WednesdayJournal_092723

Pete’s Market pushes back opening date yet again

Village board losing patience over lack of progress on Madison Street

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Not much has changed recently regarding the construction of Oak Park’s second Pete’s Fresh Market location — other than the Madison Street grocery store’s promised opening date Pete’s was supposed to open next June under an extension the village board approved back in January. That already pushed-pack date of June 30 will likely be even further pushed back due to difficulties with utility companies, according to Eugene Grzynkowicz, Pete’s general contractor and project manager. The expected open date is now expected to be two and a half months after June 30.

“We are still at the mercy of ComEd,” Grzynkowicz told the village board at its Sept. 18 meeting.

See PETE’S on pa ge 9

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Decades parading past

OPRF High School alumni from several decades march on the football field on Friday, Sept. 22 before the Homecoming game, celebrating the school’s 150th anniversary.

A family with multiple generations of OPRF

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

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

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

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

A safe & smart choice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

99% OF OUR CALEDONIA STAFF IS VACCINATED

PHOTO S BY TODD A. BANNOR

(Bottom left)

grads poses proudly.

Versailles: The Eternal Palace

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2-3 p.m., Oak Park Public Librar y, Main Library

The French Palace of Versailles was the domicile of King Louis XIV. This lecture explores the legend of this storied castle, which has since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Register now at //oppl. org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Chills & Thrills With Stephen Graham Jones

Wednesday, Oc t. 4, 7-8 p.m., virtually through Illinois Libraries Present Stephen Graham Jones, author of more than 25 books in di erent genres, will talk scary stories, horror, and more with librarian Becky Spratford. Register now at bit.ly/ILP_StephenGrahamJones.

BIG WEEK

September 27- Oc tober 4

Mariachi Sirenas

Sunday, Oc t. 1, 1:15-2:15 p.m., River Forest Public Library

Founded by Ibet Herrera and Erendira Izguerra, Mariacha Sirenas makes history as Chicago’s rst all-female mariachi band. Part of Hispanic Heritage Month. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.

Acoustic Neighbors Folk Jam

Thursday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m., Friendly Tap Jam session hosted by Mark Dvorak. 6733 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

Oktoberfest

Saturday, Sept. 30, 5 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Prosit! Oktoberfest is back. Community event that combines good food, German tradition and ethnic dancing. Music provided by Paul Collins. $15 adults, $5 children under 14. Tickets: www.goodshepherdlc.org/store 611 Randolph Street, Oak Park.

Bene t for Lahaina, Maui 2023

Saturday, Oc t. 1, 3 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

This Aloha concert will feature hula performances, a ra e & silent auction, a Hawaiian bu et and much more. Fur ther info at halauikapono.org $35 for adults, $25 children, $35 online.

Concordia University Chicago Band

Friday, Sept. 29, 8 p.m., Concordia University Debut show of the fall season. Featured soloists include soprano Katherine Keberlein and saxophonist Cody Stocker. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest.

Billy Flynn & His All-Star Band

Tuesday, Oc t. 3, 7 p.m., FitzGerald’s Flynn is a cer ti ed MVP on the Midwestern blues scene. This famed guitarist will be joined by other musicians of the same calibre, including keyboardist Johnny Iguana, bassist Bob Stroger and drummer Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith. Part of WDCB’s Bluesday Tuesday, hosted by Tom Marker. 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

Listing your event in the calendar

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

Exploring Ar ti cial Intelligence For Older Adults

Wednesday, Sept. 27,

Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys

Wednesday a week before your news needs to be in the newspaper ■ Send

60302

Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 p.m., FitzGerald’s West Coast rockabilly with a touch of Western swing, direct from Los Angeles. $20-29, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berw yn.

Oak Park’s vacant churches can be converted without parking

Village to develop on-street overnight parking permit process for religious structures turned into apartments

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

The Oak Park Village Board nar rowly passed a zoning change allowing the conversion of vacant churches in residential districts into other uses but was unable to find consensus on what to do about parking requirements.

“Parking here sucks,” said Trustee Cory Wesley. “This is a system I despise here in Oak Park, truthfully, and one that we really need to improve.”

The village board decided to rule in favor of staf f’s recommendation to remove the parking requirements associated with the eligible uses into which vacant churches can be converted. Wesley — like Village President Vicki Scaman — cast a vote in favor of staf f’s recommendation, but not without wrestling with the implications of

such a vote for a community famously lacking in available parking.

Wesley said he felt “really bad” voting in support of staf f’s recommendation as he believes it is “in favor of a system” he wants to modify. Scaman, meanwhile, shared her faith in village staf f to help people navigate parking at establishments operating out of for mer churches, should any come to exist.

“I trust that staf f is always going to help people through a process,” she said.

Trustees Lucia Robinson and Ravi Parakkat were the sole trustees to vote against staf f’s recommendation. The for mer wanted to leverage the village’s ability to relax parking restrictions as an incentive to developers, a suggestion with which the latter trustee ag reed.

Eligible uses for vacant churches include fitness studios, small performance venues, art galleries, meeting halls, offices and apar tments. Staf f’s recommendation eliminates the burden on developers to provide the parking required of those uses under normal circumstances.

For apar tment buildings, residents who live in those units and have cars would have to get an overnight parking permit through the village. The village will now

have to develop an on-street parking permit process for converted religious structures turned into apartments.

Oak Park has two vacant churches available for potential conversion, New Spirit Community Church, on Scoville Avenue, and the for mer Parkview Church, on Oak Park Avenue.

The zoning change is a proactive measure for the village. Oak Park has an abundance of churches despite the community being just under five square miles in physical size. At least two other Oak Park churches have shared viability concerns with the village, according to village Planner Craig Failor.

Church attendance has declined nationally, putting many houses of worship at risk of closure and vacancy. Instead of tearing them down, developers and preservationists have gotten creative.

A historic church in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood was recently re purposed into a luxury home. About five years before, another empty Lakeview church became a condo building.

Not far from Chicago, a deconsecrated Methodist church in New Buf falo, Michig an, is now known Beer Church. The micro-brewery, which opened in 2017, leans into the building’s religious past, kee ping icono graphy and serving such beers as the “Pontius Pilate” India pale ale

The growing popularity of microbreweries combined with dwindling cong regation numbers has led to the opening of establishments similar to Beer Church across the United States – and in the Chicago-area.

The owners of Chicago’s Eris Brewery and Cider House won the 2019 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation award for adaptive use for their transformation of a historic Masonic hall. The hall was most recently used as a Presbyterian church before it was conver ted into the brewery.

At this time, microbreweries are not among the eligible uses for vacant churches in residential districts of Oak Park Should a developer wish to open one, doing so would require a zoning ordinance text amendment, according to Failor.

Vacant churches could become galleries, o ces or apar tments.

River Forest considers future of Lake and Lathrop

Ocials secure a appointed receiver and make plans for clearing, cleaning and repairs

By ROBERT J. LIFKA

Contributing Reporter

River Forest officials have turned their attention to the future of Sedgwick Properties’ development at Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue less than a week after pulling the plug on the project.

Of ficials met with the Cook County Circuit Court appointed receiver, Walt Rebenson from Ascend Real Estate Group, on Sept. 15, and separately with representatives from Beverly Bank, a subsidiary of Wintrust, on Sept. 19 to initiate plans for the clearing, cleanup and any re pairs

needed at the development site at Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue

In a news release, officials said the goal of the meetings were to ensure the property is primed and marketable for future development at “this important commercial site in River Forest.”

Both meetings took place just days after the village’s announcement on Sept. 15 that the building permit for Sedgwick Properties had been repealed and a stop work order issued. These steps were taken because Sedgwick failed to meet the requirements and conditions of the village’s 18-month building permit, which was originally issued in February 2022, officials said in the release

“We are very pleased that in working with the receiver and the bank, a plan is now in place to clear and improve this site to make it attractive for future development,” village President Cathy Adduci said in the statement. “Our goal remains to make this site a viable and beneficial addition to this area of our vil-

lage, as well as for our greater community.”

Adduci added that Beverly Bank is also invested in making improvements to the site and has stated it is committed to covering the associated costs. Among the work planned, per direction from the receiver, is the removal of construction materials and other equipment, along with fencing around the property

Officials took initial steps Sept. 18 to repair the disturbed sidewalks near the project area to make it safe for pedestrians. They said they will be working with the receiver and the bank to recover the costs associated with that work. The sidewalks are now open to the public

Officials explained that they waited to handle any initial improvements to the site until after Sept. 12, when the receiver was officially appointed, because work done prior to that date may not have been reimbursed by the bank.

Since 2019, important improvements

have been made by the developer to the site, including investing nearly $3 million to address environmental remediation that was successfully completed prior to their building permit being issued. After that time, Sedgwick experienced several challenges, including foreclosure litigation that is ongoing, which led to a lack of progress on the project.

“We remain committed to working with the receiver and the bank to ensure a high-quality development can become a reality at Lake and Lathrop,” Adduci said.

T he 22-unit mixed use condo project has gone through multiple incarnations and developers and endless delays that have stretched well over a decade. Since spring Beverly Bank has been in cour t seeking through foreclosure to claw back a portion of the funds it advanced for the development project. Earlier this month, a Cook County cour t appointed a receiver to manage the proper ty

Unity Temple welcomes a ‘temporary/long term’ leader

By TOM HOLMES

Contributing Reporter

Usually interim ministers serve about two years to help cong re gational members say goodbye to the departing leader and prepare to welcome a new leader

The Rev. Roger Bertschausen is a “developmental” minister the second stage of a transition to a “settled” (or permanent) minister. He and the Unity ple Unitarian Universalist gregation on Lake Street ha for med a covenant to be together for between 4-7 years. Bertschausen explained that the length of time invested in a transition is dependent on the amount of ganizational work that needs to be done.

Aimee Conrad, co-president of the Unity Temple Board of Trustees, explained that Bertschausen’s “mission-driven leadership, his pastoral presence, his ability to guide a congregation through change while holding

onto existing strengths, and the importance he placed on anti-oppression/anti-racism work,” seemed to the search team to be the best match.

Regarding the unusually long transitional period agreed upon, Conrad explained that “the congregation wants to acomplish some big goals” and hallenging times for hurches, so a longer interim ministry makes sense.” Bertschausen laughs as he mes his role in the transition this way. “I’m pre-fired. Everyone knows that I’m going . It gives everybody a spaciousness to work through things in some ways. This conew a lot while Alan Taylor was here, and it takes time to do all of the institutional changes that accompany growth. ”

In a letter he sent to the cong re gation soon after he arrived last month, Bertschausen wrote, “I know that these past years have not been easy for indi-

viduals, f amilies, and communities. Numerous staf f transitions layered on top of the pandemic have made this period especially challenging for Unity Temple,” which touches on one of the tasks of a developmental minister – that is helping a cong re gation process the past.

He also wrote, “Even on day one, I am sensing excitement about what’s next and a deep streak of resilience.”

T he Rev. Emily Gage, associate minister, summarized what the past month has been like

“Rog er arrived only a month ago; since then we’ve been spending all kinds of time in conversations; us sharing our experiences and ideas and lay of the land, and he asking questions and listening and reflecting back to us.”

Bertschausen earned a master’s de gree at the University of Chicago Divinity School. He got married, served an internship with a Unitarian Universalist congreg ation, and worked as a chaplain at a drug and alcohol treatment center.

Equipped with lots of experience and

serious academic credentials, in 1990 he became a settled minister at a UU church in Appleton, Wisconsin. As the cong re gation grew, he in effect served three groups during his 25 years there: from 100 members to a mid-size cong re gation and finally topping out at 700 members, each “congreg ation” working differently and facing dif ferent challenges.

In 2020, he became an interim minister, serving a church in Madison, Wisconsin for three years and another in White Bear Lake, Minnesota for t wo.

Bertschausen’s wife, Amy, is an ordained minister in the Disciples of Christ Church

As for the future and the work that lies ahead, Gage said, “He brings a fresh perspective, lots of experience, and a compassionate and collaborative spirit. I can’ t think of any specific can’ t dos, although he can’ t do it all himself. It’s a time full of possibilities and opportunities for the cong re gation as we re-shape who we are and can be, as we come out of the pandemic and greet the challenges of life in today’s world.”

Bertschausen will head the next phase of the Oak Park congregation’s transition

RE V. ROGER BERTSCHAUSEN

Police take top score in tra c safety competition

Department now fully certi ed in program designed to create a culture that supports peer intervention

By ROBERT J. LIFK A Contributing Reporter

River Forest officials will have to make room on the displ ay wall in Village Hall after the police department finished first in its category in the 2022-23 Illinois Traf fic Safety Challenge.

The ITSC is described by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Committee, which coordinates the program, as a “friendly competition” between law enforcement agencies of a similar size and type throughout Illinois. The program is supported by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grant administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation, Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering, as well as funding from private entities

Scott Kristianson, program director of the ITSC, presented the first place award plaque to police Chief James O’Shea and village President Cathy Adduci at the village board meeting earlier this month after River Forest

finished first in the municipal category for villages with 26 to 35 sworn officers. Awards were presented in eight municipal categories.

“The Village Board’s number one priority has always been providing for a safe community,” Adduci said. “Under the leadership of Chief O’Shea and our Village Board, we are accomplishing our goals through training, solution driven, community engagement policing. I want to congratulate and thank our talented and professional police officers for a job well done.”

According to the IACP website, the ITSC is more than a peer competition. It is a template for law enforcement agencies to identify traffic issues, plan strategies, reduce social harm and improve the quality of life in their communities. The program helps agencies demonstrate successes to their gover nment officials, community leaders and citizens

The ITSC provides law enforcement agencies with an opportunity to contribute to the Illinois’ Strategic Highway Safety Plan and have a significant impact on the reduction of crashes, deaths and associated injuries

across the state

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers and village officials in carrying out our priority mission to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists within our community,” O’Shea said.

Kristianson explained that the competition is not decided by which department issues the most tickets or makes the most arrests but on decreasing the number of vehicle crashes and incidents of speeding and occupant protection.

“You’ve got a lot to be proud of,” he said. “Keep up the good work

In another police presentation Sept. 11, Sgt. Ben Ransom and Detective Denisse Zermeno provided officials with an update on the police department’s participation in the ABLE Project, which the department joined in 2022.

ABLE is an acronym for Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement. The goal of the project is to prepare officers to successfully intervene to prevent harm and create a law enforcement culture that supports

peer intervention.

Deputy Chief James Greenwood said the program coordinator from Georgetown Law met with department officials and said the department was “in full compliance.”

Ransom explained that every member of the department has undergone the required eight hours of training, including the chief. A two-hour refresher training is required to maintain certification. He noted that River Forest was one of the first six agencies in Illinois to be certified.

“The River Forest Police Department requires officers to intervene should they witness another officer using inappropriate force or harming an individual,” O’Shea said. “The ABLE training empowers officers of any rank to intervene and will ensure they have the tools to effectively navigate those types of situations. Implementation of the ABLE Program will reduce mistakes, prevent misconduct and promote health and wellness, as both the community and the law enforcement profession continue to work closer together.”

11 OPRF seniors named National Merit Scholar semi nalists

Teens are celebrated during high school’s annual Scholars Breakfast

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School have new sources of pride as 11 seniors placed as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for the coveted 2024 program.

This year, the honor was earned by Aidan Goble, Patrick Hoffman, Rachel Janosky, Hayden Jingst, Porter Jingst, Daniel Johnson, Lowell Rindler, Elizabeth Russell, Liam Shea, Katherine Stabb and Jane Walker.

The honored seniors were among the 1.3 million high school juniors across the country who entered the 2024 program.

“Being a semifinalist makes me feel as if all my hard work in academics is paying off,” Walker said. “It’s very rewarding to be recognized after I have dedicated so much time and effort to education.”

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic scholarship competition rec-

ognizing “academically talented students” who have earned exceptional scores on the PSAT.

According to the press release from OPRF , more than 1.3 million high school juniors across the country took the preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in 2022. Of those, 16,000 students, less than one percent of high school seniors in the United States, qualified as semifinalists.

While being a semifinalist is exciting news, in February those students will be notified if they have advanced to the final round, where 2,500 will be selected as recipients of the $2,500 National Merit Scholarship.

Those are not the only scholarships available, as the organization has approximately 840 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for those who meet a corporation’s specific criteria as well as approximately 160 colleges and universities who will award

around 3,800 Merit Scholarships to finalists attending their school.

“We are so excited to add these 11 current seniors to the names of esteemed scholars who have been awarded this honor,” said Lynda Parker, assistant superintendent and principal at OPRF. “These students have worked very hard to accomplish this and deserve to be recognized and celebrated.”

The celebrations don’t stop there as OPRF has additional points of pride as students have been recognized by College Board’s National Recognition Program through the National African American Recognition academic honor for being in the top 10% of African American students in the state to took the 2022 PSAT, National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test NMSQT, PSAT 10, or received a score 3 or higher on two or more advanced placement exams. Those students are: Aisha Abdallah, Maya Berry, Aminatta Brima, Naimah Coleman Brenden Lowen-

thal-Wojcik, Benjamin Martin, Myles Millhouse, Skyler Murray, Imani Nutall, Taylor Smith, Aaron Thompson, Oscar Towne IV, and Elia Wei-Henrys

Thirteen OPRF students also received the National Hispanic Recognition academic honor for scoring in the top 10% among Hispanic students in Illinois who took the PSAT, NMSQT, PSAT 10, or received a score of three or higher on two or more advanced placement exams. Those students are:

Abigael Cockerill, William Cote, Vincent Czarnkowski, Margaret Dean, Andrew Garcia, Simon Gutierrez, Payton LowenthalWojcik, Alejandro Medina, Samuel Mendez, Nora Meraz, Sara Nimz, Adan Pedraza, and Elia Wei-Henrys

Both the National Merit semifinalist and the College Board National Recognition Program honorees were recognized by OPRF during its annual Scholars Breakfast, which was held on Sept. 7.

Still a loyal Huskie, 73 years later

Mike Lindblad is always ready to revisit his days at OPRF

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

Right before Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Homecoming football game Friday evening, more than 200 of the school’s alumni strolled across the football field to honor the school’s 150th anniversary this year.

One of the school’s oldest graduates was unable to make the trek, but he is no less a fan of OPRF than his more mobile alums.

Mike Lindblad, class of 1950, shows his loyalty to his alma mater by re gularly revisiting his Huskie haunts. Whether he’s thumbing through his yearbook or talking with his children, none of whom attended the school, Lindblad loves to share experiences from his student days. His stories offer a glimpse into a very specific moment in OPRF’s extensive history and reveal the impact Lindblad’s high school years had on his long life.

“We used to have a sock hop on Friday nights,” Lindblad told Wednesday Journal. “And then we’d have our proms and one girl in our class—her uncle was Ralph Marterie, the bandleader—so we had our prom at the Edgewater Beach Hotel and the big-band leader Ralph Marterie played our prom.”

Lindblad shares his memories with such ease one might think they happened only yesterday. Today’s students likely don’ t know what sock hops are, let alone attend them. Neither would they realize just how exciting it must have been for their predecessors to dance to music played by a big-band ensemble fronted by a bandleader with ABC Radio.

Lindblad’s grandson, Ben Iverson, class of 2017, the only one of his grandchildren to attend OPRF, had a more modern high school experience, although he and his grandfather both swam in the same pool to fulfill their gym requirements. At Iverson’s prom, however, there was a DJ, not a band. And he wasn’t quite sure what a bandleader even was before speaking to Wednesday Journal.

“I can only speculate, but in my head, it sounds like the leader of the marching band,” said Iverson, who admitted he also confused sock hops with burlap sack races.

That long-ago prom might have been unforgettable, but Lindblad can recall so much more than one sparkly night. If memories are gems, Lindblad’s mind is a treasure chest

full of colorful, multi-faceted jewels.

Even at age 92, he can still vividly recall details from his childhood. As a kid, he would cross South Harvey Avenue to his neighbor’s house to pick up freshly baked bread, a task he undertook every Sunday for his mother. His father was an Oak Park policeman who drove a motorcycle and while Lindblad attended OPRF, one of his teachers had just returned from World War II.

“I have a vivid memory of him,” said Lindblad. “He was still in his uniform.”

Lindblad served in the Korean War after high school before becoming a state trooper, getting married and moving out of Oak Park. He joined the ar my with some of his high school buddies, and despite being in different units, they all met up with each other while overseas.

One of his for mer classmates had a different experience in an international conflict. Donald R. Lesh, whose sister Jane was in Lindblad’s graduating class, served as the second secretary of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow during the Cold War but was expelled on spy charges by the Soviet Union on Sept. 14, 1966. Lindblad learned about it from an article in a newspaper.

“We didn’t have good relations with Russia back then,” he said.

Lindblad still reads newspapers, including the one from his hometown when he can get it, even though it began publishing after he moved out of Oak Park. Whenever his daughter, and his grandson’s mother, Julie Iverson, comes to visit her parents in Palatine, she brings a copy of Wednesday Journal.

“He immediately goes to the obituaries, and is like, ‘I knew him, and I knew him,’” she said.

Julie Iverson coincidentally ended up marrying the son of an OPRF alumnus, which made introducing the two sets of parents to each other a breeze. Her father and father-inlaw, class of 1944, became instant friends. And the father of her father-in-law actually went to OPRF too and was in the same graduating class as Ernest Hemingway (1917).

Lindblad loves making these kinds of connections, according to his daughter, but one of the closest is the one he has with his grandson Ben. Julie Iverson believes Lindblad and her son have a special bond because of their OPRF ties and their love of golf.

Ben Iverson played on OPRF’s golf team and Lindblad, an avid golfer, would often go to the matches to see him play. When his grandfather was there, Ben said, he wanted to play his best.

With such a knack for remembering history, it makes sense that Lindblad likes to visit the Historical Society’s Oak Park River Forest Museum whenever he’s in the area. And, in honor of the high school’s 150th anniversary, the museum will be hosting a special exhibit beginning next month. Ben Iverson hopes to take his grandfather to see it.

Lindblad doesn’t get out to Oak Park as much as he’d like, due to his wife’s health, but when he does, he visits his old neighborhood haunts and, of course, his high school. A lot has changed, but Oak Park is still his hometown—even though he missed homecoming.

“They say you can’t go back, but there’s a lot of things that you can go back to in Oak Park,” said Lindblad.

TODD A. BANNOR

Michael Lindblad, Class of 1950, at Oak Park and River Forest High School on Sept. 9.

OPRF wraps up scal year with $8.4 million surplus

Board also hires a new contractor and building and grounds director

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Last week the Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 Board of Education unanimously approved a budget for the current fiscal year that projects a budget surplus of nearly $8.4 million.

But $7.2 million of that surplus will be transferred to the capital projects fund to help pay for Project 2.

The budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year forecasts more than $94.4 million in revenue and more than $86 million in operating expenditures.

The budget assumes that the tax levy that the school board is expected to approve in December will be a 3.5% increase over last year’s levy and less than the 5% increase, which is the maximum allowed by law.

Salary costs are expected to increase by approximately 5% this year and benefit costs

PETE’S Blaming ComEd

from page 1

Problems with utility companies, notably ComEd, has become the routine refrain used by Pete’s camp to excuse the project’s massive delays and the village board has grown far less favorable to it.

Trustee Brian Straw criticized Grzynkowicz for not immediately breaking it to the board that the project’s promised deadline was not going to be met, while Village President Vicki Scaman reminded Grzynkowicz of the point of his presence at the village board meeting. Pete’s was required to give the village quarterly progress re ports for the much-delayed project.

“The purpose of these updates is for us to know how on track we are,” Scaman said.

Pete’s was required to give the village quarterly progress re ports for the muchdelayed project under a stipulation of its most recent extension request, which was approved last January, allowing Pete’s to move the completion date from Nov. 30, 2022, to June 30 of next year.

A re presentative from ComEd confirmed to Wednesday Journal the electric compa-

are projected to increase by only 2.4%.

About 77% of OPRF’s revenue comes from local property taxes and another 12% comes from other local sources. Eight percent of the school’s revenues comes from state aid, and 3% of the school’s revenues comes from the federal gover nment.

OPRF is in a very strong financial position with the school’s cash reserves projected to be at approximately $62.5 million, or 73%of annual operating expenses at the end of July 2024. That fund balance is projected to increase to nearly $68.7 million and 76% of annual operating expenses at the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year before dramatically dropping to about $41.3 million at the end of the 2025-26, and to just more than $33.5 million by the end of the 2026-27 fiscal year as cash reserves are projected to pay for nearly half of the Project 2 construction costs. But even after that dramatic drop in the fund balance, OPRF’s cash reserves are

ny is and has been working with Pete’s to remove underground utilities but did not address responsibility for the delays attributed to ComEd by Pete’s.

“ComEd routinely works with companies and municipalities to meet their power needs and has been actively engaged with Pete’s Fresh Market to open its new location,” said ComEd spokesperson John Schoen in a Sept. 21 email.

“Our crews have already successfully completed the necessary rerouting of underground cables and conduits, and we are currently coordinating the final utility pole relocations with the remaining construction work that is being completed by the customer.”

Pete’s is “most likely” going to have to ask the village for another extension, according to Grzynkowicz, who once again placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of the utility companies

“This is not something induced by Pete’s,” Gryzynkowicz said. “This is hardship from the utility companies.”

If Pete’s comes forward with another extension request and if the village board grants it, the changed date will become the

still projected to be at a healthy 35% of the operating budget at the end of the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Consultant and new director hired

In other action, the school board unanimously approved a consulting contract with for mer OPRF administrator Michael Carioscio for an amount not to exceed $77,870. Carioscio is a for mer OPRF chief operations officer and for mer chief information officer who retired in 2020.

Carioscio was brought back over the summer to help after the death of Fred Pruess, who had been the Director of Buildings and Grounds. In August, the school hired Curtis Alsip, who had been the director of facilities at Plainfield Community Consolidated District 202, to replace Pruess as the director of buildings and grounds at OPRF. Alsip will be paid an annual salary of $125,000, prorated to

sixth amendment made to the planned development ag reement between the Village of Oak Park and Pete’s.

And the loss of tax revenue on the muchdelayed project, as well as the cost implications of further delays, has started to wear on trustees, particularly Trustee Lucia Robinson. The store was expected to generate an estimated $587,000 in real estate taxes and $546,000 in sales taxes annually at the time Pete’s broke ground on Dec. 15, 2021.

“We are not the project manager on this,” Robinson said.

“We are supposed to be the recipient of those revenue estimates. Right now, Pete’s has not made good on that.”

The current board inherited the planned development ag reement, which the village entered into in 2018. Under the ag reement, the village donated a portion of the site to Pete’s and gave the grocery store chain $3 million to purchase and demolish the historic Foley-Rice building. The village gave another $1.6 million to Pete’s to cover environmental remediation costs

The delays, which Robinson said were

$110,961.64 this year because he did not start at OPRF until Se pt. 11.

Carioscio will be paid $130 an hour to help in the onboarding of and transition to Alsip at buildings and grounds, provide support for construction projects, building cleaning and readiness, provide project support for information technology and assist new assistant superintendent of business services Anthony Arbogast in evaluating and outlining the structure of the technology department.

Carioscio is expected to work approximately 20 hours a week. He is expected to be available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

OPRF has not had a director of operations since Ron Anderson resigned late last year. Anderson was not re placed and the Director of Operations position was eliminated with Arbogast taking over most of that position’s responsibilities.

not the problem of the village, have eaten into the promised return on investment.

Last January, Robinson was the sole board member who voted against Pete’s request to extend their completion date to this June The extension was the fifth amendment made to the planned development agreement and came with the caveat Pete’s would be on the hook to pay a sliding scale fine based on the number of subsequent extension requests made. The expected extension request will cost Pete’s $2,000 — a price penalty not large enough for Robinson.

“We are losing money and, as the fiduciaries of this community, we have to figure out how to mitigate that,” she said.

Further complicating Pete’s progress is the project’s lack of an architect. Pete’s had retained the services of Ken Nadolski with WT Group, and its grocery store division API Architects. Nadolski has left the firm, which is no longer comfortable finishing the project without him, Gryzynkowicz told the board.

While Nadolski is seeing if his new firm, NWS Architects, is interested in taking up the project, according to Grzynkowicz, Pete’s will likely return to working with Aria Group Architects, the firm it first engaged for the project. Former Zoning Board of Appeals member Jim Lencioni founded Aria Group.

“

We are losing money and, as the duciaries of this community, we have to gure out how to mitigate that.”

LUCIA ROBINSON Trustee

WELCOME HOME

STEVE SCHEURING

BAIRD & WARNER OAK PARK IS HONORED TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF STEVE TO OUR OFFICE!

Steve has over 24 years of experience as a full-time Realtor and Local Residential Expert in Oak Park and River Forest. He is a fourth-generation Oak Parker and raised his family here with his wife Julie. We are thrilled to welcome him back to the Baird & Warner family.

Since 1855 Baird & Warner has served the Chicagoland area, and hyperlocal expert agents like Steve who have deep roots in the community are the backbone of what we do. If you’re considering buying, selling or investing Steve will be there to help you every step of the way.

Contact him today!

708.369.8043

steve.scheuring@bairdwarner.com

NEED TO REACH US? email: erika@growingcommunitymedia.com

Homes

Oak Park Commons Breaks Ground

By Lacey Sikora Contributing Reporter

Illinois’s first co-housing development saw shovels hit the ground last week, and membership chair Susan Stall said it is gratifying to see the project coming to fruition after years of planning.

Stall and her husband Charlie Hoch are Oak Park residents who have been passionate about bringing co-housing to Oak Park since they for med the Oak Park Multi-Generational Co-Housing Group in 2018.

The aim of the co-housing project is to foster intergenerational connection, diversity and inclusiveness through a community of adjoining private apar tments that share a common space. The common elements are intentionally designed to encourage social interaction among neighbors and to create a safe and friendly environment for all ages.

“It’s hard to get people to believe in this. You’re not just buying a cond o, you’re buying a community,” Stall said.

She noted that while the concept of cohousing has been popular in Europe for a long time, it is relatively new to the United Said, which currently has about 285 cohousing communities.

to right) Realtor Martha Murphy, mortgage broker Jim Svehla, realtors Karen n and Erica Cuneen, attorney Lynn Luchesse Soto, architect Foster Dale and cael Janis of Quest Design Group break ground for the Oak Park Commons Intertional Cohousing Communit y on Sept. 14, 2023.

Christened Oak Park Commons, the planned community will be taking shape

839 West Madison. The 24-unit building will be five stories high and includes a lot of amenities that buyers of all ages are looking for in a building.

Chief among these is environmental-

friendliness. The building will be a National Green Building Standard Silver-certified building. Among the many features that will help it earn that designation are: low carbon footprint construction; a high efficiency, whole-building heating and cooling system; low off-gassing finishes made from

TODD BANNOR

The building, which features green amenities such as electric car charging stations and fresh air exchangers, is 60% sold

Y OF OAK PARK COMMONS Rendering of the Oak Park Commons building.

OAK PARK COMMONS Green perks

from page 12

recycled materials; energy star, low water consumption appliances and a thermally insulated building envelope.

Other green perks will include a large roof garden that will promote a healthy ecosystem, electric car charging stations and fresh air exchangers for a healthy breathing environment.

Stall is particularly excited about the garden space that she said will be impressive. “It juts up against our common space

with a patio and our kitchen. I think it’s very captivating.”

While many co-housing communities in the U.S. are built in more rural areas where they can be spread out, Stall said Oak Park Common’s smaller footprint makes it unique. Building intentionally in a more urban area is one of the keys to the development.

It was important to the early adopters ofthe project that the building be based in Oak Park, with its commitment to diversity and good schools, Stall said.

She noted, “In Oak Park, we pride ourselves on being unusual. Our commitment to being intergenerational is huge. It makes a huge difference in everyday life.”

Oak Park Commons Cohousing LLC cofounder Charlie Hoch speaks to attendees of the building’s groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 14, 2023.

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Growing Community Media

a non-profit newsroom

Common house renderings

OAK PARK COMMONS

from page 13

she since is home frequently, she will be able to help other residents, work in the garden and interact with more people than she can now.

SCANFORTICKETS:

This commitment is one thing that drew Jonathan Shack and his wife Heather to the building. Shack, whose company Altierra Builders is also involved in the construction ofthe building, said that he and his wife were both born and raised in Oak Park.

“We remember the days when wewere children and everyone on our blocks knew each other,” he said. “Someone was always having a cookout that everyone else came to. When someone was sick or disabled, the neighbors brought meals for the f amily and helped ifneeded. When someone needed a babysitter one ofthe other kids on the block would go over and babysit. T here was a great sense of community. That seems to be missing now. Intergenerational co-housing brings back that sense of community ag ain.”

Noting that his wife had a stroke that has left her with some permanent disabilities, Shack said that it will be comforting to know that she will have neighbors around when he is not home. In addition,

Erica Cuneen ofBeyond Properties is marketing the building. As ofpress time, available units ranged from a one bedroom, onebath unit priced at $275,975 for 665 square feet up to a three-bedroom, two-bath unit priced at $654,153 for 1,460 square feet.

T he building is currently 60% sold, with a number oftwo- and three-bedroom units remaining available. Once construction begins this f all, Shack said the goal is to complete the building in early 2025.

That milestone is pretty exciting to Shack, who said, “The fact that we are over 60% sold before we have even broken ground with people moving in from across the country along with Oak Parkers, speaks volumes to the number of people looking for that sense of community again”

“I don’t know ofany other building in recent years to do that. Oak Park has long attracted people to it who were already moving to Chicago but this is the first time, that I know ofthat people were moving to Oak Park because they want to live in a specific building,” he said.

COURTEST Y OF OAK PARK COMMONS

Jay Friedman, music director & conductor

Thomas Pandolfi, soloist

Pre-concert Conversation with David Leehey at 3PM. Reception following the concert.

Free parking in the garage located at 1124 N. Bonnie Brae Place (one block west of Harlem Avenue between Division and Thomas Streets) in River Forest. Chapel just west of garage exit.

UNIVERSITY CHAPEL – RIVER FOREST

ree wins, two draws for undefeated Huskies

OPRF boys soccer pulls out a last-second victory over Hinsdale Central

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Being r anked #1 in the Chicagoland Soccer To p 25 Poll means the Oak Pa rk and Rive r Fo rest High School boys socce r team c an expect a strong ef fo rt from opp onents it face s.

So fa r, however, the Huskies are farin g well, with three victories and two draws since attaining the top r anking the week of Sept. 10.

On Sept. 22 before a large crowd at Oak Park Stadium, OPRF played to a 0-0 draw against visiting Leyden.

“We didn’t have it all today,” said OPRF coach Jason Fried. “But Leyden is a good team, and I think the tie is a fair result. It was

24-13 victory made for a happy Homecoming

By LAUREN RECCHIA

Contributing Reporter

Fenwick’s football team put on a show for their fans at their Homecoming game against Notre Dame College Prep.

The Friars (4-1) defeated the Dons 24-13 at Triton College Friday night. While Notre Dame struck first, late in the first quarter on a 2-yard touchdown pass from senior Leo Fraterrigo to senior Evan Diblich to put their team up 6-0, the Friars got their explosive offense going with an 85-yard drive capped

back and forth, and we both had our chances.”

After starting slowly, the Huskies (11-02) gr adually picke d up their pl ay and created two excellent scoring chances in the first half. But the first chanc e, by Richards, nar rowly missed the right post of the net. Later, Di eg o Zarate’s shot hi the crossbar

In the second half, OPRF g oalkeepe Christian Kello gg c ame up big with 15 minutes left, diving to his right to stop shot by Angel Pe re z of Le yd en (8-4-1).

Just over two minutes later, the Huskies’ b est scoring o pportunity was turned aw ay when Richards fired a et toward the left corner of the net, onl to be d enied by Eagles’ g oalkeeper Andres Salg ad o.

“We’ve g ot to pl ay at a really high tempo every day; that’s wh at I take from thi s, ” Fried said.

On Sept. 19, OPRF p ulled out a dramatic 4-3 home victory over Hinsdale C entral on an E aston Bo ga rd g oal with a second

left in the first overtime. T he g oal was the capper on Bo ga rd ’s hat trick.

“That was a real high-ener gy g ame,” F ried said. “We we re down three diffe r-

Friars roll past Notre Dame

off by a 40-yard touchdown pass from senior Marek Hill to junior Emmett Romeus to get Fenwick on the board and take a 7-6 lead with 3:32 to go in the first half. Romeus snared a 45-yard pass from Hill on the previous play to start the Friars’ drive. He finished the evening with a team high nine receptions for 129 yards and the touchdown.

“They executed,” said Friars head coach Matt Battaglia. “We were trying to keep it simple, and when we’re all on the same page and reading it out, we can make those big plays.”

Hill completed 27 of 41 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns with one interception in Friday’s matchup. Senior wide receiver TJ Smith had three catches for 60 yards and a

touchdown, while junior tight end Nate Marshall also caught a touchdown pass. On the ground, senior Luke D’Alise led the Friars with 29 yards on 11 carries while also notching 3 tackles on defense.

“We’ve got a lot of weapons that we work with,” Hill said. “Coach Battaglia does a really good job of showing everyone their strengths and how to use them, and we design plays for that, and the result is we score points and win games.”

On the defensive side, sophomore Tommy Thies led the team with eight tackles while senior Dillon Murphy and sophomore Nate Marshall each recorded a sack. Murphy also had an interception for the Friars to go along with 5.5 tackles

ent times but ke pt coming back.”

OPRF pa rt icipates in the Great Rive r C lassi c, Sept. 29-30 at the TB K Sports Complex in Bettendorf, Iowa.

“Our defense always helps us tremendously,” Hill said. “Guys like D’Alise, Murphy, [senior defensive back] Erik Ferjak, when their number gets called, they’re going to make the play. If it’s not my drive, they come back and give me a chance to get the momentum going and turn things around.”

The Friars need one more win to secure a spot in the state playoffs, and they will take on rival Nazareth on Friday night.

“We just have to win every day against our opponent,” Hill said. “Tonight, we won against our opponent and tomorrow and every day at practice we have to win against Nazareth. We have to take every day one at a time, and I really try to cherish it. That’s how we find ourselves success.”

OPRF Huskie Diego Zarate (#26) dribbles down eld dur ing Friday’s Homecoming game.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310

ktrainor@wjinc.com

Diversity is our gi , not our curse

VIEWPOINTS

For Pete’s sak about some progress?

We are a country graced with the gift of diversity … diverse cultures, foods, religions, traditions, music, dance, literature, etc. So I guess I am not all that surprised that my personal circle of close family and friends reflects a wide variety of ethnic heritages For example, my husband was from Budapest, Hungary, and my parents were from Poland.

My son is married to a woman whose family of origin came from Austria. My daughter’s for mer husbands were of Russian and Scotch-Irish ancestry. Additionally, my husband and I had two foster children who were Cuban. ussian.

partners have second generation parents from England, Russia, China, and three home care helpers, one from the Philippines who had a Japanese grandmother; another is from Guatemala; and the third is

group of multi-stripes and ounding and enriching me. My keen appreciation of diversity leaves me nothby the racist and white nationalist attitudes Trump spews in his rhetoric of hate and lies. His driving force is rooted in power and greed, and the hoped-for change of our democracy to that of a dictatorship. His repetitive and frightening anti-Constitution, racist preaching has influenced many folks who are vulnerable and troubled in our society. It is understandable that those of us who suffer difficulties would seek change. However, following Trump’s vicious self-serving ideas can only cause harm in the long run.

An inspirational lm to help end ALS … and for Sarah

HAUSMAN

Nothing raises this 99-year-old’s blood pressure more than when I hear sweeping generalizations. In particular I am disturbed by the phrase, “Those people are like that,”

Yet I must admit that I’m guilty of making generalizations when I lump together all who voted for Trump in the same category and mindset as Trumpites. One of my neighbors told me that she and her family have been Republicans, going back many generations. She said she voted for Trump only because he was a Republican. I’m sure she disapproves of his views since she has adopted a beautiful child from Africa.

We Americans are extremely fortunate to have the richness that diversity brings to our communities Without such diversity, our democracy would not be as strong. We need a system of gover nment that has honest and responsive leadership.

White supremacists cannot lead a nation that is free and inclusive. We have the awesome responsibility to vote and choose knowledgeable, experienced representatives … not indicted, racist felons! Let’s elect people of integrity who are truly representative of our multi-layered country.

The Statue of Liberty invites immigrants to our shores. Let’s act, and vote, in accordance with the inscription by poet, Emma Lazarus, “Give me your tired and poor, your huddled masses year ning to be free …”

Harriet Hausman, a longtime resident of River Forest, is, as far as we know, the oldest regular newspaper columnist in the United States, possibly the world.

At 6 p.m. on Oct. 8, the day of Chicago’s marathon, Oak Park’s Lake Theatre is showing Go On, Be Brave, a documentary that celebrates the story of Andrea Peet, a marathon veteran. It is a powerful message to raise awareness for ALS as well as a fundraiser to help end the disease.

Representatives of Andrea’s foundation have asked me to help promote the movie at The Lake because they know how much my wife Anne and our family and I appreciate the support we received, and continue to receive, from so many people in our communities and through Wednesday Journal.

Andrea was diagnosed with ALS in 2014 at the age of 33. In 2019, she set her mind to doing a marathon in all 50 states using her recumbent bike. She completed that goal in 2022. Visit youtube.com, then write in the subject box “drea peet canva” and click on “How Nonprofits Inspire” to see a video of Andrea so you can get a feeling for what remarkable people she and her husband David are. It is even better, I think, than the movie trailer for that purpose.

Our daughter Sarah also lived with ALS before her passing five years ago. I sent some questions to Andrea in preparing this piece and wondered if she had ever met Sarah. This is her response:

“I worshipped Sarah and got to meet her on a couple of occasions, including a trip to her house where I watched [her daughter] Scarlett make pink mudpies!”

In her final state of the fifty, Alaska, Andrea dedicated each mile to a member of the ALS community. Mile 10 was for Sarah.

After completing 50 states, Andrea still races. Why?

“Sarah was diagnosed about a year before me and I admired her immensely—her brilliance, her writing, her ability to make people understand and care about ALS was so inspiring to me as I figured out my own jour ney. Now I race for her and the other friends we’ve lost to this wretched disease. As long as I’m alive, my mission is to help fund treatments and research so that other families don’ t have to go through ALS.”

Andrea will not race in Chicago (they won’t allow her recumbent bike), but she will be at the Lake T heatre on the 8th. You can go to her website, www.teamdrea.org, and click on “Documentary” to buy tickets to the movie ($9 each) or click on “Donate.”

Joe and Ann Coglianese are longtime Oak Park residents and dedicated advocates for a cure for ALS.

OUR VIEWS

Vacant churches

There wasn’t a single good solution in the recent Oak Park Village Board debate over how to ease the reuse of vacant church buildings in the village. Everyone agrees that being pro-active, on what will inevitably be a growing issue, is wise.

Right now Oak Park has two vacant churches. Village officials say two other congregations have come forward and expressed worry over their viability. The issue is local and it is national as church attendance declines and churchgoers age.

Everyone agrees that expanding permitted uses of church buildings is essential. Reuse as apartments or condos is now approved. Also allowed will be fitness studios, art galleries or small performance venues. More active commercial uses—restaurants or breweries— would require zoning variances as many of the likely impacted church facilities sit in largely residential neighborhoods.

Where this gets complicated, of course, is parking. Turn a church into condos and you have an over night parking challenge. Convert a church at Adams and Scoville into a music venue and you potentially have crowds multiple nights a week.

The narrow decision of the village board last week was to follow a staff recommendation that would allow new uses while creating customized parking solutions to each situation driven by staff. Trustees critical of that choice also agreed that parking restrictions will need to be eased as potential uses are weighed. They wanted to hold back eased parking limits as a point of negotiation with potential developers.

Both are credible positions. Both reflect the need to plan for additional empty church buildings and reco gnize that, as always, parking will be complicated and imperfect

Pete’s and lost revenue

You know a municipality is about fed up with a development partner and its endless delays when board members begin to talk about the tax money that has been lost to those multiple construction extensions.

That conversation began last week at the Oak Park Village Board table when a representative of Pete’s Fresh Market hinted and dodged at the high likelihood that the family-owned grocery chain would ask for yet another extension on starting/finishing the grocery store, long promised for the cor ner of Madison Street and Oak Park Avenue.

The next extension to the planned development agreement between the village and Pete’s would be the sixth. It would take the completion date out a full year from now.

Eugene Grzynkowicz, Pete’s general contractor, again put the full blame for the perpetual delays solely on Com Ed, the utility which must move its electrical lines as the new project calls for closing Euclid Avenue at Madison.

Trustee Lucia Robinson started toting up lost sales and property taxes directly attributed to the delays. She said the store was estimated to generate more than a million dollars a year in local taxes. That is money lost, she said. And it does not reflect the various ways the village has already favored Pete’s with donation of land, underwriting soil remediation, and effectively paying to demolish a building on the site

We hope that Pete’s, largely tone deaf to date, is hearing the upset.

We see you out there, alone on the mound, head bowed, your confidence waning. But we also see your bravery in getting out there in the first place. And your determination to finish two very long innings of work.

So we have prepared the following instruction manual for 9-year-old youth baseball pitchers:

Just keep pitching KEN TRAINOR

First and foremost, nobody’s perfect. No one’s expecting you to throw a strike on every pitch. If you throw three strikes in a row, you’ll be voted into the 9-year-olds’ Hall of Fame.

All of us make er rors. You will make your share. It’s OK. Learn from it, then forget it. Remember what Coach Ted Lasso said to his players in a TV series you probably didn’t watch: Goldfish have only a 10-second memory. They just move on. Be a goldfish when you’re on the mound. Just keep pitching.

If you walk six batters in a row, try not to stress out. Take a couple of deep breaths. Take four if you need to. Then keep pitching.

If you plunk a batter on top his helmet, your tears are admirable. It reveals your compassion. But keep in mind that at the rate of speed your pitch was traveling, it probably would not have killed the fly sitting atop that batter’s helmet.

If a batter hits one of your pitches, that’s good. It means you threw a strike! It also gives the fielders a ball to chase, which means they won’t be so bored. It will also get the parents and grandparents on the sidelines very excited. They love it when something resembling real baseball takes place.

Whatever you do, do not look at the batter. He or she is irrelevant unless they’re standing on top of the plate. Hopefully a coach (or the umpire) will direct them to the nearest batter’s box.

Your job is not to pitch to the batter. Pitch to the catcher, the second most important person in the game besides you. Pitch-catch. Pitcher-catcher. Play catch with the catcher. Disregard the kid who happens to be in the batter’s box. Throw the ball to the catcher’s mitt, preferably across home plate, preferably without the catcher having to stand up and hold his mitt high over his head.

After every pitch (unless a batter hits it), the catcher throws the ball back to you. But catchers are at a severe disadvantage, lumbering around in all that gear, looking like a fully-armored medieval knight heading toward some poor horse that is his only hope of forward progress. He then launches a tentative toss toward the mound with very little conviction, which lands pre-

cisely 1 foot in front of your mitt and bounces past toward the shor tstop or second baseman who generally look astonished to see a ball trickling past them on the way toward the outfield grass. At least it gives them fielding practice. They then heave another leaden lob that bounces past the mound again. This happens four or five times before the ball finally reappears in your mitt. None of this is good for your concentration. So after each pitch, we advise walking toward the front of the mound to increase the likelihood that the catcher’s throw will reach your mitt on a fly. It’s more efficient and the walking will do you good.

No matter how many coaches call out wellintentioned directions, sometimes contradicting each other, don’ t let it confuse you. Just keep pitching.

Some of the coaches’ reminders are valuable. Think about what they said at the end of the inning. Overthinking on the mound leads to temporary physical paralysis in most 9-yearolds. Keep it simple: Throw to the catcher, over the plate if possible. And don’t forget that the shortest distance between you and the catcher is a line-drive, not a loopy lob.

If the ball is wet because the coaches insist on playing through the rain, or if it gets coated in dust during the dry summer heat, untuck your jersey and rub the ball clean so it doesn’t slip out of your grip, which might cause the batters to suffer flashback nightmares later.

Above all, do your best. And if you stick with it and work at it year by year, your best will get better.

Pitching is a stressful position. All eyes are on you. If you’re the type of kid who shrugs of f stress, it’s not a problem. If you’re the kind who doesn’t handle stress well, keep going back to the following basics:

No one’s perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. We love you anyway. Take deep breaths. Wipe the ball clean. Focus on the catcher. Don’t overthink. When you throw a bad pitch, be a goldfish. Just keep pitching. And most impor tant, keep in mind that no one is going to remember how you pitched when you were 9 years old. But we will remember how proud we were that you did.

Keep the previous paragraph on a piece of paper in your pocket. Pull it out and read it between pitches if you need to.

Then keep on pitching—for the rest of your life, even after you stop playing baseball.

WEDNESD AY JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor Erika Hobbs

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Senior Repor ter Stacey Sheridan

Sta Reporters Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Big Week Editor James Porter

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

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe, Tram Huynh

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

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

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Publisher Dan Haley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendorf

Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards

Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

About Viewpoints

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

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

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

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

■ 250-word limit

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

Pete’s silence is deafening

For the residents of the 400 block of south Euclid Avenue, the Pete’s project has been marred by disingenuous promises, inconsistent communication, and flat-out neglect, not only by Pete’s, but also the village of Oak Park. Pete’s motto appears to be that it’s easier to beg for forgiveness than to seek permission, and our residents have been living with the fallout from that flawed mantra for three years.

What be gan with an unannounced demolition, resulting in damage to owners’ units in our building has now become an endless waiting game, hoping that someone will pay the least bit of attention to our constantly neglected block.

We have not had our street consistently cleaned since its closing, and the traffic on Washington and Madison during rush hour has gotten worse. When this project began, we lost parking and beautiful trees that made our street unique and attractive. There are several condo buildings on our small stretch of a block, and we’ve had to explain to family, friends, and prospective home buyers why our once peaceful street has turned into an urban nightmare.

In March of 2023, we were told that cul-de-sac work would begin on our street in “late June or early

July.” September is nearly over, and … we are still waiting. While we all enjoy blaming ComEd as a convenient scapegoat, surely they are not responsible for the 6-month lack of communication or action to pay even a small shred of attention to the residents of our street, and the street itself.

We invite the village board members to pay a visit to the 400 block of South Euclid and take a look for yourselves. Your constituents would appreciate it.

Thank you to Wednesday Jour nal for your diligent re porting. We’re glad someone is paying attention.

Board members

The Majestic condo association Oak Park

Our work is not yet done

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

■ 500-word limit

■ One-sentence footnote about yourself, your connection to the topic

■ Signature details as at left

Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

HOW TO REACH US

ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

■ PHONE 708-524-8300

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

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

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

Let’s promote hope and connectedness. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Recent national polls indicate that 94% of adults believe suicide can be prevented. Unfortunately, we continue to see dramatic increases in the number of youth who need care. The latest stats are sobering: Almost 48,000 people died by suicide in 2021. That’s 1 death every 11 minutes. Twelve million adults thought about suicide and over 3 million made a plan.

Suicide is preventable. We are listening. As a behavioral health-care provider in the Chicago area, our team at Riveredge Hospital is dedicated to #BeThere during #SPM23 (Suicide Prevention Month 2023) in a manner that promotes connectedness and recovery. Culturally relevant mental health services, evidence-based treatments and support are available. We are listening—and we can help.

If you or someone you love is experiencing an emotional crisis or thoughts of suicide, confidential 24/7 assessments are available by contacting us directly:

■ Riveredge Hospital Assessment and Referral Depar tment at 708-209-4181

Or you may contact:

■ 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which provides 24/7, no-cost and confidential support for individuals in distress, including prevention and crisis resources. Text, chat or call tod ay. Trained crisis counselors are ready to serve.

■ The Veterans Crisis Line for U.S. Military Veterans, call 988, press 1.

■ Trevor Lifeline, the only national 24/7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth, at 1-866-488-7386.

We want our community to know we are in this together, and each of us has a role to play in suicide prevention throughout the year and especially in September.

#BeThere #SPM23

Allison Davenport CEO, managing director Ri veredge Hospital

NICK MCKELVE Y

Roosevelt Road needs more attention

Prior and subsequent to the next scheduled village board meeting (Oct. 10), there are two public hearings scheduled for the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, respectively. The subject matter of both hearings involves proposals to redevelop properties on Roosevelt Road.

T here has been public criticism (including my own) of the village ’s lack of attention to the development of Roosevelt Road. Giving credence to that criticism is the fact that the Roosevelt Road Corridor Plan on the village website is dated March 21, 2005.

If I’m correct, public notice of a hearing on the special use permit application must be mailed to the property owners within a certain circumference of the proposed car wash to be located at 6000-6020 Roosevelt Road. However, although the purpose of the hearing for the text amendment is specifically tailored for 6104 Roosevelt and its proposed use as an EV charging station/parking lot, no public notice is required for nearby property owners.

T he 2005 Roosevelt Road Cor ridor Plan recommends generally higher and better use of proper ties on that major street, highlighting the intersection with Austin as a “g atew ay” location. Also, the plan recommends significant redevelopment of the vacant lot at the NW cor ner of Roosevelt and Lyman. One has to wonder, if either the car wash or an EV recharging station is compliant with the plan and the highest and best use of either location.

It would be better if the village went beyond the public notice requirements of the Zoning Ordinance to publicize both public hearings.

Chris Donovan Oak Park

Two new additions boost area’s ‘ ne dining’

Note: I have no financial interest in the subjects of this submission, nor am I a personal friend of any of the owners.

While we’ve lost so many family-owned dining spots around here the last few years, we’ve also gained a few that, in the case to two new family-owned venues, have raised the ice cream and fried chicken scenes to new levels.

Let’s not kid ourselves, the Oak Park area has some of the best ice cream shops in Chicagoland. But Jennifer Wimmer’s new Sticks and Cones at 308 Madison St. ups the ante. It may have a lot to do with her importing “super-premium” ice cream from the legendary Chocolate Shoppe of Madison, Wisconsin.

And it may have a lot to do with her willingness to listen to customers. In addition to the usually available extraordinary “This $&@! Just Got Serious®” concoction of salted caramel ice cream brimming with rich sea salt fudge and salted cashews, she has been so kind as to fulfill customers’ requests for other unique flavors from The Chocolate Shoppe.

That led to Sticks and Cones recently offering the unimaginably scrumptious “Black Licorice” flavor as well as “Malt Amore” and “Caramel Apple Pie.” Sticks and Cones stocks about 10 flavors at a time plus pints of other flavors. With nearly 80 flavors available for them to

choose from, figure the flavors to rotate quite frequently.

It’s not all super-premium ice cream. They also offer Hawaiian-style shaved ice, as well as house-made bubble tea and cold-brew coffee confections. But it’s the extraordinary and unique ice cream flavors, accommodating staff, and responsive ownership that makes the difference.

Remember Big Guys at 7021 Roosevelt Road, across from the Jewel? Some of the finest burgers and sausages you’ve ever tasted originated there. Forced to close by the pandemic and Berwyn politics, owner Brendan O’Connor has resurrected the quality of Big Guys as Berwyn Chicken Company. Everybody I’ve run into who has dined there says it is the most delicious fried chicken they’ve ever tasted—even better than the top venues in the South. I’ve never liked chicken tenders, but as “Chicken Pier re,” they’re really something else. Also on the menu are fried shrimp and much more. But it is the fried chicken that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

New additions like Sticks and Cones and Berwyn Chicken Company keep the “fine dining” tradition at all price levels in the Oak Park area alive and well. Enjoy them while the weather is still so beautiful.

Dan Lauber River Forest

‘Rethinking whether the 6th oor is needed’

That tidbit from the article on converting a retail space on Lake Street near Harlem Avenue for a Holiday Inn Express in a recent Wednesday Jour nal is the essence of Oak Park’s persisting vertical development mojo. Wasn’t that for mer Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb’s mindset when he came to office over a decade ago? One need just look at the downtown sector to know he followed through on that plan.

One after another, several high-rises of up to 223 feet were built, along with the construction noise and dust. Progress! Each was opposed by many villagers as far as initial proposals for the sites of these buildings and their heights

There’s a current revolt against a proposed structure of several stories in the NE sector of our once sleepy, leafy cultural gem adjacent to Chicago’s wester n border. Low-key, comfy-and-cozy Oak Park. Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright once lived here early in the 20th century. Those were the great “horizontal” days of Lost Oak Park

That Oak Park is a very distant memory. It predates the early ’80s absurdity of converting some lengths of Lake and Marion streets into pedestrian malls. But the largely 20- to 40-somethings who populate the new high-rises can’t miss what they never knew once existed. Progress!

Get going, greener

“How far can you drive on a single charge?”

“How long does it take to charge?”

“Where do you charge?”

“What about long-distance travel?”

Get answers to these and other burning questions about electric vehicles (EVs) from local EV owners and check out their rides at Oak Park’s first-ever Green Transportation Rally. This celebration of emissions-free driving and active getting-around will also feature e-bikes and cargo bikes.

Organized by Oak Park Climate Action Network (OPCAN), the free Green Transportation Rally takes place on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Pilg rim Cong re gational Church parking lot, 460 Lake St.

If you can’t walk or bike there, park free at the Lake/Scoville garage Rain date: Oct. 15.

Wendy Greenhouse OPCAN member Oak Park

Currently, there’s an apartment building going up in place of the demolished Drechsler funeral home. It was also largely opposed as not fitting in with the nearby Carleton Hotel and other older structures. Was there a “rethinking” of a possible eighth floor? Or ninth? Opposed or not, it’s another new vertical addition to structures that are visually uninspiring. Progress! Upward and onward.

Given the number of dog owners in the village, maybe another, bigger, better dog park. No need to “rethink” the vertical limits for it. Arf arf. Sniff sniff

Joseph Harrington Oak Park

Beverly Anderson, 81 Piano teacher

Beverly S. Anderson, 81, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Sept. 22, 2023. Born in Midlothian, Illinois, on Nov. 25, 1941, she taught countless aspiring pianists in the cozy confines of her home. A lifetime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oak Park, she was the wife of the late Bradley E. Anderson; the sister-inlaw of Janice (Jerome) Niemiec; the aunt of Jorie (Scott) Siegwald and Julie (Timothy) Towster; and the great-aunt of Allison, Kyle, Matthew, Jack, and James.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 29 from 12 p.m. until the funeral service at 1 p.m. at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, followed by interment at Chapel Hill Gardens West.

Curtis Case Jr., 64 Community volunteer

Curtis Rodney Case Jr. (Casey), 64, died in his home on Sept. 12, 2023. Born in Oak Park, on Aug. 31, 1959, the son of Curtis R. Case Sr. and Phyllis Butler Case, he was a proud graduate of Fenwick High School. After graduation, he worked in advertising, marketing and sales and raised his family in Deerfield, where he coached his daughters’ soccer teams, was an active member of the Deerfield Optimist and Lions Clubs, and volunteered at Holy Cross Church. He enjoyed watching the Bears, playing sports, decorating for holidays, going to the movies, and supporting local events. He was a charming Irish-American, who was always found with a smile on his face.

Casey Case was a family man, who loved nothing more than spending time with his two daughters, Caitlin (Conor) Case Horan and Meaghan (Jeremy Castiglione) Case, as well as his two sisters, Mary (Robert) Case Gaskill and Collette (Antonio) Case Speratti. He will be greatly missed by his family, his many nieces and ne phews, and friends.

Memorial visitation will be held at 9 a.m.,

Friday, October 13 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 724 Elder Lane, Deerfield, IL 60015 where a memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m.

In memory of Casey, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association. Arrangements were handled by Zimmerman Harnett Funeral Home.

David Gregoire, 65 Enter tainer

David Phillip Gregoire, 65, of Oak Park, died peacefully of cancer at home on Sept. 12, 2023. He was born in 1958 in Kankakee, the son of Edward and Jeannette (Blanchette) Gregoire. Along with business partner Sarah Polarek, he had a long career as an entertainer and owner of Those Funny Little People, seen in Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and at Marshall Field’s as the Christmas Elves and Mistletoe Bear, on America’s Got Talent, on China’s Got Talent, and with worldwide travels for fairs, weddings and events.

He married his partner of 43 years, Je (Lyons) Gregoire, in 2022 in their garden courtyard. The couple enjoyed a shared passion for interior design and gardening and worked on many professional and personal projects together over the year He was an active member of St. Edmund Catholic Church, singing in the choir and as a cantor.

Dave was preceded in death by his pa ents and his sister, Carol Ann, and is survived by his husband, Jerry Gregoire, and his beloved dog, Hampton; his brother Clark (Sue) Gregoire and Daniel (Tracey) Gregoire; his sister, Chrissy (Kenny) O’Connell; and his aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Among the many blessings Dave and his husband hold dear is their faith, and the love of their expansive circle of friends.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Giles Catholic Church of Oak Park on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Howard Brown Health in Chicago would be appreciated.

Daniel Schlorf, 89 Lawyer and St. Edmund parishioner

Daniel K. Schlorf, 89, of Oak Park for merly of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, died on Sept. 16, 2023.

Born on May 2, 1934, he was a U.S. my veteran, a retired Marine lawr with Harte Law and a longtime parishioner at St. Edmund in Oak Pa

was the husband of the late Bette Wilson Schlorf (2020) and Nancy Enright Schlorf (2002); the father of Sharon (Thomas) Schlorf Laper and Kenneth Henry (Rebecca Brown) Schlorf; “Pa Dan” to T.J. and Lauren Laper, William, Dylan and Ryan Schlorf; brother of Denis, Kennita (Dennis) Sourile and the late Bonnie Hennessy; and the uncle and friend of many.

Arrangements were handled by Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park

Jim He ernan, 84 Civil rights supervisor, volunteer

James E. Heffe

nan, 84, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Aug. 31, 2023 after a long journey with Alzheimer’s. He was a member of Ascension Parish. Born on Feb. 10, 1939, in Chicago, to the late Margaret and grew up in Austin Parish School and later aduated from Quigley Prep Seminary. He furthered his education at Mundelein Colrsity. He dedicated his career to public service, working for S. Dept. of Education, Office of Civil Rights, as a supervisor. This work was his passion and mission.

A lifelong Cubs fan, after retirement he found his “dream job” working for the Chicago Cubs for two seasons. He also enjoyed volunteering at St. Leonard’s Ministry, Christ the King Jesuit High School, Hines VA, and as a Eucharistic minister.

He found working in the No Veteran Dies Alone program at Hines particularly satisfying. His strong faith guided him throughout his life.

Jim is survived by Linda (Freidheim) Heffernan, his wife of 52 years; their children, Christopher (Leah), David, and Katherine (Daniel) Hyde; his brother, Robert; and his grandchildren, Charles and Joseph Hyde. He was preceded in death by his brothers Richard and Edmond.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at Ascension Church on Sept. 30. The wake will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the service at 10:30.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Big Sisters of Chicago or the Alzheimer’s Association of Illinois.

Jack Righeimer, 85 Public a airs direc tor

Jack W. Righeimer, 85, of ver Forest died peacefully on Sept. 15, 2023. He graduated from Marquette University and earned a master’s de gree from Northern Illinois University. He produced and hosted one of the first PBS health-care programs called Consultation. He worked for the University of Illinois Medical Center for 20 years and retired as director of Public Affairs.

Jack was the husband of Lois “Jennie” Righeimer (nee Maupin); the father of Carolyn and Julie Righeimer; and brother of the late Robert J. Righeimer.

Visitation will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, Se pt. 30 at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 1530 Jackson Ave., River Forest, where a Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Memorials to Shriners Hospital for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are appreciated. Arrangements were handled by Zimmerman Harnett Funeral Home

To run an obituary

Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, or fax: 708/524-0447 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

PART-TIME

ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Experience or not. Retired person or person looking for extra cash

Call for more information.

Estimator sought by Blue Point Adjusting & Loss Management in Chicago, IL to prvd exprt advc for plcy hldrs rgdg loss & sbmt clms. Reqs BS any field. Mst hv perm auth to wrk in US. Snd rsm & cvr lttr to 5937 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60634

Financial Systems Analyst sought by Tennis Corporation of America in Chicago, IL to support evolution, dsgn, & support of EPM & ERP systems.

Reqs: BS or foreign equiv. in Comp Sci, Acctg, Finance, Info Systems, or a rltd field & 5 yrs exp in job offd or in rltd analyst role. Must possess exp w/adding value to operators using ERP systems such as Spectrum CSI, Workday, or Adaptive Planning; Office Connect & SQL; & etc. Telecommuting is permitted w/in commutable distance to the ofc. Apply: https:// careers.midtown.com/

PART-TIME CIVILIAN CALL TAKER FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Part-Time Civilian Information Management Call Taker. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), good verbal and written skills, working knowledge of the computer and Windows, ability to type accurately, a good working knowledge of the English language, the ability to treat customers and co-workers in a polite manner and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Data entry skills and experience answering telephones/operating a switchboard are preferred.

EVENING AND OVERNIGHT

HOURS ARE MANDATORY.

Open until filled. $18.25/hour. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@ forestpark.net.

POLICE RECORDS SUPERVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Supervisor in the Police Department. This position will manage, supervise, plan and coordinate the activities and operations of the Police Records Division Support Services Bureau, within the Police Department including records maintenance and management services; and coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https:// www.oakpark.us/yourgovernment/ human-resources-department First review of applications will be September 22, 2023.

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Service Officer in the Police Department. This position will perform a variety of public service, customer service and law enforcement related duties and responsibilities that do not require the services of a sworn police officer; and to perform a variety of administrative duties. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oak-park.us/your-government/human-resources-department. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

POLICE RECORDS CLERK

GARAGE/YARD SALES

FLEA MARKET BERWYN OUTDOOR FLEA MARKET & CRAFT FAIR TRINITY CHURCH

7022 RIVERSIDE DR. SAT. SEPT 30

9AM-2PM

708-484-1818 x3

BLOCK YARD SALE

1000-1050

S. HIGHLAND AVE, OAK PARK

SAT, SEPT 29

9AM-12NOON

Tons of great buys on clothes for all ages, toys, housewares, furniture, a/c unit, and collectibles. Many homes are participating! *please note there will be blockades on both ends of the block, you can park on nearby streets*

WANTED TO BUY

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

TOOLS WANTED:

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

SUBURBAN RENTALS

616 N. TAYLOR AVE., UNIT #2, OAK PARK, IL. OPEN HOUSE SUN OCT 1st � 12-3 PM OAK PARK RENTAL- $2200.00/mo

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/human-resources-department. 708-386-7355

Immediate Occupancy! Oct 1st or sooner. 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath 2 Flat-Second Floor Unit. New Stainless Appliances. Hardwood Floors. Beautiful Architectural features-Stained Glass windows. Builtin bookcases. Sunroom. Deck. Close to Train and expressway and Chicago. Quiet peaceful setting. Must See! No Pets. No Smoking. Tenant pays for electricity.

Appointments Call: Kathleen McCarthy, Broker • 630-420-0202

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

FLOORS

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Village of Riverside Open House Public Information Meeting Notice for Quincy Street Improvements (Central Business District Streetscape Improvement Project)

The Village of Riverside invites you to attend the Open House Public Information Meeting for the Phase I Engineering and Environmental Study for the proposed streetscape and resurfacing of Quincy Street from Riverside Road to the Central Business District Limits. The proposed improvements consist of streetscape and resurfacing of Quincy Street from Riverside Road to the Central Business District Limits. Additional improvements include curb bumpouts, curb and gutter modifications, decorative lighting, and sidewalk modifications. The purpose of this meeting is to present the proposed improvement plans and provide an opportunity for public comment. The details of the Open House Public Meeting are as follows:

Date: October 17, 2023

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Riverside Parks & Recreation Facility 43 E. Quincy St. Riverside, IL 60546

The meeting will be conducted in an open house format, meaning interested persons can attend at any time between 4pm and 6pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to view exhibits and submit comments. Village representatives and project consultants will be present to discuss the project and answer questions.

For additional information, please contact:

Ashley Monroe Assistant Village Manager Village of Riverside 27 Riverside Road Riverside, IL 60546 Phone: 708-447-2700

Published in RB Landmark September 27, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23011011 on September 20, 2023

Under the Assumed Business Name of GRATEFUL GOURMET TO GO with the business located at: 535 S HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: MARGARET A CVERCKO 535 S HARVEY AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304, USA

Published in Wednesday Journal September 27, October 4, 11 2023

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC. Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN OWNERS AND/OR LEGATEES OF BERNARD JOHN HESTER, DECEASED, DIANE MARIE HESTER, BERNARD FRANCIS HESTER, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR BERNARD JOHN HESTER, DECEASED, SANTA MARIA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, USAA FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants

2019 CH 11767 210 N. OAK PARK AVE., UNIT GGGAR OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 12, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 16, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 210 N. OAK PARK AVE., UNIT GG-GAR, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-212-0101108

The real estate is improved with a condominium.

The judgment amount was $185,329.09.

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

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

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

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driv-

er’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 21 8631.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

SALE

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

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

E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg. com

Attorney File No. 21 8631

Attorney Code. 40342

Case Number: 2019 CH 11767

TJSC#: 43-2878

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

Case # 2019 CH 11767 I3228658

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION THE MONEY SOURCE INC.; Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF GERZINE SPENCE AKA GERZINE L. SPENCE; KRAMER RESTORATION OF DUPAGE COUNTY LLC DBA PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION OF DUPAGE COUNTY; RONNEISHA JINKINS INDIVIDUALLY AND AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF GERZINE SPENCE AKA GERZINE L. SPENCE; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 4005

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, October 23, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-21-402-009-0000.

Commonly known as 1643 Manchester Avenue, Westchester, IL 60154.

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

For information call The Sales

Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 7182183141 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3229004

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CSMC 2018-RPL6 TRUST Plaintiff, -v.MELVIN E. KRUMDICK, DAVID E. GEE Defendants 2022 CH 10770 1178 S. ELMWOOD AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 11, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 12, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 1178 S. ELMWOOD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Property Index No. 16-18-429-013-

0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $151,871.10.

Sale terms: 100% of the bid amount shall be paid in certified funds immediately by the highest and best bidder at the conclusion of the sale. The certified check must be made payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF

POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact KELLEY, KRONENBERG, P.A. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 20 N. Clark St., Suite 1150, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 2168828. Please refer to file number M22365. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. KELLEY, KRONENBERG, P.A. 20 N. Clark St., Suite 1150 Chicago IL, 60602 312-216-8828

E-Mail: ileservice@kelleykronenberg. com

Attorney File No. M22365

Attorney Code. 49848

Case Number: 2022 CH 10770

TJSC#: 43-2893

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

Case # 2022 CH 10770

I3228527

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION MATRIX FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Plaintiff, -v.RONALD CAILLOUET, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF SUSAN L. CAILLOUET, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR SUSAN L. CAILLOUET A/K/A SUSAN CAILLOUET (DECEASED)

Defendants 2022 CH 04542 31 LE MOYNE PKWY OAK PARK, IL 60302

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 12, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 25, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 31 LE MOYNE PKWY, OAK PARK, IL 60302

Property Index No. 16-05-112-0070000

The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject

to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

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

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF

POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

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

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

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

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-22-09308

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2022 CH 04542

TJSC#: 43-2890

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt

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

Case # 2022 CH 04542

I3229738

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST;

Plaintiff, vs. ALAN SIMKOWSKI; AUSTIN BANK OF CHICAGO; KELLY SIMKOWSKI; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS;

Defendants, 22 CH 10656

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following de-

scribed mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-08-106-001-0000.

Commonly known as 330 N. Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302.

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

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

For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1496188556

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3229487