AVE. SEPTEMBER 10 9AM -2PM Come for the air fryer, car top kayak carriers, self inflating bed, coffee table, electric air pump, air mattresses, salt&pepper collection, n scale tracks and switches and buildings, NU wildcat mementos, many jigsaw puzzles, Breyer horses, pots and pans, and other stuff! Leave with something you’ll LaGrangelove. Park GARAGE SALE 920 KEMMAN AVE SEP 9, 10, 9:30AM-4PM11 Microwave, Tools, Barbies, Beanie Babies, Jewelry, Toys, Furniture, Books and More YARD SALE Oak Park COMMUNITY YARD NINETEENTHSALECENTURYPARKINGLOT178FORESTAVESATURDAY9/109AM-2PM More than 15 sellers! Rain date: 9/17 SUBURBAN RENTALS 708-38 6-7 355 Best Selection & Service STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR OAK PARK & FOREST PARK PARKINGAVAILABLESPACE One vehicle only: $45 monthly Located 900 block of Elgin, Forest Park For details, call 708-598-8898 or 708-262-2444. Leave detailed message RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & 708-488-0011BrowneStrand & 708-488-0011Browne OAK PARKOFFICES:THERAPY Therapy offices available on North Avenue. Parking; Flexible leasing; Nicely furnished; Waiting Room; Conference Room. Ideal for new practice or 2nd location. Call708.383.0729foranappt. OFFICE/RETAIL FOR RENT HOME SERVICES ELECTRICALELECTRICAL A&A ELECTRIC Let an American Veteran do your work We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est. 708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area InstalledCeilingFans FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC. New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 • klisflooring.comwww. RENTALS CEMENTCEMENT MAGANA CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION “QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987 COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL 708.442.7720 FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED Mike’s708-296-2060HomeRepair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do HANDYMAN 708-488-9411 CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair Free estimates Excellent References No Job Too Small HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & 773-722-6900Delivery. PAINTING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Painting/Taping/Neat Plaster Repair Low Cost • 708.749.0011 INVESTMENT SECURITIES ADVICE WHO DO YOU TRUST? • Former Investment Banker, Advisor, and Fund Manager, Now Retired • 50 Years Experience • Education Background: Economics and Law Army Officer, Vietnam Veteran • Residence: Last 15 Years Riverside, over 50 Years in River Forest • Will Advise No More than 5 Accounts • Minimum Account Size Value $500,000 EMAIL CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION: mikend7412@gmail.com PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BRUCE LAWN SERVICE Lawn Maintenance Fall Leaf Sodding/SlitClean-UpSeedingBushTrimmingSeniorDiscount brucelawns.com 708-243-0571 LANDSCAPING RestorationWoodworkTerry's On-site refinishing of wood and fiberglass since 1977. Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty! References available. Contact Terry Seamans at 630-379-7148 terryseamans@yahoo.comor WOODWORK 1 BEDROOM APT Small 1 bdr apt in Forest Park. Water and heat included. No parking. $700/ month. 708-227-7007 CARS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED 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 CLASSICS WANTED 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 CLASSICS WANTED 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 MARKETPLACE Forest Park HUGE DOWNSIZINGSALE 547 MARENGO PART 1: SEP 9, 10, 11 PART 2: SEP 23, 24, 25 10AM-4PM Many high-end items at reason able prices. Much kitchen misc. gadgets, small appliances; silver, including 7-piece tea/coffee set; some crystal; several area rugs and runners; tools and yard/gar den misc., including decorative pots; a few pieces of furniture, including stained glass lamp. Vintage Asian four-panel screen (mother of pearl). Too much to list; must see to appreciate. No early birds. YARD SALEYARD SALE

Notice of Public Hearing

The purpose of the open house is to inform the community about the project and to collect additional community input on the plan for Ehlert Park prior to submitting for the State grant. Attendees will learn more about the project, have the opportunity to ask questions, and provide written comments. For questions, please contact Stevie Ferrari, phone 708-485-1527 or email sferrari@brookﬁeldil.gov We look forward to hearing from you.

PUBLIC NOTICES

The Village of Oak Park --Of fice of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Il linois 60302-- will receive elec tronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday September 22, 2022 for Project: 22-6, Pavement Preservation Program. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the on line electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improve ments will require the following construction: Asphalt surface patching, fiber modified crackfill ing, Maltene based Rejuvinating, thermoplastic pavement marking, and all appurtenant work thereto. The work will take place in various locations throughout the Village of Oak PlansPark.and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday Septem ber 8th, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found VillageBillTHE820theantTheingp.m.mentsdeemedficationstheThenon-refundableQuestCDNquestcdn.comrequests-proposalsgovernment/budget-purchasing/https://www.oak-park.us/your-atoratwww.underloginusingnumber8290851forachargeof$30.00.VillageofOakParkreservesrighttoissueplansandspecionlytothosecontractorsqualified.Nobiddocuwillbeissuedafter4:00ontheworkingdayprecedthedateofbidopening.worktobeperformedpursutothisProposalissubjecttoIllinoisPrevailingWageAct,ILCS130/0.01etseq.VILLAGEOFOAKPARKMcKennaEngineer

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Andrea Jean Hibbler to the new name of: Siri AndreaJean Hibbler

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, kportillo@brookfieldil.gov, or 708-485-1113. Oral or written testimony may be given during the public

Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Riverside Township RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP – PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PAINTING

NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider an application from Andy Kwak for variances from § 62-290 Required parking spaces and §62-266 Parking space sizes related to an existing building at 3745 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield, Illinois 60513 (PINS 15-34-421-043-0000 and 15Legal34-421-010-0000).Description:Lot 15 (Except the East 47.58 Feet Thereof) and Lots 21, 22 and 23 in Block 18 in Grossdale, a Subdivision by S.E. Gross of the Southeast Quarter of Section 34, Township 39 North, Range 12, East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois.

The Village of Brookfield is also seeking public comment on the effects that the proposed improvements will have on Creekside Park. Creekside Park, which is under the jurisdiction of the Village of Brookfield, is a publicly owned Park. As such, it is subject to protection under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966. For the proposed project, the Village of Brookfield intends to seek a Section 4(f) “de minimis” impact finding from the Federal Highway Administration based on a determination that the project will not adversely affect the features, attributes, or activities that qualify Creekside Park for protection under Section 4(f).

Prospective bidders must obtain bid documents, which will be available at Heitzman Architects, 213 South Euclid Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 telephone (708) 267-1352, or Imperial Reprographics and Supply, 823 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park,

I. TIME AND PLACE OF OPENING OF BIDS: Sealed Bids for the painting described herein will be received at the ofﬁce of the RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP, 27 Riverside Road Riverside, IL 60546 until 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 27, 2022, and will be publicly opened and read at that time.

PUBLIC NOTICE Public Meeting Notice The Village of Brookfield invites the public to attend a Public Information Meeting regarding proposed improvements to Burlington Avenue from Dubois Boulevard to Salt Creek and to DuBois Boulevard from Ogden Avenue to Burlington Avenue. The purpose of the meeting is to seek public input and comments on the proposed preliminary design plans. The meeting will be held in an open house format from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday September 28, 2022 at the Village Council Chambers in the Brookfield Village Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue in Brookfield, Illinois. Exhibits will be on display for viewing and representatives from the Village and their consultant will be available for discussion and to answer questions.

II. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The proposed work is ofﬁcially known as RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP – PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PAINTING and consists of applying new paint coating over an existing approximately 210 long suspension bridge and associated components spanning the Des Plaines River behind the Riverside Township Hall.

B. Only qualiﬁed Contractors will be entitled to receive Plans and submit Bids. The Riverside Township reserves the right to issue Bid Documents only to those Contractors deemed qualiﬁed.

Muell, Director of Public Works, Village of Brookfield, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 until October 28, 2022. This meeting will be accessible to persons with a disability in compliance with current Accessibility Standards prepared by the Capital Development Board. Persons with a disability planning to attend and needing special accommodations should contact Carl Muell at the Brookfield Public Works (Phone Number 708-485-2540).

Published in RB Landmark September 7, 21, 2022

III. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS:

Published in RB Landmark September 7, 2022

Published in Wednesday Journal September 7, 2022

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK RequestCOUNTY.ofNayeli

Current Names of Minor Children: Amahni Jacqueline AbuSumayah, Amaris Yazmeen AbuSumayah Proposed new names of children: Amahni Jacqueline Herrera, Amaris Yazmeen Herrera

A. Bid documents will be ready after 3:00 p.m. on, Thursday, September 8, 2022. Only Painting or General Contractors may obtain bid documents by emailing their request. The email shall include the Contractor’s information of the following: Company Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Telephone, Fax, Contact Person. Documents will be emailed within 24 hours of the email request. Documents will not be issued if any the requested information is not received.

The court date will be held: On October 31, 2022 at 9:30am at via Zoom Meeting ID: 977 2570 0908 Password:Published821555inRB Landmark August 24, 31, September 7, 2022

The applicant is Jerome Olson. MarshaSigned: East, Chair Planning and Zoning Commission Published in Forest Park Review September 7, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Andrea Jean Hibbler Case Number 20224004286

Published in Forest Park Review August 31, September 7, 14, 2022

IL 60304, telephone (708) 848-1030. Bidders are urged, but not required, to attend a pre-bid meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2022 at 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois to familiarize themselves with the project. Bids must be submitted on the form provided in the bid documents and in a sealed envelope, clearly marked with job being bid.

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association reserves the right to award the contract in its best interests, to reject any or all proposals, to waive informalities in bidding, and to hold the three lowest proposals for a period of sixty (60) days after bid due Ingodate.Schaefer, Director Building & TheGroundsNineteenth Century Charitable (708)Association204-3504PublishedinWednesday Journal September 7, 2022

Business?aStartingNew Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brook eld Landmark Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for 773/626-6332details:

C. All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Bond for not less than ﬁve percent (5%) of the total amount of the Bid, or as provided in the applicable sections of the “PROJECT D.MANUAL”.NoBid may be withdrawn after opening of Bids without the consent of the Owner for a period of forty-ﬁve (45) days after the scheduled time of opening of Bids.

BY ORDER OF: RIVERSIDE TOWNSHIP Published in RB Landmark September 7, 2022

Village of Brookﬁeld Planning and Zoning Commission September 22, 2022, at 7:00 PM

E. The Contractor will be required to furnish a labor and material “Performance Bond” in the full amount of the Contract. F. The Contractor will be required to pay Prevailing Wages in accordance with all applicable laws.

A new storm sewer outlet to Salt Creek will be installed across Creekside Park as part of Burlington Avenue Improvements Project. This work will result in the park being closed for a period of approximately 2 months. Mitigation will include the installation of construction fencing to isolate the area of construction from pedestrian traffic. The area will be restored to its original condition immediately after the installation of the storm sewer within the park is completed. Detailed documentation describing the impacts and mitigation associated with the effects of the Burlington Avenue Improvements Project on Creekside Park will be available for review at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL from September 28, 2022 to October 28, 2022.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 19 September 2022, 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 text amendment to Title 9 of the Forest Park Zoning Ordinance to add a Permitted Variation. Additionally, there will be a public hearing for a variation request to allow the resubdivision of two adjacent lots, under common ownership, on the following described properParcelties(s): 1: LOT 7 (EXCEPT THE NORTH 30 FEET) AND LOT 6 (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 56 FEET) IN BLOCK 7 IN RAILROAD ADDITION TO HARLEM IN THE SOUTH EAST 1/4 OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, CommonlyILLINOIS.knownas 118 Rockford Street, Forest Park, IL Parcel 2: THE SOUTH 56 FEET OF LOT 6 IN BLOCK 7 IN RAILROAD ADDITION TO HARLEM, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTH EAST QUARTER OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COUNTY,COOK CommonlyILLINOIS.knownas 7515-7521 Dixon Street, Forest Park, IL PINs: 15-13-407-026-0000, 15-13407-034-0000, 15-12-407-018-0000

34 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 CLASSIFIED BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG You can get local news delivered right to your email in-box. Sign up for FREE at OakPark.com NEWS FLASH!

Published in RB Landmark September 7, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE Public Meeting Notification Village of Brookfield Ehlert Park The Village of Brookfield is looking to apply for a grant from the State of Illinois to assist with funding planned improvements to Ehlert Park. A community open house will be held to review the plan with the public on Wednesday, September 14th, between 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The open house will take place at the Village of Brookfield’s Council Chambers, Edward Barcal Hall, located at 8820 Brookfield Ave. Brookfield, Il 60513. All members of the public are invited to stop in anytime during the open house advertised time period to view the plans and provide comments.

PUBLIC INVITATIONNOTICEFORBID Sealed proposals will be received by The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, 60301 until 2:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at which time they will be opened and read. The sealed bids will be received for the following project: Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Kitchen Remodeling, 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILDREN

LEGAL NOTICE

Blanco Case Number 2022CONC000654 TO CHANGE NAMES OF MINOR CHILDREN.

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

Thehearing.application may be viewed at the Village of Brookﬁeld Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 22-07. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookﬁeld at (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front and side (south and east) entrances of Village ByHall.the

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Written comments may be submitted at the meeting or mailed to Mr. Carl

The court date will be held: On November 1, 2022 at 11am at 1500 Maybrook, Maywood, Cook County in Courtroom # 111

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

IV. AWARD CRITERIA AND REJECTION OF BIDS: This Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder considering conformity with the terms and conditions established by the Riverside Township in the Bid and Contract documents. The Riverside Township reserves the right to determine responsibility at the time of award, to reject any and all Bids, to re-advertise the proposed improvements, and to waive technicalities.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

Email bid document request to: jbaldwin@wtgroup.com Bid forms are non-transferable. Only those Bids that have been obtained from, and with the approval of, API Architects will be accepted at the bid opening.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 35 CLASSIFIED BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

I3199199

PUBLIC

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 4, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 14 DIVISION STREET, # 14, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-127-048The0000real estate is improved with a brown brick, three story townhouse, attached one car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the Uponcourt.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).

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite Chicago1200 IL, lectionNOTE:TJSC#:CaseAttorneyAttorneyAttorneyE-Mail:312-346-908860602pleadings@mccalla.comFileNo.20-04687IL_613739ARDCNo.61256Code.61256Number:18CH1273642-1079PursuanttotheFairDebtCol-PracticesAct,youareadvised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 18 CH 12736

DOCKET NUMBER: PC 22-03

testimony or comments regarding the application may be provided prior to the public hearing by email to planning@ oak-park.us. The individual’s name and a reasonable part of their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. If email is not an option, written testimony or comment can be dropped off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the south entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 22, 2022. All written testimony and comments will be distributed to the Plan Commission and made a part of the official hearing record. Those wishing to provide public testimony at the hearing shall contact the Village Planner at planning@oak-park.us for instructions on attending the live Zoom meeting by 5:00 PM the day of the hearing. Interested persons may also participate in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by emailing the cross-examination form to clerk@ oak-park.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing to sign up. Individuals who sign up to participate in this manner will receive an email from Village staff with information about how to join the meeting online through Zoom web-conference means or by phone. Questions regarding written testimony or comment can be directed to 708-358.5420 or email to planning@oak-park.us

SUBJECT PROPERTY LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOTS 8 AND 9 IN BLOCK 1 IN CENTRAL SUBDIVISION OF PART OF THE WEST ½ OF THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 7, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

NOTICES PUBLIC

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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.

PUBLIC

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 CORPORAOneTIONSouth Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236YouSALEcan also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

REQUEST: The Petitioner is requesting a Zoning Map Amendment to reclassify the subject property from the R-5 Two-Family Residential Zoning District to the R-6 Multiple Family Zoning District. A copy of the application and each of the applicable documents are on the Village Website at www.oak-park.us and also on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during current business hours, Monday through Thursday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY SELENEDIVISIONFINANCE LP LARSENIA-v.-Plaintiff, HORTON, NEIL SMITH, ASSURANCE RESTORATION & CONSTRUTION, INC., PRAIRIE HOUSES OWNERS ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS 1418DefendantsCH12736DIVISION STREET, # 14 OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION

Published 7, 2022

in Wednesday Journal, September

SUBJECT PROPERTY ADDRESSES: 327-329 Home Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60302

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICES NOTICES NOTICES

PUBLIC

HEARING DATE: September 22, 2022 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: The Plan Commission will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video. The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing

WrittentotopresentnotdisasterGovernortheisthatVillage(e)authorized99.Uversesubscriberswhichaswww.oak-park.us/commissiontvatwellascablecastonVOP-TV,isavailabletoComcastonchannel6andATTsubscribersonchannelTheremotepublichearingispursuanttoSection7oftheOpenMeetingsAct.ThePresidenthasdeterminedanin-personpublichearingnotpracticalorprudentduetoCOVID-19outbreakduringJBPritzker’scurrentproclamation.ItisalsofeasibletohaveapersonatthepublichearingduepublicsafetyconcernsrelatedtheCOVID-19outbreak.

SUBJECT PROPERTY PINS: 1607-316-030 and 16-07-316-031 SUBJECT PROPERTY OWNER/ PETITIONER: 327 Home Avenue, LLC: c/o M&M Property Management, 649 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA Let the sun shine in... Public Notice: Your right to know Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year • OakPark.com • RBLandmark.com • ForestParkReview.com • AustinWeeklyNews.com • VFPress.news PublicNoticeIllinois.com

36 Wednesday Journal, September 7, 2022 OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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 AND 7348 WEST MADISON STREET, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 FORESTPARKBANK.COM | 708.222.2800

Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon

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 sensitive documents with an industrial shredder.

FORGET IT! SHRED IT