Wednesday Journal 100219 by Wednesday Journal

JOURNAL W E D N E S D A Y

October 2, 2019 Vol. 39, No. 9 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal

of Oak Park and River Forest

Friars vs Ignatius Page 37

District 90 strives for inclusion Gender Inclusion Committee works to realize equity By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter

Sixty percent of LGBTQ+ students report feeling unsafe in school because of their sexual orientation. That’s a statistic from a GLSEN 2017 National School Climate Survey, which sampled 23,000 students between the ages of 13 and 21 from around the country. River Forest District 90 Superintendent Edward Condon knows well that students don’t always feel accepted or valued. “There are so many ways in which students can feel excluded,” said Condon. “The work to prevent it will never be done, but we are always moving closer.” This work began in earnest in 2014 with the formation of District 90’s Inclusiveness Advisory Board, but prior to that, some LGBTQ+ students in D90 felt left out or undervalued. A group of D90 graduates from 2015 and 2016 reached out to Wednesday Journal with feelings that seem representative of those found in the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) study. Ana Shack, who graduated in 2015 from D90, felt at that time there was little to no support or education for LGBTQ+ students. “I am a bisexual alumnus who loved my time at Lincoln but would have benefited from more support,” she said in an email. “I struggled most with feeling like my identity did not really See INCLUSION on page 13

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

TORCH PASSED: Jay Readey, interim director of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, introduces the new permanent director, Athena Williams, during the center’s Annual Benefit Gala at the Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park on Sept. 26.

Housing Center appoints new director Athena Williams, West Side activist, takes helm, looks to modernize

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

During its annual benefit gala held Sept. 26 at the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., the Oak Park Regional Housing Center took a major step forward into the future while honoring its rich past. Jay Readey, the Housing Center’s interim executive director, announced that

Athena Williams, a program director with the nonprofit, would become the 47-yearold organization’s new permanent executive director. Williams and Readey also presented a strategic plan for the center that involves an effort to be more financially independent and more tech savvy. Williams, who lives on Chicago’s West Side, was previously an assistant to the late Rev. Lewis Flowers, of the Westside

Ministers Coalition. She also has experience as a Local School Council member in Chicago; as associate director of the Monroe Foundation, which provides homeownership services to people in Chicago and the suburbs; and as an administrative assistant to 37th Ward Ald. Emma Mitts. Williams has a bachelor’s degree from See HOUSING CENTER on page 13

! H S S W A E FL N You can get local news delivered right to your email in-box. Sign up for FREE at OakPark.com

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Forest Park Community Guide 20192020

A family-friendly race with community spirit. Walk, run or stroll, at your pace, with your favorite race-day companion. Strollers welcome. REGISTER TODAY

New! START TIMES

5K Walk $43 5K Run $48 10K Run $48 Youth Mile $33

10K starts at 8am 5K Run/Walk starts at 8:15am Youth Mile starts at 9:15am

Publishing in Forest Park Review on October 30th. Over 5,000 guides distributed to the homes and businesses of Forest Park.

FPAB2018_CV1.indd 1

10/23/18 1:28 PM

Ad Submission Deadline: October 11th • Garner year-round exposure to your business, heighten your name awareness and build your local brand. • Online edition available all year at forestparkreview.com • Complete listings of local schools, organizations, entertainment, village services and more. • Full color printed on high quality 8.5”x11” magazine format.

LOCATION: OPRF High School

WWW.FLWRACES.COM The Frank Lloyd Wright Races are made possible by our sponsors

P R ES E N T I N G S P O N S O R ®

YOUTH MILE SPONSOR

TRIPLE CROWN

Call Dawn Ferencak at 708-613-3329 or email: dawn@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

I N S I D E

R E P O R T

Courtesy Fenwick High School

Nationally commendable Earlier this year, Wednesday Journal published the names of National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s semifinalists at Fenwick and Oak Park and River Forest High School. Now we’re publishing the names of those students at both schools who were among the roughly 34,000 high school seniors in the nation who received letters of commendation from NMSC. The commended students ranked among the top 50,000 scorers on the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

The Fenwick students who earned letters of commendation are: Katherine Casagrande, Kaitlyn Cassidy, Nathan Crowell, Clark Davis, Michael Kapsch, Jordan Nigro, Joshua Richards, Margaret Scudder, Sebastian Torres and Grace Vomacka. The OPRF students who earned letters of commendation are: Nicholas Altier, Justin Banks, Brooke Bellmar, Monica Bradford, Ella Brown, Isabelle Carrillo, Meera Chambers, Aidan Chranko, Josephine Desir, Evelyn Drews, Aaron Freeman, Oliver Green, David Griffith, Nicholas Gupta, Maia Huang, Emily Ker-

History lesson

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

David Schwartz, left, shows the different Jewish children’s books to Adiv Glick, 2, on Wednesday, during a Rosh Hashanah story time at Oak Park Library’s Dole Branch on Augusta in Oak Park. The event was put on by the Temple Har Zion. stetter, Marissa Kuriakos, Hugh Lipic, Lia McGavin, Isabelle Meyer, Maximilian Meyer, Joshua Ogunsanya, Owen Osga, Simone Paul, Robert Pflederer, Maya Plotkin, Julian Rindler, Emma Roskopf, Jamal Sachleben, Michael

Sankowski, Justin Segawa, Matthew Shabino, Madeleine Share, Kai Tang, William Vejcik, Dylan Whitney, Anne Wollmuth, Alex Yuan, Ruth Zuraw, and Charlotte True.

Michael Romain

Skate fest raises more than $15,000

BOB UPHUES/Staff

Reminder If you’re wondering about all the purple ribbons in the downtown Oak Park business districts, they are a reminder that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, courtesy of Sarah’s Inn, which provides shelter and services to victims of domestic violence.

Skate Fest 2019, hosted at Ridgeland Commons Recreational Center, raised over $15,000 on Sept. 21 for two organizations that help aid the families of pediatric cancer survivors. Over 300 people showed up to the event. The idea for Skate Fest originated from the skating community wanting to celebrate longtime Ridgeland Common skater and Trinity sophomore Lily Scully-Granzeier. She had recently been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The event turned into a fundraiser for Wellness House and Thyca. Lily’s skating friends

performed her old solo routines, and she made a speech in front of the packed audience at the RCRC. “For our family personally, we feel buoyed by all of the love and encouragement,” said the Scully-Granzeier family in a statement to Wednesday Journal. “Having the event lifted Lily’s spirits and we hope the money raised will help two fabulous organizations continue their good work. We are profoundly grateful for everyone for coming and for being incredibly generous.”

James Kay

Wednesday Journal, September 25, 2019

The Amish Project Saturday, Oct. 5, 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 6, 3 p.m., Martin Recital Hall, Dominican University Conceived in the wake of the 2006 school shootings in a Pennsylvania Amish community, this fictional exploration of a real-life tragedy allows a glimpse into Amish culture and the true limits of compassion and forgiveness. This one-woman performance was a co-production between Oak Park Festival Theater and Pleasant Home in 2017 and returns for two nights only as a special benefit for Festival Theater. $50. Tickets: oakparkfestival.com, 708-4454440. 7900 Division St., River Forest.

Oktoberfest Sunday, Oct. 6, 4 to 7 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church Authentic German dinner, fresh-baked pretzels, beer/ wine, live oom-pah band and sing-along and more. Family-friendly event. $8 - $15, advance tickets; $10 - $20, at door; free, under age 5. Tickets/more: graceriverforest.org/resources/church-news/oktoberfest-ticketsare-available-online. 7300 Division St., River Forest.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Oak Park Fire Department Open House

“Plagued by Fire: The Dreams and Furies of Frank Lloyd Wright”

Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Fire Station It’s Fire Safety Month. Get up close to firefighting and emergency equipment, talk to firefighters and paramedics, take a tour and learn something new from safety presentations and handouts. All ages. 100 N. Euclid Ave.

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library

Trees Close Up

Hear author Paul Hendrickson talk about his new release. Book signing follows. Brought by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Reception Saturday, Oct. 5, 2 to 4 p.m., Main Library Meet Oak Park artist Barbara Rose and see her exhibit in the Art Gallery through Oct. 31. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

October 2 - 9

BIG WEEK Monte Carlo Masquerade

Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 to 10:30 p.m., Taureaux Tavern Attend a casino night to benefit Housing Forward. Includes appetizers, cash bar and gambling “money” to wager at the roulette wheel and blackjack, poker, and craps tables. Masquerade ball attire optional. $75. Tickets/more: housingforward.org/events. 155 W. Van Buren St., Chicago.

Women in Music: American Lyric Soprano Susan Nelson Monday, Oct. 7, 1:15 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club Nelson and Macedonia pianist/composer Natasha Stojanovska present works of women composers, including music from the classical tradition, the lyric theater and original compositions by Stojanovska. $15, requested donation. More: 708-386.2729, nineteenthcentury.org. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

Restorative Community Practices: Building Stronger Families, Schools, and Communities Conference This conference expands on last year’s Restorative Justice Conference. Register for one or more days: oppl.org/restorative. Friday, Oct. 4, 6 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library On Day 1, the focus will be on building restorative practices to strengthen families with children. Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library On Day 2, learn how restorative practices can promote a safe learning environment in schools. Sunday, Oct. 6, 1 to 6 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library On Day 3, the focus will be on community, including learning about restorative approaches and strategies the library uses as it strives to make the community the center of everything it does. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Suicide, a Health Crisis Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library Learn about this important topic and the tools that are available to make the most important difference and possibly save someone’s life. Presented by John Meister, executive director, Thrive Counseling Center. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Peace Vigil to End Gun Violence Sunday, Oct. 6, 7 to 8 p.m., Front Steps, First United Church of Oak Park Join in a peace vigil to pray for the end of hate and for peace in our nation and world. 848 Lake St., Oak Park.

Medicare for all: What does it mean? Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to noon, Fox Park Center Hear from a panel of medical professionals how Medicare for All would work for both providers and consumers. Brought by Indivisible Oak Park Area and Democratic Party of Oak Park. 624 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.

Wednesday Journal, September 25, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

ART BEAT

Various versions of the vision By MICHELLE DYBAL

“Rachmaninoff is a real crowd pleaser,” Friedman said. “But it’s a huge undertaking for any orchestra because they are two his season, the Symphony of Oak Park major works of the Romantic period. We’ve & River Forest invites everyone to Be played some very technically challenging a Part of the Vision, the theme for a works in the past. Having both on the same series of five concerts. While four are program is a lot.” performed at Concordia University While Leehey said audiences will be familChicago, River Forest, one, with multiple iar with the pieces at most concerts, that is • • An International Baccalaureate choruses, will be performed at Symphony not true of all their concerts. At the RomanAn International Baccalaureate School 25 years years • World An Baccalaureate Center, home to the Chicago Symphony Or- tic Vision concert on Dec. 1, the featured WorldInternational School for for 25 chestra (CSO). • Amazon Future Engineer Partner World School for 25 years • Amazon Future Engineer Partner works are by Rheinberger and Bruckner. College Acceptance College Acceptance Jay Friedman, the symphony’s music di•• 44 Math Courses In Rheinberger’s Organ Concerto No. 2, 44 Math & & Science Science Amazon Future Courses Engineer Partner rector, said they College Acceptance Melody Turn• 31 Fine Arts Courses • 31 Fine Arts Courses need a perfor• 44 Math & Science Courses er, a longtime in college scholarships in college scholarshipswas was mance space • • Transportation Options Available Available Transportation Options violinist with • 31 Fine Arts Courses awarded to to the class awarded the classofof2019. 2019. that can accomthe symphony, in college scholarships was Girls 100% Opportunity 100% Girls = 100% Opportunity modate the size •100% Transportation Options Available will showcase of the chorus awarded to the class of 2019. her abilities on — as many as another instru350 voices — for OPEN HOUSE ENTRANCE EXAM OPEN HOUSE ENTRANCE EXAM ment — she is their April conSunday, October 13th Saturday, December 7th, Sunday, October 13th Saturday, December 7th,8AM 8AM the featured or(noon - last tour leaves 1PM) Registration for for the cert, Musical Vi(noon - last tour leaves at at 1PM) Registration the exam examopens openson onNovember November2222 gan soloist. www.trinityhs.org/register. Tuesday, November 5th sionaries. www.trinityhs.org/register. OPEN HOUSE ENTRANCE EXAM Tuesday, November 5th (6:30PM - last tour leaves 7:30PM) The Bruckner “That’s the (6:30PM - last tour leaves atat 7:30PM) Sunday, October 13th Saturday, December 7th, 8AM Symphony No. 3 jewel of Chicago (noon - last tour leaves at 1PM) SHADOW AT TRINITY! Registration for the exam opens on November 22 SHADOW AT TRINITY! Photo Provided gives the symas far as symSpend the day with us! See what life is like as a Trinity Blazer. Call 708.453.8343 to schedule your visit. www.trinityhs.org/register. Spend the day with us! See what life is like as a Trinity Blazer. Call 708.453.8343 to schedule your visit. Tuesday, November 5th phonic music is The Symphony of OP&RF at Symphony Hall in Chicago. phony a chance (6:30PM - last tour 7:30PM) 7 5 7leaves 4 We sat t D i v i s i o n , R i v e r F o r e s t w w w. t r i n i t y h s . o r g / b e a b l a z e r to perform concerned,” said 7 5 7 4 We s t D i v i s i o n , R i v e r F o r e s t w w w. t r i n i t y h s . o r g / b e a b l a z e r something comFriedman, who SHADOW AT TRINITY! Untitled-4 1 9/23/2019 9:26:25 AM has been playing trombone at Symphony pletely different from the RachmaninoffSpend Untitled-4 1 with us! See what life is like as a Trinity Blazer. Call 708.453.8343 9/23/2019 9:26:25 AM the day to schedule your visit. Center with the CSO for 57 years and has concert. “The sounds the orchestra needs to probeen principal trombone since 1965. “The 7 5 7 4 We s t D i v i s i o n , R i v e r F o r e s t w w w. t r i n i t y h s . o r g / b e a b l a z e r venue adds importance to the concert be- duce are more subtle, less emotional, leaner, cause it’s home to one of the world’s great- more pure, a finer texture, less over-the-top,Untitled-4 1 9/23/2019 9:26:25 AM est orchestras.” but beautiful,” Friedman said. The Symphony of OP&RF season opens Musical Visionaries, performed at the this Sunday with a Rachmaninoff concert CSO’s Symphony Center, featured compostitled, The Vision Begins. Featured guest is ers Richard Wagner and Berlioz were conpiano virtuoso John Bitoy III, who grew up sidered avant-garde composers at the time, in Oak Park and now teaches piano in For- Leehey said. Berlioz’s Te Deum is rarely est Park at Gasse School of Music. performed. And excerpts from Wagner’s Lo“We have people contacting us all the time hengrin, such as “The Bridal Chorus,” will who want to perform with us; they’re from sound like audiences have never heard them all over the place,” said David Leehey, board before, according to Friedman. president and pianist with the symphony. In May, two members of the CSO join the “But I really like to have local musicians.” symphony at the Double Vision concert — Bitoy, who began taking lessons at age 9 Stephanie Jeong on violin and Katinka Kleiwhen his aunt gave him an electric piano, jn on cello, playing Brahms’ Double Concerto first saw the Symphony of OP&RF while for Violin and Cello. in high school. They were playing RachFriedman invites one or two CSO musimaninoff ’s Paganini Variations. cians each season to play with the Sym“I remember thinking it would be so cool phony of OP&RF and said, “A lot like to play to solo with you guys,” he said. Now, at age 24, he is playing Rach- solos with us.” The symphony also has a vision when it maninoff ’s Piano Concerto No. 2, along with comes to supporting fellow nonprofit orgaone of the nation’s oldest community ornizations — they will be collecting donachestras, founded in 1931. Do Good. Feel Good. All proceeds from the Frank Lloyd Wright Races will go to the Park District tions at every concert for the second season. “I first discovered this piece when I was Scholarship Fund which helps Oak Park residents in need pay for programs, classes and more. See “The Vision Begins,” Sunday, Oct. 6, 4 11 or 12,” Bitoy said. “I wasn’t ready to play it entirely, but I remembered I learned the p.m., Chapel, Concordia University Chicago. first page, and I would play it over and over Preconcert conversation at 3 p.m. $28, adPRESENTING SPONSOR and over, and it was my favorite thing ever. vance; $30, at the door; free, students through YOUTH MILE SPONSOR This is like my dream to play [this piece college. Bring a donation for Beyond Hunger TRIPLE CROWN (formerly OP-RF Food Pantry). Tickets/seawith the orchestra].” The other piece being performed Sunday son subscription/more: symphonyoprf.org. is Rachmaninoff ’s Symphony No. 2. 1124 Bonnie Brae Place, River Forest.

Contributing Reporter

100% 100% 100%

$23.5 $23.5Million Million

$23.5 Million

BEAATRINITY TRINITY BLAZER! BE 100% BLAZER! Girls = 100% Opportunity

BE A TRINITY BLAZER!

Youth Mile Ages 7-14

Need more challenge? Join the grown-ups for the 5K or 10K!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW at WWW.FLWRACES.COM ®

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Dye Hard Yarns moves to Arts District

Bigger space allows for expanded classes and a dye studio STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Boutique fiber arts and knitting supply store Dye Hard Yarns closed shop at its Westgate location to move to a larger space in the heart of the Oak Park Arts District. The new spot on Harrison Street, conveniently situated across from Buzz Café, will have a studio complete with sink, tables, space for pots and pans, and one or two large steam cabinets for indie artists to dye their yarns. “Indie dyers are very small, typically oneperson operations,” said Dye Hard Yarns owner Chastity Dunlap, an indie dyer. “We don’t start with studio space; we start with our basement or our garage, whatever little space you have that you can carve out so you can dye.” Dunlap sells her own hand-dyed yarns in the store under the name Kitty Pride Fibers. “Having a dedicated studio space where you can come and dye is a godsend,” she said. To use the studio, indie dyers pay a small membership fee. Dunlap has yet to decide pricing, but the fee will be small enough to ensure indie dyers can make a profit. They will also be able to purchase yarns at wholesale cost through Dunlap and sell their wares at Dye Hard Yarns.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

INDIE DYER: Chastity Dunlap, owner of Dye Hard Yarns, outside of her new storefront on Harrison Street in the Oak Park Arts District. Dunlap also teaches dying classes, typically with 4-6 people per class, so each student gets an individualized, one-on-one experience. She intends to expand the array of classes offered by bringing in guest instructors to teach other fiber arts, such as crochet, macramé and knitting.

“Knitting is so relaxing and it’s such a wonderful experience to share with other people, to just be around other people,” Dunlap said. She wants to create a welcoming, supportive community within the store that promotes diversity, intersectionality and

inclusion of all people. Allegations arose in 2019 of white supremacy and racism in the fiber arts community on Instagram and knitting websites. The problem became so severe and so unignorable, that Ravelry, a hugely popular social network dedicated purely to fiber arts, imposed a ban on designs and posts supportive of the Trump administration. The policy reads, “Support of the Trump administration is undeniably support for white supremacy.” At Dye Hard Yarns there is no place for bigotry or intolerance. “I stand for a safe space and welcome space for everybody,” said Dunlap. “It doesn’t matter if they’re a person of color, not a person of color, disabled, not disabled, sexuality — none of that matters. You are welcome here.” Dye Hard Yarns also invites people of all ages. Dye Hard Yarns hosts “Fiber Fun Nights” on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. wherein people of all skill levels and backgrounds can come and work on projects and chat with each other about current events, politics, work and more. Last Wednesday, Dye Hard Yarns hosted its final “Fiber Fun Night” at the Westgate location. Although Dunlap has yet to determine when the new Dye Hard Yarns will officially open its doors for business, she is “absolutely thrilled’ about the move to Harrison St. “I can’t wait to put down roots and become a part of the Arts District,” she said. “I know my customers will love the new location just as much as I do.”

OPRF investigating teacher placed on leave Oak Park police also contacted as rumors of misconduct spread online and in hallways

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 officials are investigating a teacher who was placed on a leave of absence. In an internal email sent to faculty and staff on Sept. 25, D200 Superintendent Joylynn Pruitt-Adams said that school officials “are taking all appropriate steps to investigate allegations and ensure the safety of all of our students.” When contacted on Sept. 26, Oak Park Police Chief LaDon Reynolds confirmed that his department has been communicating with D200 officials about the investigation. “The department is aware of the situation and are in contact with school district officials,” Reynolds explained in an email statement. “We have no further information to share.” Pruitt-Adams did not reveal the nature of the investigation, but explained that the district “is legally restricted from sharing

more information” before instructing school employees to “refrain from engaging in any discussion about this topic” in order to blunt the spread of “rumors and gossip.” The email instructs faculty and staff to refer to a counselor or social worker any student who wants to talk about the undisclosed situation. When approached by adults who want to talk about the situation, faculty and staff should respond: “This really is not an appropriate topic of conversation. Let’s change the subject,” according to the email. Despite measures taken by district officials to contain the rumors, gossip and innuendo circulating around the investigation, at least three OPRF parents interviewed by Wednesday Journal said that the situation that the district is legally restricted from talking about is an allegation of inappropriate conduct between a teacher and a student at the high school. Most parents interviewed requested

anonymity in order to talk freely about the situation. They said that the allegations of misconduct are an open secret at the high school and that many students know the teacher and the student at the center of the allegations. The chatter surrounding the allegations has also been rampant on social media. On Sept. 25, the administrators of the closed Facebook group OPRF High School Parents were driven to close down any comments related to the matter. “We want to thank those of you who have reached out about a terrible situation involving an OPRF teacher and a student,” the statement reads. “The admins have discussed at length and have come [to] the conclusion that this page is not the place to discuss this incident. We want to show respect for the innocent young person involved in this, and don’t want to take the risk of someone disclosing private information, or worse, passing along

unfounded gossip. We urge you to reach out directly to OPRF administration and ask for answers.” On Sept. 25, Pruitt-Adams sent an email to OPRF families encouraging them “to refrain from contributing to speculation and hearsay.” Sheela Raja, a clinical psychologist and the parent of a junior at OPRF, said that she understands the district’s legal restrictions and acknowledges that not much is known about the matter beyond hearsay and speculation; nonetheless, Raja added, she’s disappointed with how the district has handled the incident. “This was an opportunity to have greater dialogue,” Raja said. “This was a teaching moment that we missed. Regardless of the outcome of the specific situation, we can use this as a springboard to have discussions and teaching moments that are general in nature.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Proposed agenda change causes minor board flap Trustee Boutet suggests moving publication date to Tuesdays

STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

A seemingly simple proposal to move the publication date of Oak Park Village Board meeting agendas up from Thursdays to Tuesdays met with contention from Trustee Deno Andrews and Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb at a special meeting, Sept. 23. Trustee Simone Boutet proposed making upcoming meeting agendas available to the public two days sooner, saying, “People in the community are still advocating that our agenda go out earlier.” Boutet said she didn’t see any harm in publishing a preliminary agenda to the public prior to the usual Thursday publication date. “When you talk about the public, you’re talking about one person or two people,” Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb said. Boutet asked Abu-Taleb what he meant, to which he replied with slight incredulity, “The whole community wants us to publish the agenda on Tuesdays?” “People generally …” Boutet began, then the mayor interjected, “The whole community wants to do that?” “People generally talk about wanting to

have our information a little bit earlier,” Boutet said. Trustee Deno Andrews disagreed, saying, “To be honest, in two years, I’ve never had a single person tell me they want the agenda earlier.” When Boutet asked what’s the harm in publishing sooner, Andrews countered with, “It’s not that there’s harm. It’s just, let’s not say we speak for the community because none of us really do.” “OK, so forgetting the public, I’m just saying …,” Boutet began again. “It’s not forgetting. But see, you’re putting words in my mouth now,” Andrews said, adding that, though he agreed with a need for greater board transparency, he did not see the necessity in publishing the agenda sooner. The proposed change in publication date, Boutet said, is for the people who want to know what’s coming up. “But shouldn’t we know what it entails to do that?” asked Andrews. “That means all the staff work is going to have to be the week before.” Boutet said no additional preparation on the part of village staff corresponded with bumping up the publication date by two

days. The only extra work involved in publishing earlier is the press of a button in their computer system, she said, changing the mode from private to public. Trustee Susan Buchanan showed some support for Boutet’s idea, saying, “There are residents and commissions who plan their next Monday evening based on when their issue is coming up. When they find out Friday and they have to arrange child care or something, giving them a heads-up just seems worthwhile.” Andrews voiced concern that if the board made the agenda available to the public on Tuesdays, and then removed an item, they run the risk of having people show up to meetings unaware that their item had been pulled. Boutet said that wouldn’t happen. Buchanan said she worried about the confusion that a Tuesday agenda may cause the community. She suggested a preliminary agenda be made public on Tuesdays and a finalized agenda on Thursdays. The Mayor saw no reason to make any changes. “I don’t know why we would change things that are working because one person talked to you about it,” he said to Boutet. She said that when she was elected, the

community had repeatedly asked to put meeting information out sooner. “So it’s about whether we’re here for the people …,” Boutet began. Andrews interrupted, “What does that mean, Simone? That’s nonsense. It sounds great on a motivational poster; it’s not policy.” “It’s not nonsense,” Boutet replied. “It’s about giving people the time to prepare, to know what’s on our agenda.” “It’s plenty of time! I haven’t heard one complaint,” Andrews countered. This prompted an outburst from audience member Joshua Klayman, “You haven’t been listening, Deno!” Klayman said, as he stormed out of the room. Klayman, founder of the Oak Park community group VOICE, spoke earlier at the meeting. He also ran for trustee this past spring. Boutet said she didn’t understand why the proposed change was so controversial. To which Andrews, replied, “It’s not controversial. It’s busy work because there’s not a problem.” He added, “I’m still here for the people and the children.” The deciding vote came down to Trustee James Taglia, who saw no need to change the publication date.

Free screenings

Rush Oak Park Hospital

Community Health & Wellness Fair Friday, Oct. 4 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex 415 Lake St., Oak Park

• • • •

Blood pressure Body mass index Bone density Cholesterol* (fasting required)

• • • •

Depression Diabetic foot screening Flu shot* (while supplies last) Glucose*

Free consultations • Ask a doctor: 10 minute appointment with a Rush Oak Park Physician Group doctor.

Free fun and food • Exercise demonstration/class (if you’d like to participate, wear comfortable clothing)

Fit for Life: 8 - 9 a.m. • Enter to win raffle prizes • A light breakfast will be served

*Register in advance by calling (708) 660-4636, or visit roph.org/calendar to register online.

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Policymakers talk county’s progress on justice

Panel discussion confronts some difficult truths about reform By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

A group of area policymakers gathered last month at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., to provide a bird’s eye summary of Cook County’s progress on criminal justice reform. The Sept. 18 panel discussion and subsequent Q&A was hosted by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park-River Forest. Michelle Mbekeani, an Oak Park Township trustee and juvenile justice policy advisor for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, said the office has focused on tackling the mass incarceration of black and brown people in the county. “What doesn’t equate to a safe and thriving community is the mass incarceration of a population that is predominantly black and brown,” Mbekeani said. “That is why this office has been vocal and transparent about the racial disparities that exist within our criminal justice system with our data portal.” Mbekeani said the data portal provides access to every felony case since 2011. More than

350,000 felony offenders are now able that money is not a factor in who to access information about how the is locked up and who is free while state prosecuted their cases. The awaiting trial,” Grace said. state’s attorney is the only prosecuBen Ruddell, director of Ameritor’s office in the country to have can Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) implemented the technology, she Illinois, introduced perhaps the said, adding that the State’s Attormost radical idea of the night ney’s Office is also creating a data when he said the main driver of system that will facilitate a process mass incarceration is excessively of record clearance for marijuana long prison sentences — even for convictions “that will require no acviolent offenders. tion from the individual.” “There’s no way out of mass Sharlyn Grace, executive direcincarceration without reckontor of the Chicago Community ing with the issue of violence,” Bond Fund, a nonprofit that covhe said, adding that most of the ers bond for people waiting for crimes related to long prison sentheir cases to resolve and who tences are violent crimes. can’t afford it. Grace said that in “It’s politically difficult to talk to the last three years, the fund has legislators about the fact that people paid more than $1 million in bond SHARLYN GRACE who commit murder and rape and payments to free 250 people. Executive director of the Chi- acts we all agree are abhorrent and “More than 60,000 people are cago Community Bond Fund need to be dealt with and punished being admitted to Cook County — the sentences are too long for Jail every year,” said Grace, addthose crimes,” Ruddell said. “Legising that the fund’s relatively small lators aren’t excited about hearing impact compared to the population of people that or voting for bills to rectify that, but it’s the in jail is one reason why the organization truth. And if we’re ever going to get our arms doesn’t believe private philanthropy is the around this problem, everybody needs to unanswer to the county’s bail problem. derstand that that’s the score.” “We need to change state law and local Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnpractices in the way our courts operate, so son (1st) mentioned his sponsorship of an or-

“We need to change state law and local practices in the way our courts operate, so that money is not a factor in who is locked up and who is free while awaiting trial.”

dinance that moved to eliminate the county’s gang database, which was “loaded with individuals who no one knew how they got on the list and it wasn’t securing safety in communities.” Johnson also noted his sponsorship of a Just Housing Ordinance designed to end housing discrimination for people with criminal records and his vote against a $16 million appropriation for the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office to acquire Tasers. “A Taser is not de-escalation. That’s a weapon,” Johnson said, lambasting the fact that “we can find $16 million for Tasers, but we cannot find the resources to improve the quality of life for individuals.” The progressive policymaker’s predicament, the commissioner said, is always a factor in the difficult, age-old effort to roll back harmful, reactionary injustices. “There is this reaction from a meaningful ideology in our country that overreacts when it comes to conditions that, in many cases, the government is responsible for making as harmful and as damaging as they are,” Johnson said. “It’s difficult to advocate when you are blaming the system you are also trying to hold accountable to make right on what it’s done wrong. It’s a very complicated position as an organizer, a teacher and an elected official. … It’s a difficult conversation, but it’s worth having.”

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Physical therapist calls for more accessible playgrounds Oak Parker says parks have inclusive features, but could do better

opmental issues. “Children who have developmental differences, or cognitive differences, or anxiety —some have a tendency to go into fight or flight [when stressed],” Siegel said. In other words, they are more likely to simply run off, or chase after a ball someBy IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter body else is playing with nearby. Alternatively, they might have trouble playing with Haviva Siegel, an Oak Park pediatric other kids and would rather spend time physical therapist, gives the Park District of alone around the playground perimeter. Oak Park a lot of credit for making some of Siegel used Longfellow Park playground its playgrounds accessible to kids with dis- as an example of a park that already does abilities. But she believes that the park dis- many things right. The main play structrict could do more. ture has a subtle ramp running between the A PORTRAIT IN STORY, MUSIC She made her case during Park District slides, bars along the railings that kids with of Oak Park Board of Commissioners’ Sept. mobility issues can grab to stay upright, and S TI O E A P O R T R A I T I NA SPTO O RR T YR , A MIUT SII N C & MR AY G,E M U S I C & I M A G 19 meeting. As Siegel elaborated in a follow- one of the swings is deliberately designed to SATOR up interview with the Journal, she was make it easier for kids in wheelchairs can Paolo SATOR DUO SATOR DUO specifically looking to ensure get on. And it helps that those Paolo Castellani, VIOLIN France Paolo Castellani, VIOLIN A P O R T R are A I T“inclusive.” I N S T O R Y , M U S I C A& PI O M RATGREA I T I N S T O R Y , M U S I C & I M A G E that playground fits the needs improvements Francesco Di Giandomen Francesco Di Giandomenico, GUITAR Luca T of kids with mobility issues, as When the Journal visited Luca Tironzelli, ACTOR Luca Tironzelli, ACTOR SATOR DUO well as kids with developmental SATOR DUO the park, she pointed out that Tim Le Tim Leeming, ORIGINAL ARTVIOLIN Paolo Castellani, VIOLIN Tim Leeming, ORIGINAL A Paolo Castellani, and behavioral disorders. While it wasn’t just the kids in wheelFrancesco Di Giandomenico, GUITAR Robert Hutmacher, OFM, MUSIC and SCRIPT Francesco Di Giandomenico, GUITAR Rober Robert Hutmacher, OFM, playgrounds, she said, already chairs who used the accessible Luca Tironzelli, ACTOR Luca Tironzelli, ACTOR have a lot of accessible features, swing, and kids who Tickets didn’t need $25.00 at Eventbrite.com or Tim Leeming, ORIGINAL ART Only at the Door Tickets $25.00 at Cash Eventbrite.com or Cash Only ORIGINAL at the Door Tim Leeming, ART it wouldn’t take much to build bars to stay upright Produced could byplay Chiesa Nuova of Chicago, a Franciscan Ministry for the Performing Arts Robert Hutmacher, OFM, MUSIC and SCRIPT Produced by Chiesa Nuova of Chicago, a Franciscan Ministry for the Performing Arts upon that. Robert Hutmacher, OFM, MUSIC and SCRIPT Produced by Chiesa Nuova of Chicago, a Franciscan Ministry for the Performing Arts on them in other ways. A PORTRAIT IN STORY, MUSIC & IMAGE Siegel said that she didn’t asked for examples of Tickets $25.00When at Eventbrite.com or Cash Only$25.00 at the Door Tickets at Eventbrite.com or Cash Only at the Door have all the answers, which is SATOR DUO kind of changes Produced by Chiesa Nuovawhat of Chicago, a Franciscan Ministry she for thewants Performing Arts by Chiesa Nuova of Chicago, a Franciscan Ministry for the Performing Arts Produced why she was asking for a diaPaolo Castellani, VIOLIN to see, Siegel suggested adding Francesco Di Giandomenico, GUITAR logue. Both the board and the fencing around the playground Luca Tironzelli, ACTOR staff seemed receptive, and and using sandboxes -- the forTim Leeming, ORIGINAL ART she said she was hopeful that mer to make sure kids don’t Robert Hutmacher, OFM, MUSIC and SCRIPT dialogue would continue. Given stray and the latter because she how much money the district Tickets $25.00 at Eventbrite.com or Cash Only at the Door saw it as a better, more inclusive spends on park renovations, she Produced by Chiesa Nuova of Chicago, a Franciscan Ministry for the Performing Arts alternative to woodchips. And said, it only made sense to try to she specifically wanted to focus get the best possible results. on parks that the park district Siegel is an Oak Parker heris planning to renovate, such as HAVIVA SIEGEL self, and her practice, Bee Jay Friedman, Conductor Rehm Park. Oak Park pediatric Loved Kids Therapy, takes her Siegel said that there were physical therapist all across the region. As she explenty of specialists who would plained to the board, she works be willing and able to help the with families with kids that Concordia University Chapel park district improve the dehave “physical, emotional [and] RACHMANINOFF signs. social/emotional development challenges.” “There’s tons of child development spePiano Concerto No. 2 As part of her work, she takes kids to play John Bitoy III, soloist grounds -- so she got a first-hand look at both cialists [in Oak Park], so I think that if people put their heads together, we can make an their strengths and shortcomings. RACHMANINOFF Siegel told the Journal she was specifical- award-winning [playground],” she said. Symphony No. 2 The park board showed willingness to at John Bitoy III ly thinking of several different populations. There are those who use wheelchairs, walk- least talk to Siegel in more detail. Board ers and other mobility devices, but there are Vice President David Wick invited Siegel to Pre-Concert Conversation at 3pm with David Leehey. Free reception after concert others with less obvious disabilities, such as reach out to him by e-mail. Chris Lindgren, Free parking in the garage located at 1124 N. Bonnie Brae Place (one block west of developmental coordination disorder, which who serves as the park district’s superintenHarlem Avenue between Division and Thomas Streets) in River Forest. Chapel just is also known as dyspraxia, where kids have dent of buildings and grounds and its Amerwest of garage exit. trouble moving around the way they are icans with Disabilities Act coordinator, FlexTix subscriptions $96 for our four-concert series online ($100 when purchased supposed to once they reach a certain age spoke to Siegel at length after the meeting. on concert day at our box office). Single tickets $28 online ($30 at the door). After the meeting, she said that she was range. Students thru college attend our River Forest concerts free of charge. Tickets and “Three year olds should be able to climb hopeful subscriptions are available thru our website SymphonyOPRF.org and also at the “I have been wanting to try to talk and get stairs [but] they might be crawling,” Siegel door on concert day. Email TheSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com or call 708-218-2648 said. “They might not start jumping until the conversation going for a while,” Siegel said. “I think there’s brilliance in this com[they’re] 3.” for more information. Please bring items for Beyond Hunger (formerly known as the There also are kids on the autism spec- munity and we need to take advantage of OPRF Food Pantry). trum as well as those born with some devel- this capacity.”

OCTOBER

MESSENGER OF PEACE

OCTOBER

Tickets $25.00 at Eventbrite.com or Cash Only at the D

OCTOBER

“There’s tons of child development specialists [in Oak Park], so I think that if people put their heads together, we can make an award-winning [playground].”

OCTOBER

October 16 Ascension Catholic Church Oak Park, 7p

The Vision Begins Sunday, October 6th 4pm

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

To make an appointment, please call 833-252-0563 today or visit westsubmc.com to learn more.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

St. Vincent parents lead ‘plarn’ project Parents and students make ‘plastic yarn’ mats for the homeless

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

As the rain poured down on Sept. 27, several dozen students and parents gathered inside St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Elementary School, 1515 Lathrop Ave. in River Forest, to make plarn mats. “It’s plastic yarn,” said Natalia Barrera, president of the school’s Parents Club, during last week’s gathering. Barrera said students at St. Vincent volunteered to collect 5,200 plastic bags starting in May. Last week, roughly 50 students and parents spent their Friday evening cutting the bags into strips, which they then handed to Miriam Carbagal, a Parents Club member, who was busily crocheting one plarn mat at a time. Carbagal said it takes her between eight and 10 hours to complete a single bag. “The idea behind this is to help the earth,” said Barrera. “We’re trying to get the plastic out of the wastelands and the ocean. We’re also helping the less fortunate — something that they can take around with them that doesn’t get wet or smelly.”

Barrera said it takes around 700 bags to make just one plarn mat. The goal, the parents said, is to finish all of the mats by Thanksgiving, so they can pass them out to people experiencing homelessness. One of the sisters at St. Vincent will take the first mat Carbagal completed on a trip to Nigeria to show people there how to make them. “One of my patients introduced me to this,” said Anita Gallo, a Parents Club member who is a physical therapist by profession. “I went to their church and they showed me and I asked if we could do it at the school.” Carbagal said the initiative involving the plarn mats is only the most recent environmental and social project that students and parents at St. Vincent have collaborated on. In May, for instance, they sent recycled crayons to an organization that remolds them for children who cannot hold crayons normally. “We’re just trying to get the kids to understand that there is stuff out there that needs their help,” Carbagal said. “We want to them to make a difference.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

MICHAEL ROMAIN/Staff

CUTTING FOR A CAUSE: St. Vincent parents and students cut plastic bags that will be fashioned into plarn mats on Sept. 27.

Oak Park nonprofit launches $1M fundraising effort

Education Project wants opportunities for 20K additional girls in Africa By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Several months after it was featured in a short film produced by former First Lady Michelle Obama, the Women’s Global Education Project — a nonprofit based in Oak Park that helps girls in Africa stay in school and access educational opportunities — announced it is launching an ambitious campaign to raise $1 million to reach 20,000 more girls in remote areas of East and West Africa by the spring of 2021. Founded in 2004, the Women’s Global Education Project has collaborated with community leaders in Kenya and Senegal to design programs meant to enhance access to educational opportunities for more than 15,500 adolescent girls and women, according to the organization’s internal data. The nonprofit offers weekly school visits, mobile libraries, computer labs, adult literacy programs and scholarships to young African women. And the organization’s Alternative Rites of Passage program provides families a safe alternative to female genital mutilation which often accompanies a girl’s

Woman’s Global Education Project

NEW GOALS: Members of Ayodele Drum and Dance, who will be at the Women’s Global Education Project’s fundraiser on Oct. 7. The Oak Park nonprofit is seeking to raise $1 million to help 20,000 additional girls in Africa access educational opportunities. becoming a woman. The process of female genital mutilation involves cutting the external genitalia and is believed to “purify” young girls, readying them for marriage and traditional wifely responsibilities. Amy Maglio, the Oak Park nonprofit’s founder and executive director said that Women’s Global works with local leaders who have already determined that

the practice is harmful and stifles opportunities for upward mobility for many young women. “What makes our program unique is our close partnerships with local leaders and the range of services we are able to provide,” said Maglio who is confident that her organization will reach its goal. “We already have such a high success rate

in keeping girls in school,” she said. “We know how to do it. We know there’s a high return and it’s life-changing for girls who are in the program, so we thought it’s our time to lead and be part of this movement for women and girls around the world.” Maglio said the nonprofit is building on a major jolt of momentum received earlier this year, when its work was highlighted in a 2½-minute film produced as part of Michelle Obama’s Global Girls Alliance, an initiative of the Obama Foundation. The film debuted on a variety of social media platforms, including YouTube, in April. “Our association with the Obama Foundation has raised the profile of the organization,” Maglio said. “People are definitely taking another look. It is validation that we are on the right track and in the right direction.” Maglio said Women’s Global will participate in the Obama Foundation’s 2019 summit in Chicago on Oct. 28 and 29. And the organization will host a fundraiser on Oct. 7, 6 to 9 p.m., at Salvage One, 1840 W. Hubbard St. in Chicago. Tickets are $150 per individual and $75 for young professionals. To purchase a ticket, visit: https://app. etapestry.com/onlineforms/WomensGlobalEducationProje/ndajee2019.html. To donate to Women’s Global, visit the organization’s website at womensglobal.org or call Amy Maglio at 708-415-7410. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Motorcycling for prostate cancer research

STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Oak Parker Brian Kitzman hopes to soon don his best tweed suit and ride his motorcycle in the Chicago Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) for the second year in a row to spread awareness and raise money for prostate cancer research. This year, DGRs are being held in over 700 cities and 110 countries. Some 600 people registered to participate in the Chicago ride, which was canceled, Sept. 29, due to rain. Organizers hope to reschedule. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, in partnership with the Movember Foundation, has raised and donated millions of dollars for prostate cancer research and other men’s health initiatives. “If anybody goes and gets screened as a result of this ride, that’s a win,” said Kitzman, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer three years ago and is a carrier of the BRCA2 gene mutation. Carriers of that particular mutation have a higher than average risk of cancer. “Conventional wisdom says you should start getting screened for prostate cancer when you’re 50,” said Kitzman, who was 47 at the time of his diagnosis. “I was not getting screened because I wasn’t 50.” Prior to being diagnosed, Kitzman was suffering from bad back pain. He could tell the pain wasn’t muscular. And it was getting increasingly worse. “One day, I just did something little; I bent over wrong to pick up a package of lightbulbs,” he said. “And it just hit me, and I was basically immobilized. I couldn’t move my body.” The next day, Kitzman first went to urgent care then to the emergency room. There he learned that metastases were eat-

Photo provided

NICE RIDE: Brian Kitzman is ready for the upcoming Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which spreads awareness and raises funds for prostate cancer research. ing away at his spine. Right away, doctors suspected prostate cancer, which a biopsy confirmed as the source. The cancer had already spread to his lymph nodes, spine, rib cage and leg. “It’s very advanced. There’s no remission,” he said. “It’s just keeping it held at bay.” Kitzman found out about DGR in 2015. He and his friend were out riding one Sunday morning, when he saw a bunch of people dressed up in tweed suits riding motorcycles.

“That was my first introduction to it,” he said. “I didn’t really know that by that time next year, I would be diagnosed.” He went on his first ride with DGR last year. Kitzman plans to ride his Triumph Bonneville motorcycle this year. To give the issue greater visibility during the actual ride, each side of Kitzman’s bike will have a sign, courtesy of Oak Park’s It’s A Sign store, promoting prostate cancer awareness. He hopes the sign will encourage men to get examined. “For a lot of men, they just don’t do it,” Kitzman said. “And then it’s too late because once you start feeling stuff, it’s usually bone metastases and then it’s already spread.” He admits getting examined isn’t a particularly fun thing to do. However, it is inarguably necessary. Any momentary discomfort from the exam pales in comparison to the toll cancer takes on a person’s body. Amassing over $15 thousand in donations, Kitzman currently ranks seventh on the list of DGR participants worldwide who have raised money for the cause. Donations come from Kitzman’s friends and family primarily, but social media helps get the message out. “My wife is very good at sending things out on Facebook,” said Kitzman, who isn’t on the social network. “She has a lot of friends who contribute as well.” Friends will also share posts on their pages. “I end up getting donations from people from high school who I haven’t thought about in 30 years,” he said. “It’s pretty crazy, but super-cool.” Everyone who donates to him gets a personalized thankyou note. “I’m really overwhelmed by the support,” he said. “People have really stepped up and it’s very amazing.” Combined with last year, Kitzman has raised roughly $30 thousand for prostate cancer research. Health permitting, he plans on participating in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride again next year.

Sponsored Content

I WILL BE DEAD, WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? • Making the Case for an Estate Plan

n unmarried attorney once said to me (about refusing to create an estate plan), “What do I care about my property when I die. I will be dead!” Perhaps, he has a point. Is there really any personal benefit from planning your estate? Creating a plan to deal with your incapacity and your death seems to be a more of a benefit for your family than for you. Again, begging the question, “If I plan my estate, what’s in it for me?” Before my husband Mike and I created our estate plan I thought the main benefit to an estate plan was piece of mind -- your affairs are organized for your family/friends to handle. And really, that should be enough. We are all adults and we should not have to be rewarded to take responsibility for our lives. However, taking responsibility for our lives was not enough incentive for Mike and me. We went decades without an estate plan. We spent numerous hours on the internet and watching countless basketball games. We spent plenty of money on Starbucks, I-phones and dinners out. Yet, we could not string

together a few hours and spend the fee to create an estate plan? Unfortunately, it took Mike’s heart attack to spring us into action to create our estate plan. Now that THERESA CLANCY we have planned Estate Planning Attorney our estate, I have come to realize that there really is something “in it for me.” Planning our estate gave me the opportunity to contemplate life and create a better sense of personal connection. Sounds kind of corny, right? The point of estate planning is to think about one’s death. So, when Mike and I started drafting our estate plan, I figured it would be depressing and even a little frightening at times. Surprisingly, I found the opposite to be true. Creating our estate plan was energizing, motivating and satisfying. Although Mike and I had to make provisions for our possible untimely

death, that scenario was not my focus. Rather, my attention was drawn to the fact that our deaths are likely still decades away. Which means that WE STILL HAVE A WHOLE LOT OF LIFE LEFT TO LIVE!! Post estate plan I am focused on not wasting a minute! Of course, I did not need to create an estate plan to appreciate life. But there is something about inventorying your assets, assigning recipients and incorporating it all in a legal document that creates a profound impact. Contemplating and evaluating your life while you still have the time and energy to enjoy it (or change it) is incredibly motivating and worth the effort it takes to draft an estate plan. In addition to life contemplation, drafting my estate plan also created a unexpected feeling of personal connection. Mike and I had to choose a person to act as our trustee. In making that decision I recognized that we are not invincible. We may someday lose our independence and need someone’s help. Surprisingly, recognizing this vulnerability was not upsetting.

Instead, I felt comfort knowing that there is now a person (actually four people – our kids) who have agreed to step up if we cannot take care of ourselves. Acknowledging that you need other people is a big step toward feeling more connected. Plus, knowing that a person (or four people) legally agree to be available for you when you need them makes that personal connection even stronger. Estate planning is something in life we should all do to be good family members and perhaps, even good citizens. Today, in a society where loneliness is on the rise and people are longing for more personal connection, it is nice to know we can feel energized and personally connected by just living up to our responsibilities. If you plan your estate, there is something in it for you! If I have persuaded you and made my case please contact me or another trustworthy attorney to draft your estate plan.

708-819-1580

www.theresaclancylaw.com theresa.clancy@theresaclancylaw.com

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

HOUSING CENTER New direction from page 1 the University of Wisconsin Madison and a variety of certifications in housing and financial counseling through NeighborWorks America, a national community development nonprofit, according to a statement released by the Housing Center last week. During the Sept. 26 gala, the Housing Center gave its Visionary Award to Rob Breymaier, the nonprofit’s executive director from 2006 to 2018, and presented its inaugural Roberta Raymond Founder’s Award — named after the organization’s tireless founder, who died in May — to Mark Finger, a landscape architect and longtime Housing Center volunteer. After receiving his award, Breymaier embraced Williams in what symbolized a moment of continuity and sustainability for an organization that was conceived in Raymond’s Grove Street living room and that, in its infancy, regularly convened in the basement of what is now First United Church of Oak Park. The center was formed in order to counteract what had become a national trend in the 1970s of whites leaving cities and innerring suburbs like Oak Park en masse after

INCLUSION

D90 advances equity from page 1 exist or was not valid.” Shack and her parents reached out to administrators at the time but felt their concerns about more support for LBGTQ+ students weren’t taken seriously. After leaving D90 and moving on to Oak Park and River Forest High School, Shack joined an LGBTQ+ group at school. “It was an eye-opening moment where I realized that it is OK for me to be bi and it is possible for others to accept me for who I love.” She wished there had been a similar club within D90 when she was there so she could have had the support then that she needed. Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, had difficulty with sexuality while at Roosevelt Middle School. “I began questioning my sexuality in seventh grade,” said the student who graduated from Roosevelt Middle School in 2015. “I struggled to find ways to voice my feelings because I didn’t see anyone else talking about sexuality in my school. This made me feel very insecure and confused about my identity, which negatively impacted my mental health. Providing students with more support in understanding their gender and sexuality will overall lead to a happier and safer school community.”

the federal government opened “These are exciting times and she’s earned this opportunity,” up housing opportunities to AfReadey said of Williams. “She’s rican Americans. worked tirelessly to get us here. As Wednesday Journal preWe elevated her some months viously reported, “If whites ago to a staff management role wouldn’t live near blacks out to manage the change within the of fear, the idea went, then the organization as we got ready to center would help break down share with you the things we’re the myths undergirding that doing with the strategic plan.” fear. Those plans include the Hous“Through advertising and ing Center developing an app by meeting with prospective “to help people choose inclusive homebuyers and renters, the neighborhoods and make affirmacenter’s advisers seek to pertive moves using the internet and suade them to consider areas in using their phones” and deploying the village that they otherwise a “new client management system wouldn’t consider because of to track our data and produce redeeply held racial biases.” ports to the village and to our partDuring the Sept. 26 gala, ners and other stakeholders,” said Breymaier reflected on the cenReadey, who will stay involved ter’s legacy and urged those in with the Housing Center as a straattendance to keep striving to tegic adviser. perfect the vision of inclusion “We are built on face-to-face and integration that has charrelationships with apartmentacterized Oak Park over the ATHENA WILLIAMS seekers,” Readey said. “That puts years. Housing Center Director a face on the inclusive values of “This place is a visionary Oak Park. That’s not going to be place,” he said. “It is what we lost, but we have heard the meswant America to be, so let’s sage — we’ve got to get with the keep working at it. Let’s not stop and say, ‘We did enough.’ I can tell you in other com- times.” Williams said the plan also entails the munities where they [stopped], the place Housing Center becoming more financially changed. … I’m so excited to hand this off independent. Currently, the nonprofit relies to Athena.”

on the village of Oak Park to provide most of the funds for its signature Live in Oak Park program, which provides free apartment referral services for prospective renters. “As we continue our work and our mission, it’s really important that we become more independent [of government funding],” Williams said, before announcing the creation of the Roberta Raymond Housing Center Legacy Fund. “This is a marathon. This is a long race. The work we’re doing is generational. We want to grow that here and this is why it’s very important that we continue that legacy through a fund we’re establishing,” said Maggie Leininger, the Housing Center’s accounting manager. “We already have the Diversity Fund. We want to convert that and use that as seed money [for the new Legacy Fund].” In a statement, Williams said she looks forward to expanding the Housing Center’s presence in Oak Park and beyond. “We have a lot of work to continue in the footsteps of our founder, Roberta Raymond,” she said. “We plan to build upon our site presence in the Austin community, where we’re working to ensure affordable homeownership, while we continue to promote fair and open housing that encourages racial, gender, and economic inclusion in Oak Park.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

A 2016 D90 graduate brought up the difficulty of being a closeted trans boy at graduation time. “There was a lot of tension surrounding what I was going to wear to my eighth-grade graduation,” he said. “The rules were that the girls had to wear dresses and the boys had to wear suits.” He said, though, that “the teachers and parents took it upon themselves” to make sure he received one of the flowers given to male students as opposed to the bouquets given to female students, and he was allowed to wear a suit and stand in the middle of the photographs, “between the boys’ and girls’ sections.” “It wasn’t perfect,” he added, “but it made me feel a lot more comfortable. I am still so grateful for those adults helping me have a graduation experience that felt authentic to me, even though they may not have known exactly what I was going through at the time.” Over the past few years, though, things in D90 have been changing, with administrators taking a long hard look at how to be more inclusive in general, including issues surrounding gender. In 2014, the year before Shack graduated, the district created the Inclusiveness Advisory Board. “We realized that, as a district, we weren’t as inclusive as we would like,” said Condon. This was true in several areas, he said, including race, gender, language and families new to the River Forest community. The board came up with specific goals, including gender expansiveness. In 2018, the

The committee’s recommendations to support all students, as laid out in an Aug. 26, 2019 D90 Inclusion Implementation Update from the Gender Inclusion Committee, are comprehensive and include: “Respecting name and gender pronouns (even when not in the presence of the student). Students should feel comfortable sharing their pronouns in class; avoiding unnecessary classifying by gender (boy/girl lines, lunch buckets, sitting in order, etc.); ensuring that all students are allowed to participate in activities/events in accordance with their gender identity.” And unlike when Shack attended D90 schools, there is now an LGBTQ+ club at Roosevelt Middle School. Called Rainbow Tribe, it is run by school social workers Jessica Atkinson and Mandy Ross. “Be a part of a club who works towards a more accepting environment for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” says the most recent flyer. “Be free to love.” To better understand individual experiences and the current school climate, D90 collects information from students, parents and staff every two years in an Inclusiveness Survey. So far, the district has run the survey in 2015, 2017 and 2019, though the latest results haven’t been posted online yet. “Some of the responses underscore the urgency of making sure that all students are feeling included,” said Condon. “We are continuing to move closer to a community where everyone feels valued. It’s a continual effort.” CONTACT: maria@oak[ark.com

“As we continue our work and our mission, it’s really important that we become more independent [of government funding].”

Gender Inclusion Committee was formed. Centered around the legal, social and emotional ramifications of gender differences, the committee provided gender education for faculty in partnership with Lurie Children’s Hospital. They also retained attorney Nickie Bazer, who has since been appointed to Governor Pritzker’s Affirming and Inclusive School Task Force, to guide policy development. Other key actions and events of the committee included faculty and staff education and the revising of D90 Policy 7:10, which deals with equal educational opportunities. The policy was amended “to include language that reflects the inclusion of transgender and gender-expansive students,” according to an April 16, 2019 news release on the River Forest Public Schools website. Administrative procedures were also developed to support this revised policy, said Condon. River Forest public schools have a Gender Support Plan, to be filled out together by students, caregivers and staff. It’s a comprehensive plan that considers things like what pronouns a student wants to use, who the student’s “go-to adult” will be, how the student’s privacy will be protected, what bathrooms the student will use, and who the student wants to know about his or her gender. This fall, faculty and staff are being provided with gender inclusion training, which will incorporate key concepts and terms related to gender and ways to discuss gender diversity with students, parents and the community.

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Hot Topics to Enrich Your Life in 2019

THRIVE TALKS A FREE Speaker Series: Inspiring Healthy Families Presented by Thrive Counseling Center

7 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. Oak Park Public Library, Main Library, Veterans Room 834 Lake Street, Oak Park

Wednesday, Oct 9th, 2019

Suicide: A Health Crisis Myths, Facts, and What You Need To Know with John Meister, Thrive Director You CAN make a difference. You can bring hope to someone who is having thoughts of suicide. Come learn about this important topic and find out about the tools that are available right now that you can engage in to make the most important difference and possibly save someone’s life. National suicide rates are at an all time high and we have a community health crisis right here in the Oak Park area. Suicide is the most preventable form of death, yet we have so much fear around talking about it. Let’s talk about it! Don’t wait any longer to become a helper in this national epidemic that we can do so much about if we just engage and learn best practices on how to speak to someone having suicidal thoughts. A Thrive Therapist will be on hand during the event in case you need assistance. John Meister has been the Executive Director of the Thrive Counseling Center since 2016. Before becoming the Director, he had a successful career for over two decades at the USG Corporation as President of Building Systems. John is also a retired member and Board Chair of the Thrive Counseling Center. John has recently earned certifications to train others in evidence-based suicide awareness trainings “safeTALK” and “QRP.”

All THRIVE TALKS are open to the public and free of charge. www.thrivecc.org/thrive-talks/

RSVP (not required but appreciated) to Wynne Lacey at wlacey@thrivecc.org or 708.383.7500 x111

HOPE

RESILIENCE

R EC OV E RY

120 South Marion Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 383-7500 www.thrivecc.org

C R I M E

Oak Park resident carjacked on South Boulevard

An Oak Park resident was carjacked Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. in the 200 block of South Boulevard. A man wearing a black ski and displaying a black handgun reportedly approached the victim and demanded the keys to the vehicle before getting in and driving away. The suspect was described as a black male, between 23 to 27 years old, about 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds and wearing a light brown jacket and dark blue jeans. The stolen vehicle was found by Chicago police 45 minutes later, undamaged and unoccupied, in the 300 block of South Lotus Avenue in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. The suspect has not been apprehended.

Vehicle theft ■A

vehicle was stolen by an offender who had the vehicle’s keys in the 500 block of North Marion Street during the overnight hours of Sept. 22-23. The vehicle has an estimated worth of $30,000. Police did not say how the offender obtained the leys to the vehicle. ■ An offender took a victim’s vehicle the morning of Sept. 21 from the 1000 block of South Boulevard. Loss is estimated at $14,000. ■ On Sept. 23, Oak Park police arrested a male juvenile from Chicago for possessing two stolen vehicles from Oak Park residents. One vehicle was taken three days prior and the other was stolen that day. The juvenile was reportedly seen driving one of the vehicles prior to his arrest. The offender was also wanted on a warrant for discharging a firearm. He was apprehended in the block 5900 block of West 14th Street in Cicero. ■ Between 10 p.m. Sept. 26 and midnight Sept. 27, someone stole an unattended vehicle left running with the keys in the ignition in the 1200 block of North Harlem Avenue.

Residential burglary ■ During the overnight hours of Sept. 23- 24, someone entered an unlocked door of a residence in the 800 block of Highland Avenue and took a set of car keys. The offender then stole the car, an estimated loss of $2,500, from the victim’s garage. ■ Oak Park police responded to three residences in the 1100 block of Scoville Avenue to investigate one home burglary and two attempted break-ins sometime between 10 p.m. on Sept. 25 and 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 26. The offender reportedly entered one home through an unlocked basement window and took an Xbox One videogame system, three Xbox One controllers, two Dell laptops, a Samsung S9 cell phone, a black shoulder bag, a black and white Fossil wallet, cash, a state ID and driver’s license, Visa gift cards and a set of keys. The offender also took a white GMC Denali road bike from the backyard. There were two attempted break-ins on

the same block that night. An offender unsuccessfully attempted to enter a residence in the 1100 block of South Scoville Avenue by removing a screen but was confronted by a locked kitchen window. An offender unsuccessfully attempted to enter a third residence as well, police said. ■ On Sept. 27 in the 400 block of South Taylor Avenue, an unknown offender entered a residence through an unlocked window and took an Apple MacBook Pro, an Xbox videogame system, a PlayStation videogame system and jewelry, a total estimated loss of $4,700.

Vehicle burglary ■ Someone broke a car’s glass sunroof, taking a Hummingbird GPS Fish Finder with two Navionics GPS software chips, AirPods and Maui Jim sunglasses during the overnight hours of Sept. 23 and 24 in the 1100 block of South Taylor Avenue. The total estimated loss is $3,250. ■ Police reported that someone opened an unlocked vehicle door and took a woman’s wallet in the 1000 block of South Humphrey Avenue during the overnight hours Sept. 23-24. ■ Sometime between Sept. 23 and 26 someone broke into a car in the 900 block of South Taylor Avenue and took $1 in change. ■ Oak Park police reported that at 2 a.m. on Sept. 27 a someone wearing a black sweatshirt with the hood over his head, black sweatpants and a black backpack opened an unlocked vehicle in the 400 block of North Taylor Avenue and ransacked the inside. ■ During the overnight hours of Sept. 2627, an offender opened an unlocked vehicle in the 200 block of South Taylor Avenue and took loose change and three sets of keys. ■ Someone entered an unlocked vehicle in the 100 block of North Humphrey Avenue during the overnight hours of Sept. 26-27 and ransacked the interior.

Robbery Two juveniles took bicycles from two victims as they were riding them 6:20 p.m. Sept. 26 in the 500 block of Fair Oaks Avenue. One of the offenders was described as a black male, around 5-foot-7 with a medium build, a shaved head and riding a black BMX bike. He was last seen wearing a red Polo shirt and dark jeans. The other offender was a black male with a dark complexion, thin build and approximately 5-foot-10. He rode a blue men’s bike and was last seen wearing a black tank top, red shorts and gray sweatpants. Both offenders had an earring in one ear. The offenders rode off on their own bikes southbound on Fair Oaks Avenue with the two stolen bikes. Total estimated loss is $680.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

KICKOFF: The new Lil’ Kickers building on South Oak Park Avenue.

Oak Park scores new Lil’ Kickers location Soccer-based child development program opens doors STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Lil’ Kickers has added Oak Park to its growing list of Illinois locations. A child development program, Lil’ Kickers teaches kids as young as 18 months important life skills through soccer-centered activities in over 25 states. The Oak Park branch is located at 809 S. Oak Park Ave. “We aim to teach kids a little bit more than just soccer,” said Lil’ Kickers marketing director Alanis Loftin. “So listening skills, how to interact in a group learning

environment, confidence, friendships, and problem-solving skills.” The Oak Park facility offers two programs based on age group: Lil’ Kickers, for children age 18 months to 5 years, and Skills Institute, which offers supplemental soccer training for kids 5-10 years old. Each class has about 14 students. “Depending on the age group, our classes are structured differently just to make sure we’re teaching kids in an age-appropriate way,” said Loftin. “For our toddler classes, we use a lot of sensory tools, so we have bubbles, parachutes, squishy balls and parents are on the field to help facilitate those games.” The fall session started Aug. 26, but Lil’ Kickers has ongoing registration. It also allows kids to attend a 50-minute class on a free trial basis. CONTACT: Stacey@oakpark.com

Stacey Keeler, RN Program Coordinator, Cardiac Innovations & Structural Heart Center®

THIS IS PERSONAL No matter where we are, we never really leave our patient’s side. Stacey Keeler may be done working for the day, but in her head she’s still with her structural heart patients, finding all the little ways she can treat them less like patients and more like family. It’s that never-off-the-clock attitude that’s led Edward-Elmhurst Health to become a nationally recognized leader in heart care. Take your free HeartAware Assessment at ThisIsPersonalEEH.org

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

The Hemingway District Business Association Board of Directors and Members

Say Thank You To Jim August of The Irish Shop for six years as President!

Jim has been tireless, dedicated, and willing to represent our membership in whatever capacity needed. HDBA Members are encouraged to join us in celebrating Jimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accomplishments at the annual Come to Papa Meeting to be held on October 10th at the Hemingway Birth Home.

Our thanks to the Wednesday Journal for sponsoring this ad.

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Public Works fights hunger, grows bee population Over 100 pounds of raw honey donated to local food pantry STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The Public Works Center directed a sweet donation of about 120 pounds of raw honey to the local food pantry, Beyond Hunger, on Sept. 13. The honey came from the center’s two rooftop beehives. According to Forestry Superintendent Robert Sproule, the center donated its entire harvest to the pantry. One 6-ounce jar was given to each of 175 participating households. This is the second year the pantry received a honey donation from the center. Sproule estimates the retail value of this year’s donation to be around $1,500, not including jar costs. “Our clients were so delighted to receive that item,” said Teri Miller, Beyond Hunger’s development director. “Honey is a really expensive luxury item and if you are living on a really small income, you’re not going to spend $4 on honey when you can buy almost a pound of ground beef for $4.”

open door theater presents

Beyond Hunger’s registered dieticians explained to the recipients that the honey came from local bees and was gifted by the Public Works Center. The dieticians also described the nutritional benefits of honey and how to use it as a sugar substitute. “You can imagine how happy they were to receive such a gift,” said Miller. The amount of honey the center’s bees produced this year exceeded the 120-pound donation, but the center only harvests a portion. “We left more than we took out of all the hives to make sure that they have enough stores,” said Sproule. During winter, bees subsist on the honey produced from the past summer. “This is the fourth season of having hives,” said Sproule. The village set up the hives to propagate the rapidly declining honeybee population. Honeybees pollinate more plants than any other insect or bee, making them an integral part of the ecosystem. Village Hall also has two rooftop beehives, established a couple of years after the two at the center. Public Works uses The Hive, a Chicagobased beekeeping supply store, to extract and bottle the honey. The Hive also maintains the center’s apiary, ensuring the busy bees stay buzzing.

open door theater presents

open door theater open door presentstheater presents

by Mark St. Germain

based on ‘The Best of Enemies’ MarkGray St. Germain byby Osha Davidson by Mark St. Germain

based on ‘The Best of Enemies’ by Mark St. Germain by Osha Gray Davidson based on ‘The Best of Enemies’ Directed by Sonita Surratt & Mary Pat Sieck

by Osha Gray based by on ‘TheSurratt BestDavidson ofMary Enemies’ Directed Sonita & Pat Sieck Featuring Directed by Sonita Surratt & Mary Pat Sieck Featuring by Osha Gray Davidson Jordan Gleaves | Kit |O’Kelly || Felisha McNeal | Brendan Murphy Jordan Gleaves Kit O’Kelly Felisha McNeal | Brendan Murphy Featuring Jordan Gleaves | Kit O’Kelly | Felisha McNeal | Brendan Murphy Directed by Sonita Surratt & Mary Pat Sieck September 20 - October 20 Featuring September 20 - October 20

September - October Fridays & 20 Saturdays @ 8PM 20 Fridays Saturdays Fridays & &Saturdays @ 8PM Sundays @ 3PM @ 8PM Sundays @ 3PM Tickets: 708-386-5510 |20 www.opendoortheater.net Sundays 3PM September -@October 20 Tickets: 708-386-5510 | 902 South Ridgelandwww.opendoortheater.net Avenue, Oak Park, 60304 Fridays & |Saturdays @ 8PM 902 South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Park, 60304 Tickets: 708-386-5510 www.opendoortheater.net Sundays @ 3PM 902 South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Park, 6030 Jordan Gleaves | Kit O’Kelly | Felisha McNeal | Brendan Murphy

Tickets: 708-386-5510 | www.opendoortheater.net 902 South Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Park, 60304

Photo Courtesy Stacey Sheridan

WHAT’S THE BUZZ? The public works center’s two rooftop bee colonies

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

s t e k c ti d e t Limi le b a l i ava

Presents

The Ultimate Foodie Party!

Friday, January 31, 2020 5:30-9:30P The Nineteenth Century Club Oak Park

buy your tickets now:

oprfchamber.org/bite-nite

October is Membership Month

connect with our network! New members receive 3 Free months A chance to win $25 gift cards connecting business to business and business to community

3 Month s FREE membe rship

REFER YOUR FRIENDS AND HAVE THEM SIGN-UP NOW! MORE INFO AT: oprfchamber.org

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

NEED TO REACH US?

oakpark.com/real-estate email: buphues@wjinc.com

Homes

Renovation reclaims 1906 home’s historic grandeur It took 20 years, but muchaltered painted lady again looking sharp By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

ucked into the Gunderson Historic District south of I-290, the house located at 1023 Wenonah Ave. is not a Gunderson design, but a distinct Victorian that stands above the rest of the block with its three-story profile. Distinctive arches and a welcoming porch face the street, and the home looks much as it might have 100 years ago. Like many Oak Park homes, it took some restoration to get to that point. The house had seen a lot of changes, some better than others, and was ready for a bit of TLC when Tim and Sarah Cooke purchased it in 1999. They began a restoration project that would span almost two decades and bring the house back to its original glory with a few added 21st-century touches. In their research into the home’s background, the Cookes discovered the 1906era home was designed by Albert Ernst, who owned a lumber company in Forest Park. Ernst and his wife, Kitty, lived in the house until roughly 1920. The next owners were the McBride family, who converted the home into a two-flat during the Great Depression. Tim Cooke says the house was used as a two-flat until the 1960s. “The owners before us moved in in the sixties, and they didn’t change the configuration, but they didn’t use it as a two-flat. It was really broken up. There wasn’t good flow,” Cooke said of the altered layout which had guests travelling through a bathroom to access the basement and created a lot of small, choppedup rooms. The back of the first floor consisted of a series of rooms, including a sewing room and an office, and the kitchen was small. In 2003, the couple decided to renovate the kitchen. “We wanted to expand it and to make it more modern,” Cooke said. “We also wanted to bring the house back to its starting point.” To do so, they reconfigured the foyer and the front stairs and broke through a wall separating the kitchen area from the front of the house. In removing the walls, they discovered parts of the original staircase to the second floor and found pocket doors in the wall.

“For us, it was really good justification that we were doing the right thing,” he said. There was also an unexpected benefit to opening up the walls. “The house had been really dark,” Cooke said. “We opened up the wall, and it turned from a dingy living room into a light-filled room.” The couple called on a chef friend for ideas to lay out their new, larger kitchen space. The resulting cabinet layout makes the room ideal for cooking. They also took advantage of the opened up rear space to add an eat-in table in a halfcircle attached to the island. The family of four took some time off from renovating after returning the first floor to its single-family home layout. Three years later, they were ready for the second phase of construction and turned their eyes to the upstairs. The large room at the front of the second floor had been used as an apartment living room and included a fireplace See RENOVATION on page 22

Photo provided

OLD IS NEW: Tim and Sarah Cooke restored their Oak Park home, which had been converted into a two-flat in the 1930s, back into a grand single-family home that’s both contemporary and respects its historic character.

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

1430 FOREST AVENUE, RIVER FOREST

1430FOREST.INFO

Gorgeous, updated 4 bed, 3/2 bath home in River Forest. $1,225,000

1114 S SCOVILLE AVENUE, OAK PARK

1114SOUTHSCOVILLEAVENUE.INFO

The latest new construction single family home from critically acclaimed Oak Park builder Maher Development. $900,000

BOB SWINDAL

•

312.506.0200

•

bobswindal@atproperties.com

DANNY GLICK

•

773.472.0200

•

dannyglick@atproperties.com

1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD

1023 WENONAH AVENUE, OAK PARK

1023WENONAH.INFO

121 THATCHER AVENUE, RIVER FOREST

121THATCHER.INFO

This sensational, unique Victorian has Oak Park Landmark Status. Built by

Fantastic updated and expanded home situated in beautiful NW River

Albert Ernst 1906. $799,000

Forest. $749,000

TONY & KATHY IWERSEN • 708.848.0200 • tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

KAREN STIERWALT

•

708.848.0200

•

karenstierwalt@atproperties.com

Stop looking, start finding® atproperties.com

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Generations of Excellence since 1958

708.771.8040 • 7375 W. North Ave., River Forest DonnaAvenue Barnhisel 7375 West North Dan Bogojevich Anne Brennan Illinois 60305 Karen Byrne 708.771.8040 Kevin Calkins Andy Gagliardo

MANAGING River Forest, BROKER/OWNERS

Tom Carraher Pat Cesario Joe Cibula

Tom Poulos

Don Citrano Alisa Coghill Kay Costello JoLyn Crawford Maria Cullerton Julie Downey Kurt Fielder Yvonne Fiszer-Steele

Ramona Fox Laura Gancer Lisa Grimes Dan Halperin Sharon Halperin Greg Jaroszewski Vee Jaroszewski Noa Klima

Sherree Krisco Jack Lattner Charlotte Messina Vince McFadden Elizabeth Moroney Colleen Navigato Sue Ponzio-Pappas Rosa Pitassi

Jenny Ruland Laurel Saltzman Laurie Shapiro Tom Sullivan Debbie Watts George Wohlford Nancy Wohlford

Randy Ernst • 773-290-0307

831 FOREST • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 13

638 N KENILWORTH • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 13

512 THATCHER • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 122

2127 N 77TH CT • ELMWOOD PARK OPEN SUNDAY 13

TOTALLY NEW CONSTRUCTION 4900 sq ft w/finished basement. Craftsmanship is alive in the fresh, exciting interior & exterior of this newly built 4 bedroom, 4-1/2 bath house from the eye-catching stairway, high ceilings, elegant fixtures & exquisite millwork w/ attention to detail thru-out. .....................$1,150,000

UNPRECEDENTED ESTATE in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historical district of Oak Park! This meticulously renovated 5 BR, 5 full / 2 half bath property offers exquisite details and refined finishes that boast timeless materials and over the top custom millwork. This is a showcase home! ......................................................... $1,450,000

MOVE IN READY home within walking distance to train and schools with everything you need and want. Wood burning fireplace, library, extra large designer eat in kitchen, family room, 3 bedrooms, two full baths, living space in basement, brick paver patio, 2 car garage. ........................................................... $639,000

ARCHITECTUALLY UNIQUE COLONIAL with extra large rooms flooded with natural light. Vaulted ceilings and skylights in the upstairs hallway, bathrooms and master BR. Fin basement. Professional landscaping, large outdoor deck, second floor balcony. Move right in and enjoy! .........................................$498,000

174 N RIDGEALND • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 13

NEWLY UPDATED HOME on large lot in a great location of River Forest. Four spacious BRs, two and half baths. Completely painted, refinished floors, newer windows. .....................................................................$719,000 BEAUTIFUL BURMA BUILT TUDOR sits on a lovely lot with side drive. This 4 BR, 3-1/2 BA home offers a great flow throughout the 1st floor, leaded glass and classic cove ceilings. ............................................. $699,000 MOVEIN READY home offers 5 BRs and 4 full BAs. Fabulous stripped and refinished woodwork, hardwood floors. Much sought after 2nd fl laundry. Fin rec room in bsmt. ........................................................................ $679,000 AFFORDABLE BRICK TRILEVEL is deceptively larger than it looks. This 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA home features an open 1st FL concept, updated kitchen, hardwood floors. ................................................................................$529,000 BUILD OR RENOVATE ON PRIME BLOCK! 64x193 lot offers a rare opportunity to build or renovate to suit your exact specifications. Sits on a lush, large lot with extra width. ....................................................... $489,900 VINTAGE CHARMER on tree-lined cobblestone street. Warm, inviting home with lots of potential! Cozy fireplace, separate dining room, bright kitchen, spacious family room. overlooking backyard. .................. $425,000

ONE OF A KIND Hulbert built home with natural woodwork ON a 60 ft corner lot! Five BRs, three full / two half baths with storage space in lower level......................................................................................................$524,900 LOVELY BRICK HOME and its original details blend seamlessly w/2 story stucco addition. Offers beautiful woodwork, wood burning fireplace, updated kitchen. ................................................................................ $498,500 TRADITIONAL HOME with many recent upgrades. Large fam rm/4th BR on main level with full BA. Beautiful original stained glass window. 3 BRs on 2nd fl with full BA. ....................................................................... $489,000 WELL MAINTAINED 1894 FARMHOUSE that is move in ready! 4 BRs, 2 full BAs. Features kitchen with Island, semi-finished basement, Hardwood floors, central air. ............................................................................... $439,000 CLASSIC NORTH OP HOME with impeccable curb appeal. Wood burning fireplace, stained glass, family room, eat-in kitchen, ample closet space, expansive deck....................................................................................$399,900 GREAT NORTH OP LOCATION with this 4 bedroom 2 bath home! Large LR with gas fireplace. Kitchen and family room off dining room. Basement ready to be finished. .......................................................................... $399,000 CLASSIC LARGE BRICK BUNGALOW is a treasure - filled with original glass doorknobs, pristine woodwork, vintage lighting and extraordinary stain glass windows. ......................................................................... $399,000

823 JACKSON • RIVER FOREST

LOVELY TRADITIONAL HOME, found in walkable OP location, offers wonderful space for family and entertaining. Original details blend seamlessly with the updated 3 story addition. Offers 5 bedrooms, 4-1/2 baths, newer kitchen, abundant storage, family room, wine cellar.......................................................$1,065,000

RIVER FOREST HOMES

OAK PARK HOMES

BURMA BUILT BUHRKE HOUSE combines Tudor revival & chateau style architecture elements. Gorgeous décor and impeccable attention to detail both inside and out. ..............................................................$2,199,000 BEAUTIFUL, CLASSIC HOME offers everything for today’s modern living. Custom-built home has the highest quality finishes. No detail was missed.............................................................................................. $1,525,000 INVITING SPACIOUS HOME offers mid century/prairie style features with a large open floor plan. Unique feature with dual fireplaces in both kit/ fam rm & LR/DR...............................................................................$1,199,000 BEAUTIFUL BRICK & STONE CLASSIC HOUSE with a unique front wrap-around porch sits on a private park-like lot. 4 BRs, 2 full/2 half baths, art glass windows. Nothing will disappoint!.................................$1,150,000 UNIQUE QUALITY BURMA BUILT HOME with 5 BRs and 3 full & 2 half baths. House has many wonderful features including 2 separate office areas, hardwood floors. ............................................................................... $825,000 HANDSOME TUDOR with classic original archway details beautifully blends w/ tasteful updated bathrooms and kitchen. OUTSTANDING BACKYARD! ..........................................................................................$759,000 ELEGANT VICTORIAN, known as Elliot House in the OPRF Historical Directory, built in the 1890’s. Beautiful vintage detailing blends perfectly with recent updates........................................................................... $735,000

POSITIONED BEAUTIFULLY on a corner lot, the detail found throughout this home is something to see. The seamless addition adds space to this 4 BR, 2 full and 2 half BA home. ....................................................... $889,000 MOVEIN READY NEW CONSTRUCTION with wide open floor plan. Gourmet kitchen, beautiful front and back porches, finished basement, newly built 2.5 garage. ......................................................................$749,500 STUNNING RENOVATION with exquisite modern finishes. Brick home features new hardwood floors, recessed lighting, family room. Move in and Enjoy! .................................................................................................. $639,000 GORGEOUS GUNDERSON with 5 BRs, 3-1/2 BAs features LR/DR combo with hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen, fam room, mud room and 2nd floor laundry room. ............................................................................$589,900 A GRAND HOME in Historic OP! Enjoy the charm & character of HW floors, natural millwork, crown moldings, screened-in porch, den, private backyard. .............................................................................................$574,900 CLASSIC OAK PARK HOME on a large corner lot in the Harrison Arts district. This four bedroom, three bath home boasts four levels of living space. ...................................................................................................$549,000 CENTER OF TOWN VICTORIAN with high ceilings and four spacious levels of living! A 5 BR, 3-12 BA home with great flow, tons of natural light & storage throughout!........................................................................$539,000

ELMWOOD PARK HOMES

RECENTLY UPDATED COLONIAL located in EP’s RF Manor. Huge 2-story addition includes family room, 2-room master suite. Lots of windows and natural light. ..................................................................... $449,900 LARGE JUMBO GEORGIAN on a large lot! Two BR, 1 full/2 half bath home with a family room off kitchen with gas fireplace. Updated kitchen, finished basement. ............................................................................ $290,000

LOVELY BURMA BUILT BRICK HOME, situated in the heart of RF, offers old world charm seamlessly blended with modern updates. Includes 6 BRs plus tandem, 5-1/2 baths, hardwood floors, wb/gas fireplace. Expansive bsmt with media/rec room. In-ground pool on double lot. ...................................... $1,350,000

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2-FLATS

RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2-1/2 BA. Top floor w/wide open views. .. $585,000 RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2-1/2 BA. Two heated garage spaces. ....... $499,000 OAK PARK Two Flat......................................................................... $530,000 NEW LISTING OAK PARK Two Flat. ............................................$479,900 NEW LISTING OAK PARK 3BR, 2BA. ...........................................$329,000 NEW LISTING OAK PARK 3BR, 2-1/2 BA....................................$259,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. Garage parking. .......................................... $209,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 1BA. Bright corner unit. .......................................$136,000 PRICE REDUCED OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. ......................................$125,000

Thinking about buying or selling? Contact Gagliardo Realty Associates today.

For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

NEWLY LISTED

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

1/2 ACRE LOT

1447 KEYSTONE, RIVER FOREST $670,000 :: 3 BED :: 2.5 BATH

1122 FOREST, RIVER FOREST $1,249,000 :: 6 BED :: 5.5 BATH

Brick & stone English cottage, charming classic home on a beautiful cut-de-sac street.

Gorgeous kitchen/family room beautiful 1/2 acre lot.

NEW PRICE

JUST LISTED

906 COLUMBIAN, OAK PARK $839,000 :: 4 BED :: 2.5 BATH

1023 WENONAH, OAK PARK $799,000 :: 5 BED :: 4 BATH

Beautiful totally new renovation top to bottom. Great location.

Unique Victorian in Lincoln School district. Renovated kitchen & baths. Walk to school & transportation.

KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

House Hunting?

RENOVATION 20-year effort from page 19 flanked by built-in shelves. At the back of the second floor, a bedroom had been turned into a kitchen. The Cookes reconfigured the former living room to create a master bedroom, renovated the hall bathroom and added a secondfloor laundry room. They also took out the kitchen and returned the second floor to three bedrooms. With the second floor returned more or less to the original Ernst plan, the Cookes kept going. “The attic was completely underutilized space,” Cooke said. “It felt like a ballroom with the open rafters. We spent quite a bit of time with contractors trying to figure out what to do with the space.” The final plan included building a new staircase from the second to the third floor and creating an attic master suite with its

own bathroom, desk and sitting area and walls of storage space. “We added 700 square feet of living space without having to add onto the house,” Cooke said. The Cookes’ 20 years of efforts didn’t stop with the first through third floors. They also restored the exterior of the house, removing brown asphalt siding and restoring and painting the clapboard in historically appropriate colors. They also went below ground and rehabbed the basement, which includes a full bath, second laundry room, family room and a wine room. For all of their efforts, the Cookes obtained historic landmark status for the home. Now that their two children have left the house, the Cookes are continuing another Oak Park tradition and are looking to downsize. Kathy and Tony Iwerson of @properties, the same realtors who helped them buy the home in 1999, have the listing. The house is listed for $799,000, and the Cookes hope another family will be able to move right in and make it their home, no renovations necessary.

Find a Realtor. Find a home. Get a list of Open Houses.

Every week, every day in Photo provided

CHEF’S KITCHEN: The Cookes removed a wall separating the kitchen from the front of the home and uncovered original pocket doors. The new kitchen (top) is a cook’s dream and ideal family gathering space. Above, the full-rehabbed basement includes a rec room, wine room and full bath.

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

189 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-1400

HomesInTheVillage.com

Featured Listings for This Week 1146 Schneider Open Sun 11:30 1:30 pm Oak Park $299,000 2BR, 2.1BA Call Roz x112

1002 N Humphrey Open Sun 1-2:30 pm Oak Park $220,000 3BR, 1BA Call Kyra x145

River Forest $675,000 3BR, 2BA Call Marion x111

Home of the Week

Oak Park $455,000 4BR, 3BA Call Patti x124

Oak Park $450,000 5BR, 3BA Call Joe x117

Forest Park $399,000 4BR, 2BA Call Mike x120

3511 Gunderson Ave

Elmwood Park $389,000 5BR, 4.1BA Call Laurie x186

Oak Park $310,000 3BR, 2BA Call Jane x118

Berwyn $229,900 4BR, 1BA Call Kris x101

Oak Park $290,000 3BR, 2.1BA Call Marion x111

Oak Park $219,000 2BR, 1.1BA Call Elissa x192

Berwyn $329,900 Multi unit Call Erika x180

Oak Park $90,000 1BR, 1BA Call Kyra x145

Harry Walsh,

Joe Castillo,

Erika Villegas, Co-Owner

Mike Becker

Roz Byrne

Tom Byrne

Laurie Christofano

Kari Chronopoulos

Marion Digre

Morgan Digre

Ed Goodwin

Joe Langley

Jane McClelland

Mary Murphy

Sharon Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mara

Elissa Palermo

Kyra Pych

Linda Rooney

Kris Sagan

Patti Sprafka-Wagner

Managing Broker

Co-Owner

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

NEW PRICE

1142 FRANKLIN AVE, RIVER FOREST

929 FAIR OAKS AVE, OAK PARK

1227 JACKSON AVE, RIVER FOREST

314 S TAYLOR AVE, OAK PARK

932 N OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK

4 br, 4.1 ba $1,400,000

4 br, 4.1 ba $975,000

4 br, 3.1 ba $949,000

5 br, 3.1 ba $775,000

4 br, 3.1 ba $549,000

Donna Serpico 708.848.5550

Kelly Fondow 708.848.5550

Sarah O'Shea Munoz 708.848.5550

Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550

Cory Kohut 708.848.5550

NEW PRICE

OPEN SUN 13

NEW LISTING

922 N EAST AVE, OAK PARK

804 N HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK

1101 N HUMPHREY AVE, OAK PARK

1170 S HUMPHREY AVE, OAK PARK

3 br, 1.1 ba $539,000

5 br, 3 ba $498,700

4 br, 1.1 ba $444,000

4 br, 2 ba $399,000

$355,000

Cory Kohut 708.848.5550

Jonathan Reith 708.848.5550

Alice McMahon 708.848.5550

Robert Hann 708.848.5550

Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550

902 S KENILWORTH, OAK PARK

Get Noticed. World-Class Marketing that moves your home from Listed to Sold.

KoenigRubloff.com • 866.795.1010 OPEN SUN 122

NEW PRICE

OPEN SUN 12:30

OPEN SUN 122

OPEN SAT 111

839 N LOMBARD AVE, OAK PARK

1081 HUNTER ST, LOMBARD

7707 YORK ST, FOREST PARK

1020 RANDOLPH ST 3W, OAK PARK

220 S MAPLE AVE 42, OAK PARK

3 br, 1.1 ba $329,000

4 br, 2.1 ba $325,000

2 br, 3.1 ba $322,900

3 br, 2 ba $297,000

3 br, 2.1 ba $279,000

Cory Kohut 708.848.5550

Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550

April Baker 708.848.5550

Monica Dalton 708.848.5550

Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550

NEW LISTING

OPEN SUN 24

1421 N HARLEM AVE A, OAK PARK

1124 LAKE ST 512, OAK PARK

200 HOME AVE 2C, OAK PARK

814 S MAPLE AVE 2N, OAK PARK

125 N EUCLID AVE 204, OAK PARK

2 br, 1.1 ba $225,000

1 br, 1.1 ba $225,000

2 br, 1.1 ba $214,900

3 br, 1.1 ba $199,999

1 br, 1 ba $165,000

Victoria Witt 708.848.5550

Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550

Dorothy Gillian 708.848.5550

Meg Wygonik Kryger 708.848.5550

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Sunday, October 6, 2019 TIME

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

LISTING PRICE

210 N. Oak Park Ave. UNIT 1GG, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $134,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1:30 504 S. Austin Blvd. UNIT 2, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $175,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 814 S. Maple Ave., Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . . $199,999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4 3745 N Pine Grove Ave., Chicago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . $269,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 220 S. Maple Ave. UNIT 42, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . $279,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 11-1 110 S. Marion St. UNIT 402, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 110 S. Marion St. UNIT 403, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $525,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 1133 W. Chicago Ave. UNIT 3E, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $699,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 1:30-3:30 417 Lathrop Ave. UNIT 3E, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $749,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 1:30-3

ADDRESS

TOWNHOMES

Growing Community.

REALTY CO.

CONDOS

ADDRESS

1002 N. Humphrey Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $220,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2:30 622 Beloit Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $255,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 1-3 839 N. Lombard Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . $329,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 949 N. Taylor Ave., Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compass Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $365,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30-3:30 1007 Hayes Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $392,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 12-2 535 Lyman Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$419,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 1101 N. Humphrey Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . $444,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 822 Forest Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $459,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 2127 N. 77th Court, Elmwood Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $498,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 259 Home Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $575,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3:30 512 Thatcher Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $639,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 174 N. Ridgeland Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,065,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 831 Forest Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,150,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 638 N. Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,450,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

1146 Schneider Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:30-1:30 7707 York St., Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . .$322,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2:30 609 South Blvd. UNIT D, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $349,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 7832 Madison St. UNIT 23, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $479,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 39 Forest Ave. UNIT 5, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $479,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 11-1 7832 Madison St. UNIT 23, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $479,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 11-1 39 Forest Ave. UNIT 5, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $479,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 7828 Madison St, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $509,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 7828 Madison St, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $509,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 11-1 101 N. Euclid Ave. UNIT 12, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $599,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3:30 215 N. Grove Ave. UNIT C, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $599,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3:30 174 N. Marion St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $599,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1:30 186 N. Marion St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $615,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1:30

This Directory brought to you by mrgloans.com

Providing financing for homes in Oak Park and surrounding communities since 1989. Conventional, FHA, and Jumbo mortgages Free Pre-approvals

7544 W. North Avenue Elmwood Park, IL 708.452.5151

Mortgage Resource Group is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. NMLS # 207793 License # 1031

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

THE GEORGIE ANNE GEYER LECTURE

CLARISSA WARD

CNN Chief International Correspondent

10.02.19 Saturday, October 19

For more than 15 years Clarissa Ward has reported from front lines across the world, receiving multiple awards for her reporting including two Peabody Awards, five Emmy Awards, two Edward R. Murrow Awards and many others. WEDNESDAY, October 2, 2019 | 7:00 p.m.

events.dom.edu

BOX OFFICE (708) 488-5000 FREE PARKING

Honoring Renowned Journalist Georgie Anne Geyer The Geyer Initiative brings distinguished journalists to Dominican University and provides experiential learning scholarships for aspiring foreign correspondents.

7900 WEST DIVISION STREET RIVER FOREST, IL 60305

Milen Nachev Conductor

Fiona Zheng

Qin Lu

Violin

Erhu

Music from 5,000 years of civilization “The orchestra is exceptional, a jewel with such precision…” —Dominique Föllmi, president, Geneva Orchestra

“The blend of East and West is magical.” —Freddie Ravel, Grammy-nominated composer and musician

“My entire body was trembling... It was beautiful. It was healing.” —Elisa Brown, renowned soprano

SHEN YUN’S ORIGINAL WORKS: Selection of Shen Yun’s most celebrated compositions. The works range from haunting erhu solos to the grandeur of imperial-style marches and the bucolic charm of folk-inspired melodies.

10.13.19

MARIACHI HERENCIA de MEXICO

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with mariachi music’s most exciting newcomer—an extraordinary youth ensemble from Chicago. Their debut album received a Latin Grammy nomination and their second album debuted at #1 on the iTunes chart.

SUNDAY, October 13, 2019 | 7:30 p.m. BOX OFFICE (708) 488-5000 • FREE PARKING 7900 West Division Street • River Forest, IL 60305

events.dom.edu

CLASSICAL FAVORITES: Smetana: The Bartered Bride, Dance of the Comedians Tchaikovsky: Waltz-Scherzo, Op. 34 Gounod: Romeo and Juliet, Act lV, March

Orchestra Hall Symphony Center, Chicago Saturday, October 19, 2:30 PM 888-997-4697 Online: CSO.org ShenYunSymphony.org/Chicago Tickets: $38~$128 Get best seats & waive fees.* Use Code: SEPT *Only through shenyunsymphony.org/Chicago

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Coach Linda Berger

“Owning Your Seat at the Table”

businesswomenwarriors.com

ac·count·a·bil·i·ty

noun 1. the fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility. “their lack of accountability has corroded public respect”

Community journalism remade Growing Community Media Partner with us.

Find out more at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Kids 3 and Up. Kids & Adult Beginner to Advanced Classes & Lessons,

Leagues, Teams & Drills starting now!

Call Now!

Indoor Tennis & Fitness Non-Member Classes

Pickleball Join the fun! Lessons • Open Play Leagues • Parties

Group Training Pilates

•

Yoga Spinning *Restrictions Apply

301 Lake St., OP (708) 386-2175 • TENandFiT.com

VIEWPOINTS

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com

C O N S C I O U S

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

Learning about the Firearms Restraining Order Act p. 32

A G I N G

What the heck is Wabi Sabi?

etter yet, what the heck is the Wabi Sabi Film Festival? At the Lake Theatre in downtown Oak Park! Friday morning, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. On Golden Pond. Tickets are $2 each. Yup, $2.00. This is a film festival about aging, a film festival for older people, and everybody is welcome to attend. Following the film, stay in your seats; we’ll have an interactive discussion about topics from each film. Every three months we’ll show a different film connected to the theme of aging, with a guest celebrity, followed by interactive discussion (we reached out to Jane). And the Lake Theatre popcorn is mouth-wateringly delicious! The first film to be shown in the Wabi Sabi Film Festival is On Golden Pond, starring Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda (with Jane). By the way, wabi sabi isn’t the green spicy stuff at the sushi restaurant. It is the Japanese world view that appreciates the beauty of impermanence. As I write in my current blog on the IONS website (https://noetic.org/blog/aging-is-inherently-noetic/): The Japanese aesthetic of wabi sabi is an appreciation of the beauty of impermanence — like the wooden banister in an aging house, stroked by thousands of hands over the years, wobbly, chipped, out of alignment, yet oh so beautiful. Teenagers strive for instant wabi sabi by buying already torn and ripped blue jeans, but they fall short. Wabi sabi takes time, as does reaching our noetic phase of life. And like that aged wooden bannister, older people can be wrinkled and wobbly and still be beautiful people. So, mark your calendars. Friday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m., at the Lake Theatre in downtown Oak Park. The premiere of the Wabi Sabi Film Festival. On Golden Pond. Bring a friend. Bring Jane!

Sponsored by: Dementia Friendly Illinois, village of Oak Park, Oak Park Public Library, Park District of Oak Park, Oak Park and River Forest Township Senior Services

Mind your body Practicing yoga calms both mind and body. A recent study found that 11 weeks of regular yoga reduced participants’ systolic blood pressure (an indicator of cardiovascular disease) by 33 points. My friends William Hunt and Annie Walter teach a terrific over-60 yoga class at the Yoga Centre, 266 Lake St. Also, you can visit a local gym or park district or YMCA to sign up for a class.

MARC BLESOFF

Help make Oak Park a dementia-free community Join community leaders in learning about and discussing dementia and its impact on Oak Park, 8 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Oct. 17, 19th Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Please RSVP to: pmahn@oakparktownship.org.

Author-ity Flint Taylor, author of The Torture Machine: Racism and Police Violence in Chicago, will be speaking at the Oak Park Public Library (main branch) on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. I have the honor of introducing the program. I hope to see you there. Finally, I want to tell you about an upcoming free online webinar that I am copresenting on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 1 to 2:15 p.m. The webinar is titled, “A Taste of Conscious Aging,” and it is part of the collaboration between A Tribe Called Aging and the Institute Of Noetic Sciences (IONS). With my colleague Evalina Everidge, we will be hosting an interactive session outlining the ideas underlying the IONS Conscious Aging Workshops. Using the Zoom platform, we will all be able to see and hear one another, break into small groups, and make comments or ask questions in the larger group. This webinar and our blog postings are building toward the upcoming online IONS Workshops that begin Oct. 17. Please visit https://noetic.org/event/taste-of-conscious-aging-webinar/ to register for this free webinar. ■ Marc Blesoff is a former Oak Park village trustee, co-founder of the Windmills softball organization, co-creator of Sunday Night Dinner, a retired criminal defense attorney, and a novice beekeeper. He currently facilitates Conscious Aging Workshops and Wise Aging Workshops in the Chicago area.

More facts needed before changing frosh curriculum

n 2011, I asked then District 200 Supt. Steve Isoye to identify a way for the district to use its extraordinary fund balance to address racial and ethnic disparities in achievement evident and persistent among our students based on race and ethnicity. He asked if I had considered de-tracking. I said I had not and asked if he could identify a single school where that method had succeeded in addressing the problem. He said he could not, but that Evanston Township High School was planning to de-track its freshman curriculum. I suggested that we follow their results closely to see if that could work for OPRF. If ETHS was successful, I envisioned a process of public education, community input, and board dialogue before the board would seek a curriculum change. Last month, I sat in a school board meeting where Associate Supt. Greg Johnson described the administration’s plan to de-track the freshman curriculum at OPRF beginning with the 20212022 school year. I thought this meant that the new curriculum must have worked for ETHS. However, I have since learned that the D200 administration has not looked closely at the details of the ETHS experiment. The administration cited a 2016 article about Evanston’s de-tracking written by Peter Bavis, asst. supt. of curriculum and instruction at ETHS. The article was short on details, providing only a few statistics, intermingled with some positive anec-

dotes to support the effort. Other research cited by the administration pre-dated the ETHS effort. Unfortunately, the support for this initiative put forward by the D200 administration is inadequate. Statistics can be tailored for a purpose, and it is important to look at the underlying data. As a community, we should demand a much more rigorous evaluation of the ETHS effort before making such a significant change to our curriculum. We need to understand the actual enrollment numbers and how ACT scores have trended over time. We need to know the demographics of the student population at the time of de-tracking and how it changed over time. We need to discover how the graduation rate trended over time, as the same change that could push higher-performing disadvantaged students to better performance could push others to give up and drop out. What are the raw numbers upon which these statistics are based? What supports did ETHS put in place? What does the evidence say about the role those supports played in affecting outcomes? There are many, many more questions to which we should demand answers before drawing conclusions about whether ETHS’s experience supports the conclusion that detracking is an appropriate solution for disparate achievement at OPRF.

JOHN PHELAN One View

See PHELAN on page 32

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

O U R

V I E W P O I N T S

V I E W S

Let’s talk policing

ak Park has a very good police department. We have reason to be proud of its officers and the work they do. Over three decades, the department has been innovative, rightly race conscious, and committed to the evolving definition of community policing. In a village located at the edge of Chicago’s West Side, good neighborhoods too often stung by crime, it is only right that the village board would place public safety near the top of its list of priorities. Though levels of crime in Oak Park are at historic lows — crime has been consistently dropping in the village for decades — incidents such as a spike in carjackings create a perception that crime is rising. The data says we’re safe, but the chatter on social media and at the grocery says, “Be wary.” And so, to address those perceptions and to battle the real instances of crime, Oak Park leaders have, since the 1970s, invested more in policing than might be typical of a community of this size and demographic. The investment in policing is one of the main reasons taxes run high in Oak Park and also why demand for the community has run high as well. Last week, in a village board session aimed at setting goals and protocols for this still new board, Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla raised another set of perceptions of our police department. She said the department’s reputation includes active racial profiling of people of color. She said this was of greater concern than public safety and called for a “radical transformation” of policing in Oak Park. Her now regular foil on the board, Trustee Dan Moroney, took umbrage on behalf of the police department, lauded them for their efforts and said that Walker-Peddakotla had no data to back up her claims and accused her of defaming the department. He allowed that the department could benefit from “incremental improvements.” Somewhere between “radical transformation” and “incremental improvements” we have an important conversation in front of us. A conversation we should begin with intention, purpose and optimism. As a village, as a nation, we would do well to leave consciously behind the simple-minded notion that to question police is to denigrate all that they do well. It’s insulting to professional law enforcement to suggest they can’t do better, can’t be held accountable. And it is unacceptable to civilians, especially people of color, who have every reason to be suspicious of policing tactics, to imply that their realities are mere perceptions or overreactions. Oak Park is, as it often is, in a remarkable place to lead. Our police department is strong, racially diverse by design, and adaptable. Having listened to its leaders over decades, it is clear they are conscious of complex issues of race in policing. Are there blind spots? Do they need more and better oversight? Is the data on traffic stops and officer encounters with civilians adequately gathered and assessed, including by those outside the department? Let’s find out. Let’s welcome an organized, purposeful conversation. Let’s be grateful for questions and doubts raised. Let’s be grateful we start from a good place.

River Forest acts Good for River Forest, for its unanimous village board, for its decision last week to outright ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes. There is no defense for selling these products which are unequivocally targeted at our kids, intended only to hook them on a foul and dangerous smoking habit. Yes, there are state and federal efforts looming that will make such a ban much more widespread. That’s good. But that’s no reason for River Forest to delay its action to protect our children right this minute.

The gender revolution

re we witnessing an acceleration of human evolution? That would make sense since we’re also witnessing an acceleration of human endangerment. We’re in a race for survival, and if we don’t evolve to catch up to our technological capacity, we’ll go extinct. Humans must evolve or die, and we’re running out of time. I believe our evolutionary leaps occur when we’re forced to take them. This is one of those times. You can trace these times back to the Industrial Revolution, 220 years ago, when humans acquired the technological capacity to begin destroying our planet. Or you could trace it to the development of the atomic bomb, when we acquired the capacity to destroy ourselves. Resisting our apparent death wish won’t matter, of course, if we destroy the planet first. And we’re well on our way to doing just that. Conversely, it won’t matter if we find a way to save the planet if we destroy ourselves first … or if we’re taken over by Artificial Intelligence … or if Extraterrestrial Intelligence intervenes on our behalf — or against us. No wonder we call this the Age of Anxiety. We’re more endangered and vulnerable than ever, yet that may be triggering an acceleration in our evolution. No one can predict the outcome. Will evolution or self-destruction prevail? Studying how we’re evolving might provide clues that could save us. As technological change accelerates, so does human development. And one of the many changes human beings seem to be undergoing at the moment is a gender revolution. Gender-bending isn’t new. Men and women have been gender fluid for centuries. It provided the plot twists in plenty of Shakespeare’s plays, not to mention complicating the performances, which must have been particularly confusing when men played women’s roles, and a male actor had to pretend to be a woman dressing as a man to satisfy the Bard’s convoluted notions of romantic comedy. Carl Jung, in his early examinations of our unconscious, theorized that all men and woman carry the traditional characteristics of the other gender within. The male psyche includes the “anima” and the female psyche the “animus,” those traits being “repressed,” appearing mostly in dreams. But in the six decades since Jung died, more and more men exhibit traditionally “female” traits, such as sensitivity and emotionality, whereas women are becoming more and more powerful and assertive. Most people today regard these developments as progress. Many of us grew up resisting, even rebelling against the limited definitions our society imposed on “masculine” or “feminine.” In my generation, John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe, the Marlboro Man and Barbie dolls epitomized gender extremes. Traditionalists resisted redefining sex roles, citing the changes as evidence of cultural decline, but others celebrated it as evidence of

liberation, free to be who we really are, not who societal norms and religious doctrine dictate we must be. Gender stereotypes have changed dramatically. I recall when homosexuality first hit my radar, gay men were described as “effeminate,” which was regarded as some kind of affront to the “natural order.” A “disorder.” Now sexual orientation diversity is part of the mainstream, part of a wider natural order. In the past few years, in remarkably rapid fashion, we have also witnessed a virtual explosion of gender fluidity, a dizzying array of variations on the norm, human beings “coming out” as transgender, transsexual, asexual, intersexual, gender neutral, transitioning — perhaps transcending. Some identify as the gender other than the one they were “assigned” at birth. Some don’t identify with either gender, or they identify with both. More and more of us know someone who is publicly “in transition.” Someone I know recently went public, which is why I’ve been thinking about this lately. The speed with which this is happening may feel bewildering, but it’s also fascinating — and possibly promising in terms of where we’re headed as a species. Likely these variations always existed but seldom went public for fear of society’s reprisals. But perhaps this already existing phenomenon is also accelerating. Maybe we’re witnessing the evolution of human gender in a single generation. The same has been suggested with autism — that the human brain is rapidly changing and all of us fit somewhere along that spectrum. Maybe we belong to a wider gender spectrum than we ever imagined. That this is not just about a “disorder” but something deeper, something valid, something better. Where is all this leading? We don’t know, but at the very least it suggests we aren’t prisoners of the characteristics of gender that have long held people back. I identify as male, but it’s not the same masculinity that John Wayne identified with. I know that males can be athletic and powerful and tough, but also tender and emotional, graceful and creative, because I’ve experienced those traits in myself and in others. And I know many strong women who are “feminine” yet exhibit every one of the traits I just mentioned, and more. We are redefining what it means to be a man and a woman — and also what it means to identify with neither, to simply be human. When gender feels like a prison, it becomes a problem. If we more or less balance traits traditionally assigned to “masculine” and “feminine,” then maybe we’ll all be better off. Because these traits are not inherently masculine or feminine. They are inherently human. We’re just beginning to learn what it means to be human. Our species will only survive if we all become fully human, not bi-gender human. The gender revolution may be teaching us how. And none too soon. Because, as I mentioned, we’re running out of time.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S D O O P E R ’ S

W E D N E S D A Y

M E M O R I E S

Safety came first back in the day

hen I was in grade school, the principal, the teachers, and the custodians did everything possible to keep the school safe. Mr. Carlyon our principal at Holmes conducted safety training programs for students and teachers, including frequent fire drills and drills to use in case of an A-bomb attack. It was made clear that prevention was the responsibility of each student and all school employees, so everyone had to work together to make the school safe. Accidents happen because people are in a rush, so the rules were to walk and not run in the halls, not crowd each other, not shove, and stay to the right when walking in the halls. The custodians were always present, and they enforced the rule of never throwing paper or other objects on the floor where someone might slip on them and fall. In the classrooms, the teachers told us to keep our feet out of the aisles and to keep our desk tops free of clutter. If someone threw a pencil, pen or other object at another student, he or she would have an unscheduled appointment with Mr. Carlyon. The custodians made it a point to immediately repair any broken chairs or desks. The gym was the place where most accidents could happen, so before we started a physical activity, we were required to warm up to loosen our muscles. The gym teachers stressed anger control because if a person lost his or her temper, a fight could occur which

might cause injuries. When we had gym classes outside, the teacher would warn us about pushing a player running with a football and being alert to avoid being hit by a thrown bat or by a foul ball. We were also prohibited from sliding into a base. When playing basketball, we were taught to avoid running into walls or crashing through closed doorways. With 25 kids in a gym class, I was amazed that there were very few accidents. We had a very fine science lab set up in our old school. The lab was equipped with both liquid gas and dry chemical fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, and a spray for rinsing eyes. Because of strict adherence to both the lab safety rules and the teacher’s instructions, no one in the class was ever injured while performing science experiments. The art classroom was well ventilated so as to remove paint and other odors. In the winter when snow covered the ground, the rules were strictly enforced. No snowballing was allowed on the main playground, and if a student did break this rule and hit another person with a snowball, he or she would be suspended for at least a week. Teachers supervised snowballing on the east playground from 12:30 to 1 p.m. There a long rope tied across the middle of the field, and if a student crossed the line to throw a snowball, that person would have a one-to-one with Mr. Carlyon. The rules were strict, but enforcement of these rules saved many students from being injured.

JOHN STANGER

Gas leaf blowers are bad for your lawn I would like to chime in with my support of James Whalen’s opinion piece [Acoustical litter, Viewpoints, Sept. 18] and Julie Laney’s very articulate response of Sept. 25 [Oak Park should ban gas leaf blowers, Viewpoints]. I am retired and so am frequently at home during the day. Nearly all of my neighbors have lawn services, which come on different days of the week. Thus virtually every day, even with my windows shut, I can very clearly hear the noise of their equipment. The big riding mowers are bad enough, but the gas leaf blowers are even worse. The noise just cuts through everything — TV, music, ear plugs. The irony is that blowers are both ineffective and bad for your lawn. Ineffective: The leaves are merely blown in the street or, worse yet, on my property by careless workers. The next good wind simply blows them back on the lawns, sidewalks etc., sometimes immediately after the lawn service workers depart. Bad for your lawn: By blowing instead of raking, thatch builds up in your lawn. A certain amount of

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

thatch is good. But too much thatch causes excessive water retention that results in root rot. This tends to result in populations of disease-causing organisms, which are, of course, then treated by your lawn service with pesticides. The pesticides tend to bind to the thatch rather than migrate where they are needed. A good raking twice a year, fall and spring, helps maintain just the right amount of thatch. The joke is that folks using a lawn service then have to pay extra to have their service “power rake” the lawn to correct the problem down the line. Try raking leaves into your flower beds which will protect your plants during the winter and break down to enrich the soil come spring. Use excess leaves, combined with kitchen scraps, to create a compost heap, then top dress your lawn with the compost for a thicker, more weed resistant lawn.

Louise Mezzatesta Oak Park

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Linda Francis Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Tom Deja Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Client Engagement Natalie Johnson Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR ■ 250-word limit ■ Must include first and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote about yourself, your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left

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

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

PHELAN

Asking for facts from page 29 ETHS should provide answers. If it won’t, or if the answers don’t support progress for kids, the district should carefully consider whether to move this initiative forward. I care deeply about our communities, and about OPRF High School, the pillar of these communities. I also care deeply about equity, and I have supported equity initiatives when they are supported by evidence. I supported the Collaboration for Early Childhood Care and Education once I was convinced by James Heckman, a University of Chicago Nobel laureate, that it promised good outcomes, particularly for students of color. I pushed for the making of America to Me to uncover more facts to help our communities make better decisions to improve equity. I also wanted this documentary to serve as a catalyst for changes that could make a difference for disadvantaged children. I hope to support the district’s most recent initiative, but my support will follow the facts; it will not precede them. This isn’t a referendum on who supports equity, but on a specific course of action to address inequity. If support or opposition is based on facts, it is entirely reasonable that a person can support equity but not support this initiative. The D200 board must vote on this initiative and must first perform its due diligence by obtaining answers to the above questions and many more. D200 Board Policy 6:40 Curriculum Development provides that the superintendent will recommend a curriculum that meets stated criteria and the board of education will adopt a curriculum. The board decides whether a teacher gets a sabbatical, what students wear at graduation, and whether to pay for a DJ at the homecoming dance. It would be absurd for the board to delegate this momentous decision. Once these questions are answered, the board will need community input and public dialogue before it can reasonably reach any conclusions. I hope to support this initiative wholeheartedly after an appropriate process. But first, we need more facts. John Phelan, a River Forest resident, is a former District 200 school board member and board president.

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Learning about Illinois’ Firearms Restraining Order Act

ast year was a very good year for those of us in Illinois who believe that reasonable gun regulation must be an integral part of any solution to the epidemic of gun violence that has plagued us both nationally and locally over the last two decades. In 2018, Illinois was finally able to enact two important pieces of gun legislation that have the potential to significantly reduce gun violence in a number of different ways. The first was the Gun Dealers Certification Act. Its primary purpose is to prevent guns from being sold to persons who are not legally authorized to own them. The second law is the Firearms Restraining Order (FRO) Act. Its primary purpose is to provide family and household members of a person they reasonably believe to be a danger to themselves or to others with an effective way to petition the courts to order the removal of guns from the possession of such a person until it is determined that the danger has passed. There are at least two good reasons why these laws were finally able to be enacted into law last year, when this was not possible in the past. First, gun violence tragedies continue to occur on a daily basis throughout our nation and on the South and West sides of Chicago. As the death toll rises, so does the pressure to do something about it. The question for me has never been, “Will meaningful action to address gun violence ever take place?” It has always seemed inevitable to me. The question has always been, “When will it occur and at what cost?” The enactment of these laws show that, at least on the state level, and I think nationally as well, we appear to be reaching critical mass on the issue of gun violence. Society seems to be quickly approaching the point where it has had enough. The second reason for this major legislative breakthrough in 2018 has been the incredible and unremitting effort of people of good will from every spectrum and at every level of civic involvement, year after year, to push this stone up a steep hill without ever faltering. Courageous and principled state legislators, like our own state Senator Don Harmon, and state Representative Kathleen Willis of the 77th District, assumed leadership roles on both 2018 legislative successes. Sen. Harmon has been carrying the water for reasonable gun control for over a decade and Rep. Willis has been doing the same since being elected several years ago. These successes also would not have taken place without the thousands of dedicated volunteers and hundreds of citizen advocacy groups that have come together in recent years under the leadership of the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV), to form a powerful and effective citizen advocacy coalition known as the Illinois Gun Violence Prevention Coalition (ILGVP). I would like to think that the mantra adopted by our local citizen advocacy group, the Gun Responsibility Advocates (GRA), more than six years

ago, “With rights come responsibilities,” is gaining traction with more and more people with each passing year. Before we pat ourselves on the back, however, we need to be clear about the fact that much of the hard work to make these laws as effective as they can be still lies in front of us. No one knows this better than the people I have mentioned above. The type of hard work that remains before us is, however, very different. The Gun Dealer Certification Act requires that much of the work necessary to make this law truly effective will be focused on the administrative rule-making process which is ongoing. The work now required to make the Firearms Restraining Order Act truly effective, on the other hand, focuses on educating the public about the new law. The FRO Act, as mentioned, provides citizens with a way to take action when they reasonably believe a family or household member who possesses a gun may pose a danger to him or herself or to others. Family or household members (or law enforcement) now will be able to petition the court to have guns and active FOID cards temporarily removed from the family or household member in question until such time as the danger has passed. As with all such laws, the FRO law is only as effective as the public’s awareness of what FRO is and how it works. The bulk of the work, therefore, involves information dissemination and training the public. Toward that end, the ICHV, one of the oldest and most respected pro-gunregulation advocacy groups in Illinois, has been tasked with putting on FRO training sessions throughout the state. One session has been scheduled at the Oak Park Main Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park, next Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. The discussion will be led by two of the most knowledgeable individuals in the state of Illinois on the inner workings of the FRO Act, Peter Contos of ICHV, the lead person for ICHV’s Speak for Safety education campaign, and Mark Jones, former police officer and ATF Special Agent, who is the person heading up the ICHV campaign to educate all law enforcement officers in the state about the new law. Officers from the Oak Park Police Department will also participate in the training session. Moms Demand Action of Oak Park and Austin is sponsoring the training session, and GRA endorses the program and will be present for it along with members of the League of Women Voters. The primary purpose is to educate the general public about the new law. This training session is free and open to everyone. If you are interested in understanding the benefits of the new law or if you have a family or household member who is a gun owner and you believe they could present a danger to themselves or to others, you should consider attending this FRO training session on Oct. 9. It will be worth your while. Ray Heise, retired Oak Park village attorney, is a member of Gun Responsibility Advocates.

RAY HEISE

One View

eBook limits are a form of censorship

“Banned Books Week, celebrated this year from September 22-28, usually is about challenging outright censorship,” wrote Kent Oliver, director of the Nashville Public Library, for a recent opinion piece published in his hometown newspaper. Now, “publisher Macmillan’s new ebook embargo must be challenged too.” We couldn’t agree more, Kent!

eBook embargo limits what libraries provide “Censorship is commonly regarded as removing or altering materials because of content. An embargo is a type of censorship by restriction — curtailing access based on financial status,” Oliver added. “It underlies the idea that only those with the ability and willingness to pay deserve access to new information. This philosophy is counter to everything that public libraries stand for.”

One of the biggest book publishers in the industry, Macmillan has said library eBook use is hurting its sales. So come Nov. 1, it plans to restrict libraries so that they can only buy one copy of each eBook they publish for the first eight weeks after a book’s release. For Oak Park, that means we can buy and offer access to only one copy of an eBook for 52,000 people for the first two months the book is out. If Macmillan succeeds with its plans, more big publishers are likely to do the same. This translates into less access and longer waits for you to read and listen to library digital materials. Providing equitable, open access to materials is core to who we are and what we do for our community. As such, we are encouraging everyone to speak up and let Macmillan know what they think about this change.

Sign a petition at eBooksForAll.org

If you believe public libraries should have the ability to purchase eBooks and digital audiobooks without restrictions, please sign the petition at eBooksForAll.org. You can also contact Macmillan CEO John Sargent directly: Macmillan Publishers John Sargent, CEO 120 Broadway St. New York, NY 10271 646-307-5151 press.inquiries@macmillan.com Twitter: @MacmillanUSA

David J. Seleb Executive director, Oak Park Public Library

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Are we becoming indifferent?

When my family and I moved to Illinois, my wife and I intentionally chose Oak Park for our residence due to its fame as a socially responsible community. Since then, I have learned to admire and respect Oak Park’s concern and commitment to respond to the threats to our children’s future. In today’s America, I believe the biggest threat is the division among us. This lack of common purpose is not only hurting us internally as a nation but is leading us to an even greater threat — the threat of becoming indifferent to the needs of the most impoverished children in this global village, the threat of not assuming the leadership role that we have as a powerful nation. Two years ago, I had the blessing to visit Kenya with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and see how the U.S. international aid that we, the people, provide is changing lives. I recall to this day, Asha’s eyes. Asha is a young mother in Kenya, I remember the gratefulness and happiness she expressed while seeing her daughter Farasi smile. As a father of three children, I can completely identify with her. Asha had the opportunity to provide a better chance of life to Farasi, thanks to the U.S. financial aid that allows us in Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to help families that are now providing for their children what they need to be healthy and well-fed and ready to learn. Since 1990, international aid from the United States has saved almost 100 million children and has reduced maternal mortality rates by 44 percent worldwide. But we can’t stop there. We need to make sure that each child has a solid foundation from which to reach the potential God gave him. That is why we need to invest in Child Development Programs (ECD). ECD programs prepare educators with appropriate teaching techniques that stimulate children’s minds based on their age, such as singing, reading, playing with colorful objects, etc. We know that these programs work, and they only cost 50 cents per child per year. As your neighbor in Oak Park, I would like you to write or call our Rep. Danny K. Davis and ask him to join representatives Castro (D-TX) and Fitzpatrick (RPA) to originally co-sponsor legislation for the government to integrate ECD activities into international programs that focus on children, thereby improving the lives of vulnerable children.

Luis Beteta Oak Park

Why the new OPRF freshman curriculum won’t work

ear Dr. Pruitt-Adams and Mr. Johnson, I attended the Sept. 18 community information session on the updated curriculum. During the event, it became clear that the changes are not the right plan, and I’m writing to explain why. This is an “open” letter I am sharing with others to further the community’s discussion. Before I begin, I want to express appreciation for your efforts to address the racial achievement gap. It is an important but difficult challenge. I appreciate that your hearts are in the right place. However, good intentions are not enough. The plan is problematic for several reasons: 1. The district doesn’t seem to be addressing the underlying causes of the achievement gap. The data presented suggests that the two drivers of the achievement gap are (1) things that happens before students enter high school, as evidenced by an achievement gap in test scores of students entering high school, and (2) the college prep classes aren’t working well, as evidenced by the gap widening over time. Despite this data, the plan isn’t directly addressing either of these issues. Instead, the plan is to blow up what is currently working: the honors classes. 2. The district’s research on the problem and solution is very poor. The district’s communication ignores the large body of research saying that plans like these hurt top students. Further, significant research exists that similar plans hurt all students by not providing anyone a curriculum geared toward them. It seems misleading that the plan only cites studies suggesting that similar approaches have worked. I have a summary of some of the academic research that similar approaches have failed. 3. The logic behind describing this change as providing “access” is weak. If the issue was truly access, then providing students more choice in enrolling in the honors track would solve the problem. But as noted during the community session, choice is unlikely to result in more racially equal outcomes. Ironically, the plan for “earned honors” is still one of choice. 4. Analysis of the data on Models of Science class is so poor that it damages the district’s credibility. The Models of Science course is a relatively new course that doesn’t have honors tracks, but allows “earned honors,” giving students the opportunity to get

the honors designation by doing extra work. The district cites strong performance of Models of Science students; however, those results are likely driven by an above-average caliber of the students taking the course — Models of Science students probably are above average because the class has a math prerequisite. Of course their performance was good. Further, the “evidence” only focused on the subset of Models of Science students who later take AP biology. 5. The district is unprepared to execute the plan well. It was discussed that the teachers are asking for more training on “differentiation” — teaching classes with students of different levels of ability and motivation. It’s great to provide that training. But given that teachers already need improvement in differentiated instruction, it is a recipe for failure to make a change that requires teachers to be exceptional at differentiated instruction. This makes it likely that the plan will hurt students of all abilities and ethnicities. 6. The district isn’t taking responsibility for poor communication with the community. One of the audience questions was about why the plan blindsided parents, and another comment was that leadership at the feeder school districts also seemed surprised. Supt. Pruitt-Adams basically said it was the community’s fault for not being aware that this change was being planned. Ummm, no. There should have been community information sessions like this before the change was decided. We deserve better communication during the deliberations of such a major change. 7. There is a lot of confusion about whether this change is just for freshmen or will be phased in to other years. I was at the community meeting and heard clear statements that the change only applies to freshmen, and also that the curriculum for all other years would be reviewed in the future. If a similar plan will be considered beyond freshman year, the district needs to be upfront about it. Given the way the plan for freshmen has been rolled out, I imagine you can understand why the community is concerned about future plans. 8. The plan could be incredibly damaging to our community. Even if the district is right that the plan won’t make anyone worse off — which there are a lot of reasons to doubt — the fact that so many people believe they are worse off damages our community by pitting different factions against each other. I know

this is not your intent, but it is happening. Nearly everyone in Oak Park and River Forest used to support the equity agenda, including our willingness to pay very high tax rates to make it happen. Now people are wondering, “If this plan is how we address the equity agenda, is the equity agenda doing more harm than good?” Further, top students who want to be in honors track classes will become resentful that this experience is being taken from them due to racial issues, potentially creating resentment and damaging race relations. I know the intent is not to take away the honors class experience, but that is what is happening, and the community knows it (why else would so many people show up to the community meeting so unhappy with your plan?). It doesn’t have to be this way. We don’t have to destroy what works for one group of students to do an experiment that might help another group (which research suggests might actually hurt all groups). I know the district’s intent is to improve the community, but the plan is doing the opposite. You’re trying to solve a difficult and important problem, and the community appreciates your efforts. But we need a plan based on sound science about existing practice — no experiments, please. In the spirit of moving forward, I suggest five solutions to consider: ■ Slow down the current plan. There should be a period for community input and deliberation about the plan before a decision is made. ■ Research the source of the problem better. Is the OPRF High School achievement gap and patterns of honors track enrollment purely driven by race, or are there other underlying factors such as parental education and income? If we want to close the gap, we need to know why it exists. ■ Work with the feeder school districts to address the issue before students enter high school. The data says that much of the achievement gap starts before high school. ■ Fix the college prep classes. The evidence I’ve seen seems to point to those classes having a lot of room for improvement. ■ Unwind the current plan altogether. ■ The current plan may have seemed compelling at the time it was created, but new information and perspectives are being revealed, and I hope you’ll agree that the district needs to make adjustments. Eric Friedman is a resident of Oak Park.

Visit us online at www. WednesdayJournalOnline.com

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

RELIGION GUIDE

Roman Catholic

Check First.

First Congregational Church of Maywood

400 N. Fifth Avenue (1 block north of Lake St.) Come join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11 am Pastor Elliot Wimbush will be preaching the message. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. 708-344-6150 firstchurchofmaywood.org When you're looking for a place to worship the Lord, Check First.

You’re Invited to A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130

William S. Winston Pastor Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)

3:30-4:00pm

Nationwide

WJYS-TV (M-F)

6:30-7:00am

Chicago, IL.

WCIU-TV (Sun.)

10:30-11:00am

Chicago, IL.

Word Network

10:30-11:00am

Nationwide

(M-F)

www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org

West Suburban Temple Har Zion

1040 N. Harlem Avenue River Forest Meet our Rabbi, Adir Glick Pray, learn, and celebrate with our caring, progressive, egalitarian community. Interfaith families are welcome. Accredited Early Childhood Program Religious School for K thru 12 Daily Morning Minyan Weekly Shabbat Services Friday 6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org

188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. M–F Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 Religious Ed Phone: 708-848-7220

Good Shepherd Worshiping at 820 Ontario, Oak Park IL (First Baptist Church) 9:00a-Worship 10:30a-Education Hour

All are welcome. goodshepherdlc.org 708-848-4741

Lutheran—ELCA

United Lutheran Church

409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland Avenue) Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and children’s chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

on the corner of Thomas St. & Fair Oaks Ave.

worship on Sundays @ 10am nursery care available fairoakspres.org 744 Fair Oaks Ave. • 708-386-4920

OAK PARK MEETING OF FRIENDS (Quakers) Meeting For Worship Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Park Art League 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park Please call 708-445-8201 www.oakparkfriends.org

Roman Catholic

Ascension Catholic Church

www.unitedlutheranchurch.org

708/386-1576

(708) 697-5000 LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service

St. Edmund Catholic Church

ELCA, Lutheran

Lutheran-Independent

Grace Lutheran Church

7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor David W. Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m. Childcare Available

Grace Lutheran School

Preschool - 8th Grade Bill Koehne, Principal 366-6900, graceriverforest.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship, 9:30am Christian Education Hour 8:30am Wednesday Worship 7:00pm Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org Methodist

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Children’s Chapel during Worship Rev. Katherine Thomas Paisley, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship

808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am, 5:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 pm Saturday Taize Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1

Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor

St. Giles Family Mass Community

We welcome all to attend Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. on the St. Giles Parish campus on the second floor of the school gym, the southernmost building in the school complex at 1034 North Linden Avenue. Established in 1970, we are a laybased community within St. Giles Roman Catholic Parish. Our Mass is family-friendly. We encourage liturgically active toddlers. Children from 3 to 13 and young adults play meaningful parts in each Sunday liturgy. Together with the parish, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program for children in grades K-8. For more information, go to http://www.stgilesparish.org/ family-mass-community or call Bob Wielgos at 708-288-2196.

Third Unitarian Church 10AM Sunday Forum 11AM Service Rev. Colleen Vahey thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield, Chicago Committed to justice, not to a creed

Roman Catholic

St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park

CELEBRATING OUR 107TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Thursday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca

Upcoming Religious Holidays

Oct 4 St Francis Day Catholic Christian Blessing of the Animals Christian 8 Dasara Hindu 9 Yom Kippur Jewish 14-20 Sukkot Jewish 14 Thanksgiving - Canada Interfaith 18 St. Luke, Apostle & Evangelist Christian

To place a listing in the Religion Guide, call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Yam Shun Tong, 71

OB/GYN Dept. chair, PCC Wellness at West Sub Dr. Yam Shun Tong, 71, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Sept 25, 2019. Born on Dec. 29, 1948, in Hong Kong, he was a Chicagoan through and through and a securely indoctrinated fanatic of the championship-winning 1985 Bears. He earned a BS degree in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois Chicago, a PhD from Northwestern University in Biochemistry, and a medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was, in fact, a double doctorate. For over 15 years, Dr. Tong was the OB/ GYN Department chairman of PCC Wellness at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park. He was a dedicated physician, offering his care to expecting mothers and countless patients with the most compassionate bedside manner, working tirelessly, ending days in the clinic with evening call hours for his obstetric patients. He always put his patients DR. YAM SHUN TONG first, whether during a busy clinic day or on his scheduled days off. He had a reputation for rushing into the office to see patients who presented acutely, providing either immediate care or the appropriate referral to meet their needs. Unless he was out of town, he considered himself on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. His legacy lives on in the flourishing and boundless lives of those he touched and the immeasurable heart of the community he called family. Yam Shun Tong is survived by his wife, Cindy; his children, San and Kevin; and three of his siblings. He was preceded in death four siblings. A memorial gathering was held Sept. 29. The family appreciates donations to the Center for Pacific Asian Family (CPAF) https://nurturingchange.org. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

Map It! GARAGE

SALES Find your local garage sales all in one place!

Joseph Murphy, 77 Oak Park resident

JOE MURPHY

Joseph Lee Murphy, aka “Murph,” 77, of Oak Park, died on Sept. 26, 2019. He was the husband of Marcheta (Keta) (nee Shilling) for 56 years; the father of Michael (Dora), Kerry (Tom) Kolzow, and Tim and Katie; papa of Sean, Chelsea (Brett) Clausen, Ryan (fiancée, Alyssa), Kevin Murphy, Kelly, Abby (Mike) Cioffi, Tommy and Michael Kolzow, and Megan and Tim Murphy; the brother of Tom (Lillian) and the late Patrick; and brother-in-law of Gary (Molly) Shilling. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Forest Park’s Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 W. Madison St. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Oak Park’s St. Giles Church, 1045 Columbian Ave., at 10:30 a.m., followed by private interment. The family appreciates memorials to the Parkinson’s Association (http://www.apdaparkinson.org). Additional information is available at 708-366-2200 or www.ZimmermanHarnett.com.

Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home

Since 1880 Read Step 1. le . Recyc Step 2

GO TO OAKPARK.COM/GARAGESALES TODAY!

or call mary ellen at 708.613.3342

to place an ad

Robert P. Gamboney Funeral Director

Family Owned & Operated

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

Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director

Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667

203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191

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

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

“What coach said” This week in volleyball 38

@ @OakPark

SPORTS

No experience, no problem for Trinity team

Coach Smith builds culture through newcomers

played tennis before this year), and they watch videos of Serena Williams to help her game. On the varsity level, she hasn’t won any matches but when she faces opposing JV players, she doesn’t lose a game. By JAMES KAY “It’s hard to lose because I am a Sports Editor very competitive person,” said Bennet. “I’m learning to not express my When a new high school sports emotions too much and control my season surfaces from the depths of competitiveness on the court. It’s summer, varsity coaches want to hit hard to do that when you lose.” the ground running. Typically, they Telling varsity athletes that winknow who is returning from the prening isn’t everything is like telling vious season or have received notice of any newcomers months before children that Halloween is for keto the start of the season. Trinity’s diets: they can’t comprehend the contennis head coach Mary Smith, howcept. However, Smith has created a ever, was greeted on the first day of learning environment that is teachtryouts by seven students who had ing her kids the value of showing never played competitive tennis beup every day and committing themfore. selves to a daily grind. “On that first day, we had two ju“Before this season, I just had a lot niors who showed up who didn’t of free time my freshman year,” said have racquets,” said Smith. “I ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer sophomore Cyanne Alverez. “Coach brought 10 brand new racquets with Trinity High School’s new tennis players at the Keystone Park tennis courts in River Forest.. Smith has really helped us stay on me with the hope that people would “With their limited experience, we can’t spend a ton of time top of everything, and I feel like I am want to come out for the team. What teaching them how to keep score,” said Smith. “I had to focus starting to get how to go to school, then go to tennis, and I have preached this entire season is that it isn’t going to be about winning. I wanted everyone on the team to develop a on the logistical part of teaching the game. Even then there then take care of everything after that. I’m glad I joined this love for the game no matter how little experience they had.” were times where I said, ‘If you need to work on something year.” Even though Smith didn’t cut anyone from the team this that we don’t have the time in practice for, go on YouTube.’” A couple of weeks ago, Trinity had a half day of school. Knowing how to execute a backhand and learning to keep year, the fact remained that the team was going to compete Smith decided to cancel practice to give the kids free time on against players who have been playing tennis their whole score is different from understanding the nuances of tennis. Friday. Most teenagers would jump at the chance of extendlives. There was only so much work that could be jammed Players have to make the assessment of when to restring ing their weekend. into a tight two-hour practice window — much less time for and regrip their racquets and not to linger in “no man’s Not this team. land.” At a certain point, experience is the only training teaching the team the rules of the game. Instead, they were bummed out that they couldn’t get ex“I asked one of my nieces or nephews, ‘How did you learn tool players can use to enhance their skillsets. tra reps in and it shows that Smith’s mantra has rubbed off That’s what makes the rise of sophomore transfer Grace to keep score for tennis?’ and they said, ‘on the Wii!’” Smith on the team. Bennet one of the biggest surprises for Trinity’s inexperirecalled. “This is a game that you can play late into your life,” said Intrigued by the possibility of how it could accelerate her enced team. Though she hasn’t played competitive tennis, Bennet has become Trinity’s No. 2 singles player. She stays Smith. “We are building tennis players, but more importantteam’s comprehension of the game, Smith told her group of newcomers to play Wii Tennis if they owned a game console. every day after practice with her father (who also hadn’t ly, we are building strong, young women.”

OPRF Field Hockey struggles at home invitational Head coach Wirtz finds positives despite winless weekend By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

After a promising start to the season, the OPRF field hockey team had what head coach Kristin Wirtz described as a “disappointing” weekend at its annual Invitational. With Friday’s matches being postponed due to weather, the Huskies went winless on Saturday, getting blanked by Pi-

oneer of Ann Arbor, Michigan (4-0) and New Trier (5-0), a 1-1 draw with University School of Milwaukee, and a scoreless draw against Loyola. The invitational was won by New Trier as the Trevians defeated Lake Forest 3-1 in the title match. While certainly disappointed with Saturday’s showing, Wirtz believes it was a valuable learning experience for the Huskies. “Up to this point, we’ve had a really strong season, and these are the most challenging teams we’ve played,” said Wirtz. “This is a good experience that serves as feedback to figure out what we need to do to step up.” Despite going winless, there were a few standout contrib-

utors for OPRF, most notably goalkeeper Kate Bartall and center back Shealy Callahan. “I think we had a few people step up,” Wirtz said. “Cate Barkdoll has been a champ for us in goal every game. She had a tough day today, but she had a lot of pressure on her. Overall, I’m proud of her for sticking with it; her save percentage is high and she’s very solid and keeps us going. “Our center back, Shealy Callahan, has been strong this season,” added Wirtz. “She’s our wall in front of Kate and has been doing a good job for us. Our defense had a bit of a See JUMPWORD on page 38

S P O R T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

Late penalty kick dooms Friars against Ignatius

Fenwick’s season hits bump in 2-1 loss on Sept. 26. By JAMES KAY Sports Editor

When Fenwick hired Craig Blazer earlier this year to take over as the varsity soccer head coach, his team had one message for him: we have to beat St. Ignatius. Unfortunately, the Friars weren’t able to do that on Sept. 26. However, after a very competitive 2-1 loss to Ignatius, Blazer isn’t focused on the bitter taste. “In a rivalry matchup, yeah we wanted to win, and it was a really good game that came down to a penalty kick,” said Blazer. “Both teams played at a high level, and our guys are learning. I’m proud of them, and we will learn from this.” In the first half, it looked like Fenwick (9-3-1, 2-1-1) had all the answers for the Wolfpack offense. Going into the match, Fenwick’s goalkeepers had recorded six shutouts, while only surrendering eight goals on the season. Throughout the first half, the Friars denied every chance Ignatius had on goal. “Our goalkeepers have been great,” said Blazer. “Jacob [Arquette]’s first half was incredible and Marko [Brajkovic] did his normal good thing. They are so talented, and we are going to be in every game this year because of them. They kept us in this one.” Arquette’s masterful first half was highlighted by a series of deflections and diving stops that had Ignatius frustrated throughout the first 40 minutes of the match. Even when the Wolfpack offense was able to find daylight in the middle of the box, Arquette halted any momentum Ignatius created. “I think we are still building our identity, and we

have done that by trying to take care of our defense first,” said Blazer. “We started to give up a lot of fouls at the end of the first half and you could tell that they were dangerous.” The Friars opened the scoring with 23 minutes left in the half when sophomore Jack Powers found an opening in the box. With a two on two opportunity, Ignatius’ goalie stepped up in the box and deflected Fenwick’s first shot on goal before Powers took the deflection and knocked the ball into the wide-open net. No one scored the rest of the half, but Ignatius started adjusting to the Friar defense late in the first. Fenwick held their own in the second half but found themselves in a vulnerable position at the 19-minute mark after they committed a foul 30 yards away from the goal on the sideline. Ignatius’ Ryan Roberts launched a pass into the box and found his teammate Ryan Notarianni who finished it with a header into the net to tie the match. “We could have managed the last couple minutes when it was 1-1 to try to stop the bleeding,” said Blazer. “We really wanted to push that to overtime and re-collect ourselves. You have to give them credit for what they created in the box at the end.” It seemed like the Friars and Wolfpack were going to battle in overtime with the match tied at 1-1 with ten seconds left. However, on a throw-in, Ignatius’ Everett Shorey was fouled in the box and finished off a penalty kick to give the Wolfpack a 2-1 win on their senior night. “This is probably the worst loss for us this year … maybe even the worst one during my time here at Fenwick,” said senior Joe Sedlacek. “But we knew they were a good team and we needed to stay disciplined. We did what we needed to do but it was just an unlucky finish.”

PHOTO BY NICK ZEIBERT

Fenwick captain Teddy Hernandez running through the defense.

Huskies win big against Morton

OPRF football bounces back after game postponed By LAUREN RECCHIA Contributing Reporter

Scoring early and often was the key for OPRF as they nailed down their second win of the season. The Huskies (2-3, 1-1) cruised past the Morton Mustangs 49-9 Saturday at Morton stadium, after a rain-soaked night postponed the Friday night matchup. The Huskies held Morton to just three points in the first half and reached a season-high 35 points before halftime as junior Naahlyee Bryant grabbed an interception and ran it in for a touchdown to put his team up 35-3 with 19 seconds to go in the second quarter. “Usually on second down [Morton] likes to run a screen pass or throw a deep ball, so I was already thinking that pre-snap,” said Bryant. “When I lined up, I saw the quarterback backing up for a screen pass so I kind of retreated, and he threw the ball and I saw

it and just went for it.” “That was an amazing play,” said Huskies head coach John Hoerster. “That’s a very difficult thing to do to catch a ball coming in that fast and to have the athleticism to catch it and then score. It’s pretty awesome.” The Huskies kept the scoring going as junior quarterback Jaden McGill connected with receiver Frank Krusinski in the corner of the endzone on a three-yard touchdown pass to put OPRF up 42-3 with 9:11 to go in the third quarter. “We needed to get a little rhythm on offense, and I think the guys did some good things today,” said Hoerster. “We still have a ways to go, but it was great to see these guys execute the way they’ve been coached up to do.” McGill went 15 for 21 with 215 yards and two touchdowns in the Huskie victory, while senior running back Nazareth Bryant rushed for 147 yards on 10 carries with two touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Jalen Davis grabbed four receptions for 79 yards, and junior wide receiver Ryan McFadden had six receptions for 60 yards with a touch-

down. It was a spectacular offensive showing for the Huskies, as Hoerster and the rest of the coaching staff got them ready. “Our coach [sparked the offense],” Bryant said. “I know coach got on them a little bit. They got it together today and started picking the ball up, and I’m proud of them. I saw my brother [Nazareth Bryant] moving the ball, and I knew [the offense] had it today.” Defensively, along with Bryant’s interception, senior Henry Detmer and junior cornerback Jalen Bates each notched an interception for the Huskies. “I’m proud of my defense,” Bryant said. “I know we’ve been struggling so far this season, but today we really picked it up. We came through all the way to the end from the first stringers to the fourth stringers. It was one of the best games we played this season, and from here, we’re only going to get better.” Morton added to their scoring with an 8-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Allen Miramontes to sophomore running back Mason Bryant with 2:53 left in the third, but the Huskies sealed the win with a 5-yard rushing touchdown to the left by ju-

nior running back Jack Landis to complete the 49-9 victory. The storm-ridden Friday night made for a longer weekend than the Huskies are used to, but they showed they were up for the challenge. “It was a weird turnaround,” Hoerster said. “It’s tough when you expect to play on Friday and have to come back Saturday, it makes for a long weekend. The guys did a great job adjusting to that; it’s not easy.” The Huskies continue their 2019 campaign at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 4 in a conference game at Proviso West. Bryant believes his team can build off the win and get some momentum going as they get into the bulk of the season in October. “I’m proud of this team and getting this win today,” he said. “Now we just have to try and win out and finish the season strong.” Hoerster echoed the sentiment. “Some good things happened today, but we have to keep getting better,” he said. “We have to keep improving and enjoying each other’s company and be grateful for the opportunity to play the game.”

S P O R T S

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

FIELD HOCKEY Moving forward from page 36 tough day, but overall they’ve had a good season.” Wirtz feels that the errors made by the Huskies (7-3-3) are correctable. In addition, she believes the rough showing will ultimately help her team. “We had a breakdown in defensive organization today,” she said. “Winning the 50/50 balls is huge, especially when you’re playing these quick, fast-paced games. Winning them, along with playing possession hockey is going to make a big difference for us.” “I think it’s important for us to put ourselves in these situations where we’re competing at the highest level, and these teams (at the invitational) are definitely at the highest,” she added. “It’s important to have this now so that we know where we need to go moving forward and what we need to work on so that, come the playoffs, we are mentally and physically prepared to compete with those teams.” OPRF resumes action Thursday, Oct. 3 at Lakes Community High School, followed by matches at New Trier on Oct. 7 and at home versus Naperville North, Oct. 9.

PHOTO BY JERRIC RAMOS

Greta McNulty (#13) tries to get past the USM defense last Saturday

WHAT COACH SAID...

This week in girls volleyball In order to create balanced coverage in high school sports around the area, we’re running a section called, “What coach said.” Every week, we’ll cover a different sport and talk to each coach at the varsity level. This week, we’re highlighting girls volleyball. With one month left before regionals, there is plenty of work to be done, and seeding to be determined.

OPRF had a strong week after struggling in the McAuley Invitational on Sept. 20-21. They beat Downers Grove at home (25-17, 25-22) and traveled to Riverside-Brookfield before taking down the Bulldogs (25-20, 25-17). This is what head coach Kelly Collins had to say. On bouncing back from McAuley loss: “After that tough outing against McAuley, I think we put a stronger emphasis on serve receive. Whenever I go back and look at the film from when we have struggled, whether it is against McAuley or anyone else, that is what we have struggled with the most. When we can’t get that going, it doesn’t allow us many options to run and establish a tempo on offense.” On how to capitalize on next month’s schedule: “We start five seniors and all of them have 2-3 years of experience on varsity. We have been up and down all season but when we are on and on the same page, we are incredibly hard to beat. The kids are starting to know what their potential is, and our main goal is to win. We look at our schedule, and maybe this is too presumptuous, but we don’t see anyone in the month KELLY COLLINS of October who can stop us if OPRF

we come out and execute our game plan. We’ve talked this season that we beat ourselves and we need to limit our mistakes.” Over this past week, Fenwick lost a three-set thriller to St. Ignatius (24-26, 25-20, 25-27) and beat Whitney Young (1225, 25-16, 25-21). Here is what head coach Kathleen O’Laughlin had to say about the matches and her current group. On this past week’s matchups: “Ignatius is always going to be a big match for us, and I know both teams get pumped up for that. It’s always a good, old street fight KATHLEEN O’LAUGHLIN when we play and both teams FENWICK played at a high level. I think there are times when our youth shows since we start two freshmen, two sophomores and two juniors, but I was really impressed with how the team played in both matches. It was nice to beat Whitney in three [sets] after we had a slow start. They have a big, fast offense, and I think we adjusted during the match to take that one. We are right there, and we just have a few things to go back to the drawing board to work out.” How this group reminds her of the 2012 team: “We started a group that was about this young in 2012. That group lost in the super-sectional in 2015, and they matured and progressed by the time they were seniors. This team kind of reminds me of that 2012 group. There’s some key positions where we are young, but they are working really

hard and they play with a level of energy that is exciting for us as a program.” Trinity’s varsity team has had its struggles this entire season. However, they have stayed in tight matches against elite teams and still have a shot at making noise once the regular season ends in a month. Here is what head coach Kevin Uhlir had to say about his team. On making up the loss of senior talent: “We are a young team KEVIN UHLIR and I expected some growing TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL pains, but we need to refocus. We lost three seniors from last year, and two of them were key players for us. Emma Jacobs is still here. She just got her 1,000 career kill. Last year, she had 368 kills, and the two seniors that left combined for 400 and something kills. We needed to replace 450 kills from last year, and that is hard to do with a new group.” Holding onto hope this season: “I am not throwing in the towel for this year. We have played competitively against everybody. We took a set from Nazareth who is one of the top teams in the state; we beat [OPRF] who is having a solid season this year; and we competed hard against 4A schools in the Lyons Township Quad Meet. I look at the everybody in our sectional and there’s nobody there we can’t compete with. I am not throwing in the towel.”

James Kay

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week

YOUR WEEKLY AD

REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 P.M. MONâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;FRI

NEW!

Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/ClassiďŹ ed/

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED NETWORK SPECIALIST The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualiďŹ ed candidates for the position of Network Specialist in the Information Technology Department. The ideal candidate will need to be knowledgeable and capable to apply the principles and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis. Hardware and software conďŹ guration of computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environments of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, IOS/ Android. Network protocols, security, conďŹ guration and administration, including ďŹ rewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology. Cabling and wiring, including ďŹ ber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down. Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant. Interested and qualiďŹ ed applicants can visit our website at http:// www.oak-park.us/ for more details. ENTRY LEVEL PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICER The Village of Oak Park Police Department is now accepting applications for the position of Entry Level Probationary Police OfďŹ cer. The application process is from Wednesday, September 4 through Friday, October 11, 2019. Applications and details on the hiring requirements for Probationary Police OfďŹ cer can be found at www.iosolutions.com. The written exam will be by invitation to qualiďŹ ed applicants only. SAWAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OLD WARSAW All positions open APPLY IN PERSON SUNDAY 11AM TO 3PM 9200 CERMAK ROAD Software Engineer Lead sought by SPINS LLC in Chicago, IL to build web services, web applications, and web portals. Req MS in CS, Engg, or rltd + 2yrs sftw dvlp exp. Req 2yrs exp w/: MySQL, AWS, Azure, Maven, Git, and JUnit. Apply @ www. jobpostingtoday.com #24255

SITUATIONS WANTED

SUBURBAN RENTALS

GIMME WHATCHYA GOT! Indep. Jack-of-All-Trades 10+ yrs ďŹ nancial mgmt. Experienced with Quickbooks. Superior Excel & Word skills. Yrs of experience designing & managing databases including church mgmt (Realm).. Skilled with SurveyMonkey, Constant Contact & Mailchimp. Tech experience + Squarespace and Wordpress design. 10-20 hours. $16.50/hr. minimum. Given the breadth of my experience and ďŹ&#x201A;exibility, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ďŹ nd Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m worth much more than that! ronelling@comcast.net Subject â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talkâ&#x20AC;?

FOREST PARK STUDIO FOR RENT Hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;oors throughout. Stainless steel appliances, incl. dishwasher. Newly renovated bath. 2nd ďŹ&#x201A;oor unit. Laundry on ďŹ&#x201A;oor. Parking incl. Close to downtown FP and transportation. Call 708-297-1893.

SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE

GIANT BALCONY & HEATED GARAGE

NEW CONCEPT FOR MAYWOOD In this quiet residential neighborhood

902 S. 3RD AVENUE (2 blks W of 1st Ave & 1 blk N of Madison)

Reserve your own affordable 2 or 3 BR condo unit of 1000+ sq ft of living space being built on this historic site. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll benefit from a unique 12-year tax freeze and lower monthly living expenses from energy saving systems/appliances, and you can help design your own individual unit. Plans also include building 5 new townhomes onsite. For details Call 708-383-9223.

FOREST PARK 2ND FLR 1 BR FOR RENT Clean, freshly painted, great location. Walk to El, restaurants and stores. Quiet building. Reasonable rent. Call Francis 708-383-8574.

FOREST PARK 1 BR $1200/MONTH ARISTON REALTY 708.771.5000 2 BR/1 BATH APT - NE OP Charming & Spacious 900 sf. apt on residential blk. 2 BR /1 Bath in owner occupied 2 ďŹ&#x201A;at. 4 blks from Ridgeland Green Line & OPRF HS. Close proximity to Whittier/Beye Schools. Lots of closets and storage space, private outdoor deck. Included: onsite storage, AC units, in unit washer/dryer, water, trash. Not incl: Electric, gas. Parking avail. Pets at ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discretion. Max. 3 persons, NO SMOKERS!!! Credit & background check required. email: wynnhousing@gmail.com phone: 312-324-3876

SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M property management, inc.

708-386-7355 â&#x20AC;˘ www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.

Apartment listings updated daily at:

Find the best employees with WednesdayÂ Classified! Call 708-613-3342 toÂ advertise.

LIKE A GREAT VINTAGE WINE OAK PARK 3 BR, 1.5 BA

Large apartment, high ceilings, hardwood floors, large yard space, garage incl.

$2000 PER MONTH ARISTON REALTY 708.771.5000

CITY RENTALS UNFURNISHED APT 4BR 2BA 4 BR, 2 BA w/ front room, living room, den and encl. porch. Close to transportation. Tenant pays util. Security & references required. Call 773-297-0109 and leave message. CHICAGO 3BR 7026 W WRIGHTWOOD AVENUE 2nd ďŹ&#x201A;oor, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath Heat included no pets. Close to Metra and Blue line Newly Remodeled. Please call for Appt 773 396-4158 $1650.00 plus move in fee $1000.

ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957 Large Sunny Room with fridge & microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $101.00 week & up. New Mgmt. 773-378-8888

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER/ HOUSEKEEPER Exp. caregiver/housekeeper looking for work on Saturdays or Sundays. Please call 773-816-8734

You have jobs. WeÂ have readers!

SUBURBAN RENTALS

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment. Selling your home By Owner? Call Us For Advertising Rates! 708/613-3333

FOREST PARK OFFICE/STORE AVAILABLE FOR LEASE 1350 SF w/ AC & MADISON STREET EXPOSURE. 7607 Madison Street. Village parking lot next door. Bright, clean ofďŹ ce. Great Madison Street exposure! Call Francis 708-383-8574. THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy offices for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking; Free wifi; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared Waiting room; optional Conference room. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays. Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WANTED TO BUY

ARE YOU A LANDLORD?

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ďŹ&#x201A;ags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiersâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;lead, plasticâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

Join a research study about owning a rental property! Just one interview is required to participate and receive a $45 cash stipend. The purpose of the study is to learn what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like to own a small building (2-4 ďŹ&#x201A;at) on the West Side. To learn more or see if you are eligible, call, text, or email: 815416-9760, ahelmu2@uic.edu. This research is directed by Allison Helmuth, Dept. of Sociology at UIC, IRB#2018-0750.

GARAGE/YARD SALES Forest Park

HUGE ANNUAL DOWNSIZING SALE! DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS THIS SALE: PART 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SEPTEMBER 20/21/22; PART 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; OCTOBER 4/5/6; 9AM - 5PM 547 MARENGO AVE

Many quality items at reasonable prices. Much kitchen miscellaneous: gadgets and small appliances; much silver in excellent condition; much ďŹ ne crystal, especially stemware; several small area rugs and runners; small wool rug with appraisal; a few tools and garden items; several nice pieces of furniture, including glass cabinet; decorative glass storage jars; several small ďŹ le cabinets; white porcelain cookware (unchipped); too much to list; must see to appreciate. No early birds. Forest Park

DONATION FUNDRAISER 1010 DUNLOP AVE SAT 10/5 10AM TO 5PM

Selling bike, clothing (kids+adult), books, shoes, snow blower, dresser, and other donated items. Proceeds beneďŹ t disability advocacy through Chicago Adapt. Oak Park

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE 634 CLINTON SAT 10/5 8AM TO 12PM

Bikes, kids items, clothes, toys, kitchen items, etc... Oak Park

GARAGE SALE 220 N ELMWOOD SAT 10/5 9AM TO 1PM

DOWNSIZING! Antiques, collectibles, furniture, household and more! Oak Park

BLOCK YARD SALE 900-948 N GROVE AVE SAT 10/5 & SUN 10/6 9AM TO 5PM

Up to 10 households will be offering their outgrown treasures for your gain! People will be setting up at different times, due to busy schedules. So stop by off and on, come back and bring your friends! For item selection see our ad at https:// www.oakpark.com/Classified/ Ads/9739. RAIN DATE is following Saturday, Oct. 12, 9AM-5PM.

GARAGE/YARD SALES River Forest

DOWNSIZING! GARAGE SALE 1006 FOREST SAT 10/5 9AM TO 1PM

Halloween & Christmas decorations, Nerf toys, kids books, dishes, house decor

ITEMS FOR SALE BOOKCASE Six shelves. Very nice condition. 36â&#x20AC;?W x 58â&#x20AC;?H x 14â&#x20AC;?D. $75.00. 708-848-8755 BUMPER POOL TABLE $15.00. 708-848-8755 SOLID OAK CABINET W/ HUTCH Beautiful condition. Two drawer, two door cabinet base 29â&#x20AC;?H x 49â&#x20AC;?W; Two shelf hutch 28â&#x20AC;?H x 49â&#x20AC;?W x 11â&#x20AC;?D. $175. $125.00 708-848-8755

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING AIR CONDITIONING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Air Conditioning Automotive A/C Refrigerators Ranges â&#x20AC;˘ Ovens Washer â&#x20AC;˘ Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000

STEINWAY UPRIGHT PIANO Excellent condition. Cut-rate price -$500.00 or best offer. Call Steckman Studio of Music 708-533-0969

OakPark.com | RiverForest.com

CEMENT

MAGANA

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N â&#x20AC;&#x153;QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATIONâ&#x20AC;? ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL Â&#x2DC; INDUSTRIAL Â&#x2DC; RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 Â&#x2021; )281'$7,216 Â&#x2021; 3$7,26 67(36 Â&#x2021; &85% *877(56 Â&#x2021; 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* Â&#x2021; 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

Attention! Home-improvement pros! Reach the people making decisions. Advertise in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

CLASSIFIED CEMENT

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

(708) 613-3333 â&#x20AC;˘ FAX: (708) 467-9066 â&#x20AC;˘ E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM

CEMENT Residential Commercial Industrial Licensed Bonded Insured Free Estimates Âˇ Veteran Owned

Drives Walks Patios Stamped Concrete Curbs/Gutters GarageÂ Floors Foundations Water Control / Management

devegaconcrete.com Âˇ 708-945-9001

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles. We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs Home Re-wiring â&#x20AC;˘ New Plugs & Switches Added New circuit breaker boxes â&#x20AC;˘ Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp â&#x20AC;˘ Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential â&#x20AC;˘ Commercial â&#x20AC;˘ Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. â&#x20AC;˘ Bonded â&#x20AC;˘ Ins. â&#x20AC;˘ Low Rates â&#x20AC;˘ Free Est.

708-409-0988 â&#x20AC;˘ 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts â&#x20AC;˘ 30 Yrs. Exp Servicing Oak Park â&#x20AC;˘ All surrounding suburbs â&#x20AC;˘ Chicago area

FIREWOOD

HANDYMAN

FIREWOOD

Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Repair

UNLIMITED

Fast Delivery MIXED HARDWOODS CBH & MIX 100% OAK CHERRY OR HICKORY 100% BIRCH Seasoned 2 years Stacking Available

847-888-9999 Order online:

www. suregreen landscape.com

Credit Cards Accepted

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Do

708-296-2060

HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-732-2263 Ask for John

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

New hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;ooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-ďŹ nishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404

GARAGE/ GARAGE DOOR

BRUCE LAWN SERVICE

Our 73rd Year

LANDSCAPING Fall Yard Clean-Up Slit Seeding Bush Trimming Fall Leaf Clean-Up Senior Discount Snow Removal

brucelawns.com

Garage Doors &

Smart Door Openers

Sales & Service Free Estimates

(708) 652-9415 www.forestdoor.com

HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE

708-243-0571

NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP

Evergreen trimming & more. Hand weed removal. Clean-ups. Call 24 hrs.

708-447-1762

PAINTING & DECORATING

Drywall Repair â&#x20AC;˘ Painting Fans Installed â&#x20AC;˘ Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning â&#x20AC;˘ Window Repair

CLASSIC PAINTING

708-488-9411

708.749.0011

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

OakPark.com | RiverForest.com

PLUMBING

PUBLIC NOTICES

FREE ESTIMATES Service in 1 Hour in Most Cases

All Work Guaranteed Lowest Prices Guaranteed FREE Video Inspection with Sewer Rodding /P +PC 5PP -BSHF t /P +PC 5PP 4NBMM Family Owned & Operated

t Lic. #0967

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, to consider amendments to the Villageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zoning Ordinance which include, but may not be limited to, the following: Additions and amendments to Chapters 10-3 (DeďŹ nitions), 10-7 (Regulations of General Applicability), 10-12 (C1 Commercial Zoning District), 10-13 (C2 Commercial Zoning District), 10-14 (C3 Central Commercial Zoning District), 10-15 (ORIC OfďŹ ce/Research/Industrial/ Commercial Zoning District) and 10-21 (Land Use Chart), to allow the limited operation in the Village of River Forest of certain cannabis business establishments operating under the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, 410 ILCS 705/1, et seq., as amended (â&#x20AC;&#x153;CRTAâ&#x20AC;?), and medical cannabis establishments under the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, 410 ILCS 130/1, et seq., as amended (â&#x20AC;&#x153;CUMCPPA), subject to the following limitations, in addition to those limitations which the Zoning Board of Appeals and/or Village President and Board of Trustees may determine are appropriate: A. Cannabis dispensaries and cannabis craft growers operating under the CRTA may be located in the Village of River Forest as a special use in the C1 Commercial Zoning District, C2 Commercial Zoning District, C3 Central Commercial Zoning District and the ORIC OfďŹ ce/ Research/Industrial/Commercial Zoning District. B. Cannabis cultivation centers, cannabis processing organizations and cannabis transporting organizations are prohibited from operating in the Village of River Forest. C. Medical cannabis dispensaries and medical cannabis cultivation centers operating under the CUMCPPA may be may be located in the Village of River Forest as a special use in the C1 Commercial

Zoning District, C2 Commercial Zoning District, C3 Central Commercial Zoning District and the ORIC OfďŹ ce/Research/Industrial/ Commercial Zoning District. D. Consumption of cannabis shall not be permitted on the premises of any cannabis business establishment or medical cannabis establishment. The additions and amendments to the Village of River Forest Zoning Ordinance include, but are not be limited to, those described above, along with, deďŹ ning cannabis business establishments and medical cannabis establishments, establishing additional reasonable time, place and manner restrictions, distance limitations, or other limitations on the operations of cannabis business establishments and medical cannabis establishments as allowed under the CRTA and/or the CUMCPPA, and such other regulations as the Zoning Board of Appeals and/or Village President and Board of Trustees may determine are appropriate. The petitioner for the Text Amendments is the Village President and Board of Trustees. This public hearing is being held pursuant to direction given by the Village President and Board of Trustees for the Zoning Board of Appeals to consider these amendments. For additional information visit www.vrf.us. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record at the hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals. For further information or for a copy of the proposed text amendments, please contact Assistant Village Administrator Lisa Scheiner at (708) 714-3554 or at lscheiner@vrf.us or visit www.vrf.us. Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE FOREST PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Bid Package #01 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Library Furniture

A-All American

Plumbing & Sewer Service

PUBLIC NOTICES

Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Library Trustees of the Village of Forest Park from Furniture Contractors for FF&E at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park, IL 60130. Sealed bids will be received on or before, but not after 10:00 AM on Wednesday October 9, 2019 at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park. IL 60130. Bids received after that time will not be considered. All Bids shall be addressed and delivered to the circulation desk inside the building on or before the time set forth above. Sealed envelopes or packages containing the Bid Forms shall be transmitted to the attention of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Library Directorâ&#x20AC;? and shall be marked or endorsed with the title of Sealed Bid for Bid Package #01-Library Furniture and the Bidderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full legal name. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Teen Service Room at 10:00 AM on Wednesday October 9, 2019. Bids shall be submitted in the form and manner contained in the Bidding Requirements. Contractors may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from Williams Architects, 500 Park Blvd. Suite 800, Itasca, IL. 60143 cakotera@ williams-architects.com or by calling 630-221-1212. Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or a cashierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s check in the amount of 10% of the total bid, made payable to Forest Park Public Library, as a guarantee that the suc-

cessful bidder will promptly execute a satisfactory contract, will furnish a satisfactory performance bond and payment bond and proceed with the work. Upon failure to do so, the bidder shall forfeit the amount deposited as liquidated damages and no mistakes, errors, exclusions, or omissions on the part of the bidder shall excuse the bidder or entitle the bidder to a return of the aforementioned amount.

No bid will be considered unless the bidder shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the Board of Trustees that the bidder has the necessary facilities, abilities, experience, equipment, ďŹ nancial and physical resources available to fulďŹ ll the conditions of the Contract and execute the work, should the Contract be awarded such bidder. Bidders will examine the plans and speciďŹ cations and the location in which said work is to be done and judge for themselves all the circumstances and surrounding known and reasonably foreseen conditions affecting the cost and nature of the work, and all bids will be presumed to be based on such examination, familiarity, and judgment. The successful bidder shall be required to provide a Performance Bond and a Material and Labor Payment Bond in the amount of 100% of the Contract Amount, as well as liability and property insurance as required by the Bidding Require-

ments before commencing work. The successful bidder shall enter into a formal contract based on the conditions and requirements in the Bidding Requirements and the Bidding Requirements will be incorporated into the Contract. Not less than the prevailing wage shall be paid for labor on the work to be done as required by law. The successful bidder will be required to comply with the provisions of all State of Illinois and federal laws concerning public works projects as well as the State of Illinois Human Rights Act and the regulations of the Illinois Human Rights Commission. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any technicalities and irregularities in the bidding and to hold the bid proposals for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of opening set forth above. Questions about the bid documents should be submitted, in writing, to Carrie Kotera, Williams Architects at cakotera@williamsarchitects.com By order of the Board of Trustees of the Forest Park Public Library, Cook County, Illinois. Dated at Forest Park, Illinois this 25th day of September 2019. Pilar Shaker, Library Director

Published in Forest Park Review 9/25, 10/2/2019

LEGAL NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS Public Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois, on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Community Room of the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter: The ZBA will consider an application for major zoning variations submitted by Bayard & Michele Elfvin, owners of the property at 535 Monroe Avenue, who are constructing an addition onto the existing home. The applicants are requesting major variations to Sections 10-9-5 and 10-9-6 of the Zoning Ordinance for the purpose of allowing the attic addition to remain which had been inadvertently constructed in violation of the Floor Area and Building Height regulations. As constructed, the attic includes approximately 474 square feet of area which is deďŹ ned as Floor Area by the Zoning ordinance, increasing the ďŹ&#x201A;oor area ratio to 0.454. Section 10-9-5 (10-8-5) of the Zoning ordinance limits the ďŹ&#x201A;oor area ratio to a maximum of 0.40. As constructed, the knee walls at the north and south sides of the attic are approximately 3â&#x20AC;&#x2122;-4â&#x20AC;? high. The deďŹ nition of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Half Storyâ&#x20AC;? from section 10-3-1 of the Zoning ordinance limits the height of perimeter knee walls to 2 feet, and any level which exceeds the limits of the deďŹ nition is considered to be a full sto-

Published in Wednesday Journal 10/2/2019

ry. Consequently, the attic level is considered to be a third story. Section 10-9-6 (10-8-6) of the Zoning ordinance limits the height of buildings to two and one-half stories. The legal description of the property at 535 Monroe Avenue is as follows: LOT 18 IN BLOCK 6 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTH 600 FEET OF BLOCK 6 AND BLOCK 13 (EXCEPT LOT 1 IN THE COUNTY CLERKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DIVISION OF SAID BLOCK 13) IN QUICKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SUBDIVISION OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, LYING NORTH OF LAKE STREET, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. A copy of the application and meeting agenda will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Villageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.vrf.us/ zoningvariation no less than 15 days prior to the public hearing. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting packet will also be available at www.vrf.us/meetings no less than 48 hours prior to the public hearing. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. For public comments to be considered by the Zoning Board of Appeals and Village Board of Trustees in their decision, they must be included as part of the public hearing record. Interested persons can learn more about how to participate in the hearing by visiting www.vrf.us/zoningvariation. Sincerely, Clifford Radatz Secretary, Zoning Board of Appeals

Published in Wednesday Journal 10/2/2019

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park is soliciting Request for Proposals Solicitation # 19-P787: 2019 PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS For further information or a copy of the Request for Proposal contact: Parking and Mobility Services Division Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302 Tel.: 708/358-7275, Ext 5752 E-mail: parking@oak-park.us Published in Wednesday Journal 10/2/2019

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certiďŹ cation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y19002194 on September 18, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of ALAN FOX CONSULTING with the business located at: 747 S HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ALAN FOX, 747 S HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. Published in Wednesday Journal 9/25, 10/2, 10/9/2019

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know In print â&#x20AC;˘ Online â&#x20AC;˘ Available to you 24 / 7 /365

OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CLASSIFIED

(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know

In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS GRAND BOULEVARD REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday, October 28, 2019 at 6:30 PM, at the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, 60513, a public hearing will be held to consider the approval of a redevelopment plan and project (“Redevelopment Plan and Project”) to be known as the “Grand Boulevard Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Project Area” and the adoption of tax increment allocation financing therefor. The Redevelopment Project Area consists of the territory legally described as follows: REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

THAT PART OF THE EAST HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, BEING DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF SUNNYSIDE AVENUE AND THE SOUTHWESTERLY RIGHTOF-WAY LINE OF GRAND BOULEVARD; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY, TO THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE SOUTH LINE OF GRANT AVENUE AND THE NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF GRAND BOULEVARD; THENCE EASTERLY, ALONG SAID SOUTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF GRANT AVENUE, TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 51 IN BLOCK 18 IN GROSSDALE SUBDIVISION; THENCE SOUTHERLY, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 51 TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT, SAID CORNER BEING ON THE NORTH LINE OF A 16 FOOT PUBLIC ALLEY; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY, ALONG THE SOUTHERLY LINES OF LOT 51 AND THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF LOT 52 IN SAID BLOCK 18, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 52; THENCE NORTHERLY, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 52 TO THE SOUTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF GRANT AVENUE; THENCE EASTERLY, ALONG SAID SOUTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF GRANT AVENUE, TO THE NORTHEAST

CORNER OF LOT 45 IN BLOCK 17 IN GROSSDALE SUBDIVISION, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 34, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JUNE 22, 1889 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 1119370, SAID CORNER BEING ON THE WEST LINE OF A 16 FOOT NORTH-SOUTH ALLEY IN SAID BLOCK 17 IN SAID GROSSDALE SUBDIVISION; THENCE SOUTH, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID ALLEY, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 38 IN SAID BLOCK 17; THENCE WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 38, TO THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF PRAIRIE AVENUE; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE, TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 31 IN SAID BLOCK 17; THENCE EAST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 31, TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 31, SAID CORNER BEING ON THE WEST LINE OF SAID NORTH-SOUTH ALLEY; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID WEST LINE OF THE NORTH SOUTH ALLEY, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 28 IN SAID BLOCK 17; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY, ALONG A SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 28, TO THE MOST SOUTHERLY CORNER OF THE EASTERLY CORNERS OF SAID LOT 28, SAID CORNER BEING ON THE NORTH LINE OF A 16 FOOT EAST-WEST ALLEY IN BLOCK 17; THENCE WEST, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID ALLEY, TO THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE NORTH EXTENSION OF THE EAST LINE OF LOT 25 IN BLOCK 17 WITH THE NORTH LINE OF SAID ALLEY; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID EXTENDED LINE AND EAST LINE OF LOT 25, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 25; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY, PERPENDICULAR TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE CHICAGO, BURLINGTON AND QUINCY RAILROAD RIGHTOF-WAY, TO THE NORTH LINE OF SAID RAILROAD RIGHT-OFWAY; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY, ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY, TO THE EAST LINE OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH RANGE 12 EAST

OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN; THENCE SOUTH, ALONG SAID EAST LINE, TO THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID RAILROAD RIGHTOF-WAY; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY, ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE OF RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY, TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF BLOCK 35 IN SAID GROSSDALE SUBDIVISION; THENCE SOUTH, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF BLOCK 35, BEING ALSO THE WEST RIGHTOF-WAY LINE OF FOREST AVENUE, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF BLOCK 35, BEING ALSO THE NORTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF BURLINGTON BOULEVARD; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY, ALONG THE SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE, TO THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE NORTH EXTENSION OF THE EAST LINE OF LOT 5 IN BLOCK 30, IN GROSSDALE RESUBDIVISION OF BLOCKS 27 AND BLOCKS 29 TO 34, RECORDED JUNE 26, 1890 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 1293625; WITH THE SAID NORTH RIGHTOF-WAY LINE; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID EXTENDED LINE AND EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 5, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 5, BEING ALSO ON THE NORTH LINE OF AN EAST WEST 16 FOOT ALLEY IN SAID BLOCK 30; THENCE WEST ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF ALLEY, TO THE EAST LINE OF LOT 7 IN SAID BLOCK 30; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE EAST LINE OF LOT 7, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 7, BEING ALSO THE NORTH LINE OF AN EASTWEST 16 FOOT ALLEY IN SAID BLOCK 30; THENCE WEST ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF ALLEY, TO THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF PRAIRIE AVENUE; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 1 IN BLOCK 31 IN SAID GROSSDALE RESUBDIVISION, BEING ALSO THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE NORTH LINE OF AN EAST-WEST 16 FOOT ALLEY IN SAID BLOCK 31 WITH THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF PRAIRIE AVENUE; THENCE WEST ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF ALLEY, TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 7 IN SAID BLOCK 31; THENCE NORTH, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 7, TO THE

NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 7; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY, PERPENDICULAR TO THE SOUTH LINE OF THE CHICAGO, BURLINGTON AND QUINCY RAILROAD RIGHT-OFWAY, TO THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY, ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE OF SAID RAILROAD RIGHTOF-WAY, TO THE WEST LINE OF THE EAST HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN; THENCE NORTH, ALONG SAID WEST LINE, TO THE NORTH LINE OF SAID RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY, ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF RAILROAD RIGHT-OFWAY, TO THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE SOUTHERLY EXTENSION OF EAST LINE OF THE SUNNYSIDE AVENUE WITH SAID NORTH LINE OF RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY; THENCE NORTH, ALONG SAID EXTENDED LINE AND THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF SUNNYSIDE AVENUE, TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF BLOCK 19 IN GROSSDALE SUBDIVISION, AND INCLUDING ALL OF BLOCK 19 EXCEPT LOTS 39, 40 AND 41 IN SAID BLOCK 19; THENCE NORTH, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF-WAY LINE, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, ALL IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS The Redevelopment Project Area is generally described as the Village Downtown, a contiguous area approximately centered around the intersection of Grand Boulevard and Prairie Avenue and generally bounded by the southside of Grant Avenue on the north, the east side of Sunnyside Avenue on the west, certain property on the east and west side of Prairie Avenue to the east, and certain property south of Burlington Boulevard to the south and adjacent rights of way are also included. There will be considered at the public hearing the Redevelopment Plan and Project for the Redevelopment Project Area. The Redevelopment Plan and Project, along with the Eligibility Report for the Redevelopment Project Area, as proposed, are on file and available for public

inspection during normal business hours at the office of the Village Clerk, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, 60513, and are available on the Village’s website at https://brookfieldil.gov/departments/ community-and-economic-development/taxincrement-finance-policy/ village-tif-districts/ . The proposed Redevelopment Plan and Project includes the acquisition and conveyance of land in the Redevelopment Project Area, demolition, clearance and related site preparation activities, the construction, acquisition and installation of certain public works and improvements, if any, including, but not limited to, streets, storm sewers, stormwater detention, water mains, sanitary sewers, traffic signalization, curbs, gutters, landscaping and parking facilities and related costs and expenses, rehabilitation of existing structures, interest rate write downs, school tuition costs, and job training, all as provided in the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, as supplemented and amended.

ty within the Redevelopment Project Area; a representative selected by the Village; and a public member selected in accordance with the Act. The first meeting of said joint review board shall be held at 3:30 PM on the 25th day of September, 2019, at the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, 60513.

Plan and Project, the designation of the Redevelopment Project Area, and the adoption of tax increment allocation financing therefor. The hearing may be continued by the Village Board without further notice other than a motion to be entered upon the minutes of the hearing fixing the date, time and place of the continued hearing.

At the public hearing, all interested persons or affected taxing districts may file written objections with the Village Clerk and may be heard orally with respect to any issues regarding the approval of the Redevelopment

___________________ /s/ Bridget Weber, Village Clerk Village of Brookfield Cook County, Illinois

Prior to the date of the public hearing, each taxing district having authority to directly levy ad valorem property taxes on property in the Redevelopment Project Area and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (f/k/a Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs) may submit written comments to the Village, to the attention of the Village Clerk, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, 60513. There is hereby convened a joint review board (the “JRB”) to consider the proposed approval of the Redevelopment Plan and Project, designation of the Redevelopment Project Area and adoption of tax increment allocation financing therefor. The JRB shall consist of a representative selected by each community college district; local elementary school district and high school district or each local community unit school district; park district; library district; township; fire protection district; and county that has authority to directly levy ad valorem taxes on the proper-

Published in Landmark 10/2 and 10/16/2019

Map It!

G AR AGE

SALES

GO TO

RIVERFOREST.COM/ GARAGE-SALES TODAY! Or call Mary Ellen at 708.626.6332 to place an ad.

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: Y19002162 on September 13, 2019. Under the Assumed Business Name of WORD NERD EDITORIAL SERVICES with the business located at: 1173 S. OAK PARK AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DIANE PIRON-GELMAN 1173 S. OAK PARK AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304.

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: Y19002170 on September 18, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of PRACTICESPECIALTY with the business located at:148 N. HUMPHREY AVE., C2, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: TRACY LITSEY 148 N. HUMPHREY AVE., C2, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

Published in Wednesday Journal 9/18, 9/25, 10/2/2019

It’s not too late! Rake in extra cash with a fall garage sale. Call our Classified Dept. to advertise 773/626-6332

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING You are hereby notiﬁed that a Public Hearing has been called by the Housing Authority of the Village of Oak Park, Oak Park, Illinois to be held at the Oak Park Village Hall located at 123 Madison Street, (Lombard and Madison), Oak Park, Illinois in Room 101 at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 4, 2019, for the purpose of considering the following item of business: To hear comments from the Public on the Public Housing Agency Annual Plan. The draft of the of the Annual Plan for 2020 along with the public’s comments will be considered by the Authority before adoption of the Annual Plan to be submitted by October 18, 2019 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The draft plan is available for inspection at the following locations during normal hours of operation: Oak Park Housing Authority 21 South Boulevard Mills Park Tower 1025 Pleasant Place Written comments will also be accepted prior to the hearing for inclusion in the public record. Address all comments or inquiries to: Oak Park Housing Authority Executive Director 21 South Boulevard Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal 10/2/2019

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

CLASSIFIED

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know

In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS AMENDMENT TO THE 8 CORNERS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on October 28, 2019 at 6:30 PM at the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, 60513, a public hearing will be held to consider the approval of a First Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan and Project for the 8 Corners Redevelopment Project Area which amends the Redevelopment Plan and Project to include additional real property in the Redevelopment Project Area (the “Amended Redevelopment Project Area”), increases the budget set forth in the Redevelopment Plan and Project, and makes such other amendments as are necessary to effectuate the same, approval of the Amended Redevelopment Project Area, and approval of tax increment allocation financing for the Amended Redevelopment Project Area.  The current Redevelopment Project Area consists of the real property generally located at the intersection of Broadway Avenue, Grand Boulevard, Maple Avenue, and Washington Avenue.  The additional property to be included in the Redevelopment Property Area is located near the intersection of Broadway, Monroe and Park Avenues, and along the east side of Maple Avenue, just south of Monroe Avenue.  All property is wholly located within the Village of Brookfield, Cook County, Illinois.

The Amended Redevelopment Project Area consists of the territory legally described as follows: LEGAL DESCRIPTION BROOKFIELD 8 CORNERS TIF (as revised by the First Amendment) THAT PART OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, BEING DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF MAPLE AVENUE AND THE NORTH RIGHTOF-WAY LINE OF MONROE AVENUE; THENCE EAST ALONG SAID NORTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE TO THE POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF PARK AVENUE; THENCE NORTHERLY, ALONG SAID EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE TO SOUTH LINE OF A 16 FOOT EAST WEST ALLEY IN BLOCK 19 IN BROOKFIELD MANOR SUBDIVISION; BEING A SUBDIVISION IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 34, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JULY 13, 1914 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 5455853, SAID POINT BEING ALSO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 23 IN SAID BLOCK 19; THENCE EASTERLY, ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE OF ALLEY, TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 19 IN SAID BLOCK 19; THENCE SOUTHERLY, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF LOT 19, TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 19; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY, TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 6 IN BLOCK 24 IN BROOKFIELD MANOR SUBDIVISION, SAID CORNER BEING ON THE SOUTH RIGHT–OFWAY LINE OF MONROE AVENUE; THENCE SOUTH, ALONG

THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 6 TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 6, SAID CORNER BEING ON THE NORTH LINE OF A 16 FOOT EAST AND WEST ALLEY IN BLOCK 24; THENCE WEST, ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF ALLEY, TO THE SAID EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF PARK AVENUE; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID EAST RIGHTOF-WAY TO A POINT OPPOSITE AND ADJACENT TO THE NORTH CORNER OF LOT 41 IN BLOCK 23 OF SAID BROOKFIELD MANOR SUBDIVISION, THENCE WEST TO SAID NORTH CORNER OF LOT 41, SAID NORTH CORNER ALSO BEING A POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF PARK AVENUE AND THE SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF A NORTHEASTERLY SOUTHWESTERLY 16 FOOT ALLEY LYING SOUTHEASTERLY OF BROADWAY AVENUE IN 2 SAID BLOCK 23; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHEASTERLY LINE TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 39 IN SAID BLOCK 23, SAID CORNER ALSO BEING A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE EAST LINE OF A NORTHSOUTH 16 FOOT ALLEY LYING WEST OF PARK AVENUE; THENCE SOUTH ALONG SAID EAST LINE AND THE SOUTHERLY EXTENSION THEREOF TO A POINT ON THE SOUTH RIGHT-OFWAY LINE OF WASHINGTON AVENUE; THENCE WEST ALONG SAID SOUTH RIGHTOF-WAY LINE TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 47 IN BLOCK 7 OF GROSSDALE SUBDIVISION, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 34, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JUNE 22, 1889 AS DOCUMENT NO. 1119370; THENCE SOUTH ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 47 TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER THEREOF, SAID CORNER ALSO BEING A POINT ON THE NORTHEASTERLY LINE OF A NORTHWESTERLYSOUTHEASTERLY ALLEY LYING NORTHEASTERLY OF GRAND BOULEVARD IN SAID BLOCK 7; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTHEASTERLY LINE TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE NORTHEASTERLY EXTENSION OF THE SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF LOT 34 IN SAID BLOCK 7; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID NORTHEASTERLY EXTENSION, SOUTHEASTERLY LINE AND THE SOUTHWESTERLY EXTENSION THEREOF TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHWESTERLY RIGHTOF-WAY-LINE OF SAID GRAND BOULEVARD; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHWESTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE TO THE NORTHEASTERLY CORNER OF LOT 11 IN BLOCK 8 OF SAID GROSSDALE SUBDIVISION; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG THE SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 11 TO THE SOUTHEASTERLY CORNER THEREOF, SAID CORNER ALSO BEING A POINT ON THE NORTHEASTERLY LINE OF A NORTHWESTERLY-SOUTHEASTERLY 16 FOOT ALLEY LYING SOUTHWESTERLY OF GRAND BOULEVARD IN SAID BLOCK 8; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTHEASTERLY LINE TO A POINT THAT IS OPPOSITE AND ADJACENT TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT

53 IN SAID BLOCK 8; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG A LINE TO SAID SOUTHEAST CORNER; THENCE WEST ALONG 3 THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 53 AND THE WESTERLY EXTENSION THEREOF TO A POINT ON THE WEST RIGHT-OFWAY- LINE OF MAPLE AVENUE; THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID WEST RIGHT-OFWAY LINE TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF A NORTHEASTERLYSOUTHWESTERLY 16 FOOT ALLEY IN BLOCK 1 OF PORTIA MANOR SUBDIVISION, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 34, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT RECORDED FEBRUARY 6, 1915 AS DOCUMENT NO. 5573274, SAID ALLEY LYING SOUTHEASTERLY OF BROADWAY AVENUE; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHEASTERLY LINE TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE SOUTHEASTERLY EXTENSION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF LOT 7 IN SAID BLOCK 1; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHEASTERLY EXTENSION TO A POINT ON THE NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF SAID NORTHEASTERLY-SOUTHWESTERLY 16 FOOT ALLEY; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG A LINE TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF THE NORTHEASTERLY 15 FEET OF LOT 8 IN SAID BLOCK 1, SAID POINT BEING 15 FEET NORTHWESTERLY OF SAID NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF THE NORTHEASTERLYSOUTHWESTERLY 16 FOOT ALLEY (NOW VACATED) AS MEASURED ALONG SAID SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF THE NORTHEASTERLY 15 FEET OF LOT 8; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHWESTERLY LINE TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE SOUTHEASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF BROADWAY AVENUE; THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHEASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE SOUTHEASTERLY EXTENSION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF LOT 19 IN BLOCK 2 OF SAID PORTIA MANOR SUBDIVISION; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHEASTERLY EXTENSION, SOUTHWESTERLY LINE AND THE NORTHWESTERLY EXTENSION THEREOF TO A POINT ON THE NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF THE NORTHEASTERLY-SOUTHWESTERLY 16 FOOT ALLEY IN SAID BLOCK 2; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTHWESTERLY LINE TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 1 IN CLARK AND JOHNSON’S RESUBDIVISION OF LOTS 24 AND 25 IN SAID BLOCK 4 2 IN PORTIA MANOR, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED OCTOBER 20, 1948 AS DOCUMENT NO. 14426614; THENCE WEST ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 1 TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER THEREOF; THENCE NORTH ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 1 AND THE NORTHERLY EXTENSION THEREOF TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE NORTH RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF WASHINGTON AVENUE; THENCE EAST ALONG SAID NORTH RIGHT-OFWAY LINE TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 36 IN BLOCK 53

OF S.E. GROSS’ FIRST ADDITION TO GROSSDALE, BEING A SUBDIVISION IN THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SAID SECTION 34, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED JULY 27, 1889 AS DOCUMENT NO. 1134257; THENCE NORTH ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 36 TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER THEREOF, SAID NORTHWEST CORNER ALSO BEING A POINT ON THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF A NORTHWESTERLY-SOUTHEASTERLY 16 FOOT ALLEY LYING SOUTHWESTERLY OF GRAND BOULEVARD IN SAID BLOCK 53; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHWESTERLY LINE TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 37 IN SAID BLOCK 53; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG A LINE TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 48 IN SAID BLOCK 53, SAID CORNER ALSO BEING A POINT ON SAID SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF THE NORTHWESTERLY-SOUTHEASTERLY 16 FOOT ALLEY; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHWESTERLY LINE TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE SOUTHWESTERLY EXTENSION OF THE NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF LOT 16 IN SAID BLOCK 53; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHWESTERLY EXTENSION, NORTHWESTERLY LINE AND THE NORTHEASTERLY EXTENSION THEREOF TO A POINT ON THE NORTHEASTERLY RIGHTOF-WAY LINE OF GRAND BOULEVARD; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE TO THE SOUTHWESTERLY CORNER OF LOT 24 IN BLOCK 36 IN SAID S.E. GROSS’ FIRST ADDITION TO GROSSDALE; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG THE NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF SAID LOT 24 TO THE NORTHWESTERLY CORNER OF SAID LOT 24, SAID CORNER ALSO BEING A POINT ON THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF A NORTHWESTERLY 5 SOUTHEASTERLY 16 FOOT ALLEY LYING NORTHEASTERLY OF GRAND BOULEVARD IN SAID BLOCK 36; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHWESTERLY LINE TO THE NORTHWESTERLY CORNER OF LOT 27 IN SAID BLOCK 36; THENCE NORTH ALONG A LINE TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 54 IN SAID BLOCK 36, SAID POINT ALSO BEING A POINT ON THE WEST LINE OF A VACATED NORTH-SOUTH 16 FOOT ALLEY LYING WEST OF MAPLE AVENUE IN SAID BLOCK 36; THENCE EAST ALONG THE EASTERLY EXTENSION OF THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID LOT 54, TO A POINT ON THE CENTERLINE OF SAID VACATED NORTH-SOUTH 16 FOOT ALLEY; THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID CENTERLINE TO A POINT OF INTERSECTION WITH THE WESTERLY EXTENSION OF THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 8 IN SAID BLOCK 36; THENCE EAST ALONG SAID WESTERLY EXTENSION AND SAID NORTH LINE TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 8, SAID CORNER ALSO BEING A POINT ON THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF MAPLE AVENUE; THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID WEST RIGHTOF-WAY LINE TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, ALL IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Published in Landmark 10/2 and 10/16/2019

There will be considered at the public hearing the adoption of the First Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan and Project for the Redevelopment Project Area, the adoption of the Amended Redevelopment Project Area and the adoption of tax increment allocation financing for the Amended Redevelopment Project Area. The Redevelopment Plan and Project and the First Amendment Redevelopment Plan and Project as proposed are on file and available for public inspection during normal business hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the office of the Village Clerk, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, 60513, and are available on the Village’s website at https://brookfieldil.gov/departments/ community-and-economic-development/tax-incrementfinance-policy/ village-tif-districts/ . Prior to the date of the public hearing, each taxing district having authority to directly levy ad valorem property taxes on property in the Amended Redevelopment Project Area and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (formerly known as the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs) may submit written comments to the Village, to the attention of the Village Clerk, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, 60513. There is hereby convened a joint review board (the “JRB”) to consider the proposed First Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan and Project, the Amended Redevelopment Project Area and the adoption of

tax increment allocation financing for the Amended Redevelopment Project Area. The JRB shall consist of a representative selected by each community college district; local elementary school district and high school district or each local community unit school district; park district; library district; township; fire protection district; and county that has authority to directly levy ad valorem taxes on the property within the Amended Redevelopment Project Area; a representative selected by the Village; and a public member selected in accordance with the Act. The first meeting of the JRB shall be held at 3:30 p.m. on the 25th day of September, 2019, at the Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois, 60513. At the public hearing, all interested persons or affected taxing districts may file written objections with the Village Clerk and may be heard orally with respect to any issues regarding the approval of the proposed First Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan and Project, the Amended Redevelopment Project Area and the adoption of tax increment allocation financing for the Amended Redevelopment Project Area. The hearing may be continued by the Village President and Board of Trustees without further notice other than a motion to be entered upon the minutes of the hearing fixing the date, time and place of the continued hearing. ___________________ /s/ Bridget Weber, Village Clerk Village of Brookfield Cook County, Illinois

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION CITIZENS BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION F/K/A RBS CITIZENS, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO CHARTER ONE BANK, F.S.B SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO HINSDALE FEDERAL BANK FOR SAVINGS Plaintiff, -v.CARL T. GROESBECK, LEIGHTON HOLDINGS, LTD., UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 16 CH 009347 331 N. TAYLOR AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 19, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 17, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 331 N. TAYLOR AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-109-0110000 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CLASSIFIED

(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know

In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

REAL ESTATE FOR 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. 14-16-08522 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 16 CH 009347 TJSC#: 39-5161 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 # 16 CH 009347 I3131739

October 17, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1040 W. ONTARIO STREET #2H, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-113-0101012 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-12527 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 14368 TJSC#: 39-5802 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 # 2018 CH 14368 I3132109

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. 14-13-31429 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 13 CH 027299 TJSC#: 39-6051 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 # 13 CH 027299 I3133416

hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-18-208-005-0000. Commonly known as 616 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304. 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 Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W18-1595 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3132991

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.TERESA C. TRIPLETT, 1040 ONTARIO CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2018 CH 14368 1040 W. ONTARIO STREET #2H 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 March 22, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.JOHN B. BERGEN, ANNE BERGEN A/K/A ANNE MATERN BERGEN, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, YODA INVESTMENTS LLC Defendants 13 CH 027299 128 S. LOMBARD AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 14, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 28, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 128 S. LOMBARD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-303-008 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION NORMANDY CAPITAL TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. INVESTQUEST PARTNERS HOLDINGS INC.; JENNIFER PARRILLA; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 4445 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 Friday, November 8, 2019 at the

local employees, happy employees!

Hire Local.

Place an ad on Wednesday Classified’s Local Online Job Board. Go to RiverForest.com/ classified today! Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information. (708) 613-3342 classifieds@ OakPark.com classifieds@ RiverForest.com

Wednesday Journal, October 2, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

For Survivors of Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Action Month... What Can You Do? Wear purple and attend Sarah’s Inn’s Community Kick-off event on Tuesday, October 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Byline Bank, 1001 Lake Street, Oak Park. Tie a purple ribbon around your tree or front door. Pick up a packet of purple ribbons from Sarah’s Inn for your whole block! Contact Colleen Sutkus, csutkus@sarahsinn.org for more information. Talk the Talk: Follow our 31 Days for Change Campaign on Facebook and Instagram @sarahsinnoakpark and tag us at #31forchange.

Help others: Visit us at sarahsinn.org to educate yourself, learn how to become a volunteer, or make a donation Participate in one of the many community events supporting Sarah’s Inn during September & October, including: September 28 – Oak Park Farmer’s Market Bake Sale - Bake for us, or visit us at our table! Sign up to help at sarahsinn.org/events. Attend Stand Tall with Sarah’s Inn on Saturday, October 19. Enjoy cocktails, tempting treats, musical entertainment and incredible auction prizes at the Oak Park Country Club. Sponsorships and tickets available at www.sarahsinn.org/events.

Thank you to the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, and Wednesday Journal for their partnership and support.

To learn more, visit www.sarahsinn.org. Contact joannas@sarahsinn.org with questions or to pick up purple ribbons.

Sarah’s Inn 24-hour crisis line (708) 386-4225 Ofﬁce (708) 386-3305 The mission of Sarah’s Inn is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. Sarah’s Inn’s services include 24-hour crisis line, advocacy, referrals, safety planning, counseling for adults, teens and children, legal advocacy, partner abuse intervention, community and professional training, and school-based violence prevention.