Wednesday Journal 102523

W E D N E S D A Y

October 25, 2023 Vol. 44, No. 17

$2.00 @wednesdayjournalinc

@wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL @oakpark

of Oak Park and River Forest

Greifelt answers the ‘Call of Duty’ Page 5

Jewish, Muslim Oak Parkers on the Israel-Gaza war: ‘a collective mourning’

Leaning into the dark side A look at activities and events all the way up to Halloween night

Residents of different faiths grapple with the horror of the war

SEE PAGE 11

By AMINA SERGAZINA and TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporters

Jewish and Muslim people across Oak Park are decrying the horror of the Israel-Gaza war, with some calling for action, others praying for peace and many mourning the loss of loved ones in the conflict.

The Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine and Jewish Voice For Peace have joined together to call on Congress and President Joe Biden to build a foreign policy designed to end violence and to stop backing Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territory.

Both organizations have a long history of opposing Israel’s occupation of Palestine and military funding of Israel using U.S. taxpayer’s money. They also focus on bringing awareness and educating people on the issue COURTESY OAK PARK ARTS CENTER

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics at the Oak Park Arts Center

See GAZA CONFLICT on page 7

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

L E T T E R

I

F R O M

T H E

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E D I T O R

We’re transforming, inside and out. Join us.

t’s been two months, readers, since I was hired to lead all news operations here at Growing Community Media — long enough for me to get grounded and time now to introduce myself to you. It’s been a wild and fun ride, for sure.

I’ll explain, and when I do, I’ll share my vision for our community news organizations you’ve loved and supported for so many years.

My name is Erika Hobbs, and I’m an award-winning, veteran journalist who has worked at the Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Center for Public Integrity, Newsweek and other publications. I’m a digital strategist with a track record of transforming newsrooms into audiencefocused publications. I’m a cat lady, favorite aunt (wink) and spiritual seeker who is committed to high-quality, authentic and representative local news.

My role here is a little different than what you may be used to. Growing Community Media is a nonprofit organization with four publications under its umbrella: Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review, Riverside-Brookfield Landmark

and Wednesday Journal. In the past, one editor and maybe one reporter was assigned to each coverage area. We’ve changed that structure. I act as editor-in-chief of all four publications, so I steer the plans with help from our reporters and edit all of the stories that come in. Our reporters are still embedded in each community — we wouldn’t have it any other way — but changing the structure eases their workload so they can focus on the quality news and information you deserve.

That new structure also frees me to set the vision for GCM for how we’ll grow, how we’ll better serve you and how we’ll continue to nurture our staff. It’s going to be tough, but I promise you that it will also be exciting and transformative. And you’ll be a part of it all.

Our mission is to connect “citizens through community journalism rooted deep in our neighborhoods, based in facts, and reflective of voices not always heard.”

Sometimes we’ve done that beautifully.

Sometimes we could have done better.

We’ve talked the talk. Now it’s time to

ERIKA HOBBS

walk the talk. Here’s how I plan to do that: ■ Beginning in November, I’ll be holding meet-and-greet sessions in all our coverage areas so you can meet me personally and ask me anything you like.

■ By the beginning of the year, we’ll expand that to hold deep listening sessions with each community so we can learn how we can serve you better.

■ Also in the beginning of the year, we will begin intensive diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging trainings to transform our internal culture, and as part of that, we’ll publicly display our DEIB statement that will be crafted from that work. We recognize that we have a lot to learn. We will do better. And our coverage will authentically represent the communities we cover.

■ We will be focusing on audience-first coverage, which means we’ll be listening more.

■ It also means we’ll operate with a digital mindset. You’ll see more content online, on social media and in newsletters.

We’ll be experimenting with content types and delivery of news and information.

Does this mean the paper will go away?

No. It means that we’ll bring you better stories in more 21st century ways.

■ You’ll see stories that offer solutions

to the problems we write about and offer more ways that readers can help.

We’re already on our way to reaching our goals. Reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez, for example, wrote about how survivors of domestic violence can get help. Digital manager Stacy Coleman revamped our community page to help you find what’s new and to-do about town. And we’ll be piloting a newsletter strategy in Wednesday Journal that we hope to expand across the board after we learn more about what readers want in their inboxes.

Finally, we’ll be making key hires in coming months to ensure quality coverage continues. You’ll see invigorated writing, bright voices and bold design.

Growing Community Media is a leader in the local news space. It’s an awardwinning publication with a stable financial foundation and some of journalism’s best at the helm and on the ground. I’m proud to be here. And I’m just as proud — even thrilled — that I’ll be leading GCM through its digital evolution. Stick around. You’ll love it. I promise.

Feel free to drop tips, questions and comments anytime. You can reach me at erika@growingcommunitymedia.org.

Porch fire injures 2, displaces 11 Seven apartments in the Maple Avenue complex were determined to be uninhabitable

By ERIKA HOBBS Editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHIEF KOBYLESKI

Fire at 234 S. Maple Ave.

One woman and a first responder were injured, and 11 other people were displaced after an early morning fire broke out on a Maple Avenue porch.

Authorities said that the fire erupted at about 2:58 a.m., Friday Oct. 20 at a 33-unit apartment building on the 200 block of South Maple Avenue.

A 69-year-old woman was found inside an apartment and was taken to Loyola University Medical Center to be treated for smoke inhalation. She is in critical but

stable condition.

A firefighter/paramedic suffered a minor hand injury, authorities said.

Seven apartment units were deemed uninhabitable, displacing 11 residents. The American Red Cross is assisting them.

The Oak Park Fire Department was assisted on scene

by River Forest, Forest Park, Cicero, Berwyn, North Riverside, Elmwood Park and Broadview. The fire is out and an investigation is underway, authorities said.

C O R R E C T I O N

A story last week called River Forest teen honored at White House Event that ran in print on page 12 inadvertently misspelled the awardwinner’s name. It is Anja Herrman. We regret the error.

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Wednesday Journal, Month xx, 2023

Great Pumpkin Storytime Tuesday, Oct. 31, 10-10:30 a.m., Oak Park Public Library, Main Library Sing and dance with your child to pumpkin and autumnal stories and songs. Best for one-on-one interactions between caregivers and children up to age 5. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

BIG WEEK October 25-November 1

Día De Muertos/Day of the Dead Saturday, Oct. 28, 2-4 p.m., Unity of Oak Park The Omeyocan Dance Company will stage an Aztec dance performance, where the mesmerizing rhythms and vibrant colors of traditional Aztec dance come to life. There will also be a marketplace with vendors selling all kinds of treasures, plus a face painter. Fun for all ages. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 405 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park.

Cemetery Art Monday, Oct. 30, 1:15-2:15 p.m., Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, second-floor ballroom.

Lee Conte hosts a presentation on the ornate and unexpected art found in graveyards, including Forest Home, Concordia and Waldheim. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

Tesselations Thursday, Oct. 26, 1-3 p.m., Mathnasium This is where math collides with science and art - and becomes fun. You can use angles, shapes and color to make repeating patterns. $20 per child, 1101 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.

Rocky Horror Picture Show Sing-Along

ASL Storybook of Red: A Crayon’s Story Thursday, Oct. 26, 1-2 p.m., Oak Park Public Library, Main Library This event fuses videos and live entertainment. American Sign Language Master signer Crom Saunders will interpret the book Red: A Crayon’s Story via sign language. This will be followed by interactive games conducted by students and teachers from the Indiana School for the Deaf. Best for kids in preschool and elementary school. Register at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Haunted Trails Tales in the Dark Monday, Oct. 30, 6-6:45 p.m., Oak Park Public Library, Main Library Halloween is nothing without the occasional spooky storytelling. There will be a get-together outside of the library for a series of light fright stories. Recommended for preschool and elementary-age kids.

Costumes encouraged. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Saturday, Oct. 28, 9-11 p.m., Madison Street Theater, Main Stage Live sing-along with this long-running classic.

Costumes not necessary to “do the time warp,” but definitely encouraged. Adult content, not recommended for children. $15, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park.

MHS Halloween Boo Bash

Trunk or Treat Oct. 27, 5 - 7 p.m., Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex No Registration Needed. Come to the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex parking lot for some trick or treating. The lot will be filled with cars from local groups and organizations handing out candy to anyone wearing a costume. 415 Lake St., Oak Park.

Early Childhood Resource Fair & Kids Costume Parade Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Library, Main Library & Scoville Park This costume parade will circle Scoville Park at 10 am. Afterward, there will be an Early Childhood Resource Fair inside the Main Library. Feel free to meet other caregivers and parents with children from birth to five years old. You can also learn about a variety of early childhood resources and programs available in the community for children and families. Hosted by the Collaboration for Early Childhood. Learn more at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Tuesday, Oct. 31, 3:30-6:30 p.m., Oak Park Public Library, Main Library Middle & High School Services (MHS) will temporarily transform the Middle School Meet Up and High School Hangout into a Halloween haunted house. Plenty of cool things to do and treats to eat.

Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

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River Forest native wins Call of Duty competition, $100K prize believe it.”

Logan Greifelt came in first couldn’t The path to holding an oversize check under a rain of confetti at the World Seplace in the solo tournament ries of Warzone began at a young age for the 21-year-old Greifelt. He was first inat the World Series of troduced to Call of Duty when his older brother Jake got an Xbox console. They Warzone in London would switch turns playing. Greifelt has a

By EREZ BEN-AKIVA

passion for video games. Playing them is what he loves to do.

“To be able to play video games profesLogan Greifelt knew there was a chance sionally as a job is really a dream come when he was one of 10 players left. He had true,” Greifelt said. “It’s amazing.”

As a student at Oak Park and River good positioning and the items he needed.

Forest High School, Greifelt He didn’t get nervous or slow played four years of hockey, down. The realization that vica game he grew up with and tory was possible, in fact, kept loves -- like Call of Duty. In him going.

2020, he signed to play with a Then he eliminated the other junior hockey team, the Chiremaining player, and at the cago Cougars. Soon after, the World Series of Warzone, Greipandemic hit. Under lockdown felt was number one. and with nothing else to do, A River Forest native, GreiGreifelt started livestreaming felt plays and livestreams the as he played Call of Duty. shooter video game series Call “No practices,” Greifelt of Duty professionally. In Sepsaid. “No nothing, so I started tember, he came in first place streaming. And it’s like ‘Okay, for the solo competition at the the streaming thing is workWorld Series of Warzone, a ing out.’” gathering of Call of Duty’s best Greifelt was at one point players competing in the game’s also taking classes at Triton popular battle royale mode.

College, studying business. He In Warzone, 150 players, eistopped to pursue streaming ther in small teams or individLOGAN GREIFELT and competitive Call of Duty. ually, drop in to a round, aiming Now, Greifelt tries to stream to eliminate opponents and be daily. He usually plays Call of the last team or player standDuty, although other games ing at the end. In front of 3,000 and livestreams of weightliftat London’s Copper Box Arena ing and workouts are mixed in. (and with hundreds of thou“It’s pretty much like a nine to five job,” sands more watching online), Greifelt won the individual bracket, titled “Solo Yolo,” at Greifelt said. “I just try to get eight hours the World Series event. He earned $100,000 every day. Whenever I wake up and play.”

To reach the team and solo tournaments for the victory.

“I was just shocked, to be honest,” said held at the World Series of Warzone, GreiGreifelt, who goes by the moniker “Skull- felt and his teammates, “Hisoka” and face” while playing. “When I first won, I “Mayappo,” competed in qualifier rounds, didn’t really know how to react. Just like where they eventually placed fourth in the ‘What? Did I just win?’ So it was more North America grouping.

Greifelt plays a “third man” position in shocking. Then realizing, it was just pure excitement. It was like cloud nine. I the trio. Drawing on a calm and observant Contributing Reporter

“It’s like, okay, let me show off. Let me show these people what I can do. I was very confident in the tournament. It’s definitely not like playing at home.”

COURTESY OF LOGAN GREIFELT

Logan Greifelt holds the prize check after winning the solo event at the World Series of Warzone. Left is his father, Ken Greifelt, center is Logan Greifelt, and right is his brother, Jake Greifelt. playstyle, he stays behind his teammates, providing help when needed.

“If there’s another team behind us, or if there’s some kind of route we can take, I can call that out because I’m in the back,” Greifelt said. “I’m in the gunfight, but I’m observing it too.”

In London, the team participated in the trios event, where they placed second, netting $80,000. That came before the solo tournament in which Greifelt won $100,000.

With the earnings, Greifelt said he plans to buy anything he needs for gaming and invest the rest.

The World Series was also Greifelt’s first time playing in front of a live, in-person audience. He got over the nerves after the first round of the team competition. His

background in sports helped.

“Whenever I played sports, you always want a packed crowd,” Greifelt said. “So, I kind of had the same mentality. It’s like, okay, let me show off. Let me show these people what I can do. I was very confident in the tournament.”

Greifelt sat next to his teammates, with small walls separating teams. He couldn’t hear opposing players. Competitors played with an earbud that supplied the audio of the game and a headset that poured in white noise to block out the crowd.

But Greifelt could still hear the fans. After a big play or moment, “the crowd would go insane,” he said.

“It’s definitely not like playing at home,” he said.

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

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Oak Park residents demand ‘dignified support’ for asylum seekers

families,” said Mimi, a Venezuelan imAdvocates urge Oak Park to our migrant who came to the U.S. with her husband and 2-year-old son. Her last name was take stronger actions to help withheld to protect her identity.

By AMINA SERGAZINA Contributing Reporter

Dozens of demonstrators chanting “basta ya” — or “enough” in Spanish — swarmed village hall Monday night to demand more action from officials to support asylum seekers just over the Oak Park/Chicago border.

Their focus was on offering “dignified ways” to assist unhoused migrants and to get people out of the streets with the winter approaching.

“We’re asking for support, but we’re not asking for free services or charity. We want to work in a dignified manner to sustain

She shared her story during the rally, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrants, including difficult living conditions and the burden of racism and antiimmigrant sentiments.

Betty Alzamora, one of the rally organizers, also is an immigrant from Venezuela.

She urged supporters to take action, emphasizing that efforts of individuals and volunteers are not enough. She and other advocates called on Oak Park to honor its Welcoming Village Ordinance.

The Welcoming Village Ordinance was established six years ago to promote solidarity and support for immigrants, asylum

AMINA SERGAZINA

BASTA! Protesters urge a new approach to aid migrants.

AMINA SERGAZINA

Mimi, a Venezuelan immigrant who came to the U.S. with her husband and 2-yearold son, speaks to a gathering of protesters at Oak Park Village Hall. seekers, and refugees in our village.

“Oak Park, along with all of our communities shares a collective responsibility for the wellbeing of this families,” Alzamora said. “Austin Boulevard is a porous border, the problem does not start and end in Chicago it extends elsewhere, we share that responsibility.”

In a statement Monday ahead of the rally, village officials said they have taken steps to address the needs of asylum seekers in the Chicagoland area, including by having applied for a Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services grant worth $7.5 million.

The grant is intended to serve as a passthrough to established organizations such as Housing Forward and others to provide transitional housing, food, wraparound services, legal assistance, and health and wellness support for asylum seekers.

While the village was awarded $150,000 for preparation and planning, the village’s spokesman said, discussions are ongoing with program consultants and relevant authorities regarding the unallocated funding.

Oak Park officials also said they are not aware of asylum seekers being housed on

public property within the village. However, asylum seekers based at Chicago police stations, including the CPD’s 15th and 25th Districts, are known to come to Oak Park for services such as showers, laundry, respite, and childcare during the day. Around 200 individuals are accessing these services on a weekly basis.

The Oak Park Public Health Department is offering vaccine clinics, including COVID-19 and childhood vaccines, for those without health insurance or with inadequate coverage. Spanish-language interpreters will be present to assist migrant families or asylum-seeking families during the clinic.

Chicago has been experiencing a crisis housing South and Central American immigrants since last August when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott started sending buses full of immigrants to Illinois.

The rally was organized by 290 IPO, Activate Austin, Activate Oak Park, Indivisible Oak Park Area, New Arrivals of District 15 & District 25, and ROYAL. In Oak Park, people can email stepupoakpark@gmail.com to get more information and to learn how to help.

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

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GAZA CONFLICT

Seeking common ground from page 1 and how to achieve peace.

The two groups are urging people to action to call or email Congressional representative and demand to cease fire and allow humanitarian help to Gaza.

They are also asking people to protest and rally against violence like the ones held in nearby suburbs and Chicago.

Caren Van Slyke, one of the founders and chair of CJPIP, an Oak Park-based group, said she believes that people’s voices will be heard.

“We have to make our voices heard that we want to stop sending weapons to Israel,” Van Slyke said.

CJPIP, along with American Friends Service Committee, recently secured Representative Danny Davis’s co-sponsorship of “Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation” Act. This act prohibits Israel from using U.S. taxpayers’ money from being used for military detention, abuse, or ill-treatment of

On Oct. 19, a panel of six Muslim AmeriPalestinian children, supporting the seizure and destruction of Palestinian property and cans at the Community of Congregations homes and any support or assistance for Is- meeting at Pilgrim Congregational Church rael’s unilateral annexation of Palestinian on Lake Street shared aspects of their reliterritory in violation of international hu- gion and experience as Oak Parkers.

The goal of both the panelists manitarian law. and the audience was to find After the attack, members common ground. and friends of Oak Park Temple Aisha Ahmed and the conveB’nai Abraham Zion gathered ner of the panel, Ayesha Akhtar, in their house of worship to explained what they had in comgrieve the loss of what they mon with their Jewish friends consider to be family members and how some of them differed in faith 5,000 miles away and to regarding Oct. 7. show solidarity with Israel.

“I felt disbelief and horror Rabbi Max Weiss tried to exwhen I heard about the Hamas press what his people were feelattack” Ahmed recalled. ing and to set those emotions in Akhtar, a resident of Oak Park the context of their faith. for 20 years, echoed her friend’s “This moment in time folAYESHA AKHTAR reaction, adding “who is conlowing the murder by Hamas Oak Park resident demning the current genocide of over 1,300 innocent people in we are all witnessing right now?

Israel, the kidnapping of almost We know that Israel’s attempts 200 and the maiming of body at a ground invasion will simply and spirit of thousands, feels like a time of collective mourning in the Jew- not destroy the Hamas ideology but is a tactic ish community,” he said. of eradicating any trace of Palestinians who “At times over this last week I’ve felt like I have lived on that soil for generations.” was sitting shiva.”

Yet, Akhtar added, “Muslims and Jews Shiva is the week-long mourning period in have so much in common, and together our Judaism for first-degree relatives. communities can work against extremist

“Muslims and Jews have so much in common, and together our communities can work against extremist hate.”

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hate that has become an unfortunate pervasive part of our diaspora.”

CJPIP is organizing a protest against the attack on Gaza Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. on Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive.

On Oct. 13, Israel’s military told 1 million Palestinians to evacuate to the southern part of the besieged territory, which the United Nations and other humanitarian groups said is impossible. Gaza has been under siege

by Israel since Oct. 7 after Islamist militant movement Hamas attacked the country. More than 5,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have died. In Israel, the Hamas attacked killed at least 1,400 people.

Deborah Adelman, member of the Chicago-area chapter of JVP, said she believes U.S. citizens need to take responsibility for their tax dollars.

“We must take a stand and protest the use of our tax dollars to go towards militarism and destruction,” Adelman said. “We have an obligation to contact our elected representatives, to ask them to take responsibility for our tax money and what happens with it.”

The U.S. pledged to provide $38 billion in military aid, $33 billion in Foreign Military Financing grants plus $5 billion in missile defense appropriations, according to the Congressional Research Service.

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

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OPRF helped CBS news anchor find her journalism chops Jennifer Keiper: A former Oak Parker to know

By JACK HELBIG Contributing Reporter

“Find what you love,” Charles Bukowski once said, “and let it kill you … For all things will kill you, both slowly and fastly, but it’s much better to be killed by a lover.”

For CBS news anchor and ORPF alum Jennifer Keiper the saying should go: “Find what you love, and let it thrill you.”

Former Oak Parker and CBS news anchor Jennifer Keiper found what she loved when she was a student at OPRF in the ‘80s, and throughout her decades-long career, it hasn’t killed the highenergy, daredevil reporter yet.

“I’ve been working 30 years,” Keiper said. “But never at the same place.”

She flashed a quick smile at her understated joke.

Her eyes have the focused intensity Jennifer Keiper of someone used to asking the questions and then listening carefully to the answers. The past few decades have been years of major transformations in broadcast journalism, powered by media consolidations, new technologies, and changing attitudes about how much news, if any, a radio station needs to deliver. Still Keiper perseveres. Even thrives.

“I consider myself very fortunate in that I’ve always done what I wanted to do,” she said. “And I’ve been able to do some things that I wanted to do on the side.”

Like teaching. Or casually taking a 2022 Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost for a spin.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania,

Keiper moved with her family to Oak Park in 1982 after her father got a job at the West Towns Bus Company, which had been acquired by RTA a year before and was located where the Pete’s Fresh Market is today.

Keiper attended Whittier for the last three months or so of the semester that year, then went on to Emerson Junior High School, now called Gwendolyn Brooks. She graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School.

But it was at OPRF as a freshman that Keiper got her start in journalism. She joined Newscene, the news broadcast students founded in 1982. It’s one of the longest continuously running student-run broadcast news shows.

Keiper said she and her fellow high school broadcast journalists would skip the cafeteria at lunch to hang PROVIDED out and hammer together the school’s weekly half-hour TV news show that ran on the local cable station.

“I was so happy, and I learned every aspect of broadcast news within the three years that I was in Newscene,” she said. “I learned everything from being in front of the camera to working a camera to directing. The person that oversaw the program was Don Lennie and he was a perfectionist.

We did this program as though it was a professional program.”

After high school, Keiper went to college convinced she wanted to go into broadcast journalism, studying first at Northern Illinois University and then transferring to Columbia College when she discovered she

PROVIDED

Pioneer Press Newspaper clipping from October 29, 1986 advertising OPRF’s production of ‘Noises Off ’, including Jennifer Keiper. could not do anything in her major until her junior year.

She landed an internship writing news at B96 radio the spring of her sophomore year at Columbia College. When that internship ended, the station offered a job.

“I took it and I continued going to school full time while being a morning news producer.” Keiper’s eyes softened slightly as she said this, and her smile relaxed. “I worked with Eddie and JoBo and it was a great time – and that’s how I got

into radio.”

She has been working in broadcast journalism ever since, working for a series of stations — WBBM News Radio, WLS, Fox News Radio, among other stations — all of them in Chicago.

Today, she is the Midwest correspondent/ world news roundup late edition anchor for CBS News Radio where she does nine broadcasts a night, five days a week, beginning work at 1:45 in the afternoon. Her first broadcast every night is at 6 p.m. Central

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

PROVIDED

‘Jenny’ Keiper rehearses for the OPRF production of ‘The Mousetrap.’

Time – and is on air every 30 minutes at the Also, Keiper test drove cars at Road top and bottom of every hour until 10 p.m. America auto racing track, in Elkhorn, Central Time.

Wisconsin, to get a feel for the vehicles she As a radio reporter, she has covered a was reporting on. Keiper left Drive Chicawide spectrum of stories. She was at the go when she left WLS in 2019 to work for Brandenburg Gate in Berlin when Presi- WBBM. Her tenure at her current position dent Ronald Reagan gave his famous “Mr. at CBS News Radio began in 2020.

Keiper’s fascination with Gorbachev, tear down this the cool, quick, dangerous wall!” speech. She has covrides remains. Recently, ered trials, such as R. Kelshe test- drove the Musly’s, reported on serial killtang Dark Horse, which she ers, such as Jeffry Dahmer, praises for its “old school survived EF5 tornadoes, muscle car ride.” and reported on at least one And in the past year at the royal wedding — William’s Road American track, she and Kate’s. got all fast and furious with “I like telling stories,” a 2023 BMW M2 Coupe, 2024 Keiper said.

Dodge Hornet R/T, and a “When I say stories, 2023 Dodge Challenger Last though, I think people might Call Black Ghost. Keiper automatically think fiction. I added that the coolest car deal with fact. And I have to she has driven recently was give both sides or all sides, a 2022 Rolls-Royce Black whatever pertains to the stoBadge Ghost. “It’s not every ry. So, I like to tell stories that day you get to test drive a are factual,” she said. $400,000 car!” she said.

In her free time, Keiper JENNIFER KEIPER Find what you love, and loves to test drive cool or let it thrill you. Certainly, fast cars. “I usually attend that’s what keeps Keiper on two car rallies a year bethe radio. cause I am a member of “I just like being in front of the mic and the Midwest Automotive Media AssociaI like speaking to people normally. There tion,” she said.

Keiper used to host a weekly show, Drive are too many people that get up there with Chicago, on WLS-AM. It still runs Satur- the Ted Baxter voice, you know, and it’s days from 8 to 9 a.m. but she doesn’t host like, no, no, you know, just be normal. And it these days. Her shows, though, are avail- I try to, always. I used to tell my students able on Apple podcasts. “It’s not the Click [at Columbia College, where she has taught and Clack under the hood,” she said, refer- off and on since the 90s], speak to me like ring to NPR’s long-running show, Car Talk. you’re speaking to your friend, and then “We talk about the business aspect of the you’ll find your voice.”

By any account, Keiper has. auto industry.”

“I like telling stories.

When I say stories, though, I think people might automatically think fiction. I deal with fact. And I have to give both sides or all sides, whatever pertains to the story. So, I like to tell stories that are factual.”

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10

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

11

You won’t be bored on Halloween in Oak Park and River Forest

Compiled by GRACE HARTY and JAMES PORTER Contributing Reporters

Happy Halloween Week! Celebrate to the fullest and get into the Halloween spirit by attending these Oak Park and River Forest events. Catch all this spooky, scary family fun that will lead right up to Halloween night, just in time for Trick-or-Treating! Before diving into all the events taking place in your neighborhood, let’s knock out the most important thing first: Trick-or-Treating hours! Make sure to have your costumes on and candy bags, pillowcases, or baskets ready by 3 or 4 depending on your neighborhood!

Official trick-or-treating hours: Oak Park: 4 to 8 p.m.

River Forest: 3 to 7 p.m.

beloved game of trivia, One Lake Brewing Company will keep the drinks coming! Gather up your friends, families, and fellow horror-movie junkies to test your wits! Trivia starts at 6 p.m. so either show up early to get your group a table or make a reservation at One Lake Brewing.

One Lake Brewing, 1 Lake St., Oak Park

THURSDAY, OCT. 26 Ghostbusting Middle schoolers are invited to case the library to see if it’s really haunted. Special ghostbusting equipment will be included.

Advanced registration required.

Grades 5-8, 3:30-4:30 p.m., River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 25

FRIDAY, OCT. 27

Spooky Trivia

The Amazing Heeby Jeebies and Big Hair Big Trouble

One Lake Brewing is hosting a Halloween-themed trivia night, 6-9 p.m., where groups of families and friends can put their knowledge to the test to win prizes and bragging rights.

This trivia night is sponsored by Baig of Tricks Entertainment, who will test all groups on their knowledge regarding horror films. How much do you know about the Halloween movies? Do you know who Ghostface, Jason, and Michael Myers are? To beat out all the other teams, this may be the time to do your homework and catch up on all spooky and not-so-spooky horror movies.

Don’t be scared, none of the stories are true … or are they?

While teams battle it out in the

These two bands are going to fill Outta Halloween Bash that houserocking psychobilly spirit.

The Amazing Heeby Jeebies will perform the songs of horrorrockers the Cramps, while Big Hair Big Trouble opens the show with what they call “psychedelic country.” $10, 6840 32nd St., Berwyn.

The Lizard Kings While the Lizard Kings perform songs from Quentin Tarantino movies, come dressed as your favorite Tarantino character to win a $250 gift card to FitzGerald’s and Babygold Barbecue.

9 p.m., FitzGerald’s 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

SATURDAY, OCT. 28 Halloweekend in the Hemingway District The Collaboration for Early Childhood is hosting Fall Family Fun with the Park District, Oak Park Public Library, and Birth to Five Illinois. This family event will take place on Oak Park Avenue in the Hemingway District and will include a costume parade, an early childhood resource fair, and treats on the Avenue. Dress up in your Halloween costume and walk in the parade that will begin at 10 a.m.

Not only can kids dress up, but so can parents! During the parade, the resource fair will occur until 12:30 p.m. where families and other caregivers can learn about resources their young children may need. Throughout the week, try to find Cece the Flying Pig in Hemingway businesses to collect all kinds of prizes!

Lake Sreet & Oak Park Avenue.

Día De Muertos/Day of the Dead The Omeyocan Dance Company will stage an Aztec dance performance, where the mesmerizing rhythms and vibrant colors of traditional Aztec dance come to life.

There will also be a marketplace with vendors selling all kinds of treasures, plus a face painter. Fun for all ages. Presented in partnership with the Día de los Muertos in Oak Park and River Forest group, Quetzali Child Care, Unity of Oak Park, and the Oak Park Public Library, bringing the community together for an unforgettable cultural experience. Register now at

oppl.org/calendar.

2 - 4 p.m., Unity of Oak Park, 405 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park

Rocky Horror Picture Show Sing-Along Live singalong with this longrunning classic. Costumes not necessary to “do the time warp,” but definitely encouraged. Adult content, not recommended for children. $15, 9 - 11 p.m. Madison Street Theater, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park

SUNDAY, OCT. 29 Hephzibah Halloween Fun Run & Walk Take the Sunday Scaries to a whole new level on the 29th, for there will be so much time to take in all the Halloween fun. From 9-11 a.m., join the Oak Park Auxiliary of Hephzibah Children’s Association 2nd annual Halloween Fun Run/ Walk. This run/walk is perfect for runners and walkers alike, so everyone is welcome! The event went so well last year that members decided to bring it back! The run/walk will take place for 1.5 miles across the neighborhoods surrounding Constitution Park in River Forest, where participants will be cheered on by members of the community.

This is a Halloween event so costumes are highly encouraged! Kids, take this time to wear your costumes outside of Trick-or-Treating, but ask your caregivers for permis-

sion, of course. Last year, the event raised over $6,800. To register, visit: https://www.hephzibahhome. org/event/halloween-fun-runwalk-2022/ 9 to 11 a.m., Constitution Park, 7715 Greenfield St., River Forest

Trunk or Treat Unity of Oak Park will be hosting a free Halloween Extravaganza from 11:30-1:30 p.m. for children ages 2-10 that will include face painting, music, spooky videos, crafts, and fallthemed refreshments. Children can participate in their trunk-ortreat in the parking lot as well!

Unity of Oak Park, 405 N. Euclid Ave.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics at the Oak Park Arts Center There will be a Halloween Candlelight concert at the Oak Park Arts Center. Depending on your time at either 4 p.m. or 6:15 p.m., the doors will open 45 minutes prior to start time and the show will last 65 minutes. The Metropolis String Quartet will perform 12 numbers, some including Lacrimosa from Mozart’s Requiem from Amadeus, Zombie by Cranberries, Nightmare Before Christmas by Danny Elfman, and Thriller by Michael Jackson. For tickets, visit https:// feverup.com/m/118398.

Oak Park Arts Center, 200 N. Oak Park Ave.

12

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Principal cites improvements in safety and climate at OPRF OPRF’s Lynda Parker gives credit to more security guards onsite

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

The first fight at Oak Park and River Forest High School this year occurred on Sept. 22. That’s nearly a month later than the first physical altercation between students last year, which occurred on August 25, 2022.

That’s evidence of an improved climate at OPRF this year, Principal Lynda Parker told the District 200 Board of Education at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Oct. 12 when she presented a report titled “Updates on Safety at OPRFHS.” “There’s a very noticeable difference within the building in terms of conduct and how it’s being monitored,” Parker said.

Parker delivered a similar message two days before the school board meeting to the OPRF Community Council.

Parker said that new measures such as an increase in the number of security

guards, known as the campus safety officers, and new strategies are having a positive impact. OPRF also has a new Director of Campus Safety this year, having hired Cindy Guerra, a former high ranking Chicago Police Department officer, to replace Cherlynn Jones-McLeod after JonesMcLeod resigned over the summer.

OPRF also has hired more security guards this year. OPRF now has 28 full-time and eight part-time campus safety officers compared to the 19 full-time and the nine part-time employed last year. OPRF is in the process of hiring two more full-time and two additional part-time campus safety officers.

There is now increased coverage of active areas in the school where students congregate, including cafeterias, shared hallways, camera blind spots and restrooms. Security guards are monitoring entries and exits from bathrooms -- bathrooms have been a primary place where students go to vape. A

security guard is also stationed at the third floor “box” where students tend to congregate. One security guard is now always monitoring the feeds from the cameras deployed around the school.

Last spring, in making the case to the school board about the need for more security guards, Parker pointed to the frequency of students making unauthorized exits from the building during the school day.

She said many doors to the schools were not covered during the school day.

Because a security guard is now assigned to constantly monitor the camera feeds, Parker said that school officials can now more easily identify the students who are leaving the building without permission during the school day and have follow-up conversations with those students.

“Yes, there are still students leaving through the doors but not at the same rate as last year,” Parker told the school board.

“I can say that it has lessened.”

Four security guards have been assigned to the new position of behavior response leads. They are expected to be first responders to incidents and to act as intermediaries to minimize the loss of instructional time as a result of punishment, such as suspensions. There has also been more training for OPRF staff in de-escalation techniques, crisis management and crisis prevention and intervention.

According to the report that Parker presented, there were 33 incidents of excessive physical aggression at OPRF last year, 23 verbal threats, 13 cases of bullying or cyberbullying, 11 incidents of physical force to a student and 8 incidents of physical force to a staff member. There were six incidents of students found with a weapon other than a gun, five incidents where two or more students committed an act of violence, three incidents of non-consensual See OPRF on page 18

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

13

ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT Village Of River Forest • Fiscal Year Ending April 30, 2023 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF CONDITION

Beginning Balance

General Fund

Special Revenue

Debt Service

Capital Project

Enterprise Fund

Trust & Agency

12,537,669

886,448

243,385

8,942,448

12,576,758

43,870,691

Revenues/Trans In

20,727,586

621,536

276,204

2,097,969

5,535,037

5,191,049

Expenditures/Trans Out

(18,676,519)

(315,248)

(278,958)

(3,498,468)

(4,343,552)

(4,998,515)

Prior Period Adjustment

(2,307,183)

-

-

-

-

-

Ending Balance

12,281,553

1,192,736

240,631

7,541,949

13,768,243

44,063,225

REVENUES BY SOURCE

Property Taxes 7,993,274, Utility Tax 779,469, Local Motor Fuel Tax 86,056, Non Home Rule Sales Tax 1,062,278, Other Taxes 463,405, State Income Tax 1,893,214, State Sales Tax 2,340,627, Motor Fuel Tax Allotments 470,895, Motor Fuel Rebuild Bonds Fund 122,713, Personal Property Replacement Tax 485,101, Use Tax 484,264, Intergovernmental, Grants and Contributions 797,929, Licenses and Permits 1,240,436, Fines and Forfeits 360,108, Water Sales 3,354,619, Sewer Sales 2,123,345, Refuse 1,171,513, Parking Fees 165,025, Other Charges for Services 2,038,180, Investment Income 1,465,658, Miscellaneous 803,005, Transfers In 1,116,210, Sale of Property 9,574, Employer Contributions 3,622,483, Total Revenue 34,449,381

VILLAGE VENDOR PAYMENTS

Adelowo, Solomon: 4000.00, AEP Energy: 21858.11, Air One Equipment Inc: 59998.40, ALamp Concrete Contractors Inc: 25451.40, Alternative Energy Solutions Ltd: 8253.97, Amalgamated Bank of Chicago: 129422.77, American Traffic Solutions Inc: 55197.33, Andy Frain Services Inc: 149809.80, Animal Care League: 2670.00, Anthem Excavation & Demolition: 45000.00, Aqua Fiori Inc: 4792.15, Arthur Clesen Inc: 5031.00, Associated Property Counselors Ltd: 2500.00, AT&T: 15470.35, AT&T Wireless: 5732.62, Avalon Petroleum Company: 64071.29, AXA Equitable Retirement: 117894.60, Axon Enterprise Inc: 3928.36, B&F Construction Code Services Inc: 93380.00, Baker JR., J. Joseph: 4000.00, Bane, Matthew: 4000.00, Baxter & Woodman: 25771.79, Beacom, David J.: 14100.00, Best Technology Systems Inc: 4730.00, Bestco HARTFORD: 119209.12, Bevan, Katherine: 11500.00, Blackberry Collection LLC, The: 4500.00, Blackboard Inc: 9120.00, Boyd, Quentin: 2926.85, Burke Engineering Ltd, Christopher B.: 82659.18, Calvin, Sadie: 2500.00, CAMZ Communications Inc: 6380.00, Capitol Cement Company Inc: 624700.69, Cargill Incorporated: 20369.95, CDS Office Technologies Inc: 35481.31, CDW Government Inc: 7263.00, Center for Interent Security, Inc.: 6600.00, Centurion Plumbing Company: 9766.17, Cheronis, Damon: 2500.00, Chicago Police Department: 4772.00, Chicagoland Paving Contractors Inc: 95282.91, CiorbaGroup Consulting Engineers: 10666.75, City of Chicago: 1655509.60, Clark Baird Smith LLP: 17850.00, Classic Graphic Industries Inc: 4969.50, ClientFirst Consulting Group LLC: 132619.00,

ComEd: 7414.60, ComEd: 34675.81, Commercial Funding, Inc., FBO: Thomas Engineering Group LLC: 95017.47, Compass Minerals America Inc: 3933.27, Conway, Joe: 8675.00, Cook County Sheriff’s Police Training Academy: 3250.00, Copenhaver Construction, Inc.: 1131571.08, Core & Main LP: 138445.56, Cozza, Frank: 2500.00, Cronin Enterprises LLC: 17030.75, Crosby, David: 2500.00, Currie Motors: 43924.00, Darley & Co, W.S.: 8980.64, Datasource Ink: 8709.91, Davenport Group USA Ltd, The: 24579.22, Davis Concrete Construction Co: 61953.90, Davis Tree Care Inc: 45143.00, De Lage Landen Financial Svcs Inc: 4365.16, Dell Marketing L.P.: 56615.37, Denler Inc: 90615.20, Diaz Landscaping Inc: 9457.00, Diaz, Natasha: 4000.00, Division XI Mutual Aid: 10000.00, Eden Brothers LLC: 6395.00, Egler, Melissa: 2500.00, Elevator Inspection Services Co Inc: 3240.00, Elmhurst Occupational Health: 9276.00, Emergency Medical Products Inc: 3308.41, Envirosafe: 11890.00, ESO Solutions Inc: 10069.04, Fifth Third Bank: 122314.47, Fleet Safety Supply: 36856.83, Forest Park National Bank: 278483.33, Forest Preserves of Cook County: 12000.00, Fredriksen Fire Equipment Co.: 2941.59, FulLife Safety Center: 2658.89, Further: 152444.99, Galls LLC: 3814.72, Gerbrecht, Arno: 7500.00, Grant, Lisa Honaman: 2500.00, Gregory, Jonathan M.: 7500.00, Griffon Systems Inc: 77046.00, Growing Community Media NFP: 8885.00, Guarino, Jean: 28420.00, Gumbel, Michael: 5229.00, Halperin, Daniel: 7500.00, Hammoudeh, Matt: 4550.00, Hastings Air-Energy Control Inc: 6925.21, Hawkins Inc: 4165.34, Hayes Mechanical: 3622.06, Health Inspection Professionals Inc: 11934.00, HFS Bureau of Fiscal OperationsGEMT: 293286.13, Homer Tree Care Inc: 32927.75, Houlne, Jake: 4000.00, Houseal Lavigne Associates: 24686.58, Howe, Devin: 11500.00, HR Green, Inc.: 5196.00, Hulzinga, Keith: 2500.00, ICMA Retirement Corporation - 302614: 141201.48, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: 917145.80, Illinois EPA: 5000.00, Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council: 16320.00, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund: 376409.52, Integrity Environmental Services Inc: 4180.00, Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative: 1438223.59, International Union of Operating Engineers: 13935.35, International Union of Operating Engineers: 2691.00, Interstate Power Systems Inc: 53921.26, IRMA: 140562.82, IRMA: 100254.45, Jandeska, Sara: 4875.00, JG Uniforms Inc: 7559.68, Klein Thorpe and Jenkins Ltd: 123505.40, KLOA Inc: 16646.58, KnowBe4 Inc: 4267.25, Kyrias-

Gann, Kevin: 7500.00, Lauterbach & Amen LLP: 2500.00, Lies, Deidre: 2860.38, LRS: 86502.39, LRS Holdings LLC: 1275179.39, Lyons & Pinner Electric Companies: 87095.49, Madden, Annette: 4625.00, Mercuri, Joan: 7500.00, MGP Inc: 46905.84, Midwest Leadership Institute: 2700.00, Midwest Operating Eng-Pension Trust Fund: 22134.00, Mills, Laurence: 3696.75, Minuteman Security Technologies Inc: 4532.20, MOE Funds: 160556.00, Mohr Oil Company: 24123.53, Morrison Associates Ltd: 2887.50, Motorola Solutions - Starcom21 Network: 3047.41, Municipal Systems LLC: 12601.95, NG Plumbing Inc: 17500.00, Nigro, Nicholas: 7500.00, North East Multi-Regional Training Inc: 11475.00, Northeastern Illinois Public: 3300.00, Northern Environmental Development, Inc.: 31975.00, Nova Collective, LLC: 33000.00, Oak Park River Forest: 4325.00, O’Herron Co. Inc, Ray: 50702.96, On Time Embroidery Inc: 12177.00, Osage Inc: 3288.78, Osco Incorporated: 34200.41, Osswald, John: 4000.00, Paramedic Billing Services Inc: 36284.41, Patten Industries Inc: 5411.86, Peerless Network: 6007.11, Peerless Network: 7777.04, Petersmarck, Stephanie: 4000.00, Pete’s Automotive Service Inc: 56982.65, Pizzo & Associates Ltd: 7990.00, Politis, Dr. Constantine: 5840.41, Printing Store Inc, The: 3441.00, Quinn, Thomas: 7500.00, Radarsign LLC: 3490.00, Regal Business Machines Inc: 4728.45, Regional Truck Equipment Co: 2616.35, Resource Management Associates Inc: 9458.18, Riddiford Roofing Company: 11562.80, River Forest Public Library: 46983.01, River Forest Tennis Club: 5655.48, Robert R. Andreas & Sons, Inc.: 15950.00, Roche, Francis: 7500.00, Ryan, Carrie: 4000.00, SAFEbuilt LLC Lockbox #88135: 52514.55, Safespeed: 3618.78, SBRK Finance Holdings Inc: 30852.08, Schafer, Nick: 17500.00, Schroeder Asphalt Services Inc: 399259.75, Sebis Direct (Postage): 6436.35, Shaker Recruitment Marketing: 3807.04, SHI International Corp: 7019.55, Sicalco Ltd: 2711.84, Siemens Industry Inc: 127938.33, Sikich, LLP: 35600.00, Singh, Daljit: 7500.00, South West Indurstires, Inc.: 4788.50, Spinutech: 5965.00, Standard Equipment Company: 7320.05, Starks, Waymon & Cheryl: 2500.00, State Disbursement Unit: 4345.00, State Treasurer: 382644.76, Stefl Inc, Tim: 8755.27, Steinkeler, David: 3313.50, Sterling Codifiers Inc: 4187.16, Sternberg Lanterns Inc: 3820.00, Straub, Donald: 7500.00, Stryker Sales LLC: 26954.72, Suburban General Construction Inc: 20792.56, Superior Road Striping Inc: 10000.00, Swanson Jr, Alfred M: 4200.00, Szpila, Richard: 4000.00, Taylor’D Systems LLC: 57800.00, Third Millennium: 16279.64, Thomas Dodge: 120677.00, Thomas Engineering Group, LLC: 101098.22, Thomson Reuters-West: 3720.62, Thrive Counseling Center: 22000.00, TKB Associates Inc: 8729.00, Tower Enterprises Inc: 2681.45, Trinity High School: 4567.69, U.S. Geological Survey: 5500.00, Unique Products & Service Corp: 5143.10, United States Treasury: 1611882.91, US Gas: 2707.99, V3 Companies, Ltd: 2860.00, Valencia Condominium Association: 3430.26, Verizon Wireless: 5505.76, Vicarious Productions Inc: 72000.00, Village of Oak Park: 3750.00, VisuSewer of Illinois LLC: 136150.50, Vitale, Stephanie: 2500.00, Vogel, Lawrence: 11500.00, Von Ende, Chris: 5650.00, Vulcan Construction Materials LLC: 3043.21, Walnut Creek Nursery Inc: 17970.00, Warehouse Direct Inc: 8060.82, Warren Oil Co Inc, Al: 51417.47, Watersmart Software Inc: 10300.00, Wehrman, Amanda: 3692.50, West Central Municipal Conference: 16733.40, West Cook County Solid Waste Agency: 5200.00, West Suburban

Do you want to keep your public officials accountable?

Consolidated: 192009.89, West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force: 2750.00, WEX Health, Inc: 92703.94, Wigit’s Truck Center: 39053.79, Wojack, Kimberly J.: 5459.97, ZOHO Corporation: 3120.00, VENDORS PAID UNDER $2,500: 234044.87, TOTAL: 16433441.95

POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS PENSION FUND VENDOR PAYMENTS AndCo: 12500.00, Cook Castle: 10886.00, Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.: 11178.68, IFPIF: 12735.79, Illinois Department of Insurance: 5678.39, IPOPIF: 26390.30, IRS: 557854.06, Karlson Garza, LLC: 7762.50, Lauterbach & Amen: 62940.00, Principal Custody Solutions: 4250.00, VENDORS PAID UNDER $2,500: 4289.57, TOTAL: 716465.29

VILLAGE PAYROLL Under 25,000: Bohlmann, Bueno, Colon, Domeier, Goetz, Lempia, Luis, McNabb, Nolan, Okal, Phyfer, Pisciotto, Pusavc, Rose, Temblador; 25,000-49,999.99: Barcenas, Bebora, Cano, Franco, Gaertner K, Koclanis, Masella, Morris, Puljic, Sabia; 50,000-74,999.99; Bajak, Bus, Camargo, Cepak, Green, Holguin, Jansen, Kane, Kasprzyk, Kryder, Petrillo, Raddatz, Sousanes; 75,000-99,999.99: Bradley, Casarez, Catalano, Coleman, Decosola, Dosen, Drake, Gonzalez, Lenz, Mika, Niemann, Palm, Petrulis, Radatz, Schrader, Schwarz, Thomasino, Wiley, Zermeno; 100,000.00124,999.99: Basa, Boyer, Buchholz, Casey, Cassidy, Cortes, Ercoli, Heneghan, Howe A, Ivansek, Ransom, Rouse, Skoczek, Walsh; 125,000.00 and over: Bencik, Bochenek, Boyd, Carter, Czernik, Doran, Finfrock, Fischer, Fries, Gaertner T, Greenwood, Grill, Howe E, Humphreys, Krall, Labriola, Landini, Loster, McAdams, McKenna, Murillo, Murphy, O’Shea, Seablom, Smith, Swierczynski, Tagle, Viera, Zipperich

POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS PENSION FUND PAYROLLS Under 25,000: Bauer, Daudelin, Galassi, Marrocco, Petrulis, Sousanes, Spears, Strauch; 25,000-49,999: Anstrand, Barth, Fahy, Hlavaty, Law D, Neault, O’Brien, O’Loughlin, Schejbal, Shustar R; 50,000-74,999: Bernahl, Blasco, Diebold, Fields, Gerard P, Katsantones, Lahey, Law M, Lombardi, Novak, Rausch P, Schauer, Smith, Victor R, Weiglein; 75,000-99,999: Barstatis, Bentel L, Bentel R, Blesy, Carroll, Daugherty, Ford, Gray, Linden, Maher, Newberry, Rann, Riley L, Samuel, Sullivan, Telkamp, Victor M, Vondracek, Warnock, Zawacki; 100,000-124,999: Dhooghe, Finnegan, Higgins, Jandrisits, Lidinsky, Ludvik, Nortier, Nummer, Powell, Rose, Rutz, Schoff, Stamm, Weiss, Witken; 125,000.00 and over: Bohlmann

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

TREATS FALL FAMILY FUN ON THE AVENUE! ON OAK PARK AVENUE -HEMINGWAY DISTRICT

Saturday, October 28th 10 aM - 12:30 pm

in the Join the Collaboration for Early Childhood and our mascot Cece the Flying Pig on an adventure in the Hemingway District for FREE Family Fun, Discounts, and Prizes!!!

Saturday October 28th - 12:30pm From October 23-29,10am enjoy...

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Need a helping of

Come into

Garland F lowers for a BOOquet!

Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit OakPark.com/subscribe

Trick or Treat at our place after the parade this Saturday 10am-12:30pm 137 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

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11:30-1:30! “ “Flirtini Martini” and live music, every Wednesday.

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16

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

UTRF hosts final public performance with ‘The Coming of Light’

The composition was commissioned in 2009 to honor the centennial of Unity Temple’s dedication

By ERIKA HOBBS Editor

Unity Temple Restoration Foundation will present its final public performance at the end of October, days before the 50-year-old organization sunsets.

The performance, called “The Coming of Light,” is a composition for oboe, baritone and a string quartet, and will feature the Avalon String Quartet and singer Dorian McCall, oboist Andrew Nogal.

The piece was commissioned in 2009 to honor the centennial of Unity Temple’s dedication by UTRF and The Chicago Chamber Musicians along with Winsor Music, Inc. The score and concert were underwritten by Sidney K. Robinson of Oak Park.

A second modern composition by Igor Santos called “as light becomes form,” will be performed

by Duo Diorama. The composer describes it as a “musical response to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, the building which inspired the work, and where the first performance took place.”

The performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday Oct. 27 at Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece Unity Temple, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

UTRF is sunsetting as of October 31, and to thank those who have supported it over the decades, it is offering the performance for free. Pre-registration is requested: https://www.flwunitytemple.org/ event/coming-of-light/ UNITY TEMPLE RESTORATION FOUNDATION

Auditor gives River Forest ‘clean bill of health’ Fiscal year 2023 revenues exceed budget by $2.7 million

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

River Forest officials received what village President Cathy Adduci called “a clean bill of health” after the village’s auditor presented the annual audit at the last week’s village board meeting.

Martha Trotter, a partner at Sikich LLP of Naperville, said there were “no concerns” with the audit of the fiscal year that

ended April 30, 2023.

In response to a question from Trustee Respicio Vazquez about whether village officials had anything to worry about with the village’s finances, Trotter said there were no issues.

“It’s important to get a clean bill of health,” Adduci said. “We’re really happy and pleased.”

She thanked Rosey McAdams, finance director, and Keke Boyer, assistant finance

director, and their staff for their efforts.

She also thanked Matt Walsh, village administrator.

In her presentation of the annual comprehensive financial report, McAdams noted actual revenues in the general fund exceeded budgeted amounts by $2.7 million or 15.22%. She explained that most revenues saw increases because of inflation and the increase in the consumer price index.

Separate line items that saw increases include personal property replacement taxes, exceeding budgeted amounts by $212,860 or 78.19%; sales taxes, exceeding budget amounts by $228,239 or 10.8%; and income taxes, exceeding budgeted amounts by $343,055 or 22.13%. McAdams explained that income tax revenues were higher because the FY2023 state budget included an See AUDITOR on page 18

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

THANK YOU REP. DANNY DAVIS FOR BEING A HERO FOR HEALTHY KIDS AND COMMUNITIES. For decades, the tobacco industry has targeted Black communities and kids with menthol cigarettes, profiting while cigarettes kill 45,000 Black Americans each year. Menthols are more addictive and easier for kids to start smoking. Your support to eliminate menthol cigarettes will protect kids, advance health equity and save lives.

100 BLACK MEN OF AMERICA, INC.

BLACK WOMEN’S ROUNDTABLE

RESPIRATORY HEALTH ASSOCIATION

AFRICAN AMERICAN TOBACCO CONTROL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS

THE CENTER FOR BLACK HEALTH & EQUITY

ILLINOIS STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY

THE ILLINOIS CHAPTER OF AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

AIDS FOUNDATION CHICAGO AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CANCER ACTION NETWORK AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION

LOYOLA MEDICINE MOCHA MOMS, INC. NAACP NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN, INC. NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Paid for by Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund

THE NATIONAL COALITION ON BLACK CIVIC PARTICIPATION TRINITY HEALTH

17

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

AUDITOR

Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase for the Village of Oak Park I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for the Village of Oak Park for the 2023 tax year will be held on November 6, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois.

Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Christina M. Waters, Village Clerk, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, telephone number (708) 358-5672.

II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2022 were $41,846,169.

The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $43,376,123. This represents a 3.66% increase from the previous year.

III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2022 were $4,399,535.

The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2023 are $4,768,332. This represents an 8.38% increase from the previous year.

IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2022 were $46,245,704.

The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2023 are $48,144,455. This represents a 4.11% increase from the previous year.

In the black in River Forest from page 16 additional 0.10% in local government distributive payments to municipalities and higher than expected receipts.

General fund expenditures are “slightly above” the budgeted amounts at 100.2%, McAdams said, primarily due to the fire department expenditures. She explained that actual fire department expenditures were 112.84% of budgeted amounts due to the ground emergency medical transportation program in which the village now participates. A corresponding increase in revenues was seen in ambulance billings.

All other expenditures are lower than budgeted, McAdams noted. She said decreases are due to staff members limiting non-essential expenditures and changes in staffing that caused expenditures to be re-

OPRF SAFETY

Extra security staff from page 12 touch and six incidents of distribution of alcohol or drugs.

At least 91 incidents of vaping or smoking at the school were reported and 78 cases of behavior disrupting a classroom.

There were more infractions last year that resulted in interventions from deans than the year before. During the 2022-23 school year, there were 844 such infractions compared with 679 such infractions during the 2021-22 school year.

More findings include: ■ Last year, Black students accounted for nearly 58% of the infractions that resulted in the intervention of a dean despite Black students making up just 18.3% of the school’s student population according to the latest Illinois School Report Card.

■ White students accounted for a little

duced. Police department expenditures are slightly lower than budgeted amounts due to vacancies being filled with new hires who are paid at a lower rate.

The waterworks and sewerage fund increased $1.2 million. Although revenues were less than budgeted, expenses also decreased. McAdams explained that water and sewer sales were below expectations due to decreases in billed water consumption and weather conditions. Revenues include a 6% increase in rates in June 2022 to fund the 5% rate increase from the city of Chicago for water and for operating and capital improvement costs. Reduced expenses are due to decreases in water and sewer infrastructure maintenance costs and a decrease in the capital outlay expenditures with the completion of the automated metering infrastructure program.

McAdams thanked members of the village’s “well-functioning team” including police Chief Jim O’Shea, fire Chief Tom Gaertner and former public works director Jeff Loster, who recently resigned.

over 22% of the infractions resulting in the intervention of a dean while white students make up about 55% of the student population.

■ Hispanic students accounted for just under 12% of the infractions while making up about 13.5% of the student population.

Last year, a couple of OPRF teachers told the school board that they didn’t feel safe at the school anymore. Some school board members pushed back against the perception of some that OPRF is not a safe school.

Board member Mary Anne Mohanraj said that people’s perceptions of safety are often influenced by cultural factors and implicit bias.

“Just because somebody doesn’t feel safe doesn’t mean they aren’t safe,” Mohanraj said. “But, also, we want people to feel safe.”

Board member Audrey Williams-Lee pointed out that just because there are occasional fights at OPRF, that doesn’t mean that students don’t feel safe.

“A student coming home saying there was a fight today doesn’t necessarily mean ‘I didn’t feel safe,’” Williams-Lee said.

CRIME

See more police reports online at www.oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

19

13 new courses coming to OPRF

They include the AP class reviled by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

By ERIKA HOBBS Editor

Thirteen new classes could be coming to Oak Park and River Forest High School as the district moves forward with plans to respond to students’ needs by adding rigor and representation to its offerings.

The classes, which have been in development and have been presented to the school board, are expected to be approved at Thursday’s board meeting.

They include Asian American Voices, an English Language Learner class, seven new math classes and two new Advanced Placement classes, including AfricanAmerican Studies, the course that has sparked national controversy.

“The school continues to try to do more and more for the students and I believe the courses proposed reflect that we are always thinking about students, what is in the best interest for them, what best represents them – and giving all of our students the most rigorous opportunities,” said Laurie Fiorenza, assistant superintendent for student learning.

The high school this year piloted the original AP African-American Studies course that the College Board, creators of AP classes, has since revised after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis this spring said it was not “historically accurate” and that it violated the state’s law.

Black studies scholars have said they feared the revisions diluted crucial concepts, including reparations, Black Lives Matter and intersectionality. Conservative critics have said the material slants too far left and focuses too much on racism and oppression. The College Board has said politics were never a consideration and that they determined the course could not reach as many students as possible, a key goal for the billion-dollar nonprofit.

In the course, students are expected to examine the diversity of the AfricanAmerican experience through multiple texts. The historical timeline extends from early African kings to the modern Black experience.

Fiorenza said the pilot has gone well and that they have had “no problems” with the curriculum.

“We value that course,” she said. “And like the Asian American Voices course, we want to reflect the cultures of our students and we want our students to see themselves in our course options.”

According to the 2022 Illinois Report

JAVIER GOVEA

Card, about 55% of the school’s 3,329 students are white, 18% are Black and nearly 14% are Hispanic. Asian students make up about 4% of the population. Roughly 1% are English language learners.

In the Asian American Voices class, students will be reading an overview of literature by 20th Century Asian-American writers and explore concepts such as the politics of representation, cultural identity, authenticity, immigration and assimilation, as well as the effects of federal policy, such as the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act. The act ended immigration-admissions policy based on race and ethnicity.

The science and technology AP research course is intended to permit students to deeply explore an academic

topic, issue or problem by designing a yearlong investigation that addresses a research question. At the end, they’ll submit a 4,000- to 5,000-word paper.

OPRF offers 27 of the 40 AP classes from the College Board.

The new math classes, Fiorenza said, are the next phase of implementing an integrated math program into the curriculum. Integrated math introduces multiple strands of mathematics – like algebra, geometry and statistics – during the year. It focuses on making connections. The ELL class, Fiorenza said, is designed to support current learners.

“This is probably the first year we’ve had do many additions,” she said. “It’s good.

It’s good for the kids.”

OPRF earns silver distinction from AP school honor roll The College Board based its award on the results from the 2023 graduating class

By WEDNESDAY JOURNAL STAFF The College Board’s Advanced Placement School Honor Roll awarded Oak Park and River Forest High School a silver distinction.

The honor roll recognizes four levels of distinction — platinum, gold, silver, or bronze — based on three criteria: increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

OPRF was rated based on the results of the 2023 graduating class and included

these criteria: ■ Silver status for college culture: 59% took at least one AP exam during high school. The criterion for gold is 65%.

■ Gold status for college credit: 47% scored a 3 or better on at least one AP exam during high school. The criterion for platinum is 50%.

■ Gold status for college optimization: 12% took five or more AP exams during high school, with at least one of the five taken during 9th or 10th grade. The criterion for platinum is 15%.

“We’re incredibly proud of the AP program we have at OPRF, and more importantly, the rich learning experiences our students are able to enjoy during their four years here,” Superintendent Dr. Greg Johnson said in a statement. “We also know that we still have work to do, and this recognition gives all of us even more motivation to ensure that all students at OPRF receive the very best education we can offer.”

OPRF offers 27 of the 40 AP classes the College Board offers, including Literature

and Composition, Economics, Music Theory, Studio Art, European History, Computer Science, Physics, and Spanish.

Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams are more likely to attend college and graduate on time. Students who enter four-year colleges with credit from AP also often accelerate their path to graduation and build confidence for college success. For those who don’t earn college credit, AP coursework provides early exposure to college-level work and contributes to a college-going school culture.

20

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

P R O P E R T Y

T R A N S F E R S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Belleforte Ave. home sells for $1,350,000

The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Clerk from July 2023. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk.

OAK PARK ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

1030 Woodbine Ave 1132 N Grove Ave 1132 N Grove Ave 824 Belleforte Ave 420 S Kenilworth Ave 940 Washington Blvd 135 S Kenilworth Ave 643 Garfield St 715 Washington Blvd 222 N Grove Ave 420 Home Ave 204 N Kenilworth Ave 216 Flournoy St 408 S Austin Blvd 947 Pleasant St 1179 Wisconsin Ave 1007 S Ridgeland Ave 431 S Kenilworth Ave 1125 N Harlem Ave 740 N Humphrey Ave 205 S Humphrey Ave 1182 S East Ave 422 S Harvey Ave 222 Flournoy St 1032 S Taylor Ave 726 N Harvey Ave 104 Le Moyne Pky 1172 S Taylor Ave 912 Thomas St 912 Thomas St 1028 Wenonah Ave 1137 Clarence Ave 1156 S Lombard Ave 1146 S East Ave 844 Wenonah Ave 1023 Clinton Ave 433 N Harvey Ave

$1,020,000 $1,200,000 $1,200,000 $1,350,000 $112,000 $115,000 $125,000 $145,000 $162,000 $165,000 $180,000 $220,000 $225,000 $227,500 $231,000 $245,000 $260,000 $263,000 $279,500 $315,000 $350,000 $350,000 $375,000 $379,000 $386,500 $390,000 $401,000 $430,000 $430,000 $430,000 $435,000 $440,000 $445,000 $450,000 $450,000 $450,000 $515,000

Hilgart Bret Barrett John Kenneth Tyler Tr National Resid Services Inc Lewin David S Mcgregor George K Jr New Direction Ira Inc Gdn Ernest Opella Finley Tr Burton Diane M Tr Kosinski William F Papp Grayce Elizabeth Vesole Real Estate Ii Llc Grace Michael J Payne Reta Tr Thompson Mary L Cashman Jacob Saldana Maria N Keys Michael Hollis Taemyn K Lagattolla Alfonso Demes Joseph J Tr Baiman Rhon P Rychlewski Jeffrey W Humphrey Maria Elena Gregory Jessie J Oufkir Samir Alvarez Bob Nicholson Donald R Jr Done Done And Dine Inc Metcalf Patrick Cartus Fin Corp Davidson Daniel L Tr Amato Thomas J Tr Jin Michael Rubio Edward A Tr Stempniak Agnes M Sage Mark A Bucher Jacob

Gibson Jack M Tr National Resid Nominee Services Inc Fargana Daniel Quinn Mary Kathryn Johnson Jennifer Coleman Clarkson Paul Steadman Rick Ferry David J Walek Ewelina Delaney Malama Mendez Jennefer Shusher Jovan T Munley Karis Mcfarland Shannon Lane Joshua Edward Gonzalez Jenny Gardiner John F Byard Vicki F Valencia Maria D Vernon Christopher Second City Renewal Llc Fung Cyrus Bet Rlty Grp Llc Gould Karen Barton James Harmon Tara Lyn Richter Lan Sturm Stephen D Cartus Fin Corp Hohler Paul M Boland Cade Bunch Kelly J Baker Alexander Nevergall Michael D Kartheiser Rebecca Gonzalez Irvin J Lopez Smaniotto Anthony

824 Belleforte Ave., Oak Park

OAK PARK ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

637 S Taylor Ave 206 Iowa St 741 N Marion St 1227 N Marion St 1132 Miller Ave 734 S Harvey Ave 511 N Humphrey Ave 215 S Kenilworth Ave 315 N Cuyler Ave 624 N Marion St 415 Wesley Ave

$525,000 $528,000 $535,000 $545,000 $577,500 $595,000 $60,000 $600,500 $630,000 $630,000 $65,000

Vara Ralph P Alkme Alliance Llc Vilarino Francisco Javier Toubes Tr Ecp Lp Hamel Keith Michael Kumpin Waldemar Appleton-Ivy Juanette Garland Linda C Tr Debled Robin Tr Trust Co Of Illinois Tr Wilmington Trust Natl Assn Tr

631 S East Ave 7 Division St 426 N Harvey Ave 1008 S Grove Ave 827 Clinton Ave 1159 S Cuyler Ave 732 S Taylor Ave 415 S Maple Ave 540 S Elmwood Ave 424 N Oak Park Ave

$650,000 $68,000 $70,000 $700,000 $750,000 $750,000 $760,000 $79,500 $795,000 $822,000

Andreoli Nicholas Verpetinskas Laima Wolanski Susan Brennan Scott M Tr Delaney Robert Temperly Todd F Tr Perkowitz Grace Deutsche Bk Natl Trust Co Tr Escobedo Miguel Bundy Karen A

Duncan William S Younkie Gregory Gangopadhyaya Claire Elizabeth Maynard Charles Hiatt William J Jurado Sergio R Lara Sanchez Fredy Rahill Elizabeth A Hurley Maureen Ann Griggs Kenneth R Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 8002391953 Gass Timothy Siya Apartments Llc P Mishev Llc Martin Derek C Kirby Todd Mcquade Brianna M Krawczykowski Patrick Josifova Denitsa J Nyhuis Jenifer D Crowe-Wermund Paul Wallace

P R O P E R T Y

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

T R A N S F E R S

OAK PARK

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

FOREST PARK

ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

ADDRESS

PRICE

SELLER

BUYER

734 Woodbine Ave 508 N Oak Park Ave 1140 N Kenilworth Ave

$875,000 $880,000 $935,500

Ruiz Michel Eugenio Tr Hembling Judith B Eldred James G

Ye Anna Greenwell Matthew Osowski Jeffrey M

7637 Jackson Blvd

$104,500

Cervenka Amy E

Diverde Marcia J Tr

300 Circle Ave

$105,000

Seals Marvin

Polk Janice M Weathersby

7449 Washington St

$135,000

Canam Ventures Llc

Gaines Taylor

315 Des Plaines Ave

$136,000

Hayworth Kimberly J Tr

Tendick Janet

850 Des Plaines Ave

$140,000

Torres Sergio

Mcgee Yolanda

RIVER FOREST 1512 Forest Ave

$1,200,000

Meinhold Jane M Tr

Cullinan Patrick

315 Marengo Ave

$146,000

Lopez Cristian Sanchez

Keller Robert M

1501 Franklin Ave

$1,250,000

Soffer Leonard

Imhoff Gregory Joseph

140 Marengo Ave

$150,000

Atienza Franz R

Gorgone John Joseph

1415 Ashland Ave

$1,650,000

Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr 30624 Alvers Brian

7231 Randolph St

$161,000

Goffron Andrew

Ross Terry

1538 Forest Ave

$246,000

Olson Jeffrey C Trust

Del Mundo April Ann P

1105 Ferdinand Ave

$176,000

Umb Bk Natl Assn Tr

Home First Rlty Inc

1535 Forest Ave

$315,000

Agajanian Tilda

Gaze Ralph

324 Marengo Ave

$260,000

Tipps Inv Llc

Aig Holdings Llc

230 Forest Ave

$465,000

May Joseph A

230 Forest Ave Llc

1126 Des Plaines Ave

$267,500

Mcshane Patrick J Jr

Liverly Janice Tuck

7624 Washington Blvd

$600,000

Fohrman Joel Tr

Coughlan Martin

211 Elgin Ave

$281,500

Ptaszynski Jack

Mongoven Cameron

335 Thatcher Ave

$649,000

Champion Jarad L

Vall Josep Maria Saura

827 Hannah Ave

$310,000

Miller David A Sr

Barbahen Jennifer W

207 Gale Ave

$650,000

Rider Martha L

Brown Laron

7634 Adams St

$310,000

Us Bk Trust Natl Assn Tr

Jodoin James

730 Bonnie Brae Pl

$675,000

Stearn Katherine Suzanne Tr

Degroff David J

1405 Marengo Ave

$330,000

Leska Ian

Williamson Mary K

714 Park Ave

$690,000

Gilbert Eric P

Heerema Luke Aaron

7604 Harrison St

$380,000

Digre Morgan

Carrillo Carlos Lara

7214 Oak Ave

$74,000

Hedges John L

Kremidas Angela J

324 Marengo Ave

$475,000

Dalton Patrick M

Crawford Anthony

343 Keystone Ave

$760,000

Bennett David

Holt Jason

1003 Beloit Ave

$485,000

Isenstein Burton

Bolden Alexander

527 Park Ave

$787,000

Davidson Andrea

Seidel Amanda

7642 Adams St

$650,000

Green Dev Llc

Valentin Jonathan C Tr

7610 Washington Blvd

$875,000

Gonzalez Jennifer

Bergetz Carl

824 Beloit Ave

$675,000

Warrior Const Inc

Harris Robert Harvey

600 Clinton Pl

$909,000

Schutt Ryan John

Lee Eric

850 Des Plaines Ave

$85,000

Bozarth Martin C Tr

Tayefeh Emadeddin

2023 Fall leaf collection set to begin...

The annual fall leaf collection program is scheduled for Oct. 30 – Dec. 7 with six pickups planned for each section of the Village. Residents should rake leaves into the street at least 18 inches from the curb the day before the scheduled pickup dates indicated on the map.

Leaves raked into the street will be pushed into piles by Public Works crews during the night to reduce impact on traffic and parked cars. Leaves will be collected the following day. Residents who miss a scheduled pickup date should keep their leaves on the parkway until the night before the next scheduled pickup. Sweepers will be scheduled to run at the end of the collection program to clean up residue. Cooperation is essential to the success of this operation, so please follow these simple rules: • Consider composting or using the leaves as garden mulch as an alternative to raking.

• Do not rake leaves into or close to bus shelters or bicycle racks.

• Rake leaves out the day before the scheduled pickup date.

• Inform landscape services of the leaf collection schedule.

• Leaves only -- do not add brush, grass clippings or yard waste.

• Obey all parking restrictions. Regulations will be strictly enforced.

• Do not park on or near a pile of leaves, which can hinder leaf removal operations. Heat from a car also could ignite the leaves.

• Rake leaves onto side streets whenever possible. Try to avoid major thoroughfares where piles of leaves might create traffic hazards.

• Do not rake leaves into or close to cul de sacs or traffic diverters. The equipment needs room to operate.

• Keep catch basins clear of raked leaves to avoid flooding.

• Dampen piles after raking to avoid leaves being blown by the wind.

• Drive carefully. Leaves are slippery when wet and large piles may hinder visibility.

• Drive cautiously – crews will create safe work zones and close intersections for a few minutes while removing large leaf piles.

For more information call (708) 358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us

2023 FALL LEAF COLLECTION SCHEDULE

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22

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

NEW PRICE!

Tasting & Talking: Using delicious food and engaging stories to learn more about estate planning

139 S GROVE, OAK PARK $1,075,000 :: 6 BED :: 4.5 BATH Majestic Victorian Central Oak Park Historic District

KATHY & TONY IWERSEN

708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

Is estate planning on your to-do list?

Have you put it off for far too long?

Come and taste some delicious food while learning how food can help make it easier to plan your estate.

THE MACLEAN HOUSE AT CALEDONIA SENIOR LIVING.

They will never forget the feeling of being loved.

IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY FOR MEMORY CARE SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR TODAY!

Join the fun!

Join Us!

Tuesday, November 7 • 7:30pm Meeting Room/Dole Center 255 Augusta St • Oak Park To RSVP contact Theresa Clancy at:

2800 Des Plaines Avenue North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org

theresa.clancy@theresaclancylaw.com 708-819-1580

NEED TO REACH US?

email: erika@growingcommunitymedia.com

Homes

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

23

Oak Park kitchen designer gives new life to old home

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

PHOTOS BY MARGARET RAJIC

The homeowners wanted to tie a modern kitchen into the historic nature of their home.

Denise Hauser has been working on kitchen, bath and interior design for 20 years, and the process never gets old for her. She works throughout the Chicago area but has a soft spot for projects that are close to home. A recent redo in her Oak Park neighborhood was designed to suit the house, its owners and the way people live in their kitchens today.

Hauser said her clients were looking to make the kitchen in their 100-year-old house function better for their family. She said, “It was a really nice kitchen that had been done about 20 years ago. It was nice aesthetically but not functionally.”

See KITCHEN on page 24

24

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

KITCHEN

Living better from page 23 Much of the space was allocated to a large banquette, and not enough space was assigned to the working portion of the kitchen. Like a lot of homeowners, these clients didn’t necessarily want to add on to their house. They just wanted the space they had to live better.

Hauser said the first step was to rethink the entire room. “We moved everything around,” she said. “We kept the same footprint but did structural work to remove two big posts that were chopping up the space.”

New windows on the back of the house flood the room with light, and a large island offers plenty of storage and a rounded bump out that perfectly fits a few barstools for casual dining. A floor-to-ceiling pantry greatly added to the family’s storage.

Beyond function, the homeowners were looking for a kitchen that tied into the historic style of their home. Hauser remarks, “We were really set on taking it back to the age of the house.”

To that end, she employed decorative details that evoke an earlier time. Beadboard details, and X-shaped inlay in cabinets and leaded glass in the pantry doors are elements that might have been in the home originally. The wood cabinets were modelled on an original built-in cabinet in the home.

An apron-front sink, brass cabinet hardware and light fixtures add to the oldworld feel.

PHOTOS MARGARET RAJIC

Color and mixed metals like this are making a comeback.

A colorful William Morris wallpaper is another detail that Hauser said works with the home. “In an historic district, you always want to return it to what it could have been originally.”

This kitchen is reflective of an overall movement in kitchen designs according to Hauser. “We’re seeing a return to maximalism — that’s really repeated in this kitchen,” she said.

Indeed, there are four colors used in the

millwork alone. The pantry cabinets are painted a rich raspberry hue, the top cabinets are a subtle khaki color, the bases are a powder blue and the range hood is painted black.

Hauser said that bold use of color not only hearkens back to the period when the house was built, but also one of the homeowners is an artist and the kitchen reflects the colorful nature of her artwork that hangs in the kitchen.

“We’re really seeing a return to color, mixed metal finishes, wallpaper, pattern and more detail in design,” Hauser said.

She said that a lot of people are seeking out a more vintage look in home design.

As an experienced designer, Hauser knows it is important to incorporate the personalities of her clients as well as of their homes when designing a space, and she is delighted that this kitchen suits the owners and their home.

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com

I

VIEWPOINTS

25

LemonAid 2023 brings in $45K for local charities 27

Give peace a chance

sraelis, Palestinians, and others were enjoying a music festival in the Israeli desert, unaware of the impending murderous Hamas attack. There is no way that we, safe in our surroundings, can imagine the slaughter that blindsided them.

As we viewed the television reports of this horrific event, we also witnessed a display of courage and kindness that everyone shared with one another. In that moment, no one was questioning each other’s nationality or religious or political affiliation.

All were terrified human beings needing each other.

In response to this attack it’s no surprise to learn that Jewish synagogues and Muslim mosques here in the United States are requiring more security measures. Hate has been generated and regenerated over time among anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim sympathizers throughout the world.

In the midst of my armchair diplomacy, my focus is on the recent reporting of 57,000 human lives lost (in addition to countless others injured) in the IsraelHamas conflict to date. Equally horrifying is the recent reporting of some 500,000 human beings killed or injured in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These are more than numbers. All of these people had mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, and dear friends, all of whom are impacted by conflicts.

Seventy-nine years ago, at age 20, I was engaged to Joe, a handsome, kind young man and bright law student. Joe left his studies and the safety of home to join the army. Like so many young people in World War II, Joe was an idealist, willing to fight and die to save democracy and rid the world of dictators and fascism.

That dear young man was one of hundreds of thousands who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives to fight in the second “war to end all wars,” which did not happen. In fact, millions of Europeans — among them both my mother’s grandparents and my father’s parents — became victims of Hitler’s death camps. War and death, man’s inhumanity to man, continue, perpetuated by greed, hate, and power-madness.

Usually I can find some positive aspect of human

HARRIET HAUSMAN

See HARRIET on page 30

FILE

How safe gun Gun buybacks, storage affects safe storage laws you and your kids save lives

T

I

ED MCDEVITT

DEBORAH MORRIS

he level of gun ownership in our country is astonishing. The Washington Post estimated in 2018 that the U.S. has “more guns than people — 393 million guns for 326 million people.” In 2017, the Gallup organization “found that 42 percent of American households reported owning guns,” according to the Post.

This means there’s a 4 in 10 chance that a home you visit has a gun in it.

And here’s another thing to think about: a Chicago SunTimes recent feature article was titled, “Guns are leading cause of death for children.”

Sadly, such deaths too often result from lax or nonexistent safe storage of guns in the home.

These sobering facts have important implications for

One View

See MCDEVITT on page 25

was thrilled and grateful to see the report in the Wednesday Journal that on July 5, the Village Board of Trustees voted unanimously to change local ordinances to allow the village to conduct gun buybacks to get unwanted guns out of homes, and also voted to require safe storage of guns within the village.

The New York Times in an article from Oct. 10, underscores why this move is so important to our community: ■ The rate of firearm fatalities among children under 18 increased by 87 percent from 2011 through 2021 in the United States.

■ More than half of the roughly 45,000 gun deaths in the United States are suicides.

■ In states with the most protective secure storage laws, the gun suicide rate among children and young

One View

See MORRIS on page 30

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

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A pause on ranked choice

anked choice voting is a progressive reform to our currently highly partisan and increasingly divisive elections. It allows voters to rank their choices in a specific race from first to last rather than simply choosing one person as their sole and preferred candidate.

Proponents argue that ranked choice voting will turn down the temperature on our partisan politics and encourage greater voter participation.

Not a surprise then that Oak Park’s village board recently took up the issue of ranked choice voting for its own elections. Urged forward by the local League of Women Voters and the VOICE community group, a proposal to put this change in election rules to a referendum vote next spring came before the village board last week.

The board’s split decision was to delay any referendum while awaiting results of a state government taskforce that is studying ranked choice voting. That taskforce’s report is due next June. The report is expected to detail the quite complex logistical details of implementing ranked choice voting.

There was no outright opposition to the concept but caution about moving too quickly. Specific trustees raised questions about the impact of a ranked choice system on early voting and suggested it would be best to launch a referendum during a local vote with a guaranteed larger turnout.

So far, Evanston is the only community that has gone to referendum. It passed rather easily and a first local election using ranked choice voting is on the horizon.

Oak Park and Evanston sometimes joust for first place on progressive issues. That said, we’re in sync with the village board’s decision to pause the discussion until the state taskforce report is issued and more clarity is gained on what will be a major shift in how we count votes.

OPRF’s new math

Changes continue to be implemented in the curriculum at Oak Park and River Forest High School. We have reported thoroughly on the remaking of the freshman curriculum, which effectively detracked most courses and created an honors-for-all model. That bold innovation continues to be rolled out with modest but encouraging results.

A bit overlooked in the process was that math classes were excluded from the new frosh curriculum project. That was, in part, because the school leadership has been deep into a foundational review of how the school teaches math across all grades.

As we report today, the school board is expected to approve, this week, the adoption of seven new math classes. This is the rollout of the new integrated math curriculum, which will eliminate the silos of how math has long been taught in American schools. Algebra for freshmen, geometry for sophomores, etc.

The new curriculum works to blend various aspects of each subject into a holistic math approach that seeks to connect concepts and not segment them.

We’re journalists not math scholars. But the logic of this approach seems clear to us.

V I E W P O I N T S

A day of feelings and memories

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remembers her. Patrolling the path heila Reynolds Trainor died this morning, Saturday, Oct. 21. in her motorized wheelchair, you Hearing that news in a 6 a.m. wouldn’t want to get in her way. But phone call from my son, our she knew the name of every dog she only child, his voice husky with encountered. grief, sparked a very complicated She made an impression, and for reaction. Lots of thoughts, feelings better and worse, she was her own and memories to sift through. We person. often talk about losing loved ones, but It would take a long time to unnot very often about the death of an tangle the causes of her death. It was ex-spouse. a perfect storm of peculiar circumWe were married for 23 years, and stances. She was hospitalized for divorced for 22. But, as I learned several weeks, then moved to rehab. when I got the call, the bond never We thought she was improving, but dissolves completely. Her dying resursome nosedives are impossible to pull rected the life we shared, the life we out of. so painstakingly built such a long, Tonight after a complicated day, long time ago. It brought that life I watched a beautiful, moving, Koback to life, back before distance rean film titled, Past Lives, about and disappointment set in. childhood sweethearts, separated But the beginning was hopeful while young, who never get over and open and youthful and good. I each other. A love story worth seehad forgotten. Nothing, it seemed, ing, but especially powerful for me. could have penetrated the wall that Over the course of their respective separated then from now — except journeys, these two discover what her dying. many of us learn: that our one and Sheila was gifted with kids and only life incorporates numerous had an exuberant smile. As a “past lives,” mini-reincarnations primary-school teacher, she was a that inform and impact our “presnatural. We roamed the lakefront ent.” together and entertained friends at SHEILA REYNOLDS TRAINOR At the end of the film, as the our Rogers Park apartment in the now grown-up man prepares to 1970s, and we were good at it. We depart, he says to the now growntried for a very long time to have up woman, “What if this is a past children of our own and finally, life as well, and we are already something else to with the aid of fertility treatments and after each other in our next life? Who do you think we enduring two miscarriages, we birthed a beautiare then?” ful boy, whom we loved sometimes too much, No one seems to know, but I do know revisiting sometimes not well enough and, occasionally, our past lives is sometimes unavoidable. just right.

Sheila and I had a past life worth rememberShe was nothing if not strong-willed and stubing, even though it turned into a different life. bornly persistent, which eventually paid off. AfThe memory of that happier time was eclipsed — ter being diagnosed with MS, 20-some years ago, until this morning. after an accident that damaged her foot so badly And perhaps one other moment: About five it relegated her to a wheelchair, after operations years back, I attended the funeral for her mother, and myriad medical treatments, she fought her a woman with many past lives whom I admired, way back to a standing position and eventually to and when it ended Sheila came over and thanked walking again. It was remarkable and I admired me for coming. Then she took my arm and we her for it. walked up the aisle of Holy Name Cathedral just She was childlike in all the ways that are brilas we did on that June morning in 1978, our wedliant and effervescent and fine, and some of the ding day. Totally different, and yet so familiar. On ways that aren’t. She was a bull in life’s china both trips up that aisle we were heading bravely shop, but her son and grandsons — and most into whatever comes next — this time no longer everyone else — will never forget the warmth together, but not entirely apart either. of her hugs. She was an unavoidable presence Past lives come back sometimes to revisit us. at Brookdale and a fixture in Austin Gardens, That was one of those days. where anyone who walks their dogs likely Today was another.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S

Astonishing generosity

We are so very excited to announce that our 22nd year of LemonAid on the 700 block of Bonnie Brae in River Forest raised $45,174.23 for our two very deserving charities: YEMBA (www.yemba-inc. org) and Proviso Township Ministerial Alliance Network (https://www. ptman.org).

We are writing to say thank you for your support and to let you know that, despite the rainy weather, we are so proud and incredibly grateful for the contribution from all of our community businesses who sponsored the event, neighbors who attended, and donated at the event and, of course, our donors who are always so astonishingly generous!

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023 W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

See you on Sept. 11, 2024.

With gratitude,

Evalena Wynne and Garrett Hunkele 2023 LemonAid co-chairs https://www.9-11lemonaid.com

Editor Erika Hobbs Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Staff Reporters Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Big Week Editor James Porter Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Harriet Hausman, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Special Projects Manager Susan Walker Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs Publisher Dan Haley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

How would public education use these diverted funds?

Some additional context regarding the piece [Public dollars for public schools, Viewpoints, Oct. 18] regarding the Invest in Kids Act (IIKA).

As the local Catholic school principals previously stated [Support IL Tax Credit scholarships, Viewpoints, Oct. 4], the IIKA costs less than 0.2% of the state’s $10 billion K-12 budget. If you include teacher pension payments in that budget amount (and you should), that tiny percentage becomes even tinier. Considering Illinois overpaid unemployment benefits to the tune of $5.2 billion and hardly blinked, this scholarship program is a mere rounding error in the overall budget.

The author claims IIKA cost $56 million in state revenues last year that could have been distributed to Illinois public school districts. How exactly was this $56 million going to be spent more optimally than the $10 billion that preceded it? If there is indeed such a program worthy of this money, we should immediately deprioritize something else in the K-12 budget and instead fund this game-changing program.

Since its 2018 inception, the author claims, IIKA has “diverted” a total of $250 million tax dollars ($50 million annually) from public schools. If that’s a concern, then why no complaints about the state “diverting” $50 million annually from state education funding to taxpayers via the Property Tax Relief Grant Program under the Evidence Based Funding Formula? If every penny is

About Viewpoints

needed, should we end that program as well?

The author then claims that these “private school scholarships for low-income children can be funded by the same donors” without the state tax credit. While that is true, why offer tax credits for anything? Does the government need to provide tax exemptions and property tax credits for people to have children and purchase homes? Do wealthy eco-conscious car shoppers require EV credits? If incentives are not necessary to induce desired behaviors, then why did the state just offer a half-billion dollars of incentives to a company with questionable ties to the Chinese Communist Party to build an EV plant downstate?

This is not about money. It is about consumption. The corporations fighting this scholarship program (mainly wealthy teacher unions and their allies) will not be satiated until they consume every education dollar and the next one. But the fact remains Illinois taxpayers already spend among the most per pupil on K-12 education in the country. The majority of the country’s school districts would love to have our funding “problem.”

Maybe someday there will be a legitimate reason to end this program.

Until then, let’s keep it going.

Nicholas Binotti Oak Park

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

H O W

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R E A C H

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ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-524-8300 EMAIL Dan@OakPark.com ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $2.00.

A one-year subscription costs $48 within Cook County and $60 outside of Cook County.

Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address corrections to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2023 Growing Community Media, NFP.

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

Don’t project your own anxieties onto kids

I was upset after reading the One View, “Playing in the park” [Viewpoints, Oct. 11]. The poor girl the writer approached was likely absolutely terrified by her well-meaning yet completely misguided approach to ensuring the child’s safety.

The writer’s own rationale, based on her experience as a counselor, is not rooted in evidence. “Stranger danger” is a popular myth that has, and continues to, harm children today. Only 100 to 150 children in the entire United States are criminally abducted by strangers annually and children are overwhelmingly more likely to be victimized by individuals they already know and trust.

I’m happy we have a robust elementary program that teaches kids age-appropriate curriculum about bodily autonomy, right and wrong touches, and empowers them to report in a way that doesn’t make them feel afraid of the world.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Oak Parking doesn’t encourage public transit use

My own daughter was approached in a similar fashion by a well-meaning stranger. She was walking on the sidewalk near our house when she was confronted and made to feel that walking around outside was wrong. In the process of raising small humans, giving them appropriate developmental boundaries and autonomy is essential to teaching them to navigate the world safely.

While I don’t agree with all the parenting styles out there, I don’t think there is anything wrong with a kid playing happily in a park or walking around the block when their parent knows where they are and has experience with the child’s ability to play independently.

Children have enough issues, fears and uncertainties without us projecting our own onto them.

Joshua Reed Oak Park

Why does Oak Park want to discourage residents from helping the environment and taking public transportation instead of driving? The other day I headed downtown and went to park in the same spot I have parked at for 41 years when taking the Green Line at Ridgeland. It was No Parking 8 to 10, which was not a problem.

Unexpectedly, I noticed (fortunately) that there was a sign saying three-hour parking Monday through Friday. Why? There are no businesses on South Boulevard between Ridgeland and Austin, so why do they need quick turnover? I was only going to a matinee in this case, but in some cases when I go downtown, I go for most of the day and sometimes have to transfer. That means it is questionable whether I will now pay for parking plus the el here, which seems to be the only option, or simply drive downtown and use SpotHero to park there.

Furthermore, instead of hourly parking

restrictions going until 5 p.m., as they used to, they now go until 8 p.m. On top of all that, there was no notification given. I was almost late for the show because this was an unexpected development, and I spent time first going to the four-hour parking area, which is now also three hours, and generally looking around for parking before I finally found a paid spot.

A final challenge was that I never had a reason to download the Oak Park parking app before. When I wanted to add time Wednesday, I did download it, but was unable to start a session because the zone wasn’t on my parking receipt. Couldn’t that be added?

I hope that whoever makes the decisions will reconsider. Help not only residents, but the environment. I also hope that in the future when parking regulations change, we will receive email notification.

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Nathan Graham at the 2022 Beyond Hunger Benefit Concert

2023 featured headliner, The Wood Brothers

For tickets visit: GoBeyondHunger.org/events | A portion of your ticket is tax deductable.

Joyce Porter Oak Park

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Becoming a people of peace

Dear Friends, All throughout our holy texts, we are called to remember. We are called to remember the God of our ancestors, to remember those who revealed something of God’s presence to us. We remember those we have lost.

As horrific violence rages on in Israel and Gaza, we as the board of Community of Congregations call on all our member congregations to remember those we have lost. We remember the Israeli victims. We remember that Hamas still has roughly 200 hostages who must be brought home now. We remember that millions of innocent Palestinians are living without food, water, electricity, or a way to escape the violence. In all of this, our collective grief is vast.

And we remember, right here at home in suburban Plainfield, the local murder

of a Palestinian boy, and the injury to his mother.

We call for that elusive peace. We call for the protection of access to humanitarian aid and the cessation of conflict so that emergency medical care can be offered. In this time of increased antisemitism and anti-Muslim attacks, both verbal and physical, we need to focus on our common humanity.

We call for the need to work together for peace, and to not let violence become our default response. We pray in all these things, that we might be a people of steadfast compassion, generosity and courage.

Yours in peace,

Community of Congregations Board of Directors Oak Park and River Forest

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

Is River Forest anti-Semitic?

Recently a friend was called by the River Forest administrator and told they had to remove the blue and white ribbons that they put around their tree to commiserate with the slaughter of innocents from many different countries, including Americans, by Hamas, an organization whose charter calls for killing.

Why? The claim was that there was an ordinance against it. A lawyer who reviewed the ordnance noted that you are not allowed to do anything that could damage the tree, such as a restricting wire, but there was nothing about plastic ribbons.

I have lived here less than 10 years, but I have seen many plastic ribbons around trees, like the green ones in support of a child’s medical fight. Or the white ones in support of a neighbor’s ordeal. Or the yellow and blue ones in

Give us links to the full text

This is in response to the article titled, “Area officials condemn violence in Israel-Gaza war” [oakpark.com, Oct. 10].

To those involved in the WJ editorial process: Newspaper editorial discretion is a large responsibility, and it matters.

In your coverage of the unthinkable murder and hatred by Hamas terrorists (not “fighters”), your article included links to both Al Jazeera and a UN representative’s Twitter (X) account to help the reader understand the death toll and complexity in the region. Yet the article never offered its readers a link to the actual official statement signed onto by several of our Illinois elected officials about these atrocities. The article did include selected quotes from the official statement along with others, but it never offered the reader the opportunity to see the full statement.

The official statement was not long and could have easily been incorporated into the body of the article, or at least via a link. By only including certain portions of the letter, the paper ran the editorial risk of offering an interpretation that others would have seen differently. Wednesday Journal, please know that your readers have the intelligence and insight to interpret full statements and you should want to allow us that courtesy. You offered links to other sources but not the actual statement by our elected officials.

I encourage your readers to read both the statement and the article, in full, to determine if the Wednesday Journal article was representative of what our elected state leaders signed onto: The Oct. 8 dated full statement signed onto by several State Representatives: A Call for De-Escalation and Peace (https://twitter. com/reprashidil/status/1711196032581734693/photo/1) The Oct. 10 Wednesday Journal article (later updated on October 11): Area officials condemn violence in Israel-Gaza war

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(https://www.oakpark.com/2023/10/10/area-elected-officialscondemn-violence-in-israel-gaza-war) Wednesday Journal chose to report on a horrific, complex international story and not just a local one. Thus, to read and evaluate in its entirety how several of our statewide representatives saw this hatred would have offered your readers and our community the respect we deserve. The stakes are too high and these atrocities and stories demand truth and the fullest of transparency.

Try and explain it away if you want, but just add logical source links.

Hoping for truth and peace,

Ross Lissuzzo River Forest

From the publisher: In this letter to the editor, Mr. Lissuzzo references a very brief statement issued by several Illinois state legislators following the terrorist attack on Israel, perpetrated

by Hamas. The statement was three paragraphs long. Most of the content of the statement was actually quoted in the Journal’s news article. There was not a need to provide a link to the statement as there was no additional content contained in it.

The Journal often provides links to official documents when they contain additional information or provide context not fully covered in an article. In this case a link was not warranted. This was a completely routine editorial judgment made appropriately in our newsroom.

Dan Haley

Publisher

support of Ukraine, which was attacked by another country, or the same blue-and-white ones against terrorism after the shooting at the synagogue in Pittsburgh.

Did this happen because River Forest is anti-Semitic, or was it because someone complained at the Oct 16th board meeting. Listening to the recording, I did not hear the individual give their full name or address, so I do not know if they are even a village resident. We are allowed to have differences of opinion in this country and allowed to voice our support as we so wish.

If you don’t like what I support, that’s OK, but it is not OK for the government, at any level, to selectively interpret and apply rules.

Jay Michaels

River Forest

Townships offer PEARLS for depression

The most common mental health concern for seniors is depression (1 in 5 older adults). In response, our townships have launched an evidence-based program to reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life in older adults: Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS).

PEARLS provides confidential, highquality, wellness care for those who want to improve the way they feel. Participants work with a coach at home on virtually (6-8 sessions) enhancing problem-solving skills, recognizing symptoms of depression, and increasing personal engagement.

PEARLS is free to residents of Oak Park and River Forest, age 60+. For more information, call Senior Services @ 708-383-8060.

Townships Senior Services Committee Oak Park & River Forest

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

V I E W P O I N T S

Voucher programs divert funds from public schools

If ever a piece of legislation was misnamed, it was the Invest in Kids Act. Instead of investing in public education for all kids, voucher programs like the IIK tax credit scholarship program divert resources from our under-funded public schools and don’t improve academic outcomes for voucher recipients.

The Illinois General Assembly passed this legislation with the intent to sunset it after five years. During that time, more than $75 million has been diverted from

public education to schools that don’t even have to comply with the Illinois School Code.

Let’s make sure our public schools are adequately funded before shifting tax dollars to voucher programs.

The League of Women Voters has taken a brave stance in opposing the renewal of this legislation. I hope our legislators listen to them.

DEBORAH MORRIS

tently shown that having a firearm dramatically raises the risk of gun death in the home, both homicides and suicides.

Now is the time to move these efforts forward by funding a village gun buyback during the current budget process — be it village funds or forfeiture funds.

With thanks to the village board,

Gun laws save lives from page 25

adults, age 10 to 24, was actually lower in 2022 than in 1999.

■ And while many gun owners purchase firearms to protect themselves and their families, research has consis-

Mary Ann Porucznik Oak Park

Deborah Morris Oak Park

Welcome to Our Town Oak Park “Our Town Oak Park – Walk with Me, in Search of True Community” Community”, a new book by Wednesday Journal columnist Ken Trainor, an Oak Park native, is based on short essays, published over three decades in the local newspaper, that chronicle life in a dynamic, ever-evolving town where the unique meets the universal. The unifying thread is true community — finding it in the extraordinary ordinary, in the day-to-day, the face-toface, the moments of beauty, and, as Thornton Wilder said of his play, Our Town, finding “a value above all price for the smallest events in our daily life.” Our Town Oak Park aims for that same “rainbow’s end,” capturing the experience of being alive — in one middle-sized, middleclass, Midwest town at the beginning of the 21st century. Join this pedestrian-friendly journey in search of true community.

The book is available at The Book Table, the Oak Park River Forest History Museum, or online via Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

HARRIET HAUSMAN Rage-fueled responses from page 25 behavior to discuss. However, even the kindness and helpfulness shared at the music festival was obliterated by the ensuing hate displayed by all sides as the conflict escalated.

A rage-fueled response is not a pathway to future peace. Israel has the advantage of great firepower and could destroy Gaza and likely other areas in the Middle East, but should they respond with this level of force? Yet Israel is outraged. Can we expect a measured response?

My seemingly impossible hope and prayer is for Israel to heed the teachings of the Bible, that we must turn swords into plough shares so our children can inherit a peaceful world.

Is it possible, amid flaring tempers and incendiary attacks, to shine the light of our humanity amid the dark, destructive

ED MCDEVITT

Protecting our children from guns from page 25 parents, teachers, health-care professionals and others. It has become imperative that parents and their kids, with consistent help from educators and medical practitioners, make sure that they’re asking questions critical to the safety of all concerned.

For example, do you, as a parent, know if the home your child is visiting to play with her friend has a gun in it? If it does, is it safely and securely stored in a way that no child can retrieve or find it? Do you even ask the question? Remember that 4 in 10 likelihood.

Does your child babysit? Is a question about guns and, if present, safe storage of those guns in the home part of the vetting you and your child do to assess a babysitting job?

Are teachers even bringing the topics of guns in the home and their safe storage up?

Are medical professionals — who so

actions of Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists? A basic tenet of Judaism is to value every life. The Talmud says, “If you save one life, you save the world.”

The Muslim Quran similarly expresses the sacredness of life. Its fundamental values are to spread peace, tolerance, mercy, and compassion. The Arabic word “Islam” means “Peace.”

How sad to think that, generation after generation, we perpetuate hate. Should I continue to hate Germany because Hitler’s forces killed both my greatgrandparents in their death camps and my dear fiance in Normandy? Should I hate the Japanese for bombing Pearl Harbor which killed some of my close friends? How many generations of hate must there be before we learn to accept one another in peace? Let us instead actively find ways to foster our collective humanity.

“All we are saying is give peace a chance.” (John Lennon, the Beatles) Harriet Hausman, a longtime River Forest resident, is, at the age of 99½ likely the oldest regular newspaper columnist in this country, if not the world.

frequently ask us, “Do you feel safe in your home?” — asking about guns in the home and any feeling of danger about their presence?

Are the judges who hear pleas for orders of protection automatically asking the plaintiff about guns in the possession of the offending person and ordering removal of those guns upon granting an order of protection? How else to protect the plaintiff and the children in the mix?

This all might seem obvious, but it obviously is not since, as I’ve noted, “guns are the leading cause of deaths for children.”

I don’t wish to set neighbor against neighbor. But I do mean to say to gun owners that before your neighbor asks you the question, you might have a good answer at the ready so that a conversation about your guns does not become a confrontation.

Let’s make sure, in this day and age, that all kids are safe in homes — and that any guns in those homes are safely and securely stored.

Ed McDevitt is a River Forest resident and a member of Gun Responsibility Advocates.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Laura Viise, 54 Biologist, student of life

Laura Reisman Viise, 54, died on Oct. 17, 2023, at her home in Oak Park after a three-year battle with Glioblastoma.

Born Laura Wynne Reisman on Sept. 22, 1969, in Southampton, New York, she was a woman of strong faith and a brilliant student who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.

She initially pursued a graduate degree at Dartmouth University but transferred to Northwestern University. She married her husband, John, on April 23, 1994 in Wilmington, Delaware. After earning her graduate degree in Molecular Biology she pursued work in her field.

She possessed an authenticity that allowed her to connect with others quickly.

She never met a baby she didn’t hold and love and when her oldest, Gus, was born in 1999, she decided to pursue a career in a role she adored more than molecular biologist: full-time mother. She was baptized alongside Gus at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Oak Park, and in time they had three more sons: Lars, Darrell and Hans.

She loved music and attending live concerts and her mind was packed with a ridiculous number of lyrics from artists like Bob Seger, The Eagles, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, and her fellow Long Islander Billy Joel. She also enjoyed travel. In high school, she spent a Rotary Exchange Student Year Abroad in Belgium where she learned French. Between high school and college, she spent a year with her parents in Vienna where she learned German. She was thrilled when her family moved to London for John’s work in 2001-2003.

During annual summer vacations in Southampton and the Viise family farm in northeast Iowa, she was fun Aunt Laura to a multitude of nieces and nephews.

She was employed at Dominican University as a clinical rotation coordinator for the physician assistant program when she became ill.

Laura is survived by her husband, John; her sons, Gus, Lars, Darrell, and Hans; her

O B I T U A R I E S father and mother, Howard and Ann; and her brothers, Douglas (Laurie) and James (Jessica).

Donations in her memory can be made to the Northwestern Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, https://www. feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/braintumor/donate/index.html; or the renovation of the Tupper Boathouse into a North Sea Maritime Center (https://www.northseamaritimecenter.org/donate), which is located next to her family home in Southampton.

There will be a family and friends visitation on Friday, Oct. 27 from 4 to 9 p.m. and a Celebration of Laura’s Life on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. Both events will be at the Village Church of Oak Park, 911 S. Taylor Ave. A luncheon will follow the Saturday service.

in each and every activity, team, sport, trip, school, and getting to know so many wonderful people who we have been so blessed to meet, know and call friends.

We were married 30 years ago on Oct. 23. Our life with her exceeded any expectations I could have had. We are the luckiest family in the world to have been blessed with her as a wife, mom and best friend.

We will celebrate Kelly’s life with all our family and friends on Nov. 11. We will have a celebration at Pleasant Home in Oak Park, with continued celebration and reminiscing at our home across the street.

Please visit her memory at www.kellyarquette.com for memories, posts and information.

Kelly Arquette, 53

Praised appraiser, preservationist

Memory maker

Kelly Arquette, 53, of Oak Park, died on Oct. 19, 2023.

She was the love of our life and Kyle, Jacob, Corrine (and Hope) and I (Andy) couldn’t be more saddened by her loss, but so blessed to have had so many wonderful years together. She was such a bright light and a source of courage and inspiration for all those she touched. The rock of our family, she showed us how to live life each day with a smile and passion in spite of life’s obstacles. We created so many memories with our family activities and travels that will live with us forever.

She lived life with a selfless nature that put everyone’s needs above her own. She loved me more than life itself and I loved her the same. We truly completed each other in every way. There was nothing more important to her than Kyle, Jacob, Corrine, me and her friends. The list of those she touched and who touched her are too numerous. Michelle, Michelle, Regina and Jaime, there is nothing I can say to thank you enough, other than she and I love you all so much.

She loved all our time raising three beautiful kids in Oak Park and engulfed herself

Tom Rodgers, 77

Edward Thomas Rodgers, 77, of Oak Park, died peacefully on Oct. 7, 2023. Tom, as he was known, was born on July 7, 1946, in Maywood.

His family lived for a brief time in South Bend, Indiana, before settling in Kettering, Ohio where he grew up. He moved back to Chicago to attend the University of Chicago, where he graduated with a degree in history.

While there, he met his loving wife, Jessica Tovrov. He and Jessica settled in Oak Park where they raised their family and lived the last 43 years.

He had a successful career as a real estate appraiser, including his independent practice, Altgeld Appraisal. He loved architecture and was active with several organizations devoted to preserving historic and architecturally significant buildings, including the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, and service on the board of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. For more than 20 years, he enjoyed giving architecture tours in Chicago and Oak Park.

He had a passion for music (especially Schubert), Chicago and American history, and the Cubs. Above all, he was devoted to his family.

Tom is lovingly remembered by Jessica Tovrov, his wife of 47 years; his sons, Aaron (Zita Brizzi) and Sam (Kate); his grandchildren, Julian, Naomi, Isaac, Lawrence, and Ari; his sister, Betty Rodgers Raimer (Daryl Raimer, deceased); his sister-in-law, Robin Kanarek; and his nephews, Daniel (Stacey) Tovrov and Jacob Tovrov. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary, and his parents,

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

31

Edward and Evelyn Rodgers.

Burial took place during a private ceremony at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Forest Park. A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Carleton Hotel in Oak Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust (flwright.org), the Thomas Rodgers Memorial Fund.

Jim McGreevy, 74

Broadcast journalist, TV producer James A. McGreevy, 74, died on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 at his home in Oak Park. Born on Aug. 8, 1949 in Oak Park to the late Alan McGreevy and Marilyn Mcguinn McGreevy Tyznik, he graduated from St. Giles School, and went on to attend Quigley North in Chicago with an additional year at Oak Park and River Forest High School. He spent several years in the U.S. Coast Guard at Yorktown, Virginia; Cape May, New Jersey; and Port Huron, Michigan.

He later graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a degree in Journalism and relocated to Oak Park, working as a successful broadcast and television producer at JTC, then for a well-known TV program for 14 years.

He and Bette enjoyed many yearly European and U.S. trips over the years, particularly loving Britain and Maui.

A very talented musical artist, he enjoyed movies and music, singing and playing selftaught guitar for weddings, gatherings, etc.

He also enjoyed going to the lake with Bette and volunteered at the Red Door Animal Shelter and the Chicago Houserabbit Society.

Jim is survived by his life partner of 52 years, Bette Wojta; his sister, Judith, and brother-in-law Bob Steed; his nieces, Bridget and Kathryn Steed; and numerous friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 W. Madison St., Forest Park, where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Hospital or any pet charity of the donor’s choice.

32

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

SPORTS Fenwick football falls flat at IC Prep Defeat eliminates Friars from playoff contention

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Heading into the showdown in Elmhurst with IC Catholic Prep on Oct. 20, the Fenwick High School football team had a lot on the line.

Not only were the Friars attempting to end a three-game losing streak and gain a share of the Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference Orange Division title, they were also looking to gain IHSA playoff eligibility.

It was imperative, then, for Fenwick to get off to a good start against a highly-talented team. Instead, the opposite happened as the host Knights scored on the first play from scrimmage just 16 seconds in. Quarterback Dennis Mandala connected with wide receiver Eric Karner for an 81yard touchdown pass.

It was a harbinger of things to come for the Friars, as IC Catholic showcased its big-play capabilities in the first half to pull away for a 42-9 victory. The loss not only resulted in elimination from IHSA playoff contention, but also ended their chance to participate in this year’s Prep Bowl Playoffs.

“I think we ran into a really talented team, one that had our number called out for us,” said Fenwick senior quarterback Marek Hill, who completed 20-of-34 passes for 129 yards and added 46 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Fenwick (4-5, 1-2 in CCL/ESCC Orange) looked like it would even things as the defense forced IC Catholic running back Aaron Harvey to fumble deep in his own territory. Defensive lineman Nate Marshall recovered and returned the ball to the Knights’ 8. But the IC Catholic defense held, and the Friars settled for Noah Sur’s 23-yard field goal at the 4-minute mark of the opening quarter.

“The defense gave us a couple of chances early in the game, but we just weren’t able to execute,” Hill said. “We were preaching that all week, but we didn’t do it.”

After Sur’s kick, the Knights got rolling. On the ensuing possession, Joey Gliatta broke off a 53-yard run that set up his three-yard touchdown on the next play to raise IC’s lead to 14-3.

Another barrage of big plays came in the second quarter, which put Fenwick away. On a 3rd and 18 from the IC 32, Gliatta (seven carries, 162 yards) broke free down the left sideline for a 68-yard touchdown. A 41-yard catch by IC receiver KJ Parker set up Harvey’s eight-yard score.

Finally, Dominick Hulak caught a short pass from Mandala (6-of-6, 227 yards) and took it to the house for a 60-yard touchdown and a commanding 35-3 halftime lead for the Knights (7-2, 2-1).

CAROL DUNNING

Fenwick quarterback Marek Hill rolls out looking to pass against IC Catholic Prep on Oct. 20. The Friars were eliminated from IHSA playoff contention with their 42-9 loss to the Knights.

Fenwick’s offense had its moments but couldn’t sustain drives in the first half.

“We didn’t show up to play our best game, unfortunately,” Fenwick coach Matt Battaglia said. “We made our bed, and this is the result.”

After a scoreless third quarter, Harvey concluded IC’s scoring on the first play of the fourth with a five-yard run.

Fenwick’s only touchdown came with 2:47 remaining on a three-yard pass from junior backup quarterback Frankie Hosty to senior wide receiver Avion Brown (nine catches, 96 yards).

Hill said the 44-43 double-overtime loss at DePaul Prep on Oct. 13 ultimately kept the Friars from advancing to the postseason.

“Going into that game, we had a preconceived notion that we were going to win,” he said. “[But] winning a foot-

ball game is hard; it takes everyone playing their best for 48 minutes. At that time, our season wasn’t on the line, but [DePaul Prep’s] was, and it showed in the determination that they had that night. They pulled it out, and hat’s off to them.”

Fenwick, which played in last year’s Prep Bowl final after being eliminated from the Class 5A state playoffs in the first round, won’t play in this year’s tournament.

Battaglia said he didn’t want to risk further injuries to a depleted roster.

“We can’t stay healthy. We’re the walking dead right now,” he said.

Battaglia also said he’ll miss the seniors and thanked them for their leadership.

“It’s a great group of kids,” he said. “I love that group, and they’re going to have a lot of success in the future.”

S P O R T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

33

OPRF volleyball earns top seed in Class 4A Sectional Fenwick, Trinity hope to make noise in 3A

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School girls volleyball team concluded the regular season in exciting fashion on Oct. 19, rallying to defeat visiting St. Ignatius 18-25, 25-21, and 25-13. The Huskies (28-6) scored 10 consecutive points early in the third set to pull away from the Wolfpack.

Senior Grace Nelson had 17 kills and 15 digs, senior Kinsey Smith 33 assists, senior Keira Kleidon 15 digs, junior Gabby Towns eight kills, and sophomore Samantha Shelton six kills.

The victory provided OPRF a confidence boost entering the postseason.

The Huskies are the top seed in the IHSA Class 4A Hinsdale Central sectional and also host a regional.

OPRF was scheduled to meet either Kelly or Proviso East in a regional semifinal on

Oct. 24, after deadline. A victory would advance the Huskies to the title match on Oct. 26 against the winner of the Downers Grove South-Glenbard East semifinal.

OPRF has had a strong year despite a small roster, and coach Kelly Collins said it’s because of the talent level.

“We’re skilled and dynamic,” she said.

“They’re a competitive group who strive to better themselves as a team and individuals each and every day.”

Nelson, a University of Kansas commit, recorded her 1,000th career kill earlier this year. She leads the Huskies in kills (402) and aces (47) and also has 206 digs and 28 blocks.

Smith, who will attend Davidson College next fall, registered her 1,500th career assist this season. She has a team-high 835 assists, along with 40 aces, 40 kills, 142 digs and 14 blocks.

Kleidon leads OPRF in digs with 286 and has added 26 aces. Towns has the team lead in blocks with 52 to go with 124 kills, and Shelton has 176 kills, 39 aces, 108 digs, and 27 blocks.

While the Huskies are happy to be a sec-

tional top seed, Collins knows they’ll have their work cut out for them with rematches against schools they defeated in the regular season distinctly possible.

“We recognize that the playoffs are a new season for every team,” she said. “We’re not looking past anyone, just taking it one game at a time.

“I am confident each of our players is going to be the best version of themselves to achieve our goal,” Collins added. “This is our moment, and we’re ready to take it.”

Fenwick It’s been a challenging transitional season for Fenwick High School in coach Tee Pimsarn’s debut as head coach, as their 7-19 record heading into postseason would indicate.

But the Friars appeared to turn a corner last week. They lost a highly competitive match to visiting York on Oct. 18 (17-25, 25-23, and 22-25) and snapped a 13-match losing streak with two victories on Oct. 21 over Dundee-Crown at the Lake

Park Tournament, 22-25, 25-16, and 15-12, then 25-18, 25-20.

The increased competitiveness at this time is something Pimsarn was hoping would develop with his young team.

“We’re going through our growing pains, but I’m excited about the growth from our underclassmen this season,” he said.

“We’ve certainly seen a lot of improvement in the gym from all our kids.”

Fenwick has two freshmen (Bella Gray and Jordan Rossi) and three sophomores (Lily Boyle, Marcelina Kozaczka, and Sophia Leonardi) seeing significant playing time.

Seniors Hazel Davis and Lola Tortorello have provided solid play and strong leadership.

The Friars, seeded seventh in the Class 3A St. Ignatius sectional, hosted UIC Prep in a regional semifinal Oct. 24, after deadline. A win would move Fenwick to the title match on Oct. 26, likely against St. Ignatius.

“Our war cry has been ‘train for October,’ and we’ve worked on a myriad of things: techniques, skills, and sports psychology,” Pimsarn said. “Now we must put all of that work together during the playoffs.”

OPRF soccer stunned in regionals

Top-ranked Huskies fall to penalty kicks

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School boys soccer team had the aim of backing up its successful regular season with a lengthy run in the IHSA playoffs.

However, the Huskies’ season came to an abrupt end on Oct. 21 with a shocking 5-4 loss via penalty kicks at the Class 3A Niles Notre Dame regional final to the host Dons.

OPRF kept Notre Dame pinned on its end of the pitch for the majority of the match, but couldn’t score in regulation and in extra time.

“Our guys actually played really well,” said OPRF coach Jason Fried. “Possession-wise, it was the most dominant game we had all season. But Notre Dame’s defense made it really hard to score … their goalie made some remarkable saves and

their defenders put their bodies on the line to block shots.”

Despite the early exit, Fried said the Huskies (21-1-2) had an outstanding year, and the numbers and honors reflect that. OPRF gave up just 11 goals and had 16 shutouts this season, winning the West Suburban Conference Silver Division title with a perfect 6-0 mark, and establishing a new school record for single-season winning percentage.

Senior forward Easton Bogard, an Indiana University commit, was named to the AllState team. Junior midfielder Bryce Richards and senior midfielder Charlie Maguire were named to the All-Sectional Team.

The Huskies had six players named to the All-WSC Silver Team: Bogard, Maguire, Richards, senior defenders Isaac Felder and Ben Naber, and senior defender/midfielder Diego Zarate.

“They played the right way all season,” Fried said. “I feel for the players; they were a mentally tough team. And I do think 100 percent that this team was at the level of winning a state championship. I never felt we weren’t going to win [against Notre

Dame], but soccer can be cruel. Losing on PKs [penalty kicks] is hard, but there’s got to be a winner and a loser, and you don’t control the outcome.”

Next fall, OPRF will look completely different as Richards is one of just three returning varsity players. But Fried hopes that the culture created in recent years will ensure continued success for the Huskies’ program.

“It’s not a one-year thing; the culture of what we’re trying to do has been built up year after year,” he said. “The record doesn’t always show that perfectly, but the standards created are something the guys try to match and improve upon.”

Brecknock leads Fenwick to Regional title Jake Brecknock came up huge in Fenwick High School’s Class 2A Schurz Regional title match on Oct. 20 against the host Bulldogs in Chicago.

The senior midfielder tallied all four goals in the Friars’ 4-1 victory. That doubled

the number of goals he had in the regular season [two].

Junior midfielder Ryan Agozo assisted on two of Brecknock’s goals, with junior midfielder Sam Allaire and senior midfielder James Zimmer each adding an assist.

Sophomore goalkeeper Dominick Ballarin made 11 saves.

“Jake had a spectacular game,” said Fenwick coach Craig Blazer. “He has the ability.”

In the regional semifinal on Oct. 17, Fenwick (9-8-2) blanked Roosevelt 4-0. Zimmer had two goals and an assist; senior forward Ian MacKinnon a goal and two assists; junior midfielder Gabe Watson-Farran a goal; and Allaire an assist.

Fenwick met host DePaul Prep in a sectional semifinal on Oct. 24, after press time.

The Friars defeated the Rams 2-1 during the regular season, so Blazer knows the rematch will be tough.

“They are a good team and we will once again need to play at our best,” he said.

A victory would advance Fenwick to the final against either Elmwood Park or ITW Speer on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.

34 Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023 Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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ASSISTANT VILLAGE ENGINEER/ TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Village Engineer/ Transportation Engineer in the Public Works Department. The employee will be responsible for leading the planning, design, and operation of the Village’s transportation system; designing and managing capital improvement projects; supervising and directing the Transportation Engineering Division; assisting in directing, supervising, and coordinating activities of the Engineering Division; and providing administrative support to the Village Engineer and Director of Public Works. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application..

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Engineering Technician II in the Public Works Department. The employee performs layout, draft and design drawings from field survey information and field notes for various engineering and planning projects including existing improvements, right-of-way and various utilities and performs a variety of field inspections. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

POLICE DESK CLERK FOREST PARK, IL

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Police Desk Clerk.

Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include computer skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, good knowledge of English language, general office skills, including handling non-emergency calls and walk-up customer service, and good verbal and written skills.

HOLIDAY, EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net.

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Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023 35

CLASSIFIED BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

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PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday 20 November 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing to consider a request for a variation to reduce the side yard setback and a variation to reduce the required lot width to construct a new single family dwelling at the following location:

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

PUBLIC NOTICES SHARED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SUPPORT SERVICES

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, November 9, 2023, 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:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Jason Issac Arroyo Case Number CONC001250 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Jason Issac Arroyo to the new name of: Jason Issac Roth The court date will be held: On November 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street, Rm. 1702, Chicago, IL 60602 via ZOOM at ZOOM ID 986 9592 1385 Passcode 539505.

Zoom Call-In Number 312-626-6799 Published in Wednesday Journal Oct 25, Nov 1, Nov 8, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday 20 November 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Village of Forest Park Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider a request for a variation to reduce the minimum lot width and a variation to reduce the side yard setback for the following property: LOTS 23 AND 24 IN BLOCK 1 IN ADAM SCHAAF AND W.A.KREIDLER’S ADDITION TO SOUTH OAK PARK BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST ½ OF THE NORTHEAST ¼ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS Commonly known as 836 Circle Ave. PIN: 15-13-405-020-0000 and 15-13405-021-0000 The petitioner is Patrick Buckley dba Cill Dara, Signed: Marsha East Planning and Zoning Chairperson Published in Forest Park Review October 25, 2023

LOT 269 E.A. CUMMINGS AND COMPANY’S MADISON STREET ADDITION TO SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, SITUATION IN THE VILLAGE OF FOREST PARK, COUNTY OF COOK, IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 7713 Wilcox Ave. Forest Park Il. 60130 PIN 15-13-105-018-0000 The petitioner is George Rosca dba RG Green Builder Signed: Marsha East Planning and Zoning Chairperson Published in Forest Park Review October 25, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 08 November 2023, at 6:30 P.M. at the Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park, Illinois, the Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct special meeting.

The purpose of this meeting is to conduct member training by representatives from Illinois APA..

Signed: Marsha East, Chair Planning and Zoning Commission Published in the Forest Park Review October 25, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Catherine Mary Divane Case Number 2023 CONC001589.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Catherine Mary Divane to the new name of: Casey Catherine Mary Castle The court date will be held: On February 2, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Zoom Meeting ID: 95894921843 Passcode: 226532.

Published in Wednesday Journal Oct 25, Nov 1, Nov 8, 2023

The ZBA will consider an application for a major zoning variation submitted

by Kristin and Shawn Vogen, owners of the property at 214 Gale Avenue, who are proposing to construct a new detached garage.

Section 4-8-5 of the Village Code provides the Zoning Board jurisdiction to hold public hearings and offer recommendations to the Village Board concerning variations to the Zoning Ordinance.

The applicants are requesting a major variation to Section 10-9-6 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Section 10-9-6 of the Zoning Ordinance (10-8-6-A) limits accessory buildings to eighteen feet in height or one and one-half stories, whichever is less.

The legal description of the property at 214 Gale Avenue is as follows: THE SOUTH 10 FEET OF LOT 2 AND THE NORTH 50 FEET OF LOT 3 IN BLOCK 2 OF EDWARD C. WALLER’S ADDITION TO RIVER FOREST IN THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. A copy of the application will be available to the public at Village Hall and on the Village’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 October 25, 2023

The Village of Riverside, Village of North Riverside, Village of La Grange, and West Central Consolidated Communications (WC3) Dispatch Agency, Illinois (The Cooperative) will be receiving proposals for Shared Information Technology (IT) Support Services. A Notice of Intent to submit a proposal is required and due by 3:00 p.m. on November 6, 2023. Proposals will be accepted at the Riverside Village Hall, 27 Riverside Rd, Riverside, IL 60546 until 3:00 p.m. on December 11, 2023.

The Request for Proposal document may be obtained at the Riverside Village Hall between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Questions may be directed to the Riverside Village Hall at (708) 447-2700. The Cooperative reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive technicalities, and to accept any proposal which is deemed to be in the best interest of the Cooperative.

Published in RB Landmark October 25, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE INTENT OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS TO SELL NOT TO EXCEED $1,400,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION LIMITED TAX BONDS PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois (the “Village”), will hold a public hearing on the 2nd day of November, 2023, at 7:00 o’clock P.M. The hearing will be held in Room 4 at the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive public comments on the proposal to sell bonds of the Village in the amount of not to exceed $1,400,000 for the purpose of financing various capital projects in and for the Village.

By order of the President of the Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois.

DATED the 25th day of September, 2023. /s/ Ethan Sowl Village Clerk, Village of Riverside, Cook County, Illinois Published in RB Landmark October 25, 2023

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.FELICIA DEGRAFFENREID, NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendants 20 CH 01174 1540 N. ROHDE AVE. BERKELEY, IL 60163 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 6, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 17, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1540 N. ROHDE AVE., BERKELEY, IL 60163 Property Index No. 15-08-113-0500000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $130,373.67.

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

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

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

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales

Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 4221719. Please refer to file number 403024.

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.

HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719 Fax #: 217-422-1754 E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com Attorney File No. 403024 Attorney Code. 40387 Case Number: 20 CH 01174 TJSC#: 43-401 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 # 20 CH 01174 I3227977

Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

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

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact ALEX PORTER, LATHROP GPM LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 155 N WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3000, CHICAGO, IL, 60606 (312) 920-3333.

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.

ALEX PORTER LATHROP GPM LLP 155 N WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3000 CHICAGO IL, 60606 312-920-3333 E-Mail: alex.porter@lathropgpm.com Attorney Code. 46500 Case Number: 2020 CH 06119 TJSC#: 43-3860 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2020 CH 06119 I3231381

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF BENCHMARK 2018-B1 MORTGAGE TRUST COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2018-B1 Plaintiff, -v.1120 RETAIL LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2020 CH 06119 1114-1126 LAKE STREET OAK PARK, IL 60301 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 28, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 20, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1114-1126 LAKE STREET, OAK PARK, IL 60301 Property Index No. 16-07-119-0290000, 16-07-119-030-0000, AND 1607-119-031-0000 The real estate is improved with a mixed-use commercial / residential property.

The judgment amount was $16,499,313.09.

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

36

Wednesday Journal, October 25, 2023

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