Wednesday Journal 110624

of Oak Park and River Forest

Celebrating seniority

But school’s chronic absenteeism jumps to pandemic- era levels

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

If results are painted with a broad brush, the word would be “consistency” for Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 on the annual Illinois Report Card 2023-24 that was made public Oct. 30. Key data points such as graduation rate and ninth grade on track were on par with the 2022-23 school year, and in both cases grew slightly. Average class size continued its drop, and the district was once again rated as “commendable,” with an overall index score of 90.36.

REPORT CARD on pa ge 6

Oak Parker Carole Jackson (le ) and the rest of her relay team at the World Masters Athletic Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. Stor y by Jessica Mackinnon, page 18

Oak Park departments ask for more operating funds

This includes a 25% increase for the public health department and a bump up in the police budget

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park’s operating departments, including police, public health, public works, fire, development services and neighborhood services, are asking for more money in fiscal year 2025.

The first draft of the proposed 2025 budget, according to Interim Chief Financial Officer Donna Gayden, has expenditures and revenue each at about $87 million. That’s up about $4.8 million from 2024. That increase includes cost of living adjustments, one-time expenses and village board goals.

Gayden will present the full budget to the village board on Nov. 19. Trustees are expected to approve a finalized budget Dec. 3.

Police

The Oak Park Police Department provides law enforcement services to the community. The budget for this department is proposed at $29 million in 2025, up from $28.7 million in 2024. It has the largest proposed total budget of the village’s operating departments.

Those changes are a result of salary and pension increases, background check costs and uniform pricing. The department is also recommending moving parking enforcement responsibilities to development services and eliminating two other positions. Police Chief Shatonya Johnson said the department has 82 officers, down lower from earlier this year. Police are budgeted for 118 of ficers.

“I am anticipating and working diligently to secure full staffing by the end of next year,” Johnson told the board.

In 2025, Johnson said the department plans to continue executing the recommendations in the BerryDunn Community Safety study, expand community eng agement, implement crime reduction strate-

gies, continue the alternative response to calls for service pilot program and gain a new record management system.

Public Health

The Public Health Department works to respond to community health needs by preventing injuries, promoting health and protecting residents and employees. It’s been a state-certified local health department for 75 years.

The proposed budget for this department is $1.4 million for the general fund and $134,501 for the far mers’ market. These numbers are up from almost $1.2 million and $114,659 in 2024.

“This may be the first time in the last four years since 2020 that this department has not been responding to a declared public health emergency,” Interim Public Health Director Lisa Shelley said.

But, Trustee Susan Buchanan said, “I’m concerned about a 25% increase in the public health budget in a time when there isn’t a pandemic.”

A few key increases in 2025 are $20,000 for an annual health survey, $25,000 for a consultant to help start the IPLAN process, an assessment required to maintain certification, and $57,000 for additional inspection and rat control work.

In 2025, key priorities include administrative work, rodent control, emergency preparedness, health programming, nursing and the far mers’ market.

Trustee Cory Wesley said he’d be willing to contribute even more money toward animal control services, given resident concerns about the rat population.

“That’s impossible to remove all of them,” he said. “But I’d like to remove as many as possible.”

Public Works

The Public Works Department takes care of infrastructure including street maintenance, safe drinking water, sewer collection, capital improvements, forestry, refuse and recycling and traffic lights. This department is also responsible for municipal facilities and equipment.

The proposed budget for this department from the general fund is $8 million, up from

$7.8 million in 2024. For the environmental services fund, the department budgets about $5.2 million, up from $4.9 million in 2024. And for the water and sewer fund, public works is budgeting $27.7 million, down from $29.9 million in 2024.

The Public Works Department has nine divisions. Three of them – administration, streets, and water and sewer – have a reduction in their recommended budget for 2025 compared to 2024. The other six have increased asks, the largest percentage increase at about 7.4%.

In 2025, Public Works Director Rob Sproule said the department hopes to implement recommendations from Vision Zero, construct neighborhood greenways, promote the village’s composting program, update tree ordinances, improve snow mitigation, and repair street lights and traffic signals.

Fire

The Oak Park Fire Department works to provide emergency medical and fire suppression services as well as fire prevention work, public education and code enforcement.

The budget for this department is proposed at $20.2 million, up from $19.5 million in 2024.

Those increases are mostly due to pension increases, salary changes and billing costs.

Fire Chief Ronald Kobyleski said the priorities for 2025 are updating station one washrooms, conducting a space study of station two, remodeling station three, ordering a new ladder truck and purchasing individual ther mal cameras

Development Ser vices

The development services department, led by Emily Egan, works to “enhance the quality of life” in Oak Park through customer service efforts. This includes dealing with permitting, planning, zoning, historic preservation and businesses

The budget for this department is proposed at $14.1 million, up from $13.6 million in 2024.

This department has five divisions, and each is asking for an increase in the 2025 budget. For the administration, permits and development, and parking and mobility divisions, those are slight increases

WEDNESD

AY

of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor Erika Hobbs

Digital Manager Stac y Coleman

Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan

Sta Repor ter Luzane Draughon

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Contributing Editor Donna Greene

Columnists Marc Bleso , Jack Crowe, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger

Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Marketing & Adver tising Associate Ben Stumpe

Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Publisher Dan Haley BOARD OF

Chair Eric Weinheimer | Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charlie Meyerson Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Audra Wilson

Sunday Funday

Sunday, Nov. 10, 12-1:30 p.m., Friendly School of Folk Music

Join us for Sunday Funday, a family-friendly event featuring something for everyone. Enjoy sports and brews on tap, games and crafts in the co ee shop, and family yoga in the community room. Entr y is free, but pre-registration and an enrollment fee are required for yoga. All ages are welcome with an adult. Par ticipate in mindful movement with Ms. Mary Yoga, focusing on social-emotional learning, breath work, and nervous system regulation, followed by themed crafts and open play with board games in the co ee lounge. 6731 Roosevelt Road., Oak Park

Black History Tour

Sunday, Nov. 10, 1:30 p.m., Oak Park River Forest Museum

Join us for a guided bus tour highlighting signi cant locations in Oak Park, River Forest, and Maywood that celebrate African American history and contributions. The tour star ts at the Oak Park River Forest Museum and is expected to last two hours. Tickets are $40 per person, or $35 for Historical Society members. Seats ar limited. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit oprfmuseum.org. 129 Lake St., Oak Park

Veterans Day Celebration

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 3 - 4 p.m., Oak Park Township

BIG WEEK

November 6-13

The Great Ones: Music by Iconic Songwriters

S unday, Nov. 10, 4 p.m., Pilgrim Congregational Church

Seniors, join Oak Park Township for our Veterans Day Celebration to honor America’s veterans. 105 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

Melanin Love Film Series: ‘Waiting to Exhale’

Thursday, Nov. 7, 6 - 8 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

Celebrate Melanin Love this fall with movies showcasing Black love and relationships. Waiting to Exhale is the story of four African-American women who journey through a modern labyrinth of husbands and lovers, jobs and makeovers. www oakpark.librar ycalendar.com 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Veterans Day Ceremony

Monday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m., Nineteenth Century Building Ballroom

Join us for the annual Veterans Day ceremony honoring veterans, their families, and friends. The event will feature remarks by Illinois Senate President Don Harmon and Village President Vicki Scaman, with Oak Park police posting the Colors. Patriotic music will be led by The History Singers, John and Kathryn

At wood, including a Medley of Service Songs. A bugler will play Taps as wreaths are laid to honor fallen soldiers. This year ’s ceremony will re ect on the sacri ces of G.I.s during the Allied advance into Nazi Germany 80 years ago, including the signi cance of the Battle of the Bulge. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park

Join us for a lively concert celebrating the timeless music of iconic songwriters including Cole Porter, Carole King, Paul Simon, and Stevie Wonder. “The Great Ones: A Celebration of American Songwriting” features the talented Voices of Hope Community Chorus, comprising over 60 singers. Tickets are available at voicesofhopecc.org for $25 general admission, $20 for breast cancer survivors and students, $22 for groups of 10 or more, and $30 at the door. 460 La ke St., Oak Park

Monday Enrichment Prog ra m

Monday, Nov. 11, 1:15 p.m., Nineteenth Centur y Charitable Association vocalists Mark David Kaplan and Amy Montgomery, accompanied by Jeremy Kahn on piano, for an exploration of Jewish culture through song. This program features the music of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Hartnick, including selections from The Rothschilds, Rags, and Fiddler on the Roof. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park

Native American Heritage Month Displa y

Friday, Nov. 8, all day during open librar y hours, Oak Park Public Librar y

Visit the Main Librar y Idea Box throughout November to honor Native American Heritage Month, celebrating the values, traditions, and contributions of Native American communities. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Medicare 101 en Español / Medicare 101 in Spanish

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6-7 p.m., Oak Park Public Library

Únase a Nancy De Lira, Maestra de Medicare y residente de Norwood Park, para una presentación gratuita Medicare. Aprenda más y regístrese en //oppl.org/calendar. Join Medicare teacher and Norwood Park resident Nanc y De Lira for a free presentation on Medicare. Learn more and register at //oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park

Listing your event

Compiled by Brooke Duncan

Oak Park’s dilemma: How to spend

$7.9M

in le over federal pandemic funds

Trustees have not yet decided how to allocate the remainder

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park trustees have more than $7.9 million in federal pandemic funds left, and they are looking for a way to buy more time to figure out how to spend the money

The money comes from unobligated or unspent American Rescue Plan Act funds. Trustees are deliberating whether to reclassify the sum as “lost revenue,” a bookkeeping technique that would remove the spending deadline.

The village received about $38.9 million in ARPA funds to address COVID-19’s impact on the community. A portion of those funds were allocated in 2022, 2023 and 2024 to address capital needs.

The remaining ARPA funds have to be committed by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026. As one of the eligible uses of ARPA funds, the trustees can reclassify the money as lost revenue.

Village Manager Kevin Jackson said that by doing this, the village won’t lose the ability to follow through on projects with ARPA funds, rather than having to spend them by the end of 2026.

If the funds are allocated as lost revenue, they will be split between the general fund and the parking fund, said Arlene Pedraza, the village’s management analyst. She said about $6.3 million would go to the general fund, and almost $1.6 million to parking. That’s based on an 80% split for the general

MORE MONE Y

from page 3

But the business services division is asking for a 25% increase in its budget related mostly to the Renew the Avenue business assistance grant programs. And the planning and urban design division is asking for a 93% increase in its budget. That’s mostly due to the Roosevelt Road cor ridor plan, zoning map updates and comprehensive plan work, Egan said.

The development services department also partners with three agencies who re-

fund and a 20% split for the parking fund.

Trustee Lucia Robinson pointed out that $209,589 ARPA dollars that had been used during the migrant crisis were reimbursed

The village received reimbursements from the Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services grants and the Cook County Disaster Response and Recovery Fund grants. Robinson said she’d like to see that money allocated toward “what would’ve been an original ARPA-designated purpose.”

According to Oak Park officials, eligible uses, according to federal rules, for the funds include supporting public health responses, replacing public sector revenue loss, investing in certain infrastructure, addressing negative economic affects and offering premium pay for essential workers.

“There are a lot of community needs,” Robinson said Oct. 8. “That was money we got for our residents. There’s still an opportunity to apply that to some of our residents’ needs.”

Trustee Brian Straw said that he appreciates all the ways the board has used ARPA funds thus far, including services throughout the migrant crisis.

“The use of the ARPA dollars there, going to residents who have come to our community through that migrant crisis, was important,” he said. “And the fact that we’ve been able to recoup those dollars through grant programs so that we’re able to recapture that as lost revenues is a wonderful thing.”

Trustee Cory Wesley pointed out that

ceive funding from the village gover nment: Visit Oak Park, the Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance, and the Oak Park Area Arts Council

The first two are requesting the same funding amounts as received in 2024. But the arts council is asking for $15,000 more. Goals for this partner in 2025 include expanding the Off the Wall summer youth program and reopening an art gallery space at Village Hall.

Neighborhood Ser

vices

The Neighborhood Services Department develops housing progr ams and provides grants to low- to moderate-income

converting the leftover ARPA funds to lost revenue makes it easier to use with fewer restrictions. Those restrictions would include not being able to use the funds toward village debt, pension obligations or for legal settlements, Pedraza clarified.

“I would be supportive of converting it because it does give us more flexibility, but I don’t want to lose the original intention of the ARPA funding in terms of using it for community purposes that are partially in spirit with the way the money was awarded,” Wesley said.

Trustee Susan Buchanan said she’d like to see some of the leftover ARPA funds go toward climate change mitigation efforts. So far, no ARPA funds have gone toward the village’s Climate Ready Oak Park initiatives, but that is an eligible use for them, she said.

“I really hope that we can find a way to use some [ARPA funds] to have the greatest impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” she said. “My panic continues about climate change and what we can do about it.”

Village President Vicki Scaman also summarized sentiments from the board to use the leftover ARPA funds not only to help reach their goals but also to do additional outreach to local nonprofits and work that serves Black and brown community members.

Village staff members plan to come back to the board with recommendations on how to spend the leftover revenue as budget conversations continue.

households.

The proposed budget for 2025 is $2.9 million, up from $2.2 million in 2024. That increase is due to salary and benefit increases, supplies and contracted services.

In 2025, the department heads want to help implement the alternative response to calls for services, propose homeownership progr ams to the board, review other housing progr ams and implement recommendations from the fair housing test. This department has five divisions, all of wh ich are asking for more money in 2025.

Trustees are expected to discuss administrative de par tment budgets Nov. 4.

They’re Coming... Guests!

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Add festive touches with throw pillows and blankets in holiday colors for comfort and style.

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Divine Consign provides everything you need to make your home holiday-ready. Enjoy quick delivery or immediate pickup. Visit Divine Consign for new and nearly new furniture and seasonal accessories.

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The Great Ones:

A Celebration of American Songwriting

Songs by stellar artists—from the Gershwins and Cole Porter to Carole King, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and more!

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 9, 2024, 7:30 pm

Glenview Community Church 1000 Elm Street, Glenview, IL

SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 10, 2024, 4:00 pm

Pilgrim Congregational Church 460 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL

Tickets $25

Students $20 (17 & under)

Group tickets (10+) $22

Tickets at door $30

Breast cancer survivors $20 www.voicesofhopecc.org

REPORT CARD

Index score of 90.36

from page 1

Exemplary schools are those that rank in the top 10% of the state, while commendable schools rank in the next 67%. OPRF scored 89.53 in 2023.

“We’ re right there on the edge,” superintendent Greg Johnson said. “We’ re less than one point aw ay from being an exemplary school a ccording to the state b enchmark. ”

The area that stuck out, however, was chronic absenteeism, which nearly doubled from 11.1% in the 2022-23 school year to 20.3% last year. Chronic absenteeism shows the percentage of students who miss 10% or more of school days per year either with or without a valid excuse

“It’s likely for a variety of reasons, and hard to nar row down to one particular cause,” Johnson said about the increase “A part of it is that our attendance and data teams have really focused on this metric internally and have enhanced some of how we’re tracking it for the state. That may have caused us to catch and re port more students who were absent than in previous years.

benefits, but also for the growth of personal-social skills that comes from the daily interaction with peers. Attending school positively impacts the holistic development and well-being of the child.”

OPRF enrolled 3,226 students in 2024, 47% of whom are female, 50.7% male and 2.2% non-binary. More than 51% reported they are white, while 19% said they are Black and 15.4% said they are Hispanic. Nearly 20% said they were low-income. That was up from 18.5% in 2023. Johnson said that those numbers were consistent from the prior school year.

More than a third of OPRF students, or 37.5% are enrolled in Advanced Placement coursework. Of those enrolled students, 51.5% report they are Asian, while 46% said they are white, and a mere 16.9% reported they are Black.

Johnson said the metric that in his mind carries the most weight is the junior class’s performance on the SAT exam. The SAT is an admission test accepted by all U.S. colleges and is intended to determine a student’s level of colle ge readiness in the academic subjects of English/language arts and math.

About 37.5% of ELA students scored at Level 4, which exceeds proficiency, up from 27.8% in 2023. Almost 20% scored at Level 4 in math, compared with 17.5% in 2023.

Sliced Turkey

Carved Turducken

Carved Ham off the Bone

Broasted Chicken

Fresh & Smoke Polish Sausage

Shrimp Cocktail

Stuffing/Sauerkraut

Sweet Potatoes

Potato Pancakes

“Notably, though, what we see is a return to a number that is very much in line with the norm for larger high schools throughout the state. Our ef for ts to support students who are showing early signs of truancy and eng age them and their f amilies in attendance plans have increased this year, and we will continue to focus on this critical area.”

Stuffed Cabbage Pierogies

Mashed Potatoes with Brown Gravy

Best Salad Bar in Town

Mushroom & Chicken Noodle Soup

Apple Crepes + Soft Serve Ice Cream

The key, statistically, Johnson said, is context. That 11.1% chronic absenteeism rate in 2022-23 was “a bit of anomaly,” he said.

Pumpkin Pie + Dessert Table

Kolaczki + Assorted Cakes

“You look at the data, the 20.3% is what we in the 2020-21 school year,” he said. “So this is kind of reversion to pre-pandemic.” r context, he said. chronic absenteeism sat at 20.5% in the 2020-21 school year, and 19% the year before that.

“Addressing chronic absenteeism is challenging for schools because we do not hold sole control over students coming to school,” added OPRF principal Lynda Parker. “That is why partnering with f amilies through re gular conversations and attendance goal setting when there are concerns about class absences is the approach we take to changing mindset about missing school.

“We believe in the importance of being in class every day, not only for the learning

“Since the pandemic, we have to watch how [it] has affected the kids,” he said. “We benefit here from having many, many kids challenge themselves academically and this jump we see in the SAT is something we’re really excited about.”

More than 10% of students scored at Level 1 in ELA, the lowest level that indicates students partially meet standards, while 21.4% were at Level 1 in math, down from 27.3% in 2023.

Average class size continues to drop, to 21.8 students compared to 23.5 two years ago. Graduation rate jumped slightly, from 94.8% in 2023 to 95.4% in 2024, while ninth grade on track also increased, from 88.1% in 2023 to 89.8% in 2024.

“We put that in the category of consistent,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he is presenting the data to the board of education on Nov. 21. What does he anticipate its reaction will be?

“On one hand, it’s hard to predict, but I would generally believe the overall take on this will be pleased that we’re relatively consistent,” he said, “but also wanting to see continued improvements.

“We are not, and should not, be satisfied.” The meeting will be gin at 7:30 p.m. No. 21 in room 2163, and will be livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel.

Stormy Daniels is set to perform stand up in Oak Park

Comedy Plex will host the comedian and adult enter tainer Nov. 14

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

By any measure, Comedy Plex Comedy Club’s maiden voyage this year has been a success, but that will be enhanced Nov. 14 with the appearance of Stor my Daniels.

Comedy Plex, at 1128 Lake Street Lower Level, Oak Park, will host Daniels at 7:30 p.m., with Greg Studley as her opening act. Daniels, an adult entertainment star whose involvement with Re publican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been well chronicled, will perfor m for about 40 minutes with a question-andanswer period afterward.

Studley, who has performed at big venues such as The Comedy Store and The Improv Hollywood, both in the Los Angeles area, opened for her in 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic waylaid further plans, but they stayed in touch. They started working together again in 2024 and even launched a Roku TV series called Woke Up Late.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, wasn’t available for comment for this story, but Studley was.

“It’s not traditional standup,” he said of Daniels’ style. “It’s like funny storytelling. And she’s got a message with a little dash of politicism.

“She makes a great connection. She’s got that something. She’s really smart. You’re going to be pleasantly surprised.”

Studley is friends with Comedy Plex coowner Marz Timms, and about five years ago, the two were in Colorado, talking comedy, when the conversation took a turn to the future.

“He told me Stor my Daniels was doing standup,” Timms said. “He talked about how funny she was.”

Fast-forward to three weeks ago, and Timms saw a social media post that mentioned Studley and Daniels were doing standup together. He made a cong ratulatory comment on that post, and a little while later, Studley direct-messaged him. They started talking, and Timms seized the opportunity, noting that the pair could come do a show in Oak Park

Comedy Plex, which has hosted renowned comics like Hannibal Buress and Seinfeld alum Steve Hytner, added Daniels for Nov. 14. It was a process that moved fast, he said.

“It took maybe a week to get it set up,” he said. “It was maybe three or four in the morning, Greg and I were talking, and the next day, he’s like, ‘She’s interested.’ We started working out contract details and dates.”

Daniels’ reputation through the media precedes herself, but what did Timms know about her through a comedy lens? Not much, frankly. He hadn’t seen her perform, except for some clips posted on Instagram.

The reaction to booking Daniels for a club that’s been in business since January has been nothing short of phenomenal.

“Everyone is surprised … ‘I can’t believe you got Stor my Daniels,’” he said. “Things like this help establish us and will help get our name out there.”

Of course, Timms is aware of the irony that Daniels will be performing at his club so close to the presidential election. Earlier this year, Trump was found guilty by a New York jury of 34 charges related to a plan to illegally influence the 2016 presidential election through a hush money payment to Daniels, who said the two had sex.

“There is some of that,” he said. “We are going to be doing our best to make sure it’s a great environment for everybody involved That’s what we’re looking at. Everyone coming out and having a good time and listening to Stor my’s stories.”

While Daniels is a funny gal by all accounts, getting on stage and telling humorous stories isn’t as easy as it looks. Just ask Timms and Studley

“I tell a lot of young comedians, it’s reading the room,” Timms said. “That’s a big part of it, making sure your timing is correct and hitting your punch lines. You have to make a connection with the audience. If they see you’re comfortable on stage, they’ll be comfortable as well.”

Daniels has what it takes, Studley added.

“She knows how to perform and get on stage,” he said. “There are a lot of things that go into a live performance, how you look and carry yourself. She knows how to perform.”

General admission tickets are $50 with VIP seating in the first two rows for $65. A frontrow platinum package is available for $150, that includes a meet-and-greet, gift bag and pictures prior to the show. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.comedyplex.com/

NATURAL FUN

New Field Center becomes center of controversy

By MARTHA BRENNAN Contributing Reporter

A design competition begun in March for a re placement of Oak Park’s Field Center operated by the park district is now the focus of controversy.

At a recent meeting of the Park District of Oak Park (PDOP), some residents expressed concern about the cost, possible loss of trees and possible traffic that would be generated by the $2.8 million re placement to the Field Center. Park district officials sought to ease these concerns and promised further discussion.

The current Field Center located at 935 Woodbine Ave was built in 1926 and is considered obsolete. The competition for its replacement drew 26 submissions. Patrick Brown was chosen to be the designer of the new building, which will be double the size of the existing building. Brown is the founder of ORG Inc., a Chicago-based studio that specializes in construction and design.

The park department noted in its press release that a design contest was similarly held for the original building, with one

of the entries submitted by Frank Lloyd Wright. However, he fell short of victory to John Van Bergen.

The new building will be 4,600 square feet, making it twice as large as the current one. This would allow for an increase in afterschool programs and activities.

Also, Field Park will continue to have playgrounds, which will be located both east and south of the building, and an area for play on the west side.

Brown’s plan was introduced at a PDOP meeting on Oct. 23 with community members in attendance. The support for the new structure varied. Attendees voiced concerns about the cost of the new structure, heightened traffic and a hindrance to the park’s green space.

Jan Arnold, PDOP executive director, said, “It’s not a new tax that will come onto anyone for this facility.”

For worries about traffic, Arnold believes that it would be minimized with a larger Field Center, as more parents would be picking their kids up from afterschool programs at 6 p.m., lessening the immediate afterschool rush.

“We ag ree, trees are important,” said Arnold. “For every tree that we have to remove, we plant two in its place.”

Arnold encouraged the attendees to provide their email addresses to stay infor med of the park district’s course of action on constructing the new Field Center.

“We will make sure that we email those folks directly to let them know about any upcoming conversations so that they can see how we are incorporating their feedback,” she said.

According to Arnold, last week’s community meeting was the first time PDOP heard ne gative feedback about the new Field Center. Nonetheless, the PDOP is taking these criticisms into consideration.

“We need to make sure that what we’re offering is something that can serve all of our community,” she said.

Other meeting attendees, such as Oak Park resident Michael Chitwood, voiced support for the structure’s change.

“I appreciate the time and ef fo rt that you’ve p ut i nto thi s, ” Chitwood said. “There’s p eople that will b enefit from this project.”

The new building will be located at the northwest corner of the park for parents and seniors to minimize walking distance during afterschool program pickup.

The Park District was planning on holding its next community meeting in February. However, considering the recent meeting, it may hold another meeting sooner.

Arnold said that their afterschool programs, one of which is held at the Field Center, are a popular asset to the Oak Pa rk community. With participants ranging in age from kindergarten to fifth grade, these programs offer games, activities, and crafts until 6 p.m. on school days

She also mentioned the possibility of holding other progr ams at the Field Center, such as g ames for seniors or a momand-tot progr am.

T he inside of the building will consist of a classroom, restrooms accessible to the public and storag e, with the play area within eyesight. More notably, the space will have a stage T he stage will serve as an asset to PDOP performing arts courses and will be the first time they have their own stage

OPRF Black students disciplined far more than white peers, report shows

Despite the district’s e orts to change, the disparity persists

By MAYA SWAN-SULLIVAN Contributing Reporter

New data from a Oak Park and River Forest High School discipline practices review shows that although incidents as a whole dropped 28%, Black students are still reprimanded far more than their white peers.

The data, presented earlier this month at the district’s Committee of the Whole meeting, showed the number of incidents declined from 794 in 2023 to 571 in 2024. Despite this decline, the number of some types of violations, including behaviors that disrupt the classroom and using electronic devices increased. The latter alone jumped 85%.

Despite the district’s focus on equity, the disparities among Black students persist. According to the data, Black students made up at least 53% of those disciplined, compared with 32% for white students. The discipline rate for multiracial students, the next largest group, was 12%.

Black students also made up a disproportionate amount of out of school suspensions, or 13 out of 19 students suspended

The committee of the whole acknowledged this data and said that next steps include continuing to use “proactive interventions that address trauma-impacted students.”

Curtis Diggs, a trauma-infor med interventionist who works directly with students at OPRF High School, said he uses the school’s disciplinary data as a way to add students to his caseload. This allows him to check in with them weekly to review their attendance, behavior and grade data.

“The number one key to implementing trauma-infor med responses is building authentic, trusting relationships with students,” Diggs said. “Historically, [Black people] in this country have been oppressed and marginalized, which has caused generational trauma from discrimination and rac-

ism. Helping Black students not just know but truly feel they are safe, supported, and accepted is critical.”

One of the key goals of OPRF’s 2024-2025 Behavior Education Plan is to promote “teaching and intervention over consequences,” and is designed to help students return to the classroom while making them less likely to continue the same behaviors

According to Vice Principal of Operations David Narain, the plan also takes into ac count Senate Bill 0100, which was designed to limit the amount of out of school suspensions

Narain said in his experience attempting to address racial disparities in the past and digging down to the root cause, he found tha students’ behaviors are in part connected to situations in their home lives.

“But of course, the incidents already oc curred, so it’s going to be captured in the data, and that’s the difficulty, right,” he said. “We often don’t find out how to support the student until an incident has occurred. So, we are continually seeking out ways to be more proactive, and cast this net, so to speak, so that we have more information flowing to us about these students without profiling them from the beginning.”

In the plan, school officials also acknowledged that students’ school context may have contributed to the numbers. For example, they said, the pandemic “greatly impacted student behavior patterns” and “even four years later we are still recovering from the effects.” And, last year, three out of five deans were new. Hiring a new assistant principal to supervise them helped to implement the restorative practices the school relies on for discipline.

While vaping and smoking decreased by more than one-third, the behavior was ranked the third most common disciplinary incident. The school currently offers the 3rd Millennium curriculum, which is designed to help counsel students on the effects of vaping. The school also uses Way Back In, an organization that offers

services.

Long time head of YMCA moves to national headquarters

Phillip Jimenez oversaw expansion of the Oak Park branch; interim CEO announced

By HOPE BAKER Contributing Reporter

The long-time top executive of the West Cook YMCA in Oak Park is moving on to a new position with the YMCA of the USA, the Chicago-based national resource office for the nation’s 2,600 YMCAs. Phillip Jimenez, a resident of River For-

est and president and CEO of the local agency for more than decade, will serve as the National Lead of CEO Engagement for the small and mid-sized YMCA Network. In this role he will work closely with these local branches to ensure they have the resources and guidance needed to fulfill the national organization’s mission.

Chief Operating Officer Rebecca Boblett

will assume the position of interim CEO at the Oak Park branch beginning on Nov. 16.

In announcing Jimenez’s appointment, Suzanne McCormick, president & CEO of YMCA of the USA, said: “Phillip is the ideal leader for this role, bringing valuable relationships across the network and a deep understanding of what small and mid-sized YMCA CEOs need from Y-USA and its ser-

5 TALES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

1.

Stepchildren

Prerogative. Two spouses own their home together. One spouse does not have any children, and the other spouse has four children from prior relationships, all estranged. The spouses both believe that if one of them dies, the living spouse would inherit the deceased spouse’s share of their home. One of the spouses dies unexpectedly. The surviving spouse is then informed that their house’s deed was not written so that one spouse inherits from the other spouse. Even though the deed identifies the spouses as husband and wife, it does not contain the words “Joint Tenancy or Tenancy by the Entirety.” Which means the surviving spouse inherited only half of the deceased spouse’s share of their home. The other half was inherited by the deceased spouse’s estranged four children. So now the surviving spouse owns 75% of the home and each of the estranged four children own 6.25%. The children demand that the surviving spouse buy them out or sell the home.

probate court. Since the nice man did not have a trust, the family needed to hire a lawyer and file a probate court case. The probate judge decided to appoint coexecutors to work on settling the estate. Unfortunately, the co-executors did not agree on how things should be handled. They were constantly enlisting the lawyer to settle their disputes. Several years later, the estate was finally settled. Due to all the family infighting, the attorney bill that should have been around $20,000 was $275,000.

partner’s home and financial accounts were inherited by a niece. A niece, the deceased partner did not keep in touch with, and the surviving partner did not know existed. Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda!

vice delivery system. I’m confident that Phillip will be a strong advocate for them and a trusted representative of Y-USA within the network.”

In his new job, Jimenez will work at the YMCA of the USA’s national headquarters on Wacker Drive in Chicago.

“My role is to lead our national efforts of engaging the CEOs in 630 YMCA associations throughout the United States,” Jimenez said.

According to Jimenez, no two YMCAs are the same, and each YMCA’s job is to take a national initiative and format it to local needs.

“In my new role, I’m going to speak with CEOs and get an understanding of how we can better build solutions that will meet their distinct needs,” he said. “I will also communicate with them about solutions that already exist and how they can take advantage and leverage those resources.”

2. Battling Executors. A very nice and well-liked man won the lottery. He decided to take his payout in increments over ten years. The man did a great many things for his community with his lottery winnings. He gave micro loans to small startup businesses. He funded college scholarship funds, and he donated to local charities. One thing this very nice man did not do was to create an estate plan. So, when he died unexpectedly, his estate triggered

3. Partner in Name Only. Two people decide to share their life together. One is detail oriented, the other is not. Neither partner has children or close family. The detailoriented partner moves into the home of the other partner. The partners are committed to each other and live together for 40 years. The detailoriented partner adds the other partner as beneficiary on all their accounts. The non-detail-oriented partner wants the detail-oriented partner to inherit their assets. However, this partner never gets around to updating the beneficiaries on their accounts or adding their partner to the deed of the home they live in. Neither partner creates an estate plan. The partner who owns the home tragically dies suddenly. Sadly, the deceased partner never changed the home’s deed nor added the living partner as beneficiary on financial accounts. Thus, the living partner inherited nothing from the deceased partner. Instead, the deceased

4. Ancillary Probate. A couple owned three properties together in joint tenancy. One in Illinois, one in Michigan, and one in Florida. Both spouses had wills but neither spouse had a trust. When the first spouse died, the surviving spouse inherited the first spouse’s share of the properties by operation of law. Easy. But then when the surviving spouse died, their children had to hire and pay three different attorneys and file three separate probate cases in Illinois, Michigan, and Florida to settle their parents’ assets.

5. Wild Child. Two people marry and have a child they are devoted to. Unfortunately, they never create an estate plan. One night on the way home from a movie, the couple was tragically killed in a car accident. Their child was ten years old at the time. A family member was appointed guardian, and they raised the child. When the child turned 18 years old, the child inherited their parents’ retirement accounts, savings accounts, life insurance death benefits, and brokerage accounts. In total, the child inherited 4 million dollars at 18 years old. By the time the child turned 27 years old all the money was gone. The child had spent it all.

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

Jimenez is leaving the West Cook YMCA after more than 10 years as president and CEO. During that time, the West Cook YMCA evolved from a fitness center with aquatic and childcare programming and a single-room occupancy into a comprehensive community integrated health and wellbeing organization with evidence-based and infor med programs.

In a letter to the West Cook YMCA community, Jimenez said the West Cook YMCA is stronger than ever, with an exciting set of goals and initiatives.

“I have every confidence in our board and leadership team we have assembled to advance our commitment to be a Y that works within and for our community to ensure all have access to be their best self,” he said.

Jimenez grew up three blocks from the West Cook YMCA.

“This is my home Y, which means this is where I went to the Y when I was a kid,” he said. “So, supporting and adding value to the community that shaped and molded who I am has been a unique opportunity.”

Jimenez said that in addition to the team he has worked alongside during his time as CEO and president, he will also miss the dayto-day life at the YMCA in Oak Park

“There is nothing like walking into the Y each day and not knowing what’s going to happen. Every day is different,” he said. “There’s a certain level of exhilaration and activity that happens inside of a YMCA and I think I’m going to miss that operational tempo. I’ve really enjoyed that, and it’s made each day of this role exciting.”

THERESA CLANCY Estate Planning Attorney

Life-sized sculptures raise awareness about endanger

River Forest artist uses salvaged or upcycled materials, seeks exhibit venue

By LEAH SCHROEDER Contributing Reporter

In 1973, just a few years out of colle ge, River Forest local Robert Steed made his first sculpture of an endangered animal. Following a long career in data processing, the 74-year-old is now back doing what he loved more than half century ago – and his mission remains the same.

Steed creates life-size, realistic sculptures of animal species facing endangerment out of salvaged or upcycled materials, including clothing, jewelry, shoes and discarded wood and metal. So far, he has created a dodo bird, Galapagos turtle, reticulated giraffe, lemur, pangolin, passenger pigeon, moa and African Savanna elephant.

“I’m hoping to raise awareness of the dangers to rare animals and how they can become extinct,” Steed said. “We have to pay attention.”

When creating the sculptures, Steed first compiles list of species that are in danger. Next, he considers what will be most interesting for viewers and what he is ca pable of doing.

Steed also decides on a theme to make the display interesting; he tries to indicate through his art what caused the animal to become endangered by placing the animal in a mini diorama that illustrates the threat it faces.

Coming from a long line of artists, Steed also keeps in

Dodo by Rober t Steed

Steed said he hopes that his work motivates people, especially young people, to be aware of endangered species and get involved with organizations that try to preserve them. However, Steed is currently facing issues finding that are willing and able to display his he has one sculpture displayed outside pt in a storage unit or in his home studio, a structure in his backyard.

nue, he said, would be a school, a colle

or an art gallery.

“I’m just trying to find places that will display them,” Steed said. “The limitations are that they’re large displays,

Pangolin

The next person to buy a home on this block could be you! We’llshowyouhow.

Growing Community Media is hosting three events this November as the final part of our year-long At Home on the Greater West Side project. Our goal is to increase homeownership among Black and brown renters in our communities.

Each one is a primer on essential tools you’ll need to make the dream of homeownership a reality.

First, we’ll tackle how to boost your credit score. Next, just how do you know what sort of mortgage is best for you? And finally, we’ll walk you through the actual process of making the purchase happen.

At each event, you’ll meet real estate experts and advocates who know how hard this can be and the best ways to accomplish the goal of getting you into your own home. We’ll introduce you to real people in our neighborhoods who have pulled this off.

Join our interactive panel discussions and come ready to have your questions answered by professionals dedicated to helping you achieve your dream.

Our events are free. Light refreshments will be served and there will be opportunities to win gift cards, as housewarming gifts from us to you!

OHow to boost your credit score

Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.

Kinfolk CoLab, 405 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park

What’s the best mortgage for you?

Sunday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m.

Oak Park Public Library Dole Branch, 255 Augusta Ave., Oak Park

Before you buy, do these things

Sunday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.

BM Media Group, 1359 S. Kildare Ave., Chicago

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

On-site management includes 24/7 emergency maintenance service and a senior services coordinator who is available during business hours to assist residents in accessing service

agencies and programs designed speci cally for seniors. e Oaks is owned and operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation and is funded by the US Department of Housing and Ur-ban Development through the 202/ Section 8 Program. Monthly rent is based on the resident’s income, with individuals paying approximately 30% of their monthly income toward rent.

For more information, please visit us at www.oakparkrc.com or contact us at 708-386-5862.

Next

The new salaries will not go into e ect until after each election

By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter

Oak Park’s current village board voted Oct. 29 to give raises to future members, including the president, trustees and clerk.

On Oct. 22, the village board discussed new salaries for these elected positions which, now approved, will not go into effect immediately. The trustees, president and clerk who are elected, or reelected, in April 2025 will be the first to earn the new salary. Those still on the board for two more years would not see a new salary until the next election in April 2027.

Trustees Cory Wesley and Brian Straw, who brought the motion forward, were supportive of significant increases that could allow for more diverse candidates to run and more competitive elections.

“We are the elected re presentatives of the people,” Wesley said Oct. 29. “The power for government and government itself still continues to rest with the people, not us … The only way that the people can actually check our power or hold us accountable is if our elections are competitive.”

The raise for each position was voted on separately.

Increasing the next village president’s salary to $40,000 from $25,200 was approved 6-1. Raising future trustee salaries to $23,000 from $15,000 was approved 4-1, with trustees Lucia Robinson and Chibuike Enyia, who are running for reelection in 2025, abstaining. And raising the next elected clerk’s salary to $107,000 from $76,625 was approved 6-1.

Trustee Ravi Parakkat, who is r unning for village president in 2025, voted against each raise. He said Oak Park is already at the higher end of compensation for village boards compared to nearby communities. And that the village president and trustee roles are

part-time due to the village manager form of government.

“We are not here to incentivize career politicians,” he said. “These are short-term, part-time, elected positions with term limits, and the compensation should reflect that.”

Village President Vicki Scaman said the positions do not have term limits. While the positions are elected to four-year terms, individuals could run as many times as they like. Past village clerks in particular, she said, have made the job into a career, one even serving 20 years.

Parakkat argued the board should address barriers to serve by offering services like childcare reimbursement and running meetings more efficiently rather than implementing raises. He also said that spending more time working in these positions doesn’t always lead to better outcomes and it’s unfair to ask taxpayers to pay more.

Other trustees disa greed.

Straw said the salary adjustments are intended to align with community expectations and equity considerations. A call for service drives residents to run, but it isn’t enough. Candidates often need to have a level of privilege, he said, to be financially able to serve and able to volunteer enough time.

In neighboring communities, local boards have much shorter meetings, Straw pointed out. But in Oak Park, residents and elected officials want to be leaders and “push the envelope.”

“It takes a lot of time for everyone at this table to be infor med and aware of cutting-edge policy,” he said. “It is a parttime job, but it is a part-time job that requires a significant investment of time.”

For the clerk, however, trustees decided they still need to determine the best way to structure raises. The board wasn’t sure whether those raises should be set at a specific percentage increase annually or should be evaluated and determined on a re gular basis. Trustees mostly ag reed they’d like the raises to help offset cost of living increases.

They’ll decide that aspect of the clerk’s salary on Nov. 4.

anniversar y

ark with a commissioned piece to honor his former teacher

Heritage ve nto a musical famrman, was a classically trained composer and a pioneer in electronic music. His mother was a violin her students.

His older siblings are all musicians, and it was they who first introduced Wurman to Teclaw, who would become a guiding force and influence in his successful and experimental musical career.

Teclaw, who died in 2018, taught in XP, the Experimental Program, which created space for OPRF students who thrived in a progressive approach to learning. The program and Teclaw’s teaching style gave a home to non-traditional learners. He applied the revolutionary concepts of architect and philosopher Buckminster Fuller – including Dymaxion homes and geodesic domes – to his teaching of geometry.

These ideas were especially compelling to rman’s brother Felix, who built a small geodesic dome in which Wurman spent hours playing as a child. Felix later built a larger dome and, with it, toured the American Southwest and Europe with his chamber orchestra in a double-decker bus. The musicians erected the dome in parks ve free concerts beneath its ceiling. Heritage Chorale was planning its 40th anniversary celebration, the board of directors looked for a special way to honor the choir’s history. A commissioned piece from Alex Wurman was one idea, and the board found Wurman very enthusiastic the commission. His inspiration: to compose a piece honoring his for mer teacher.

Ingrid Schimnoski, a daughter of Teclaw’s and an avid supporter of Heritage, said the family is eager to hear the piece performed and is deeply grateful for Wurman’s choice of subject matter for this commissioned piece. In the tradition of experimentation, the piece takes inspiration from Teclaw’s love of hymns and pairs musical strains (classical and contemporary) with spoken narration.

Teclaw’s passion for teaching, his belief that life itself expresses both form and function, and his embrace of the idea of cosmic connection touched all who knew him. The choir is delighted to honor him during the world premiere of “Norb: Life as an Art Form.”

The public is invited to join Heritage Chorale in welcoming Alex Wurman back to Oak Park, where his and Heritage’s musical journey began. To learn more and purchase concert tickets, go to www.heritagechorale.com

Local resident featured in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Show runs until Nov. 17

By HOPE BAKER Contributing Reporter

Oak Park resident and OPRF High School alumnus Kiana Beverly is performing in Music Theater Works’ production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” which opened Oct 24 and will run through Nov. 17 at the North Shore Center for the Perfor ming Arts in Skokie.

“Little Shop of Hor rors” is a sci-fi horror comedy meets love story meets rock musical. In the show, a carnivorous plant from outer space takes over a flower shop employee’s life and threatens to ruin his hope of finding love with his secret crush, Audrey. Created by the award-winning duo Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and The Beast” and “Aladdin”), the frighteningly fantastical musical arrived just in time for Halloween to make audiences scream with laughter.

“It’s festive for spooky season and the music is amazing,” said Beverly, who will

be featured as one of three members of the chorus. She plays an Urchin named Chif fon.

“Since it’s a small cast, we are the ensemble – just the three of us,” she said. “We come into every scene to kind of narrate it and add comic relief. We’re on stage the entire time, so we have 13 costume changes.”

Beverly, who graduated with a music de gree from Millikin University in 2021, said “Little Shop of Hor rors” is the biggest been a part of in the Chicagoland area thus far. Outside of auditioning and perfor ming, Beverly is a private voice teacher for kids at Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts in Oak Park

“To actually be living this is humbling,” she said. “It makes my heart flutter to be able to do what I love.”

kind of sparked a fire inside of me.”

During her time at OPRF, Beverly perfor med in many shows and was an original member of the school’s Show Choir, which was established her freshman year.

“Show choir had a huge impact in my life,” said Beverly, who graduated from OPRF in 2015. “The Oak Park school system helped me grow and prepare in so many ways for what I’m now doing professionally.”

After “Little Shop of Hor rors,” Beverly will perform in Music Theater Works’ production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical” and Drury Lane Theatre’s “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”

The realization that acting, singing and performing is what she loved most occurred for Beverly when she was an eighth grader at Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School. Through the school’s Bravo Performing Arts program, she performed in the musical “The Wiz” and it turned out to be a transfor mative experience.

“Ever since I did that show I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do,” Beverly said. “It

“Little Shop of Hor rors” is presented at the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. The perfor mance schedule is Wednesdays at 2 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., with additional performances on Saturdays, Nov. 2, Nov. 9 and Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale from $19.50 to $106 with tickets for guests 25 years old and younger available at half-price at MusicTheaterWorks.com or by calling the Music Theater Works box office at the North Shore Center, (847) 673-6300. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more by contacting (847) 920-5360.

KIANA BEVERLY

No age limits: Oak Parker competes in track and eld at 70

Carole Jackson’s takes on the World Masters Athletic Championships

By JESSICA MACKINNON Contributing Reporter

As a teenager attending high school before Title IX was enacted in 1972, Carole Jackson didn’t have the opportunity to compete in organized sports. She’s making up for it now.

Jackson, an architect who has lived in Oak Park for 32 years, has been competing in re gional and national track and field meets since 2016. This summer, at the age of 70, she participated for the first time in the World Masters Athletic Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, where she competed in the hammer, weight and discus throws and placed in the middle of a pack of 22 elite athletes in her age group.

“I wouldn’t have wanted to go if I thought I’d be at the bottom,” Jackson said. “I knew I probably wouldn’t medal but it ended up being a really fun experience. The camaraderie among the women was great. I’ll definitely do it again.”

Jackson also competed this year in the National USATF Track Meet in Sacramento, CA, where her relay team beat a national record by nearly three seconds, and she won two gold medals in throwing events.

Jackson discovered the sport of throwing eight years ago while accompanying a friend who was throwing the discus at area track meets. A woman she met at a meet encouraged her to try it rather than sitting around watching others. She started taking the sport seriously after joining the USA Track and Field organization and competing in the 2016 National Throws Pentathlon in Lisle, where her combined score earned her a silver medal. She also competed that year in the USATF Track Meet in Grand Rapids, where she won a gold medal in the 4 x 100-meter relay.

Jackson has won dozens of medals over the years and has consistently improved

her performance, even as she ages. In this year was a personal best. In addition to her record-breaking relay at the US meet in Sacramento, she won two gold medals in the hammer and weight thr

“Normally, athletes decline as they I’m really for tunate that I’ve continued to get better, especially in the hammer and weight throws. My running times ha dropped a bit. But it’s still fun and I feel good,” Jackson said.

Before joining the USATF, Jackson regularly with the Oak Park Runners and refers to Bob Hakes and Bob O’Connor as inspirations. She went with them to her first professional track meet, the 2015 S Games in Springfield. O’Connor encouraged her to get a pair of running spikes. She later joined the SoCal (southern California) Striders because they focus on throwing as well as running – as a member of USATF, she can

chalks up much of her success

PROVIDED

Carole Jackson with Bob Hakes and Bob O’Connor in 2015 when she was in the Oak Park Runners Club. Both Bobs were inspirational to her decision to take running seriously

to her disciplined training re gimen. She works twice a week with Keven Allen, a boys track and field coach at OPRFHS, and twice a week with a personal trainer on weightlifting and plyometrics, a workout designed for building strength, balance, agility and lung capacity.

“There is really a lot of skill involved in throwing,” Jackson said. “You have to learn the foot movements and, at the same time, you have to coordinate what you’ re doing with your arms and hands, and, at the end, you need to have speed when releasing the hammer. All the components have to come together. There are people who are bigger than me who can just hay-bail it — but I think I’ve gotten to where I am because of training and proper technique.”

In addition to training, Jackson has had to get used to having hundreds of people around during competitions, watching her compete, something that many of her fellow athletes learned during colle ge meets.

“I got into this late, so it’s been a real learning curve,” she said. “I’m more comfortable now. But you still have people in the crowd who know more about the sport than you do and can critique you when you’ re on the spot,” she said.

T he c amaraderie of the women she c ompetes with and against has helped her build self-confidenc e. S he i nsists that the c ompetition is r ooted in impr oving individual performances, not beating other s.

“It’s a group of really friendly women —eve ryone offers helpful suggestions T hey really ke ep me on my toes. If it was c ut-throat, I’m not sure that I would have stuck with it,” she said.

When she isn’t training or competing, Jackson, who has lived in Oak Park for 32 years, is an architect and owner of Building Solutions, Inc., which focuses on rehabbing residential buildings. She is also an animal lover and, over the years has adopted and fostered several shelter dogs

“Staying physically fit helps you stay mentally fit. It helps with your attitud e about the wo rl d and yourself. It helps yo u stand tall,” she said.

S he remembers r unning at C oncordia Unive rsity’s track once with a friend wh o told a group of c olle ge r unners that she was 67.

“They we re impressed. I think it ’s great for younger women to see that running can be a lifelong pursuit,” Jackson said.

Carole Jackson (above) with her medals during the 2016 National USATF Track Meet in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she won a gold medal in the 4x100 relay. Jackson (right) with her medals and two badges at the Nationals in Sacramento, California, where she won two gold medals and one silver medal.

River Forest is close to being ‘EV Ready’

The code regulating electric vehicle charging stations has been amended

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

River Forest is well on its way to becoming an EV Ready Community following action taken at the Oct. 28 village board meeting By a unanimous vote of the five trustees present, the board voted to approve an ordinance amending the village code re garding the re gulation of electric vehicle charging stations as recommended by the zoning board of appeals. Trustee Bob O’Connell did not attend.

In a memo to officials, Seth Jansen, management analyst, explained that the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus started the EV Readiness program in 2022 “to prepare to meet the growing demand for EVs and EV charging infrastructure.” Municipalities that joined the program received free technical assistance

and training in a variety of critical areas as they worked toward the designation of “EV Ready Community.” River Forest applied for and was accepted into the second cohort, which officially began in August 2023.

Similar to the SolSmart program, local government members of the EV Readiness cohorts follow a pathway toward EV Ready bronze, silver or gold by completing a number of actions presented in the EV Readiness checklist. With guidance and resources assembled by the EV Readiness Team of the caucus, municipal leaders develop clear permitting for EV charging infrastructure; analyze zoning and parking codes to address barriers to EV infrastructure; engage the community; and participate in technical and safety training for staff.

Jansen said the changes made from this text amendment address all items relating to zoning or requiring a code change needed to achieve any of the designations. Changes allowing EV charging as an accessory use in all zones and allowing EV charging spots to count toward parking minimums met the requirement for bronze status

Changes that met the requirement for silver status are defining transportation electrification technologies such as EVs and charging stations and communicating zoning regulations to the public

Also, establishing zoning regulations to facilitate EV charging station installation; for content and appearance of signage on EV supply equipment; for under what conditions EV charging stations are allowed within the public right of way; and on the appearance of public EV charging stations.

“The actions taken meet all the requirements that require zoning or code changes to meet bronze, silver and gold designation,” Jansen explained “However, these changes are not all of the requirements overall in the EV readiness program to receive the designations.”

He said communities that complete the program must complete items relating to zoning and planning; permitting and inspections; safety and training; and parking and access. Also, new construction, access to EV charging, municipal fleets, utility engagement, community engagement and market develop-

ment and finance.

“To achieve each designation level, there are specific items which must be completed and a certain point threshold must be met,” Jansen said.

The Oct. 28 vote only addressed items that require village board action.

“Most items required to receive each designation level have already been completed,” he said. “Some, including these changes, still need to be officially verified by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. The only items which the village must still undertake are related to municipal fleets, which the village will complete in the coming months.”

Jansen said the issue was discussed at the zoning board meetings held in September and October as well as at a Sustainability Commission meeting in March River Forest has participated in the SolSmart program since 2022. Created by the Department of Energy, in partnership with solar nonprofits, the program addresses the problem of complicated processes and red tape discouraging well-intentioned people from installing solar at their homes or businesses

IN MEMORIA M

Kris Ronnow, 87, a major player in Oak Park’s diversity e orts

Rev. Henry Kristian (Kris) Frederick Ronnow, 87, a force for racial justice and diversity management ef for ts in Oak Park, died on Oct. 25, 2024 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Born on July 4, 1937, in St. Paul, Minnesota, he dedicated his life to the fight for social and economic justice. As a community org anizer on Chicago’s West Side in the 1960s, one of the architects of Oak Park’s blueprint for racial justice and diversity in the 1970s, and a leader in corporate reinvestment and philanthropic ef for ts in Chicago’s neighborhoods, he sought community-led solutions to complex problems.

He was “that rare combination of ordained clergy who lived his ministry within secular institutions,” his friend and colleague Rev. David Bebb Jones said, and he did so with a “prophetic sense of care and concern for all persons.”

He attended St. Paul public schools, graduating from Central High School in 1955. The first in his family to earn a colle ge de gree, he graduated from Macalester Colle ge in 1959 with a major in economics. That fall, he began graduate studies at both McCormick Theological Seminary and the University of Illinois Chicago.

Inspired by Saul Alinsky, his professor and friend, who penned Rules for Radicals, he did his graduate-level field work in some of Chicago’s most neglected West Side neighborhoods. In 1963, he completed his master’s de grees in divinity and social work

He was a community org anizer for the Church Federation of Greater Chicago (1963-1966) and executive director of the Interreligious Council of Urban Af fairs (1966-1969), before joining the Presbyterian Church USA’s Board of National Missions in New York (1969-1972).

Upon returning to the Midwest, he became director of Oak Park’s then-new Community Relations Department during the village’s ef for ts to manage racial inte gration (1972-1977). He was vice president of public af fairs at Harris Trust and Savings Bank of Chicago (1977-1988), and then circled back to McCormick Seminary as vice president for finance and operations (1988-1996). He retired in 1996.

At his high school reunion in 1965, the principal pulled him aside and told him the Chicago Police Department’s notorious Red Squad had contacted him. They were building a file. But Ronnow’s goal was only that all people be treated with dignity and given equal opportunity to thrive. Radical for the time? Perhaps, but nonviolent to the core. Amid racial tension in Oak Park, he worked with grassroots groups to overturn racist, inequitable, and eventually illegal real estate, bank-lending and employment practices. Bigotry and prejudice periodically followed him home, prompting a need for police protection. Oak Park’s leaders had his back.

“Singularly important to the implementation of fair housing in Oak Park, and the creation of the largest volunteer legal aid organization in the United States, my association with Kris was far and away the most important factor in my entire legal career,” said attorney Bob Downs. “If the village of Oak Park, and associated religious and community organizations could propose a saint, it would be Kris Ronnow.”

Community Relations “acquired the re putation as one of the most capable and progressive departments in the country,” one local newspaper re ported, and Oak Park remains a model for communities undergoing racial change. His work in Oak Park was, Jones said, “a most creative and long-lasting ministry.”

According to Dan Lauber, Oak Park senior planner, 1977-1979, “As director of the village’s Community Relations Department, he played a pivotal role in crafting and implementing Oak Park’s 1973 genuinely comprehensive and pioneering “Fourteen Points,” which for med the basis for the village’s ef for ts to prevent resegreg ation and achieve nascent inte gration. I doubt if Oak Park could have achieved all it has without Kris Ronnow’s leadership and innovations. Current village leadership would do well to heed his guidance.”

At Harris, he designed and managed the bank’s new foundation; counseled senior management on community eng agement and reinvestment; and demonstrated the importance of eng aging and rewarding employees, becoming a sort of corporate conscience at the bank. In the late 1980s, as battles to end apar theid in South Africa escalated, he walked into then-bank president Stanley Harris’ office and declared that the bank must stop buying and selling Krugerrand. Har ris ag reed.

Ronnow served on numerous nonprofit organization boards, including the National Conference for Community and Justice, the Center for Neighborhood Technology, and the Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility. He was a teaching elder in the Chicago Presbytery and helped small, struggling urban cong re gations rebuild. As an active Macalester alumni, he and his wife, Connie, endowed a scholarship program for first-generation colle ge students from the Twin Cities.

A voracious reader and a lifelong learner, he and his wife traveled the world, seeking new perspectives and a deeper grasp of complex issues. After an eye-opening trip to the Middle East in the 1990s, they joined Chicago-area ef for ts to help Palestinians re-secure a piece of their homeland. They were “a unique couple, always on the cutting edge of issues,” Jones said.

In the 1970s, they bought a cabin in Green Lake, Wisconsin. An amateur sailor, he bought a boat and christened it “Attitude Adjustment.”

“Sailing gave me time to reflect, reject worn-out ne gative thoughts, recalibrate, re position and be renewed,” he said. He also loved folk songs and hymns, organ music, brass bands and symphonies, and the sound of many diverse voices singing in unison — loudly.

Ronnow was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2007. Five years later, he and Connie moved to Westminster Place in Evanston, a Presbyterian Home with the continuum of care they knew they’d eventually need. Soon he was organizing there, too, advocating for residents seeking transparency from the administration as chairman of the Residents Council.

He worked hard to slow the disease’s inevitable progression. He knew he had to “move it or lose it.” He’d always had a dog, so long walks were routine, and workouts at the gym became another.

Kris Ronnow was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Gladys, and his sisters, Joan Willaman and Nancy Cooper. He is survived by his wife, Constance Cory Ronnow; his daughters, Karin Ronnow (Kim Leighton), Heather Ronnow (Rick Ko zal), and Erika Ronnow; his granddaughter, Carmine Abigail; his grandson, Colter Kozal; seven nieces and nephews; and countless friends and admirers.

All are welcome at a service to celebrate his life at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 14, at First United Church of Oak Park In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Parkinson’s Foundation. And get involved in your community, advocate for the most vulnerable. The world needs your help. Editor’s note: This is an edited version of the obituary submitted by Kris Ronnow’s daughter Karin.

Kris Ronnow

Four men use gun to steal a ski mask

Four men approached an Oak Park resident between 7 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. Oct. 29 on the 100 block of Madison Street. The men attempted to purchase a Nike ski mask. The Oak Park resident declined, and the men stole the ski mask while one of them displayed a firearm. The men left in a black SUV. The estimated loss is $40.

Residential burglary

■ Someone broke into an Oak Park residence between 8 a.m. and 11:15 p.m. Oct. 30 on the 1300 block of North Austin Boulevard. Inside, the person opened dresser drawers and a liquor cabinet. A wallet containing credit cards and identification was stolen. The estimated loss is $20.

■ At around 10 p.m. Nov. 3, someone removed the air conditioning unit from the second bedroom window and broke into a residence on the 100 block of South Grove Avenue. The residence was ransacked, but no items were stolen.

Criminal damage to property

At around 2:50 p.m. Nov. 3, three men kicked the front door to a residence and damaged it on the 600 block of South Cuyler Avenue. The estimated damage is $300.

Motor vehicle theft

A man heard the alarm for his rental vehicle activated around 1 a.m. Nov. 3 on the 700 block of South Kenilworth Avenue. When he checked, he heard the car, a red and black 2022 Chevy Corvette Stingray, being driven away. The estimated loss is $70,000.

Arrests

■ An 18-year-old Chicago woman was arrested for possession of a stolen car at 6:01 p.m. Oct. 26 on the 600 block of South Taylor Avenue

■ A 46-year-old Oak Park man was arrested for aggravated assault around 5 p.m. Oct. 28 on the 800 block of Lake Street.

■ A 47-year-old Chicago man was arrested for domestic battery at 6:27 p.m. Oct. 28 on the 900 block of North Boulevard

■ A 54-year-old Berkely man was arrested for criminal trespass to property at 7:46 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Jewel-Osco at 438 Madison St. He also had four active Cook County warrants for assault, battery and two retail thefts. He was also charged in three other prior retail thefts.

■ An 18-year-old Chicago woman was arrested for battery against a kid at 7:15 p.m. Nov. 1 on the 800 block of Lake Street.

These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department reports dated Oct. 29 – Nov. 4 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

DISCIPLINE

from page 9

“We know that those behaviors tend to have their root in some kind of social, emotional concern, and they try to get to the root of that and help the kids find healthier ways to address those,” Narain said.

He added that OPRF High School is also working to improve student behavior through progr ams such as Motivational Mentors, which is designed to facilitate activities for students and help them develop their social, emotional lear ning.

When it comes to addressing student concerns as they arise, “a behavior ould be asked to respond to that and they would more than li elop a relationship and talk with them” he said. ...sometimes just ersation and teaching them that they can go back into the classroom and understand how to better exist in that space so that they’re not disruptive, is all they need,” he said.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS

Cook County Annual Tax Sale Notice to Property Owners, Annual Tax Sale Schedule, and Delinquent Real Estate Tax List

This legal notice includes a list of properties of real estate on which 2022 property taxes (due in 2023) are delinquent and subject to sale as of October 8, 2024.

NOTE: This list may include some properties on which the taxes were paid after the list’s preparation on October 8, 2024. It is the property owner’s responsibility to verify the current status of payment. This list does not include all the properties in Cook County that are delinquent and subject to sale. For a complete listing of the properties in your neighborhood that are subject to sale, please visit www.cookcountytreasurer.com.

Under Illinois law, the Cook County Treasurer’s Office must offer properties having delinquent real estate taxes and special assessments for sale. IF YOUR PROPERTY IS LISTED IN THIS NOTICE FOR SALE OF DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE TAXES, IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO TAKE ACTION SO THAT YOUR TAXES ARE NOT SOLD. The tax sale is scheduled to begin TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024. The sale of taxes will result in a lien against the property that will add, at a minimum, hundreds of dollars in fees to the amount currently due. Sale of the tax and continued failure by the owner to redeem (pay) may result in the owner’s loss of legal title to the property.

Prior to sale, delinquent taxes may be paid online from your bank account or credit card by visiting cookcountytreasurer.com. Personal, company, and business checks will be accepted only through November 22, 2024. After November 22, 2024, all payments must be made by certified check, cashier’s check, money order, cash, or credit card. Please note that under Illinois law, the Treasurer’s Office cannot accept payments of delinquent taxes tendered after the close of the business day immediately preceding the date on which such taxes are to be offered for sale. For questions about submitting a payment or to verify the precise delinquent amount, you may contact the Cook County Treasurer’s Office by phone at (312) 443-5100 or by e-mail through our website at www.cookcountytreasurer.com (click on “CONTACT US BY EMAIL”).

TOWNSHIP OF OAK PARK

OAK PARK - COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL

2022 Annual Tax Sale Schedule

SALE BEGINS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024, AT 8:30 A.M. THE TAX SALE HOURS OF OPERATION ARE 8:30 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. (CHICAGO LOCAL TIME) EACH SCHEDULED DAY. THE DATES OF SALE AND THE DAILY SALE HOURS MAY BE EXTENDED AS NEEDED. TAX BUYER REGISTRATION WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN NOVEMBER 8 AND NOVEMBER 27, 2024. FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.COOKTAXSALE.COM OR CONTACT THE TREASURER’S OFFICE. SALE DATEVOLUMES

December 10, 2024 001 TO 147 Barrington, Berwyn, Bloom, Bremen, Calumet, Cicero, Elk Grove, Evanston, Hanover, Lemont, Leyden, Lyons, Maine, New Trier, Niles, Northfield, Norwood Park, Oak Park, Orland

December 11, 2024 148 TO 270 Palatine, Palos, Proviso, Rich, River Forest, Riverside, Schaumburg, Stickney, Thornton, Wheeling, Worth, Hyde Park

December 12, 2024 271 TO 464 Hyde Park, Jefferson, Lake

December 13, 2024 465 TO 601 Lake, Lake View, North Chicago, Rogers Park, South Chicago, West Chicago

FORTY WEST CHICAGO LLC46 CHICAGO AVE13816-05-325-026-000002022

FORTY WEST CHICAGO LLC44 CHICAGO AVE13816-05-325-027-000002022

FORTY WEST CHICAGO LLC40 CHICAGO AVE13816-05-325-029-000002022

TURNER HEALTHCARE FACI18 CHICAGO AVE13816-05-326-026-000002022

$8,676.85

$15,670.96

$15,473.56

$29,973.53

GRE OAK PARK INC 7019 NORTH AVE13916-06-102-004-000002022 $8,257.52

FABRICAS SELECTAS PROP6547 NORTH AVE13916-06-204-006-000002022

HARLEM REAL ESTATE LLC615 N HARLEM AVE14116-07-106-004-000002022

$18,326.39

$43,083.66

HARLEM REAL ESTATE LLC611 N HARLEM AVE14116-07-106-005-000002022 $40,332.79

HARLEM REAL ESTATE LLC625 N HARLEM AVE14116-07-106-022-000002022 $132,577.40

TAX PAYER OF 1112 LAKE ST 14116-07-119-035-100202022 $8,578.44

1120 CLUB LLC 1112 LAKE ST 14116-07-119-035-100302022 $18,529.80

TAX PAYER OF 1112 LAKE ST 14116-07-119-035-100402022 $18,530.21

TAX PAYER OF 1112 LAKE ST 14116-07-119-035-100502022 $2,859.28

CALVARY MEM.CH OAK PK920 LAKE ST 14116-07-128-006-000002022$340.04

CALVARY MEM.CH OAK PK925 LAKE ST 14116-07-128-016-000002022$285.43

100 MARION PARTNERS110 S MARION ST14116-07-302-023-103802022 $20,571.68

H J MOHR & SONS INC1109 GARFIELD ST14516-18-301-002-000002022 $4,957.85 1101 1103 GARFIELD LLC1103 GARFIELD ST14516-18-301-031-000002022 $4,451.64

H J MOHR & SONS INC1125 GARFIELD ST14516-18-301-034-000002022 $32,490.28

OAK PARK - RESIDENTIAL

ELEANORA L ROBINSON214 LE MOYNE PKY13816-05-102-027-000002022 $10,042.91

LEETHELMAN KING 1226 HAYES AVE13816-05-104-010-000002022 $6,114.53

SAMUEL HARTZOG 7 LE MOYNE PKY13816-05-113-006-000002022

COOK COUNTY DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE TAX LIST

OFFICE OF THE TREASURER AND EX-OFFICIO COLLECTOR OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Advertisement and Notice by Collector of Cook County of Application for Judgment and Order of Sale of Delinquent Lands and Lots for General Taxes for the years indicated, for order of sales thereof, as provided by law.

COUNTY

OF COOK, STATE OF ILLINOIS

November 6-7, 2024

NOTICE is hereby given that the said Collector of Cook County, Illinois, will apply to the County Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, for judgment against all lands and lots, hereinafter described as being delinquent, upon which taxes (together with any accrued interest and costs) remain due and unpaid, for an order for sale of said lands and lots for satisfaction thereof, fixing the correct amount due. Final entry of said order will be sought on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

NOTICE is further given that beginning on the 10th day of December, 2024, A.D., at the hour of 8:30 A.M., all said lands and lots, hereinafter described for sale for which an order shall be made, or has been made and not executed as noted, will be subject to public sale

at 118 N. Clark St, Room 112 (Randolph Street entrance), in Chicago, Illinois, for the amount of taxes, interest and costs due thereon, respectively.

The following is a list of the delinquent properties in Cook County upon which the taxes or any part thereof for the 2022 tax year remain due and unpaid; the name(s) of the owners, if known; the property location; the total amount due on 2022 tax warrants (excluding delinquent special assessments separately advertised); and the year or years for which the taxes are due.

In lieu of legal description, each parcel of land or lot is designated by a property index number (PIN). Comparison of the 14-digit PIN with the legal description of any parcel may be made by referring to the cross-indices in the various Cook County offices.

The Cook County Collector does not guarantee the accuracy of common street addresses or property classification codes at the time of sale. Tax buyers should verify all common street addresses, PINs, classifications, and ownership by personal inspection and investigation of said properties and legal descriptions prior to purchasing general taxes offered at the sale.

NO TAX BUYER WILL BE PERMITTED TO OBTAIN A TAX DEED WITH RESPECT TO ANY PROPERTY OWNED BY A TAXING DISTRICT OR OTHER UNIT OF GOVERNMENT. WHEN AN ORDER TO VACATE THE TAX SALE OF ANY SUCH PROPERTY IS ENTERED, THE FINAL RESULT MAY BE A REFUND WITHOUT INTEREST.

R FOGG 831 N HUMPHREY AVE13816-05-306-025-000002022 $12,001.72 GREEN BUILDING PARTNER734 N HUMPHREY AVE13816-05-314-005-000002022 $5,788.02

VANESSA RANKINS 1030 N AUSTIN BLVD13816-05-314-031-100402022 $1,681.62

1010-12 N. AUSTIN LLC1010 N AUSTIN BLVD13816-05-314-032-100302022 $5,390.59

KARLA K CHEW 512 N RIDGELAND AVE13816-05-321-015-000002022 $4,542.88

KAPISH SHARMA & SWATI828 N AUSTIN BLVD13816-05-326-034-100802022

$3,109.72

NATASHA PALMER 824 N AUSTIN BLVD13816-05-326-035-101002022 $2,672.51

METCALF PROPERTIES LLC6851 NORTH AVE13916-06-105-004-000002022 $10,394.51

ERIC PRICEMAN 1143 WOODBINE AVE13916-06-109-002-000002022 $26,447.94

MARCUS D ROYAL 1339 N HARLEM AVE13916-06-113-035-100702022$486.91

MICHAEL J SPILOTRO JR1209 N HARLEM AVE13916-06-120-044-100702022$184.00

EDWARD FETTERS IV 1226 N OAK PARK AVE13916-06-200-013-000012021 $1,944.70

TONY VILLASENOR 6539 NORTH AVE13916-06-204-010-000002022 $4,561.83

MICHAEL MCGUIRE & MERE464 LENOX ST 13916-06-222-018-000002022 $7,875.64

BOHDAN GORCZYNSKI1037 DIVISION ST14016-06-301-030-000002022 $4,607.05

TAXPAYER OF 721 WOODBINE AVE14016-06-310-022-000002022$102.97

DONALD LAMKEN 1139 MILLER AVE14016-06-315-001-000002022 $5,732.90

J HEMBLING 938 ONTARIO ST14116-07-115-043-101302022

KESTUTIS GASIUNAS 211 N GROVE AVE14116-07-116-017-101702022

PATRICIA GOLDSCHMIDT227 N OAK PARK AVE14116-07-117-010-105002022

BRIAN & ELIZ FOLEY 1124 LAKE ST 14116-07-119-033-100802022

LEGAL NOTICE

$1,651.08

$1,441.19

$4,630.26

$5,257.67

BRIAN & LIZ FOLEY 1124 LAKE ST 14116-07-119-033-108602022$686.91

ELIZBETH & BRIAN FOLEY1124 LAKE ST 14116-07-119-033-109802022$686.91

FIRST PRIORITY CONSULT938 NORTH BLVD14116-07-128-032-101402022

RICHARD NEAPOLITAN230 N OAK PARK AVE14116-07-212-010-103102022

PEDRO GUTIERREZ 228 N OAK PARK AVE14116-07-212-010-104402022

CORNELL&CARLA JOHNSON228 N OAK PARK AVE14116-07-212-010-106602022

JUDAH NAVIN REDDY 640 LAKE ST 14116-07-219-028-100502022

NURTAN A ESMEN 140 N EUCLID AVE14116-07-219-029-100902022

$1,803.71

$2,217.44

$3,750.30

$2,253.96

$1,624.65

$18,357.00

LAWNDALE TR 6005 1018 PLEASANT ST14116-07-302-018-000002022 $7,387.72

SOHO DEV. LLC. 1005 W SOUTH BLVD14116-07-302-039-000002022 $18,409.67

G & F DEVELOPMENT LLC1144 WASHINGTON BLVD14116-07-314-024-101502022 $2,704.91

RUBEN RODRIGUEZ 317 WISCONSIN AVE14116-07-315-027-100502022 $3,519.65

SAQUIB FAROOQUI 844 WASHINGTON BLVD14116-07-319-026-101502022 $1,892.59

ANA OLIVO 415 S MAPLE AVE14116-07-321-020-100802022 $1,990.72

CLIFFORD D DREWEK 405 S MAPLE AVE14116-07-321-021-100702022$741.41

ROBIN STICHA 417 WISCONSIN AVE14116-07-322-061-104102022$120.39

ROBIN STICHA 417 WISCONSIN AVE14116-07-322-061-104202022$120.39

MARILEE C UNRUH TRUSTE1041 SUSAN COLLINS L14116-07-323-055-101102022 $2,646.89

STUART NERENBERG 400 S GROVE AVE14116-07-327-020-102202022$454.31

C SMITH & L NOGUE 116 S EAST AVE14216-07-403-043-103802022$328.74

PEDIMENT LLC 237 S EAST AVE14216-07-408-022-000002022 $5,298.29

RACHAEL A KUSPER 241 S SCOVILLE AVE14216-07-409-024-000002022 $7,704.56

TAXPAYER OF 301 S EAST AVE14216-07-415-032-000002022 $1,936.87

ALEXANDER KAZAROV428 EUCLID AVE14216-07-419-029-100702022 $3,255.94

CHINZORIG DAVAATSEREN407 S EAST AVE14216-07-420-025-101002022$999.00

GREGORY LAPAPA 414 S ELMWOOD AVE14216-07-423-040-100202022 $2,510.96

JAMES C HARPER 404 N CUYLER AVE14216-08-101-010-000002022 $15,711.28

TRACI D ELLIS 714 N AUSTIN BLVD14216-08-105-022-100402022 $1,935.87

V & T INVESTMENT CORP331 N TAYLOR AVE14216-08-109-011-000002022 $7,977.18

G BELLA PROPERTIES LLC330 N TAYLOR AVE14216-08-110-002-000002022 $5,640.41

GRAHAM J RARITY 142 S RIDGELAND AVE14216-08-300-018-000002022 $17,628.85

LAWRENCE G PASSO 340 N AUSTIN BLVD14216-08-305-024-100702022 $1,074.21

RUDOLPH / GAIL PETRICH212 S HUMPHREY AVE14216-08-311-004-000002022

$19,351.37

ERICA BALL 335 S TAYLOR AVE14216-08-315-033-100402022 $3,785.88

JACQUELINE MORGAN122 N AUSTIN BLVD14216-08-317-025-102202022$183.22

JANELLI BARROW 430 S TAYLOR AVE14216-08-322-015-000002022

GUY MCFOLLING 544 S LYMAN AVE14316-17-106-016-000002022

EDDIE JR & P BROWLEY16 S AUSTIN BLVD14316-17-107-021-000002022

JOSEPH GAJEWSKI 104 S AUSTIN BLVD14316-17-107-036-100602022

OAK PARK - RESIDENTIAL (cont.)

ALICIA KAY HOFFMAN923 CLARENCE AVE14516-18-405-014-105002022

$1,555.75

ELAINE MAY 1125 S EAST AVE14516-18-417-025-000002022 $13,128.09

THOMAS WHITE 1185 S SCOVILLE AVE14516-18-426-033-000002022 $10,517.58

M GOZA 6436 ROOSEVELT RD14516-18-428-043-103602022$656.70

M GOZA 6436 ROOSEVELT RD14516-18-428-043-106602022$656.70

OAK PARK - VACANT LAND

H J MOHE & SONS CO1105 GARFIELD ST14516-18-301-003-000002022 $1,479.60

$7,425.02

$12,554.97

$10,364.40

$1,293.04 DUPAGE REMODELERS LLC645 S HIGHLAND AVE14316-17-109-040-000002022

$5,611.62

BRIAN H BOYLE 724 S LOMBARD AVE14316-17-120-035-000002022$199.26

CARL SPIGHT 744 S TAYLOR AVE14316-17-121-018-000002022

JOEY TRUONG 817 S CUYLER AVE14316-17-124-020-000002022

MILLENNIUM TRUST AS C840 S CUYLER AVE14316-17-125-015-000002022

SYNCHRONY CAPITAL LLC837 S HUMPHREY AVE14316-17-130-027-000002022

MICHAEL ASHFORD 242 FLOURNOY ST14316-17-302-018-000002022

$15,057.74

$8,790.06

$16,038.85

$7,555.53

$4,280.66

STEPHEN C MILLION 922 S LOMBARD AVE14316-17-304-011-000002022$547.91

FL INVEST SERIES 2 1021 S LOMBARD AVE14316-17-311-021-000002022

$4,543.73

MADELINE MOON 1040 S TAYLOR AVE14316-17-313-021-000002022 $4,915.20

JAMES C TYLER 1010 S TAYLOR AVE14316-17-313-052-000002022$110.19

STEPH & JASON ROBERTS1140 S HUMPHREY AVE14316-17-323-018-000002022

$3,420.65

LORRAINE T JOHNSON1181 S HARVEY AVE14316-17-326-032-000002022 $4,449.07

EMILY J TELLERS 7 FILLMORE ST14316-17-331-037-100602022 $1,184.23

J BATTISTO 600 WISCONSIN AVE14416-18-111-001-000002022 $6,493.97

JOANNA STAWSKI 620 CLINTON AVE14416-18-114-006-000002022 $11,933.60

ERIC BUHRKE 632 S KENILWORTH AVE14416-18-115-022-000002022 $1,336.48

SEAN GREATREX 711 CLINTON AVE14416-18-121-010-000002022 $6,756.59

LAURA VILLALOBOS 816 S MAPLE AVE14416-18-127-026-100502022 $1,771.67

GABRIEL J ORTIZ 1118 HARRISON ST14416-18-127-027-102202022$939.74

DAVID J MENDELL 832 HOME AVE14416-18-130-006-000002022 $10,491.83

EDMUND J GRENNAN 800 S SCOVILLE AVE14416-18-229-001-000002022 $10,826.22

JBV ACQUISITIONS LLC908 CLINTON AVE14516-18-305-003-000002022 $12,801.32

ANTONIO MCFADDEN 929 S OAK PARK AVE14516-18-307-034-100102022 $1,273.87

ROSE LEE 924 WESLEY AVE14516-18-405-014-104202022$800.70

Published by order of Maria Pappas County Collector of Cook County, Illinois

Fall into Winter 2024

Education and Guide Enrichment

local schools | early learning | tutoring programs

Advantages of Progressive Education at The Children’s School

Children learn better when they study what they’re curious about. When they have a voice in what they learn at school, learning becomes exciting to them. That’s when their innate drive toward mastery leads to real accomplishments rather than just a grade or a check mark. Honoring children’s voices is just one way The Children’s School fosters both academic skills and life skills. TCS grads report greater social skills than their peers, better self-advocacy, the ability to communicate effectively with high school and college teachers, and a lifelong love of learning.

As the only school dedicated to progressive education in the western suburbs, The Children’s School is committed to:

• An integrated, project-based curriculum that aligns with local, state, and national academic standards.

• Experiential learning that encourages hands-on, cooperative experiences.

• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and intrinsic motivation.

• Challenging students to take personal and social responsibility, and to respect their own and others’ values.

• Assessing students’ skills and knowledge in a developmentally appropriate way without reliance on test scores.

• Developing students who are confident leaders.

• Child-centered learning with small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios.

• Encouraging children to investigate, explore, question, and discuss.

• Honoring each child’s unique blend of personal qualities, family makeup, and cultural knowledge.

• Welcoming parents/guardians as partners in teaching.

TCS offers year-round admissions along with private, group, and virtual tours so that families can explore first-hand the advantages of progressive education.

Visit www.thechildrensschool.info or call 708-484-8033 for more information.

GGrace Lutheran School –A School That Cares About Students’ Faith, Knowledge, and Character

race Lutheran School, serving students from 3 years to 8th grade in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, and the surrounding communities, combines competitive academics with faith-based learning, along with strong art, athletic, and music programs.

We strive to differentiate and offer opportunities for students to excel in various subjects. In math, students can advance a grade level, with junior high students having the option to take advanced math courses such as high school algebra and geometry. This year, we are thrilled to introduce a new

reading program for K-2nd grade from the University of Florida (UFLI), which emphasizes phonics. This program aims to improve our students’ reading fluency and comprehension.

Our commitment to science education is also stronger than ever. We have upgraded our science materials and are eager to engage students with more hands-on science lab activities, fostering a love for exploration and discovery.

Grace Lutheran School prides itself on academic rigor at every grade level while caring for each student as an individual. Our class sizes range from

14 to 24 students. We offer before- and after-school care, as well as a variety of enrichment programs and sports, including cross country, volleyball, basketball, and track & field. We deeply value diversity and are proud to have a vibrant community of families from a variety of racial, ethnic, geographical, economic, and religious backgrounds, believing that rich diversity enhances the learning experience for all.

In addition to academics, we focus on character development, guiding students to follow Jesus’ example in all aspects of life. At Grace Lutheran School, we are dedicated to nurturing

well-rounded individuals who excel academically and grow spiritually.

For more information about our programs, tours, and enrollment, please visit our website at graceschoolrg.org or email agarcia@graceriverforest.org to get in touch with our Director of Enrollment.

A School That Cares About Faith, Knowledge, & Character.

Grace Lutheran School offers an exceptional education with class sizes from 14 in Pre-K to 24 in 8th grade. Before and after-school programs are available.

Students at Grace participate in activities such as choir, art, orchestra, band, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track & field, German, Spanish, robotics, chess, writing, and more!

Our teachers care about your student's success and well-being. We prioritize open communication with parents and support each child's educational journey.

At Grace Lutheran School, our Christcentered community helps your child thrive academically and spiritually.

Why choose Grace? Email: agarcia@graceriverforest.org

708-366-6900

graceschoolrf.org/schedule-a-tour

All River Forest Public Schools Awarded Exemplary Designations

On October 30, 2024, the Illinois State Board of Education published the Illinois School Report Cards, which compile student achievement data for all public schools in IL and provide each school with an individual “Summative Designation.”

Lincoln Elementary School, Willard Elementary School, and Roosevelt Middle School all earned Exemplary Designations, the top Summative Designation issued by the State Board of Education.

Exemplary Designations are awarded to the top 10% of schools across the state that achieve high levels of student academic growth, overall achievement,

attendance, and other relevant factors.

District 90 was the only district in Illinois with three or more schools to be awarded Exemplary Designations for all schools in the district.

“Our schools flourish thanks to our talented educators, caring families, committed Board leaders, supportive community members, and most of all, our hard-working and inquisitive students who bring a love of learning to school every day,” said Dr. Ed Condon, Superintendent. “Congratulations to the entire River Forest school community.”

Review the Report Cards at www.IllinoisReportCard.com.

Terra Incognito Studio and Gallery has proudly called Oak Park home for over 30 years.

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God At Work at The Field School

Private school was not on my radar. It was the unique synergy of The Field School’s three distinctives that drew me in: diverse, classical, and Christcentered. But even more fundamentally, I was drawn to The Field School because I could see God at work.

When our daughter began in Kindergarten, it felt like joining a new family. The community was small in the beginning—every student and family mattered, belonged, and was needed. By God’s grace, that philosophy has continued, even though the school has grown tremendously! I am grateful to be welcomed into the school each day for worship, prayer, and as a volunteer. I am humbled by other moms who have graciously built community with me— especially those whose paths I would

not have crossed apart from The Field School. From that shared experience, we can begin to listen, learn, and celebrate our diversity. My Field School friends are examples of faith, trust, courage, grace, forbearance, and forgiveness; knowing them has changed me.

The Field School affirms the dignity of every child by putting what is good, true, and beautiful before their eyes, prioritizing character development, and pointing them to Jesus. I pray that God grows our students into adults who are filled with praise, gratitude, and love for all that He has made, and who have strong character that allows them to live in healthy relationships with themselves, God, and others. I can think of no better place than The Field School to guide our children toward that end.

— Heather, Field School Parent

ST. LUKE SCHOOL

APlay Paves the Way

t Oak Park Friends School we believe that children are intuitively curious learners and we seek to foster that through our child-centered, play based approach. Research shows that play based learning not only fosters long term academic success and lifelong curiosity in learning, but also aids in developing internalized self regulation, executive functioning, and attention skills. We believe that children learn best when engaged in learning that is meaningful to them which is how OPFS builds its curriculum each year. We value children having the opportunity to create, sing, move, discuss, observe, and read each day. We help them become lifelong learners who are curious about the world and the people around them.

Why Choose OPFS?

• We have chickens!

• We value outdoor time. Kids have about 2 hours of outdoor play every day in almost all weather on our 4 playgrounds. Most classrooms also regularly visit Thatcher Woods.

• Our qualified and experienced teachers are passionate about working with kids.

• We allow children to develop into their authentic selves.

• Our kiddos have long uninterrupted periods of play time which allows for developing problem solving and creative thinking skills.

• Organic learning sets kids up for a natural curiosity and future academic success.

Current Openings

We currently have openings for kids ages 2 - 5.

• Authentic Programming Designed, Created and Led by GrandMaster Yu

• Emphasis on the Discipline, Wellness and Safety Bene ts of Martial Arts Training; creating Community Wellness and Responsible Citizenship

• All Instructors and Masters are Local, trained from within by GrandMaster Yu: consistent, high standards

• Safe, Accessible Facility with on-site parking and a caring, Asian-inspired environment in North Oak Park

“GrandMaster Yu is an important part of our community, and personally, part of our family.” – Oak Park Dad

“We were referred to you by our son’s OT; we stayed because he feels welcome and we like how you incorporate character building into your instruction and the sense of responsibility.” – Another Oak Park Dad

“GrandMaster Yu has a unique ability to instill self-love and self-discipline in children in a purposeful way with structure and humor.”

– River Forest Mom

“GrandMaster Yu and the Instructors are all amazing: they have had such a positive impact on our daughters!” – Oak Park Mom

Preservation Oak Park hosts storytelling night, plans to make it a quarterly event Homes

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

Preservation Oak Park started as a grass roots organization with a mailing list that morphed into active Facebook group. With a membership of roughly 1,300 people, its mission is stated as: “This group is devoted to education about the built environment in Oak Park, Illinois. It celebrates the community’s rich architectural and planning heritage and issues re garding the preservation and restoration of that heritage.”

One of the founders, architect Christopher Payne, said that not all of the group’s members are local to Oak Park, but for those who are, a new event aims to give people a reason to gather in the name of preservation.

On Nov. 13, Preservation Oak Park will host a storytelling event that celebrates the history, people and places that make Oak Park and the surrounding community unique. The evening will feature six, 360-second presentations by local experts on a variety of subjects related to “Hidden Oak Park.”

Payne said it’s an idea he’s been thinking of since 2017. He calls the event PechaKucha-inspired. PechaKucha, which means “chit chat” in Japanese, is a presentation that tells stories through images instead of text. Think Power Point with images. The events typically follow a 20by-20 rule: Each presentation consists of 20 slides that are displayed for 20 seconds, resulting in a total presentation time of six minutes and 40 seconds.

“Instead of long, droning speeches, this is much faster,” Payne said.

He added that he was also inspired by the Buffalo Architecture Foundation, which fostered interest in local architecture with events comprised of six-minute building stories.

“In Preservation Oak Park, most of the things we do are related to organizing around the latest, greatest threat. That doesn’t really teach people about preservation,” he said. “I thought we’ve got great stories about the built environment and place-making in Oak Park, and we should share those.”

The first event will feature six speakers. While all topics relate to “Hidden Oak Park,” Payne emphasized that there will be a wide variety of topics covered by an eclectic group of presenters.

One Lake Brew ing in Oak Park.

Preservation Oak Park’s “Hidden Oak Park” event,

can discover the interesting pedigree of this Oak Park home.

HIDDEN OAK PARK Mini stories

from page 29

■ Trained chef and foodie Melissa Elsmo, a for mer GCM employee, will talk about an underg round supper club in Oak Park

■ Glenn Burr, homeowner of a Frank Lloyd Wright house will give a talk entitled, “Frank Lloyd Wright was Punk as F*ck.”

■ Local author and historian Pe gg y Tuck Sinko will present on Helen Freer Morris, who has connections to Oak Park’s first Girl Scout troop.

■ Historic preservation tax credit professional Andrew Elders will speak about Erwin’s subdivision, and landscape architect Nick Petty will discuss native landscapes

■ Finally, Shawn Stephens, owner of One Lake Brewery, will talk about the renovation of the brewery, which won an historic preservation award from the village.

This inaugural event will take place at One Lake Brewery, and Payne said the idea is to host future events in similar venues.

“We want people to appreciate the sites as well as the storytelling. One Lake has won an historic preservation award for a pretty significant restoration that has changed their corner of Oak Park,” he said.

The first Preservation Oak Park evening storytelling event takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at One Lake Brewing, 1 Lake Street in Oak Park. The evening begins at 7 p.m., with presentations starting at 7:30 p.m. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Re gistration is required and space is limited. Sign-up at: bit.ly/40hobQu If

Going forward, Preservation Oak Park

hopes to make the storytelling event a quarterly gathering with a different theme for each event.

Payne said the evenings will have some architectural stories and some alternative history stories.

“Hopefully, we end up touching all kinds of history,” he said.

He added that he also hopes that the events will galvanize people to get excited and get more involved with local preservation.

“There’s a real void locally with the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation and Pleasant Home Foundation no longer in existence. Nobody is here to do interesting programming like this,” he said.

The aim is to strengthen Preservation Oak Park while also giving voice to the diverse stories that make up the local community.

“Hidden Oak Park”

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C ONSCIOUS A GING

e time is ripe for role models

When I wrote this column last Friday, I didn’t know who would win the presidential election, and perhaps even today, Wednesday, we still might not know who won.

No matter who wins this election, we are living in uncharted, stressful times that are, nonetheless, full of opportunity. Just like getting older. And like the outstanding fall foliage, getting older can emphasize the beauty and significance of change, highlighting the richness that can come with a dif ferent stage of life.

BLESOFF

No matter who our new president is or will be, our population will continue to get older and our families, neighborhoods and society will continue to struggle to adjust. And not just adjust, but hopefully get out in front of our aging demo graphic curve. People over 65 are the fastest growing demog raphic and percentage of the electorate.

One of the tenets of Conscious Aging that resonates with me is the difference between leaving a le gacy and living a le gacy Today, the time is ripe for role models

Most people think of leaving a le gacy in terms of material gifts after we die, e.g., leaving an inheritance. It can also refer to accomplishments that inspire others after we die.

When death finds me, let it find me al iv e. Afric an proverb

Instead of waiting until we die to leave gifts, living a le gacy is leaving gifts through how we live every day. Living a le gacy involves day-to-day actions and behaviors that reflect our values and principles. It is staying passionate and engaged and being present to all the difficulties and invitations of being in community. Living a le gacy is about making some positive difference in the here and now at any age. This is important in post-election America, and it will shatter the myth that life peaks in middle age and then it’s all downhill after that. Why not take advantage of being alive and just live

VIEWPOINTS

e Great Oak Park Leaf Collection Conspiracy

OANTHONY

GARGIULO JR.

n a recent walk down my Oak Park block, I saw plenty of evidence of the variety of options we have for complying with the village’s new leaf ordinance. The parkway held many yard waste bags filled to their brims with colorful, crunchy, crumpled leaves. And there were bins that overflowed with them. And there were lawns with leaves left in place, disturbed only by the autumn wind. One neighbor chose to rake leaves into piles on their driveway (?).

One View

Like a classic Negroni made with equal parts gin/ ver mouth/Campari, our block seemed to have equal parts of the official leaf disposal slogan, Leave/Bin/Bag.

I saw only one example of non-compliance: A healthy pile of leaves with a dollop of grass clippings rested curbside at the end of the block. Apparently, a landscape crew did not get the memo.

But most intriguing was an example of leaf disposal sabotage. The evidence was deposited directly on our front yard parkway.

The genesis of this subversion began sort of spookily on the night before Halloween. I had just settled into bed with a John Green book when I began to hear a sort of loud, industrial whirring coming from the side of the house or street. My first guess was a delivery truck of some sort. But at 10:30? Was it a helicopter, maybe chasing down carjackers or speeding toward a trauma center? But the sound was stationary, not passing through. So was it a spaceship like in the film E.T.? After a few minutes the sound faded and I drifted off to sleep.

The next mor ning we had a text from a neighbor: “In case you’re curious where the pile of leaves in front of your house came from ... last night the street sweeper stopped in front of your house with what looked like a technical issue. A shirtless man exited the vehicle and proceeded to pull out all of the leaves jammed in the sweeper and put them in your yard.” The text was accompanied by a laughing emoji.

But was this really that funny? Our town has been mired in a year-long controversy over … leaves. Now I have direct evidence of village hired hands mucking things up. Are leaves so scarce that the village must supply them? Why? To see if we’ll comply? I had to find out what was up, so I emailed:

Hello Public Works,

Last night around 10:30 p.m., your street sweeper truck

stopped in front of our house. The dri the lea our par our par lection process, but it seemed wh going forward. What do not pa

So far, no word back. For now, am I left to believe there is a gover nment conspiracy going on, an inside job if you will? Or am I just prolonging the controversy? Or should I just … leaf it alone?

Anthony Gargiulo Jr. is an Oak Park resident and homeowner … and leafholder.

PROVIDED BY ANTHONY GARGIULO J R

Field Center frustrations

It is not unusual that neighbors of new public buildings or spaces come late to the game. Efforts to draw in public responses on the front end of projects often fall short as people are busy, the early concepts are vague, plans evolve in ways that are changed from the first iteration. Eventually, as more final plans become public, as timelines for change become more immediate, the neighbors tune in and speak up

That has happened now in northwest Oak Park where the Park District of Oak Park has been working to restore, and it turns out to replace, the almost century-old Field Center building.

There has been a quite public process through this year as the park district sought to replicate an architectural competition from a century ago that rejected a proposed design for the center from one Frank Lloyd Wright, choosing instead a design from the estimable John Van Bergen. The current competition allowed for either restoration or replacement. And from the 26 submissions a replacement building was chosen.

That structure would double its square footage, it would inevitably result in a loss of some mature trees, and it would cost $2.8 million. At a public meeting recently, a large crowd of neighbors tur ned out. And while there were supporters in the room there were a good many unhappy northwest Oak Parkers. Critics didn’t like the design, the growth, the worries over traffic

The park district says it will slow down its coasting toward construction, will be responsive to concerns raised by those critics, and will now have a better way to engage with those in attendance.

Seems unlikely that this process will be substantially reordered. But we’d ask the park district to be actively responsive to sincere frustrations by some of those neighbors

Kris Ronnow’s legacy

This week we mourn the death of Kris Ronnow, who died at 87 after a long and well lived life. A minister, a community organizer, a social justice warrior, he was an essential player in Oak Park’s bold, creative, flawed efforts to create a racially integrated village back in the late 1960s and into the ’70s

One prong of that effort was the decision by village gover nment to create a community relations department with the charge of mediating tensions that were sadly inevitable on a block-by-block basis as the first Black families made their homes here. The department had wider missions of simply building a sense of community as a significant number of white people fled Oak Park out of fear and ignorance to be replaced by people of color and some lucky white progressives who bought lovely homes cheap.

His family recalls in his obituary that police provided them with security when tensions became overt and personal.

We recall this life because Mr. Ronnow deserves the recognition, but also to remind villagers multiple generations removed from the drama of how fragile and fearless Oak Park’s progressive roots were then. We are living our lives literally on the shoulders of great women and men, largely now dead or dying, who saw a possibility few could have imagined

Because we’re all su ragists now

The gains will feel small and the losses too large

Keep marching, keep marching

You’ll rarely agree with whoever’s in charge

Keep marching, keep marching

‘Cause your ancestors are all the proof you need

That progress is possible, not guaranteed

It will only be made if we keep marching

Keep marching on …

IShaina Taub

From the musical “Suffs”

KEN

TRAINOR

don’t know how the election tur ned out. We may not know for a while. Maybe the worst thing ever for this country. Maybe the best thing ever. One or the other. Or maybe both, with 50% believing one, 50% believing the opposite

But whatever happened, the Master Walkers Club will keep walking, keep walking, as we did last Friday, as we have for the past 30 years. We walked a 10-mile stretch, 25,000 steps, along the Lake Geneva shore trail in Wisconsin, two of us in our early 70s, the other younger and in better shape, groaning the least.

We have hiked 26 miles around the entire lake at least seven times, 12 hours, dawn to dusk. We hiked half at least a dozen times. The other years, we traversed smaller sections, as graceful aging and good sense dictated. Last Friday’s 10 miles took five hours, so we weren’t out to break any records. Some years we hiked the Fox River trail instead, closer to home — during the pandemic, for instance — but we always end up coming back here. Others joined us once (or several) upon-a-times, but the three of us make up the hard-core master walkers.

Keep walking, keep walking on …

We read poetry during our rest stops and discuss, snacking on trail mix, apples and cheese, gazing out over this lovely lake, processing our passing lives. I was 43 when we first took this walk in 1995. Now I’m 72.

This past Friday, we talked about everything from the looming election to our grandkids to what dreams have come true for us. It was a wonderful day away from our day-to-day.

All walking is a journey and so is life, so they complement one another. Our lookbacks arouse varying degrees of enthusiasm. Same for looking to the future. Mostly we focus on the present and try to appreciate our surroundings and each other

The path is familiar now with fewer surprises. We pass new and more elaborate houses, too ornate to pique our for mer fantasies of living here where the disassembled piers are stacked up each fall like idyllic summers, banked in memory.

With age comes experience and the accumulation of sameness, so changes are refreshing, though challenging our declining recall. Did we see this before or did I just never notice it? Or are the places the same and we’re the ones who changed?

Keep walking, keep walking, taking the road more traveled, a well-worn path toward a destiny we all face — alone — reminding each other that life is good, but better with excellent companions.

Three other hikers pass by and ring the bell left on the path that reads, “Expect a miracle.” Later we pass them and ask, “Did you get your miracle yet?”

“Well, these blackberries are awfully good.”

Some miracles are small — blackberries, a lake unruffled by wind, renewing cherished traditions. Some miracles take longer, like electing a woman president. Expect them anyway

Keep walking, keep walking, keep marching, keep marching on

We pool our memories. We are the glow at the end of the jour ney. Reading a poem by Joy Harjo, “For Calling the Spirit Back from Wandering the Earth in Its Human Feet,” we form a trinity, crossing the boundary into the beautiful world.

“Let go the pain you are holding in your mind, your shoulders, your heart, all the way to your feet. … Welcome your spirit back from its wandering. It may return in pieces, in tatters. Gather them together They will be happy to be found after being lost for so long. … Then, you must do this: help the next person find their way through the dark.”

Someday, one of these lake walks will be our last, contingent as they are on mobility and health. Or death may break up our triad. Or we might decide to hang up our hiking boots by mutual consent. When that happens, we will only know in hindsight which walk was our last.

All the more reason to mark and appreciate each in the perfect now, and keep walking, keep walking, keep marching, keep marching, through troubled elections in a troubled land because we are all suffragists now.

After each hike, we end up at Lake Geneva Inn, which offers a fine view of the lake, late in the day. Over a celebratory glass of wine or beer, we watch the afterglow golden up the sky in the west and tur n the water silvery orange. We toast a past we cannot change, a future over which we still have some control, and to this year’s hike, which is, as always, christened the best of the batch.

We also commit to continuing our annual one-day ordinary odyssey for as long as we are able

And to sharing the extraordinary odyssey of our ordinary lives.

Before we melt into memory altogether

SHRUB TO

WN by Marc Stopeck

A lost opportunity for River Foresters

While Oak Park residents considered ranked-choice voting (https://www.oak-park.us/ranked-choice-voting), Skokie citizens decided on term limits for its village officials (https://www.skokie.org/1503/Skokie-Elected-Officials-TermLimits-Ref), and Glencoe residents weighed in on Home Rule (https://www.villageofglencoe.org/government/current_projects/home_rule_for_glencoe/index.php), River Forest residents were not allowed to vote on prospective (future) ter m limits for the office of village president.

Last summer River Forest citizens collected petition signatures to place a term limits referendum on this ballot.

A single River Forest resident hired two attorneys to litigate an objection to the petition. The village eng aged paid counsel to preside over a trial-like hearing at village hall. River Forest citizens were forced to hire an attor ney to defend our right to ballot access for the referendum.

An electoral board, comprising Village Clerk John Keller, Village Trustee Respicio Vasquez, and retired Judge Mathias Delort, heard legal arguments on the objection.

The board concluded that the citizens obtained more than enough signatures for the referendum to appear on the November ballot. The members dismissed challenges to the notarization process of the petition signatures, and the integrity of the notary, as specious. Finally, the board rejected the objection to stray markings in the “yes/no” boxes on the

petition sheets as legally unsupported

However, based on a single paragraph of the 67-paragraph objection, the electoral board declared the petition for term limits invalid “because the heading [question] is too vague and ambiguous.”

This three-person electoral board failed to understand what 543 River Forest registered voters understood clearly. The ter m limits referendum would not appear on Tuesday’s ballot, and River Forest residents could not exercise the right to vote on term limits

In advocating for stronger participation in gover nance and to fight this ill-conceived objection your neighbors incurred a $10,000 debt

It is not too late to help. The village board can follow other suburban leaders and pass a resolution for term limits to appear on the April 2025 ballot, using unambiguous words elected officials can understand.

Let your Board of Trustees know that you would like to vote on term limits For more information, and to contribute to the legal fees your neighbors incurred defending democracy, email: OneVillageRiverForest@gmail.com.*

*One Village River Forest is an Illinois-registered Political Action Committee

Deborah L. Borman

River Forest

WEDNESD AY

of Oak Park and River Forest

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e goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have su cient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it o en is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it.

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Regulate, don’t ban hemp products

As a physician from Oak Park, I feel compelled to address the ongoing conversation surrounding hemp-derived products. I wholeheartedly support the implementation of thoughtful regulations, including establishing a minimum purchase age of 21 for these products

JANICE MAKELA

One View

While it’s vital to recognize the legitimate concerns surrounding unregulated substances, we must also understand that many adults are actively seeking out hemp-derived products for their potential wellness benefits. As access to, and acceptance of, hemp-derived cannabinoids improves, we’re able to understand more about the potential benefits of these products

These products are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s crucial to approach them with a clear understanding of their benefits and limitations. That’s why I advocate for clear labeling and rigorous testing standards. With these measures in place, consumers can make infor med decisions about what products align with their individual wellness needs.

I want to emphasize that anyone who has any questions about these products should consult their doctors to determine if they are right for them. Open dialogue allows for tailored recommendations and addresses any questions or concerns that patients may have regarding the use of these products or any other products.

Instead of imposing bans on hemp-derived products — which could inadvertently drive consumers to unsafe, unregulated markets — it’s my hope that our village trustees will focus on creating a regulatory framework that prioritizes safety and transparency. By ensuring that all hemp products sold in Oak Park are rigorously tested, properly labeled, and restricted to individuals, age 21 and older, we can protect our community while still allowing responsible adults access to these products

This balanced approach not only safeguards public health but also allows access for adults seeking to enhance their wellness through hemp-derived options We have the opportunity to establish regulations that ensure safety without stifling access to beneficial products. Let’s work together to create a responsible framework that supports infor med choices for all residents.

Dr. Janice Makela is a physician from Oak Park, specializing in internal medicine, hospice and palliative care, and geriatric medicine.

Regulation is more responsible

I opened KB’s Smoke Shop in Oak Park because I wanted to provide beneficial hemp products to my community, friends, and neighbors. I understand that, due to a lack of industrywide safety standards, there’s a real need to close that gap to protect consumers from bad actors who cut corners or try to market their products to children. However, I believe the best path forward lies in responsible regulation, not a counterproductive ban on these products.

As a small business owner, I’m committed to doing right by my customers and our community. I understand the importance of responsible safeguards that allow businesses to thrive while keeping consumers safe, that’s why I’m advocating for strict re gulations in my own industry.

I support putting safeguards in place for this federally lawful commodity because much like alcohol, these products are intended for responsible adult use. This is why I voluntarily require my customers to be at least 21 to purchase hemp-derived products. I also believe that products should be properly tested, safely made in clean facilities, and labeled in a way so customers know exactly what they’re buying, how potent it is, and how to correctly use the product.

It’s past time to protect minors from products that should never be marketed or sold to them in the first place. Let’s finally do something about products that look like snacks and candies that are popular with children — they don’t belong on store shelves Rather than bans that will only drive

people to buy these federally le gal products on the street, in neighboring towns or online, enacting requirements for testing, labeling, and customer age limits can foster a safer hemp industry while preserving consumers’ rights to choose the products that best suit their needs.

Without clear regulatory guidance, or with outright bans on hemp-derived products, we risk driving local businesses like mine out of Oak Park while doing little for public safety. Let’s work together to keep our community safe from shady products, keep our local businesses local, and keep adult consumer access to the products that many feel improve their quality of life

Unwarranted pay raises

We live in a home-rule village with a full-time village manager to manage the governmental af fairs of the village with le gislative direction from a par t-time village president and village board, all of whom are paid. Assisting the village board are non-paid commissions and committees who provide expertise, guidance and public input to the legislative process.

Under the village manager are the various village staf f and their subordinates, again paid, who provide the services we as citizens expect and pay taxes for. A professional elected village clerk and her paid staf f provide much of paperwork-handling that any large organization requires as well, providing the village citizen ombundsman role that Ginie Cassin, Sandra Sokol, Theresa Powell, Christina Waters, and

Vicki Scaman (now village president) have provided.

Traditionally, citizens on the village board and the village president have served for a small stipend (by the way, the boards of the park district, the library and the school boards have been unpaid). Our police and fire departments have been under paid for quite some time and, as a result, we are losing skilled, trained police officers and firefighter paramedics to better-paying and less-demanding suburbs. In fact roughly 1/3 of the sworn police officer positions are left unfilled, requiring frequent use of overtime and uncomfortable scheduling to have enough Oak Park police officers protecting our public safety.

Given these facts, it seems highly inappropriate that the village board

and village president are demanding 50-60% pay raises while denying adequate pay for police and fire personnel.

I do appreciate that the full-time-plus village clerk is being of fered an appropriate raise. Village board members state they deserve pay commensurate to their multimillion-dollar responsibilities, yet the park district, school districts, and library district board members carry out their multimilliondollar decision-making with no remuneration.

We have a full-time professional village manager appropriately paid to manage the village. This is not the job of the village board and the village president.

Learn to protect yourself from scams

Scam artists often believe age is a vulnerability. As a result, seniors are a frequent target of a wide range of consumer fraud scams. Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Community Outreach Team is presenting a program aimed at seniors that will help them with un-

derstanding how to recognize potential fraud attempts, learning how to be ready to stop scams, and learning when and how to reach out to the Attorney General’s Office. Their Senior Help Line is 1-800-243-5377 or seniorhelpline@ilag.gov.

Join us on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 1:30

p.m., for an informative, free presentation at Oak Park Township Senior and Disability Services, 130 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302.

Jean Buckley

Oak Park & Ri ver Forest Townships Senior Services Committee

Karim Belharet Oak Park

Frank Vozak Oak Park

Reviving a 64-year-old memory

Fenwick’s football team sealed its win Saturday over Brother Rice with a safety Fenwick played Rice for the first time ever in 1960 in a Catholic League first-round play-off game. I played fullback (one of the few games I started). I was responsible for the first points Rice ever scored against us: the ball on our own goal line, our quarterback dropped the exchange from center. The ball landed directly in front of me and I fell on it — I

could hardly have done otherwise — thus recording the 2 points for Rice We went on to win, thankfully.

Reading about the Friars’ key safety, Saturday, brought forcibly to mind — although a reversed situation — that game 64 years ago in West Pullman.

Jamie Carey New Buffalo, Michigan Fenwick, class of 1961

Would God choose Trump?

Shooting at jour nalists and Liz Cheney (“I don’t mind”). Sending the ar my to imprison “the enemy within” (“I will be your retribution”). Deporting millions (“They’re poisoning the blood of our country”). Twenty or 100 percent tariffs (“We’re going to put 100% tariff on your goods”). Jan. 6 (“Shouldn’t have left,” “Dictator on day one,” “I’m not a

Nazi”). “I want to protect women … whether they like it or not.” Guilty of sexual assault. Felon for paying off porn star. “Concepts” of a health-care plan. No fluoride in our water No vaccines Trump 2.0.

God’s chosen?

Jack Crowe Oak Park

Remembering Kris Ronnow

Kris Ronnow [who died Oct. 25 at the age of 87] was my supervisor at Oak Park’s Community Relations Department during my first year of grad school, 1974-75. I was an intern, working there two days a week. I remember him as a warm, tough man, who was very committed to community organization and racial justice.

I wrote up the experience a bit in a Viewpoints piece a few years ago (https://www. oakpark.com/2020/06/18/peeling-back-thelayers-of-racial-bias)

Paying for uniforms?

Can someone please explain why cheerleaders at OPRF High School have to pay for their uniforms while the football players get theirs for free?

Matt Avery Oak Park

One thing I didn’t mention in the piece was that after my mom got very upset about my having filed a complaint against her realtor, Kris went to the trouble of talking with her on the phone, calming her and reassuring her that I had done the right thing He had a way of seeing the big picture and yet engaging very personally with individuals on issues that could be fraught with tension.

Rich Kordesh Oak Park

Trump as a fascist

In his Oct. 31 Sun-Times column, Jacob Sullum asserts that Trump is not “thoughtful enough” to be a fascist, preferring John Bolton’s assessment over Mark Milley’s that Trump is a “fascist to the core.”

Perhaps both views are off the mark and we should revert to the simple insight offered in the reliable observation that, “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it’s probably a duck.”

One might say that a duck is not a duck “to the core” because a duck is “not thoughtful enough” to be a duck. But it’s a duck nevertheless, purely by instinct in the same manner that lions are carnivores.

The racist hyper-nationalism, the intolerance of dissent, rejection of “rule of law” (will over reason), rejection of the “Enlightenment” tradition at the core of our country’s founding, law-enforcement thuggery, misogyny, the Big Lie, identification with anti-democratic regimes elsewhere … all the boxes are checked, are they not? Yes, Trump’s inclinations in these directions may be entirely non-theoretical, arising out of “pure self-interest.” He is likely unable to define what fascism is, but then a duck is not able to explain what a duck is either.

A duck is a duck. In that sense, Trump is a fascist (see “The fascism of Trump and his enablers,” four years ago in Wednesday Journal’s Viewpoints section, https://www oakpark. com/2020/06/17/the-fascism-of-trump-and-hisenablers)

Gregg Mumm Oak Park

WEDNESD AY

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.

MARC BLESOFF A

living legacy from page 31

your le ga cy now? Why not star t living with intention? Think of the possibilities if we re ga rd the last stage of life as an oppo rtunity to stay eng aged in some way as we encourage equitabl e relationships and communities This will like ly have positive impact on present and future g enerations.

We live in an ageist culture. Research shows that children c an start to develop stereotypes and biases about aging and older p eople as early as preschool. Most of us think that old is bad and young is good. As an older person living our le ga cy, we c an be a positive role model for p eople of all ages. It is a way to be anti-ageist, a gift that ke ep s on giving.

Finding common ground to wo rk to g ether to build our relationships and communities is a ter rific way to live a le ga cy. An d there is no template. Each pe rson and each community is different, with different resources and strengths — and often with similar dreams.

Each of us can find our own way to live our own le ga cy Role models will help all of us along the way.

ktrainor@wjinc.com

Fax: 708-524-0047

Please include name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

Arnie Dahm, 92

Physicist, researcher, professor

Arnold (Arnie) y Dahm died on Oct. 24, 2024, a month after celebrating his 92nd birthday with famat the Brookdale retirement facility in Oak Park. An internationally recnized physicist, he was known for in low-temperature nspiring colleagues and students around the world.

Born on Sept. 12, 1932, to Henry and Minnie Dahm, he was the second of seven siblings in a close-knit family proud of their Dutch heritage. He grew up in Peoria, Iowa, where he graduated from Pella Christian High School, Central Colle ge, and the University of Minnesota, where he earned a master’s de gree and PhD in physic later completed postdoctoral research the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1968, he joined Case Western Reser University in Cleveland, where he taught for 35 years. A popular professor, he welcomed his international graduate students into his home, sharing Thanksgiving dinners and lively discussions. In 2000, Case Western honored him as an Institute Professor, reco gnizing his contributions to science and academia. He received two Fulbright fellowships, enabling him to conduct research in England and West Germany

ing extensively with his wife, hiking the Peruvian Andes, exploring the Galapagos Islands, and finding wonder in new places. In 2021, they moved to Brookdale Oak Park, where he became known as the “jigsaw puzzle wizard” and was celebrated for his sharp mind and friendly nature.

Deeply committed to social justice, gun safety, and combating global warming, he worked tirelessly for a better world.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church in Oak Pa rk.

Gifts in his memory may be made to Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church and The Sierra Club.

John Dudzik, 86 Banker who ran with the bulls

Dudzik, rest Park, died on Oct. 22, 2024 after a short illness. Born on Sept. 4, 1938 to John and Anne Dudzik in Whiting, Indiana, aduated from Ro gers Clark High School, then enlisted in the d on the Heavy Cruiser USS Macon.

Following his military service, he studied finance at Indiana University, earning a bachelor’s de gree, then went completed an MBA at DePaul University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

tending heavyweight title fights, bullfighting, season tickets to Chicago Blackhawks hockey, running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain (many, many times), and collecting Cuban rums.

John was predeceased by his father John, mother Anne and brother Richard. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his brother, Gerry; his sister, Patty; his ne phew, Justin and his niece, Kathleen.

Services are private Information is av able through Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Forest Park.

Robert Woods, 60 Grew up in Oak Park

Robert Bernard (Bobby) Woods Jr., 60, of Evansville, Indiana, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday Sept. 17, 2024. Born in Chicago on Aug. 18, 1964 to Veronica (McCarthy) Woods and Robert Bernard Woods Sr., he spent his formative years in Oak Park and Bellwood. A longtime employee of AT&T, he retired in April of 2024. His humor, wit, generous heart, and enthusiasm will be missed by his family and friends.

tions may be made to Mt. St. Joseph, a residence for disabled women, 24955 N. Highway 12, Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047.

Denise Russo, 62 Grammy

Denise Russo, 62, of Plainfield, forrly of Oak Park, died at St. Joseph Medical Center on Oct. 29, 2024, with her family by her side. Born in Chicago on May 20, 1962, she was the daughter of the late van) Moses. She will be remembered most for her love for her grandchildren. Spending time with them made her happiest. And her grandkids loved their “grammy” back dearly. She was kind and compassionate with a great sense of humor and always rooted for Chicago sports. She enjoyed watching movies with her husband, Wally, and loved petsitting for her grand pup, Milky. She never hesitated to help anyone in need.

Drafted into the U.S. Ar my during the Korean War, he served his country for two years. In 1967, he met Susan Dickey in Philadelphia, and they married seven months later. To gether, they raised two daughters, Amy Roehl and Kristi Dahm; and he had three granddaughters.

An active member of the Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, he served as chairman of the board of trustees, elder, and deacon. He was an avid tennis player and skier. His adventurous spirit led to travel-

His first job was with Boulevard National Bank in Chicago’s Wrigley Building, kickstarting a 40-year career in banking, ending as Senior VP of Commercial Lending at Comerica Bank.

John met his future wife, Carol Baughman, a school teacher in Oak Park District 97 Elementary Schools, on a blind date. They were married in 1970 and enjoyed a 54-year mar riage filled with travel, ranging from Europe to South America.

John’s interests and hobbies included at -

Surviving Bobby are his wife, Karan Jo (Lamb) Woods; his daughters Kelly (Brett) Boling, Nicole Woods, Samantha (Andre) Rejndrup, and Amanda Woods; his sons, Robert Woods III, Tony (Matilda) Abay, and Austin (Cari) Kemp; his mother, Veronica Woods; his sister, Denise Woods; and his grandchildren, Carter, Keagen, Calan, Theo, Aria, Otto, and Henrik.

He was buried in Evansville. For those who were unable to attend his funeral service, a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Celestine Church, 3020 N. 76th Court, Elmwood Park, Illinois 60707 on Thursd ay Nov. 7, 2024. Visitation will be held from 10 until the Mass at 11.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribu-

Denise is survived by her husband, Walter Przewo znik; her children, Jillian (Peter) Shebelski, Bradley (Isabel) Russo, Marissa Russo (Matt Armstrong), Michael Przewoznik (Madhuri Patel), and Kimberly (Michael) Canfield; her grandchildren, Kayla, Grace, Olivia, Ellie, Elliott, Gianna, Eleanor, Isaac, Mikey, and Maggie; her brother, Scott Moses; her sister, Jill (Ted) Shepard; and several nieces and ne phews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Moses; her sister, Theresa Ptaszkowski; and her sister-in-law, Brenda Moses

Cremation rites have been accorded and a service will be held at a later date in the Oak Park area.

For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-7415500, or visit her Memorial Tribute at www. fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory.

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.

SPORTS

Defense comes up big for Fenwick football

Timely plays lift Friars over Brother Rice in 7A rst-round playo s

By MELVIN TATE

Contributing Reporter

It has often been said in football that offense wins games, but defense wins championships. This was proven yet again in an IHSA Class 7A first-round playoff game at Triton College, Nov. 2, as the Fenwick High School defense came up with multiple big plays in a 12-7 victory over Brother Rice

“It’s great coaching, great players, great leadership,” said Fenwick coach Matt Battaglia of his defense. “That’s really what it comes down to. We’ve got some really good players upfront. They all beli eved and were on the same page together; they wanted to win.”

Fenwick (8-2) stopped Brother Rice (6-4) twice on downs in the first quarter. An interception by Jake Thies ended the Crusaders’ first drive, and a sack by Aiden Burns and Michael Murphy ended their second, both inside Fenwick territory.

Noah Sur’s 41-yard field goal, 13 seconds into the second quarter, gave the Friars a 3-0 lead. But after the teams exchanged defensive stops, a 61-yard punt return by KJ Morris gave Rice excellent field position on the Fenwick 13 yard line. Six plays later, CJ Gray scored on a 1-yard QB keeper to the left, giv-

ing the Crusaders a 7-3 lead with 4:58 to go in the first half.

But with :34 left in the half, the Friars’ defense came up with a huge play. Burns and Patrick Gilboy applied intense pressure on Gray and forced a fumble that Gilboy recovered on the Rice 40. On the next play, Frankie Hosty, making his first start since Week 1, found Andrew Bjorson (three receptions, 48 yards) for a 39-yard completion to the Crusaders 1.

After an incomplete pass, Nate Marshall came in at QB in the Wildcat formation. He took the snap ran up the middle, and stretched the ball toward the goal line. Although the ball was knocked out, the of ficials signaled touchdown, giving Fenwick a 10-7 halftime lead

“Once I got to the line of scrimmage and there were people under me, I had no choice but to reach over,” Marshall said. “The guy tried to slap the ball out, but I knew I had scored.”

“It definitely changed the game,” said Hosty, who finished 13-of-29 passing for 167 yards, filling in for Jamen Williams, injured the previous week against Carmel. “My line was great all day and it’s good we connected on some shots and did everything we could to get the win.”

In the third quarter, Sur had a 37-yard field goal attempt blocked. But as the defenses stiffened for both teams, his punts would loom large down the stretch.

Another major factor was Jack Paris. Normally a standout linebacker, the senior occa-

Fenw ick’s Aiden Burns (#32) celebrates a er sacking Brother Rice quarterback CJ Gray (#4) to end a rst-quarter drive in an IHSA Class 7A rst-round football playo game at Triton College, Nov. 2. e Friars prevailed 12-7 and moved on to the second round at Dow ners Grove North, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m.

sionally played as a Wildcat quarterback and picked up several key first downs.

“I told coach I want the rock,” said Paris (21 yards on eight carries). “I used to quarterback when I was younger, so I know how to run.”

Midway through the final quarter, Sur booted a 45-yard punt that was downed by the Friars at the Rice two-yard line. Then with less than two minutes left, his 41-yard punt rolled dead at the Crusaders’ 6.

“He has been doing that all year,” Battaglia said. “He’s been netting over 50 yards per punt and is a huge weapon, especially when you play teams like this. We knew points were going to be hard to come by; Noah is a stud.”

Sur’s second big punt set up the game’s final scoring. On first down, Gray scrambled look-

ing to escape pressure from Burns, Murphy and Henry Fluecke. They forced him to step out of bounds in the back of his end zone, resulting in a safety with 1:47 remaining

“Our d-line got after it every play,” Paris said. “The brotherhood we have on defense ... if we’re all on the same page, it’s pretty hard to beat us.”

Rice had no timeouts left, so when Fenwick regained possession following the free kick, they ran out the clock.

“We knew this was going to be one of our toughest games,” Battaglia said. “[Brother Rice] is a really talented team … it doesn’t get easier [next week].”

Fenwick visits 2023 7A runner-up Downers Grove North for the second round, with kickoff set for Nov. 9 at 1 p.m.

OPRF girls volleyball edges Lyons Township for regional title

Fenwick gets past Trinity to win its regional

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Entering its IHSA Class 4A re gional final at Lyons Township, Oct. 31, the Oak Park

and River Forest High School girls volleyball team was hoping to avenge a re gular season loss to the host Lions.

After an intense match that went the distance, the Huskies were able to get the job

done, prevailing 25-16, 27-29, 25-19 and winning a re gional title for the third consecutive year.

“It feels great,” said OPRF senior Gaby Towns, who had 12 kills and four blocks.

“We’ re glad to continue the streak.”

“After losing to LT earlier in the season, we were definitely eager to get there

COURTESY OF MICHELLE HEINRICHS

OPRF boys cross country earns another team state berth

Third-place O’Connor leads Huskies to program-best third straight trip

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior Andrew Harmon and his Oak Park and River Forest High School boys cross country teammates are returning to the Class 3A state meet, but the feeling after the Lake Park Sectional Saturday was a whole lot different.

“We all knew we could do it, but seeing everyone come through, seeing (senior Finn Kelly) run right with me, that excitement. I’ve never felt that after a race,” Harmon said. “In years past, we knew we would make it. Everyone so excited after the race meant so much.”

The Huskies earned the berth more comfortably than expected by taking fifth among the seven advancing teams (144 points). State is Saturday, Nov. 9 at Peoria’s Detweiller Park. Senior Liam O’Connor, an all-state 17th in 2023, was third (14:44.6 for 3.0 miles) to earn top-10, individual all-sectional honors. Kelly (26th, 15:24.9) and Harmon (28th, 15:29.1) also were top 30, followed by juniors Yonny Rafter (41st, 15:48.2), Julian St. Pier re (64th, 16:07.8), David Schiff (73rd, 16:14.5) and sophomore

Connor Harmon (93rd, 16:31.3), Andrew’s brother.

One aspect is different. This is the first time the Huskies have qualified for three consecutive state meets. They’ve previously had six back-to-back trips, most recently 2009-10. Based on rankings, OPRF was projected to battle for seventh against seven other top-30 state-ranked teams.

“We’ve had a lot of guys who’ve had ups and downs this season,” Harmon said. “Just seeing what we’ve done in the past and trying to carry on the tradition, we really wanted to do it and so we just ke pt the faith on state.”

Last year, the Huskies were sixth at state (258) and third at sectionals (134). Three seniors return from that lineup with Harmon (179th) and Kelly (194th) the No. 6 and 7 state finishers. Kelly and Harmon again were top finishers side by side Saturday. Recovering from a foot injury, Harmon

we’re not done yet.”

from page 37

and have a different outcome this time around,” said OPRF coach Kelly Collins. OPRF (21-16) solidly won the opening set, but the second set went back-and-for th until LT prevailed.

“We had a couple of opportunities to close it out,” Collins said. “Credit to LT; they fought hard and didn’t give up.”

Despite losing the second set, Towns said the Huskies regrouped and were determined

“When we were in the huddle, we wanted it so bad,” she said. “It was proving to ourselves that we could do it, and knowing that collectively we were on the same pa ge, we’re all going to leave our energy out there to win the set. And we seniors said that we don’t want our season to end now;

gritted through the conference meet, Oct. 19. That also was the varsity season debut for Kelly, who has battled foot injuries since last year’s sectional. Kelly needed ice water for his foot after that race.

“I don’t feel [pain] right now. I feel amazing,” Kelly said. “I think what kind of helped me come back is the community we have and how close this top seven is. I knew we needed a performance today. I just went out there and did my best and it ended up being enough.”

O’Connor is the No. 10 finisher back from last year’s state meet.

“I really want to be top 10. And I think I can,” O’Connor said. “I really was not feeling great [Saturday] and then I saw my teammates and I knew I had to stay in third plac e.”

T he juniors have improved by at least two minutes from their 2023 races.

“Those guys weren’ t even in our top 14 last year. Those guys have really stepped up and elevated the whole team, along with the senior class,” OPRF coach Chris Baldwin said. The “eighth runner” also excelled Saturday, i.e. numerous teammates who came as fans.

“When these guys finished, found out that they qualified, they wanted to go celebrate with the other 50 teammates who were here,” Baldwin said.

The OPRF girls were eighth (222 points), 14 points from seventh-place Glenbard

West. Junior Violet Schnizlein just missed being among the 10 individual qualifiers not among the advancing teams.

“Overall we ran well. Our top five ran great races,” OPRF coach Ashley Raymond said. “We knew that [not qualifying] could be the situation going into the meet so we were like, ‘We need to cross the finish line knowing that we’re happy with our performance, whether we make it or not.’ We had a great day. It just wasn’t enough.”

Schnizlein (33rd, 18:23.5) was the 11th individual candidate, four places and 5.5 seconds from the final qualifier. Senior Nora Butterly (47th, 18:47.8), sophomore Isabella Crowe (48th, 18:48.2) and senior Alana Gerona (53rd, 18:51.2) also broke 19:00, followed by sophomore Emily Jones (59th, 19:04.3), junior Chloe Ko zicki (93rd, 19:58.20 and senior Julia Chang (120th, 20:43.2).

The Huskies graduated their two 2023 individual state qualifiers (Katie Stabb and Lenny Sterritt). They were ninth at sectionals, eight points from seventh. Schnizelein (70th) and Gerona (81st) improved upon their 2023 finishes Saturday.

“We’ re all proud of what we did today We just know that we left everything out there and did all that we could,” Gerona said.

“We were always r unning with our packs [this season]. A lot of us were under 19:00. We were all to g ether f aster and able to r un with each other and push each other a lot more.”

Led by Towns, sophomore Emmi Bozarth (10 kills, 14 digs, block), junior Samantha Shelton (10 kills, 9 digs, block), and senior Hannah Phelan (40 assists, six digs, two blocks), OPRF came up with several clutch plays to pull away for the victory.

Sophomore Devyn Kleidon, who recorded multiple aces, and junior Channing Smith, who had a few vital kills, also made significant contributions for the Huskies.

“I played with their older sisters [Keira and Kinsey, respectively], so it’s nice seeing them fill their shoes,” Towns said.

With the victory, OPRF advanced to the sectional semifinals at Willowbrook. The Huskies met the sectional’s top seed, West Suburban Silver champion Downers Grove North, Nov. 5, after press time. A win in the semifinal would put OPRF in the sectional final, Nov. 7, against Downers Grove South or York

The Huskies lost to the Trojans in the re gular season, but Collins believes they’re ready for the challenge.

“We’ re looking forward to rewriting the outcome like LT,” she said. “We definitely have to play cleaner than last time, minimize our errors, and come out strong.”

Fenwick beats Trinity

At the Class 3A Fenwick Re gional, Oct. 31, Fenwick defeated neighboring Trinity, 25-20, 25-19, to win the title. The Friars advanced to the St. Ignatius Sectional semifinals, Nov. 5 after press deadline, where they met the top seed and host Wolfpack.

“As a program, we’ve been building the past couple of years,” said Fenwick coach Tee Pimsarn. “The kids have worked hard.” Fenwick (15-21) got contributions from sophomores Bella Gray (eight kills, block), Jordan Rossi (three kills, four aces, 1.5

blocks), and Hayley Bernahl (19 assists).

“Bella’s been a workhorse all season,” Pimsarn said. “I told our setter Hayley, ‘Jordan’s hungry, let’s feed her.’”

Trinity (16-21) was led by senior Flynn Puttin (11 assists) and juniors Alice Iammartino (seven kills) and Ginny Redmond (four kills, block).

“They didn’t beat us, we beat ourselves,” said Trinity coach Ken Uhlir. “We had eight unforced hitting errors and two serving errors in the first set. We made a lot of mistakes and I told my girls if we made them we would not compete. It’s unfortunate.”

But Uhlir li ke d how the Blazers c omp eted, not j ust against Fenwick, but the entire season.

“I’m proud of my team,” he said. “We’ re losing eight seniors, so it’s unfortunate we went out like that. But our young kids shined tonight and we’re looking forward to the future.”

ANDREW HARMON FINN KELLY

Essential Civics

Accountability.

Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: G24000600 on October 25, 2024 Under the Assumed Business Name of B-THE BEAT with the business located at:6250 S. ARCHER AVE SUITE #5, CHICAGO, IL 60638. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: LAURA A. CRUZ CONCHA 612 RANDOLPH ST, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA.

Published in Wednesday Journal October 30, November 6, 13, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE LAW OFFICE OF LINDA EPSTEIN Attorney for Petitioner 722 W. Diversey Parkway, Ste. 101B Chicago, IL 60614

STATE OF ILLINOIS, COUNTY OF COOK, ssCircuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division

In re the Marriage of: Tigist Samuel Zeleke, Petitioner, and, Amdemichael Lidetu Tariku, Respondent, Case No. 2024D007809

The requisite affidavit for Publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, Amdemichael Lidetu Tariku, Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, Tigist Samuel Zeleke, for Dissolution of Marriage and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent file your Appearance and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before November 27, 2024 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.

IRIS Y. MARTINEZ, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal October 30, November 6, and November 13, 2024.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is soliciting proposals from qualified providers for turn-key installation of a rooftop solar photovoltaic project pursuant to Section 19b of the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/19b-1 et. Seq. Sealed proposals shall be received at the district office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 no later than 12PM local time on December 16, 2024. Mandatory site walkthroughs will begin at Longfellow Elementary School, 715 South Highland Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304 at 12PM local time on November 14, 2024. All firms wishing to respond to this Request for Proposals must be present at the mandatory site walkthroughs. Direct questions regarding this Request for Proposals to Dr. Sheila Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, sjohnson1@op97.org and John Pahlman, Senior Director of Buildings & Grounds, jpahlman@ op97.org.

Published in Wednesday Journal November 6, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING For: HVAC service contract for various buildings for the Park District of Oak Park.

Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL 60302

The Park District of Oak Park seeks bids for a service contract for the HVAC of our various buildings. The Park District of Oak Park will receive sealed Bids until 10:00 am (Chicago time) on Tuesday, December 3rd , 2024 at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the Park District’s website as of 12:00pm on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024. A mandatory pre-bid walk-thru of the facilities will be held on Tuesday, November 19th and Wednesday November 20th at 9:00am starting at the John Hedges Administration Building, 218 Madison St., Oak Park. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via the Demand Star website at: https://www.demandstar. com/app/buyers/bids/480671/details For additional information, contact Nelson Acevedo at nelson.acevedo@pdop.org or 708-725-2053. This service contract must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2024. Only the bids in compliance with the provisions of the bidding specifications will be considered. Minority and Women Owned businesses are strongly encouraged.

Park District of Oak Park

By: Sandy Lentz, Secretary Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal November 6, 2024

Essential Civics

Democracy, Accountability, Equity, Connection, Civility

GCM’s reader supported newsroom turns to you for support

With focus on democracy, GCM launches its biggest fundraiser ever

Election Day and the launch of Growing Community Media’s largest ever fundraiser do not intersect by accident.

Democracy is on the line this minute and it has never been clearer that local news is essential to salvaging and strengthening our democracy – whether that is across this great country or in the villages and neighborhoods we have covered for decades.

That’s why in our reader supported newsroom we focus on the Essential Civics and why democracy is at the top of our list of five virtues for local news. Democracy. Accountability. Equity. Connection. Civility. That’s the list.

Between now and Dec. 31 we aim to raise better than $300,000 from readers in our communities. We have a good head start toward that hefty goal thanks to the dozens of MatchMakers who have already offered their financial support.

In the coming weeks, we’ll use those funds to double your investment in the newsrooms which publish Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.

If you believe that our reporters nurture democracy with every local municipal meeting we cover, every school budget we explore, each candidate we profile, then we ask you to invest in those reporters by becoming part of our newsroom.

We need hundreds of supporters who either renew their investment or decide for the first time that genuine, independent local news coverage deserves their support right now.

Making a donation to GCM is simple. So please consider signing on as a $10 recurring monthly donor, make a single annual donation at a level that works for you or let’s sit down and talk about your more substantial investment in this newsroom.

With your support we’ll be here, we’ll grow and we’ll deepen our coverage of every town we are honored to serve.

Democracy needs news. And news needs you.

With gratitude in advance.

Dan Haley Publisher Growing Community Media