W E D N E S D A Y
October 30, 2019 Vol. 39, No. 13 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Housing Center funding on bubble with Oak Park board
Key to a flourishing workplace? Spoken word Oak Parker wants to bring poetry to the corporate world By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Oak Parker Jamael “Isaiah Makar” Clark is on a mission to show the corporate world just how beneficial spoken word poetry can be to workplace culture and, ultimately, the self-fulfillment of employees. The Oak Park and River Forest High School graduate and alum of OPRF’s Spoken Word Club is so confident about the mission that over the summer he left his position as District 97’s spoken word coordinator — which is funded by the Oak Park Education Foundation — to devote his full attention to building Impact Makars. Clark offers what he calls Makarshops to HR professionals and employees of large companies. The workshops, focusing on spoken word poetry and impromptu creativity, are designed to help people open up. “Unfortunately, a lot of people hide themselves when they clock in, so during the workshops I’m extracting what they suppress,” Clark said during a recent interview. See POET on page 13
Oak Park Regional Housing Center is facing a cut of over $391,000 By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
MAN ON A MISSION: Jamael “Isaiah Makar” Clark is determined to utilize spoken word poetry to improve corporate culture. His company, Impact Makars, specializes in Makarshops and Makarzines, which are designed to help companies and employees flourish..
SHOPPER’S
The Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) is facing a potentially debilitating budget cut after failing to turn in two reports to the village government on time. In its recommended budget for 2020, the village does not recommend the 47-year-old nonprofit housing center receive additional money on top of the $163,438 in Community Development Block Grant funding which the village authorized in September, “until such time as they demonstrate compliance with the Funding Grant Agreement for 2019.” The proposed 2020 budget document lists a budget reduction of $391,382, the entirety of the center’s village funding, which “the Village Board could restore either during the budget process or in the future if the OPRHC can demonstrate compliance with the 2019 Agreement which would call See HOUSING CENTER on page 1
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DIABETES
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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DIABETES
Thefor Center for Diabetes and Nutrition Education at at West Medical CenterCenter Invites you to the The Center Diabetes and Nutrition Education WestSuburban Suburban Medical Invites you to the
AWARENESS HEALTH FAIR!
West Suburban Medical Center FRIDAY AWARENESS HEALTH FAIR! 3 Erie Court
NOV. 8 10am – 2pm
FRIDAY
Lower Level Classroom A-D
NOV. 8
Giveaways Health Screenings 10am – 2pm Food Samples Foot Screenings Giveaways Speakers and more
West Suburban Medical Center 3 Erie Court Lower Level Classroom A-D
Health Screenings Food Samples Featured Speakers Foot Screenings • Maria Cardenas, MD, Endocrinology – “Giving You the Keys to Diabetes Management” • Igor Dukarevich, and DPM, Podiatry Speakers more – “Preventative Diabetic Foot Care”
• Social Services Wound Careincluding & Hyperbaric Medicine Visit •with partners the PCC Community Wellness Center,
E
Free Event
CATE • DU
• Pharmacy Lunch will be provided
Free PRE • R E Event
NT • E VE
• Case Management Come meet our Diabetes Educators and get to know the various • Endocrinology services at the hospital to help you manage your diabetes! • Family Medicine • Bariatric Surgery & Medical Weight Loss • Internal Medicine • Case Management • Nephrology • Endocrinology • Pharmacy • Family Medicine • Social Services • Internal Medicine • Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine • Nephrology
• PRE R E
NT • E VE
Featured Speakers • Maria Cardenas, MD, Endocrinology – “Giving You the Keys to Diabetes Management” Come meet our Diabetes Educators and get to know the various • Igor Dukarevich, DPM, Podiatry – “Preventative Diabetic Foot Care” services at the hospital to help you manage your diabetes! • Jay Jorge, MD, Bariatric Surgery – “Weight-Loss Can Stop Diabetes” • David Surgery Springer, MD, Ophthalmologist • Bariatric & Medical Weight Loss
PO EM W PO M W
• Jay Jorge, MD, Bariatric Surgery – “Weight-Loss Can Stop Diabetes” • David Springer, MD, Ophthalmologist
CATE • DU
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WestLunch Side Pastors’ Coalition for AIDS & Inner City Health, will be provided Sugar Beet Co-Op and the American Diabetes Association.
Visit with partners including the PCC Community Wellness Center, West Side Pastors’ Coalition for AIDS & Inner City Health, Sugar Beet Co-Op and the American Diabetes Association.
WestSuburbanMC.com
Most physicians providing services at West Suburban Medical Center are independent contractors or private attending physicians and not employed by the facility nor are they agents of the facility unless otherwise specified. West Suburban Medical Center does not own, operate or manage these physician's medical practices. West Suburban is not responsible for any actions that these physicians may take in their medical practices. It is recommended that you always speak with your physician regarding their identity and their affiliation with West Suburbanproviding Medical services Center. at West Suburban Medical Center are independent contractors or private attending physicians and not Most physicians
WestSuburbanMC.com
employed by the facility nor are they agents of the facility unless otherwise specified. West Suburban Medical Center does not own, operate or manage these physician's medical practices. West Suburban is not responsible for any actions that these physicians may take in their medical practices. It is recommended that you always speak with your physician regarding their identity and their affiliation with West Suburban Medical Center.
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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I N S I D E
R E P O R T
FX series to film in Oak Park Fans of the FX television show Fargo will be excited to hear that the hit show is coming to Oak Park to film during its fourth season. In an Oct. 21 meeting, the village board approved a temporary parking lot agreement with Redhawk Productions IV LLC. The production company will use the property located between Oak Park Avenue and Euclid Avenue, along Madison Street. The parking lot will be used for trailers and parking for the film crew. The license starts Oct. 30 and expires March 30. Information on what the series plans to film in Oak Park was unavailable. In addition to Oak Park, the series’ fourth season is also filming in Chicago and Momence, Illinois, which was transformed to look like 1950s Kansas City, the period and place in which the newest season is set.
Oak Park trustees pledge unity
Chris Rock, Timothy Olyphant, Uzo Aduba and Jason Schwartzman star in season four, which won’t be aired until sometime next year. Fargo is an anthology series inspired by the eponymous 1996 film by filmmaking brothers Joel and Ethan Coen.
Stacey Sheridan
Papa Bears
And both appear to have taken this
Chicago Bears alums, Jay Hilgenberg (above) and Mickey Pruitt (left), visited Hephzibah Home and talked to the kids on Oct. 25.
sentiment to heart, as Buchanan and Moroney sat next to each other at an Oct. 29 finance committee meeting.
Stacey Sheridan
Oak Park board trustees Dan Moroney and Susan Buchanan appear to have mended things. After a tumultuous few weeks that started with Buchanan losing her temper and led Moroney to make multiple media appearances, the two have pledged unity and vowed to move on with SUSAN BUCHANAN a joint statement sent to the Wednesday Journal: “To the Residents of Oak Park, “We would like to take this opportunity to respond to calls for unity and want to say that as DAN MORONEY trustees of this great Village, we are committed to moving forward on behalf of the people of Oak Park. We agree that unity is a priority, and we look forward to continuing our work to make Oak Park the best it can be. “Susan Buchanan and Dan Moroney”
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
He served in World War II as an Army staff sergeant, stationed in Germany and England. When he returned home, he married Ruthann Hoppe of Oak Park. They moved to River Forest and where they raised five children, who gave them six grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Frank ran his family’s business and has enjoyed food, travel and golf as well as spending time with his family and friends. Local family and friends will celebrate with friends and family from Mississippi, Georgia, California and Geneva, Switzerland.
Celebrating a century of living
On Nov. 5, Francis Robert Christian will celebrate his 100th birthday with family and friends at his River Forest home. Frank was born on Nov. 5, 1919 in Chicago in his family home on Loomis Street, the second child of three born to Robert and Cordelia Christian. The family moved to Oak Park, and he attended St. John Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin and Northwestern University.
Maria Maxham
OPRF teachers, in solidarity with CTU, donate food, money
As the Chicago Public Schools teachers’ strike moves into its second week, the stomachs and wallets of city teachers get emptier and emptier. A
labor strike is not unlike a siege. There are troops to feed and refresh. Spirits to raise. Thankfully, reinforcements have come from far and wide, including Oak Park. This week, Sheila Hardin, the president of Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Faculty Senate (the local union for District 200 teachers), confirmed that OPRF teachers have donated food to the Chicago Teachers Union. She said that OPRF teachers like English teacher Paul Noble were instrumental in organizing donations and dropping off food. Hardin added said the Faculty Senate also made a $500 donation and a short public statement supporting CTU that Oak Park teachers could post on social media.
Michael Romain
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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October 30 - November 6
BIG WEEK Art Events Frank Lloyd Wright UNESCO World Heritage Lecture Monday, Nov. 4, 6 to 7 p.m., Unity Temple: Celebrate the recent UNESCO World Heritage list adding eight sites designed by Wright. The program includes a slide presentation and lecture by Phyllis Ellin, from the U.S. National Park Service’s Office of International Affairs, and Barbara Gordon, executive director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. Free. Register/more: www.aptwglc.com/event-3582362. 875 Lake St., Oak Park.
The Interview Show with Mark Bazer Friday, Nov. 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m., The Hideout: See the Oak Park host as he begins his fifth season, entertaining the live audience and interviewing a lineup of guests including Oak Parker Dan Hooper, head of the Theoretical Astrophysics Group at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and author of the newly released At the Edge of Time: Exploring the Mysteries of Our Universe’s First Seconds. This show’s taping will air on WTTW in January. 21+. $15. Tickets/more: theinterviewshowchicago.com/see-the-show-live. Also, catch podcasts of previous shows. More: theinterviewshowchicago.com/our-podcast. 1354 W. Wabansia, Chicago.
“River of Fire: My Spiritual Journey” Monday, Nov. 4, 7 p.m., Lund Auditorium, Dominican University: Sister Helen Prejean discusses her new memoir. Prejean is known worldwide for her work against the death penalty. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.
Saturday, Nov. 2, 6 to 9 p.m., Expressions Graphics: See the Day of the Dead member show, through Nov. 3, or attend the Chili Fundraiser on Saturday evening, with artist talk (7 to 8 p.m.). Fundraiser tickets include entry to raffle. $35; $60, per pair; $10, ages 10 to18; free, children 10 and under. Tickets: expressionsgraphics.org. 29 Harrison, Oak Park. Monday, Nov. 4, 1:15 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club: At the lecture, A Walk-through Warhol, Alexis Culotta will talk about how the pop artist transformed the conversation of the art world and blurred the lines between commercial and fine art. $15, requested donation. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
Days for Girls – Volunteers Needed
True Unity Classical Concert Saturday, Nov. 9, 6 p.m., Unity Lutheran Church: See violinists Stefan Hersh and Agnieszka Likos, violist Sixto Franco, cellist Patrycja Likos, and pianist Élider DiPaula perform piano quintets by Cesar Franck and Dmitri Shoshtakovich. Free. 6720 31st Street, Berwyn
Sears in Chicago: A Century of Memories Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: From watch catalog to international retail empire, revisit Sears’ Windy City history with author Val Rendel. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
“Suppressed: The Right to Vote” Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: This film short weaves together personal stories from voters across the state of Georgia to paint a picture of voter suppression. Following, a panel discusses implications with the audience. Panelists include reps from the Cook County Clerk’s Office, Change Illinois, Common Cause Illinois and a moderator from League of Women Voters of Oak Park & River Forest. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Sunday, Nov. 3, 2 to 4 p.m., Small Meeting Room, Main Library: Join local midwife and team leader for Days for Girls Brigitte Raahauge in making reusable menstrual products that she will deliver on her next trip to Haiti. These products help females internationally attend school and work. Also, view the short documentary film Period. End of Sentence. More: oppl.org, daysforgirls.org. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Music and Potlucks Friday, Nov. 1, 7 to 9 p.m., River Forest Library: Support those in need while enjoying an evening of music. Mark Dvorak will present The American Folk Song program alongside a dessert potluck and food drive. Please bring a dessert to share and non-perishables to donate. More: musicandpotlucks.org. 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest.
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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ART BEAT
Oak Park and River Forest High School Invites You to
Loving through the madness By DOUG DEUCHLER
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Dinner & Dialogue
Theater Critic
ak Park Festival Theatre has a unique and seasonally eerie new production running now called The Madness of Edgar Allen Poe: A Love Story. If you cannot think of the fine Festival theatrical troupe without picturing summer Shakespeare at Austin Gardens, Lake and Forest, prepare yourself for a distinct treat. Their new show has been mounted throughout much of Oak Park’s historic Cheney Mansion. Playwright David Rice has blended portions of Poe’s life stoHAUNTED: Erica Bittner and Christian Gray star as ry with some of his blood-curdling Edgar Allen Poe and his wife, Virginia, in Festival short stories that continued to haunt Poe after his beloved wife’s Theatre’s haunting love story at Cheney Mansion, early death. Skyler Schrempp di- through Nov. 17. rects this thrilling and passionate piece of theater. audience members are guided into other Upon arrival at Cheney Mansion, every portions of the house. Everyone has a seat, audience member is given a color-coded but there are stairs to climb. In other locaticket. As the play opens, with Christian tions, we experience versions of Poe tales Gray playing the title role of the tormented that particularly haunted him, such as “The writer, haunted by bells, the intensity is vir- Pit and The Pendulum,” “The Tell-Tale tually cinematic. He seems deranged, yet he Heart,” and “The Masque of the Red Death.” feverishly writes with a quill, composing There is a different Poe horror story in each new work. He is still grief-stricken over the room visited. Some actors in each of the death of his young wife, whom he refers to story scenes, or serving as guides, are Kyle as “Sissy,” still obsessed with her. Curry, Dave Skavarla, Dina Monk, Joan NaThe mood is ominous, fast-paced and hid, Jillian Patterson, Kevin Tre’Von Patterintense. After the initial scene, audience son, Sarah Rachel Schol and Drew Straub. members are split into two groups accordThe fine lighting design for the many ing to the colored ticket they hold. They are performing spaces is Michael McNamara. led into other parts of the house. Everyone Christopher Kriz and Matthew R. Chase creeventually sees the same scenes but in differated the sound, so important in a haunting ent sequential order. It’s fascinating how all show like this. this is orchestrated. Many episodes are perBittner and Gray portrayed the Poes in formed twice before the final scene occurs. another mounting of this drama several The setting is Baltimore in October 1849, years ago at First Folio, performed much as the month in which Poe died at age 40. it is here, in the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Cheney Mansion, constructed in 1913, was originally designed to recreate a sprawling Oak Brook. Schrempp is the director of this English country home. It works well as a production, as she was in that First Folio spooky mid-19th-century Baltimore home. production. The Madness of Edgar Allen Poe: A Love The site is compatible with the needs of the Story is an exciting, captivating tale of love, script. Poe, born into an acting family, lost his heartbreak, and horror. Though climbing mother at age 2 when she died of consump- flights of stairs to see the various perfortion (tuberculosis). At age 27, he married mances in different sections of the mansion might be challenging for some, it was his 13-year-old first cousin. She too died of a unique theater experience I think I will consumption. In the second scene my group witnessed, always remember. Many showings are already sold out. See Poe’s wife enjoys a pot of tea by herself as she talks about her relationship with her the performance through Nov. 17, Thursdays husband. Erica Bittner is intense and touch- and Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 p.m.; and ing as Virginia (Sissy). It’s beneficial to hear Sundays, 3 p.m. There is also a special Halher speak of the love they shared. She helps loween performance on Thursday, Oct. 31, at us soften our perhaps hostile contemporary 5 p.m. $35; $28, seniors; $15, students with ID. repulsion toward a man marrying a child Tickets/more: 708-300-9396, oakparkfestival. com. Cheney Mansion is located at 220 N. cousin 14 years younger. The sad, romantic tale is expanded as the Euclid Ave., Oak Park.
A Town Hall with the District 200 Board of Education Enjoy a complimentary meal from Big Guys Sausage Stand & Happy Apple Pie Shop, followed by discussion with the Board Monday, Nov. 18, 2019 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. Dinner 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Town Hall 201 N. Scoville Ave. South Cafeteria
Apartment living with congregate services
114 South Humphrey Oak Park, IL 60302
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his property with its architecturally award-winning atrium, provides seniors and persons with disabilities with parking, library, laundry room, wellness center and other conveniences. A service coordinator is on staff to assist tenants who may need additional services. The units are studio and one bedroom, each with electric appliances, tile bath, and wall to wall carpeting. Modern fire and safety systems are installed in each apartment and common areas of the building. There are 8 accessible one bedroom units for the mobility impaired. The Oaks is owned and operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation and is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the 202/section 8 Program. Residents pay approximately 30% of their monthly income for rent. For additional information, please visit our web site at www.oakparkha.org or contact us at 708-386-5812.
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
OPALGA+ and its lessons on equity
For complete program descriptions, visit www.nineteenthcentury.org
Monday, November 4 – 1:15 A Walk Through Warhol Join lecturer/educator Alexis CuloIa, PhD for a program designed to complement the Art InsGtute of Chicago’s exhibiGon, Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again Monday, November 11 – 1:15 The Trail of Tears Joyce Hayworth will take us to 1828. Andrew Jackson was just elected, and determined to end the land claims of the Indian tribes east of the Mississippi. The Cherokee stood against him and sued for their land rights in the Supreme Court.
Monday, November 18 – 1:15 The Leopold and Loeb Files: An InCmate Look at One of America’s Most Infamous Crimes Join author Nina BarreI for a talk about why, ninety-five years later, these issues conGnue to haunt us and remain relevant – today. Monday, November 25 – 1:15 Climate DisrupCon – What Do We Know? What Can We Do? No longer a far-off distant problem, climate change is real. Doug Sisterson, from Argonne NaGonal Laboratory’s Environmental Science Division, will share some of the good news: it is sGll not too late to do something about it.
COST: $15 requested donation for non-members for each program. LUNCH: precedes Monday programs at 12:00, $25 for non-members, RSVP required –all are welcome!
Evening & Weekend Events Thursday, November 7 Happy Hour Mind Boggle – 6-8 pm Claris Olson will present Ranked Choice VoCng, allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference. Though:ul debate, drinks and snacks. Free. Monday, November 25 English Country Dance – 7-10 pm Dances are taught and called, No partner needed, no experience necessary. $10 Adults / $5 students and seniors. Sunday, November 10 MURDER MYSTERY DINNER DEATH OF AN ARCHITECT 4 pm Cocktails, 5 pm Dinner and Show An interacGve evening of mystery and suspense, wriIen and performed by Diane Pingle, Kevin Bry and others. $60 Members / $65 Non-Members
Sunday, November 17 – 3 pm The Free Readers Presents Boys in the Band by Marc Crowley Free Readers.com Thursday, November 20 – 7:30 pm Henry Fogel Presents Classical Guitarist Samir Belkacemi makes his Chicago debut. Influenced by a variety of world music, his original composiGons create the impression of orchestraGon. Members $25, Non-members $30, Students $10
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aturday night in the pouring rain, it was warm and welcoming at the 19th Century Club where a crowd turned out to mark the 30th anniversary of the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association+. If there was a happier place to be Saturday evening, I’d be surprised. The +, I presume, is acknowledgment of the widening ways we gradually are coming to understand our complex and amazing sexuality and more fluid identity. Adding a + is simpler than expanding an acronym that a lot of us have trouble pronouncing in the first place. OPALGA+ is among Oak Park’s most defining organizations. Over three decades it has sparked enormous change in Oak Park and environs. Attitudes toward gays are radically more open. Laws and norms just short of laws have been rewritten locally and, with OPALGA’s heft, across this state. As Bekah Levin, the evening’s emcee, made plain in her succinct history of OPALGA, none of this happened by accident. There was and is a gay agenda, and isn’t that just the way of civil rights? Levin also acknowledged that this is an aging group. Happily, largely, aging in place. But while the membership averages AARP-age, the good work of OPALGA+ these days is nearly entirely youth focused. How powerful was it to hear two young women from OPRF’s Spoken Word articulate the pain, determination and grace of their coming out. How great was it to hear first from a young man, one of 10, who received college scholarships this year from OPALGA, and then to hear the demand from the audience that the three young women at his side also tell their stories. You can’t have a gala without handing out an award or two. Saturday night Michael Rosanova was honored with a Founders Award (named in honor of the late Mel Wilson). The other Founders
Award went to the village of Oak Park for what the group called its “embrace of the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, often leading the way.” That’s a fair statement. In ways similar to its openness to racial integration, Oak Park government and its voters, through virtue and self-interest, have been early and brave on gay rights. Given the current tensions and divide, the sheer loudness over equity on this village board, there were a few murmurs in the room Saturday at this milestone honor to village government. Perhaps it will be a spur to the current board and its staff to be braver and bolder on equity, and therefore the rightful recipients of OPALGA+’s honor. What happened to Madison Street?: You notice all that white paint on Madison Street? Now that most of the lines and squiggles have been drawn, it is high time to be either outraged and head to Facebook, or, to say, you know, its odd, but it just might work. As I parked, seemingly, in the middle of the road this morning near the 7-Eleven to buy my morning Sun-Times, I felt a little exposed leaving the old Subaru hard between one lane of traffic and all that striped up empty space toward the curb. Made sense for the first time that the bike lane is the one nearest the curb. Then there is some sort of buffer space so that passengers decamping from cars don’t “door” passing cyclists. The parking lane is next and then that single puny traffic lane. (This is the traffic pattern from Oak Park Avenue to Austin. On the narrower portion of Madison from Oak Park to Harlem the bike lane jumps to the traffic side of the parking.) Well, how great to have a bicycle lane on one of Oak Park’s main east-west pathways. Slowing down car traffic on what was — come on admit it — a speedway, is a good thing. I’m willing to give it a try, though I do miss the giant flower pots.
DAN HALEY
Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PHONE 708-524-8300 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com | www.RiverForest.com Nineteenth Century Charitable Association 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 708-386-2729
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Wednesday Journal is published weekly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, Illinois (USPS No. 0010-138). In-county subscription rate is $35 per year, $60 for two years, $87 for three years. Annual out-of-county rate is $43. © 2019 Wednesday Journal, Inc.
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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D97 seeks parent input on principal searches
Online surveys, focus groups part of process to find leaders for Mann and Beye By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Oak Park Elementary School District 97 officials have created online surveys designed to collect feedback from students, staff and parents/guardians about their ideal candidates for the principal positions at Beye and Mann elementary schools. Beye Principal Jonathan Ellwanger will retire in June after a 30-year career at the school while Faith Cole, Mann’s former principal, resigned this summer in order to take an administrative position within the district. Families of students at Beye and Mann can access the online surveys at the district’s website at op97.org. Both online surveys will remain open until Nov. 11. The district will also host parent focus groups at both schools so that families can provide their input in person. The Beye School focus group will take place at the school, 230 N. Cuyler Ave., on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The Mann School focus group will take place at the school, 921 N. Kenilworth Ave., on Friday Nov. 8, from 8 to 9 a.m.
OPRF fires teacher accused of misconduct
In a notice to families, Gina Herrmann, District 97’s senior director of human resources, laid out the next steps in the hiring process. “When the principal profile has been completed, we will use it to perform an initial screening of applicants for [each] position,” she stated. “Through that screening, we will select the candidates who will be invited to participate in the first round of interviews, which will be conducted by video in mid-January.” Herrmann said that once district and building administrators screen the video interviews, they’ll invite top candidates to participate in second-round interviews “with school-based teams that are composed of staff members and parents/guardians. We have tentatively scheduled these interviews for Thursday, Jan. 30.” Those school-based teams will identify the top four to five candidates who they’ll invite to do another round of interviews with district administrators. Superintendent Carol Kelley will then meet one-on-one with the remaining candidates. “She will then utilize all of the information and feedback collected to select the individual who will be presented to the Board of Education for appointment,” Herrmann said. “Our current goal is to complete this entire process by mid-February.” For more information about the hiring process, parents can email Herrmann at gherrmann@op97.org.
By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
An Oak Park and River Forest High School teacher who was placed on a leave of absence last month after misconduct allegations has been terminated. During a regular meeting on Oct. 24, the District 200 Board of Education approved a resolution to dismiss Timothy Fischer, a tenured history teacher and assistant football coach, “based on an inappropriate relationship and conduct with District students.” District officials announced Fischer’s leave of absence last month, withholding his identity. In an internal email sent to faculty and staff on Sept. 25, D200 Superintendent Joylynn PruittAdams said that school officials “are taking all appropriate steps to investigate allegations and ensure the safety of all of our students.”
On Sept. 26, Oak Park Police Chief LaDon Reynolds confirmed that his department had been communicating with D200 officials about the investigation. “The department is aware of the situation and are in contact with school district officials,” Reynolds explained in an email statement sent at the time. “We have no further information to share.” The police have not released more information about Fischer since then. Reynolds could not be immediately reached for comment on Monday afternoon. Karin Sullivan, D200’s communications director, declined to comment beyond confirming that Fischer had been dismissed. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
Sponsored Content
Angelina, Beyoncé and Me: Inherited Cancer Risks in the Jewish Community and Beyond Sponsored by the Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics
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ou’ve undoubtedly heard of Angelina Jolie, but have you heard about the socalled Angelina Jolie effect? This term – originally coined by Time magazine – refers to the significant increase in genetic testing for BRCA mutations following Jolie’s 2013 announcement that she carries a mutation in her BRCA1 gene and had undergone a riskreducing double mastectomy. BRCA mutations are linked to an increased lifetime risk of breast cancer in both women and men, ovarian cancer in women, and several other malignancies in women and men. These mutations occur in about one in 500 people in the general population and are more common among certain populations, such as people with Ashkenazi Jewish, African or Hispanic ancestry. For example, among individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, BRCA mutations occur at rates 10 times as high – affecting about one in 40 people. These mutations often run in families, passing down from mothers and fathers to sons and daughters. If a parent has a mutation in a BRCA gene, there is a 50 percent chance each child will inherit that mutation. Fortunately, there are several ways to take action to reduce risk.
To begin, commit to learn more about BRCA-related hereditary cancers. They will be the subject of a free educational program at the Morton Arboretum on the evening of Thursday, November 14, presented by the Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics. Roz Varon, breast cancer survivor and Emmy Award-winning traffic anchor for ABC 7 Chicago will moderate the panel program, which is set to feature: • Genetic counselor Taya Fallen, MS, LCGC, Insight Medical Genetics • Community member Rachel • Clinical psychologist Sari Ticker, PsyD, Cancer Wellness Center • Oncologist Funmi Olopade, MD, University of Chicago Medicine The What’s Jewish About BRCA? event will focus on cancer risk among individuals with Jewish ancestry, though all are welcome and encouraged to attend. While BRCA mutations affect people with Jewish ancestry at disproportionate rates, Jolie – who is not Jewish – demonstrates that BRCA mutations can affect anyone. The goal of the program is to help attendees feel empowered with information and resources, such as the
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concept of a family health history. Family health history is an important tool that healthcare providers use to assess a person’s risk for certain diseases, including hereditary cancers. You can collect relevant information by talking to your relatives about health conditions that affect your family, including symptoms and age of onset. There are several print and digital tools available to help you capture the data and share it with your healthcare provider. Next, learn about available resources, such as genetic counselors. These licensed professionals have advanced training in both medical genetics and clinical psychology and conduct comprehensive risk assessments to help you make personalized, informed decisions about your genetic health. You can access a genetic counselor through local health systems, in a private practice setting or through a community program, such as the Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics. Meeting with a genetic counselor does not commit you to get genetic testing. Meanwhile, other celebrities are bringing BRCA mutations back to the spotlight,
as Angelina Jolie did in 2013. Mathew Knowles, father of singers Beyoncé KnowlesCarter and Solange Knowles, recently opened up about his breast cancer and BRCA2 diagnoses, encouraging men – and everyone – to advocate for their own health and the health of their family. Will there be a Beyoncé effect? Only time will tell. Register for What’s Jewish About BRCA? at juf.org/BRCApanel. The program is free with advanced registration. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a reception and resource fair and the program will begin promptly at 7 p.m.
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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OK, how do I drive on Madison Street?
A guide to understanding the street’s new layout By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
The new Madison Street layout has left many bewildered. Formerly a four-lane street, Madison Street now has just one lane of traffic in each direction with a two-way left-turn lane in the center. Parking space placement along Madison has also changed significantly, adding to the confusion. Engineers also lowered the speed limit from 30 mph to 25. “It takes a while for drivers to get used to this kind of stuff,” said Bill McKenna, Oak Park’s village engineer. “It’s a lot of new stuff that we’re throwing at them.” To make it easier to understand, the engineering division created a diagram, complete with explanatory arrows and labels, designating parking areas and traffic and bike lanes. Prior to the street’s restructure, the engineering division considered safety concerns of pedestrians and bicycle riders. “We had a lot of comments from cyclists and pedestrians, when we were looking at Madison Street, that they would be kind of afraid to ride on Madison Street,” said McKenna. To address those worries, engineers put in bike lanes directly against the curb on Madison Street starting at Oak Park Avenue all the way to Austin Boulevard. On that stretch of Madison, a line of parallel parking spots separates the car lane from the bike lane; that arrangement is called “floating parking.” “As a cyclist, you want to be further from
moving traffic. We were trying to encourage more biking by giving them a safer environment to bike,” McKenna said. Removing the second driving lane created enough space to implement floating parking and put in a bike lane against the curb. The elimination of that second lane prevents drivers from passing cars in the process of parallel parking. “People are still learning what it is, you know, with the floating parking,” said Byron Kutz, assistant village engineer. According to McKenna, parking in a floating spot is the same as parking along a curb. “You’re still in a driving lane, you still have to parallel park,” he said. “Although it looks different, because you’re kind of floating in space, it’s the same exact maneuver.” Diagonal hatched lines indicate the beginning and end of parking stalls. “People know not to park in those areas when you hatch them with the angle lines,” said McKenna. The village is also putting in delineators for emphasis. Traditional curbside parallel parking still exists on Madison Street from Harlem Avenue to Oak Park Avenue. Due that portion of the street’s physical narrowness, there wasn’t enough space to put in floating parking spots. Newly installed parking stations on Madison Street are separate from the engineering division’s project. According to McKenna, the street is part of a parking pilot study the village is conducting. The new curbside bike lane and floating parking won’t affect the Madison Street Pace bus, according to Kutz and McKenna.
Courtesy madisonstreetconstruction.com
COUNTERINTUITIVE: Bikes go close to the curb, cars in the middle on some stretches of Madison. “Most of the bus stops are at traffic signals,” said McKenna. “When you get near the bus stop, the bike lane gets away from the curb.” People waiting for the bus will still stand safely on the sidewalk. The striping, which started in early October, is now largely finished. The majority of the striping that actually sets the geometry is set,” said Kutz. “Now it’s a lot more detailed work. That stuff is pretty time intensive, so it probably has two or three weeks left.” The more detailed work includes painting bicycle symbols in bike lanes and painting
portions of it green. Signage and delineator posts also need to be put up. The project is likely to be finished in early November. To enhance pedestrian safety, the engineering division also made changes to crosswalks. The engineering division added push button beacons at four unsignalized crosswalks. “There’s a lot of drivers that don’t stop or yield to pedestrians,” said McKenna. “We really want to change that driver behavior.” It’s too soon to see if new layout is positively impacting traffic, but in May or June the village will collect data and analyze it to see how well traffic is flowing.
How Oak Park pays for capital improvement projects
Two additional taxes possible By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
For many years, Oak Park’s village government didn’t spend a lot on routine capital improvement projects like repaving alleys and replacing sidewalks. Budgets were tight and there were not specific revenues streams devoted to the so-called CIP budget. That’s changed in recent years as the village has added taxes used specifically to fund capital improvements. In fact, as the village board works to finalize its budget for 2020 including a CIP plan, it is considering added two additional taxes dedicated to capital improvements. The multi-year CIP plan, as proposed in the draft budget prepared by Village Manager Cara Pavlicek, includes relatively expensive capital improvement projects needed to update and maintain village infrastructure, such as road construction and building repairs. Projects are separated into four
categories: building improvements, fleet replacement, equipment replacement and main CIP (other). The funds needed to pay for these projects comes from a variety of sources, including the local option sales tax. “Our local option sales tax is 100 percent dedicated into capital,” said Pavlicek. The local option sales tax is also known as the home rule occupation tax. According to Pavlicek home rule communities in Illinois, such as Oak Park, can levy a sales tax in quarter of a penny increments by vote of the village board. “It’s an additional revenue on top of the sales tax that’s collected by the state of Illinois on general merchandise,” said Pavlicek. In Oak Park, the local option sales tax is 1 percent. “We also have a local option gas tax that we adopted again locally,” she said. “You buy a gallon of gas, there’s an additional fee on there and that goes to pay for the roads.” The local gas tax is six cents per gallon. To create more CIP funding, the village is looking at two new tax streams. The can-
nabis privilege tax, adopted by the board on Oct. 7, is a three percent tax on the retail sale of non-medicinal marijuana. The revenue collected would be strictly used for capital improvement projects. The three percent tax could generate an estimated $200,000 in revenue. Oak Park does not yet have a retailer licensed to sell marijuana. The cannabis privilege tax is set to go into effect October 2020. To capitalize on the popularity of services provided by Uber, Lyft and similar companies, the village has suggested a rideshare tax of $.35 per ride. If implemented, the ride-share tax is projected to generate $450,000, which would go toward financing CIP projects. Past CIP projects have also been financed through bonds. “The village board, depending on certain projects, have issued bonds to pay for significant capital,” said Pavlicek. For previously issued bonds, the village must pay $10.5 million in 2020. Of the $10.5 million debt, $6.2 million will be paid from fees associated with parking, waste and
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
An alley near Van Buren Street and Oak Park Avenue. refuse pick up, as well as water and sewer services, while $4.2 million will come from property tax revenue, if the recommended budget is adopted.
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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Oak Park manager names top 2020 improvement projects By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park Village Manager Cara Pavlicek last week outlined her top priorities for funding capital improvement projects in the village during 2020.
Lake Street According to the village, Lake Street’s infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life. The village recommends updating the street in a three-fold project based on utility, resurfacing and streetscaping. “I think that it’s really critical that we move forward with this project,” said Pavlicek. The utility portion consists of water main replacement from Oak Park Avenue to Euclid Avenue and sewer replacement from Grove Avenue to Euclid Avenue. It also includes lining sewers in sections from Euclid Avenue to Ridgeland Avenue. The resurfacing third of the project extends from Euclid Avenue to Austin Boulevard. According to Pavlicek, Lake Street is a state project. “The state issues the request for proposal and they will select the contractor that will do the majority of the work because Lake Street is a state road,” said Pavlicek. The village has hired a contractor to handle the sewers. Major streetscape upgrades will happen in the downtown Oak Park and Hemingway
District portions of Lake Street. The state will pay for part of the project, but the village will pay the majority. Local funds are recommended to cover the utility portion, while CIP and federal Surface Transportation Program funds will cover the resurfacing and streetscaping, respectively. The total estimated cost of the project is $12.1 million. Construction would start in spring of 2020.
being slowly upgraded. In 2020 the village recommends $1.35 million -- $913,050 from CIP funds -- be spent on alley reconstruction. Existing alleys are replaced with new concrete alleys that have inverted crowns to improve drainage. Other alleys need storm drains and sewers due to flat topography.
Sidewalks and alleys
The Oak Park police station, located in the basement of Village Hall since the 1970s, is overcrowded, inefficient and obsolete, said Pavlicek. A space needs assessment of the facility was completed in 2019. Construction of a new station has long been an objective of the police department and village. “How we want to repair and replace, if that is the decision, elements of the police facility, I think is one of the key decisions we need to make this year,” said Pavlicek. “That’s a high priority from my perspective.” The village recommends $4 million be used in 2020 and $31 million in 2021 to fund construction of a new site. The estimated expenditures do not include land purchases nor environmental remediation. The village has previously discussed a new police station on the green space at the south end of the current village hall complex.
The Public Works Department maintains 250 miles of sidewalks and 51 miles of alleys. “Annually, we do a lot of sidewalk, alley and residential street upgrades and that is one large lump of money,” said Pavlicek. “We do that based upon an independent engineering rating of what areas are in the worst condition.” To maintain the viability of Oak Park sidewalks, the village is recommending an increase of local funds by $25,000 from last year to $50,000 for 2020 to cover the cost of sidewalk cutting, a technology that eliminates trip hazards by angle cutting sidewalks at elevation differences in lieu of full replacements. Sidewalk cutting sidesteps the curing time of traditional concrete replacements and will be utilized for sidewalks outside of schools and business areas. Community Block Grant Program (CBGP) funds do not cover sidewalk cutting. Alleys, long ignored by the village, are now
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Police Station
Wide Area Network (WAN) Upgrade The village is recommending the replace-
ment of its wide area network, a computer network extending throughout Oak Park, connecting technology services to the fire and police stations, village hall, schools and more. The current network is over 15 years old, has limited capacity and is subject to outages. An upgraded system would increase transmission speeds and bolster network resiliency. The village projects it will cost $2.5 million to replace and upgrade the wide area network. The cost will be split three ways almost completely equally between the village’s Capital Improvement Fund, parking revenues and water/sewer revenues.
Drinking Water Improvements Improvements to the village’s drinking water rounds out Pavlicek’s top five CIP projects. The suggested improvements are not separated into its own project, as there is a drinking water component in most projects. For the Lake Street project, $662,000 is proposed to be spent on drinking water alone. “One of the most important things we do as a municipal government is our water drinking system. That’s one of our important responsibilities that people kind of take for granted,” said the village manager. “We manage a water system, where most of it is 120 plus years old and people really rely on that to just manage basic activities in their lives.”
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ON GOLDEN POND FIRST FILM OF WABI SABI FILM FESTIVAL
T
he Wabi Sabi Film Festival kicked off with an enthusiastic audience on Friday morning, October 25 at the Lake Theatre. The festival is a quarterly film and discussion series jointly presented by A Tribe Called Aging and Growing Community Media. The series encourages embracing and respecting our aging population and promotes discussion related to themes of aging explored in each film.
The Wabi Sabi Film Festival kicked off last Friday morning, at the Lake Theater
Audience members discuss the multi-generational effects of aging in On Golden Pond
Marc Blesoff and Sandra Prolman, of A Tribe Called Aging, listen to advocate and author Elizabeth White.
The title of the festival comes from the name of the Japanese aesthetic wabi sabi. As described by Marc Blesoff of A Tribe Called Aging, “The Japanese aesthetic of wabi sabi is an appreciation of the beauty of impermanence—like the wooden banister in an aging house, stroked by thousands of hands over the years, wobbly, chipped, out of alignment, yet oh so beautiful.”
Elizabeth White facilitated the post film discussion
Friday morning’s screening of On Golden Pond was introduced by Marc Blesoff and Sandra Prolman of a Tribe Called Aging. After the film, author and aging solutions advocate Elizabeth White offered several questions to facilitate small group discussions reflecting on the multi-generational aspects of aging featured in the film. Growing Community Media and A Tribe Called Aging are grateful for the support of Signature Sponsors the Village of Oak Park and the Village of River Forest, as well as Nonprofit Patron Sponsors Oak Park Township/River Forest Township, River Forest Public Library, Rush Oak Park Hospital and Senator Don Harmon. The next Wabi Sabi Film Festival event on January 24, 2020 will feature Lives Well Lived, a documentary by Sky Bergman.
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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River Forest approves commuter parking study Contract awarded to familiar firm By ROBERT LIFKA Contributing Reporter
The River Forest Village Board is bringing back a transportation engineering consultant with past ties to the village to undertake a commuter parking study. The village board voted 6-0, Oct. 28, to award a contract to Kenig, Lindgren, O’Hare, Alboona Inc. (KLOA), which has performed “numerous” transportation-related studies for the village, most recently the Safe Walking Routes to Schools Plan and transportation elements of the village’s comprehensive plan, according to Jeff Loster, village engineer. The project cost is $24,500 with an expected completion date of February 2020. The village board has seen a recent increase in requests for parking restrictions and complaints from residents about existing restrictions, including one made at the
Oct. 28 meeting. Trustee Respicio Vazquez noted the increase in thanking staff members for their commuter parking study efforts. Trustee Tom Cargie suggested that a “different set of eyes” might be better suited for the study, but he still cast a Yes vote. Including a study of the parking lots at Concordia University and Dominican University was supported by Trustee Patty Henek and Village President Cathy Adduci. Trustee Katie Brennan recommended that the study reflect ride-sharing, electric vehicles and self-driving cars, as included in the comprehensive plan. She also suggested the village consider partnering with businesses that might want electric-vehicle charging stations in front of their businesses. Loster said six firms responded to the request for proposals that village officials issued in September with proposal costs ranging from $25,000 to $40,000. Identified by Loster as “substantial tasks” to be performed by KLOA are creation and distribution of a commuter parking questionnaire; a commuter parking utilization
survey; projected commuter parking demand estimates; and a public engagement meeting at which residents and business owners will be able to provide feedback. KLOA also will create a commuter parking recommendations report and make presentations to the traffic and safety commission and the village board. For purposes of the study, KLOA officials have identified commuters as River Forest residents and nonresidents who park on the village’s public streets and utilize the transit services within or adjoining the village, including the Metra commuter rail service, CTA rapid transit service, CTA bus service and Pace bus service. Commuters also include students and staff members from Dominican and Concordia who utilize street parking. Since River Forest only has a limited number of off-street parking spaces for commuters, dedicated to the River Forest Metra station and managed with monthly permits, KLOA officials said, village officials rely on street parking to manage much of the commuter parking demand. Further, since the
transit stations and university campuses are imbedded into residential and commercial areas of River Forest, village officials must balance the commuter parking needs with the employee and customer parking needs of local businesses and guest parking needs of residents, they added. KLOA officials will begin the process by meeting with village staff to review the work scope and deliverables; obtain date available from the village; review current parking regulations and fees; attain parking enforcement policies and techniques; and obtain images of current parking permit tags from the village and universities. In addition, they will discuss resident and business concerns; confer on commuter parking trends and potential future needs; note any recent changes in commuter parking capacities or policies; confirm the boundaries for the parking surveys; and review the project schedule and submission dates for staff review and discussion with the traffic and safety commission and village board.
Property taxes going up in River Forest
Levy estimate predicts increase just under 2% By ROBERT LIFKA Contributing Reporter
River Forest residents can expect their 2019 property taxes to increase 1.9 percent if the estimated property tax levy accepted by the River Forest Village Board, Oct. 28, remains unchanged when the village board approves the levy at its Dec. 9 meeting. Illinois Truth in Taxation Law requires each taxing body to determine an estimate of its tax levy not less than 20 days before adoption. The property tax levy must be filed with Cook County by Dec. 24, 2019.
The estimated total corporate levy is $8,135,161, an increase of $224,078 or 2.83 percent from 2018. The village portion of the levy is $3,772,994, an increase of $67,213 from $3,727,298 in 2018. Other components of the levy are the police pension, up $35,805 to $1,572,020; fire pension, up $85,262 to $1,432,769; the River Forest Public Library levy, up $35,860 to $1,318,393; and the non-capped fire pension, down $62 to $38,985. Most village funds are subject to the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, which limits property tax levy increases to 5 percent or the consumer price index (CPI), whichever is lower. CPI is currently at 1.9 percent. The exception is the non-capped fire pension levy. Village officials estimated that new prop-
erty taxes will generate an equalized assessed value (EAV) of $569,992,679, up less than 1 percent from the previous year, with about $5 million worth of new construction, according to Rosey McAdams, village finance director. The state does not publish the equalization factor until around April of each year, which is after the annual December due date for taxing bodies to submit their levies. McAdams calculated the estimated EAV using building permit information. The current fiscal year runs from May 1, 2019, to April 30, 2020. The taxes from the 2019 levy are collected in 2020. The total levy, which includes $264,540 for debt service, is $8,399,701, an increase of $216,184 or 2.64 percent from 2018. The debt
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service levy is lower by $7,894 from 2018. McAdams explained that the debt service levy is the full amount of the debt service extension base, which is the amount the village is authorized to levy for principal and interest payments without a referendum. Village officials plan to issue bonds to fund additional public works projects to utilize the full amount of the authorized debt service extension base, she added. The levy amounts for the police and firefighter pension funds are based on actuarial reports prepared by the village’s actuary, Todd Schroeder from Lauterbach & Amen. The levy amounts for both funds are higher than the statutory minimum requirements of $1,304,895 for the police pension fund and $1,196,605 for the fire pension fund.
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OPRF teacher wins prestigious award has since evolved to Veteran Oak Park and River Forest High School serve young adults special education teacher who are enrolled in Therese Brennock was OPRF’s Communityrecently named the recipient Integrated Transition of Rush University Medical Program, also known Center’s 2019 Thonar Award. as CITE. The award “is given Brennock is each year to a person who technically retired has made outstanding (having taught and contributions to the Rush led within OPRF’s THERESE BRENNOCK community and enabled special education the institution to further department for 34 its commitment of offering years). In her semiopportunities to individuals who are retirment, she doubles as a job determined to turn a disability into coach in the morning for Rush and a a possibility,” according to Rush’s teaching assistant in the afternoon. website. “Therese has an uncanny ability Brennock is the first person from to quickly connect with our most the service area of Rush’s Oak Park vulnerable students, and teach them campus to receive the annual award necessary independent living skills since it was conceived in 1991. In 1995, Brennock helped create while empowering them,” Amy a work-study program at Rush Stanis, CITE’s program supervisor. Oak Park Hospital for high school “The students confide in Therese, students with social-emotional when they can confide in no one else. disabilities, according to a statement She is a true leader for her students.” released by District 200. The program Michael Romain
OPRF to go all green on energy By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Oak Park and River Forest High School is going 100 percent green for the next three years after District 200 switched energy suppliers — a move that district officials say should mean significant savings over that time period. “When we compare 100 percent of the renewable energy pricing with our existing brown energy-only pricing, the district will realize an approximately 24 percent savings,” said Carolyn M. Gust, the D200’s director of purchasing and transportation, during a regular board meeting on Oct. 24. Gust estimated that the district’s switch from its old energy supplier, Vanguard Services, to mc2 Energy could mean a savings of $153,000 over the three years of the contract. Gust added that making the switch to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, translates into the district avoiding the equivalent of 617 homes’ worth of electricity use, 751 passenger vehicles driven, more than 3 million pounds of coal burned and more than 154,000 bags of trash landfilled — in a single year. Last month, the D200 school board allowed the administration to utilize Narnia Energy Advisers to facilitate a live reverse auction on Oct. 9. Unlike a sealed, or blind, bid process, which entails companies submitting requests for proposals without knowing their competitors’ prices, a live reverse auction allows companies to bid for a
contract in real time and to even make multiple bids within a given time period. During the live reverse auction for D200’s electricity supply and procurement, 41 bids came in from nine different suppliers. The district directed the suppliers to only submit pricing for 100 percent green energy. Vanguard did not submit a bid. Mc2 Energy was the lowest bidder. As part of the live reverse auction process, the district signed a contract with Mc2 immediately after the auction. During the Oct. 24 regular meeting, D200 board member Craig Iseli asked if the district has a sustainability policy on the books. Michael Carioscio, D200’s chief operations officer, said the district has a resource conservation policy, “which talks about composting, reducing waste” and other issues. Carioscio said that the facility renovations and new construction that will start next summer as part of the district’s long-term facilities process are opportunities for D200 to renew its commitment to sustainability. “There’s an intervention coming with our new construction, which has given us an opportunity to really look at a lot of our practices that went unquestioned in the past and to do things differently,” Carioscio said. “This is an opportunity to correct things that over time drifted from where they should be.” Iseli said that he would like the district to be more systematic in its approach to environmental sustainability. “If we’re going to support green initiatives, I’d like for us not to do it in an ad hoc way,” he said.
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C R I M E
Oak Park resident carjacked on Austin Blvd.
Theft
An Oak Park resident was carjacked around 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 25 in the 200 block of North Austin Boulevard after being approached by two men, both approximately 5-foot-3 with thin builds, one of whom wore a black ski mask, light colored jeans and exposed plaid shorts. The man in the mask, holding a handgun, reportedly demanded the victim’s cell phone and car keys. Both men then got in the car and drove east on West End Avenue. The unoccupied vehicle was found later by Chicago police in the 200 block of North Central Avenue in Chicago.
■ Around 5 p.m. Oct 26, two men took an Apple iPhone X from the a Schaumberg resident’s hands while she was riding on a CTA train at the Blue Line stop in 700 block of South Austin Boulevard. The two men fled from the train. One collided with another person as the two ran east on the train platform. ■ A woman’s wallet was stolen from her backpack while she was shopping in the 400 block of Madison Street around 4 p.m. on Oct. 26. The wallet contained debit cards and identification.
Vehicle theft ■ An unknown man stole an Oak Park resident’s 2019 Honda Fit in the 1100 block of Fair Oaks Avenue Oct. 27 around 6:40 p.m. The unattended, unlocked vehicle was left running. The estimated loss is $18,000.
Residential burglary ■ Oak Park police reported that someone forced open the door to an apartment inside a building in the 400 block of South Taylor Avenue sometime between Sept 1 and Oct. 14. A Frigidaire gas stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and an LG combina-
POET
All about impact from page 1 Participants write poems on orange sheets of paper. Random reflections (Clark calls them “Aha! Moments”) that spring to mind are written on blue sheets of paper, then tossed to the front of the room. By the end of the workshops, people who entered the experience reticent and subdued often leave much looser. “Some even say, ‘I wasn’t looking forward to this and didn’t want do this since I’m not creative, but it was a lot better than I thought it’d be,’” said Clark. Once the Makarshops are finished, Clark packages the employees’ anonymous poems and musings into what he calls a Makarzine (the word “makar” comes from the Greek word makarios, meaning creative artist/poet). “The Makarzines are creative analysis reports that companies can use not only internally to address certain workplace issues and create different practices, but also externally for marketing and branding purposes,” Clark said, adding that each Makarzine can be customized, based on how a company plans to utilize it. In Clark’s first Makarzine, which is divided into a workplace epic in three acts, em-
tion washer and dryer unit were taken. The apartment was unoccupied. ■ A person broke into an Oak Park residence in the 400 block of North Harlem Avenue on Oct. 25 around 1:10 p.m. The person entered through an unlocked rear window and took a 27-inch iMac computer, a GoPro Hero 5, a GoPro Hero 4, a Canon Rebel T31 camera and a safe containing passports and
ployees anonymously muse and lament. The result is critical feedback that is honest and candid, yet fun. For instance: “Meetings and more meetings / Oh, how I feel they are my life some weeks. / We have meetings and nothing is solved. / We should be treated as family when making decisions.” Clark said his three years in District 97 helped him hone his big idea and gave him confirmation that spoken word can help not only students in the classroom, but adults in the workplace. “Three years ago, bringing spoken word poetry into the professional development realm was just an idea,” Clark said. “I was a teaching-artist in the district, but I also did conferences and presentations [in the corporate world]. I’m glad I did both at the same time because I was able to blend both practices. “So it’s really been a three-year experiment in prototyping and developing a case for how spoken word poetry can help address a lot of things in the workplace that are trending,” Clark said. “And a lot of things that are trending have to do with creativity, innovation, empathy, emotional intelligence, collaboration, diversity and inclusion — these buzzwords. When I hear them, I think of spoken word poetry.” Clark said his ultimate goal is to build Impact Makars into social enterprise focused on workplace development through the arts. “My goal is to take these poems and work-
paperwork. The estimated loss is $2,700. ■ Someone broke into an apartment in the 900 block of Pleasant Street, entering through a closed but unlocked door on Oct. 25, between 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. The apartment was ransacked and an Apple iPod plus $100 in cash were taken, a total estimated loss of $300.
These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports Sept. 23-29 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.
Compiled by Stacey Sheridan
Photo provided
LOOSENING UP: During Makarshops, participants are encouraged to write original poetry on orange sheets of paper. The process works to humanize employees who often have to suppress their full personalities in the workplace, Clark said. shops and provide creative and innovative practices that create more diverse and inclusive working environments and culture,” Clark said. “At some point, these middle-school and high-school students will be in these working environments, which I want to change,” he added. “So by the time they become the next leader, the next CEO, the next execu-
tive, they know how to create working environments that empower employee voice and give employees a sense of belonging and a sense of ownership of their identity because when you suppress your identity, you’re not allowed to be yourself.” For more info on Impact Makars, visit https://impactmakars.com/. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
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Oak Park police recruit on campus
Department widens its outreach to attract candidates
special task force that investigates major traffic accidents. He is also a member of the Honor Guard, the department’s ceremonial group. Deuchler also brings detectives and officers with less than two years under their belt so “they can really give the applicant a
fresh perspective.” Changes in police recruiting reflects changes in the world, Deuchler believes. “I think the recruiting process has changed because we are now recruiting a different generation of young police officers,” she
said. “As the world is more technologically advanced, we need to have officers who are as well.” When Deuchler joined the force 14 years ago, officers were still handwriting reports and doing duplicate data entry in different systems then. In 2006, she took her police exam in the cafeteria of Oak Park and River Forest High School with about a thousand other hopeful applicants. Today, the number of people sitting for the exam is much smaller. “Most departments around our size are seeing about 100-200 applicants,” she said. Undeterred by the diminishing number of applicants, Oak Park police remain committed to hiring the best. “We will never settle or sacrifice to just have another police officer hired,” Deuchler said. Police recruiting efforts have been “very fruitful,” Deuchler said. “We have been able to meet all kinds of people from different parts of the state of Illinois and even the Midwest.” She remembers meeting a student thanking the Oak Park recruiting team for taking the time to really answer all of her questions. “She felt she really got a sense of our department and what we do on a daily basis,” Deuchler said. Attending events has also been a good experience for the officers involved. “Recruiting has been a lot of fun for the officers and myself,” she said. “It’s been a great reminder of how excited I was when I was brand new and ready to just learn as much as I could and serve the community to the best of my ability.”
has yet to receive the withheld checks, said Williams. Williams also said she received no official notification of the funding status of OPRHC in the 2020 recommended budget. Tammie Grossman, Oak Park’s director of development customer service, could not be reached for confirmation. “There was no official notification that we were zero for 2020,” said Williams, who just recently took on the executive director role after working within the agency for multiple years. “That would have been really nice.” Williams says she found out from a Facebook post. Williams wants to wean the center from village funding but says the center can’t begin to lay the groundwork necessary to do so without village funding in 2020. “I’m new to this position, but I understand how funding should work for a nonprofit,” she said “Never should a nonprofit receive that much funding from one entity, but that’s how it’s been operating for all these years and, my first year in, I need that money to continue operating and help me develop ways to decrease that funding.” She said she needs that village funding as “leverage to get other funding.” At the Oct. 28 finance committee meeting, community members took to public comments to voice their opinions on the poten-
tial budget cut. Most commenters defended the necessity of funding OPRHC and integrated housing, while a few advocated that the center had fulfilled its purpose in maintaining an integrated Oak Park and has become obsolete in recent years. Amy Dean, a member of the Oak Park Housing Programs Advisory Committee, voiced irritation that the committee hadn’t been notified of the challenges earlier. At the meeting, Williams, along with Tracey Wik, OPRHC board president, and Maria Krysan, a board member, lobbied for 2020 funding in a presentation to the village board that included the center’s new strategic plan and its updated mission statement. Facets of the strategic plan include reducing staff turnover, updating the center’s technology and data collection process. Other goals within the plan include providing quarterly education to the community regarding the work the center does as an affirmatively furthering fair housing agency. The center also plans to grow relationships with property owners and community stakeholders. The center has also developed an app that looks at factors of integration and allows clients to choose the areas in which they want to live. Users are asked a series of optional questions that sets up an algorithm to
provide them with available housing units within those parameters. “A successful OPRHC would look like a community that is not just diverse but integrated with supported inclusion equity housing situations,” said Williams. She also said that a successful center would include partnering with the village to do something about the large amount of vacant properties. “We have been partners for a long time, so that’s not new,” said Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb. “When I say partner, I mean, I don’t just want to see Tammie [Grossman] when it’s time to do an application,” Williams clarified. “I want to be able to have regular conversations about what we’re doing. I want partners from the village that come out to things we are hosting, to tell us what we could do better and to tell us when we’re doing better.” Abu-Taleb countered, “I think this board has conveyed to the Oak Park Regional Housing Center what we’re looking for. We conveyed that last year, the year before and the year before.” With 10 p.m. fast approaching, the mayor called for the meeting to move on to other items on the recommended budget. No decision has yet been made regarding village funding of OPRHC in 2020.
By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
The Oak Park Police Department has broadened its efforts to attract new recruits, sending officers to college campuses and job fairs to scope out promising talent and interested young adults. “Our first recruitment was down at University of Illinois Chicago in September of 2018,” said Sergeant Samantha Deuchler, who heads up recruiting efforts. “Before that, I believe like most departments, we posted the hiring on theblueline.com, which is a one-stop shop for open positions pertaining to police, fire, paramedics, and dispatchers.” In anticipation of this year’s police exam, held in November, the police recruiting team has hit five different college campuses throughout Illinois and Indiana and attended a career fair at Chicago’s Congress Hotel. “We definitely wanted to hit more schools but unfortunately a lot of the fairs were on the same dates,” Deuchler said. Deuchler chose a diverse group of officers with varying job responsibilities to take part in the recruitment events, including Officer Ian Miller, an evidence technician and field training officer. Miller works on the
HOUSING CENTER Late reports from page 1 for development of a 2020 Agreement.” On Oct. 1, the village served a notice to OPRHC that further 2019 grant payments would be withheld until the center complied. “At the time that we printed the budget, because they were out of compliance with the funding agreement and they hadn’t turned in any of the reports that they were required to do, as staff our job is to enforce the agreement the board adopts,” said Village Manager Cara Pavlicek. “We told them what they had to do to correct it and they’ve been providing us information; we’re right in the middle of the process of reviewing it.” According to Pavlicek, the village has been working hard with Athena Williams, the center’s recently appointed executive director. The two reports – the center’s second quarter report and its semi-annual report, both of which were due on July 31 – were turned in on Oct. 22 along with the center’s hours of operation. But the housing center
Photo provided
OAK PARK OFFICERS BACK AT SCHOOL: From Left to right: Detective Brian Kaniecki, Officer Margaret Barbahen, Sergeant Samantha Deuchler and Officer Ian Miller pose by their booth at an Illinois State University career fair.
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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December December 55––88 December December 55––88 December December 55––88
December December December December 55––55 88––88
Shop from more than 600 talented artists and makers from acrossShop North America from more tha while enjoying a one-of-a-kind talented artists and experience. For details, visit Shop from more than 600 Shop from more than 600 from across oneofakindshowchicago.com. talented artists and makersNorth A
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ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
ARTFUL: Oak Park parent Zach Borders set up a campaign to put in a traffic-calming Produced by Produced by street mural at Augusta Boulevard and Harvey Avenue, near Whittier Elementary School. Produced by Produced by
Oak Park parent has bright idea to ease traffic
Whittier School parent wants to put in a street mural on Augusta Blvd. By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Oak Parker Zach Borders started an online campaign to put in a street mural on Augusta Boulevard near Whittier Elementary School, 715 N. Harvey Ave. The mural is intended to alleviate high-speed traffic outside the school, making it safer for students. Borders, an urban planner and designer, has a daughter in first grade at Whittier. “Myself and other parents have witnessed some scary near misses,” said Borders of Augusta Boulevard’s speedy drivers. “It takes your breath away and after a while, you want to do something about it.” Borders posted the campaign on Municipal, a web app that allows citizens to campaign for changes they’d like to see in their communities. Municipal is a subset of Civic ArtWorks, a company that Borders owns and co-founded. Since its posting in early October, the mural campaign has received more than 500 views
and 58 citizens have offered their support. It also caught the attention of village trustees Dan Moroney and Simone Boutet, who both voiced their approval for the idea at the village board’s Oct. 14 finance committee meeting. A small financial investment, according to Borders, the mural is an opportunity to enhance the street’s charm. “I think it’s important to incorporate character that ties itself to the surrounding civic institutions,” said Borders, who mentioned he’d like the mural to have Whittier school colors. Borders also thinks designing and painting the mural would be a great opportunity for student and civic engagement. “It would be wonderful if we talk to the larger artist community in Oak Park,” he said. “Maybe we could turn this into a competition and each of the artists goes and talks to the students.” Students, faculty and the chosen artist could then team up and paint the mural together. “I think that would work really well and is certainly within the perimeters set by public works,” he said. The village has not yet approved the project, but Borders hopes that, if approved, the mural will be painted in spring of 2020.
talented artists andenjoying makers a onewhile from across North America H E M A RNorth T – America CHICAGO fromTacross while enjoying a one-of-a-kind experience. For detao whileexperience. enjoying aFor one-of-a-kind details, visit oneofakindshowchica experience. For details, visit oneofakindshowchicago.com. oneofakindshowchicago.com.
– C H I C A G O– – CHICAGO
THE MART THE MART
THE MART
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Ahoy, maties! The Halloween Parade on Oak Park Ave. last Saturday. 1. Oliver Spanner, 2, of Oak Park, 2. McKinlee Moon, 5. 3. Kelly Kribs, of Oak Park, talks to her daughter, Maisie, 2, and her son, Eli, 4, before the parade. 4. Costumed critters, ready to trick-or-treat. 5. Winston, 4, of Oak Park, bites off as much as he can chew. SARAH MINOR/Contributor
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
7574 West Division, River Forest www.trinityhs.org/beablazer
What’s the Difference Between IB and AP? International Baccalaureate
Advanced Placement
International: emphasis on global perspectives
Mostly U.S.: more academic than philosophical.
From the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Mission: Through challenging programs of international education and assessment, IBO seeks to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people, who will become compassionate citizens seeking a better and more peaceful world.
The College Board Mission: To be a great educational organization dedicated to preparing, inspiring, and connecting students to college success and opportunity, with a commitment to excellence and equity.
Holistic or Total Program: The Diploma Program is a course of study, encompassing six areas: literature and language arts, history, world language, science, math and the arts.
Single Strength or Cafeteria Style: students choose AP courses that fit their strengths and that are independent of one another.
Students also take a class called Theory of Knowledge, write a senior research paper called the Extended Essay, and complete 150 CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service) hours.
No additional requirements.
More divergent: asks why more than what.
More convergent: asks what more than why.
Graded world-wide with global standards.
Graded in U.S. with American standards.
Many factors, such as papers, orals, and projects, in addition to the written exam, determine the final score (1-7).
Score (1-5) hinges on a single written exam.
Emphasizes process and integration of content across six disciplines.
Content driven.
IB student may also sit for AP exams.
AP students may not sit for IB exams.
www.trinityhs.org
708.453.8343
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRINITY JOURNEY Spend the Day as a Trinity Blazer Schedule your Shadow Visit today www.trinityhs.org/shadow or call 708.453.8305 Open House Tuesday, November 5th 6:30 P.M., Last tour leaves at 7:30 P.M. Parent Shadow Day Wednesday, November 13th Parents are invited to join us anytime from 8:30 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. Entrance Exam Registration Opens Friday, November 22nd www.trinityhs.org/register Trinity 8th Grade Entrance Exam Saturday, December 7th 8:00 A.M.
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
JUST LISTED
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
NEW PRICE
1/2 ACRE LOT
400 FOREST AVE, OAK PARK $1,167,500 :: 5 BED :: 2.5 BATH
1447 KEYSTONE, RIVER FOREST $635,000 :: 3 BED :: 2.5 BATH
1122 FOREST, RIVER FOREST $1,249,000 :: 6 BED :: 5.5 BATH
Frank Lloyd Wright historic district beautiful 1 acre lot.
Brick & stone English cottage, on a beautiful cul-de-sac street.
Gorgeous kitchen/family room beautiful 1/2 acre lot.
NEW PRICE
NEW PRICE
JUST LISTED
906 COLUMBIAN, OAK PARK $839,000 :: 4 BED :: 2.5 BATH
620 LATHROP, RIVER FOREST $549,000 :: 3 BED :: 2.5 BATH
1023 WENONAH, OAK PARK $799,000 :: 5 BED :: 4 BATH
Beautiful totally new renovation top to bottom. Great location.
Charming totally updated home with new kitchen & baths. Great location.
Unique Victorian in Lincoln School district. Renovated kitchen & baths.
KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com
We can’t fix our state’s financial problems on the backs of everyday taxpayers. Let’s pass the Illinois Graduated Income Tax. We all know our state’s finances are a mess. But we can’t try to fix them by threatening the retirement security of Illinois seniors. That’s why AARP is fighting for a commonsense solution that would raise money without burdening everyday taxpayers. The Illinois Graduated Income Tax on next year’s ballot would increase state revenue by raising the income tax rate only for those who can afford it—the wealthiest 3% of Illinois households. It wouldn’t raise taxes on families making less than $250,000, and it wouldn’t unfairly tax retirement income like Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s or IRAs. Hard-working Illinois residents like you can’t afford to pay more. We need our wealthiest residents to pay their fair share. We need to pass the Illinois Graduated Income Tax.
Join us for a conversation at the Illinois Tax Solutions Forum: Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park, IL 60301 November 5, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM RSVP at aarp.cvent.com/ILTaxForum Paid For By Yes to a Financially Responsible Illinois
facebook.com/AARPIllinois @AARPIllinois aarp.org/IL
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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Homes
NEED TO REACH US?
oakpark.com/real-estate email: buphues@wjinc.com
New owners, same historic B&B Bishops Hall in Oak Park begins new chapter in hospitality By LACEY SIKORA
When he was finished, he had created two guest suites and a guest bedroom in the main portion of the house, along with ver the summer, north Oak Park’s a separate owner’s suite complete with its bed-and-breakfast was sold when own kitchen and living area. Tupta listed longtime Bishops Hall proprietor the home for $2.5 million in the summer of Charles Tupta left the inn-keeping 2018. Public records indicate it sold for $1.4 business to pursue religious studies. million in August. But, most returning guests to New owners Rick Sander the home will notice little change and his wife, Fiona Harrison, under the new management, purchased the house fully furwith the exception of the four nished and jumped into small frequent guests who decided to business ownership. Sander, tackle a new endeavor and run a law professor at UCLA, has the business themselves. roots in the Chicago area and Built in 1916, the Georgian Rehad previously been a guest at vival-style home originally conthe B&B. RICK SANDER tained two bedrooms and living He worked as a community Owner quarters for four or five servants. organizer in Chicago from 1979 The Bishops Hall nickname is to 1989, and also worked on Chirelatively new. The Midwest Diocago Mayor Harold Washingcese of the Orthodox Church of ton’s campaign in 1983. As a law America purchased the home at 605 Iowa St. professor, he remains steeped in the housing as a residence for their bishop in 1990. issues that he worked on while living in ChiTupta bought the home in 1998 and took cago. on extensive renovations and restoration, “I’m interested in Chicago as a microcosm which included modernizing the mechani- of many issues in the country,” Sander said. cal systems and refinishing many of the “Last year, I published a book on housing home’s original details which were covered by years of updates. See B & B on page 22
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Contributing Reporter
“We want it to be a resource for the community.”
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
FROM GUESTS TO HOSTS: Peter and Nora Bouchard (above) handle the day-today management of Bishops Hall Bed and Breakfast (top) for its new owners, Rick Sander and Fiona Harrison, who live in California. Both couples were frequent guests at the B&B when it was owned by Charles Tupta.
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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happy halloween.
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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Generations of Excellence since 1958
708.771.8040 • 7375 W. North Ave., River Forest DonnaAvenue Barnhisel 7375 West North Dan Bogojevich Anne Brennan Illinois 60305 Karen Byrne 708.771.8040 Kevin Calkins Andy Gagliardo
MANAGING River Forest, BROKER/OWNERS
Tom Carraher Pat Cesario Joe Cibula
Tom Poulos
Don Citrano Alisa Coghill Kay Costello JoLyn Crawford Maria Cullerton Julie Downey Kurt Fielder Yvonne Fiszer-Steele
Sherree Krisco Jack Lattner Charlotte Messina Vince McFadden Elizabeth Moroney Colleen Navigato Sue Ponzio-Pappas Rosa Pitassi
Jenny Ruland Laurel Saltzman Laurie Shapiro Tom Sullivan Debbie Watts George Wohlford Nancy Wohlford
Randy Ernst • 773-290-0307
2127 N 77TH CT• ELMWOOD PARK OPEN SUNDAY 13
611 THATCHER • RIVER FOREST
WARM, BRIGHT HOME with a fantastic coveted location! Updated 3 bedroom home features recently finished hardwood floors throughout, wood burning fireplace, leaded glass windows, large eat- in kitchen, ample closet space and fam room in bsmt. This well maintained home has it all. ................... $389,000
ARCHITECTUALLY UNIQUE COLONIAL with extra large rooms flooded with natural light. Vaulted ceilings and skylights in the upstairs hallway, bathrooms and master BR. Fin basement. Professional landscaping, large outdoor deck, second floor balcony. Move right in and enjoy! .........................................$478,000
NEWLY UPDATED HOME on large lot in a great location of River Forest. Brand new eat-in kitchen. Four spacious BRs, two and a half baths of which upstairs have radiant heated floors. Completely painted, refinished floors, newer windows. New staircase leading to the basement. ..................................$699,000
MOVEIN READY home offers 5 BRs and 4 full BAs. Fabulous stripped and refinished woodwork, hardwood floors. Much sought after 2nd fl laundry. Fin rec room in bsmt, wrap-around porch, custom deck, private backyard, 3 car garage with 2nd floor walk-up bonus room. ............................ $679,000 LOVELY SPLITLEVEL HOME offers newly refreshed contemporary style and wonderful space. Offers three bedrooms, three brand new bathrooms, beautiful front entryway, vaulted ceiling family rm, sun room, game room, deck, spectacular backyard, attached two car garage. ...... $659,000 VINTAGE CHARMER on tree lined cobblestone street. Warm, inviting home with lots of potential! Living room is centered with a cozy fireplace, separate dining room, bright kitchen and spacious family room. 2nd floor has 3 BRs and 1 full BA. Large deck overlooking backyard. ........... $425,000
BEAUTIFUL HOME in OP Historic District. Offers three large bedrooms, all with hardwood floors, two and a half bathrooms, new kitchen with butler pantry, full finished basement, over-sized backyard, brick paver patio, dog run, two car garage and two outdoor parking spaces. $589,000 A GRAND HOME situated in Historic Oak Park! Enjoy the charm & character of HW floors, natural millwork, crown moldings, and many windows that fill the home w/tons of natural light. Five BRs, 2-1/2 bathrooms, screened-in porch, den, landscaped private backyard....................$574,900 CLASSIC OAK PARK HOME on a large corner lot in the Harrison Arts district. This four BR, three BA home boasts four levels of living space. Tall ceilings, hardwood floors, vintage leaded glass windows, updated kitchen with breakfast bar. Finished 3rd floor, newly finished basement. .$549,000 CENTER OF TOWN VICTORIAN with high ceilings, four spacious levels of living in beautiful Oak Park. This 5 BR, 3-12 BA home offers a formal entry, wood burning FP, sun room, family room, eat-in kitchen. Great flow, tons of natural light & storage throughout this beauty! ..............................$539,000 TRADITIONAL HOME with many recent upgrades including new tear off roof and refinished hardwood floors. Large Family room/4th bedroom on the main level with full bath. Beautiful original stained glass window. 3 BRs on 2nd floor with full bath. Two car garage w/work bench area. . $489,000 FANTASTIC HOUSE in Historic OP! This four bedroom three full bath home is nearly 100 years old and feels like new, as it was renovated roughly ten years ago. Spacious eat-in kitchen, 2nd floor laundry, central air, large backyard. Vacant and ready for immediate occupancy!................. $469,900 LOVELY BRICK HOME and its original details blend seamlessly w/ 2 story stucco addition on a large lot. Home offers 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 1 half bath, beautiful woodwork throughout, wood burning fireplace, updated kitchen. Plenty of storage, 2 car garage…so much to see............ $454,900 CLASSIC LARGE BRICK BUNGALOW filled with abundance of natural light! This home is a treasure-filled with original glass doorknobs, pristine woodwork, vintage lighting and extraordinary stain glass windows. Entire basement is the footprint of the house; almost 800 sq ft waiting to be finished. ...............................................................................................$387,000
GREAT NORTH OP LOCATION with this 4 bedroom 2 bath home! Three BRs upstairs, Master BR downstairs. Large LR with gas fireplace. Kitchen and family room off dining room. Huge 2nd floor bathroom. Basement ready to be finished. Nice landscaping in the back yard. ................$379,000 SOLID BRICK GEORGIAN HOME with 3 bedrooms, 1-1/2 baths in need of updating. Well maintained by longtime owner. Hardwood floors under carpet. Classic wood burning fireplace in LR. Separate dining room. Deep yard if looking to put on an addition. 2 Car garage. Bring your decorating ideas and make this your own. ..........................................................$319,000
547 MONROE • RIVER FOREST
1117 S SCOVILLE • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 122
NE W LISTI NG!
N EW LI S T I N G!
ROOM FOR EVERYONE! Move in ready, gracious rooms and highest end updates! Designer kitchen, first floor family room, mudroom, 5 BRs, 3-1/2 baths, finished 3rd floor retreat, finished basement with a 6th bedroom. Completely renovated top to bottom, all you need to do is move in! ................................. $939,000
RIVER FOREST HOMES
BURMA BUILT BUHRKE HOUSE combines Tudor revival & chateau style architecture elements. Gorgeous décor and impeccable attention to detail and care found in house and landscaped grounds, extends to fabulous in ground pool and patios. Perfect for entertaining. ....................$1,975,000 BEAUTIFUL, CLASSIC HOME offers everything for today’s modern living. Custom-built home has the highest quality finishes. No detail was missed. Brick and stone exterior, wrap around porch, eleven-foot ceilings and oversized windows. LL has 2,000 feet of living area............ $1,525,000 LOVELY BURMA BUILT BRICK HOME, situated in the heart of RF, offers old world charm seamlessly blended with modern updates. Includes 6 BRs plus tandem, 5-1/2 baths, hardwood floors, wb/gas fireplace. Expansive bsmt with media/rec room. In-ground pool on double lot. ........$1,330,000 INVITING SPACIOUS HOME offers mid century/prairie style features with a large open floor plan. Unique feature with dual fireplaces in both kitchen/family room & living room/dining room. Professionally landscaped yard with a built-in in-ground hot tub and inviting fire pit.........$1,199,000 BEAUTIFUL BRICK & STONE CLASSIC HOUSE with a unique front wrap-around porch sits on a private park-like lot. Features 4 BRs, 2 full/2 half baths, natural wood, art glass windows, open kitchen with breakfast room, family room, mudroom, finished basement. Nothing will disappoint! ................................................................................................$1,150,000 TOTALLY NEW CONSTRUCTION 4900 sq ft w/finished basement. Craftsmanship & quality are alive in the fresh, exciting interior & exterior of this newly built 4 bedroom, 4-1/2 bath house from the eye-catching stairway, high ceilings, elegant fixtures & exquisite millwork w/ attention to detail thru-out. ............................................................................$1,150,000 UNIQUE QUALITY BURMA BUILT HOME with 5 bedrooms and 3 full, 2 half baths. House has many wonderful features; 2 separate office areas, hardwood floors, kitchen with all newer appliances, adjoining eating areafamily room. Finished basement. Three car garage ....................... $825,000 HANDSOME TUDOR with classic original archway details beautifully blends w/ tasteful updated bathrooms and kitchen. Spacious formal living room with wood burning fireplace. Lovely dining room with built in corner cabinets. OUTSTANDING BACKYARD. Finished basement! ..............$759,000 ELEGANT VICTORIAN, known as Elliot House in the OPRF Historical Directory, built in the 1890’s. Warm and inviting 4 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath home that will capture your heart immediately with all of its beautiful vintage detailing perfectly blended with recent updates. ............. $735,000 BEAUTIFUL BURMA BUILT TUDOR sits on a lovely lot with side drive leading to attached 3 car garage and large yard. This 4 bedroom, 3-1/2 bath home offers a great flow throughout the 1st floor, large eat-in kitchen, hardwood floors, leaded glass and classic cove ceilings. ............... $689,000
Ramona Fox Laura Gancer Lisa Grimes Dan Halperin Sharon Halperin Greg Jaroszewski Vee Jaroszewski Noa Klima
OAK PARK HOMES
UNPRECEDENTED ESTATE in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historical district of Oak Park! This meticulously renovated 5 BR, 5 full / 2 half bath property offers exquisite details and refined finishes that boast timeless materials and over the top custom millwork. This is a showcase home! ....$1,450,000 LOVELY TRADITIONAL HOME, found in walkable OP location, offers wonderful space for family and entertaining. Original details blend seamlessly with the updated 3 story addition. Offers 5 bedrooms, 4-1/2 baths, newer kitchen, abundant storage, family room, wine cellar....... $1,065,000 POSITIONED BEAUTIFULLY ON A CORNER LOT in a great location. The detail found throughout this home is something to see. The seamless addition adds tremendous space to this 4 BR, 2 full and 2 half BA home. A full finished bsmt with office and rec room. Storage galore.......... $889,000 MOVE IN READY NEW CONSTRUCTION with wide open floor plan. Gourmet kitchen opens to LR and DR. First floor BR and full bath. Beautiful front and back porches, finished basement with polished concrete floors, full bath and 5th bedroom. Newly built 2.5 garage. .......................$749,500 PRICE REDUCED STUNNING RENOVATION with exquisite modern finishes. Solid brick home features new hardwood floors throughout, recessed lighting, wood burning fireplace, family room, 3 generously sized BRs. Spacious finished LL. Central air, and 3-car garage. Just Move in and Enjoy! .................................................................................................. $629,500 GORGEOUS GUNDERSON, with 5 bedrooms and 3-1/2 baths features huge LR/DR combo with hardwood floors, family room that opens to outside deck, gourmet kitchen, fam room, mud room and 2nd floor laundry room. Beautiful open front porch, 2.5 car garage plus 2 exterior spaces. .... ..............................................................................................................$589,900
ELMWOOD PARK HOMES RECENTLY UPDATED COLONIAL located in EP’s RF Manor. Huge 2-story addition which includes a family room and 2-room master suite. Lots of windows and natural light. Family room includes a wood-burning fireplace and radiant floor heat. Enjoy entertaining in this home! $449,900
CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2-FLATS PRICE REDUCED RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2-1/2 BA. .....................$579,950 RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2-1/2 BA. Two heated garage spaces. ....... $499,000 NEW LISTING RIVER FOREST 1BR, 1BA. ..................................$169,000 OAK PARK Two Flat......................................................................... $530,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 2-1/2 BA. Three levels of living. ......................... $489,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2 full / 2 half bath. East facing balcony. .............$429,900 PRICE REDUCED OAK PARK 2BR, 2-1/2BA. ............................. $330,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2BA. Lots of large rooms......................................$329,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2-1/2BA Rooftop deck..........................................$259,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. Garage parking. .......................................... $200,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 1BA. Bright corner unit. .......................................$136,000
Thinking about buying or selling?
For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com
Contact Gagliardo Realty Associates today.
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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B&B
Dream comes true from page 19 segregation. There’s a lot of consensus in the field now about how housing segregation is a key driver in racial inequity.” When Sander became involved in a national movement to combat racial segregation in housing, he came to Oak Park to meet at the Oak Park Regional Housing Center. During that visit, he was a guest at Bishops Hall and got to know Tupta, who told him the home and business were for sale. “The Chicago initiative was taking root, and I figured Bishops Hall was a good place to center all the different chemical elements coming together,” Sander said. Sander, whose wife is an astrophysicist at Cal Tech, remains based in California, so he and Harrison looked for someone to take on the day-to-day operations of the bed-andbreakfast. Tupta was able to recommend a suitable couple in Nora and Peter Bouchard, also frequent guests of Bishops Hall. Nora Bouchard had lived in Oak Park for more than 25 years, when a job transfer moved her out of state. In her work as an executive recruiter, she travelled back to the area frequently to work with clients and stayed at Bishops Hall on a regular basis. “I was there almost every other week for three years,” Bouchard said. “I got to know the house and Charles very well. My husband and I used to tease Charles when the house was for sale and asked him to let us buy it for a buck. In June, he told us about Rick and Fiona and their plan to buy the house, and asked if we were interested in being the onsite caretakers.” Bouchard says it’s been a dream come true to live in the house. She enjoys living in the house as a resident rather than a guest, and says making breakfast and getting to know the guests are some of her favorite parts of each day. “The guests are fascinating,” Bouchard said. “Most are totally surprised by the beauty that is inside the house.” She says that much of the guest experience remains the same, but she is enjoying tweaking the menu a bit and trying new recipes. Current favorites include her famous French toast and an avocado mash served on a bagel with an egg. Sander notes that guests continue to use the B&B as a launching pad for work travel, jaunts to Chicago and to view local architecture, but says he and the Bouchards have plans to invite more people in to take advantage of the spacious entertaining rooms of the home. “We see potential here because there aren’t many places in and around Oak Park that have this serene environment for gatherings,” Sander said. “The first floor is generally underutilized. We want to open that up to the village.” To that end, they are opening the home’s common spaces for small event rentals and recently hosted a retreat for a local university’s sociology department. Bouchard says a music recital is on tap for this winter as
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
GENTILITY: Guests are often surprised by the beauty of the B&B, says Nora Bouchard, pointing to the elegance of the music room (top), living room (middle left), secret library (middle right) and formal staircase (at right). well as a fundraiser for local nonprofit Beyond Hunger. She says the home lends itself to wedding showers, luncheons, holiday parties and other community events. Sander, who returns to the area eight or nine times a year, hopes to host some events related to the anti-segregation effort in the future, and says he is looking forward to weaving the house into the Oak Park community. “We want it to be a resource for the community,” Sander said. “The notion is to match community needs with what we can offer.”
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
189 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-1400
23
HomesInTheVillage.com
Featured Listings for This Week Oak Park $599,000 5BR, 3.2BA Call Elissa x192
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1146 Schneider Open Sun 11:30-1:30 pm Oak Park $299,000 2BR, 2.1BA Call Roz x112
Berwyn $224,900 4BR, 1BA Call Kris x101
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505 River Oaks Dr River Forest • $675,000 3BR, 2BA Call Marion x111
Forest Park $219,000 2BR, 1BA Call Patti x124
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Oak Park $149,000 2BR, 1BA Call Marion x111
Oak Park $119,900 1BR, 1BA Call Mike x120
Forest Park $115,000 2BR, 1BA Call Harry x116
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Harry Walsh,
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Erika Villegas, Co-Owner
Mike Becker
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Laurie Christofano
Kari Chronopoulos
Marion Digre
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Ed Goodwin
Joe Langley
Jane McClelland
Mary Murphy
Sharon O’Mara
Elissa Palermo
Kyra Pych
Linda Rooney
Kris Sagan
Patti Sprafka-Wagner
Managing Broker
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
OPEN SUN 12-2
OPEN SUN 11-1
NEW LISTING
1142 FRANKLIN AVE, RIVER FOREST
1227 JACKSON AVE, RIVER FOREST
1124 LAKE ST 702, OAK PARK
735 AUGUSTA ST, OAK PARK
427 N OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK
4 br, 4.1 ba $1,400,000
4 br, 3.1 ba $899,000
3 br, 3.1 ba $869,000
4 br, 2.1 ba $789,000
4 br, 4 ba $739,000
Donna Serpico 708.848.5550
Sarah O'Shea Munoz 708.848.5550
Lorne Frank 312.642.1400
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
NEW LISTING
OPEN SUN 11:30-1:30
NEW PRICE
314 S TAYLOR AVE, OAK PARK
130 S HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK
731 HAYES AVE, OAK PARK
1108 S SCOVILLE AVE, OAK PARK
212 MARENGO AVE 1S, FOREST PARK
5 br, 3.1 ba $725,000
5 br, 1.1 ba $519,000
5 br, 2 ba $474,500
4 br, 2.1 ba $405,000
2 br, 2 ba $399,000
Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
Janet Rouse 708.848.5550
Susan Abbott 708.848.5550
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
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1024 PLEASANT ST 6, OAK PARK
902 S KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK
839 N LOMBARD AVE, OAK PARK
815 DUNLOP AVE, FOREST PARK
174 N HUMPHREY AVE, OAK PARK
3 br, 2 ba $392,000
4 br, 3 ba $355,000
3 br, 1.1 ba $315,000
2 br, 3.1 ba $309,000
3 br, 1 ba $279,000
Victoria Witt 708.848.5550
Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550
Cory Kohut 708.848.5550
April Baker 708.848.5550
Beth Franken 708.848.5550
NEW PRICE
OPEN SUN 2-4
NEW LISTING
1135 SCHNEIDER AVE 3B, OAK PARK
220 S MAPLE AVE 42, OAK PARK
302 N OAK PARK AVE 3, OAK PARK
1421 N HARLEM AVE A, OAK PARK
125 N EUCLID AVE 204, OAK PARK
2 br, 2 ba $272,500
3 br, 2.1 ba $269,000
3 br, 2 ba $259,900
2 br, 1.1 ba $210,000
1 br, 1 ba $159,000
Cory Kohut 708.848.5550
Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550
Janet Rouse 708.848.5550
Victoria Witt 708.848.5550
Meg Wygonik Kryger 708.848.5550
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
25
Sunday, November 3, 2019 ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
1809 N. Nashville Ave, Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $275,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 12-2
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
1117 S. Scoville Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $389,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 409 Repton Rd, Riverside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $409,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 743 S. Cuyler Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$419,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 2127 N. 77th Court, Elmwood Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $478,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 130 S. Harvey Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . . $519,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 714 N. Lombard Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $548,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 11:30-1 1130 Paulina St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $549,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4 259 Home Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $575,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 12-2 178 N. Euclid Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $650,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 1227 Jackson Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . $949,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3:30
CONDOS
ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
817 Lake St. UNIT 2N, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2:30 426 S. Lombard Ave. UNIT 107-207, Oak Park . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $259,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 302 N. Oak Park Ave. UNIT 3, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . $259,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4 212 Marengo Ave, Forest Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . $399,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
1146 Schneider Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:30-1:30
TOWNHOMES
39 Forest Ave. UNIT 5, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $479,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 12-2 39 Forest Ave. UNIT 5, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $479,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 7832 Madison St. UNIT 23, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $479,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 7832 Madison St. UNIT 23, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $479,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 12-2 7828 Madison St, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $509,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 7828 Madison St, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $509,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 12-2
MULTIFAMILY
186 N. Marion St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $599,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
731 Hayes Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . $474,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:30-1:45 202 N. Ridgeland Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $838,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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No. 1 Oak Park Office!
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1133 W Chicago, 3E | Oak Park $699,000 Kara & Jon Keller
101 N Euclid. Unit 33 | Oak Park $545,000 Leigh Ann Hughes
39 Forest Ave. # 5 | River Forest $479,000 Patricia McGowan
814 Wenonah Ave | Oak Park $459,000 Sandra Dita Lopez
1207 Rossell Ave | Oak Park $449,000 Catherine Simon-Vobornik
815 Hayes Ave | Oak Park $449,000 Vanessa Willey
156 N Oak Park. #1H | Oak Park $419,000 Bethanny Alexander
947 N Taylor Ave | Oak Park $399,000 Swati Saxena
139 Rockford Ave | Forest Park $364,900 Patricia McGowan
103 Pine Ave | Riverside $355,000 Carla Taylor
605 N Humphrey Ave | Oak Park $349,000 Kara & Jon Keller
7505 Brown. Unit C | Forest Park $319,000 Bobbi Eastman
109 Marengo Ave | Forest Park $240,000 James Salazar
222 N Grove Ave. 2B | Oak Park $215,000 Linda Von Vogt
1018 S Ridgeland Ave | Oak Park $199,000 Saretta Joyner
1312 Circle Ave | Forest Park $195,000 Mary Carlin
1020 Washington #3C | Oak Park $147,000 Ann Keeney
817 Lake St. #2N | Oak Park $129,000 Ed Bellock
Source: BrokerMetrics® Detached and Attached only. 1/1/2018 - 12/ 31/2018
1037 Chicago Ave | 708-697-5900 | oakpark.bairdwarner.com
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
29
Defending the ‘Dan Moroneys’ p. 32
The choice: confrontation or avoidance?
couple of weeks ago, we were encouraged to #choosekindness as part of a national anti-bullying campaign. What strikes me is the focus on choice. We are currently in the midst of much proposed and actual change, and it has been frequently said that some of these issues are driving us apart. I don’t believe that is true. Most of these issues are not new. We are constantly required to deal with new and re-emerging concerns, particularly given that change is inevitable. How we choose to tackle this change is ultimately what defines us. Do we choose to deal with the inevitable messiness or do we choose to pretend that the issue doesn’t exist — in favor of business as usual and a pretend peace? Living in a country and a community that aspires to value the rights and needs of a diverse citizenry has meant that we are in constant pursuit of a “more perfect union.” Hopefully we are learning from our mistakes and getting closer to our goals in the process. But let us not conflate strategy with achievement. Keeping the peace does not get us closer to that union. Whether we are weighing the approaches to legalized recreational marijuana, 21st-century educational needs, or policing, it is our choices that either move us closer to our goals or not. Issues not properly dealt with in the past are re-emerging as they are apt to do. Choosing a strategy of avoidance over confrontation only kicks the can down the road for so long. Our journey toward achieving our goals will probably be messy and may get worse before it gets better. It is, after all, an experiment, and experiments are iterative, requiring continuous improvement. Staying the same is not an effective choice if we have not yet achieved our goals, but for many it may feel safer. Those seeking that safety may not realize or care that it was never safe for many of their neighbors. So what do we do when we find ourselves at an impasse? Well, there are specific mediation practices we should be using on a regular basis, none of which include being dismissive, rude, snide, intractable, or just plain nasty. In general, it requires being in a state of curiosity — asking questions when you don’t understand, exploring the options fully, teasing out the difference between feelings and facts, and dealing directly with fellow decision-makers. That doesn’t mean you don’t consider how you make people feel. One can be kind without being nice. If we stay focused on the results and not on feeding fears, being right or saving face, that brings us much closer to our goals. The choices made by our leaders and the people they serve speak to our values. It will not matter what’s said if nothing changes; and it will not matter if the peace is kept by silencing the marginalized. The beloved Elijah Cummings showed us that leadership matters, voting matters, and the choices we make every day to be equitable, inclusive and kind matter. Linda T. Francis is director of Success of All Youth, an initiative of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation. She shares her personal views which do not represent the Community Foundation.
LINDA FRANCIS
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Faith leaders visit border, protest protocols
e, the members of a multi-faith, multiracial clergy delegation who traveled to the southern border, recently witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the Trump Administration’s Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), which were instituted this year, denying asylum seekers the opportunity to remain in the U.S. while their deportation proceedings are ongoing. With our partners at PASO - West Suburban Action Project, we traveled to Brownsville, Texas where we walked across the Rio Grande to Matamoros, Mexico. Six weeks earlier, members of our congregations visited the 300 people who were living by the bridge, sleeping on the ground, or the lucky few in donated tents on the side of the road. Today, there are over 1,000 refugees stranded, living in squalid conditions, awaiting hearings in the makeshift tent courts set up in the United States, each person with a story and a dream and a need for protection. The name of this U.S. policy is a farce. It is not a policy that protects migrants, offering safety and respite to those who have fled their homes due to fear, violence or persecution. Rather it leaves them out on the street, without clean, running water or shelter. They are largely dependent on humanitarian efforts for food and water. Matamoros is an extremely dangerous city. The U.S. State Department ranks the area the same risk level given to Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan: “Do not travel.” In this part of the world, murder, rape, kidnapping and violent crime are common. Yet we are send-
ing traumatized, vulnerable people to this city, where they are targeted by drug cartels and organized crime. The aim of our delegation was to provide humanitarian and legal aid and to hear the stories of those denied basic human rights and protection. We met people from Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Cuba, El Salvador, and southern Mexico. Every person had stories of fleeing violence and the fear of losing their lives or the lives of loved ones. Some were members of the LGBTQ+ community fleeing persecution. Others feared retribution because they came forward as witnesses to violent crimes. Some parents feared their child would be kidnapped and forced into the pipeline of sex trafficking. What was most striking were the large numbers of children, especially very young children. Many were playing spiritedly. Many were lying listlessly, clearly dehydrated and malnourished. These families have fled persecution, death threats, and poverty in their home countries seeking a better life, a life of justice, in the U.S. Yet what they are now facing is a system designed to keep them out, to dehumanize and humiliate them. Living conditions are desperate. Hundreds of tents fill the space of a basketball court. Fifteen months ago, there were 25 people here, six weeks ago 300, today, more than 1,000. Waiting for a hearing, each of these people believe they are there temporarily, but the wait can be many months with no guarantee of protection or entry into the U.S. See BORDER on page 32
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
O U R
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V I E W P O I N T S
V I E W S
Oak Park needs the Housing Center
And the housing center needs to change he seeds of discontent on Oak Park’s village board toward the Oak Park Regional Housing Center go back well over a decade. When the first criticisms over ongoing taxpayer funding of the iconic, integration-fostering agency were raised, it was seen by most, including this editorial page, as an unworthy attack. The frustrations among a minority of village board members have continued, though, through every succeeding village board and now have grown into something approaching a chorus. And our defense of the housing center is not as absolute as it once was. Monday night, the village board, in preparing its budget for the next fiscal year, turned to a staff recommendation that funding for the organization be eliminated. With village finances as tight as they are, with pressure for relief so high among taxpayers, there will be those on the board who might see cutting $300,000-plus from the budget as an easy win. Our advice: Don’t do it. It would be a short-sighted overreaction to the decades-long challenge of maintaining Oak Park as a racially integrated village. Oak Park isn’t integrated by accident. It isn’t integrated because the market dictated that outcome. Oak Park is racially integrated because conscious choices were made, and must continue to be made, to foster what the current jargon would describe as “affirmative moves.” That said, the housing center has serious issues and they’ve gotten worse in recent years. Fast and determined action is needed by the housing center’s board and Athena Williams, its just appointed executive director. The housing center is stuck two decades back. No one rents an apartment by walking into a storefront looking for listings. And the center has been agonizingly slow in contending with the shift to digital search technology. The housing center has also been far too comfortable, relying far too much on taxpayer funding. It needs to develop alternative funding sources from foundations and individuals. And fast. So, yes, the village board has every reason to turn the screws on the housing center. It has over recent years set stricter reporting measures. And the results haven’t been favorable in producing more affirmative moves. That has to change. But just as the village rightly partners and funds the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation and the Oak Park Residence Corporation as the best third-party means to accomplish goals in development and housing, it needs the housing center to survive and thrive to maintain integration. Can funding to the housing center be reduced this year? Yes. Next year too. But cutting off funding entirely would be short-sighted. Light the fire. And then allow the new executive director and her team to shake off the cobwebs and move the housing center forward.
Don’t arm our teachers You run for a seat on the school board and assume you’ll cast votes on curriculum and teacher contracts and bond issues. That we have now reached the place where our two local public elementary schools need to cast an annual vote aimed at keeping Springfield from making it optional for local school districts to provide firearm training for teachers and staff is simply an affirmation of the deep hole we are in as a nation. The very idea that the best way to keep our children safe from gun violence is to arm their teachers is repugnant. It suggests that the U.S. has lost the fortitude, the good sense to actively pass gun safety measures that are the most certain route to protect our kids. So we were glad to see last week that the school board at District 90 River Forest schools agreed to send one of its members to the coming Illinois Association of School Boards meeting next month to oppose this grotesque idea. The Oak Park District 97 school board was set to take up the issue Tuesday after our press time. Considering the D97 board opposed the same measure a year ago, we are certain it will take a similar position.
S
Safe space vs. brave space
hould Oak Park be a safe space? Or should it be a “brave space”? After several weeks of tempestuous conflict at village board meetings, one can’t resist channeling L.A. street philosopher Rodney King who famously asked, “Can’t we all just get along?” Evidently we can’t “just” get along. We need to learn to get along even when we passionately disagree. But is that even possible? Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb, who assumed the role of peacemaker at last week’s board meeting, seems to think so, and since he grew up in Palestine, that’s really saying something. He read part of a poem about creating “brave space,” a place for uncomfortably honest dialogue. He runs marathons. He writes essays of surprising depth and substance. He even quotes poetry. Anan will surprise you. And he may be a fan of On Being, the spiritually uplifting interview show on National Public Radio every Sunday at 7 a.m. (listen anytime online). The poem Anan referenced about “brave space” was featured during Krista Tippett’s interview with Rev. Jennifer Bailey and Lennon Flowers, who cofounded The People’s Supper, bringing together those who passionately disagree to share a meal — over 1,500 meals, in fact, since 2017. Not all of us are ready to be “bridge people,” they pointed out, but we can still ask people to “be brave.” Their mantra at The People’s Supper is: “Relationships move at the speed of trust, but social change moves at the speed of relationships.” “There has been no movement for justice or equity in this country that didn’t start with relationship,” Bailey said. Interaction, in other words, is the yeast. Why did same-sex marriage become the law of the land seemingly overnight? The foundation was laid painstakingly over long years by dedicated advocates, but the final push was provided by relationships between ordinary people, gay and straight, who got to know one another, which elevated their comfort and caring level. Family and friends, no longer “other.” Familiarity breeds content, it turns out, not contempt. But relationship-building isn’t easy, especially now. In response to Rev. Martin Luther King’s question, “Where do we go from here, chaos or community?” Bailey wrote, “I choose community. The community I long for will not be found in shallow platitudes promoting reconciliation. It will require the courage of everyday heroes to dig deep and find within themselves the wherewithal to lean into one another and repair the breach of relationships this election has exposed.” We need to step into the fray and make ourselves vulnerable. Too often, said Flowers, “I think we’ve outsourced the role of being human to experts and professionals.” Bailey added, “If we are going to grow into being fully human, to grow into the promise of America, to be in process, then we have to be teachable. We have to be willing to engage one another and be wrong sometimes.” In other words, accepting “An Invitation to Brave Space,” the poem by Micky ScottBey Jones, which Anan quoted from, that begins every one of
The People’s Suppers:
Together we will create brave space Because there is no such thing as a ‘safe space.’ We exist in the real world We all carry scars and we have all caused wounds. In this space We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world, We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere, We call each other to more truth and love. We have the right to start somewhere and continue to grow. We have the responsibility to examine what we think we know. We will not be perfect. This space will not be perfect. It will not always be what we wish it to be But it will be our brave space together, And we will work on it, side by side.
KEN
TRAINOR
Ironically, the recent village board squabble was about revising the Village Diversity Statement, which aspired to make Oak Park a safe space for all residents. Those who pushed for the revision wanted to take the next step and make Oak Park (and all village institutions) a brave space, working hard together to achieve “equity,” breaking down “systems of oppression.” A couple of trustees thought the language went too far. Civility broke down. I wouldn’t have phrased it the way Susan Buchanan did, but I agree with her that males — white males in particular — would benefit from talking less and listening a whole lot more. The poem above says there’s no such thing as safe space, not if it rules out truth-telling, so we must create a brave space where we call each other both to more truth and more love. That space will always be imperfect because we are imperfect. Any village board is susceptible to toxic reactivity. There will always be personality conflicts. This board, I think, would benefit from 15 minutes of mindfulness meditation before every meeting. Mindfulness makes us more aware of our tendency to react impulsively, reflexively, and excessively. It adds an important tool to our toolkit: an inner voice that allows us to step back and say — without berating ourselves — “There I go again. What’s that all about?” It’s amazing how much it helps. I suffered from excessive reactivity for many years. I still do from time to time (just ask my friends). Some of you, though, have probably noticed that my columns are not as angry as they used to be. If Trump had come along 10 years ago, my head would have exploded. But not now. At Farmers Market recently, someone came up to me and said, “You’re one of those guys at Wednesday Journal who hates Trump, right?” I said (truthfully), “I don’t hate him so much as feel sorry for him.” He was taken aback but stayed on message. “Hating,” he said, “is not a good thing.” I agreed with him wholeheartedly and he moved on. That was a brave space moment. Board members might want to try mindfulness. And once in a while, one-on-one, they might also want to share a meal.
V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N
by Marc Stopeck
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Linda Francis Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Tom Deja Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck
Things we should get worked up about Jon Stewart is my personal hero. In the past couple of years, he has said a couple of things that really resonated with me. I think it might be worth offering them up to all of you Oak Parkers out there incensed either over Trustee Susan Buchanan’s heated comments at a recent village meeting and/or Trustee Dan Moroney’s radio interview. “Infinite rage wears on you”: Stewart said this three weeks after the 2016 election, but it is just as applicable now. Can we all just take a chill pill? Can we just stipulate that some basically honest, well-meaning folks may have suffered some lapses in judgment? Can all the outraged parties agree to let both trustees off the hook now? Can we stop calling for resignations and let our village government get back to work? Infinite rage wears on you and it wears you down. It’s exhausting and ultimately it’s not productive. “If we amplify everything, we hear nothing”: This quote is from Stewart’s closing remarks in 2010 at the “Rally to Restore Sanity” and it is just as applicable today. In other words, “pick your battles” and “know when to quit.” To mangle an old aphorism, let the out-
rage fit the crime. Not everything requires a ballistic response. If, indeed, a ballistic response is called for, by all means make your point — then give the other guy a chance to be heard. If you keep beating on the drum, at some point people stop listening. Maybe hosting our own “rally to restore sanity” isn’t a bad idea. As citizens of Oak Park, we have more important issues to deal with. The Oak Park real estate market is stagnant, with the diverse character of our village threatened by our sky-high property taxes that drive out older residents on fixed incomes and keep out potential buyers of modest means; property taxes force some homeowners to choose between paying their taxes and paying their bills. Now that’s something to get worked up about, don’t you think? As citizens of the world, we have more critical issues to deal with. Climate change is relentlessly transforming the planet into an uninhabitable lump. Now that is something to get worked up about, don’t you think?
Louise Mezzatesta Oak Park
But next year it’s on Saturday Tomorrow we get a chance to experience Oak Park’s “new & improved” trick-or-treating hours, which start later and run later into the night. But what about next year? Or 2021? In their haste to approve this important legislation, did the board consider that almost 1/3 of all Halloweens fall on the weekend? Regardless of who you are or where you come from,
Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Client Engagement Natalie Johnson Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
trick-or-treating on weekend Halloweens is glorious: The kids are excited, neighbors are outside enjoying the fun, the daylight hours are warmer, and it is safer for kids during the daytime.
Kurt Roskopf Oak Park
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY
■ 250-word limit
■ 500-word limit
■ Must include first and last names,
■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,
municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)
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 708 613 3300
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
BORDER
Witness to inhumanity from page 32 There is a refugee crisis at our Southern border that is entirely created by our current president. Congress has the power to end it immediately with its upcoming budget vote. Communities of faith must stand in solidarity to demand an end to the inhumanity and suffering that is being caused in our name. We call on our elected officials, and in particular on Senator Durbin, to eliminate and defund the so-called Migrant Protection Protocols and allow asylum seekers safe refuge in the U.S. while their cases are being processed.
Rev. Ira Acree
Greater St John Bible Church, Chicago
Rev. Eric Biddy
St Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Oak Park
Rev. Marshall Hatch Jr.
New Mount Pilgrim Church, Chicago
Rev. Marshall Hatch Sr.
New Mount Pilgrim Church
Rev. Ben Lynch
Co-pastor, Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, Oak Park
Rabbi Ari Margolis
Rabbi, Congregation Or Shalom, Vernon Hills
Rev. Scott Onque’
St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago
Rev. Alan Taylor
Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Oak Park
Rabbi Max Weiss
Rabbi, Oak Park Temple B’nai Abraham Zion
Rev. Eileen Wiviott
Minister, Unitarian Church of Evanston
Language as intimidation
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Defending the ‘Dan Maroneys’
s I was driving my bi-racial child to a “play date” at the home where a bi-racial, same-sex couple reside, it suddenly dawned on me that 10 years ago, definitely 20, this was something that would give many “pause” and likely this couple would be “closeted” because, well, “I don’t want my child exposed to people like that.” I started to think further about how “mainstream” society shunned, silenced and shamed those who weren’t “mainstream” (which essentially meant white and straight) or worse, exiled them, if not literally then definitely figuratively. I thought about how “normal” that seemed when I was growing up, but then realized the irony that that is exactly what people calling for Dan Maroney’s resignation were doing and probably don’t even realize it. Some say society is becoming more polarized, but in my moment of contemplation I realized it’s always been that way really. Those who feel they possess the “majority” point of view have always sought to silence those who possessed or expressed views, or actions, that weren’t aligned with “the majority” with various justifications for doing so. Rather than discuss or even debate the merits of the different viewpoints, the majority tends to use its majority position to trivialize the sentiments, or characterize/vilify the motives of people expressing dissent. As a black man who will be 54 next week, I’ve experienced the frustration of having my expression of dissent or disagreement ignored and reduced to “angry black man” or “radical liberal” depending on the topic. Ideally, even if not in reality, people with different points of views, different ideas, different lifestyles, sexual orientations or religious/political views would be entitled to hold those differences so long as they are not imposing them on others. Susan Buchanan Which brings me to the current “Dan Ma-
roney” controversy, which began with one village trustee seeking to silence his attempt to express views — not because he was trying to impose his views on her or the village but rather because he was white and male and therefore couldn’t have a valid point of view, no matter what it was. Really? Now I don’t write to defend Dan Maroney the man, someone I do happen to have known for the past five years. And let me be clear, I do not write to defend him or his views, wherever they’ve been expressed. I write to defend the right of “Dan Maroney,” be it the actual man himself or any other village trustee, to express and discuss, in a calm, civil, responsible and rational manner, views on issues they were elected to discuss and then vote their conscience. It’s really curious to me, since we’re talking about Oak Park, that there are so many who feel otherwise? Discussing race is difficult. I appreciate, though I may not completely agree with, Dan Maroney’s point of view on the Diversity Statement. I likewise appreciate, though I may not completely agree with, Susan Buchanan’s sentiments. A person who is not, and has never been oppressed, solely because of factors they don’t control (how they were born, etc.) is challenged to “understand” how that feels. But however true that may be, it is also true that such views should be heard, debated if disagreed with, but not silenced because we don’t like them. See it’s possible for people with different points of view, even those that may be polar opposite, to discuss those differences and try to find common ground or at least compromise. But it can only successfully happen if the participants approach those discussions with the sense of responsibility demanded by the difficulty of the topic and are courageous enough not to just express their own views but to considerately listen to, and show respect for, another’s. Dan Moroney Thomas Coates is a 22-year Oak Parker.
THOMAS COATES One View
Let’s have a real ban on leaf blowers this time
A bit of leaf blowing history
It is disappointing to see the mob mentality that seems to have taken over some members of our community at Oak Park Village Board meetings and in various online postings and other media. We have local agitators using intimidation tactics that seem straight out of a totalitarian’s playbook. In their comments, terms such as “white supremacist” and “extremist” are casually applied to anyone who does not see the issues exactly as they see them. This type of behavior is despicable. Dialogue and discussion are derailed. There is no benefit if we eliminate “systems of oppression” only to replace them with a system of repression. Yet that is where we seem to be headed and that is an abhorrent thought.
I absolutely support a ban leaf blowers [Something the village board can agree on, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, Oct. 23]. I lived in Oak Park for years and I remember that on many summer and fall days I was driven inside with the windows closed by the sonic blasts — not only loud but long-lasting. I actually managed to get the village board to pass a full ban — can’t remember the date, probably 2000-2005 — but as soon as the major landscape companies learned of the ban, they went to the board of trustees and got them to change the ruling. The revised law set a decibel level on the devices but did not ban them completely. The result was that they were still pretty damn loud. The things are evil. When a man operates one of these devices he gets a big thrill out of it — finger on the throttle, lots of noise, a big long thing stuck out in front, and a lot of “thrust” coming out the tip. Jan and I used to watch them operating the devices. A man would sometimes chase a single leaf all the way down the street. One very simple solution, that Jan and I thought of was to only allow women operators. The men could pull weeds.
Thanks for all the recent discourse on leaf blowers in Oak Park. This is a subject that I’ve had a great interest in for quite some time but had basically given up hope of anything ever happening. In case you weren’t aware of how long this subject has been a hot topic, here’s some background: As long ago as 2001, I was in contact with then-board member Barbara Ebner. That conversation (along with others, I’m sure) brought about the initial ban of leaf blowers shortly after. Within a year, I was present at a village board meeting where the ban was revised (basically overturned) due to comments from a consortium of citizens, including owners of lawn services, who complained that it was impossible to operate their businesses cost-effectively without the use of leaf blowers. The compromise was that all leaf blowers used by commercial lawn contractors were to be licensed by the village, which included doing a check of decibel levels. But as you indicated in your Oct. 23 column [Something the village board can agree on, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints], this clearly has not been implemented or enforced. Although since then I have generally tried to just ignore the problem, I’ve occasionally felt compelled to act. I sent a Viewpoints piece to you in 2013 (which I believe you published) and in 2015, I wrote, “Part of the problem.” Needless to say, I feel it would be great if this current discussion actually accomplishes something. Thanks for your contribution.
Oak Park
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Oak Park
Maureen Kleinman
Bill Dring
Peter Conover
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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Event tri-chairs Ann Schimmel, Amy McFarlane and Kim Wojack enjoy evening evening!
Board Chair Sheryl Martin pictured with her husband, Dave.
Stand Tall 2019
s part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sarah’s Inn hosted Stand Tall at the Oak Park Country Club on Saturday, October 19. This signature event, with master of ceremonies, Lisa Parker from NBC Chicago, was attended by nearly 300 community members, raising over $130,000 to support the mission of Sarah’s Inn. Chaired by Amy McFarlane, Ann Schimmel and Kim Wojack, Stand Tall featured a live and silent auction, a Build Your Own Bar raffle, and entertainment, and honored Executive Director, Carol Gall, for her five years of dedication and inspiring leadership. The program received outstanding community support from corporate and individual sponsors, including
Together Strong Sponsor Linda and Kevin Conway. The mission of Sarah’s Inn is to improve the lives of families impacted by domestic violence, and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. To learn more about Sarah’s Inn programs and services, or to get involved, contact joannas@sarahsinn.org.
Board member Boomer McInerney pictured with his wife, Rebecca, enjoying the Zippy Photo Booth!
Photo credits: Matt Kosterman Productions
Event committee member Molly Crawford with supporters Mary Lou and Marty Noll.
Executive Director Carol Gall (center) with committee members Liz West and Beth Cohen. Carol was honored at the event for five years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership.
MC of the evening, Lisa Parker of NBC Chicago, kicking off the evening’s program.
Sarah’s Inn staff enjoying an evening to celebrate the agency’s work.
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
Check First.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
RELIGION GUIDE
First Congregational Church of Maywood
400 N. Fifth Avenue (1 block north of Lake St.) Come join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11 am Pastor Elliot Wimbush will be preaching the message. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. 708-344-6150 firstchurchofmaywood.org When you're looking for a place to worship the Lord, Check First.
You’re Invited to A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130
William S. Winston Pastor
Roman Catholic
Good Shepherd
Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)
3:30-4:00pm
Nationwide
WJYS-TV (M-F)
6:30-7:00am
Chicago, IL.
WCIU-TV (Sun.)
10:30-11:00am
Chicago, IL.
Word Network
10:30-11:00am
Nationwide
(M-F)
www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org
West Suburban Temple Har Zion
1040 N. Harlem Avenue River Forest Meet our Rabbi, Adir Glick Pray, learn, and celebrate with our caring, progressive, egalitarian community. Interfaith families are welcome. Accredited Early Childhood Program Religious School for K thru 12 Daily Morning Minyan Weekly Shabbat Services Friday 6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org
188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. M–F Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 Religious Ed Phone: 708-848-7220
Worshiping at 820 Ontario, Oak Park IL (First Baptist Church) 9:00a-Worship 10:30a-Education Hour
All are welcome. goodshepherdlc.org 708-848-4741
St. Giles Family Mass Community
Lutheran—ELCA
United Lutheran Church
409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland Avenue) Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and children’s chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
OAK PARK MEETING OF FRIENDS (Quakers) Meeting For Worship Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Park Art League 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park Please call 708-445-8201 www.oakparkfriends.org
Roman Catholic
Ascension Catholic Church
www.unitedlutheranchurch.org
708/386-1576
(708) 697-5000 LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service
St. Edmund Catholic Church
ELCA, Lutheran
Lutheran-Independent
Grace Lutheran Church
7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor David W. Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m. Childcare Available
Grace Lutheran School
Preschool - 8th Grade Bill Koehne, Principal 366-6900, graceriverforest.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship, 9:30am Christian Education Hour 8:30am Wednesday Worship 7:00pm Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org Methodist
First United Methodist Church of Oak Park
324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Children’s Chapel during Worship Rev. Katherine Thomas Paisley, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship
808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am 5:00 pm at St. Edmund Church Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 – 4:45 pm Saturday Taizé Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1 Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor Roman Catholic
St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park
CELEBRATING OUR 107TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Thursday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca
We welcome all to attend Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. on the St. Giles Parish campus on the second floor of the school gym, the southernmost building in the school complex at 1034 North Linden Avenue. Established in 1970, we are a laybased community within St. Giles Roman Catholic Parish. Our Mass is family-friendly. We encourage liturgically active toddlers. Children from 3 to 13 and young adults play meaningful parts in each Sunday liturgy. Together with the parish, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program for children in grades K-8. For more information, go to http://www.stgilesparish.org/ family-mass-community or call Bob Wielgos at 708-288-2196.
Third Unitarian Church 10AM Sunday Forum 11AM Service Rev. Colleen Vahey thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield, Chicago Committed to justice, not to a creed Upcoming Religious Holidays
Oct 31 All Hallows Eve Reformation Day
Christian Protestant Christian Nov 1 All Saints Day Christian Samhain - Beltane Wicca/Pagan Northern and Southern hemispheres 2 All Souls Day Catholic Christian
To place a listing in the Religion Guide, call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342
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V I E W P O I N T S
Contact your local school board members Dear neighbors and colleagues, I’m not sure how you feel about teachers carrying guns or having easy access to a gun in the classroom. But after teaching for 35 years in a high school, all I can imagine is how carrying a gun could go so wrong, so quickly in a busy school setting. Worse yet would be a situation where panic has set in. To be honest, I can’t believe anyone would think teachers “packing heat” would be a good idea. This is why I was honestly shocked when I learned what will be happening on Nov. 23 at the annual meeting of the Illinois School Board Association. They will be debating a proposal that would train classroom teachers to carry a gun during the school day. A similar proposal came up at last year’s ISBA Convention of more than 1,000 delegates, and it was defeated by only 24 votes! My ask is a simple one. As a politically involved and concerned member of your community, please contact a member of your local school board (or several members). Ask them to urge your school board members to take a stand against any proposal to arm your district’s teachers. Please spread the word to other community members and especially teachers and retired teachers in your community and other communities around Illinois. At the bottom of this email, I have also included the names of the board of education members from Oak
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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Depriving Americans of the right to vote
Park and River Forest. Please remember these are good people giving huge amounts of time. Please be courteous. OPRF High School District 200 board Matt Baron, mbaron@oprfhs.org, Tom Cofsky, tcofsky@oprfhs.org, Craig Iseli, cIseli@oprfhs.org, Gina G. Harris, gharris@oprfhs.org, Ralph Martire, rmartire@ oprfhs.org, Dr. Jackie Moore, president, Jackie.Moore@ oprfhs.org, Sara Dixon Spivy, sspivy@oprfhs.org, All board members, BoE@oprfhs.org Oak Park Elementary District 97 board Keecia Broy, president, kbroy@op97.org, Jung Kim, jkim@op97.org, Rob Breymaier, rbreymaier@op97.org, Gavin Kearney, gkearney@op97.org, Cheree Moore, cmoore1@op97.org, Katherine Murray-Liebl, kmurrayliebl@op97.org, Holly Spurlock, hspurlock@op97.org River Forest Elementary District 90 Katie Avalos, AvalosK@district90.org, Cal Davis, DavisC@district90.org, Judy Deogracias, DeograciasJ@ district90.org, Barb Hickey, HickeyB@district90.org, Rich Moore, president, MooreR@district90.org, Nicole Thompson, ThompsonN@district90.org, Stacey Williams, williamsstacey@district90.org
Bob Haisman Oak Park
Franklin Roosevelt once said, “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.” Unfortunately, Roosevelt was wrong. The 2018 gubernatorial race in Georgia was an egregious example of deliberate voter suppression. Tens of thousands of voters — most of them people of color, immigrants, or others likely to vote for the Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams — were systematically disenfranchised in an election administered by Brian Kemp, then Georgia’s Secretary of State, who also happened to be Abrams’ Republican opponent for the governorship. What happened in Georgia in 2018 is the subject of a new documentary, Suppressed: The Fight to Vote, which will be
screened on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m., in the second-floor Veterans Room at the Oak Park Public Library main branch, 834 Lake St. Think it can’t happen here? The fight to ensure fair elections in Cook County and Illinois will be the subject of a panel discussion following the screening, featuring Tonya Rice, director of Elections for the Cook County Clerk’s Office; Liliana Scales, director of Advocacy at Change Illinois; Jay Young, executive director of Common Cause Illinois; and Paula Lawson, redistricting issues specialist for the Illinois League of Women Voters. Cosponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak ParkRiver Forest and the Oak Park Public Library, this event is free and open to all. Please join us.
Wendy Greenhouse Oak Park
408 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park (708) 705-6458 kindnesscreators .org
Congratulations, Kindness Creators Intergenerational Program!
Among those celebrating at Kindness Creators' ribbon cutting: Pat Koko, Celebrating Seniors Coalition; Bob Stelletello, Right At Home Oak Park / Chicago / Hinsdale; Cliff Osborn, Jack Carpenter Realtors; Dr. Mary Ann Bender, Dr. Mary Ann Bender Podiatry; Susie Goldschmdit, Byline Bank; Denise Warren, Byline Bank; Jaime Moran, Kindness Creators; Heather Lindstrom, Oak Park Arms; Pamela Lawrence, Kindness Creators; Moses Williams, Oak Park Arms; Manny Kramer, Oak Park Arms; John Lawrence, BHHS Anan Abu-Taleb, Village us of Oak Park; Vicki Scaman, Village of Oak Park, Marc ForKoenigRubloff; your own ribbon cutting contact on oprfchamber.org Stopeck, Wednesday Journal; and Deno Andrews, Village of Oak Park.
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
O B I T U A R I E S
Richard Larson, 79
Computer scientist, mathematician
Tim Quinn, 67
Singer, wordsmith, movie buff
Margery Veatch, 94
Richard Larson, PhD, 79, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Sept. 15, 2019. Born on May 16, 1940, he was a mathematician and computer scientist who spent most of his career as a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science at the University of Illinois Chicago. He received his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Chicago in 1965, spent two years as a faculty member at MIT, and joined UIC in 1967. He spent almost 40 years at the university, becoming an emeritus professor in 2006, and was a Fulbright Lecturer in the Philippines in 1978. When he came to Chicago, he joined the Department of Mathematics at what was then called the University of Illinois Chicago Circle. His field of study was an area of abstract algebra called Hopf algebras. He became interested in how Hopf algebras could be used to provide insights into different areas of applied mathematics and computer science, including control theory. Working with a colleague during his sabbatical, he defined an algebra on a type of graph called trees that became known as the Grossman-Larson algebra and turned out to be useful for physicists doing computations in quantum field theory. An early advocate for computer science, he published several research papers in computer science, and taught many of the mathematical computer science courses offered by the department. He was also active in the late ’80s in outreach to local high schools, teaching courses for teachers at the schools — particularly related to computer science. He enjoyed bicycling and would sometimes commute via bicycle from his home in Oak Park to work at UIC. Richard Larson was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta “Bobbie” Raymond and is survived by his stepsons, Charles Raymond and Bruce, Phillip and Gordon Hay, and many friends. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
Tim Quinn, 67, died in his Oak Park home on Oct. 19, 2019. Born in Chicago on Oct. 2, 1952, his early years were spent there and in Bellwood. In 1975, he received his B.A. degree in Theater from the University TIM QUINN of Illinois. Always an entertainer, he spent many years performing in community theater, including Oak Park Village Players. He was a man of many interests, an expert on old movies, and had an impressive collection of films in many forms. He loved books and had a huge library, much of which revolved around angels, Old Hollywood, church architecture, and icons. He worked in a variety of fields, including nursing home administration, the funeral industry, the Chicago archdiocese, and, most recently, in customer relations for Southwest Airlines. He took great joy in singing and, over the years, his tenor voice graced many choirs, including the Ascension Church Choir and the Sing to Live Community Chorus. His ready smile, big heart, warm hugs, wicked and wonderful sense of humor, lovely tenor voice, facility with words, dramatic flair, hilarious song parodies, and his classy, expansive, and colorful wardrobe will be missed by all who knew him. Tim Quinn is survived by his family, Maripat, Patrick (Elizabeth), Mary (Sister Colette, S.N.D.), Thomas (Teresa), nieces, nephews, and many friends. A memorial Mass will take place at Ascension Catholic Church at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. In his memory, donations may be made to the Ascension Choir, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park 60304, or the Sing to Live Community Chorus, P.O. Box 301, Glenview 60025.
Margery Ann Jones Veatch, 94, died on Oct. 6, 2019 after a long illness. Born to Florence and Lester Jones in Oak Park on June 7, 1925, she graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School and earned MARGERY VEATCH a degree in Speech Pathology from Elmhurst College and later her master’s degree in Special Education. She worked as a speech therapist for public schools in suburban Chicago. She met her husband, Roger, at a Methodist Youth Fellowship dinner, and they married on July 3, 1945. A talented organist and pianist, she entertained her family on Sunday evenings playing their favorite hymns. Every summer, the family camped all over the United States. After retiring, she worked for the Community Renewal Society and volunteered at The Boulevard (formerly Interfaith House) in Chicago. The couple traveled all over Europe and Asia with the Community Renewal Society Chorus. During their Oak Park years, they were active at First United Church and found time to pursue her interests in quilting, making rugs, sewing clothes, knitting, and embroidering. She loved having her family home for holiday dinners. After her children left home, she kept up with them through frequent cards, letters, and phone calls. Margery Veatch is survived by her children, Kathryn (William) Ksander, Elizabeth Hopkins, Margaret Veatch and Phillip Veatch; her sister-in-law, Anita (the late Edwin) Bast; her grandchildren, Peter (Miranda Hardy) and David (Natalie Ruttan Stack) Ksander, and Roy Veatch; her greatgrandchildren, Tula, Felix, Wyatt and Lowell; and her 16 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; her brother, Richard Jones; her daughter-inlaw, Alanna Connors; and her granddaughter, Wendy Carol Smith. A memorial service was held Oct. 26, 2019 at Congregational United Church of Christ in Greensboro, North Carolina. Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Community Renewal Society, 111 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 820, Chicago 60604 or to the Poor People’s Campaign, 3041 Broadway, Box 47, New York, New York, 10027.
Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home
Since 1880 Family Owned & Operated Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director 203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191
Special Education consultant
Larry Poleski, 72 Community investor
Lawrence E. Poleski, 72, of Forest Park, formerly of Oak Park, died on Oct. 15, 2019. Born on Nov. 2, 1946, he defied the odds his
entire life. His father died when he was 11, leaving his 43-yearold grandmother with six young sons and a daughter. He attended three high schools, in four years, eventually finding his way to a successful career in LARRY POLESKI the printing industry. Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, a disease expected to reduce life expectancy to around 50 years, he beat the odds again. When he married Janet Rogers, they planned on a small family, ending up with seven children, putting him in the position of trying to meet both the family’s emotional and financial needs. He figured it out. According to his son Matt’s eulogy, he taught his kids three lessons: ■ Invest in your family and community; it pays huge dividends: “Financial investments provide security, but emotional investments provide love. My dad put all of his kids through Ascension School and five of us through Fenwick High School because he valued the communities. He knew by using people in the community to serve as role models for us, he could effectively give us the one-on-one coaching we needed to thrive.” ■ How to listen, be there for you, and let you make your own decisions: “My dad made people laugh through empathy and directness.” ■ How to throw a party: “The front door to my parents’ house was always open and unannounced visits were always welcome to sit down and watch a White Sox, Bears, or Bulls game.” Larry Poleski was the husband of Janet (nee Rogers); the father of Matthew (Wendy), Michael (Kimberly), Margaret (Alfonso Cides), Mindy, Lawrence B. (Kathleen), Elizabeth (Nathan) Matarazzi and Emily (Kyle) Gulling; the grandfather of 17 with one on the way; the brother of Thomas (Patricia), Andrea (the late James) Barr, Kenneth (Denise), Robert Poleski, and the late Norbert (Mary Ellen) and the late Stephen Poleski. He was the son of the late Ben and Marguerite Poleski. Visitation was held on Oct. 20, at PetersonBassi Chapels/Gamboney & Son Directors, 6938 W. North Ave. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Oct. 21 at Ascension Church in Oak Park, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, or fax: 708/524-0447 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
“What coach said” This week in cross-country 39
@ @OakPark
SPORTS
Undefeated Hilltoppers end Huskies’ season in blowout OPRF can’t tame high-powered offense By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
After a long season of struggling to put it all together, OPRF’s varsity football team will not be going to the playoffs for the first time in John Hoerster’s tenure at the school. The Huskies (4-5) were taken down by Glenbard West (9-0) in a 42-0 loss on Oct. 25. OPRF’s head coach knew heading into this game that it was going to be an uphill battle. “They just had our number tonight and did everything they were supposed to do,” said Hoerster. “We needed to put ourselves in a position where we weren’t 4-4 heading into this game. You have a lot of woulda coulda shouldas from the season, but you have to just work your way through it.” The Huskies didn’t have the firepower on offense that was needed to take down their undefeated foes. OPRF’s quarterback, Jaden McGill, couldn’t find any rhythm through the air due to constant pressure from Glenbard West’s line. He had a few misfires throughout the game and only completed five of his 14 passes on the night for 22 yards. The junior quarterback didn’t make any excuses after the loss. “Our mindset going into the game was, ‘Yeah, we are 4-4 and they’re 8-0, but we have to drop the records and execute our coaches’ game plan,’” said McGill. “Glenbard is a really good team. You have to give them a lot of credit for what they did tonight.” First Quarter: The Huskies struggled on offense out of the gate and, to make matters worse, senior running back Nazareth See HUSKIES on page 39
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
STIFF ARM: OPRF’s Nazareth Bryant (24) breaks a tackle on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, during a varsity football game against Glenbard West at Huskies Stadium.
Fenwick and OPRF soccer eliminated at regionals Impressive seasons end with lopsided losses By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
Heading into the regional round, Fenwick had high hopes for the postseason. The Friars sported an impressive 15-6-1 record and had their first win against OPRF since 2008 the week before they faced off against Muchin College Prep (13-10-1).
So when Fenwick suffered a 3-0 loss on Oct. 25 to the Mountain Lions, deflating shock was felt around the Priory. “This wasn’t the game we expected to lose,” said senior Joe Sedlacek. “I think we went into this with the right mindset and sometimes you get unlucky with a few calls and circumstances that don’t go your way. At the end of the day, this was a great season, and it was definitely my best at Fenwick.” In the first five minutes of the match, Fenwick looked like a team that was going
to move to the next round. The offense kept the ball in Muchin’s side of the field and had one goal negated by an offside foul. “We created a lot of scoring opportunities in the first half that just didn’t go our way,” said head coach Craig Blazer. “I thought we had a chance to finish those but we didn’t quite put them away.” Those missed opportunities would prove costly for the Friars. The momentum on the offensive end slowly moved in favor of the Mountain Lions who scored on a corner kick with just under 30 minutes left in
the half. The corner kick made its way into the box where Muchin senior Isaac Noriega headed the ball in for a 1-0 Mountain Lions’ lead. “That was an uncharacteristic play for us,” said Blazer. “We’ve got to give them credit for the good corner and head. That was probably the turning point for the match. It was back and forth and we had to play catch up after they scored their second goal.” See SOCCER on page 38
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S P O R T S
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
CPS strikes shape Fenwick’s playoff landscape Chicago juggernaut likely ineligible By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
I
The hunt for Red GOvember
day night and Saturday morning. Again, t’s late October, and we runners can find ourselves riding a wildcoaster of feelings group support is a great motivator when it’s dark and cold, and your about the season. If you’ve left brain is whispering: “Cojust completed a big race, ouuchh … Netflix …” one that perhaps you trained Bonus points: talk a friend for (like a dedicated beast) for into signing up for a race 4-5 months, maybe now you’re with you, and train together. feeling either A) super-relaxed Keep each other accountable and enjoying recovery time (No to get up and out the door, early wake-ups! Eat what you and you’re killing (or rather, want!), B) antsy and desperately energizing) two birds with in need of a new goal, or C) one stone. kind of mildly depressed that Right now and right here your big deal is over, and it’s is yet another idea, one I am just hard to get yourself out the going to tackle myself, for the door for mundane, pedestrian first time. Lively Athletics workouts. is holding their 6th anAlternately, you’re loving the Running Columnist nual “GOvember Challenge,” crisp fall weather, you find yourwhich dares us to traverse on self feeling stronger and faster, foot every street in Oak Park, November (sans all that heat & humidity, thank you), 1-30. And there are options. Take on the but with the end of racing season in sight, Hemingway (all east-west streets, about looking for new ideas to keep your motiva40 miles), the Betty White (all northtion high. I’m with you! south, roughly 70 miles), or the Ludacris So what are we all-year runners to do? (every darned street in OP) for the truly Just continuing to set the alarm clock feels wacky. I’m not sure my Strava app will insufficient; a little flat. Of course, there be able to handle this routine-breakout. are still a few turkey trots and holiday 5-Ks out there, and we should definitely consider But the endeavor feels so organic and celebratory to me. There must be some the F^3 Lakefront 5K or Half Marathon in streets I haven’t seen, though I’ve lived January for sheer boldness and bad-assery. here since 1992. (Not sure how much arIf you’ve just completed your first, or chitecture and landscaping I can admire, want to continue to work on long-distance at dark o’thirty every morning, but I’m challenges, consider signing up for a CARA game to try!) winter training group, either Marathon or Note, no fee to enter, run or walk, or a Half-Marathon distance. (After choosing a combo platter — it’s up to you! Pick up race to train for, which is your pot-o’-gold at your challenge map at Lively Athletics in the end of the ice & snow rainbow.) CARA person or download it from their website. training groups meet in multiple locations Follow these digital breadcrumbs for throughout the city and suburbs, providing help with your November motivation, wonderful group support and fellowship and Happy Running! www.cararuns.org, for those weekend long runs. The Oak Park www.oprc.net, www.livelyathletics.com. Runners Club holds Fun Runs every Mon-
ANN RYAN
Even with their 21-14 loss to St. Ignatius College Prep on Oct. 25, the Friars are on their way to the postseason. This marks the sixth time head coach Gene Nudo has led his team to the playoffs in the eight years he has held the reigns of Fenwick’s football program. However, the question remains whether the Friars will get the chance to compete on Nov. 2 against Payton College Prep as the teachers union strike against Chicago Public Schools continues to play out. “We are practicing like we are going to play the game on Saturday,” said Nudo. “If the game gets forfeited, then we are going to alter our schedule to get prepared for playing a game on [Nov. 3]. In either case, we have many things we can do to make ourselves a better football team until that time comes. Starting today, we are practicing for a game against Payton.” In order for Payton to be eligible to play on Saturday, they need to be in school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week. In other words, the strike would have
SOCCER
Closing moments from page 37 That second goal was set up by a handball penalty on Fenwick. Once again, it was Noriega who finished the possession with a goal in the bottom corner of the net to make the score 2-0, which Blazer described as “a place we hadn’t been in a long time. We were still confident about getting back in it and getting that first goal and then building off of that to get to our second goal. But really you have to give them credit. It gets emotional when you are trying to make sure your season doesn’t end.” Some of that emotion contributed to the physicality that both teams would play with in the second half. Fenwick came out of halftime aggressive and had a few shots on goal, which ended up in the hands of Muchin’s goalie. Both teams started to get chippy with one another as the match entered its later stages. The Friars tried to find room to operate on offense but couldn’t find daylight as the Muchin defense swarmed every loose ball on their end. The last goal came at the 3:40 mark when Muchin’s Cristo Aguirre rocketed a shot
to end by Tuesday night (Oct. 29). This would be a tough pill to swallow for Payton since it has gone undefeated this season (8-0). They did not play their last game against Kenwood because of the strike. This season, they are averaging 49.9 points per game on offense while allowing only 10.1 points per game on the defensive end. In their last four games, Payton has averaged 54.5 points per game while surrendering 6 points during that span. Fenwick (5-4) would benefit from an impasse between the teachers union and CPS but if a resolution is reached by Tuesday night, Fenwick would play Payton on the road at 6 p.m., Nov. 2. from long distance that ended up in the top right corner of the net to complete the victory for the Mountain Lions. Despite cutting short their season, Sedlacek believes his younger teammates are ready to compete next year. “I’m going to tell them that they should really appreciate what they have going on here,” he said. “We came up just short, but this is just the beginning for them.” OPRF was scheduled to play Kelly High School on Oct. 22, but the Trojans had to forfeit the match due to the Chicago Public Schools teacher strikes. The Huskies traveled to Hinsdale instead, where they lost 3-1 to Hinsdale Central on Oct. 25. They hadn’t given up more than two goals all season despite losing their last two matches before the forfeited match against Kelly. Against Hinsdale Central, they controlled the ball 76 percent of the time but couldn’t finish off their possessions. “The defense actually didn’t play bad,” said head coach Jason Fried. “They only had eight completed passes the entire match. They were able to make the most of their chances and you have to hand it to them. In an environment like that where it’s raining and the ball is going everywhere you have to be ready. For the most part, we did what we wanted to do but that’s just how it goes sometimes.”
S P O R T S
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HUSKIES
Scoring breakdown from page 37 Bryant hurt his ankle on the second play of OPRF’s first offensive possession. He would return to the game later in the first quarter but, according to Hoerster, wasn’t at 100 percent the rest of the way. After Bryant went down, the Huskies turned the ball over when McGill threw a play-action pass into double coverage intended for wide receiver Eric Locke. It was picked off by the Hilltoppers’ Caleb Moorhead who took it to the Huskies’ 30-yard line. Glenbard West drove the ball to the goalline when the OPRF defense poked the ball out of the hands of running back Nic Seifert. The ball rolled into the endzone and Ryan McFadden pounced on it for the touchback. Things would go south for the Huskies from that point on. After an unsuccessful drive ended with a Huskies punt, the Hilltoppers used their run game to plow through the OPRF defense
(averaging 7.8 yards per carry on the night). Threatening to score on fourth-and-goal on the Huskies’ 2-yard line, Glenbard West running back Jaylen Moore found the endzone to give his team an early 7-0 lead. Second Quarter: While the Huskies limited the damage of the Hilltopper offense early on, Glenbard West exploded for three touchdowns in the second quarter. The first came on an eight-play drive that ended with Moore notching his second of three rushing touchdowns on the day from two yards out. Glenbard West running back Joey Richmond made the most out of his three carries and scored two touchdowns on Glenbard West’s last two possessions of the first half to give them a 28-0 lead over the Huskies. OPRF had one last chance to score before the half when the offense pushed the ball to the Hilltoppers’ 28-yard line. With under 20 seconds left, McGill tried throwing a touch pass down the sideline to Locke, but it was underthrown and ended up in the hands of the Glenbard defense at the 2-yard line. Third Quarter: To keep their postseason hopes alive, the Huskies went for an onside kick to start the second half, recovered it at the 43-yard line and used nine plays to get
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
to Glenbard West’s 13-yard line. After a run for no gain and an incomplete pass, McGill tried to find Locke on third down but the pass went wide and out of bounds. The drive ended when McGill was stopped short of the first down marker when he scrambled to his left, didn’t have an open receiver, and was greeted by multiple Hilltopper defenders to stunt the scoring threat. On the ensuing possession, Moore took advantage of the turnover on downs when he scampered for a 43-yard touchdown with 5:09 after Glenbard West made its way to OPRF’s side of the field. Glenbard added to its lead with 27 seconds left in the quarter when Seifort ran for a 27-yard touchdown to finish off the scoring for the night. Moving forward: the Huskies will have a year to move past their disappointing season. “We haven’t thought about next year, but I’m going to try and get the team together and make sure we are ready for next season,” said McGill. “I’m not focused on that right now, but we will get to that down the road. Our record is what it is, but this is a hard-working group of kids who have a lot of heart. It’s sad we had to go out like this.”
39
GLENBARD WEST 42, OPRF 0 Glenbard West
7
OPRF
0
21 14 0
0
0 42 0
0
OPRF Offense Passing: Sean Barney 5 For 11, 52 Yds; Jaden Mcgill 5 For 14 22 Yards, 1 Int Rushing: Nazareth Bryant 8-40 Yds, Kelby Gray 10-33 Yds, Jaden Mcgill 12-22 Yds Receiving: Gavin Tunney 3-35 Yds, Erik Skala 2-17 Yds, Jalen Bates 2-10 Yds, Nazareth Bryant 1-6 Yds, Eric Locke 1-6 Yds
OPRF Defense Tackles: Daemyen Middlebrooks (3), Ryan Mcfadden (2), Evan Failor (1), Jalen Bates (1), Eric Locke (1), Henry Spillane (1 Sack), Jaden Mcgill (1 Int)
WHAT COACH SAID...
This week in boys and girls cross-country Every week, we cover a different sport and talk to each head coach at the varsity level. This week, we’re highlighting boys and girls cross-country. With the conclusion of the regular season comes the arrival of the playoffs. Every cross-country team builds its season around the moment they come face-toface with the postseason. Here’s what the varsity head coaches of Fenwick, Trinity, and Oak Park and River Forest high schools had to say about their team’s performances and what it means moving forward. Due to the teacher union strikes against Chicago Public Schools, OPRF’s girls team didn’t get to race against all of the runners it would go up against had there been a resolution this week. OPRF moved on to the sectional round, but head coach Ashley Raymond had this to say about the situation. On CPS teams participating despite not being able to compete: “While we were upset that we didn’t get a chance to go up against the CPS schools, we were even more disappointed in the opportunity that the CPS kids lost. We were so impressed on Saturday. The CPS schools still showed up and the boys and girls interlocked their arms behind the start line to show everyone, “Hey, we’re still here. We are unable to compete, but we are able to show solidarity.” I thought that was a really cool sports moment … the fact that they up and put themselves aside ASHLEY RAYMOND showed and actually cheered for our girls OPRF and for Leyden’s team.” On the boys side, OPRF’s boys team experienced the same circumstance only going up against one team at regionals (Leyden). They moved on to the sectional round but, like Raymond, head coach Chris Baldwin expressed his sympathy for what the CPS athletic programs are dealing with right now. Here is what he had to say. On CPS strike negotiations and communication with other varsity coaches: “I know several coaches at CPS, and we talked about it over the summer. They told me that
the strike date would be early enough that they would be able to get things resolved so they could compete at a regional championship. They were optimistic that would be the case back when we talked in September … when the strike date got set. This has been on the radar and honestly it is tragic. It’s awful for a lot CHRIS BALDWIN of those athletes, parents, families, OPRF teachers, and coaches. It really just sucks for everybody.” Fenwick is moving on to the sectional after all seven Friar runners finished with times under 18 minutes (three-mile race). They only have one senior running but will get their top runner back for sectionals after he dealt with injuries the last few weeks. This is what head coach David Rill had to say about his top-runner. On Lee O’Brien’s return: “He’s a kid who is just really excited about running. I never have to get him pumped up about running because he is always ready to race. Every Saturday, he has told me how much he has missed it. He’s very self-motivated. I’ve told him this before and I mean it endearingly: he’s dumb to running because he’s never run before and doesn’t know any different. He doesn’t worry about what his opposing runners are doing. A lot of kids check the times of other runners at different schools. He doesn’t. He’s that good.” On the girls side, Fenwick pushed its way to the sectional after placing second out of six teams at the regional. The Friars were slated to go up against CPS schools and knew going in that they would qualify for the sectional. With that in mind, DAVID RILL this is what head coach Kevin FENWICK Roche had to say about his team.
On using regional to prepare for the sectional: “I thought it was a good weekend for us. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get to go against some of those CPS schools but we made the most of it. First, we didn’t want to get too cute. We wanted to be sure we knew the course because we KEVIN ROCHE knew it would be a thin field. Second, FENWICK we really wanted them to race and run hard. At this point in the season, Saturdays are going to be the hardest days. They certainly brought their best last weekend. I thought that Marie O’Brien, who has been a leader the last four years for us, did a great job leading this team and executing the race plan, being patient in that first mile, which helped the back group through the first mile. She pulled away and ran great, so I was happy with that.” Trinity also made its way to the next round after taking care of business at regionals. Here is what head coach Johann Gonzalez had to say about his team’s performance this week and what it means for them moving forward. On CPS and how it didn’t affect the race plan for regionals: “It was just a good experience for us to go in and get a good tune up race in preparation for sectional. Like most of the teams, we sat out our best runner to give her a little bit of a break so she can JOHANN GONZALEZ be ready for the sectional meet. That TRINITY was the strategy going into the week and we talked about it over the last week. This decision was made before CPS, and we prepared all week like they were going to run. That situation is so unfortunate, and I reminded the kids that we should be appreciative of this opportunity and not take it for granted.”
James Kay
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
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REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO
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CLASSIFIED Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.
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HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
NEW!
Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/ClassiďŹ ed/
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER PART-TIME Part-time Electrician’s Helper. Must have own transportation. Call for more info. 708-738-3848
Sr. Program Manager, OEM Programs sought by Gogo LLC in Chicago, IL to coordinate with vendors and service providers to propose and establish the suitability of hardware and network architectures. Req BS in Comp Sci, Engg, or rltd + 5yrs prod dvlpmnt exp. Req 5yrs exp w/ aviation standards and testing. Requires travel to client sites and work locations as needed. Apply @ www.jobpostingtoday.com #50839
MAINTENANCE WORKER, VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE The Village of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Maintenance Worker. The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on November 8, 2019, or until the position is ďŹ lled. This is a full-time position in the Department of Public Works and requires occasional overtime work. Starting pay rate is $20.48 per hour. The Maintenance Worker position involves semi-skilled to skilled maintenance, repair, and construction work in a variety of public works activities including, but not limited to, street maintenance, landscape maintenance, snow and ice control, water and sewer maintenance. Work includes the operation of motorized equipment and requires heavy physical labor. Minimum Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a High School diploma or equivalent, a valid Illinois driver’s license and have the ability to obtain a Class “Bâ€? Commercial Driver’s License within 90 days of employment. Experience in equipment operation is required. Applicants must obtain satisfactory results on a physical examination & drug/alcohol screen. Applicants should possess an IEPA Class C Water Supply Operators License, or have the ability to obtain this license within 12 months of hire. Excellent beneďŹ ts including: major medical & dental, vacation and paid holidays. Applications are available at and should be returned by the application deadline to: - Director of Public Works, 3860 Columbus Blvd., Riverside, IL 60546 - Applications are also available on the Village website www.riverside. il.us under Document and Form Center. - EOE RECEPTIONIST Oak Park Professional Services Firm is seeking an individual who will be responsible for providing a wide range of administrative and ofďŹ ce support. Primary function will be at staff reception desk, ensuring effective telephone communications, both internally and externally; and as a contact to greet visitors and clients. This position also provides general administrative and support functions as needed. Professional manner and appearance is required. Must be able to work 32 hours a week (minimum), Monday-Thursday, with additional hours required during peak seasons, along with occasional Saturdays. Salary and beneďŹ ts commensurate with experience. Send resumes to: Cschroeder@sassetti.com Lost & Found ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-3342
SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE NEW CONCEPT FOR MAYWOOD In this quiet residential neighborhood
902 S. 3RD AVENUE (2 blks W of 1st Ave & 1 blk N of Madison)
Reserve your own affordable 2 or 3 BR condo unit of 1000+ sq ft of living space being built on this historic site. You’ll benefit from a unique 12-year tax freeze and lower monthly living expenses from energy saving systems/appliances, and you can help design your own individual unit. Plans also include building 5 new townhomes onsite. For details Call 708-383-9223.
SUBURBAN RENTALS FOREST PARK 2 BR GARDEN APT Newly remodeled, new appliances, etc. Pay own heat and utilities. Close to transportation. Security. 1 year. No pets. 1 car garage. Avail. 11/1. $1100. 630-279-8111
SUBURBAN RENTALS GIANT BALCONY & HEATED GARAGE AVAILABLE FOREST PARK 1 BR $1100/month Ariston Realty 708.771.5000 LIKE A GREAT VINTAGE WINE OAK PARK 3 BR, 1.5 BA
Large apartment, high ceilings, hardwood floors, large yard space, garage available.
$1800 per month Ariston Realty 708.771.5000
RIVERSIDE - 3 BEDROOM Spacious 3 Bedroom apartment on second oor in historic Riverside. Living Room with wood burning ďŹ replace and newly reďŹ nished hardwood oors. Formal dining room, plus a sun porch. 2 exterior parking spaces. In-ground pool. Tenant pays electric and cooking gas. Landlord pays heat, water and scavenger. Walk to Metra and downtown Riverside. Small pets okay. Credit check required - $35 fee per adult applicant. $1,900 per month, plus sec. Gaslight Realty. Call Joyce @ 708-691-2609
SELLING YOUR HOME BY OWNER? Call Us for Advertising Rates! 708/6133333
SUBURBAN RENTALS
M&M
property management, inc.
708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.
Apartment listings updated daily at:
Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.
CITY RENTALS 3BR APT FOR RENT Vicinity of Harlem & North in Galewood. Heat & water included. Tenant pays electric. $1350.00. 630-303-8321 NEWLY RENOVATED 3BR APT Near Lake & Austin. Close to Green line and CTA & Pace buses. Heat, stove & refrigerator included. Space for tenant provided washer & dryer. Tenant pays cooking gas and home electric. Security camera. $1650.00 773-378-5057
ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957 Large Sunny Room with fridge & microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $101.00 week & up. New Mgmt. 773-378-8888
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy offices for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking; Free wifi; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared Waiting room; optional Conference room. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays. Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net
Starting a new business in 2019? Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark • Austin Weekly News Call Mary Ellen for details: 708/613-3342
GARAGE/YARD SALE Oak Park
2 FAMILY GARAGE SALE 123 S RIDGELAND SAT 11/2 9AM TO 2PM
ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed
ELECTRICAL
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We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.
MOVING SALE
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MOVING & ASIAN ART SALE 1006 CLINTON AVE FRI SAT SUN 11/1 11/2 11/3 9AM TO 12PM
Oak Park Household items, books, kitchenware, Christmas decorations, dozens of Chinese scrolls (reproductions) & some framed pieces & some porcelain outdoor tiles
ITEMS FOR SALE BOOKCASE Six shelves. Very nice condition. 36�W x 58�H x 14�D. $75.00. 708-848-8755
708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848
ITEMS FOR SALE
WANTED TO BUY
FURNITURE ITEMS 42 inch round beveled solid cherry table. $249.00 2 Verona side chairs cherry with Pistel ink seat. Like new. $175.00 for both. The quality is exceptional, both table and chairs. End table, Pecan 26 x 20 x 22. $150 or best offer 708-383-7892
WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers–lead, plastic–other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
SHEARLING COAT Brown shearling coat w/ attached hood. $125.00 708-848-8755
BUMPER POOL TABLE $15.00. 708-848-8755
SOLID OAK CABINET W/ HUTCH Beautiful condition. Two drawer, two door cabinet base 29�H x 49�W; Two shelf hutch 28�H x 49�W x 11�D. $175. 708-848-8755
CEMENT
CEMENT Residential Commercial Industrial Licensed Bonded Insured Free Estimates ¡ Veteran Owned
Drives Walks Patios Stamped Concrete Curbs/Gutters Garage Floors Foundations Water Control / Management
devegaconcrete.com ¡ 708-945-9001
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FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.
New hardwood ooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-ďŹ nishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
GARAGE/ GARAGE DOOR Our 73rd Year
'5,9(:$<6 Â&#x2021; )281'$7,216 Â&#x2021; 3$7,26 67(36 Â&#x2021; &85% *877(56 Â&#x2021; 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* Â&#x2021; 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7(
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42
Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
CLASSIFIED HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair â&#x20AC;˘ Painting Fans Installed â&#x20AC;˘ Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning â&#x20AC;˘ Window Repair
FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small
708-488-9411
Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Do
708-296-2060
HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates
773-732-2263 Ask for John
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
(708) 613-3333 â&#x20AC;˘ FAX: (708) 467-9066 â&#x20AC;˘ E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges â&#x20AC;˘ Ovens Washer â&#x20AC;˘ Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience
FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.
708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000
PAINTING & DECORATING
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CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost
LANDSCAPING
708.749.0011
BRUCE LAWN SERVICE Fall Yard Clean-Up Slit Seeding Bush Trimming Fall Leaf Clean-Up Senior Discount Snow Removal
brucelawns.com
708-243-0571
Buying? Selling? Renting? Hiring? Wednesday Classified 708-613-3333
Public Notice: Your right to know
HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT
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In print â&#x20AC;˘ Online â&#x20AC;˘ Available to you 24 / 7 /365 OakPark.com | RiverForest.com PUBLIC NOTICES
STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of MIREYA CERVANTES, Petitioner and JUAN F. CERVANTES, Respondent, Case No. 2019 D 005371. The requisite afďŹ davit for publication having been ďŹ led, notice is hereby given to you, JUAN F. CERVANTES Respondent, that a Petition has been ďŹ led in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, ďŹ le your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the OfďŹ ce of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before November 13, 2019, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Community Design Commission, acting as the Design Review Commission, of the Village of Oak Park on Wednesday evening, November 20, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 101 of the Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois on the following matter: Cal. No. 04-19-DRC: 408 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park Arms Property Index Number 16-07-418-001-0000
Published in Wednesday Journal 10/23, 10/30, 11/6/2019
The Applicant Moses Williams, on behalf of Oak Park Arms, is seeking a variation from Section 7-7-12 (P) of the Oak Park Sign Code, which section allows one (1) commercial real estate sign no more than sixteen (16) square feet in surface area per street frontage advertising the sale or rental of the premises, to permit the installation of two (2) commercial real estate signs approximately 360 square feet and 236 square feet in surface area located on the south elevation of the building, a location where there is no street frontage, at the premises commonly known as 408 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AND RIVERSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
All papers in connection with the above matter are on file at the Village of Oak Park and available for examination by interested parties by contacting the Zoning Administrator at 708.358.5449.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested parties that the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverside, Illinois will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 7, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 4 of the Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, 60546 on the Tentative Annual Budget for the 2020 ďŹ scal year of the Village of Riverside, Illinois and the Riverside Public Library commencing January 1, 2020, and ending December 31, 2020.
DATED AT OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, this 30th Day of October, 2019
DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.
The Tentative Annual Budget will be available for public inspection on and after, October 17, 2019 at the Finance Department of the Village of Riverside, Illinois, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, 60546 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30p.m., Monday through Friday, except for any day being a legal holiday.
Lic. #0967
Disabled persons needing assistance to attend said hearing should contact the OfďŹ ce of the Village Clerk before the hearing by calling (708) 447-2700.
Attention! Home-improvement pros!
Said hearing may be continued without further notice except as required by the Illinois Open Meeting Act. The tentative annual budget may be further revised and passed without any further notice or hearing.
Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be caught shortâ&#x20AC;Ś reach the people making the decisionsâ&#x20AC;Ś Advertise your home improvement business in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342
PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE Serrano Legal Solutions, LLC 1144 Lake Street, Suite 201 Oak Park, IL 60301
PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS By: Cathy Haley Village Clerk Published in RB Landmark 10/30/2019
Published in Wednesday Journal 10/30/2019
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION REAL SOLID SOLUTIONS, LLC, A NEW JERSEY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AND ASIAN KNIGHT CAPITAL LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO GRANITE INVESTMENT GROUP, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF THE SECURITY NATIONAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 20061, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO NATIONSCREDIT FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST BY MERGER WITH NATIONSCREDIT HOME EQUITY SERVICES CORPORATION, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO FIRST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION Plaintiff, -v.ROGER A. SMITH, SHARON SMITH, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2016 CH 16822
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
430 S. TAYLOR AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 19, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 13, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 430 S. TAYLOR AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-322-015 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $318,426.61. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in â&#x20AC;&#x153;AS ISâ&#x20AC;? 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 (driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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, Aaron D. White, Jr., CHUHAK & TECSON, P.C. Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorneys, 30 S. WACKER DRIVE, STE. 2600, CHICAGO, IL, 60606
(312) 444-9300. Please refer to file number 26890/62299ADW. 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. Aaron D. White, Jr. CHUHAK & TECSON, P.C. 30 S. WACKER DRIVE, STE. 2600 CHICAGO IL, 60606 312-444-9300 Fax #: 312-444-9027 E-Mail: AWhite@chuhak.com Attorney File No. 26890/62299ADW Attorney Code. 70693 Case Number: 2016 CH 16822 TJSC#: 39-6469 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 # 2016 CH 16822 I3134642
For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W17-0927 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3134852
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION ROUNDPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING CORPORATION; Plaintiff, vs. JOHNNY J. WHITING AKA JOHNNY WHITING; 7314 RANDOLPH CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; RANDOLPH WEST NO. 2 CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; CITY OF CHICAGO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 18 CH 4383 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-12-426-023-1024. Commonly known as 7314 Randolph Street, Unit 4H, Forest Park, IL 60130. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION UMB BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS A LEGAL TITLE TRUST FOR LVS TITLE TRUST VI; Plaintiff, vs. CAPITULUM LLC; JOHN MICHAEL COHAN; CFRE INVESTMENT FLIPS I CORPORATION; HOME SERVICES OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS INC.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 1065 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-13-407-024-0000. Commonly known as 839 S. HARLEM AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The successful purchaser is entitled to possession of the property only. The purchaser may only obtain possession of units within the multiunit property occupied by individuals named in the order of possession. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 18-05185 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3135527 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-W1, ASSET BACKED NOTES SERIES 2005-W1;
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
CLASSIFIED
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(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
Let the sun shine in...
Public Notice: Your right to know
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Plaintiff, vs. GENE A. DOCKETT; DITECH FINANCIAL LLC; ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; FIA CARD SERVICES, N.A.; VALERIE D. MATTHEWS; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 8564 Calendar 58 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, December 6, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-17-129-016-0000. Commonly known as 830 South Taylor Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W19-0632 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3135875
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 19-01329 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3135872
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, The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm 3pm.. Please refer to file number 18-087908. 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. SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 18-087908 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 18 CH 13588 TJSC#: 39-5787 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 # 18 CH 13588 I3135465
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION BAXTER CREDIT UNION Plaintiff, vs. JOSHUA T. STEGMEYER, WENDY E. JARVIS, NILES ON MARION CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, 19 CH 4010 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, December 6, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-301-021-1004. Commonly known as 1101 SOUTH BLVD., UNIT 204, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER Plaintiff, -v.CHARMAINE BRODNAX A/K/A CHARMAINE JACQUELINE BRODNAX A/K/A CHARMAINE JACQUELINE HARRINGTONBRODNAX, AVENUE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION A/K/A 828 AVENUE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 18 CH 13588 828 NORTH AUSTIN BOULEVARD, 1SW OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 6, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 9, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 828 NORTH AUSTIN BOULEVARD, 1SW, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-326-0341002 The real estate is improved with a condominium. The judgment amount was $148,393.94. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION M&T BANK; Plaintiff, vs. KRISHNA BIRBAL; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF KRISHNA BIRBAL, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 17 CH 6043 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, December 6, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-10-230-056-0000. Commonly known as 1414-1416 Saint Charles Road, Maywood, IL 60153. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a residencial property. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assess-
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
ments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W17-0268 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3135866
section (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Ms. Kimberly S. Reid at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Marinosci Law Group, PC, 134 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. (312) 940-8580. 18-03565 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3135870
Property Index No. 16-05-320-0401025 The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; Plaintiff, vs. BETTY A. PAYNE; B & B QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS, INC.; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 18 CH 6876 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, December 6, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-10-311-006-0000. Commonly known as 523 22ND AVE., BELLWOOD, IL 60104. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by sub-
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 ABFC ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-WMC1 Plaintiff, -v.DARYL SATCHER, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., OAK PARK TERRACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 2018 CH 08851 914 NORTH AUSTIN BOULEVARD UNIT #C-8 OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 7, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 25, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 914 NORTH AUSTIN BOULEVARD UNIT #C-8, OAK PARK, IL 60302
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-07459 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 08851 TJSC#: 39-6712 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2018 CH 08851 I3136141
local employees = happy employees! Hire Local. Place an ad
on Landmark’s Local Online Job Board. Go to OakPark.com/classified or RiverForest.com/classified today! Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information. (708) 613-3342 • classifieds@OakPark.com | classifieds@RiverForest.com
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Wednesday Journal, October 30, 2019
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Mentoring youth for success
Front: Jr. Mentors Donovan Aceron, Rylan Stafford, Malakai Naber, Shiri Clay Back: Rotarians Ade Onayemi and Sue Quinn, YEMBA Founder Edward Redd, and Rotarian Antonio Martinez.
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or eleven years, YEMBA (Youth Educational Mentoring Basketball Association) has been empowering, supporting and educating at-risk youth in Oak Park and River Forest through life-skill mentoring and recreational activities. Focusing on developing leadership skills, basic financial literacy and understanding and avoiding the dangers of substance abuse, YEMBA helps elementary school youths successfully transition to middle school, setting them up for a successful high school experience. As part of its annual Community Service Award grants, the Rotary Club of Oak Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; River Forest provided funding to YEMBA this year to support its Mentoring Empowerment Program that will provide ongoing workshops to over a hundred of our local middle school students. Bolstering and helping children and their families is a major goal of our club. By joining Rotary, you can help improve lives and build a more just and peaceful community. To join us for lunch, and find out more about Rotary, contact Amanda Young at 312.307.2201. Get more information on YEMBA at yemba-inc.org.
Local Action, Global Impact
Women In Business
October 30, 2019 B1
Special Advertising Section
Fall 2019
Women in Business STRENGTHEN
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PRESENTED BY 5th Annual
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE The Power of Intention
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October 30, 2019
Women In Business
Special Advertising Section
Moving forward, and reaching out with Eileen Hattan Lynch
E
ileen Hattan Lynch has served as Chief of Staff and District Director to Illinois State Senator Don Harmon since 2013. Before joining Senator Harmon, she served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Illinois Governor’s Office of Policy Development, the Legislative and Advocacy Coordinator for the League of Women Voters of Illinois and as a Legislative Assistant for the United States Senate in Washington D.C. In these positions she has handled policy, communications, community outreach and constituent service across a broad range of policy topics. Eileen believes in the power and central mission of government to improve people’s lives and to advocate for those who might not otherwise have a voice. Staying in touch with and helping constituents whenever
possible is always at the forefront of her workdays. Contributing to positive change and handling community relations and public outreach have been very meaningful, natural and rewarding aspects of the job.
“We want to serve as an advocate on matters that impact their workplaces and families.” - Eileen Hattan Lynch Senator Harmon is a champion for the environment, women’s rights, equality and policies that support working families, all priorities to Eileen, as well. Women leaders in our area need to know about policy matters that are moving forward, and to know that
we are always reaching out for their input to inform the Senator’s work in Springfield. We want to serve as an advocate on matters that impact their workplaces and families. Eileen became Committeewoman for the Democratic Party of Oak Park in April 2019 and has been involved with Democratic Party politics for over 25 years. As Committeewoman, she advises on policy, communications and outreach to the community and the party membership, working to promote progressive causes and elect democratic candidates. Eileen lives in Oak Park with her husband, Dan, and their 4 children.
Eileen Hattan Lynch
Senator
Don Harmon President Pro Tempore
6941-B W. North Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 848-2002 329 Capitol Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-8176
www.donharmon.org
harmon@senatedem.illlinois.gov
Celebrating Women in Leadership.
We are happy to support the 5th Annual Women in Leadership Conference 6941-B W. North Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 • www.donharmon.org
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October 30, 2019 B3
Special Advertising Section
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Women In Business
Contact Catherine Simon-Vobornik "Making dreams come true one home at a time."
Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest 1037 Chicago Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 Direct: 312.501.4048 / Office: 708.697.5942 Email: catherine.simon@bairdwarner.com Website: catherinesimon.bairdwarner.com
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If your property is currently listed, please disregard this solicitation. Information provided is not guaranteed and subject to change and withdrawal without notice
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Oak Park Area Association of Realtors' 2015 Realtor of the Year
B4
October 30, 2019
Women In Business
Special Advertising Section
Accion Supports Women-Owned Businesses
S
ince 1994, Accion has helped neighborhood entrepreneurs grow by providing the capital, coaching, and connections small business owners need to create wealth and jobs throughout Illinois and Indiana. Accion provides small business loans between $500 and $100,000 at fair prices. Accion is different than other lenders. As a nonprofit, all revenue generated from loans is reinvested to help more entrepreneurs grow. Accion’s office is located at The Hatchery on the corner of Kedzie and Lake St in East Garfield Park. One such entrepreneur that Accion has helped is Latoya Pinson. Latoya was born and raised on Chicago’s West Side in the Austin neighborhood. Full of immense pride for her community, she founded her business, The Lighthouse Café, in Austin to create a space where neighbors can come together, hold meetings, and relax over a warm cup of coffee. Latoya is a passionate entrepreneur with a dedication to improving her community. Before opening The Lighthouse Café, she spent six years working for By the Hand Club
for Kids, a faith-based after school program that helps students improve their reading skills. Through this work, Latoya developed a deep connection to students and parents in Austin and further realized the
“We want The Lighthouse Café to be a positive light in the community.” - Latoya Pinson need for more community spaces in the neighborhood. “We want The Lighthouse Café to be a positive light in the community,” Latoya said. The Lighthouse Café is currently undergoing renovations. While Latoya is excited for the business to open this fall, she acknowledges that there have been challenges along the way.
Finding access to capital to get started was especially difficult. Latoya secured a loan from Accion in spring of 2019 to help cover her business location deposit and first month’s rent payment. “I knew that Accion provided smaller loans and the process was not very hard,” Latoya said. “Our Accion loan was very helpful to get us started,” she added. In addition, Latoya received a Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant from the City of Chicago, which is supporting renovation, equipment and furniture costs. While there is still work to complete before opening, Latoya is proud to see her business evolve from concept to reality. The Lighthouse Café surely promises to shine a beacon of light in Austin by providing a place for neighbors to come together and build community. Does your business need help with access to capital or coaching? Contact Accion at 312-275-3000 or info@ accionchicago.org to learn more about small business loans and free business coaching for entrepreneurs. More information at us.accion.org/chicago.
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Please contact our Community Please contactLending our Community Team at 312-275-3000 or Please contact our Community Lending Teaminfo@accionchicago.org at 312-275-3000 or for more e contact our Community info@accionchicago.org more how to apply. Lending information Team atfor 312-275-3000 or about ing information Team at 312-275-3000 or about how to apply. info@accionchicago.org for more
@accionchicago.org for more information about how to apply. Accion Serving Illinois and Indiana mation about how to apply. 135 N. Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60612
*2.5% discount valid on new loans only approved between September 1, 2019 and December 1, 2019. To qualify, the loan must close
*2.5% discount valid on new loans only approved between September 1, 2019 and December 1, 2019. To qualify, the loan must close
*2.5% discount valid on new loans only approved between September 1, 2019 and December 1, 2019. To qualify, the loan must clos *2.5% discount valid on new loans only approved between September 1, 2019 and December 1, 2019. To qualify, the loan must close
Women In Business
October 30, 2019 B5
Special Advertising Section
Building a Business One Brick at a Time
L
ori Hannigan remembers the time she built her first chimney after being hired by Edward Cross & Son, Inc. in Oak Park. Mr. Cross put her in his garage on a rainy day, mixed mortar and laid out a pattern for a chimney. He started the structure, handed the trowel and bucket of mortar to Lori, said it was all hers and left. She wanted to insure she did the best work possible and therefore decided to start the structure over. When Mr. Cross returned two hours later, he was impressed to find a chimney about eight courses tall that was both exactly plumb, or aligned, and level. Edward Cross & Son, Inc. has been in business since 1937. After years of dedicated, quality work, Lori became the owner in 1987. She continues to strive for perfection in all her projects and does not expect her staff to complete any task she herself cannot do. Whether it is setting up a forty foot ladder or pulling up a heavy bucket of mortar to the roof of a house, Lori shows her employees she is not just the boss, but a determined laborer and tuckpointer. Consequently, she is proud to have made a name for herself in a male dominated industry. Lori specializes in chimney rebuilding and masonry repairs. With her attention to detail,
Lori and her team use their skills as artists to rebuild and repair old structures to their former glory. She has even worked on many Frank Lloyd Wright homes. The Lori Hannigan project with the biggest challenge, but that resulted in the biggest success, was rebuilding the large chimney on the Adams Home at 710 Augusta in Oak Park. It involved a large scaffolding system, cleaning all the bricks, and restoring the chimney to the exact same design in order to satisfy the Frank Lloyd Wright Historical Board. Lori helps clients understand the standards of the industry so they know what to expect from contractors in the future. She even teaches her customers about what caused the problems that are being fixed. These qualities truly make Edward Cross & Sons, Inc. a unique business.
Technology Solutions and Support
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began my passion for technology at the age of 25 when I worked for an IT Consulting firm doing staffing and business development. I was recruiting programmers and project managers during the .Com era to develop and implement systems. During my client meetings I became fascinated with the business growth they were experiencing through technology. I knew that there would be a future in technology for everyone especially businesses. In 2005 I founded MXOtech. Our business has evolved drastically from the time I started MXOtech. We are an industry focused IT company with a concentration on security/compliance with a technology vision for every client. This has taken several years to implement, one quarter at a time, with an experienced technology team. Cyber Security is a big topic today and we have made it our mission to build out a security practice with a HITRUST certification to protect our clients’ most critical asset – data! Many companies provide Application Development and IT Managed Services, but we have the expertise to wrap security around it all. I achieved great success with my business after just a few short years. Much of this was due to joining a professional group for
MSP’s that taught me how to implement unique marketing strategies that communicated we were experts in our field. This group provided me with the tools to implement and consistently follow important business processes. However, even with all these tools that helped make MXOtech a success in a relatively short amount of time, I could see that I needed more leadership within the company or else we would fall behind. I knew I did not have all the skills needed to take MXOtech beyond my vision. Technology was changing, and I needed expertise; and my growing staff needed mentorship. I spent almost a year building a leadership team for my company to help fill in what I could not do by myself. This took an immense amount of patience and planning. I ultimately selected members for my leadership team of varying skill, expertise, and age; each providing a unique perspective and skill-set. We share the same goal: building a great culture, providing kick-ass customer service, and innovation of IT solutions to help our clients grow their businesses. Joanna Sobran/MXOtech 1101 West Adams, Suite A, Chicago, IL 60607 www.mxotech.com
Lori Hannigan 518 N. Lombard Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302
708-848-8631 • Tuckpointing • Building Cleaning • Window Caulking • Chimney Repairs • Fully Insured
Women Are Powerful, Especially When We Work Together! As a woman entrepreneur, I understand the hurdles you’ve had to overcome to get where you are. It takes strength and determination to build a business, but it also takes support from the community. My name is Joanna Sobran, Founder & CEO of MXOtech. For over 13 years, I’ve been helping Chicago’s SMBs to best leverage technology to grow their business. My team and I have worked with hundreds of clients on custom cybersecurity prevention plans. Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed the damage of cyberattacks and I would hate to see something like that happen to you. To help, I’ve put together a Security Protection Kit that you can download for free on our website which includes three printable posters for your office on how to spot phishing scams, browse safely on social media, and keep secure passwords. I hope you’ll find the materials helpful!
Joanna
Download your FREE Security Protection Kit on our website at: www.mxotech.com/ProtectMyWBE
www.mxotech.com | 312.554.5699
B6
October 30, 2019
Women In Business
Special Advertising Section
5th Annual
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
Thank you for attending!
CONFERENCE The Power of Intention Featured speakers:
Reesheda GrahamWashington
Reesheda hails from the Austin Community and has lived throughout the Chicagoland area her entire life. She is the founding CEO of L!VE 2.0, LLC (livexclamation.com), and the CEO of RGW Consulting, LLC, a boutique consulting firm that designs equity-based solutions toward the multiplication of holistic asset-based community development through coaching, training, consulting, and facilitation practices (rgwashington.
com). A trained educator and administrator, and a licensed minister and coach, Reesheda focuses her efforts on initiatives that touch on subjects of equity, appropriation, contemplative mindfulness, peacemaking, and reconciliatory practices. She speaks at conferences throughout the country on these topics, and is a bit of a world traveler, having studied the lives of people and the context of communities in the Congo, South Africa, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Canada, Israel, Palestine, and, of course, the United States. Co-author of Soul Force: Seven Pivots toward Courage, Community, and Change, Reesheda co-penned this book as a guide to transformational living.
What message do you want to send to women in our community?
We honor the stories of women who are daily defying odds and changing the world. We are creating space for women to connect, learn, and empower. We are acknowledging that there is beauty in our differences and reminded, by coming together, how powerful women are. Women have a range of roles and are required to lead in multiple capacities. There is something for every woman at this conference, even if their leadership role looks different from their neighbors. Our conference does not end after the last speaker closes, as those who attend take with them tools to use in their personal and professional lives to move our communities forward.
What makes the Women in Leadership Conference unique?
Eileen Lynch Chief of Staff 39th District, Senator Don Harmon, and Committeewoman for the Democratic Party of Oak Park
What message do you want to send to women in our community?
Be kind to yourself, and to each other. Unapologetically embrace the fullness of who you are. With intention, own your influence and pour into each other. Let us all grow
down the myriad details of their lives, identifying the greatest opportunities for growth, and then equipping them with the tools they need for growth. Through her 90-Day Challenge program, Linda helps clients strategize a practical action plan that nets positive results much faster than they imagined possible. An expert “tough love” practitioner, Linda challenges women—many of whom are already high-achieving standouts in a variety of fields—to buck the status quo and grow in their capacity to be extraordinary. Discarding distractions, including emotional and mental blocks, is a key element in their success. The focused, disciplined and loving embodiment of this conference’s “Power of Intention” theme, Linda is thrilled to help attendees take immediate steps toward sustained success in their endeavors. To learn more about Linda and the impact she is making, visit BusinessWomenWarriors.com.
Committee Spotlight:
together, and celebrate each other, as we were not meant to do this walk alone.
Amanda Smith Utilization Management Coordinator, Riveredge Hospital
Amanda Smith
Mother, grandmother, business executive, real estate entrepreneur— each is only a partial description of Linda Berger. As the founder of Business Women Warriors, Linda has identified her most passionate business and life calling. Building on over 30 years of sales, management, investment, and entrepreneurial experience, Linda guides professional women to discover their Inner Warrior’s power of love, strength and compassion while taking their “rightful seat at the table.” In the process, she sets them on the path to greater accomplishment in their careers and lives—and to make a more profound impact on the world. Clients credit Linda as an extraordinary listener with a knack for boiling
Karen Burmeister Business Development, MXO Tech
As women, we need to stick together and support one Karen Burmesiter another. I read a quote recently that said “be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked.” I think that quote embodies how we should treat one another. Let’s empower each other, not compete. We’re stronger together!
Linda Berger
Eileen Lynch
What message would you like to send to women in our community?
Senator Harmon is a champion of women’s rights,
Riveredge Hospital
8311 W. Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL HOSTED BY:
workplace equality and policies that support working families. I want women leaders in our area to know about the important policy matters that are moving forward, and to know that we are always reaching out for their input to inform the Senator’s work in Springfield. We also want them to know that the district office is here to be an advocate and a help on matters of importance to them.
What makes the Women in Leadership conference unique? We have so many interesting women leaders right here in our own backyard who share many of the same workplace challenges, as well as a commitment to getting things done right. I appreciate the opportunity to exchange ideas, gain the perspective of my peers and learn about work going on in other professions as a way of keeping in touch, but also as a way of improving upon my own commitments.
Tandra Rutledge, MA Director of Business Development, Riveredge Hospital
Tandra Rutledge
and success. In spite of these ever present challenges, we must walk unapoligetically in our own authentic power. We must know who we are, believe in who we are and change (if needed) who we are to achieve our goals. Take a seat at the table and don't be silenced. Remember, the battle cry heard across the country when Sentator Elizabeth Warren was silenced in the Senate, "Nonetheless, she peristed."
Natalie Johnson Client Engagement Specialist, Wednesday Journal
What message do you want to send to women in our community?
Women are powerful beings. Take hold of your power. Use your voice, even if it’s a whisper. There is great strength in walking in your authentic path. We are all on this journey together, learning as we go.
Natalie Johnson
What message would you like to send to women in our community? As women, we face external challenges to our leadership
Wednesday October 30, 2019 • 12-4pm SPONSORED BY:
Proud Heritage
Women In Business
October 30, 2019 B7
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5th Annual
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE The Power of Intention
See you next year!
Speakers Bios:
Lisa Bany
Lisa Bany is an instructor, director and coach at The Second City. She has authored numerous books, including On Stage: Theatre Games and Activities for Kids; Show Time: Lisa Bany Music, Dance and Drama Activities for Kids; Funny Bones; and Family Fun Nights. She started teaching at The Second City in the early nineties has directed and taught throughout the Chicagoland area. A graduate of Columbia College, Lisa is a member of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor.
Angela Nino
Angela Nino is a Certified Forensic Interviewer and the Chief Executive Officer for Empathic Workplace. She teaches seminars on workplace interviews, invesAngela Nino tigations, and difficult conversations. Angela is a graduate of The Second City improv training program.
Brynne Hovde
Brynne is the co-founder and operations director of The Nova Collective, a learning and communications firm that focuses on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Brynne Hovde the workplace. Prior to founding Nova, Brynne oversaw all client services for Second City Works, the B2B arm of the Second City theater. Via a partnership with Social Justice Education, part of Northwestern University’s Inclusion & Community team, Brynne has under-
gone focused study in Deconstructing Whiteness and Social Justice Facilitation programs. Brynne currently lives in Oak Park, where she is a co-founder of Race Conscious Dialogues - a community program for people who are white to learn about, unpack, and engage in dismantling white supremacy. She also serves on the Oak Park Community Relations Commission, an advisement board to Village government that focuses on fostering diversity & inclusion within the Village of Oak Park.
Hope England
Hope England is an activist, comedian, rebel, trauma psychotherapist, and non-profit entrepreneur. She’s also a pioneer of using improvisational comedy and humor Hope England as a tool to promote healing, build resilience and help navigate loss. She is the founder, CEO, and Chief Laugh Ambassador at Humor for Hope, a Chicago based 501(c)3 that uses improvisational comedy to empower children and families coping with the ongoing challenges of trauma, displacement and acute, chronic, and terminal illness. Hope’s current projects include bringing the healing power of Humor for Hope to Northwestern Hospital, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and Comer Children’s Hospital through volunteering with pediatric patients. She has made it her mission to leave this world better than how she found it.
Antonia Ruppert
Antonia Ruppert
Chicago born artist, Antonia Ruppert used to draw on discarded pantyhose paper inserts her mother had. The family of seven did not have extra money for art
supplies. From these humble beginnings, Ruppert, a fine arts graduate of Loyola University Chicago, creates paintings that connect people and tell a story. Her work can be found in numerous regional venues including: University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago Public Library, Acorn Public Library, Austin Childcare Network, Forest Park Park District, Berwyn North School District 98, Elmwood Park Public Library, Grand Prairie Services, Living Springs Community Church, Markham Public Library, Oak Forest Park District and the Oak Park Area Arts Council. It is from these experiences that Ruppert seeks to uplift her entire community with artistic expression.
Dima Ali
Dima Ali is a Muslim, Arab- American Cultural and Religion Educator/ Facilitator and passionate social and racial justice Activist. When Immigration and Islamophobia have Dima Ali taken over the mainstream, Dima educates and dispels misconceptions about the immigration process, the immigrant experience, and Muslims in America. Dima is an entrepreneur and a creative business woman.
senior advocate, she is passionate about minority rights and has worked for years to challenge injustice and support efforts to build fairer and more inclusive societies.
Lizette Solis
Dr. Lizette Solis has over 15 years’ experience in progressive roles with for-profit and leading non-profit organizations, that have Lizette Solis focused on providing social and mental health services, human rights and educational advocacy, and have promoted thriving communities. Dr. Solis has a solid background in management and operations oversight, working across various settings including businesses, schools, community-based programs, and international development/cross-cultural work. Combining skills in international and organizational psychology, business management, and NGO administration to target talent management, workplace productivity, provide motivational leadership, and create inclusive environments. . Currently, she is Director of Residential Services at Riveredge Hospital.
Reine Hanna
Reine Hanna is the co-founder and director of the Assyrian Policy Institute, a nonprofit which aims to support Assyrians as they struggle to maintain their rights Reine Hanna in their ancestral homeland. She has visited conflict areas in Middle East to conduct fact-finding missions and has authored several authoritative human rights reports on issues affecting Assyrians. As the organization’s
Thank you to all of the Women In Leadership 2019 sponsors: Proud Heritage
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October 30, 2019
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RIVEREDGE HOSPITAL'S OWN
2019 Women in
2019 LEADERSHIP Career Opportunities at www.RiveredgeHospital.com
Women In Business
Women In Business
At Mathnasium, Jana Frank is changing lives through math
F
or as long as she can remember Jana Frank has always loved school. From the time she was a small child teaching the ABCs to her little brother, to the years she spent as a public school teacher, to the opening of her own tutoring center, Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest, Jana has enjoyed the experience of helping others learn. Jana’s teaching career began in the Chicago Public Schools. While she loved her classroom and was devoted to her students, she grew frustrated with the politics of the system. As a math teacher, she struggled to reconcile her knowledge of how students actually learn with mandates to teach to the standardized tests. “I didn’t want to just force feed formulas to my students,” Jana explains, “and the set-up of the curriculum did not allow the opportunity to explore math deeply or help my students actually understand the concepts versus just memorizing and doing computations.” When Jana discovered the Mathnasium franchise, with its Make Math Make Sense philosophy, she knew that she had found the right fit. Mathnasium matched Jana’s own teaching style, one that used best practices and aligned with the real interests of the child. In Mathnasium, Jana felt the freedom
to finally teach in ways that not only worked, but actually inspired kids to like and get excited about math. In the six years that Mathnasium has been in Oak Park, Jana and her talented staff of “cool Jana Frank math nerds” have compiled an impressive list of achievement. “Our Brag Board is literally covered in success stories,” Jana beams. One student went from an “F” to a “B” in a matter of weeks, a high schooler got his first “A” ever, others moved up to advanced math classes, the list goes on and on. With Mathnasium, Jana found her calling. “It is so amazing,” she says, “to watch as kids learn to believe and challenge themselves and gain confidence. It carries over into all areas of their lives.” Mathnasium of Oak Park/River Forest is located at 1101 Chicago Ave., in Oak Park, and can be reached at (708) 613-4007. You can also visit them at their two other locations, 1 S. Waiola Ave, in LaGrange and 100 E. Northwest Hwy in Mount Prospect.
The Village of River Forest is Proud to Support the 5th Annual Woman in Leadership Conference Proud Heritage
400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 708.366.8500
Cathy Adduci, President of River Forest
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www.vrf. u s
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Women In Business
Special Advertising Section
Reach your goals with personalized solutions
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hen you walk into Everett Wealth Solutions, Inc. for an appointment, you immediately notice your name on a welcome sign. It is a fitting personal touch in a firm that treats every client as an individual. When founder Chris Everett first considered financial services, it was a good fit for the part of her that has always known she was a healer. Now, 30 years later, Everett has designed two programs that consider the whole person and not just their financial goals. Your Personal Wealth Solution is her level one service that provides fee-only fiduciary financial planning and asset management services. Everett admits you can get basic financial planning from other fee-only fiduciary advisors but believes Your Personal Wealth Solution is a step above. Your Identity Alignment SolutionTM takes financial planning to a much higher level and is not for everyone. It is for people who want everything at a much higher level. This experience helps you create and implement a plan for your financial resources that is aligned with who you truly are and explores the relationship you have to and with money. Everett created Your
Identity Alignment Solution™ based on her experience working with hundreds of clients over three decades. She states “Many people have put their dreams on a shelf and labeled them unattainable. However, by creating a plan that is aligned with who
questions or smash a few tomatoes to get to your breakthrough.” Additionally, Everett finds that many get into trouble because they listen to “cookie-cutter” thinking and act on common knowledge. “This is information and ideas
1. Honestly assess your current situation. What’s working and what isn’t? 2. G et greater clarity about who you really are and what you want out of life. She calls this Your Identity Truth.
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you truly are, with understanding about the relationship you’ve had to and with money, those dreams become viable.” Everett stresses how important it is to help you identify false thinking that limits break through to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life. “I’m not afraid to ask the tough
Everett recommends you do three things:
commonly held, but not necessarily right for their personal situation. We call this The Common Knowledge Trap. When you fall into this trap, you are likely to “leak” a lot of money, have unknown risk and therefore not enjoy your life to the fullest. We help every client avoid this trap.”
Schedule a Pre-Discover phone call. It’s easy. You can schedule at www. EverettWealthSolutions.com or call the office at 708-771-7777. Everett Wealth Solutions is located at 407 Marengo Avenue, Forest Park.
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and seen on
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Women In Business
Hear Better at CAA The Hearing Place
C
ynthia Chow bought CAA The Hearing Place in February of 2018, after working at the practice since 2016, but the practice itself is older than she is. Cynthia has always been enchanted by the field of audiology, “How we hear and how everything comes together to give the perception of sound is simply fascinating. I enjoy the unique challenges people with hearing related concerns have and addressing them to help each individual achieve better hearing.”
and therefore do not need to meet a sales quota. This allows us to take a patient centered approach as we decide what hearing aid style, technology and manufacturer is right for them. Typically national chain stores offer have a standardized approach to hearing care with limited options for amplification. With us, we work with you and your hearing needs to determine which hearing aid style and technology is best for you and your budget and lifestyle.”
Cynthia and her practice offer patient centered hearing care to help individuals hear their very best. They take the time to learn about their patients and their lifestyle to find a hearing solution that actually works for them. The Oak Park and River Forest Chamber of Commerce recently honored the success of Cynthia’s efforts, awarding her the 2019 Spotlight Business Award for Customer Experience.
Cynthia loves the opportunity her business affords her to make a positive impact in people’s lives. As her industry continues to change, with both improved hearing aid technology and the possibility of over the counter hearing aids for mild hearing loss, she will continue to bring her expertise to improve her clients’ quality of life. “It’s one of the most amazing things to help people be able to hear sound the way they should again.”
One of Cynthia’s greatest challenge is letting potential customers know about the benefits she can offer them as an independent business. “We are not contracted with any manufacturer
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Special Advertising Section
CAA, The Hearing Place is located at 6905 North Ave., Oak Park. Phone is 708-4457171 or visit www.savehearing.com.
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Save 20% when you buy your cleanser & moisturizer! October 30, 2019
Special Advertising Section
Women In Business
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wner Abby Brennan’s creativity is the magic touch behind the success of Brennan Massage & Spa. Inspired to run her own business, Abbey, a massage therapist by training, considered a variety of opportunities, before settling on Brennan Massage & Spa. “I love to be creative,” Abby says, “so I’m just driven by a lot of ideas I have to bring alive within a company.” Abby is driven by her love of working with people. One thing she did not expect about owning her own business was the challenge of day-to-day operations. Planning, the developing, organizing, and maintaining a business is demanding work. It might be easy to open, but keeping it going is consuming and emotionally draining. “I went into this business thinking it would be relaxing,” she confides, “It’s relaxing for customer, but not for me.” Despite the hard work, Abby feels blessed to be busy, and thrives on the hard work, juggling the constant balance between family and work. Abby is passionate about making the Brennan Massage & Spa experience accessible for all. As her team member Denise confirms, “Not only do we offer excellent service, we also offer comfort and ease.” There is an overall sense that everybody belongs, and everybody deserves this luxury. “We have not turned our spa into some luxury resort high-end experience,” Abby says, “but rather, we’ve turned it into a place for everyday hard-working people.” Abby believes that everybody needs to feel loved, soothed and nurtured. “We’ll keep up with the spa trends,” she says, “but we’ll keep them accessible to everybody. Our ambiance – it’s the type of place you want to send your loved ones. We do a lot of gift cards!”
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