W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL
Community of Caring Special pullout section
of Oak Park and River Forest
November 7, 2018 Vol. 39, No. 14 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
Oak Parker mourns cousin murdered at synagogue Sidney Wax says political rhetoric prompting hate crimes By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
His father and uncles escaped Nazis fascism during the Second World War, immigrating to the United States as refugees from their homeland in Poland, as Hitler’s Third Reich slaughtered millions of European Jews. Now, decades later, Oak Parker Sidney Wax and his family continue suffering the fascist hatred of anti-Semitism. On Wednesday, Oct. 31, he attended the funeral of his cousin, Melvin Wax, 88, who was gunned down, along with 10 others, at Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, on the morning of Oct. 27. Police have arrested Robert D. Bowers, 46, who faces a 44-count indictment in the massacre, which also left six injured. Bowers was armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle and several handguns. Media outlets have reported that Bowers frequently took to the internet to voice his anger towards Jews, stating on one website: “Jews are the children of Satan.” See SYNAGOGUE on page 14
Photo by Paul Goyette
IMMEDIATE DEMANDS: OPRF students demonstrated outside of the high school’s main entrance on Sunday to demand the district implement stronger racial equity policies and procedures. They also decried multiple cases of racist hate-speech that recently occurred on campus.
‘Enough is enough!’
Students rally against injustice before, during ’America to Me’ town hall By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Roughly an hour before a four-hour town hall, based on the documentary series America to Me, was scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on Sunday inside Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Little Theater, a group of students, parents, teachers and community members rallied around a defiant theme outside the high school’s main entrance.
SAVE THE DATE
They wanted the town hall audience to know that despite the 10-part series — which aired over a period of two months on Starz — the school’s race problems are far from resolved. They also came armed with a series of structural demands that they said would address OPRF’s many racial inequities and what they feel is the school’s atmosphere of racial insensitivity. The demonstrators had plenty of pres-
ent-day examples to bolster their claim. On Nov. 2, Oak Park police were investigating a racial epithet scrawled on a shed near the high school’s tennis courts. “White power,” it stated, and “F— Dancing N— Anthony Clark,” referencing the popular activist and OPRF teacher who helped organize Sunday’s demonstration. The week before, one of 15-year-old See PROTEST on page 12
SAY Connects presents, After “America to Me”: On the Ground in Oak Park and River Forest A community conversation for our villages on November 28, 2018 Julian Middle School Auditorium • 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Tickets: FREE - For more info or to RSVP, visit the link below.
Tickets at: www.OakPark.com/sayconnects
2
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
BUS DRIVER NEEDED PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITY AT THE WEST COOK YMCA
Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you’ll discover more than a job—you’ll enjoy a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
Experience an enriching position within our Before & After-School Program providing safe transportation for our students to and from school. Perfect position for retirees, stay-at-home parents, second incomes, and career drivers.
The Ideal Candidate • • • •
Has a valid driver’s license, CDL preferred Ensures highest safety standards at all times through bus inspections and maintaining vehicle records Picks up and delivers passengers on time and according to established procedures Fosters a welcoming environment for all- on and off the bus
$15 PER HOUR
Plus a complimentary adult membership to the Y
For more information and to apply:
Submit a resume to Elizabeth Lopez, Youth Development Director at youthdevelopmenthr@westcookymca.org or visit westcookymca.org/jobs.
WEST COOK YMCA | 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60302 | 708 383 5200
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
I N S I D E
R E P O R T
Local voters register in record numbers No matter the outcomes of Tuesday’s election, voters in Oak Park and River Forest townships have already made history. In Oak Park, 39,190 people registered to vote for the Nov. 6 election, up 15.25 percent from the last midterm election in November 2014, according to data from the Cook County Clerk’s office. Meanwhile in River Forest, the number of people of people registering to vote in 2018 jumped 10 percent from 2014, to 8,197 people. In a statement, Cook County Clerk
David Orr said the number or registered voters broke records in his office. Across suburban Cook County, mail ballot applications increased 20,000 from 2014 and, as of Nov. 4, nearly 72,000 had been returned by voters, also a new record. Early voting turnout was up 86.3 percent from the 2014 gubernatorial election. “The ever-growing popularity of pre-election day voting, combined with some hot races throughout the ballot have shattered previous records for gubernatorial elections,” Orr said in a statement.
Trinity marks 100 years
Nona Tepper
Trinity High School, the allgirls, River Forest institution run by Sinsinawa Dominican order of nuns, capped the year-long observance of the school’s centennial on Nov. 3 with a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Photos by ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Courtesy of the Oak Park and River Forest Historical Societyle
Carleton Hotel 1928 - 2018
Gala honors Hausman, Deuchler
Celebrating the OP-RF Historical Society’s 50th anniversary and Carleton Hotel’s 90th anniversary, a “Golden Gala” will be held on Friday, Nov. 16, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Carleton Hotel, which was built in 1928. Owner Mike Fox and the Carleton Hotel will be underwriting the entire event. Proceeds will fund the 1-year-old Oak Park River Forest Museum. Harriet Hausman of River Forest and Doug Deuchler of Oak Park (and longtime theater critic for Wednesday Journal) will be honored with the inaugural “Heart of the Village” awards at 7:30 p.m. $100; $90, members. Tickets/more: 708-848-6755, oprfmuseum. org. 1110 Pleasant St., Oak Park.
Ken Trainor
Christmas tree lot approved
The Oak Park Village Board of Trustees has approved for at least another year the Christmas Tree Lot at the northeast corner of Oak Park Avenue and Madison Street. Dombrowski Christmas Tree Farm has been leased the village-owned surface parking lot between Thanksgiving and Christmas since 2005, getting use of the space for $2,175. The Christmas tree lot’s days are number, though -- the Oak Park Board of Trustees last month chose a preferred developer to build a Pete’s Fresh Market grocery store there. More to come on that.
Timothy Inklebarger
Photo by Paul Goyette
All in the family
When Naahlyee Bryant, 15, (above left) stood during Sunday’s rally to talk about what witnessing a teacher spew a racial epithet, he was working within a family tradition of activism that spans at least to his grandmother (top right), the prominent Chicago activist Marion Nzinga Stamps (1945-96), who fought for the rights of Cabrini-Green residents. Bryant’s mother, Tara Stamps (bottom right, who was vocal during the rally), is a community activist and Chicago Public Schools teacher who ran for alderman on the West Side in 2015.
Michael Romain
Photo by Paul Goyette
3
4
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Nov. 7 - 14
BIG WEEK Oak Park Veterans Day Ceremony Sunday, Nov. 11, 10:55 a.m., Peace Triumphant Monument, Scoville Park: At 11 a.m., bells will toll across the United States to remember the Armistice that ended WWI, 100 years ago. Come honor all veterans and hear patriotic singing, a bugler in a WWI uniform and a rifle salute. Oak Park Ave. and Lake St.
Black Minds Matter: Foundations of Black Male Research and Practice Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6 to 8 p.m., Idea Box, Main Library: This series explores issues facing black males in education. Looking at research on black students in education, this session analyzes strategies and practices to support success. Next up: Dec. 4, Ascription of Intelligence, and Dec. 11, Assumptions of Criminality. Register: oppl.org/ calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Golden Gala - The Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary Friday, Nov. 16, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Carleton Hotel: Enjoy cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres while celebrating 50 years of community service. Proceeds fund the one-year-old Oak Park River Forest Museum. Presentation honoring “exceptional residents” Harriet Hausman and Doug Deuchler at 7:30 p.m. $100; $90, members. Tickets/more: 708-848-6755, oprfmuseum. org. 1110 Pleasant St., Oak Park.
Emerging Leaders: Dr. Chala Holland Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Second Floor Gallery, Main Library: This educational leader with a passion for students, teaching and learning was featued in “America to Me.” Holland has led multiple districts in addressing disparities in achievement and improving outcomes for all students. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
A Rose by Any Other Name: The Scientific Names of Plants Wednesday, Nov. 14, 1 p.m., Cheney Mansion: Join the Garden Club of Oak Park - River Forest for a presentation by Jack Shouba who has taught classes at Morton Arboretum for 20 years. Learn how scientific plant names are precise, descriptive, interesting and usually related to familiar English words. Social time and business meeting at noon. More: gcoprf.org. 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park.
The Best Medicine Friday, Nov. 9, 8 p.m., Open Door Theater: Get a quick fix for everything going on in the world with a healthy dose of non-reality from improvisers from The Spew and The Real Housewives of Oak Park. $15. Tickets: opendoortheater.net, 708-386-5510. 902 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park.
Raise the Roof Talent Showcase Friday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m., First United Church: See a ladies barbershop quartet and bluegrass strings, along with jazz, swing, comedy and dance acts too. $10 to $20, suggested donation. 848 Lake St., Oak Park.
Piano Performances Friday, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m., Chapel, Concordia University Chicago: Hear Esther Nyberg perform Bach’s Toccata in D Major, Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in C Major, Chopin’s Barcarolle and Muczynski’s Dream Cycle. Free. Questions: 708-209-3060. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest. Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club: Henry Fogel Presents Pablo Suaste, a 2017 competition-winning Mexican pianist. Following, the audience is invited to talk with Suaste and Fogel. $30; $10, students. 708-386-2729, ninteenthcentury.org. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
“The Nerd” Friday, Nov. 9, and Saturday, Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 11, 3 p.m., Madison Street Theatre: The Collective at Concordia presents a “rollicking farce” through Nov. 18. $15; $10, students/ seniors. Tickets/more: cucnerd.brownpapertickets.com/. 1010 Madison St., Oak Park.
A Grateful Veteran Saturday, Nov. 10, 2 to 4 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Bosnian War veteran Tom Kens shares how life onboard aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy forged his attitude of gratitude. As a wellness coach, Kens helps others develop gratitude and strategies for successful lives. More: oppl.org/ calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Writers and Book Lovers Events Thursday, Nov. 8, 6 to 9 p.m., Buzz Café: Meet Illusions author Madeline J. Reynolds as she does readings (7 p.m.) and signs books (8 p.m.) at this book launch for her new young-adult release. 905 S. Lombard Ave, Oak Park. Monday, Nov. 12, 5 to 7 p.m., Small Meeting Room, Main Library: It’s National Novel Writing Month. At this Writers Workshop, hear from authors Eddie S. Pierce (5 p.m.) and Owen J. Patterson (6 p.m.) as they talk about creative processes and publishing. They will also help on your writing journey. More: oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club: See Oak Park author Elizabeth Berg talk about her latest novel, Night of Miracles. $10, redeemable toward book purchase at event. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Meet Robert Horsey whose first novel, Gifted, is based on his work as a criticalcare registered nurse. More: oppl.org/ calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
Sunday, Nov. 11, 4 p.m., Chapel, Concordia University Chicago: Hear the 2018 Community Orchestra of the Year perform Gould’s American Salute, Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand and Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 3. Preconcert conversation at 3 p.m. Bring a coat or cash to donate for veterans and their families. $28; free, students. Tickets/more: symphonyoprf.org/2018-2019-season. 7400 Augusta, River Forest.
Holiday Shopping and More Friday, Nov. 9, Noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Catherine-St. Lucy: Shop the Christmas Bazaar for collectibles, toys, baked goods, arts/crafts, jewelry and more. Free admission. Inquire: 708-386-8077, stcatherinestlucy.org. 38 N. Austin, Oak Park. Friday, Nov. 9, 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 10, 10 am. to 4 p.m., Pleasant Home: Locally handcrafted items and gourmet treats at the Petite Boutique Holiday Market. Enjoy live music and purchase libations on Friday evening. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park. Sunday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oak Park Temple: Women of Oak Park Temple have collected clothing, toys, furniture, books, electronics and more for The Rummage Sale. Preview Saturday, Nov. 10, 6 to 8 p.m., $5. Free other days. 1235 Harlem Ave.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” Friday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 10, 2:30 and 7 p.m., Auditorium, Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School: See BRAVO’s 7th and 8th graders in an adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Though Nov. 17. $12; $8, students/seniors. Tickets: bravoperformingarts.org. 325 S. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park.
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Social Hall, Dominican University: At the Fair Trade Fair, find products created by artisans in developing countries and sold by Chicago-area organizations. Questions: jmack@dom.edu. 7900 Division St., River Forest.
Social-Emotional Learning Series: Gender Identity Caregivers learn how to approach topics using books and more to start conversations. Wednesday, Nov. 7, 7 to 8 p.m., Meeting Room, Dole Library: Attend a caregiver workshop on gender identity for adults. Wednesday, Nov. 14, 3 to 4 p.m., Meeting Room, Dole Library: This family program for 5- to 8-year-olds, with caregivers, explores the spectrum of gender identity in an interactive workshop format. Questions: multicultural@oppl.org. 255 Augusta St., Oak Park.
FIL
L A
AY D E N O
“Schoolhouse Rock, LIVE!” Friday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 10 and 11, 3 p.m., Lund Auditorium, Performing Arts Center, Dominican University: Dominican’s Department of Theatre Arts brings the pop-culture cartoon phenomenon to life on the musical stage. $18; $5, students/children. Tickets/more: events.dom.edu/schoolhouserock-live, 708-488-5000. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.
!
25% OFF EVERYTHING Saturday, November 10
121 N. Marion St. • Oak Park • 708-848-4572 Mon-Wed 10-6; Thurs-Fri 10-7; Sat 10-6; Sun 12-5 Artisans have been paid in full. Discount applied to item of lesser value. Offer valid at participating stores. Not valid with other offers or discounts.
LASER AVAILABLE FOR FUNGAL NAILS • Mention this ad for FREE initial consultation (new patients only)
League of Women Voters: Imagine OPRF Tuesday, Nov. 13, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Nineteenth Century Club: Come to a community discussion regarding the ending of the Imagine OPRF Work Group as it presents its facilities master plan to the District 200 Board. Meet Lynn Kamenitsa and Mike Poirier, Work Group co-chairs, and discuss the master plan. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.
O
Y NL
• Medicare covers shoes for diabetics
Happy Feet... begin with gentle, friendly care for your feet Louis J. Chi, D.P.M.
Mary M. DiSomma, D.P.M.
Ruth A. Chi, D.P.M.
Open Monday-Saturday • Free Initial Exam for Laser Fungal Nails
www.disomma.com 708-383-5554
Most Insurances & PPO’s Accepted Outpatient Foot Surgery Affiliated with Rush Oak Park Hospital
5
GIVING THANKS TO YOU!
Symphony of OP-RF Veterans Day Concert
OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
6
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
STILL FIGHTING: Alice Norris, middle, passes out a flyer advertising a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who murdered her daughter, LaKesia Marshall, in 1993. Norris returned to the site of the murder for the first time in decades last month.
Honoring Veterans Day JAY FRIEDMAN, Music Director MAURICE BOYER, Assistant Conductor
Sunday, November 11 • 4pm Concordia University Chapel GOULD | American Salute RAVEL | Piano Concerto for the Left Hand Winston Choi, soloist VAUGHAN WILLIAMS | Symphony No. 3 (Pastoral) Pre-Concert Conversation at 3PM with David Leehey. Join us for a reception after the concert.
Free parking in the garage located at 1124 N. Bonnie Brae Place (one block west of Harlem Avenue between Division and Thomas Streets) in River Forest. Chapel just west of garage exit. Single tickets: $28. Students through college attend free of charge. Tickets are available through: SymphonyOPRF.org and at the door. Email TheSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com or call 708-218-2648 for more information.
Coat Drive (or donations) for Veterans. All Veterans receive 1/2 price tickets.
MICHAEL ROMAIN/Staff
A mournful homecoming — with a purpose Alice Norris returned to Austin on Oct. 26 to find information on her daughter’s 1993 murder By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor
THE ORIGINAL LONDON STAGE PRODUCTION THAT HAS ENTHRALLED OVER 8 MILLION PEOPLE ACROSS THE WORLD NOW COMES TO CHICAGO!
On Oct. 26, Alice Norris did something she hadn’t done in decades — return to the site where her 14-year-old daughter, Rolanda LaKesia Marshall, was murdered. Marshall was shot in the head on Aug. 28, 1993 while sitting with a friend inside of what a Beefee restaurant on the corner of North and Lockwood in Austin. In prior media reports, Norris said that her daughter had been conversing with a young man who was the intended target. The young man was hit, but recovered. The friend was unharmed. Marshall, however, died while in a coma, nine days after she was shot. Norris, who lived just blocks west of the restaurant at the time her daughter was killed, has since moved to Oak Park. She hadn’t been to this spot in years, she said. Twenty-five years later, Norris revisited the emotions she felt in the days and weeks after her daughter’s murder. “It was very hard in the beginning for me to drive down this street, but I didn’t have any choice because I worked downtown and my street was a one-way going north,” she said, wearing various shades of purple, her daughter’s favorite color. The restaurant is no longer in business, ceding space to another establishment, but the memories remain. So, do the conditions that resulted in Marshall’s death, Norris said. “I never went inside of the restaurant before she was killed and I have never been
“THE WOMAN IN BLACK REMAINS ONE OF BRITISH THEATRE’S BIGGEST – AND SCARIEST – HITS.” The Guardian
SUSAN HILL’S
ADAPTED BY
STEPHEN MALLATRATT
DIRECTOR
ROBIN HERFORD
PERFORMANCES BEGIN
NOVEMBER 15 ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE 1641 N HALSTED ST, CHICAGO
312.988.9000 www.thewomaninblack.com Woman in Black 5.04x5.58".indd 1
10/10/2018 13:04
[in the space] since,” she said. “Today is bittersweet and to come back home and to see all the changes over here, but to still know that the same kind of craziness is going on … these young people are shooting and killing each other at will and I’ve never understood why they are doing it.” Norris is a member of Purpose over Pain, a group for parents who have lost their children to gun violence. She said the group regularly canvasses communities where the murders of their children are still unsolved. Father Michael Pfleger, of St. Sabina, offers a $5,000 award for information leading to an arrest. As she stood on the corner, the temperature dropping to a frigid fall chill, Norris handed out flyers advertising the award to passersby. “Unfortunately, many cases are not solved, which is pitiful to me,” Norris said. “It’s just a shame and it seems like it never stops. I would never have thought I’d still be dealing with this issue.” Norris said that when she first moved to the area, her greatest fear for her daughter was crossing North Avenue. By the time Marshall died, Norris said that she suffered through another anxiety — one born of silence. “Anytime a child is killed, it should be an outrage. When my daughter was killed there was really no outrage, all the outrage came from me,” she said. “On this block, from Laramie to Central, there were about five or six churches … none of them came out and did anything or said anything to me, and I knew they knew it, because everybody knew of the little girl shot in the Beefee restaurant.” Norris, a breast cancer survivor, said that she’s now on a one-woman mission to get justice for her daughter. Time, she said, is of the essence. “I want to find out who murdered her before I leave here,” she said. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Essential Fall Fashion at York Furrier
Cool Leather
Super Stylin’
Pattern Play
Fall Favorite
FUR on the Go
Cool Leathers to Haute Furs For him or her, errand running or an evening out, the YF 87th Anniversary Collection features an extensive selection of gorgeous furs, stylish fine outerwear and awesome accessories.
Elmhurst City Centre 630-832-2200 107 N. York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126
SHOP online or in-store.
The New Arrivals are ON SALE NOW!
Furs
|
Cashmeres
|
Leathers
|
Shearlings
Connect:
YorkFur.com/subscribe
|
Handbags
|
Accessories
7
8
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Report card shows most Oak Park schools ‘commendable’
Brooks, Julian both designated ‘underperforming’ By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
The 2018 Illinois Report Card released on Oct. 31 by the Illinois State Board of Education features a new system that separates public schools throughout the state into four tiers — lowest-performing, underperforming, commendable and exemplary. Most of Oak Park’s elementary schools and high school were rated commendable while Mann and Whittier elementary schools were rated exemplary. However, both of the village’s middle schools were rated as underperforming. Each designation is based on 10 weighted measures of student performance, which are different for grade schools and high schools. In grade schools (pre-K through eighth grade), measures include chronic absenteeism (weighted 10 percent); performance on various standardized test scores and evaluations, including PARCC (worth a combined total weight of more than 40 percent); and academic growth (50 percent). An exemplary school is one whose performance is in the top 10 percent of schools statewide, according to ISBE, while a commendable school has most of the characteristics of an exemplary school,
but “whose performance is not in the top 10 challenges and to engage communities and percent of schools statewide.” stakeholders in the success of all students.” An underperforming school has at least According to this year’s Illinois Report one student demographic group performing Card data, 26 percent of Brooks Middle at a proficiency levels seen in the lowest 5 School students who took the PARCC test percent of all schools in the state. met state standards on the English and “By definition, an underperforming language arts (ELA) section while 5 percent school is really a commendable school that exceeded them. happens to have a student group At Julian Middle School, 34 that’s not performing at the percent of students who took expected level,” Ralph Grimm, PARCC met state standards on chief education officer for the the ELA section while 7 percent ISBE, told NPR Illinois. exceeded them. According to ISBE, around That’s compared to the district 70 percent of public schools average of 35 percent and 7 in the state were designated percent, respectively. Across the commendable, while 15 state, 31 percent of students met percent ELA standards while 6 percent were designated exceeded them. underperforming on this year’s In the math section of PARCC, report card. 22 percent and 4 percent of Schools designated loweststudents at Brooks met and performing are the lowestexceeded state standards, performing 5 percent of schools respectively. At Julian, 34 in the state. AMY WARKE percent and 7 percent of Underperforming and lowestD97 cheif academic and students met and exceeded state performing schools will undergo accountability officer standards, respectively. an improvement process that That’s compared to the district includes a needs assessment, average of 33 percent and 8 additional federal funding and percent, respectively. Across the more state resources. state, 27 percent of students met “The purpose of the designation is to drive resources to the ELA standards while 5 percent exceeded students in the greatest need,” said State them. The portion of African-American and Superintendent of Education Tony Smith in a statement. “No single data point can low-income students at either Brooks or capture what makes a school great. We Julian who met or exceeded state standards encourage schools to use the designation as on PARCC was no higher than 14 percent in a tool to communicate about strengths and either ELA or math.
“Our children aren’t broken, they don’t need to be fixed and that’s something we feel is really important.”
More than half of black and low-income students did not meet or partially met state standards on either the ELA or math segments of PARCC at either middle school. The portion of white and non-low-income students at either Brooks who met or exceeded state standards on PARCC ranged roughly between 30 and 40 percent in either ELA or math while at Julian, roughly half of white and non-low-income students met or exceeded state standards on either ELA or math. In an interview last week, Amy Warke, D97’s chief academic and accountability officer, said that the state’s designations do not “reflect the totality of who our students are and what our district is doing to help the district succeed.” Warke said that the district has recently implemented a range of changes in the middle schools whose effects may not be apparent yet, such as increasing the number of minority and low-income students taking advanced level math and implementing behavioral supports. “As we’re working on things in the district we’re really working on the system and that is something that we think is important, because when we talk about change, it’s about the institution,” Warke said. “Our children aren’t broken, they don’t need to be fixed and that’s something we feel is really important.” To access more Illinois Report Card data for all public schools, visit: illinoisreportcard. com/. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
Lincoln, Willard earn state’s highest ranking
River Forest schools among the top 10 percent in Illinois By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter
The majority of River Forest District 90 schools earned the Illinois State Board of Education’s highest ranking of exemplary, a feat which only 10 percent of schools in the state achieved. Lincoln Elementary School and Willard Elementary School were rated exemplary, while Roosevelt Middle School was named commendable, a ranking 70 percent of schools in the state earned. “We are pleased with the way that the 2018 Illinois School Report Cards reflect the commitment that District 90 staff and families make to ensuring a high-quality educational experience for every student,” Superintendent Ed Condon said in a statement. The state report card also included student scores in the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers test, which is administered in March to students in third through eighth grades in all public elementary schools in Illinois. Although D90 continues to outperform the state in its an-
nual test of students’ English language arts (ELA) and math abilities, students from low-income families and students of color continue to perform behind their white counterparts. Seventy-one percent of D90 students either met or exceeded the Illinois State Board of Education’s standards in ELA, down slightly from the 73 percent of students last school year but still far above the state average of 37 percent. Sixty-
three percent of D90 students passed the math, remaining essentially flat year over year, but still outpacing the state average of 32 percent. Condon said D90 teachers and staff plan to analyze student test score data, looking for concepts that could benefit from increased focus and ways its curriculum can be strengthened. “We are particularly eager to use the new student growth data to ensure that we are continuing to build academic capacity for all of our students, including those with diverse backgrounds, unique learning needs, and English learners,” he said in a statement. The Illinois State Board of Education launched the new ranking system this year, as a way to measure PARCC growth. Designations are based on 10 weighted measures of student performance, including chronic absenteeism, performance on standardized tests and academic growth. “These designations are facts, not judgments,” State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith said in a statement. “The purpose of the designation is to drive resources to the students in the greatest need,” Smith said. “No single data point can capture what makes a school great. We encourage schools to use the designation as a tool to communicate about strengths and challenges and to engage communities and stakeholders in the success of all students.” CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
brought to you by
Operation Decoration: Inject Life into Your Landscape MICHAEL ROMAIN/Staff
ROOMFUL OF QUESTIONS: Several hundred residents packed a cafeteria inside of OPRF on Oct. 30 to voice their opinions on, and ask questions about, the Imagine OPRF long-term facilities plan.
Residents express shock at Imagine price Board cautions community against pitting facilities vs. equity By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
A crowd of at least 300 packed the South Cafeteria at Oak Park and River Forest High School on Oct. 30 to chime in on the preliminary long-term facilities plan drafted by Imagine OPRF. The plan comprises a vast array of construction projects that could take up to a decade to complete and could cost nearly $220 million — a number that is only a rough estimate, since, as architects and Imagine members have repeatedly emphasized, it is hard to estimate construction-related costs for projects that are more than four or five years out. That caveat, however, was not enough to calm the sticker shock that seized most of those in the room and was manifest in many of the roughly three dozen public comments. Most people who voiced opposition to the plan brought up the village’s already heavy tax burden and “America to Me,” the documentary series that recently aired on Starz, for reasons why they didn’t support the long-term facilities plan — framing an equity versus facilities debate that many District 200 board members insisted was not accurate. Marty Bernstein, who said that he once coached a Little League baseball team that included Kendale McCoy, one of the subjects of the documentary, urged the board to “send the plan back to the architects” with instructions to remove the part that calls for demolishing the south end of campus.
“This plan is so expensive it’s hard to Imagine plan and challenged critics of the imagine this board taking it seriously,” plan, namely the group OP-RF Pragmatic Bernstein said. Solutions, to present an alternative plan. Amanda Massey, echoing a familiar “Where’s the alternative plan?” refrain among many opponents of the Hosterman said, “you know, the one that plan, said that the majority of the plan was gets the community [capital improvements focused on athletics. to address long-neglected infrastructure] for “After watching ‘America free?” to Me,’ it has become more “We need to be forwardobvious that this isn’t what the thinking and imagine the future community wants,” she said. and what it can be,” said resident Stephen Schuler. “That’s what Jack Powers, along with many this community has been about. other commenters, referenced I support this process and I’m in rising taxes in Oak Park. A favor of putting [the decision to recent Taxing Bodies Efficiency fund the plan] to the board.” Report presented to the Oak There was at least one point Park Village Board earlier this of agreement among both year showed that tax levels STEPHEN SCHULER supporters and critics of the among all of the village’s taxing Resident bodies have increased by nearly plan — the idea of selling 140 percent since 2000. Powers naming rights to buildings on said that taxes on his small campus in order to offset costs. frame bungalow are about $16,000. “I’d love the idea of naming rights,” “Is this really where we want to put our Schuler said. “I would be the first one to money, with all of the other problems the raise my hand to join a committee [on that].” school has?” Powers asked. Board member Sara Dixon Spivy said that Those residents who spoke out in support she was “a little concerned” about framing of the plan cited the district’s critical need the plan as one that pits educational equity for improving a campus with infrastructure against facility needs. that is inadequate and hazardous, “Those are not mutually exclusive,” she particularly for special needs students, as said, adding that the master plan attempts a video that played during the town hall to “address what the holistic needs of the demonstrated. school are.” “We finally have a board stepping up to This “is not a plan about just a pool,” its responsibility, and I commend them for Spivy said. that,” said resident Deborah West. She also tried tempering the passions of “I wish people upset about taxes would those who think that the plan is luxurious, direct that energy at the state level,” West promising those in the audience that taxes said, referencing the fact that state funds will not be spent on an extreme plan. allocated to Oak Park school districts have A draft of the Imagine group’s master decreased over the last several years. plan will be presented to the board on Nov. Matt Hosterman, of River Forest, said 15. that he “wholeheartedly endorses” the CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
“We need to be forward-thinking and imagine the future and what it can be.”
As we near the end of 2018, and the holiday celebrations that come with it, many yards appear to be far from a festive mood. Largely dormant, they are in need Scott of what we McAdam Jr. call Operation Decoration. Injecting some holiday décor is a tried-and-true method of transforming your landscape. Wreaths, garlands, Christmas lights and other winter displays provide overdue splashes of color that not only boost your home’s appeal, but make it an inviting and aesthetically pleasing addition to your neighborhood. Winter displays are relatively easy to make and are a great way to utilize your containers year round. From your yard, you can use evergreen cuttings, such as spruce, fir and holly as they mature. The upside of utilizing hollies is that if you have a female plant, it will also have red fruit to add some flair. With those cuttings, you can also add dormant dogwood or willow branches into the center of the container for height and contrast in color. Holiday containers are an excellent vehicle to reflect your personality—so arrange them however you wish. From the entire McAdam Landscaping family to yours, we wish you a safe and joyful Thanksgiving!
Follow us on
2001 Des Plaines Ave. Forest Park • 708-771-2299 www.mcadamlandscape.com
9
10
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Oak Park cop named in brutal city beating case
Probationary officer put on paid leave pending department investigation By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
An Oak Park police officer has been placed on administrative leave following accusations that he and three others, one of them a Chicago Police sergeant, beat two men outside a nightclub in Andersonville on Sept. 29. Oak Park Police Officer Dwayne Jones is accused in a civil lawsuit of attacking the two men outside @mosphere, a gay nightclub at 5355 N. Clark St., along with Chi-
claims. cago Police sergeant Eric Elkins, Elkins followed the party 44, and two friends, Jeffrey and out and began punching SherGiovanni Rodriguez. wood. Jones and the others are Attorney Timothy Cavanagh, of accused of joining in on the atthe Chicago-based Cavanagh Law tack on Sherwood and his comGroup, claims in the lawsuit that panion Tomasz Stacha. his client John Sherwood was at Both Sherwood and Stacha the nightclub with two friends, sustained serious injuries and a man and a woman, when Jones were taken to Weiss Memorial and the other defendants became Hospital and later transferred rowdy while doing shots. DWAYNE JONES to Advocate Illinois Masonic They began throwing limes at Oak Park police officer Medical Center. Sherwood sufone another and one of the limes fered a broken leg so serious hit his client. One of the people in Jones’ party fell into Sherwood’s table. that the bone stuck out of his leg, a hole in They asked Jones and his party to leave, his esophagus and multiple fractures to his and one of the defendants punched Sher- face, among other injuries. wood. Sherwood underwent surgery that reSherwood and his party decided to leave quired installation of metal bolts and plates without throwing a punch, the lawsuit in his broken leg.
Cavanagh said in a telephone interview that Giovanni and Jeffrey Rodriguez were arrested the night of the crime and fingered Elkins and Jones in the crime. “We have body cams of interrogations showing the Rodriguezes outed the CPD sergeant and the Oak Park officer by name,” Cavanagh tells Wednesday Journal. Oak Park spokesman David Powers said in a telephone interview that Jones was put on paid leave on Oct. 18 pending the outcome of an internal investigation. He noted that Jones is a probationary officer, hired by the police department in January and sworn in on the first week of June. “All officers are probationary officers for 18 months,” Powers said. tim@oakpark.com
Blackface costume in River Forest stirs outrage
Woman apologizes, admits Halloween outfit offensive
od that anyone in our community -- student, instructor, or owner -- would do anything that has the potential to threaten the strong sense of inclusion and acceptance that defines who we are,” The Dailey Method ownBy TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER er Holly Blakely said in an email to patrons. Staff Reporter D’Alise spoke by telephone with WednesIt started as a post online from a River For- day Journal, tearfully apologizing and saying she did not know the costume was hurtest woman. “Happy Halloween! Bob Marley tribute ful. Her voice shaking over the phone, D’Alise this year (in the form of a banana),” Missy read a statement she wrote: “I meant no ill D’Alise wrote on Facebook. The problem: D’Alise painted her face black, will and now realize I have some racial blind spots. I plan to reach out to community leadharking back to an era when miners and work on these issues, so I strel shows with white actors did can grow as a person. I sincerely the same, parodying and dehuapologize and know there’s no manizing black people who were excuse for what I did.” enslaved for hundreds of years. She said in the interview that Not only was she roundly lambasted for painting her face, the costume was a last-minute D’Alise was criticized for the decision and she originally costume itself: a comical banana aimed to use yellow finger paint with dreadlocks and a Rastafarbut realized it wouldn’t work. MISSY D’ALISE ian hat. Instead, she used the black face River Forest resident The backlash on internet chat paint and played music by regforums was swift. gae legend Bob Marley as she “This is so offensive, a terrible passed out candy to children. representation of our village and I am horD’Alise said she moved to River Forest rified and disgusted,” one commenter wrote because of its diversity and that she’s never on Facebook. thought of herself as being racist. Another wrote: “Blackface has never been “What I’ve learned is I have a racial blind ok. Will NEVER be ok. Why do folks act like spot,” she said. they didn’t get the memo?” Asked how she felt about being called racSeveral commenters called for boycotts ist by so many people online, D’Alise said it of The Dailey Method Oak Park, a yoga and was “devastating.” Pilates studio at 208 S. Marion St., falsely be“I love Bob Marley, too, but I made a big lieving that D’Alise was still an owner and mistake and didn’t know what I was doing,” instructor at the business. she said. Dailey Method has since released a stateAsked if she was aware of the legacy of ment noting that D’Alise, a former owner, is racist blackface performances and minstrel in no way connected to the business. shows, D’Alise said did not realize what “From a business perspective, I can tell they were before the incident. you that it is completely inconsistent with tim@oakpark.com our values and policies at The Dailey Meth-
“What I’ve learned is I have a racial blind spot.”
Missy D’Alise
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
11
C R I M E
Man pick-pocketed in hospital waiting room
Someone who fell asleep in the waiting room at Rush-Oak Park Hospital, 520 S. Maple Ave., was the victim of theft between 5 and 10 a.m. on Oct. 27. The thief removed the wallet from the victim’s pants pocket while he slept. The estimated loss was $40.
Vehicle theft ■ A 2018 Mazda CX3 was stolen from a garage in the 1000 block of South Ridgeland Avenue between 6 p.m. on Oct. 31 and 7:49 a.m. on Nov. 1. The offender entered through an unlocked side service door and then entered a gray 2016 Nissan Rogue parked inside with its key fob nearby. The offender used the key fob to enter and steal the Mazda. The estimated loss is $21,000. ■ A silver 2017 Infinity G37 sedan that was reported stolen out of Oak Park on Oct. 19, 2018, was recovered by Chicago Police after it was abandoned in the 4300
block of West Thomas, Chicago, at 2:36 p.m. on Oct. 30.
Oak Park burglaries
■ A garage was burglarized in the 1000 block of South Cuyler Avenue sometime between 8 p.m. on Oct. 31 and 8:40 on Nov. 1. The offender entered through an unlocked side service door, entered an unlocked gray 2013 Toyota Corolla parked inside and removed a duffel bag containing an estimated $2,000 worth of hair styling equipment. ■ A 2016 Chevrolet Express G250 was burglarized in the 500 block of North Harvey Avenue between 7 and 8 a.m. on Nov. 1. The offender forced open the lock and stole three rolls of gage wire, two orange and yellow Dewalt tool bags, which contained a hammer drill, batteries and a charger, a Dewalt band saw with two batteries and a charger. The estimated loss was $1,150. ■ An apartment was burglarized in the
Police investigate racist graffiti at OPRF Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 officials are dealing with the fallout of at least two instances of hatespeech graffiti found on campus within the last week. Oak Park police are investigating racist and anti-Semitic graffiti that was discovered on property at Oak Park and River Forest High School on Nov. 2, according to school officials. The graffiti, which was drawn on a shed near the tennis courts, includes what appears to be a swastika scrawled in black next to the statements, “White power” and “F— Dancing N— Anthony Clark,” referencing the popular OPRF teacher and community activist. In a letter sent to parents and students Friday afternoon by D200 Supt. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams and D200 Board President Jackie Moore, district officials said that the graffiti has since been removed as police investigate the incident. “Many of you were made aware of this hateful incident on social media, and we regret if that was your first communication,” the letter read. “In our current world of instant news, we are not always able to provide information prior to posts on social media,” Moore and Pruitt-Adams explained. “We do however want to give our community accurate information with a sense of urgency. We are grateful that a community member brought this to our attention and did not assume we were already aware and simply hadn’t acted.” District officials said that as they learn more, they will “communicate all channels to our school community and the community at large. Our hope is that anyone with additional
information will provide it to the principal [Nate Rouse] (nrouse@oprfhs.org) and superintendent (jpruittadams@oprfhs.org).” During an interview on Friday evening, Clark said that he found out about the graffiti today. In the afternoon, he posted a statement to the Facebook page of his nonprofit, Suburban Unity Alliance. Clark wrote that while he appreciates the sympathy, “I don’t need [it],” before adding, “I don’t need apologies, I don’t need for you to express your anger & shock online. I need you to understand that acts of hate like this & worse than this are part of the fabrics of even the most ‘progressive,’ commUNITYs. I need you to understand how to work to be an ally in verb form, learning to get behind and empower those oppressed. I need you to realize that Trump didn’t create these issues, Russia isn’t responsible for bigotry & that systemic racism exists and is often supported rather Democrat or Republican is in charge. This isn’t about civility or balance, as balance is impossible when individuals have never been on equal playing fields.” School officials are planning an event called Community Conversation about Hate Crimes in Our Community: Coming Together for Change, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 7, 6 to 8 p.m., inside of the high school’s South Cafeteria. The event will be co-sponsored by Suburban Unity Alliance and OPRF. On Nov. 6, after officials discovered more graffiti in a bathroom stall, the administration sent a letter to parents and students notifying them that they’ve assembled a crisis team and “have decided to hold an all-student assembly” on Nov. 6.
Michael Romain
400 block of Washington Boulevard between 1 p.m. on Oct. 27 and 8:45 on Oct. 29. The offender forced open a living-room window, ransacked the apartment and stole a Cannon Rebel T51 camera from the bedroom closet. The estimated loss is $600. ■ A residence was burglarized in the 800 block of South Euclid Avenue between 10:30 a.m. and 12:49 p.m. on Oct. 30. The offender shattered the front door window to gain entry the residence, ransacked multiple rooms and stole cash, a PlayStation 3 videogame system and two controllers, The estimated loss was $665, plus $400 in Canadian currency. ■ A residence was burglarized in the 400 block of South Taylor Avenue between 2:30 and 10 a.m. on Oct. 29. The offender entered possibly through an unlocked rear window and then ransacked several dresser drawers in the bedrooms and closets, stealing a brown Gucci fanny pack and a brown Louis Vuitton purse. The estimated loss was $2,600. ■ A residence was burglarized in the 200 block of South Oak Park Avenue between 7 a.m. and 7:42 p.m. on Oct. 29. The offender entered the apartment through a closed but unlocked bedroom window, ransacked the apartment and took a jar containing approx-
imately $100 in loose change.
Criminal trespass A man entered the back room of a house through an unlocked door in the 800 block of North Taylor Avenue at 12:45 p.m. on Oct. 29, but immediately fled upon seeing someone inside the residence, according to police. The man was described as black, 5-foot-10, having a slim build and wearing a baseball cap, a thin black jacket and blue jeans. No loss was reported. These items, obtained from the Oak Park and River Forest police departments, came from reports, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.
Compiled by Timothy Inklebarger
Since 1990
The Holidays are Coming... Patricia Locke Trunk Show & Sale Saturday, November 10th 9:30am-12:30pm We are having a showing of her new designs and color stories. A hundred new pieces will be brought in for the sale...just in time for the HOLIDAYS!!!
ALL PATRICIA LOCKE JEWELRY
20-30% OFF 10% OFF Special Orders All SALES ARE FINAL.
---------------------------------------Need a 1/2 pair replacement? Let’s see if we can help. 7418 MADISON ST.
FOREST PARK
Follow us on
708.771.1111
12
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
PROTEST
Demanding change now from page 1 sophomore Naahlyee Bryant’s favorite teachers used a racial epithet three times in class. Jordan Murray, an OPRF senior, said he woke up one morning a few days before the rally to find his car spray painted. “The writing said, ‘F— you, go Trump’ and all of these things,” Murray said. “When I looked on Facebook and heard about what happened with Mr. Clark, I started to believe I was being targeted.” Murray said he helped write “Crossing Austin,” a student play performed earlier this year about how the nearby Chicago community of Austin is stigmatized within Oak Park. “In my opinion [that play] is the reason I’m being targeted,” Murray said. “This needs to stop! We can’t sit idly while things like this are happening around us.” As the students voiced their concerns, they were encircled by a crowd of roughly 100 people, including OPRF Supt. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams and District 200 board President Jackie Moore. John Eligon, the New York Times national correspondent who was due to moderate two panel discussions, observed and took notes. Steve James, the longtime Oak Park resident, who was the lead director of
Photo by Paul Goyette
PROTESTING AND LISTENING: District 200 Supt. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams, far left, voices her support for student protesters who stormed the stage during Sunday’s ‘America to Me’ town hall. The students received a standing ovation after their display of solidarity. America to Me, took out his cellphone and, naturally, started filming. Trinity Anderson, a 16-year-old junior who is a member of the Black Leaders Union, said she thought the documentary ended on a much too optimistic note. “The documentary did not fully tell the
true ending of how we still don’t have equity today,” she said. “It gave a happy ending and that’s not what we have at all, actually. The reality is very sad. The documentary opened people’s eyes about what we have here, but it definitely didn’t change anything.” Anderson, along with members of the
group Students Advocating for Equity (SAFE), have been pushing for district administrators to implement a series of eight demands. They include implementing a “studentinitiated racial equity curriculum,” hiring more teachers of color and ensuring that black history courses are required aspects of the general curriculum. As of Nov. 5, a moveon.org petition that the students created to generate support for their demands had garnered 690 signatures out of a goal of 750. “We want to put pressure on the school to implement more policy that will push against the agenda of white supremacy and against systemic discrimination that we face in the school,” said senior Grace Gunn. Supt. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams told students during the rally that took place before the town hall that her administration has already taken action toward delivering some of the students’ demands, such as announcing in September that the district will begin to develop a racial equity policy and the creation earlier this year of a new HR strategy designed to recruit, hire and retain more teachers of color. During a Sept. 18 board meeting, OPRF Principal Nathaniel Rouse told board members that district officials would work on developing a board policy and administrative procedures “that focus specifically on our commitment to racial equity.” Pruitt-Adams also promised students
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM more equity-related curriculum changes in the future. “I am here because I want to hear you,” she said. “In order for Oak Park to come to a different place, we have to have your voices heard.” But the student-activists were not satisfied with containing their protest to the school’s main entrance. Roughly a half-hour into the town hall, chants of “Whose school?! Our school!” wafted into the Little Theatre from the student center lobby. “What are you going to do differently to help us address this equity issue?” Eligon asked Moore, who quipped, “short of getting arrested … my whole self is in this work.” Just before the students swung open the doors and walked toward the stage chanting, “Is this Oak Park?!” Moore urged the roughly 350 audience members to listen to the students’ voices. “We have to listen, we have to build relationships,” she said. “They know what they need. We just have to be willing to listen and take risks and not be afraid to make change.” Some minutes later, Bryant took the mic and picked up where he’d left off during the rally more than an hour earlier. “When I go into class, I feel like I ain’t nothing sometimes, just because I’m the only black in the classroom,” he said. “I’m tired of OP throwing us to the curb and just looking at us, saying, ‘F y’all.’” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
Demands students want to see implemented at OPRF ■ Adopt and implement teacher, student, and staff training regarding racial consciousness, including the use of inflammatory racist language and activity — the history and impact — while establishing an immediate policy about using language and activity in school. ■ Implement a student-initiated racial equity curriculum created by SAFE by the school year 2019-2020, required for all OPRF students. ■ Adopt a racial equity lens and framework policy no later than Dec. 1 ■ Hire an assistant superintendent of equity for the school year 2019-2020 ■ Hire teachers of color who reflect the student body, particularly more black teachers, starting immediately. ■ Immediately fund the development of student-led clubs that promote racial justice initiatives. ■ Immediately evaluate and communicate goals that will substantially reduce student disciplinary actions that artificially skew toward black and brown students, including a fully articulated restorative justice plan. ■ Immediately ensure that Black History courses are required curriculum.
13
After ‘America to Me’ Documentary’s subjects returned to OPRF Sunday to speak their truths By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
A four-hour town hall discussion held Sunday night in the Little Theater at Oak Park and River Forest High School provided community members, and those affiliated with the Starz documentary series America to Me, an opportunity to evaluate, reassess, vent and speak their various truths about the production — the 10th and final episode of which aired on Oct. 28. The town hall was divided into five different panel discussions, respectively featuring parents, current and former students, educators and filmmakers — most of whom played a role in America to Me. The event was sponsored by the New York Times (whose national correspondent, John Eligon, moderated the first and last panels), the Oak Parkbased E-Team, OPRF High School, Participant Media and the MacArthur Foundation. The following are oral accounts given Sunday from the people who were involved in the filming. This is the first in a two-part series. These excerpts have been edited for clarity:
Rebecca Parrish Parrish is a documentary director, cinematographer and editor who was a segment director and cinematographer on America to Me. For a long time our country has approached racial equity from an integration lens. We’ve felt like if we can integrate students in schools and share resources, then we can have equity. I think looking at the challenges that OPRF faces shows that that isn’t enough. For me, I really started to feel like traditional structures of education that we have in this country are kind of like the miner’s canary, described in the book by Lani Guinier [The Miner’s Canary: Enlisting Race, Resisting Power, Transforming Democracy]. Part of the idea in her work is that, oftentimes, people who are marginalized, people of color in particular, are like the
canary in the coal mine. When miners went down to the coal mines, they’d have a canary they’d bring on their shoulder and when the canary died, the miner knew to come back up. And so I feel like the fundamental problem, which is a problem for all our students broadly in our education system, is this really outdated, factory model of education that is all about compliance. Learning is fun and exciting and we all have that desire, but when we built this system it became about ranking and ratings and who is the best — I think it dehumanizes all of us.
Kevin Shaw Shaw is a director, producer and cinematographer who was a segment director and cinematographer on America to Me. Going into this, I didn’t have any particular expectation, per se. I knew about Oak Park. I was born and raised in Chicago. I had friends in Oak Park growing up, so I’d been in this area and I kind of knew what the reputation was — the good and the bad, especially being a person of color. So when I started telling some of these stories and following the families I was attached to over the course of a year, I wasn’t surprised about a lot of the things they were going through. It was just kind of like, um hmm. It was kind of disappointing. You feel those things, especially for me, walking down the street, even in Oak Park sometimes, you do feel like eyes are on you and you don’t belong and if students were feeling like that in this school, then it’s easy for me to understand where some of that disconnect was coming from.
Jessica Stovall Stovall — the OPRF teacher who saw more success trying to win over the vulnerable, but bright and charismatic Ke’Shawn Kumsa than she did gathering a headwind of support from administrators for a racial equity curriculum
Photo by Paul Goyette
A PAINFUL HOMECOMING: OPRF teacher Jessica Stovall, far right, expressed her reservations returning to the school for a Sunday town hall about the documentary series in which she was something of a breakout star. she designed — said her time at OPRF was “like being in an emotionally abusive relationship.” About two months ago, Stovall took a leave of absence in order to pursue a PhD in Race, Inequality and Language in Education at Stanford University. It is really painful to be back in this building. I’ve only been gone for seven weeks, but I didn’t think [returning] would be as hard as it was. It’s great that I’m [getting the doctorate at Stanford], but I didn’t leave because I wanted to get a doctorate at Stanford. I wanted to retire from this building. I spent 11 powerful, transformative years and I gave it all I’ve got. The reality is that when you are told you don’t have the knowledge, capacity, intellect to be able to do racial equity work, when the same people who said that have never been in my classroom, never been to a professional development program I’ve given, never read a piece of my literature, what is informing [them] if they’ve never seen that? If things had changed for the better, I absolutely would be in Room 313 tomorrow morning, greeting those kids a happy Monday, and I’m not because things have gotten so much worse and I felt like I had to leave. I will say that I took a leave of absence. I did not quit because there is a part of me that is really hopeful.
Chala Holland Chala Holland, former assistant principal at OPRF, left while director Steve James and his crew were filming America to Me in 2015 to take a job as principal at Lake Forest High School. Deciding to leave was very difficult. … I was feeling four years of exhaustion, as well as navigating my own emotions. Part of that, too, was knowing that it was time for me to go. I have a drive and fire inside of me, and I felt like it had reached its capacity in the building under the leadership, under the way things were going, and I felt it was time to go. I felt like a caged bird in some ways, trying to break free. I was an assistant principal and I wanted better for the kids here, but I also knew that I wasn’t willing to compromise my passion and my gifts by staying complacent in some ways within the current structure. I needed to break free from that and feed my soul and engage in the work I believed in, in a different context, but just as meaningful. Every day, every week, I’m in communication with people here because my relationships and my commitment to this district and school are not based on me being here; it’s based on the work I believe is possible here. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
14
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
SYNAGOGUE
‘Sanctioned hatred’ from page 1 Wax, 65, tells Wednesday Journal that Melvin, known by his friends as Mel, was his first cousin on his father’s side of the family. “He was much older than me,” Wax said, explaining that his father and two brothers left their home in Hrubieszow, Poland, to escape the Nazi Holocaust. “My father lost his first family in the Holocaust and remarried here.” Wax said Mel attended services of the New Light Congregation at the Tree of Life Synagogue regularly and assisted with the ceremony and the Sabbath. He said losing his cousin in a mass shooting was “surreal” and “not something you ever expect to live through.” “Mel’s father and my father, who were brothers, escaped the Holocaust. Now he’s killed by somebody who espouses Nazi views, it’s really … it’s unbelievable.” Wax said in a telephone interview. Wax described his cousin as “kind of a quiet guy” who was well-liked. He was a veteran who served in Germany during the Korean War, Wax said. He had a daughter and a grandson.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Mel Wax worked as an accountant and graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill. Wax said he attended the memorial on Oct. 30, noting that the synagogue displayed Stars of David for each person slain at the temple. He said he walked through the area where protestors demonstrated against the presence of President Donald Trump. Wax, who said he has been politically active since the 1960s, got caught up in the demonstration. “I didn’t purposefully attend the demonstration, but I completely concur with it,” he said. The political rhetoric in the United States coming from Trump has created an atmosphere for the kinds of violent attacks that took his cousin’s life, Wax said. “When there’s an equivalency between the Nazis and the protesters against Nazis in Charlottesville, it’s a green light,” Wax said. “When you accept David Duke and you don’t really speak out against somebody like David Duke, it’s a green light against the African Americans, Jews, immigrants, Latinos, whoever, to be killed.” Wax said he does not blame the administration for the shooting itself, but for “sanctioned hatred.” “That to me is the most traumatic thing of all,” he said. tim@oakpark.com
Photo provided by Sidney Wax
REMEMBERING MELVIN WAX: Melvin Wax, 88, was one of 11 people murdered on Saturday, Oct. 27, at Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
Local synagogues on alert following shooting, local threat Oak Park man arrested in September after threatening Har Zion congregants By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
Jewish temples in Oak Park and River Forest have increased security, following the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27 that left 11 congregants dead and six injured. Police took Robert D. Bowers, 46, into custody and charged him with 29 counts criminal counts. Police say Bowers was armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle at least three handguns. The massacre has put local synagogues – Oak Park Temple B’nai Abraham Zion and West Suburban Temple Har Zion in River Forest – on a heightened state of alert. The murders also have religious leaders reconsidering an incident that took place on Sept. 30 at Har Zion, when an Oak Park man threatened congregants outside the temple. River Forest police arrested Oak Parker Charles R. Duax, 41, of the 300 block of South Maple Ave., charging him with disorderly conduct, a class C misdemeanor, and criminal trespass, a class B misdemeanor. River Forest Police Chief James O’Shea said in a telephone interview that around 6 p.m., on Sept. 30 Duax started a verbal alter-
cation with members of the temple. going to kill your sons” at a group of chilSome Har Zion congregants were outside dren at the synagogue. the temple kicking a soccer ball. The ball Duax told a different story to police, statwas kicked over the fence, and Duax took ing that he walked to the sidewalk and enit and refused to give it back, gaged the congregants in converO’Shea said. sation. “He went into a rant about the “Duax stated he felt since he Israel/Palestinian conflict and was being engaged he would stay made several threats,” O’Shea to talk, despite some asking him said. to leave,” the report said. He reO’Shea said the altercation portedly claimed at first to have never became physical, but Duax left and returned three separate is said to have called members times, but then clarified to police of the temple murderers and that it was only once. threatened to “kill your sons.” Asked about claims that he CHARLES R. DUAX He quoted Duax saying: “You was threatening children and Oak Park resident all will burn,” and “Jews kill saying they would die, Duax rechildren.” portedly told police that the conThe altercation went on for gregants “were lying and that he about 15 minutes, continuing even after only mentioned that it was nice that their police officers arrived on the scene, O’Shea children could play soccer outside while said. Palestinian children were dying.” A police report of the incident stated that A short video of the incident taken with Duax entered the temple grounds and “with- a cellphone shows Duax yelling: “Bull----. out provocation began yelling about the Is- You’re not religious. F— you. Burn your F— rael-Palestine conflict.” ing …” and then the video ends. “He stated that he would make them exThe temple and those congregants inperience pain ‘as well’ and walked onto the volved chose not to file hate crime charges temple property screaming at them,” the against Duax. police report said. “They asked him to leave O’Shea said he was disappointed that the but he would not and continued to scream Cook County State’s Attorney’s declined to loudly, alarming worshippers and disturb- file felony charges against Duax. The Cook ing the peace.” County State’s Attorney’s Office did not reAccording to the police report, Duax spond to a voicemail from Wednesday Jourscreamed “your sons are going to die; I am nal inquiring about the incident.
“We were very disappointed and concerned when they refused to file those charges,” O’Shea said. O’Shea said that River Forest police contacted both the Chicago Police Department and the FBI about the incident. The FBI followed up and reviewed the incident, he said. “We have no idea what the FBI did with the information,” he said. Rabbi Adit Glick, who witnessed the incident, said Duax’s arrest and the massacre at Tree of Life has put Har Zion on a state of heightened alert. Har Zion had armed guards at an event on the evening of Oct. 27, the day of the shooting in Pittsburgh, and River Forest police stepped up their patrols. Rabbi Daniel Kirzane, of the Oak Parkbased Temple B’nai Abraham Zion, said the Oak Park Police Department also has stepped up patrols around the temple since the shooting at Tree of Life. Kirzane said he was not aware of any threats against the Oak Park temple or its congregants. “Jewish congregations around the country are mobilizing in solidarity,” he said. “We are not directly victims like those in Pittsburgh, but we all feel like it’s happening to us.” The two local synagogues held a joint Shabbat service on Friday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at Har Zion, inviting Christian congregations to attend. tim@oakpark.com
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Oak Park Arts District is almost at full capacity
No longer the commercial district that Oak Park forgot By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
It has been decades in the making, but the Oak Park Arts District is coming into its own. The little business district that was once defined as struggling, fledgling, up-and-coming even, is almost full up with restaurants, shops and galleries. It’s a day that Laura Maychruk — president of the Oak Park Arts District, owner of Buzz Café, 905 S. Lombard Ave., and a real estate broker with Gullo & Associates — thought might never come. Maychruk opened The Buzz, a restaurant and coffee shop with an artsy appeal — the walls of the shop are lined with paintings and works by local artists and the cafe frequently holds poetry nights and other art-focused events — in 1998, back when many of the storefronts in the district were vacant. She says so many new businesses have opened up in the district, which runs along Harrison from Austin Boulevard to South Elmwood Avenue, that she’s having trouble keeping track. “I can’t even remember all of the new businesses,” she said in a recent interview. Among the new ones that have opened since the beginning of last year are: MORA Asian Kitchen, 201 Harrison St.; Rare Bird Preserves, 211 Harrison St.; Nature Yoga Sanctuary & Café, 146 Harrison St.; Happy Apple Pie Shop, 226 Harrison St.; District Kitchen and Tap, 220 Harrison St. And that’s just a sampling of what’s happening in the business district.
rant across the street at the corner Four new townhouses — known as of Lombard and Harrison. Flexhouse and built by developer Bob “I want to do a taco joint,” he Ranquist — also are being completed in said. the 200 block of Harrison Street. The concept entails tacos inMaychruk is upping her own game as spired by cities around the world. well at The Buzz, completing a costly Paris, Rome, Sydney, and Chicago, renovation of the business. The dining of course, are all in the running, area looks largely the same, but MayMorales said. The Chicago taco chruk has invested tens of thousands likely will be based on the Italian of dollars updating lights, electrical, beef sandwiches that originated in plumbing, floors and walls, among oththe Windy City, he said. er renovations. “The layout will probably be one She says the key to the district’s success giant bar, and the bar will do cockis the departure of Chris Kleronomos, TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER/Staff tails and drinks as well as the tawho owned several of the storefronts along Harrison and left them vacant for HARRISON ABUZZ: The Oak Park Arts District cos,” he said. Morales hopes to have the new years. The six buildings owned by Kleris alive with new businesses. Keelin Burke place opened before the end of the onomos were purchased by Harrison (left) and her mother, Karen Beard (right), year. Street Ventures LLC in 2015. Next door to MORA is Rare Bird Kleronomos still has a minority own- eat lunch at Buzz Cafe, 905 S. Lombard. Preserves, which offers fruit preership stake in the properties — it was serves, jams, jellies, scone mixes, never disclosed how large — but has no decision-making authority over how they are marketed. and other products. A recent walk along Harrison Street revealed new life in Owner Elizabeth Madden opened the shop on Sept. 22 and the area. Foot traffic is more common these days and the already is holding classes on topics like sourdough bread district is becoming the destination Maychruk and others baking. That two-hour class is scheduled for Nov. 17 and will had always envisioned. be led by a local bread baker, said Madden, who has already Jason Morales, owner of MORA Asian Kitchen, said his gotten a lot of support from the surrounding community as 85-seat restaurant opened in September and has been at full her business gets up and running. A lot of it, so far, has come capacity. from patrons looking to put together gift packages for loved “It’s been really fantastic,” he said. ones. “Curating little gifts” for house-warming parties, kids So fantastic, he said, he’s planning to open another restau- going to college, and other events is a specialty at Rare Bird.
Sponsored Content
THE JOY OF SINGLE-LEVEL AND MAINTENANCE-FREE LIVING AT RF RIVER FOREST – Sedgwick Development’s newest project – simply called RF – at the southwest corner of Lake St and Lathrop Ave is bringing new, luxury, single-level homes to the Village Center area. Besides the convenience of elevators opening directly to each home, secured and heated parking, and on-site restaurant opportunities, RF introduces homeowners to the comforts of single-level living and a maintenance free lifestyle. Many River Forest and Oak Park residents were relieved to learn how smooth the transition to single-level condo living truly could be. Any objections to leaving their oversized, 3000-4000 square foot home were quickly squashed after realizing the benefits and opportunities. The inherent design of a single-floor luxury condo makes downsizing easier for people used to 3-4 floors of living. “When you remove 2-3 staircases and 2-3 hallways, it is amazing how much more room you have for space where people actually live and enjoy,” explains Cory Robertson, Director of Developer Services at Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty who is marketing the project. “We have three bedroom, single level condos at RF that are fully-capable of hosting the same, large Thanksgiving dinner you are used to hosting in your 3000 square foot single-family home.” Frank Vihtelic, who leads the sales effort for Jameson Sotheby’s adds, “The other reality is this: many of the people we meet who say they intend to “downsize” from a big 4000 square foot single-family home, are actually just looking to DIVIDE their space. They want “half ” here in River Forest and the other “half ” in Naples, Scottsdale, Michigan, or elsewhere. We help people get to where they want to be in 18 months and plan for both.”
15
Besides right-sizing for the next stage, new construction condos provide shared maintenance living that is much less expensive than that an old, large single-family home.
“Just the minimum monthly maintenance cost of lawn services, leaf raking, weed control, snow removal, security system, pruning, and seasonal planting for a large home around here can be more than $2,000/month,” says Marty Paris, long-time River Forest resident and CEO of Sedgwick Development. “And that is not factoring in the larger maintenance hits that come up regularly like exterior painting, tuck-pointing, chimney repair, roof replacement, driveway resurfacing, holiday lighting, and tree trimming/ removal. Depending on the year, that could be another $15,000-$25,000.” By comparison, most of the condos at RF offer large outdoor terraces and total monthly owner maintenance costs of $400-500/month with long-term reserves for larger, future maintenance expenses. Vihtelic adds there is something even more important than substantial money saved when it comes to reducing maintenance. It’s about reallocating time and effort. He adds, “People that move to new condos are always amazed with the time they now have available to pursue things they love to do, in the places they love to be. Whether they are here year-round or not, there is the peace of mind that everything is being taken care of.” RF will offer 30 condominiums with 3 to 4 bedrooms plus an office area and large outdoor living room. Direct elevator access and private two car parking available for every home. Pre-construction pricing from $599,900 to $1,499,900. Deliveries are anticipated to begin in Fall 2020. Visit the Sales Center at 7577 W. Lake Street, open daily from 12p to 6pm. Call 312-335-5354 or visit www.RF-LakeStreet.com for more information.
16
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
P U M P K I N
S M A S H
2 0 1 8
Photo by ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Let the good gourds roll Brad Carmody helps his son, Ford, 3, launch his pumpkin down the hill during the annual post-Halloween ‘Pumpkin Smash’ at Barrie Park. Launch techniques ranged from bowling (top right) to shot put (bottom right). No word on what the park planned to do with the gourd mash, but we’re sure the squirrels were licking their chops.
Tulipia Floral Design Grand Opening Holiday Open House November 9, 10, 11, 2018 9-5 daily 25% Off all Holiday Decor. 1044 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-524-1323
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
NEED TO REACH US?
oakpark.com/real-estate email: buphues@wjinc.com
17
Homes
Photo courtesy of @properties
What a difference a year makes
Former farmhouse fixer-upper now a contemporary classic By LACEY SIKORA
O
Contributing Reporter
n TV, a typical home makeover lasts only a few weeks from start to finish, and is neatly encapsulated into a half-hour television show in which the homeowners engage in a bit of demolition, disappear and return to find their home transformed beyond recognition by a crew of photogenic contractors. In real life, the renovation process can be a bit more daunting. Budgets and time frames are frequently
blown out of the water, and here in Oak Park, there are permits to request and wait for, not to mention plenty of surprises hiding behind 100-year old walls. Just last year, the Wednesday Journal featured an Oak Park fixer-upper that was long on charm but in need of a complete makeover. After receiving multiple bids, all from professional rehabbers, 1125 Wisconsin Ave. sold on Nov. 20, 2017 for $375,000 to The Heartland Construction Group. After roughly seven months of intense rehabilitation, See RENOVATION on page 19
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
MAKEOVER: The 1908 farmhouse at 1125 Wisconsin Ave. went on the market as-is last year (above) and since has been transformed inside and out (top) while retaining much of the home’s original country charm.
18
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
COLDWELL BANKER Oak Park | 6/5 | $1,645,000 422 Forest Avenue
River Forest | 6/6 | $1,499,000 823 Jackson Avenue
Oak Park | 6/5 | $940,000 166 N Ridgeland Avenue
Oak Park | 6/5 | $899,900 415 Forest Avenue
Oak Park | 4/3 | $825,000 719 Linden Avenue
Oak Park | 3/2 | $539,000 819 Linden Avenue
Monica Klinke 708.612.3031
Kirstin Gloor 708.524.1100
Shea Kiessling 708.710.5952
Monica Klinke 708.612.3031
Sara Faust 708.772.7910
Michelle Miller 708.334.5833
North Riverside | 3/2 | $259,000 2258 S 3rd Avenue
Elmwood Park | 4/4 | $449,000 1808 N 74th Court
Elmwood Park | 4/3 | $392,000 2113 N 74th Avenue
Oak Park | 3/4 | $375,000 601 South Boulevard F
Oak Park | 3/2 | $324,500 213 Augusta Street
North Riverside | 3/2 | $259,000 2258 S 3rd Avenue
Sheila Gentile 708.352.4840
Shea Kiessling 708.710.5952
John Haagenson 773.230.6995
Deborah Wess 708.212.1122
Andrea Bonnie Routen 708.544.8440
Sheila Gentile 708.352.4840
Oak Park | 3/2 | $225,000 201 S Maple Avenue 404
Berwyn | 3/2 | $220,000 3607 East Avenue
Berwyn | 4/2 | $199,500 7006 W 34th Street
Maywood | 3/2 | $144,900 636 S 18th Avenue
Berwyn | 2/1 | $135,000 1524 Lombard Avenue
Berwyn | 2/1 | $105,000 3845 Wenonah Avenue 3
Deborah Wess 708.212.1122
Lisa Clemente 708.352.4840
Andrea Bonnie Routen 708.544.8440
Andrea Bonnie Routen 708.524.1100
Stephanie Eiger 708.557.0779
Deborah Wess 708.212.1122
Elmwood Park | 3/2 | $439,900 7960 W Country Club Lane
Berwyn | 5/3 | $305,000 2517 Clinton Avenue
Berwyn | 3/2 | $299,500 6953 Riverside Drive
Berwyn | 5/2 | $284,900 3737 East Avenue
North Riverside | 2/1 | $239,500 2242 S 7th Avenue
Berwyn | 3/1 | $234,000 1508 Wisconsin Avenue
John Bowler 773.718.3701
Silvia Fonseca 630.964.9696
Manuela Papazisi 773.576.2381
Sheila Gentile 708.352.4840
Sheila Gentile 708.352.4840
Rafael Avila 708.352.4840
Architecturally significant, yet perfect for every day living! 6 br, 4.5 ba
Spacious & well-cared-for 3 br, 2 ba brick raised ranch w/full bsmt.
3 br, 1.5 ba top-floor corner unit in elevator building. Prkg incl.
Large 2,463 sq ft brick & cedar home on corner lot. 3 br, 1.5 ba.
Fantastic blend of new const & 1920’s style & design. 6 br, 5.5 ba.
Spacious and well-cared-for 4 br, 4 ba brick home. Full fin bsmt.
Brick 3 br, 1.5 ba tri-level w/bsmt. S Berywn. Walk-to loc. 2-car gar.
Octagon 5 br, 3 ba brick bung w/ addtn. Nice combination of old & new!
6 br, 2+ ba Tudor combines classic design w/modern updates. Sun rm.
Beautiful, completely updated 4 br, 3 ba English brick home. Fin bsmt.
4 br, 1.5 ba South Berwyn turn-of-thecentury home. Newer roof, c/a.
Beautiful 3 br, 2 ba all-brick bungalow w/vintage charm. English bsmt.
6 br, 4.5 ba home near transportation, schools, shops, parks. Att gar.
Sunny 3 br, 3.5 ba end-unit TH. Liv/ din rm combo. Large priv deck.
3 br, 1.5 ba 2-story home w/hdwd flrs. Full fin bsmt. 1.5-car gar.
Move-in ready 2-flat w/2-car garage. Fenced yard. Near Freedom Park.
4 br, 3 ba modern masterpiece situated in the FLW historic district.
3 br brick ranch w/1.5 ba, fresh paint, eat-in kit, full fin bsmt.
Great opportunity to renovate a 2 br all-brick bungalow w/full bsmt.
Many updates in this lovingly cared for 2 br brick ranch home.
COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE? CALL ME TODAY.
Lewis R. Jones, Managing Broker Oak Park Office (Formerly Gloor Realty) 708.524.1100 | lewis.jones@cbexchange.com
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Any affiliation by you with the Company is intended to be that of an independent contractor sales associate, not an employee. ©2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
A beautiful 3 br, 1.5 ba home that boasts charm! Remod ba. Hdwd flrs.
Spacious & well-cared-for 3 br, 2 ba brick raised ranch w/full bsmt.
Freshly painted 2 br unit w/updated eat-in kit. Easy street parking.
Vintage 3 br brick bungalow located in Berwyn’s Gold Coast area.
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
19
RENOVATION Character kept from page 17 the house hit the market a little bit larger and little bit modernized, but with plenty of historic charm intact. Built in 1908, the original home’s owners were said to be owners of a nearby race track, and their barn at the rear of the property was built to house carriages, horses and a stable boy or two. Over time, their acres of gardens were subdivided into lots for neighboring houses, but much of the home’s original details remained in place. The front foyer retained its original fireplace, built-in bookshelves, beamed ceiling and stained glass. More stained glass graced the dining room, and the Victorian-style staircase featured working light fixtures on the newel posts. Last year, the Downs family, who had lived in the house for over 50 years, decided it was time to sell. While they had happily raised their four children in the home with one bathroom and a kitchen last updated in the 1970s, it was time for some loving maintenance, and the home was sold “as-is,” leaking plumbing and all. Heartland had the winning bid for the home, and real estate agent Zak Knebel of @ properties, who is listing the remodeled house for $934,900, says they were the right group for the job. Knebel points out that Heartland took pains to keep and restore the beautiful details of the home. “They kept a ton of character,” Knebel said. “From the stained glass in the dining room to the original woodwork in the entry.” From a tiny built-in in the kitchen to builtin linen closets on the second floor, original
Photos courtesy of @properties
CHARACTER COUNTS: A three-story addition was built to the back of the original home, making way for a spacious kitchen (above) and family room on the main floor. New oak trim in the rear addition matches the original home (left). Original stained glass from the main floor was used as a focal accent in the upstairs master suite (below left) and the staircase to the third floor (below right) was widened.
storage solutions also remain. Recognizing that an ungainly addition on the rear of the home was not sturdy, and that the small footprints of the four bedrooms and the kitchen would not be appealing to today’s buyers, Heartland rethought the back of the house and created a three-story addition
that Knebel says matches seamlessly with the front of the home. Now at four-bedrooms and four-bathrooms, the home has gained space where it matters most. The addition added 12 feet to the house and on the first floor, created space for a new kitchen that opens to a family room. In both spaces, the remodelers matched the red oak trim to the original trim in the front of the house. The kitchen now boasts custom
cabinetry, high-end appliances and quartzite counters. Double doors at the rear of the house flood the room with light and provide access to the backyard. Upstairs, the addition allowed for the creation of a spacious master suite. Original stained glass that was removed from the first floor becomes the focal point of the bedroom wall, and the suite includes two See RENOVATION on page 21
20
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
1147 FOREST AVE, RIVER FOREST
929 FAIR OAKS AVE, OAK PARK
215 S RIDGELAND AVE, OAK PARK
517 S ELMWOOD AVE, OAK PARK
818 N RIDGELAND AVE, OAK PARK
6 br, 4.1 ba $1,400,000
4 br, 4.1 ba $999,000
5 br, 3 ba $599,000
5 br, 2.2 ba $549,900
4 br, 3 ba $519,000
Pauline Sharpe 708.848.5550
Kelly Fondow 708.848.5550
Meg Wygonik Kryger 708.848.5550
Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550
Dale Anderson 708.848.5550
NEW LISTING
OPEN SUN 13
325 N GROVE AVE, OAK PARK
1100 N OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK
713 S EAST AVE, OAK PARK
107 S EUCLID AVE A, OAK PARK
101 N EUCLID AVE 18, OAK PARK
5 br, 1.1 ba $514,900
3 br, 2.1 ba $459,000
3 br, 2 ba $450,000
3 br, 2.2 ba $435,000
2 br, 2.1 ba $429,000
Alice McMahon 708.848.5550
Jeanette Madock 708.848.5550
Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550
Kelly Fondow 708.848.5550
Mari Hans 708.848.5550
Get Noticed. World-Class Marketing that moves your home from Listed to Sold.
101 N. Oak Park Avenue | Oak Park, IL 60301 KoenigRubloff.com • 708.848.5550 OPEN SUN 122
OPEN SUN 13
NEW LISTING
1414 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK
820 BELOIT AVE, FOREST PARK
1142 WENONAH AVE, OAK PARK
1120 LATHROP AVE, FOREST PARK
839 N LOMBARD AVE, OAK PARK
3 br, 3.1 ba $425,000
4 br, 2 ba $389,900
3 br, 1 ba $375,000
3 br, 2.1 ba $369,900
3 br, 1.1 ba $359,000
Dorothy Gillian 708.848.5550
Jessica Rivera 708.848.5550
Cory Kohut 708.848.5550
Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550
Cory Kohut 708.848.5550
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
1105 THOMAS AVE, FOREST PARK
1020 RANDOLPH ST 3W, OAK PARK
830 ELGIN AVE, FOREST PARK
720 ERIE ST 1, OAK PARK
7251 RANDOLPH ST B6, FOREST PARK
4 br, 3 ba $349,999
3 br, 2 ba $330,000
3 br, 2 ba $274,500
1 br, 1 ba $185,000
2 br, 1 ba $119,900
Mark Hosty 708.848.5550
Monica Dalton 708.848.5550
Adriana Cook 708.848.5550
Michael Rabichow 708.848.5550
Armando Vargas 708.848.5550
|
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
21
721 Ontario Street, Unit 106, Oak Park
Open Sunday, Nov. 11th, 2:30-4pm
Courtesy of @properties
BARN-OVATION: The barn at the rear of the property still had horse stalls and a storage area for hay when the property was purchased in 2017. It’s now been renovated to accommodate vehicles, while the upstairs could be living quarters or a work space.
RENOVATION
From barn to coach house from page 19 walk-in closets and a spacious bathroom. Three other bedrooms on this floor share a completely renovated hall bath. Heartland widened the staircase to the third floor, matching the woodwork on the original staircase in the process. The finished third floor space is bonus space, perfect for a playroom or office. In the basement, a full bath and an office were added. While the original owners’ expansive gardens are long gone, the house still sits on an oversized, double-wide lot, and Knebel says the block has the deepest lots of any in South Oak Park. During the remodel, Heartland removed a crumbling driveway to provide more lawn space, and reworked the original barn to make it more useful for cars instead of horses. Workers had to remove the original horse stalls to allow two cars to fit inside, and they added a garage door facing the alley to allow better access, but much remains the same. Knebel says it’s the first time in his 13
years in real estate that he’s seen an old barn still in existence. “They wanted to keep this great original wood because it’s stronger than what’s out there now,” he said. The original hay storage and bead board walls still exist, as do the stairs to the former living quarters upstairs. Knebel notes that the garage was updated with 60-amp electric service, allowing for charging of an electric car or for someone to get creative with the second-floor space.
SOPHISTICATION REIGNS in this one-of-a-kind unit at The Oak Park Club. Soaring ceilings, architectural details, custom woodwork, massive room sizes, and an incredibly good use of space, are just the beginning of what this home offers you. Looking for more? How about a first floor bedroom and bath, a covered deck with stairs down to a private terraced garden, and parking for 2 cars. All of this and more, situated in one of Oak Park’s prized residential buildings and located in the heart of downtown. Come see for yourself what makes this home unlike any other. .................................................................................................................................$495,000
See more at: 721ontariostreet106.bairdwarner.com
Call Bethanny Alexander
(708) 697-5904 sweethomesuburbia.com
Road Trip on the Horizon? Let us know we’ll hold your paper!
ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer
At the end of the day, Knebel thinks the house has that great combination of history and updates that homeowners want in Oak Park and says the sensitive remodel managed to combine old and new in an appealing package. “They kept the character but updated to the standards that people want today,” Knebel said.
Email: circulation@oakpark.com
22
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
In The Village, Realtors®
189 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-1400 HomesintheVillage.com
Featured Listings for This Week 1041 N EAST AVE OPEN SUN 12-2 PM
2222 GROVE AVE OPEN SUN 2-4 PM Harry Walsh, Managing Broker
Mike Becker
Oak Park • $768,800 4BR, 2.1BA Call Kyra x145
Oak Park • $725,000 4BR, 2.2BA Call Roz x112
Berwyn • $299,900 4BR, 1.1BA Call Roz x112
Oak Park • $639,998 4BR, 4.1BA Call Keri x127
Roz Byrne
Tom Byrne
Joelle Venzera
Oak Park • $604,800 4BR, 2.1BA Call Kyra x145
Forest Park • $439,900 Multi unit Call Joe x117
Oak Park • $424,500 2BR, 2.1BA Call Elissa x192
Forest Park • $349,000 3BR, 4BA Call Harry x116
Kris Sagan
Home of The Week Laurie Christofano
Linda Rooney
Oak Park • $262,000 3BR, 1BA Call Marion x111
Forest Park • $206,900 2BR, 1BA Call Kris x101
Marion Digre
Morgan Digre
Ed Goodwin
Kyra Pych
Oak Park • $119,800 1BR, 1BA Call Laurie x186
Joe Langley
Oak Park • $738,800 4BR, 3.1BA Call Kyra x145
Oak Park • $110,000 1BR, 1BA Call Mike x120
Dan Linzing
Jane McClelland
Keri Meacham
Mary Murphy
Elissa Palermo
Steve Nasralla
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
BROKERAGE FIRMS THAT SOLD MORE HOMES IN OAK PARK THAN US:
Source: sales, sales, Oak Park, 1-1-2017 to 10-11-2018. Source: MREDMRED $1 million+ Evanston, 1-1-2017 to 12-31-2017.
1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD
23
24
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Generations of Excellence since 1958
708.771.8040 • 7375 W. North Ave., River Forest DonnaAvenue Barnhisel Don Citrano 7375 West North Dan Bogojevich Julie Cliggett Anne Brennan Alisa Coghill Illinois 60305 Karen Byrne Kay Costello Kevin Calkins JoLyn Crawford 708.771.8040 Andy Gagliardo Tom Carraher Maria Cullerton
MANAGING River Forest, BROKER/OWNERS
Pat Cesario Joe Cibula
Tom Poulos
1206 LATHROP • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 1-3
Julie Downey Kurt Fielder
Yvonne Fiszer-Steele Ramona Fox Laura Gancer Chris Garvey Lisa Grimes Dan Halperin Sharon Halperin Greg Jaroszewski
639 N LOMBARD • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 1-3
Vee Jaroszewski Noa Klima Sherree Krisco Jack Lattner Susan Maienza Charlotte Messina Vince McFadden Elizabeth Moroney
Colleen Navigato John Pappas Sue Ponzio-Pappas Rosa Pitassi Caroline Rauch Michael Roche Jenny Ruland Laurel Saltzman
Laurie Shapiro Tom Sullivan Debbie Watts George Wohlford Nancy Wohlford
1028 S EUCLID • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 2-4
708 S WESLEY • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 1:30-3
P R IC E R E DU C E D! THIS HOME HAS IT ALL! Open floor plan, hardwood flooring and natural woodwork. High-end kitchen, first floor laundry area. Four large bedrooms. Large basement offers additional living space. 2-car attached garage. Tons of storage with lots of natural light throughout. ............................................................................ $795,000
READY TO MOVE IN charming 3 bedroom home features a welcoming front porch with swing and sitting area. Home offers magnificent oak woodwork, stained glass & hardwood floors. Finished basement. Large deck & beautifully landscaped yard. Home has many extras! ........................................................................... $449,500
WARM, INVITING CLASSIC OP HOME with vintage charm throughout. Double parlor LR has stained glass window, hardwood floors. DR is highlighted with beamed ceiling and built-in cabinet. Eat-in kitchen with cozy pot belly stove. Basement fam room, full bath, laundry, storage.............................................................$415,000
CLASSIC OP BRICK BUNGALOW. Newly decorated, hardwood floors thru-out, all new windows. 1st floor has 2 BRs + tandem. One BR on 2nd floor. LL has finished rec room, BR, bathroom, laundry area. C/A, nice sized yard with patio. Two car garage. Wonderful location. .................................................................................. $363,000
147 ROCKFORD • FOREST PARK OPEN SUNDAY 12-2
HANDSOME TUTOR with original details that beautifully blend with updated baths and kitchen. 4 BR, 4-1/2 BA home with full outdoor kitchen and patio. .......... ...............................................................................................................................$899,000 LOVELY BRICK GEORGIAN with elegance, modern day conveniences, and space. Hardwood floors, 3 fireplaces, sunroom with heated floors, LL rec room. ..... ...............................................................................................................................$875,000 ELEGANT, GRACIOUS HOME with 4 BRs, 2-1/2 BAs offers, hardwood floors, beautiful molding, family room, eat-in kitchen, finished LL and whole house generator..............................................................................................................$719,000 GREAT LOCATION & EASY LIVING in this Tri-level home. Great flow for entertaining, complete with family room. Finished LL. Growth to make it your own....................................................................................................................... $619,000 BEAUTIFUL 3 LEVEL SINGLE FAMILY offers 3800+ sq/ft of living! Open concept on first floor. Second floor features 4 BRs & sunroom overlooking backyard. .....................................................................................................................$595,000
PRICE REDUCED CLASSIC QUEEN ANNE HOME with 3 bedrooms, 3-1/2 baths includes sun room, family room, updated kitchen, great closet space, fin rec room, custom deck.............................................................................................$529,000 SO MUCH TO LOVE about this house in the Historic Harrison Street District built in 1913! Since then, house has doubled in size and sits on an eco friendly lot............ ...............................................................................................................................$465,000 SIDE ENTRANCE COLONIAL offers a generous LR with wood burning fireplace, formal DR, breakfast room, laundry in basement, mature fenced yard. ........... ...............................................................................................................................$450,000 A TRUE OP BEAUTY! Enjoy the deep park-like lot in Northwest Oak Park. Well maintained 1905 Farmhouse with 3 BR, 1-1/2 baths. In great condition! ..$442,500
1945 N 73RD AVE ELMWOOD PARK
ENJOY LUXURY LIVING in this masterfully renovated home on an extra wide lot. This Impressive open concept home features wood floors, natural light, highstyle designer finishes........................................................................................$474,000 PRICE REDUCED TWO STORY BRICK & FRAME HOME w/open floor plan on first floor with slate entry & hardwood floors. Basement is semi finished with laundry room..............................................................................................$359,000
LARGE BRICK COLONIAL beautifully renovated from top to bottom! Gourmet kitchen, LR with wood burning marble fireplace, four bedrooms, two full baths, and finished basement with family room. Some updates include wood floors, plumbing, electrical, appliances, siding, roof. .............................................................................$409,000
NE W LISTING! SPACIOUS EXPANDED BUNGALOW in walkable area of Forest Park with 3 bedrooms, 1-1/2 baths. Open living room and dining room with oak flooring, cozy country kitchen with walk-in pantry, open office area, family room/play area, fenced yard, two car garage. ....................................................................................$329,500
RIVER FOREST HOMES BURMA BUILT BUHRKE HOUSE combines Tudor revival & chateau style architecture elements. Gorgeous décor and impeccable attention to detail in both house and landscaped grounds. ....................................................................$2,399,000 CLASSIC, ELEGANT HOME with exceptional design & open floor plan. Special features include a dramatic double door entry, gracious foyer, limestone mantle, open great room. .............................................................................................$1,250,000 SETTING A NEW STANDARD in approachable elegance, this five bedroom, 3-1/2 bath home will exceed your expectations. One of a kind floor plan, and 3 fully finished levels...................................................................................................$1,250,000 SPECTACULAR HOME features generously sized bedrooms, loads of closet space, a chef’s kitchen. High end features throughout. Two car attached garage...... ............................................................................................................................$1,200,000 STUNNING RENOVATION by Birmingham Development. Thoughtfully designed and constructed with high quality craftsmanship & great attention to detail.....................................................................................................................$995,000 IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED COMTEMPORARY HOME includes 3 BRs, 3 full and 3 half BAs, unique bamboo floors, multi-faced gas fireplace, in-ground pool.......................................................................................................................$940,000 LOVELY TUTOR HOME offers beautiful woodwork and custom built-ins throughout. Original details blend seamlessly with the updated 3-story addition. ...............................................................................................................................$899,000
OAK PARK HOMES
UNPRECEDENTED ESTATE in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historical district of OP! Meticulously renovated property offers exquisite details and refined finishes. A showcase home! ..............................................................................................$1,625,000 YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED in this recently renovated, move-in ready E.E. Roberts home. This stunning 4 BR prairie style house is located in OP’s estate section. .................................................................................................................$899,000 COMFORT & CONTENTMENT LIVING in gracious A.L. Gardner House. Many improvements include a total kitchen redo and finished 3rd floor family room......... ...............................................................................................................................$899,000 STATELY BRICK CENTER-ENTRANCE COLONIAL. WB fireplace, high ceilings, crown molding, architectural details, leaded glass windows, hardwood throughout. .........................................................................................................$760,000 LARGE ENGLISH COUNTRY TUDOR HOME with 5 BRs, 3-1/2 BAs in OP’s Historic District. Impressive home blends both old and new, with natural woodwork.......................................................................................................................$749,950 WONDERFUL HOME offers a combination of original features and updated modern conveniences in this five bedroom, 2 full, 2 half bath home..........$719,000 CENTER OF TOWN VICTORIAN with high ceilings, four spacious levels of living, 5 BRs, 3-12 Bas, sun room. Great flow, natural light & storage throughout! ... ...............................................................................................................................$675,000 GORGOUS TOTAL GUT REHAB of this unique bungalow. A lot of house in this 6 BR, 4-1/2 BA home with open floor plan, quality finishes, family room. $665,000 MOVE-IN READY! Enjoy the well thought out design of this 5 BR, 4 BA home! Open floor plan, kitchen/fam room combo, finished bsmt. .........................$599,900 LARGE BUNGALOW with beautiful slate entry, amazing art glass windows, hardwood floors & stunning period lighting throughout! ............................$529,900
FOREST PARK HOMES
ELMWOOD PARK HOMES
JUST MOVE IN! Serious pride of ownership is evident. Crown molding, a remodeled cook’s kitchen, separate breakfast room with built- ins, den. A must see. ......... ...............................................................................................................................$299,000
CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2-FLATS
RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2BA. Two parking spaces.........................................$309,000 RIVER FOREST 2BR, 2BA. Penthouse condo w/balcony. ........................$264,000 RIVER FOREST 1BR, 1BA. Newly updated. ............................................... $129,500 OAK PARK 3BR, 3-1/2BA. Screened porch& open deck............................$555,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 3BA. Two separate balconies............................................$405,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. Remarkable corner unit. .........................................$305,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2BA. “Chicago style apartment”. .....................................$248,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 1BA. Original character/modern comforts. ....................$160,000 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Spacious, sunny, top floor. ....................................... $129,900 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Updated kitchen and bath. ........................................$99,000 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Balcony overlooks courtyard. ....................................$76,000 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. Heated garage space. ....................................... $169,500 NEW LISTING FOREST PARK 2BR, 2BA. ..............................................$168,500 PRICE REDUCED FOREST PARK 2BR, 2BA. ........................................$164,900 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. Vintage unit. ......................................................$102,500 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. Neat and tidy........................................................$99,500 ELMWOOD PARK 2BR, 2BA. Well maintained building. ........................$150,000
For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com
WILL YOUR HOME BE READY FOR THE SPRING MARKET? Contact a Gagliardo Realty Associates Agent for a free market analysis
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
25
Your local Real Estate Professionals Since 1933. FEATURED LISTING
NEW FEATURED LISTING
12 Park Ave, River Forest
$525,000
Newly constructed in ‘06, end unit townhome has innovative modern design! Agent: Meredith Conn & Lisa Andreoli
NEW LISTING
Oak Park
$160,000
Berwyn
$325,000
$295,000
Lake Forest
$629,000
$364,900
River Forest
Oak Park
$1,199,900
ACTIVE LISTING
Oak Park
$379,000
$695,000
North Aurora
Oak Park
$300,000
Oak Park
$299,000
$548,000
$450,000
River Forest
Oak Park
$269,900
ACTIVE LISTING
$529,000
Storybook brick bungalow in great River Forest location! Agent: Vanessa Willey
Oak Park
Oak Park
$389,900
Don’t miss this well-maintained brick bungalow on a welcoming block! Agent: Patti McGuinness
ACTIVE LISTING
$385,000
Imagine living in this prime SE corner unit walking distance to everything! Agent: Meredith Conn & Lisa Andreoli
1037 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park IL | 708.697. 5900 | BAIRDWARNER.COM
$540,000
3 bed 2 bath Victorian home located on GREAT block in Frank Lloyd Wright District. Agent: Lois Bonaccorsi
NEW LISTING
2 bedroom, 2 bath upper floor beauty with great courtyard and tree top views Agent: Kara G. Keller
$995,000
Great investment property in the red hot Buena Park Neighborhood! Agent: Steve Green
ACTIVE LISTING
This amazing and spacious condo is located in the heart of downtown Oak Park! Agent: Steve Scheuring
Forest Park
Chicago
NEW PRICE
Beautifully landscaped courtyard leads to your new home! 4 levels of gorgeous living await! Agent: Bethanny Alexander
ACTIVE LISTING
Rarely available Ranch home in picturesque corner lot! Agent: Bill Geldes & Linton Murphy
$495,000
Oak Park
$205,000
Top floor unit in the heart of Hyde Park! Agent: Jim Gillespie & Mike Lennox
ACTIVE LISTING
Sophisticated elegance welcomes you to this gorgeous one of a kind OP residence! Agent: Bethanny Alexander
NEW PRICE
Deceivingly large 1889 farmhouse in a great Oak Park location! Agent: Leigh Ann Hughes
Chicago
ACTIVE LISTING
Unbelievably spacious and bright condo located in charming brick building! Agent: Leigh Ann Hughes
ACTIVE LISTING
Gorgeous rehab in the Depot District on an extra wide lot! Agent: Sandra Dita Lopez
$399,000
Evanston
ACTIVE LISTING
Rarely available new construction available in the Frank Lloyd Wright District! Agent: Catherine Simon-Vobornik
Berwyn
$649,900
$719,000
Classic Colonial home long loved and maintained by current owners! Agent: Victoria Atkins
NEW PRICE
Not your typical Victorian! Offers beautiful traditional charm with unexpected extras! Agent: Saretta Joyner
ACTIVE LISTING
Oak Park
ACTIVE LISTING
Newly rehabbed in 2017! Style and comfort in a superb neighborhood. Agent: Linda Von Vogt
ACTIVE LISTING
Classic American four square that is truly move in ready. Agent: Vanessa Willey
$539,000
Norridge
ACTIVE LISTING
ACTIVE LISTING
Picture perfect, lovely renovated home has abundant charm & character! Agent: Victoria Atkins
$745,000
“The Paulina Collection”, 17 new, professionally designed homes in East Village. Agent: Boris Lehtman
ACTIVE LISTING
Exceptionally beautiful any professionally rehabbed Cape Cod in East Lake Forest! Agent: Heidi Rogers
ACTIVE LISTING
Oak Park
Oak Park
NEW PRICE
This beautiful brick bungalow is nestled in beautiful south Berwyn! Agent: Eddie Tovar
819 N Paulina St. Unit 1E. Chicago
ACTIVE LISTING
Gorgeous 3 flat on an oversized lot with stained glass windows & original molding Agent: Sandra Dita Lopez
ACTIVE LISTING
$600,000
One of the finest examples of Craftsmans architecture you will ever see! Agent: Steve Scheuring
ACTIVE LISTING
Enjoy life in the heart of desirable Oak Park in the historical Santa Maria Complex Agent: Ed Bellock Jr.
Berwyn
635 S Elmwood Ave, Oak Park
FEATURED LISTING
Oak Park
$215,000
Charm and character abound in this spacious two bedroom condo! Agent: Ann Keeney
26
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Home for the Holidays
LUXURY
510 KEYSTONE, RIVER FOREST :: $1,395,000 :: 7+ BED :: 7.5 BATH Gourmet kitchen opens to family room. Attached 3 car garage. Walk to train.
KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
November 9-11, 2018 Friday 7:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 3:00 p.m.
Tickets $17 Children $5
Schoolhouse Rock Live! Book by George Keating, Kyle Hall and Scott Ferguson Music and Lyrics by Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, George Newell, Kathy Mandry, Lynn Ahrens & Tom Yohe
Through a series of catchy, clever songs like “Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction,” this lively performance introduces a whole new generation of young people to the Emmy Award-winning 1970s pop-culture cartoon phenomenon.
events.dom.edu 7900 WEST DIVISION STREET RIVER FOREST, IL 60305
FREE PARKING BOX OFFICE (708) 488-5000
27
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Sunday, November 11, 2018 ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
210 N. Oak Park Ave. UNIT 1GG, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$160,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sat. 1-3 2222 Grove Ave, Berwyn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $299,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 1221 N. Humphrey Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $329,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 147 Rockford Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $329,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
708 S. Wesley Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $363,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30-3 1120 Lathrop Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group . . . . $369,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 723 N. Lombard, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $372,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1142 Wenonah Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group . . . . $375,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 1028 S. Euclid Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $415,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 1122 N. Harvey, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $439,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 639 N. Lombard Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $449,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1016 Baldwin Ln, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $450,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:30-2 1100 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group . . . . $459,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 721 Ontario St. UNIT 106, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $495,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:30-4 206 S. Grove Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 537000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 1032 Superior St, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $540,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 842 N. Elmwood Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $559,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 1041 N. East Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $725,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2
CONDOS
1206 Lathrop Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $795,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
TOWNHOMES
28
ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
210 Oak Park Ave. UNIT 1GG, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$160,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2:30
ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
15 Forest Ave. UNIT 19, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $554,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 15 Forest Ave. UNIT 19, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $554,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sat. 11-1
This Directory brought to you by mrgloans.com
Providing financing for homes in Oak Park and surrounding communities since 1989. Conventional, FHA, and Jumbo mortgages Free Pre-approvals
7544 W. North Avenue Elmwood Park, IL 708.452.5151
Mortgage Resource Group is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. NMLS # 207793 License # 1031
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
29
SAY Connects presents
After America to Me:
On the ground in Oak Park and River Forest Meet the people & organizations working to create change in our villages • John Borrero - Collaboration for Early Childhood Community Ambassadors Program • Frances Kraft - The E-Team • Christian Harris - Zingela Ulwazi
• Kamau “Maui” Jones - Echo Theater • Dot Lambshead Roche - Race Conscious Dialogues
Special guest Isaiah Mākar An OPRF spoken word club alum and graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Organizational/ Corporate communication. He is the founder of Impact Mākars, which focuses on poetically humanizing workplace communication by teaching employees to creatively relieve stress through spoken word poetry to remix the boring corporate culture into an engaging one. Isaiah will perform an original spoken word rap at the opening of the event.
Wednesday, Nov. 28 | 7p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Percy Julian Middle School Auditorium Free admission | RSVP required
Our moderator
Doris Davenport
Tickets at: www.OakPark.com/sayconnects
30
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Congratulations to CAA The Hearing Place on new ownership! 6905 W North Ave., Oak Park * (708) 445-7171 * savehearing.com Among the celebrants: Cliff Osborn, Jack Carpenter Realtors; Bob Stelletello, Right at Home Oak Park / Hinsdale / Chicago; Francesca Sikorski, The Hearing Place; Ventura Lechuga, The Hearing Place; Sandra Domino, The Hearing Place; Mary Ann Bender, Dr. Mary Ann Bender Podiatry; Dr. Robert Beiter, The Hearing Place; Sandi Miller, The Hearing Place; Dr. Cyndie Chow, The Hearing Place; Lee Owens, Name On Anything; Dexter Cura, Escape Factor; Kim Goldschmidt, AXA Advisors; Jonathan Biag, Escape Factor; Jesse Hernandez, MaidPro; Pat Koko, Celebrating Seniors Coalition; Christian Harris, MaidPro; Liz Holt, OPRF Chamber.
For your own ribbon cutting contact us on oprfchamber.org
LEAD. LEARN. PROMOTE
Sponsor a Lamp post today! Businesses and residents can sponsor a lamp post.
Please sign up and support your community, bring holiday cheer and get great brand recognition.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
31
OUT ABOUT Sarah’s Inn’s signature event, Stand Tall As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sarah’s Inn hosted Stand Tall at the Oak Park Country Club on Saturday, October 20. This signature event was attended by 300 community members, raising nearly $140,000 to support the mission of Sarah’s Inn. Co-chaired by Wendy Owen and Kim Wojack, Stand Tall featured a live and silent auction, a wine toss and entertainment, and honored community partner Youth Crossroads. The mission of Sarah’s Inn is to improve the lives of families impacted by domestic violence, and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. To learn more about Sarah’s Inn’s programs and services, or to get involved, contact joannas@sarahsinn.org. Photography credit - Matt Kosterman Productions, www.mattkosterman.com
32
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
In Remembrance
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 7:30 pm Grace Episcopal Church Oak Park, IL Sunday, Nov.18, 2018 4:00 pm Pilgrim Congregational Church – Oak Park, IL
Featuring Fauré’s Requiem and works by Randall Thompson, Leonard Bernstein, and Eleanor Daley
For tickets & information: www.heritagechorale.com
Voted Chicago’s “Best Mexican Comfort Food” by Chicago’s Best WGN TV
6539 Cermak Rd., Berwyn 708.788.TACO • LaLupitaBerwyn.com Pick up • Order Online
Wednesday Journal Readers Mention This Ad And Receive a FREE STARTER
VIEWPOINTS
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com
C O N S C I O U S
I
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
33
A cure for underperforming schools p. 35
A G I N G
Different ‘less than’ or different ‘special’
recently attended an indoor public event and sitting in the audience off to my right, directly in view, was an old man in a wheelchair. Can you picture him? Last week, in downtown Oak Park, I noticed an old woman walking slowly on the sidewalk, hunched over her walker. Can you picture her? What age was the man you pictured? 50? 70? 85? Was he bald? Did the woman you pictured have white hair? Was she slowing you down in a grocery store checkout line? In my brief description above, I used the terms “old man” and “old woman.” If I had used “elder,” would that have changed your mental image? Did you see either of these people in your mind as being special? Many people, not everybody, look at an older person in a wheelchair or using a walker to get around as “less than.” Some of us may even pity them. It is our choice how we see them, if we see them at all. Even if we are older ourselves, many of us make older people invisible, especially those with different physical abilities. Some of us make ourselves disappear. That older person in a wheelchair or hunched over using a walker to get around is different from the rest of us who can still walk independently. We can choose how we see that difference: Different bad or different good. Different ugly or different beautiful. Or maybe just different. Different “less than” or different “special.” It’s not the differences themselves that really matter. There will always be differences amongst us. That is a given. It is the learned judgments that we attach to those differences that keep us apart, inhibit our empathies, and hold us back from assisting the birth of the unfolding world. Last weekend I presented a workshop at Sage-ing International’s bi-annual global conference. In one of the presentations I attended as a participant, we
MARC BLESOFF
See BLESOFF on page 36
T
Racial equity requires commitment
he Imagine facilities plan proposals before the District 200 school board present an extraordinary projected expense of $218 million, with the majority of all spending dedicated to a new, oversized swimming pool and other athletic constructions. To actually begin to realize true racial equity focused on students’ daily lived experiences, significant time and monies must be dedicated to fulfilling the central academic mission of OPRF High School. The Imagine plan unfortunately flips our school’s academic mission on its head with its misplaced priority on spending for athletic structures, while leaving academic classroom improvements and new support structures for special needs students in the distant future. In the now-heightened context of the community’s alarm or acceptance of projected costs for the Imagine facilities plan, we ask the D200 board and administration to recommit to racial equity tasks that are central to OPRF’s academic mission for all of our students: ■ hiring and retaining more teachers of color who are so important to nurturing our African-American students’ learning and uplifting their sense of place and purpose, ■ developing the currently proposed Grow Your Own teacher development program to bring more of our talented students and adults of color back to OPRF to enrich the learning experience of all our students, ■ continuing the long-needed professional development and application of best practices around restorative justice and social emotional learning, ■ funding recently developed and growing efforts under the Strategic Plan for racial equity in curriculum that will help end OPRF’s classroom racial segregation and expand opportunities to learn for all of our students and to learn from all of our students.
■ implementing a racial consciousness course, proposed by our students, to complement similar learning about race and identity that faculty and administrators experience. In October 2017, in a somber report to the board, the district’s chief financial officer told of the inevitable need for the board to spend down its cash reserve to meet projected, expanding operational costs through 2022, with the likelihood for an operating funds referendum by 2023. More recently, in May 2018, after lengthy discussion around fiscal responsibility and concern for the district’s projected financial difficulties down the road, the board narrowly approved the resources for racial equity coaching with a 4-3 vote. For certain, the financial path forward for D200 will be challenging. In facing this uncertain financial future, this board and subsequent boards must not compromise commitments to racial equity goals our community is now embracing with a new urgency. To that end, we support the leadership of Dr. PruittAdams and Principal Rouse in their current effort to bring a genuine racial equity policy, framework and protocols before the board for adoption. Such work, however, requires, as the Strategic Plan mandates, strong, predictable, dedicated funding and personnel. The Committee for Equity and Excellence in Education urges the school board, the administration, and the community to think seriously about its priorities and responsibilities, to remain dedicated to the racial equity goals set forth in an unprecedented way in the 2017-22 Strategic Plan, to remain steadfast in pursuing those goals, and to act accordingly. John Duffy, an Oak Park resident, is chairperson of the Committee for Equity and Excellence in Education (CEEE).
JOHN DUFFY
One View
34
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
O U R
I
V I E W S
OPRF’s moment
t was a remarkable evening Sunday in the Little Theater at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Finally, in public, without apology, code words or pretending, the full dimension of the decades-long educational failings of our public schools in educating, welcoming, accepting, demanding, loving our students of color were laid out — and laid out by two school superintendents, a school board president, an array of educators, parents, students and, also, a full contingent of angry student protesters demanding that their school aggressively address equity issues and during their time in the school. The event was a town hall meeting marking the conclusion of Steve James’ America to Me documentary series. If, on a local basis, the purpose of allowing James and his colleagues nearly unfettered access to OPRF for a full school year was to open a true and urgent debate on equity, then Sunday night was both culmination and launching pad. Charles Donalson, one of the 12 OPRF students featured in the documentary, joined a panel of documentary “stars” and current student equity activists. “Comfort and change don’t live in the same house,” he said. That pointed comment about this high school and these villages’ long desire to be praised as leaders in diversity while the white majority never took on the pain and hard work of actual change was a theme for the evening. Both OPRF Superintendent Joylynn Pruitt-Adams and Elementary School District 97 Superintendent Carol Kelley said straight out that these institutions are built on systemic racism. Full stop. Kelley said “institutional racism is prevalent in our schools.” She said racism is seen in academic tracking, in what she called “opportunity hoarding” that directs resources to students, mainly white, who are set up to succeed. “District 97 needs to dismantle the obstacles,” she said. Pruitt-Adams, who came to OPRF after filming of America to Me was completed, seconded Kelley in specifying tracking as a tool to segregate students of color. She said the school is working quickly to remake a curriculum that does not reflect the diversity of the school. “Race is underlying all of this,” she said. “We see resistance within the building and in the community. We’re told we are moving too fast.” After 50-plus mainly black and brown students took over the stage during a panel discussion, making plain demands for new curriculum, restorative justice, more teachers of color and, remarkably, “a safe environment for our black teachers and administrators to do their work,” Pruitt-Adams, board President Jackie Moore and Nate Rouse, the principal, took the stage to pledge urgency and to promise students a seat at the table as these complex issues are thrashed out. Addressing the protestors, Pruitt-Adams said that during her tenure the school “jumped on” issues related to sexual abuse in the school, on concerns of the trans community within the school. “Now we need to jump on equity,” she said. Later she told the audience that of all her challenging days at OPRF, listening to student protestors “tonight was most sobering to me. I’ve failed. I thought we were chipping away on equity, but we have not done it with a sense of urgency.” Moore, who had addressed students when they gathered outside the school to protest in advance of the town hall, said she had urged the students “to find their voices. I feel that same frustration [as students]. We need to step it up and we need to do it now.” This is a moment. There is an alignment on equity among top administrators and the school board. There is a raised consciousness among more people in these villages resulting from the documentary. There are charged-up students unwilling to simply trust the adults. And there is a core of teachers, and passionate ex-pats, ready to make powerful and imperfect change. Don’t squander this moment.
V I E W P O I N T S
@ @OakParkSports
The week before the election that was
O
n the Wednesday before the end of democracy as we knew it, I walked among spectacular trees at Morton Arboretum, a sanctuary of golden leaves aglow, like sunlight filtering through stained glass — many-pointed maple leaves, free at last from their attachments, fluttering and turning somersaults in the breeze during their glorious, short-lived first and final flight to the forest floor. On the Thursday before democracy was due to rise from its wreckage, my grandsons and a friend and I sat on a charred log in a similar glowing grove in Thatcher Woods and watched two deer with many-pointed antlers stride purposefully past, as if on some long journey, aware of our presence but taking little note, while the wind brought down leaves in droves like golden snow and we each took turns making up creation myths about how this magical golden forest came to be. On the Friday afternoon before a Blue Wave of incalculable strength strained to sweep away the deadwood dam that blocked our path to the future and allow the sun to break through the gloom, I walked through River Forest, aflame with color, a feast for the eyes, normally the most peaceful of oases — except on Friday afternoon in the fall when the entire landscaping world invades and starts blowing leaves into the street at decibels that defy speech and disable thought. On the Friday evening before the Culture War was scheduled to resume in earnest, I sat in a pew in Second Unitarian Church on the city’s North Side and listened to the Carl Kennedy Jazz Trio blend disparate elements and instruments into a coherent musical conversation, hinting at heavenly harmony. On the Saturday evening before we turned our clocks back and the country reset its clock, either backward or forward, friends met over a meal to share tales from our respective odysseys and update our hopes, flourishing or dashed. On the Sunday morning before the election that told us more about this nation than many wanted to know, Alan Taylor spoke at Unity Temple of remembering who we are; reminding us that darkness cannot drive out darkness, as Dr. King said, that only light can; recalling the solidarity Shabbat, two nights earlier, attended by 500 at West Suburban Har Zion Temple, responding to the hate-filled darkness that has descended on us; and asking what we are doing to stay spiritu-
ally grounded to keep from joining the ranks of the hateful. Fear and anger are a toxic mix. Don’t give away the keys to your soul. The opposite of love is indifference and the opposite of hate is connection. Be deeply relational and participate in the democratic process. We have two wolves within, love and fear. “Which wolf wins?” he said. “The one you feed.” Feed the wolf of love. On the Sunday afternoon before the agonizing wait into the wee hours for the too-close-to-call congressional seat — or two or 10 — that would tip the balance of power toward progress or regress, we gathered at Pleasant Home to remember fallen comrade Kathryn Jonas, who would have loved this fall’s forest of colors and loved the Blue Wave, or condemned the Red Wall, but who wouldn’t have stopped, no matter which way the needle leaned. On the Sunday night of early darkness, before a greater darkness descended or a new day dawned, I attended the town hall meeting at OPRF’s Little Theatre on the recently concluded documentary series America to Me to discuss how change can take place and whether we’re ready to do what it takes to make it happen. An older African-American man nearby said to a friend, “I hope some good comes out of this, but I think the good will happen somewhere else before it happens in Oak Park. I hope I’m wrong.” Students, however, rose and took over the stage to press their demands for equity now. Less talk, more action. But the talk that followed was actively honest. As Charles, the Spoken Word savant from the series, put it, “Change and comfort don’t live in the same house.” Has Oak Park become a national microcosm? In the week before we learned so much more about ourselves, whether fear or love is stronger, whether what is possible is immediate or remote, when humanity rose up against the inhumanity of the powers-that-be and discovered which was more powerful, when we found out who we are and who we are becoming, life went on. In the week before the most important election of our lives, no one knew yet how Tuesday’s midterm would turn out, whether hope took a beating or rekindled. Either way, life goes on and so must we, feeding the wolf of love, being the light that drives out darkness, remembering who we really are and staying true to who we will become. The journey is long. Continue on.
KEN
TRAINOR
Thanks for a great history program We thank those involved in “The Klan: America’s White Cancer,” recently presented by Dr. Michael Luick-Thrams. To the speaker himself, for a thought-provoking look at our history. To the 36 people who turned out on a Friday afternoon and shared their wisdom and concerns. To the staff of the Oak Park Public Library who provided space, advertising, technical support and cookies. To the OP-RF History Museum who provided the initial impulse for the program, as well as timely advertising. We are deeply grateful to you all.
Cossy Ksander and Pam Timme
Co-clerks, Oak Park Friends Meeting (Quakers)
V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N
by Marc Stopeck
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Timothy Inklebarger, Nona Tepper Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter Marty Farmer Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Michelle Mbekeani-Wiley, Cassandra West, Doris Davenport Staff Photographer Alexa Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Bill Wossow Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan
B
What do we do about underperforming schools?
oth of our middle schools, Brooks and Julian, have been designated as “underperforming” by the state of Illinois under new guidelines. This designation was determined by lowincome and black students not achieving up to their grade level. Does this mean the two schools are inferior in some way? No. In fact, they both have excellent principals and highly dedicated teachers. They are both International Baccalaureate schools. They both are recognized for their performing arts programs and long list of extracurricular activities. Brooks is nationally recognized and awarded for its fantastic Bravo program which produces Broadway musicals. No, the achievement gap is a national problem that is rooted in history and neglect. Cities such as Milwaukee, Atlanta and many others suffer from the gap. But what do we do about it locally? When there is a crisis, is crisis intervention called for? Does that mean a pool of students with a history of underperformance get after-school, weekend or summer intensive programs to raise their level of performance? Do we form an alliance with a university education department and creatively use graduate students and others to work with these students? Or do we just pay for them to attend local private tutoring services? We are told that programs exist at present to work with these students to improve their reading and writing skills and boost their math abilities. But they are too
slow and maybe too late for eighth graders. In the next few months we will know how well our eighth grade students did on the PSAT 8/9 tests that were administered to all eighth-graders prior to entering the high school in September. There will be numerical scores. What will we do for the students who are not adequately prepared to do high school level work? Will we pass them along to the high school and then blame District 200 for their poor grades? Or will we do everything we possibly can to help prepare them for high school? Will we work with their parents to get a commitment to do everything possible during the summer to boost their performance? We need a clear-cut plan with goals that can be met, and then at the end of the summer we evaluate our success, and, if it isn’t enough, we develop a program with the high school to continue working with these students. Most importantly, the community buys into a real program, with real content, and real expectations. We accept no excuses from the District 97 board and administrators. It is up to them, with our support and even demands, to do what is right for these students to succeed and for us to be removed from the underperforming school list. Incidentally, neither our K-5 schools nor OPRF High School are not on that list. Roberta Raymond, a longtime Oak Park resident who founded the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, currently heads the OPRF Alumni Association.
ROBERTA RAYMOND One View
Event Coordinator Carmen Rivera Ad Coordinator Nonna Working Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR ■ 250-word limit ■ Must include first and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote about yourself, your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left
Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
35
36
V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
Cost of OPRF facilities plan is prohibitive
A
resident of Oak Park for over 30 years, I attended the Imagine OPRF facilities presentation on Oct. 30 and came away with several strong impressions: 1. The Imagine volunteers should be commended and thanked for their substantial efforts and time they devoted in response to instructions given them. 2. The $218 million cost is prohibitively high. Assuming 3,400 students served, this translates to over $64,000 each. Has there been any attempt to compare this cost with projects in the area, for even new construction? More ominously, the assets available from reserves while maintaining the guideline reserve minimum is $84 million. Forty million more could be raised by issuing securities without voter referendum, but that means new taxes. An estimated $2 million per year could perhaps be captured from the annual capital expenditures budget of $4 million. Over five years, this is $10 million. Summing, the total available of $134 million is under 62% of total project cost. It’s a slam dunk that, at mid-project, the board will be coming back to taxpayers for that whopping $84 million shortfall, even with $40 million already taxed without community approval. 3. The board direction lacked essential steps, with no sub-facility priorities or cost/benefit analysis. As an engineer and business owner, I’ve been estimating and executing software development projects for 30+ years. The project plan is the last step prior to implementation, not among the earliest. Requirements come first,
divided into musts and wants, ranked by priority. Next, the cost of each is estimated, and the essential cost benefit analysis done. Consider the hypothetical case of a basic swimming pool available for $25 million serving all PE students, and a deluxe model for $40 million that would also serve the swim team. For each alternative, calculate the number of students served, multiplied by the number of hours per year in the pool, to arrive at a student-hours figure. Then calculate a cost per student-hour. For the basic alternative, the number would be $25 million over the number of PE students. For the deluxe swim team upgrade, requiring 40-25, or $15 million, student-hours would be calculated including swim team members only. The much higher cost per student-hour of the swim team upgrade emerges. This analysis is crucial in setting priorities. 4. Most disturbing was the concluding board member pronouncement that this is representative government: They were elected and they alone would decide whether to proceed. This is only partially true since a referendum would be required to complete all phases. Unless we are happy with all the implied priorities in terms of the order — e.g., PE done early and academics and the arts done late and perhaps not if the project is cut short — we should remind the board that in cases of projects of this tremendous scope and cost, a referendum is a normal course. In my lifelong experience, anybody who pays for the work is, by definition, a customer, and deserves to be treated like one. Robert Parks is a resident of Oak Park.
BLESOFF
One of the keynote presenters at the conference was none other than Dr. Bill Thomas, who not two weeks earlier had been in Oak Park with the ChangingAging Tour. Thanks to Wednesday Journal, the sponsors and all the participants, that unique event was a smashing success. Dr. Thomas went out of his way to talk with me, and at one point he put his hands on my shoulders, looked me in the eyes and said, “I just want you to know that our event in Oak Park was one of the top 5 stops ever in the life of the ChangingAging Tour! Thank you.” I pass his Thank You on to all you readers and to all our local communities. Marc Blesoff is a former Oak Park village trustee, co-founder of the Windmills softball organization, co-creator of Sunday Night Dinner, a retired criminal defense attorney, and a novice beekeeper. He currently facilitates Conscious Aging Workshops and Wise Aging Workshops in the Chicago area.
ROBERT PARKS One View
from page 33 had to write something and then turn it in to the facilitator at the front of the room. I noticed a woman sitting across from me in the circle finish writing and then stand to turn it in. She didn’t quite make it all the way up, eased back down and tried again. This time she got up higher, but then semi-flopped back down. She half-smiled to herself in a gently chiding manner. She had lovely stone-white hair and seemed not-yet-frail. The third time, she stood all the way up and strode confidently to the front of the room. As I found myself staring, I realized that what I had just witnessed was absolutely beautiful. By not focusing on the “less than,” I allowed the beauty in. No, more than that, I allowed the beauty. Period.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Imagine’s propaganda video On Oct. 30, during the D200 school board town hall meeting to gather community input on its $218 million draft facilities master plan, the board prefaced the discussion by showing a short video produced by the Imagine group, the creators of the draft plan. The video’s purpose was to highlight issues with the high school’s physical building. Issues such as broken ceiling tiles, a jerry-rigged water fountain, chipped paint and a few warped floorboards were featured as visuals to garner support for the proposed plan. The Imagine video itself is a source of controversy. First, the deferred maintenance issues highlighted in the video lacked credibility and appeared “staged.” This perception is based on the findings of the May 2016 report issued by D200’s Long Term Facility Plan Committee. After a year examining the needs of the facility, students, teachers and community, the report stated: “Regular monitoring shows that the building envelope and structure
of the facility are fundamentally sound and well maintained. Any minor issues that arise are addressed by the annual Capital Improvement Plan.” Just two years after the release of the report, how could there be any deferred maintenance at OPRF? How could there be neglect? Second, the video highlighted ADA issues at the school. With $100 million in the cash reserve, why haven’t the administration and board addressed these basic needs? There should be no discussion on needs-based ADA issues. Fix them already! It appeared the goal of the Imagine video was to provide justification to demolish and rebuild one third of the structurally sound building. Instead, it served as an indictment of D200’s dereliction of duty, failing to address building maintenance and to upgrade the facility to meet ADA standards. The video in my opinion was an exercise in propaganda.
Bruce Kleinman
Oak Park
Re-Imagine OPRF’s future The Imagine OPRF Facilities Committee has spent many hours studying the current and future needs of OPRF High School and they should be commended for their hard work. Unfortunately, the solutions they propose are detrimental to the overall interests of the Oak Park and River Forest communities. Property taxes have increased 160% in Oak Park and 72% in River Forest between the years 2000-2017. Our home values have not. While the District 200 school board graciously reminded us that they have restrained themselves with regard to increasing tax levels, we must remember the $100,000,000 plus of our money they have accumulated over the years. Considering recent changes in federal tax laws imposing a cap limiting property tax deductions and looming state of Illinois tax increases it is a fiscally challenging time to live in either village. The Imagine OPRF plan is an astounding amount of money. An “estimated” current cost of $220,000,000 (likely to go much higher over the 10-year period) represents an expenditure of $8,180 for every household in Oak Park & River Forest. Even with a significant cash reserve, the Imagine project cannot be completed without a future additional tax referendum. This will be in addition to the already onerous tax obligations we currently have. The new facility plan seems to confuse “want” with “need.” It appears that approximately $67,000,000 is allocated to a new aquatics center and 59% of the esti-
mated construction costs are related to physical education and athletics facilities. Approximately 16% of the budget estimate is earmarked for academics. We all have a “want” for children to have an opportunity to experience and be exposed to interesting and potentially life-changing experiences, but the primary goal of OPRF High School is to first satisfy the “need” for outstanding academics for all its students. Arts, physical education and other activities have great importance in a student’s development but the Imagine OPRF proposal has its priorities in the wrong places. There must be a better balance. No one will argue that the school should not address numerous issues and a comprehensive facility plan going forward is essential. But in preparing a facility plan for OPRF, it must do a better job of considering not only the needs of its students but also the community at large. It is not selfish for a resident to be concerned about the crushing tax burden in Oak Park and River Forest and its impact not only personally but to the community as well. The present and future fiscal environment and its impact on the social fabric of our two villages is literally the challenge we must address. Tell the D200 board that now is the time to Re-Imagine the future of OPRF.
Richard & Barbara Gorman, Dawn Brightfield, Kari Hayden, Jane Driscoll, Marie Jensen Oak Park
David & Leslie Alderman, Meg Osman River Forest
V I E W P O I N T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Consolidation referendum: A wolf in sheep’s clothing?
T
he Oak Park Taxing Bodies Efficiency Task Force, chaired by former Village President David Pope demonstrated the threat posed by increased property taxes. It also identified several major proposals to constrain the key drivers of this escalation, which were included in the Task Force’s final report to the village board on Oct. 1. One of the more questionable recommendations already has been introduced. This is the referendum that asked whether the village should consider the merger and consolidation of one or more of the library, park district or township, to determine if property taxes might be reduced. It was introduced with little evidence to suggest that consolidation might actually yield substantial savings. In fact, when first presented to the task force, Chairman Pope said it was intended to see whether the community has an appetite for consolidating taxing bodies. Actually, the idea had been considered months earlier. As discovered by a concerned citizen’s Freedom of Information Act request, by Nov. 2, 2017, the village president had already drafted “A Resolution to Establish a Consolidation Committee” to examine “the dissolution of coterminous taxing bodies and options for the continued delivery of services of the dissolved taxing body.” This was never publicly presented to the board, presumably because it might have been viewed as a power grab. But what if it were to be recommended by an impartial task force seeking only to study the issue? Nearly four months later the President presented a resolution calling for the creation of “A Taxing Bodies Efficiency Task Force,” and a few months after its creation, and prior to the completion of its findings, Chairman Pope presented the consolidation referendum to the village board. It seems very unlikely that a study would identify substantial tax savings. The village
already controls the library’s levy, so a merger would be meaningless. Consolidation of the park district, without the cooperation of the park board, would generate an expensive legal battle and ultimately require an act of the state legislature. But merging the township into the village would be easier, since state legislation facilitates this type of consolidation. Furthermore, apart from seniors, there appears to be little public sentiment against such a merger, and, apart from losing the Assessor’s Office, the township services could arguably be run as well by the village. But why would the village want these responsibilities, especially since the dissolution of the township would likely have little impact on property taxes? The answer appears to lie not in the township’s levy, but in its assets: It owns and occupies two valuable pieces of real estate at 105 and 130 S. Oak Park Ave., which house its administrative offices, host its senior services, and serve a number of other public functions. Following a merger, title to these properties would immediately transfer to the village. The President could point out that that keeping these properties off the tax rolls is not their highest and best use since developers would pay dearly to add more of the high-end structures that are transforming central Oak Park. Then the southern portion of the Hemingway District could become an attractive and vibrant area similar to Marion Street, and Oak Park would benefit from the increased tax base. The fact that such a redevelopment area would also be home to Maya del Sol is, at best, a happy coincidence. I can’t tell whether David Pope feels sheepish for advancing the Mayor’s agenda, but I can sense a wolfish a strategy to create a new development opportunity when it arises. Dick McKinlay is an Oak Park resident.
DICK MCKINLAY One View
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
37
Honoring Veterans Day JAY FRIEDMAN, Music Director MAURICE BOYER, Assistant Conductor
Sunday, November 11 • 4pm Concordia University Chapel GOULD | American Salute RAVEL | Piano Concerto for the Left Hand Winston Choi, soloist VAUGHAN WILLIAMS | Symphony No. 3 (Pastoral) Pre-Concert Conversation at 3PM with David Leehey. Join us for a reception after the concert.
Free parking in the garage located at 1124 N. Bonnie Brae Place (one block west of Harlem Avenue between Division and Thomas Streets) in River Forest. Chapel just west of garage exit. Single tickets: $28. Students through college attend free of charge. Tickets are available through: SymphonyOPRF.org and at the door. Email TheSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com or call 708-218-2648 for more information.
Holiday
Coat Drive (or donations) for Veterans. All Veterans receive 1/2 price tickets.
Bazaar Friday, Nov. 30th • 3-9pm Saturday, Dec. 1st • 9am-3pm Sunday, Dec. 2nd • 11am-3pm Pictures with Santa: Saturday 10am-2pm AND Sunday 12noon-2pm Bring your pets & kids! holiday items, pet items gift baskets, bakery, jewelry, music & more! Please come join us! All your generosity goes right back to support the daily activities of our shelter. Call 708-848-8155 for more information!
1003 Garfield., Oak Park (Just East of Volvo dealership at Harlem) learn more at
38
V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
O
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Community values & D200’s proposal
ur community’s values don’t align with D200’s proposed physical education (PE)/athletics expenditure, and it isn’t the best use of our limited educational dollars. Bypassing voters to fund a $67 million, four-story PE/athletic complex has been a focus of recent D200 school board meetings. One financing option would drain the cash reserve, amassed via a loophole for nearly a decade. Draining the cash reserve will put an operating referendum on our doorstep. It’s already a possibility in 2023, according to D200. The proposed sports complex would feature a 600-seat aquatic center housing a 10-lane competition pool and dedicated diving well (17 practice lanes) for the school’s fewer than 100 unique IHSA aquatic team members in any given year. It’s an expensive “want” and not a “need” of the school.
This $67 million proposal is a poster child for aquatic exceptionalism. No high school needs a pool this size. It’s a fact that, on average, OPRF requires two to three times more days of PE swimming than other schools in its division and conference, respectively. OPRF’s Pool FAQ page falsely states that its requirement is on par with peer schools and includes other questionable responses. OPRF spends nearly $1 million a year on PE aquatic salaries. Yet the school can’t substantiate the merits of its burdensome and self-imposed PE swim program since it conducts no exit testing. The $218 million plan’s cost estimates lack transparency and component pricing. D200 says this pool would cost only $2.5 million, the cost of digging the hole, its me-
chanicals and liner. Yet, this sequence’s entire $67 million price tag is an associated building cost of this pool that is double the size of a standard-size high school competition pool. It can’t be built without demolishing the structurally sound building, unlike the sequence’s other elements that can be accommodated through renovation. There are, however, two rational pool solutions that would serve the best interests of all stakeholders today and tomorrow. Neither option requires the demolition of the structurally sound south end of the building. The price tag for each is less than $20 million. Both of these pragmatic solutions would yield the added benefit of creating significant space within the building. One solution is a standard-size high school competition pool in the east pool/
MONICA SHEEHAN One View
south gym site. This pool solution was featured in a Legat 2016 pool plan, the 2013 Stantec Report and the 2003 Wight Report. The other solution is a joint pool partnership between D200 and the park district to create a year-round aquatic resource at Ridgeland Commons for the school and community. OPRF could model its PE swim program after Glenbard North. It requires all students to take a three-week session of swimming, but has no pool on campus. Students are bused to the park district for swim classes during the school day. The focus of the class is water safety. OPRF could also offer a summer school option. Email the board, BoE@oprfhs.org, and urge them to cast votes aligned with our community’s values. Monica Sheehan is a member of OPRF Pragmatic Solutions.
Narrowing Madison key to safety and character
We support the village’s plans to narrow and update Madison Street for three important reasons: Calmer traffic - To address a common concern, research from the U.S. Department of Transportation and AARP indicates that Madison’s new three-lane configuration (two travel lanes + a center turn lane) will manage traffic flow with only slightly slower travel times during rush hour. To put this in perspective, Ridgeland is two lanes through Oak Park and carries
about the same number of cars as Madison. Safer - Madison has one of the highest crash rates in metro Chicago, with nearly one crash per day on the 1.5 mile Oak Park segment. There is room for cars to speed and weave, no (or poorly designed) left turn lanes, long crossing distances, and a lot of turning motions to and from cross streets and businesses. Research shows that similar roadway-narrowing projects reduced crashes 20 to 50 percent, an important fact, given that there are four schools and
at least one pre-school within one block of Madison. More pleasant for residents and inviting for development - Since this change was proposed eight years ago, developers and residents alike have consistently supported a narrower, more walkable street with car traffic moving at a calmer, safer, and more even pace. After eight years of delay, we urge the village board to trust the transportation experts who say this project won’t signifi-
cantly affect rush hour traffic operations but will create a safer, more livable corridor 24 hours a day. It’s time for a Madison Street that enhances our community rather than dividing it; a street where everyone, including senior citizens like Suleyman Cetin, who was hit and killed four years ago on Madison, can safely cross the street.
Mary Anderson, Christina Angarola, Ron Burke, Gary Cuneen, Brian Hungerford Citizens for a Safe and Vibrant Madison Street
Send letters to the Editor Ken Trainor, Wednesday Journal 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 | E-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com | Fax: 708-467-9066 Please include name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
Real.
Local. Community.
ews. N
Say “WednesdayJournal Breaking News Email Updates” three times fast! Join the community today at OakPark.com
V I E W P O I N T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
A
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
39
D200 should say No to arming teachers in classrooms
fter the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida, in February, it felt like Republican leaders could no longer defend their opposition to legislative action without making the clear statement that they valued guns over children’s lives. But their response was savvy, and almost immediate: The answer, they said, was to arm teachers. The argument to give teachers guns was stoked by the fear that the Parkland shooting ignited. But it is a dangerous idea proposed not to actually protect our kids, but rather to sell more guns. There is no evidence that shows that arming teachers will keep children safer at schools. In fact, the presence of guns only increases the likelihood of injury or death by firearms. School safety experts, including teachers, resource officers, and
law enforcement overwhelmingly oppose arming teachers as a policy. I recognize that the Oak Park community is a choir to which this issue need not be preached. For over two decades, the village had a handgun ban that was made unenforceable by the Supreme Court’s 2010 ruling that the Second Amendment overrides local and state restrictions on gun ownership. We have many neighbors here actively involved in gun violence prevention work, and our own students have organized walk-outs, protests, and rallies. We are a community that does not want guns in our schools. Recently, the District 97 school board decisively agreed to vote in opposition to the Illinois Association of School Boards’
JENNA LEVING JACOBSON One View
Keep the library, township and parks separate Consolidating the library, township and/or park district into the village is a bad idea, here’s why. Illinois is considered the “crown jewel” of parks nationwide. How do I know this? I served on the park board for 8 years and had the opportunity to go to four national conventions of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Many park professionals told me they were trying to get a job in Illinois because they wanted to work in the best park districts in the country. Illinois isn’t doing much right, but our parks are top notch. This is because Illinois, unlike most states, has independent park districts that are their own taxing body. The Park District of Oak Park has won three prestigious awards in the past few years — the Gold Award from the NRPA (which is very hard to get and took them years to earn), they have been ac-
credited by CAPRA and they have been named a Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts/Illinois Parks and Recreation Association. Very few park districts nationally hold all three awards. We have a very high functioning park district and we are lucky to have such great recreational resources in our community. There is no evidence that consolidating any of the three government bodies into the village will save any money. If the Oak Park governments want to study whether consolidation will actually save any tax dollars, together, then they should. But for now, if you like the library, township and park district the way they are, please keep them independent.
Christine Graves Oak Park
Showing respect for River Forest history
For many years, the now disbanded and extinct River Forest Women’s Club has made many generous cash donations to the River Forest Public Library. It was the club, back in 1898, that was instrumental in making the public library a possibility in the village. Recently, the library was chosen as a home for the 1894 banner that represented the club. The library has chosen to accept it although where it will be placed is
recommended resolution to lobby for legislation that would allow our state’s school boards to arm teachers. The District 200 school board, however, has not stated whether they will vote in opposition to the proposed resolution. Perhaps D200’s lack of urgency to act comes from a confidence that this community will never approve a policy in which teachers have firearms in OPRF High School classrooms. But that sense of confidence underestimates the political and organizational power of the gun lobby in Illinois. Outside our community, 30 Illinois counties have already passed “firearms sanctuary” resolutions, declaring that they will not enforce state-level laws that, in their opinion, infringe on the Second Amendment. This
up in the air. Out of deference to the wonderful and vital history of our village, I hope, and expect, to see this lovely old banner placed in a prominent area, not stuffed in a closet or office. The current decision-makers of our library should show respect for the history of our village and those who shaped it.
Jayne Poplett River Forest
effort has been swiftly organized and implemented as an alarmist reaction to bipartisan support for real common-sense gun legislation around the state. The gun lobby, with its singular focus of increasing gun sales, proves itself once again to be an effective political organizer. On all issues that matter to us, we can no longer assume that our leaders will make choices in our best interests. And we can no longer underestimate forces like the gun lobby and their ability to pass dangerous legislation under our noses. Thus, we must demand that the D200 school board represent Oak Park and River Forest by emphatically opposing the Illinois Association of School Boards’ “School Safety and Protection” resolution. Jenna Leving Jacobson is an Oak Park resident.
Village is giving too much to Jupiter Development According to the Oct. 31 Wednesday Journal, the village board has approved donating property and spending enormous amounts of money for remediation and further purchases for Jupiter Development. This is outrageous! I’m sure these business people would not consider giving their own property away and then paying the buyer. Every resident in this
village should be appalled by such disregard to the use of tax money. Maybe the township should consider managing the village if they can’t do better than this. I suppose they will want building code variations as well.
Pam Walsh Oak Park
A more real tax increase breakdown
The financing speaker from the District 200 school board special meeting on Oct. 30 gave a breakdown of how it’s plausible that we would (only) see a tax increase of $150/year on an average-ish home. I’ve heard this cost trivialized by some as a handful of Lou Malnati pizza dinners each year. We can argue about how realistic those numbers are, but for those who are a bit disconnected from what it’s like to struggle to pay for things, I wanted to offer a more realistic context: ■ For those struggling to pay their cellphone bill each month, that’s about three months of cellphone usage with a rather decent plan. ■ For those agonizing over food costs, that’s about 30 large pizzas from Little Caesar’s. Dinner for a month! ■ For those who wish they had the ability to give their child a wonderful prom experience but just don’t have the cash, that’s a very nice tux rental or dress purchase, plus a corsage or boutonniere. Instead, for embarrassment or despair, they may choose to not go. ■ For those who agonize over gas prices and have to be strategic about when and where they fill up their car, that’s about 50 gallons of gas
■ For those who wish they could see their college kid for the holidays but can’t muster the free cash to fly them home, that’s the bulk of a two-way airfare on a weekday in the U.S. ■ For those who wish they could buy a new toy for each of their kids for Christmas, but find themselves gifting items from Goodwill instead, that money was an opportunity to give them something new for once. I’m tired of the attitude that everyone in Oak Park is wealthy. We’re not. I’m tired of the belief that a $400,000 home means the owner must be able to foot any and all expenses for the wants of some. People lose or change jobs. People purchase homes they probably couldn’t afford to begin with. People get hurt or sick and find themselves with unexpected expenses. These people suffer daily. They often suffer silently. They are everywhere, including Oak Park. I’m fortunate in my circumstances now, but I have at some point matched every bullet point above. It pains me to know that others are in those circumstances now. It angers me that so many choose not to care. Please don’t add unnecessarily to the hardships of others.
Robert Douglas Oak Park
40
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
O B I T U A R I E S
Vasiliki Spyropoulos, 94 Physician, artist
Vasiliki Spyropoulos, 94, known to family and friends as “Kiki,” died at home, with family by her side, on Oct. 14, 2018. Born in Kavala, a small city northeast of Thessaloniki, Greece, in January 1924, the youngest of Vasilis and Mary Apostolides’ nine children, she lived in Greece during the tumultuous 1940s, witnessing the Nazi occupation and the Greek Civil War, knitting socks for VASILIKI SPYROPOULOS Greek soldiers. She attended the University of Thessaloniki and graduated with an MD degree in 1954. After graduating, she moved to the U.S. to attend a postgraduate medical course on Welfare Island (now Roosevelt Island) in New York City, then at Elmhurst General Hospital in Queens. While in New York, she met and married Kodros Spyropoulos, a fellow Greek physician who had emigrated from Athens, Greece in the 1950s. She be-
came a U.S. citizen in 1962. She practiced medicine in New York City for over 30 years, including unit director of a substance abuse center in the Bronx, helping heroin abusers overcome their addictions. After retiring, she returned to Greece and lived in Palaio Faliro, a suburb of Athens on the shore of the Aegean Sea, where she enjoyed theater, travel, knitting, cooking, and going out with friends. Taking art classes, she discovered her artistic talent. She worked with colored pencils, producing vibrant sketches and illustrations of people, still-lifes, and landscapes. Returning to the U.S. in March 2012 to be closer to her daughter, Mary, she moved to Oak Park where she settled into a retirement community. She continued to knit and draw, contributing blankets to Project Linus and producing beautiful portraits of family, friends, pets, and public figures, including President Barack Obama. In April 2014, she gave a portrait of President Obama to Congressman Danny Davis for delivery to the President as a personal gift from her. A lifelong cat-lover, plant enthusiast, and passionate fan of classical music, she greatly enjoyed visits, calls and letters from her grandchildren, children, nieces and nephews. Her interest in medicine never faded; she continued reading medical newsletters and advising family members on healthy living tips throughout her life.
In addition to her daughter Mary (Jeff Stocker), Kiki is survived by her daughter, Lillian (Charlie) Vergiris; her grandchildren Evelyn, Alexi, and Cody; her Siamese cat, Gigi; and an extended family in the United States and Greece. A Celebration of Life reception will be held at Brookdale Senior Living on Friday, Nov. 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1111 Ontario, Oak Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
Ross Tyrrell, 77 Attorney
Ross Tyrrell, 77, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Nov. 2, 2018. Born on Jan. 1, 1941, he dedicated his life to service — to his family and his clients as an attorney. Ross was the husband of Marguerite (nee Schneider); the father of Bridget ROSS TYRRELL (Casey) Regan and
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, or fax: 708/467-9066 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.
Meghan (David) McCarthy; grandfather of Maura, Liam, Katherine, Thomas, Emerson and Ronan; brother of Mary (the late Thomas) Lally, the late Patrick, and the late Thomas (Grace) Tyrrell; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation is on Thursday, Nov. 8 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Drechsler, Brown, & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St. in Oak Park. Family and friends are asked to meet at St. Catherine\St. Lucy Church, 38 N. Austin Blvd., Oak Park, on Friday, Nov. 9 for Mass at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment at Queen of Heaven. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates memorials to the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls (mercyhome.org) or Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home
OAK
Since 1880 Family Owned & Operated Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director 203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191
advertise • 708-524-8300 • www.OakPark.cOm
Robert P. Gamboney
Co
Would you like to see your organization in this season’s “Season of Giving” guide?
Funeral Director I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.
Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667 I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.
Contact Marc Stopeck 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Family Law
RELIGION GUIDE Presbyterian
Check First.
First Congregational Church of Maywood
400 N. Fifth Avenue (1 block north of Lake St.) Come join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11 am Pastor Elliot Wimbush will be preaching the message. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. 708-344-6150 firstchurchofmaywood.org When you're looking for a place to worship the Lord, Check First.
You’re Invited to A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130
William S. Winston Pastor
ELCA, Lutheran
Good Shepherd
Worshiping at 820 Ontario, Oak Park IL (First Baptist Church) 9:00 a.m.—Education Hour 10:30 a.m.—Worship
All are welcome. goodshepherdlc.org 708-848-4741
Lutheran—ELCA
United Lutheran Church
409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland Avenue) Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and children’s chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)
3:30-4:00pm
Nationwide
WJYS-TV (M-F)
6:30-7:00am
Chicago, IL.
WCIU-TV (Sun.)
10:30-11:00am
Chicago, IL.
Word Network
10:30-11:00am
Nationwide
(M-F)
www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org
West Suburban Temple Har Zion
1040 N. Harlem Avenue River Forest Meet our Rabbi, Adir Glick Pray, learn, and celebrate with our caring, progressive, egalitarian community. Interfaith families are welcome. Accredited Early Childhood Program Religious School for K thru 12 Daily Morning Minyan Weekly Shabbat Services Friday 6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
744 Fair Oaks Ave. Oak Park 386-4920 Sunday Schedule Christian Education for All Ages 9:00am Worship Service 10:00am
Child care available 9-11am
fairoakspres.org OAK PARK MEETING OF FRIENDS (Quakers) Meeting For Worship Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Park Art League 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park Please call 708-445-8201 www.oakparkfriends.org
Roman Catholic
Ascension Catholic Church
www.unitedlutheranchurch.org
708/386-1576
(708) 697-5000 Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM
Fair Oaks
Lutheran-Independent
Grace Lutheran Church
7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor David W. Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m. Childcare Available
Grace Lutheran School
Preschool - 8th Grade Bill Koehne, Principal 366-6900, graceriverforest.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship, 9:30am Christian Education Hour 8:30am Wednesday Worship 7:00pm Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org Methodist
First United Methodist Church of Oak Park
324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Children’s Chapel during Worship Rev. Katherine Thomas Paisley, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship
808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am, 5:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 pm Saturday Taize Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1
Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor
Donald B. Boyd Jr.
Roman Catholic
St. Edmund Catholic Church
188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. M–F Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 Religious Ed Phone: 708-848-7220
St. Giles Family Mass Community
We welcome all to attend Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. on the St. Giles Parish campus on the second floor of the school gym, the southernmost building in the school complex at 1034 North Linden Avenue. Established in 1970, we are a laybased community within St. Giles Roman Catholic Parish. Our Mass is family-friendly. We encourage liturgically active toddlers. Children from 3 to 13 and young adults play meaningful parts in each Sunday liturgy. Together with the parish, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program for children in grades K-8. For more information, go to http://www.stgilesparish.org/ family-mass-community or call Bob Wielgos at 708-288-2196.
Third Unitarian Church 10AM Sunday Forum 11AM Service Rev. Colleen Vahey thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield, Chicago Committed to justice, not to a creed
• Divorce/Wills/Trusts • Real Estate Closings • Civil Unions • LGBT Issues • Custody Visitation • Child Support Free Initial Consultation
708-848-1005
402 Lake Street #200, Oak Park 60302 Evening & Weekend Appointments Available Major Credit Cards Accepted DonBoydLaw@yahoo.com.
Growing Community.
Roman Catholic
St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park
CELEBRATING OUR 107TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Friday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca
Let us know we’ll hold your paper!
41
Upcoming Religious Holidays
Nov 7 Diwali Sikh - Jain - Hindu 8 Jain New Year Jain Vikram New Year Hindu 12 Birth of Baha’u’llah Baha’i 15 Nativity Fast begins - ends Dec. 24 Orthodox Christian
To place a listing in the Religion Guide, call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Road Trip on the Horizon?
Email: circulation@OakPark.com
42
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week
HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
WEDNESDAY
CLASSIFIED Deadline is Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/Classified/
YOUR WEEKLY AD
REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO
Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Application Developer sought by US Bank Nat’l Assoc in Chicago, IL to design, test, & develop SW. Reqs Bach CS, Eng or rltd tech field; 9 yrs Java; 5 yrs APIs for XML Web Svcs (JAX-WS) & Java API for RESTful Web Svcs (JAX-RS) framework; 7 yrs XML Schema & AJAX; 8 yrs JavaScript & 4 yrs JQuery. Visit www.usbank.com for more information & to apply (req 180040771)
Part Time Positions Available for 2018-19 school year After-School Recreation / Day Care Worker Youth Development Specialist on site at Oak Park public schools
Senior Manager sought by Ipsos MMA, Inc. in Chicago, IL. Generate predictive models & forward-looking insight for client in order to help them answer key questions. Analyze & report complex data sets. Work with statistical software such as SAS & R. and other database software in order to develop econometric models to answer clients’ business questions. Apply @ www. jobpostingtoday.com # 58362.
VISION THERAPIST (PT) Later afternoon / evening hours (weekdays). Possible Saturdays. Work one on one with patients(typically children) to improve vision skills. Training provided. River Forest Optometrist-Fax resumes to 708-771-0513. No Calls.
Business Information Developer Advisor sought by Anthem, Inc. in Chicago, IL, to program processes for data setup and enable advanced analytic capabilities. Apply at www. jobpostingtoday.com ref #84175. EARLY CHILDHOOD COORDINATOR The Park District of Oak Park is seeking an Early Childhood Coordinator to support the Program Manager & Supervisors in a variety of duties. This includes in the development & implementation of programs in our preschool & early childhood enrichment classes, assist with scheduling of programs & staff and teach Early Childhood Enrichment classes. Must meet all DCFS qualifications to be Site Director Qualified. Go to www.pdop. org to view full job requirements and to apply. JOB ID 1462 ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER PART-TIME Part-time Electrician’s Helper. Must have own transportation. Call for more info. 708-738-3848. IT Professionals: Ent. Lvl to Sen. Lvl Sr. Consltnts are needed for our Chicago, IL Office. May req. traveling. Pls send resume, Cvr Ltr., & Sal. Req. to Next Generation Inc 444 W. Lake St., Ste 1490, Chicago, IL 60606. PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than November 9, 2018.
Selling your home by owner? Advertise here! Call: 708-613-3342
The Day Care Program of Hephzibah Children’s Association is accepting applications for nurturing individuals to provide care and supervision of 5-11-year-old children in the After School Day Care program on site at Oak Park public schools. The days and hours are Mon–Fri from 2:30-6:00 PM and 2:00-6:00 PM on Wednesdays. Plan and supervise arts and crafts, indoor & outdoor play, games, sports, homework help and more. Requirements include: -6 semester hours in education, recreation, social work or related college courses -previous experience working with children. Openings available for the 2018-19 school year starting. Contact Amy O’Rourke, Director of Day Care at aorourke@hephzibahhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer PART TIME ACCOUNTANT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Accountant (part-time 20-25 hours/week) in the Finance Department. This position will perform general professional level accounting duties involving the reporting of financial transactions, cash management and maintenance of financial records for Village operations, programs and services. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is posted until filled, first review of applications November 19, 2018. PLUMBERS NEEDED Now hiring plumbers! We are looking to expand our team. Must have a valid IL driver’s license & pass a drug test. Full time position, unlimited hours, competitive pay, benefits after 90 days, drive our truck that is fully stocked. Our plumbers do everything–leak detection, pipework, water heaters, sump pumps, ejector pumps, garbage disposals, rodding, toilets tubs & sinks, etc. Please send a resume & come work for an amazing company! We service Chicago & the surrounding suburbs. We also have apprentice opportunities if you have plumbing skills. Email thyplumber@yahoo.com Senior Data Developer sought by Cars.com in Chicago, IL. Dfne, dsgn, dvlp, unit tst, & spprt new or exstng cmplx ETL soltns to meet bsns reqs. Aply @ www.jobpostingtoday.com #28603
SYSTEMS ANALYST The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Systems Analyst in the Information Technology Department. Applicant will need to be knowledgeable and capable to apply the principles and techniques of various programming languages, database, computer programming, on-line programming and programming documentation. Additional skillsets include systems analysis and design techniques, such as database normalization, business analysis, workflow procedure, modular programming, stored procedures, and interface with operating system. Our technology environment consists of MS-SQL & Tools, Superion OneSolution CAD/RMS, CityView Permit, Licensing & Inspections, ERSI ArcGIS, Laserfiche and web software (Java, HTML, Adobe ColdFusion and Drupal).http://www. oak-park.us/ . Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application no later than November 19, 2018. TOP PAY FOR PART-TIME MOVERS EVENINGS & WEEKENDS Call 312-942-1850
SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE NEW CONCEPT FOR MAYWOOD
SUBURBAN RENTALS OAK PARK 2+BR HEAT & PARKING Beautiful top floor 1,300 square feet 2 + Bedrooms. Central AC with large IN UNIT wash/dryer, dish washer, bay windows with lots of sunlight and your very own private back porch. One block from Austin green line and 3 blocks to BEYE school. Parking spot included. $1,700 monthly. 6-12 month lease option available. Ask for AC 773-470-8530.
In this quiet residential neighborhood
CITY RENTALS
(2 blks W of 1st Ave & 1 blk N of Madison)
DELUXE GARDEN APT 5955 W HURON Large 2BR, 4 room apt. Newly decorated. Near West Suburban Hospital. Near all public trans. Rent includes all util. plus laundry facilities avail. $1050/mo. Call 773-637-8677 for appt.
902 S. 3RD AVENUE
Reserve your own affordable 2 or 3 BR condo unit of 1000+ sq ft of living space being built on this historic site. You’ll benefit from a unique 12 year tax freeze and lower monthly living expenses from energy saving systems/appliances, and you can help design your own individual unit. Plans also include building 5 new townhomes onsite. For details Call 708-383-9223.
SUBURBAN RENTALS FOREST PARK STUDIO APT Newly Remodeled Corner Unit with tons of light! New paint, appliances, bath & newly refinished floors. Close to transportation, laundry on same floor. $980/mo incl. water, heat & 1 pkg space. Sec. dep. req’d. 708-386-9144.
SUBURBAN RENTALS
M&M property management, inc.
708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.
Apartment listings updated daily at:
Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-888-328-8457 for an appointment.
ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957 Large Sunny Room with fridge & microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $101.00 week & up. New Mgmt. 773-378-8888
ESTATE SALE Oak Park
ESTATE SALE 205 N RIDGELAND SAT 11/10 10AM TO 3PM
Bikes, clothing, kitchen items, glassware, tools, shoes, candles, tvs, etc. PLUS FREE POPCORN!
RUMMAGE SALE Oak Park
GIANT RUMMAGE SALE OAK PARK TEMPLE 1235 N HARLEM (north of Division)
Saturday, Nov. 10 6–8 PM $5 admission. Sunday, Nov. 11 9AM–2PM Free admission Monday, Nov. 12 9AM–1PM Free admission. Clothing, furniture, toys, household items, jewelry & much more.
WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers-lead plastic-other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
ITEMS FOR SALE FURNITURE ITEMS FOR SALE BEAUTIFUL 2 PC OAK BUFFET 3 lg drawers, 2 sm drawers; shelves on both sides with doors; inset mirror top with shelf (21 in high); buffet 82w x 18d x 40h. $800.00 CORNER LIGHT MARBLE TABLE 14.5 x 14.5 x 21H $175.00 COFFEE TABLE w/ tan/brown granite base 36 x 46 $950.00 COFFEE TABLE w/ printed limestone top & metal base 29 x 41 $900.00 COFFEE TABLE w/ printed limestone top & metal base 29 x 41 $800.00 COFFEE TABLE w marble top & metal base 36 x 50 $1200.00 Call 708-257-7672 or email rjrylewicz@yahoo.com FURNITURE Storage unit full of furniture for all rooms! Call 708-247-7672. HOUSE ITEMS FOR SALE House is being sold, several items are for sale, Stove & refrigerator, gas fire place with mantel, musical instruments (ideal for a young band) including drum set, 2 guitars, 1 bass guitar, 4 small amplifiers, computer desks, 6 foot Bar with chairs, exercise equipment and more. 773-988-6468 Terry
TO BE GIVEN AWAY PRO FORM TREADMILL Complete with instruction book. Yours to haul away! 708-771-9670
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT AUSTIN Clean small office in nonprofit community center. Near Green Line & CTA bus. Other amenities. $475 plus 1 month security & credit check. 773-887-4317 MEDICAL OFFICE SUBLEASE Are you a physician looking to sublease office space 1-3 days a week? Look no further! We can provide equipment, staff, anything you may need. Please contact us at (708)613-4417 or email info@diamondgi.net.
email us: Classifieds@OakPark.com | Classifieds@RiverForest.com
You have jobs. We have readers!
Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342 to advertise.
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
CLASSIFIED
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
CEMENT Drives Walks Patios Stamped Concrete Curbs/Gutters Garage Floors Foundations Water Control / Management
devegaconcrete.com ¡ 708-945-9001
ELECTRICAL
A&A ELECTRIC
Let an American Veteran do your work
We make service calls! We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.
708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848
Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp | Servicing Oak Park and all surrounding suburbs
CEMENT
CONCRETE
• Sidewalks • Stairs • Driveways Patios • Repair Foundations • Stamped & Colored Concrete • Exposed Aggregate
(773) 497-1217 Cell www.georgesconcrete.com Residential Only
ELECTRICAL ++++++++++++++ + + + HUGHS + + ELECTRIC + + + Appliance lines + Lighting + —services + Furnace repair & tune-ups + + + Trouble calls Free Estimates + + 10% Senior Discount + + Lic & Insured Since 1986 + + Good References + + + 708-612-4803 + ++++++++++++++
FIREPLACES/ FIREWOOD
FIREWOOD UNLIMITED
Fast Delivery MIXED HARDWOODS • $130 F.C. CBH & MIX • $145 F.C. 100% OAK • $165 F.C. CHERRY OR HICKORY • $185 F.C. 100% BIRCH • $220 F.C. Seasoned 2 years Stacking Available
847-888-9999 Order online:
www. suregreen landscape.com
Credit Cards Accepted
FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.
New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
PUBLIC NOTICES PLUMBING
PLUMBING
Residential Commercial Industrial Licensed Bonded Insured Free Estimates ¡ Veteran Owned
Ceiling Fans Installed
43
GARAGE/GARAGE DOOR Our 71st Year
A-All American
Plumbing & Sewer Service FREE ESTIMATES Service in 1 Hour in Most Cases
All Work Guaranteed Lowest Prices Guaranteed FREE Video Inspection with Sewer Rodding /P +PC 5PP -BSHF t /P +PC 5PP 4NBMM Family Owned & Operated
t Lic. #0967
LANDSCAPING
PUBLIC NOTICES
BRUCE LAWN SERVICE
PUBLIC NOTICE FENWICK HIGH SCHOOL 505 Washington Blvd. Oak Park, Il. 60302
Fall Yard Clean-Up Slit Seeding Bush Trimming Fall Leaf Clean-Up Senior Discount Snow Removal
brucelawns.com
Garage Doors &
Electric Door Openers
Sales & Service Free Estimates
(708) 652-9415 www.forestdoor.com
HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE
708-243-0571
PAINTING & DECORATING
WINDOWS BROKEN SASH CORDS?
Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do
708-296-2060
HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates
773-732-2263 Ask for John
HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404
CALL THE WINDOW MAN!
FAST RELIABLE SERVICE
(708) 452-8929
Licensed
Insured
Ralph Grande Elmwood Park 708-452-8929
Serving Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park & Riverside Since 1974
Attention! Homeimprovement pros! Reach your target audience. Advertise here. Call 708/613-3342
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE’S PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested parties that the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Riverside, Illinois will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 4 of the Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, 60546, on the Tentative Annual Budget for the 2019 Fiscal Year of the Village of Riverside, Illinois, commencing January 1, 2019, and ending December 31, 2019.
Disabled persons needing assistance to attend said hearing should contact the Office of the Village Clerk before the hearing by calling (708) 447-2700.
The Tentative Annual Budget will be available for public inspection on and after, November 1, 2018 at the Finance Department of the Village of Riverside, Illinois, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, 60546 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for any day being a legal holiday.
PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS
Proposal specifications will be available on Wednesday, November 7th, 2018, after 2:00PM. RFP specifications will be available through our website at www.oak-park.us/bid . THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal 11/7/2018
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Public Hearing Park District of Oak Park November 15, 2018, 7:30 p.m. 2019 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of the Park District of Oak Park will conduct a public hearing concerning the adoption of the Park District’s 2019 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance on November 15, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. at the John Hedges Administration Building, 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL, during the Board of Commissioners’ regular board meeting. Dated: November 7, 2018 By: Commissioner Kassie Porreca Secretary, Board of Commissioners Park District of Oak Park Published in Wednesday Journal 11/7/2018
By: Cathy Haley Village Clerk
NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 (the “Board�) for the following project: OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 LINCOLN & LONGFELLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS 1111 GROVE AVE. OAK PARK, IL 60304 715 HIGHLAND AVE. OAK PARK, IL 60304
1111 GROVE AVE. OAK PARK, IL 60304 PUBLIC NOTICE
Said hearing may be continued without further notice except as required by the Illinois Open Meetings Act. The tentative annual budget may be further revised and passed without any further notice or hearing.
Published in RB Landmark 11/7/2018
&
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals at the Office of the Finance Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 1:00 p.m. CDT on Friday December 14, 2018 and at that time will be publicly opened and read aloud for the following Village Project: 181107, FIBER OPTIC NETWORK. In general, The Village of Oak Park and Oak Park School District 97 seek proposals to implement an all underground single mode fiber optic infrastructure to serve the each organization’s community anchor facilities.
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
2019 LIFE SAFETY WORK
708.749.0011
708-488-9411
Published in Wednesday Journal 10/24, 10/31, 11/7/2018
CLASSIC PAINTING
FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small
!LL 4YPES OF (OME 2EPAIRS 2EPAIRS )NSTALLATIONS 0ROFESSIONAL 1UALITY 7ORK !T 2EASONABLE 0RICES 0ROMPT 3ERVICE 3MALL *OBS A 3PECIALTY
Tuesday November 13th At 6:30pm At Fenwick High School
Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost
Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair
%,%#42)#!, (!.$9-!. 3%26)#%3
Invites Neighbors to Attend an Informational Meeting To Present our Proposed Onsite Parking Garage
PUBLIC NOTICES
715 HIGHLAND AVE. OAK PARK, IL 60304 LINCOLN & LONGFELLOW/ 2019 LIFE SAFETY BID GROUP 2 – Masonry, misc. metals, millwork, metal panels, roofing, glazing, doors & hardware, drywall & ACT, operable partitions, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection. Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. prevailing time on Tuesday November 20, 2018 at the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Administrative offices, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, and will be publicly opened and read at 2:15 p.m. prevailing time on that date. Bids shall be submitted in an opaque sealed envelope clearly marked: Oak Park Elementary School District 97 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 Attention: Bulley & Andrews Project: LINCOLN & LONGFELLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS & 2019 LIFE SAFETY WORK BID PACKAGE 2 Scope of work for Bid Package 2 generally includes, but is not limited to: Masonry, misc. metals, millwork, metal panels, roofing, glazing, doors & hardware, drywall & ACT, operable partitions, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection. All bids must be submitted in accordance with the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project. Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid amount shall be submitted with the bid. Should a bid bond be submitted, the bond
shall be payable to the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302. All documents and information required by the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project shall be submitted with the bid. Incomplete, late or non-conforming bids may not be accepted. No bids shall be withdrawn, cancelled or modified after the time for opening of bids without the Board’s consent for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled time of bid opening. The Bidding Documents for the project (which include the bidding instructions for the project and other related documents) will be available Monday November 5th, 2018 and may be purchased from Springer Blueprint Services – 1640 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60643 – 773-238-6340. The Bidding Documents are available for viewing/ download online without cost or purchase at the Bulley & Andrews, LLC FTP Site, https://ftp.bulley. com, username: LincolnLongfellow, password: bulley1891. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts thereof, or waive any irregularities or informalities, and to make an award that in the Board’s sole opinion is in the best interest of the District. The site will be available for visits by appointment to be coordinated with Bulley & Andrews, LLC. Interested parties may inspect the existing conditions. Schedule an appointment with Jason Hayhurst of Bulley & Andrews in advance if you wish to visit the sites. All bidders must comply with applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing wages by all Contractors working on public works. If during the time period of work, the prevailing wage rates change, the contractor shall be responsible for additional costs without any change to the contract amount. All bidders must comply with the Illinois Statutory requirements regarding labor, including Equal Employment Opportunity Laws. For additional information on the project, contact Jason Hayhurst of Bulley & Andrews, LLC at jhayhurst@bulley.com or 773-6452110. Dated: 10/30/2018 Jason Hayhurst Bulley & Andrews, LLC
Published in Wednesday Journal 10/31 & 11/7/2018
Starting a new business before the new year? Call the experts before you place your legal ad! Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342 to advertise.
PUBLIC NOTICES 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: D18155807 on October 30, 2018. Under the Assumed Business Name of GBG CONSULTING with the business located at: 1193 S GROVE AVE UNIT #8, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JESSICA PICKENS 1193 S GROVE AVE UNIT #8 OAK PARK, IL 60304. Published in Wednesday Journal 11/7, 11/14, 11/21/2018
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: D18155716 on October 18, 2018. Under the Assumed Business Name of WOMANSPIRIT CIRCLE with the business located at: 137 N OAK PARK AVENUE SUITE 400, OAK PARK, IL 60301. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: ELENA VASSALLO CROSSMAN 622 FOREST AVE OAK PARK, IL 60302. Published in Wednesday Journal 10/24, 10/31, 11/7/2018
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/ B/A MR. COOPER Plaintiff, -v.LAURIE MAZUR A/K/A LAURIE PRITCHETT, THOMAS PRITCHETT, LOFTOMINIUMS OF FOREST PARK CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 18 CH 01956 7250 DIXON ST UNIT B FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 30, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 3, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 7250 DIXON ST UNIT B, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-12-420-0191012. The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS� condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium
44
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
CLASSIFIED
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
Let the sun shine in...
Public Notice: Your right to know
In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-18-01296. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-01296 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 18 CH 01956 TJSC#: 38-7241 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3101863
Plaintiff, -v.MARK HASKINS, RICK HASKINS, WILLIAM P. BUTCHER AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR EDWARD A. WIELGUS AND PRISCILLA B. BLACK A/K/A PATRICIA BRUCE A/K/A PATRICIA BLACK, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF EDWARD A. WIELGUS, IF ANY, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF PRISCILLA B. BLACK A/K/A PATRICIA BRUCE A/K/A PATRICIA BLACK, IF ANY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, STATE OF ILLINOIS, 230 CIRCLE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS-TENANTS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, BRIAN J MATSKO, THE INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED MORTGAGOR PRISCILLA BRUCE A/K/A PATRICIA BRUCE A/K/A PATRICIA BLACK, APPOINTED BY THE PROBATE COURT, MARK R BRUCE, PATRICK A BRUCE Defendants 15 CH 02029 230 CIRCLE AVENUE UNIT 1 W FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 29, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 30, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 230 CIRCLE AVENUE UNIT 1 W, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-12-434-0471001. The real estate is improved with a red brick, three story multi unit condominium with no garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle
the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. Please refer to file number 262275. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7
day status report of pending sales. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 262275 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 15 CH 02029 TJSC#: 38-7240 I3101984
OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-14-19291. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-14-19291 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 09 CH 039917 TJSC#: 38-8267 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3102254
any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county
venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 541-9710 Please refer to file number 17-0859. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago, IL 60606 (312) 541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 17-0859 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 18 CH 7301 TJSC#: 38-8321 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3102345
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL LLC
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC Plaintiff, -v.JOSE IZQUIERDO, GABRIEL IZQUIERDO, ADRIANA IZQUIERDO, ANGELITA SILVA, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 09 CH 039917 1530 N. 39TH AVENUE STONE PARK, IL 60165 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 30, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 27, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1530 N. 39TH AVENUE, STONE PARK, IL 60165 Property Index No. 15-04-301-041. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE OF LVS TITLE TRUST V Plaintiff, -v.GLACIER PROPERTY GROUP, LLC, DANE M. VUKASINOVIC, OAK PARK PROPERTY, JV, LLC, CITY OF CHICAGO Defendants 18 CH 7301 514 N TAYLOR AVE Oak Park, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 10, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 26, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 514 N TAYLOR AVE, Oak Park, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-325-0100000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $403,195.49. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE ABFS
Illinois Classified Advertising Network EMPLOYMENT - DRIVERS
Rewarding Our Drivers from Day ONE! $1600 sign-on Bonus! EXPERIENCED DRIVERS *Flatbed *Step Deck *Van *LTL Reefer. Pay is 26% Gross Flatbed/Step Deck & up to .53/mile Van/Reefer. Full benefits w/FREE Health & Life Insurance, 6 paid Holidays + Industry leading Driver Bonus Program! Must have Class A CDL. Call Ruth or Mike at TTI Inc. 1-800-222-5732 Apply online ttitrucking.com
LEGAL SERVICES NEED LEGAL HELP? Get a FREE referral to an attorney! Call the Illinois State Bar Association Illinois Lawyer Finder The advice you need. https://www.isba.org/public/illinoislawyerfinder or 1-877-270-3855.
SAWMILLS FOR SALE SAWMILLS from only $4397.00! MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800 567-0404 Ext. 300N
WANTED TO BUY FREON R12 WANTED: CERTIFIED BUYER will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. (312) 291-9169; www.refrigerantfinders.com WANTED TO BUY TOP CASH PAID! FOR OLD MOTORCYCLES! 1900-1979. DEAD OR ALIVE! 920-371-0494
P
PB
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
CLASSIFIED
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 20031, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2003-1; Plaintiff, vs. ALLEAZER SIMPSON; ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 17 CH 13512 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on August 24, 2018 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-07-413-011-0000. Commonly known as 440 N Irving Avenue, Hillside, IL 60162. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Mr. Anthony Porto at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 150 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 981-7385. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3102378
dence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Mr. Anthony Porto at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 150 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 981-7385. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3102366
60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1318 S 11TH AVE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-15-215-0170000. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-18-04977. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-04977 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 05980 TJSC#: 38-6870 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I3103043
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS CWMBS, INC., CHL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH TRUST 200429, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-29 Plaintiff, vs. JOHN D. MULHERN, MARLENE F. MULHERN, STANDARD BANK AND TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE OF A TRUST AGREEMENT DATED APRIL 23, 2004 AND KNOWN AS TRUST NO. 18265, THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR CWABS REVOLVING HOME EQUITY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST SERIES 2004Q, UNKNOWN OWNERS, GENERALLY, AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, 15 CH 5987 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on August 27, 2018 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-35-202-002-0000. Commonly known as 282 Maplewood Road, Riverside, IL 60546. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family resi-
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION NEW PENN FINANCIAL LLC DBA SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING; Plaintiff, vs. ALEJANDRO ESPINOSA; PNC BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NATIONAL CITY BANK; UNKNOWN OWNERS GENERALLY AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 17 CH 10828 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause on January 22, 2018 Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, December 3, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-18-228-008-0000. Commonly known as 17 Howard Ave., Hillside, IL 60162. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call Mr. Anthony Porto at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Kluever & Platt, L.L.C., 150 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 981-7385. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3102353 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION DITECH FINANCIAL LLC F/K/A GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC Plaintiff, -v.JOSE SANCHEZ, CHRISTINA SANCHEZ, VERONICA M. SANCHEZ Defendants 2018 CH 05980 1318 S 11TH AVE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on August 16, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 13, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL,
SELLING YOUR HOME BY OWNER? Make it stand out. Advertise here! Call: 708-613-3342
45
MORTGAGE DIRECTORY REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
MORTGAGE RATE DIRECTORY LENDER COMMUNITY BANK OF OAK PARK - RIVER FOREST
(708) 660-7006 1001 Lake St., Oak Park IL 60301 www.cboprf.com
AMOUNT
RATE/YR
80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80%
4.875% / 30 yr. fixed 4.750% / 20 yr. fixed 4.375% / 15 yr. fixed 4.750% / 5 yr. ARM 4.750% / 7 yr. ARM 4.875% / 10 yr. ARM
POINTS/ APP. FEE 0%/$550 0%/$550 0%/$550 0%/$550 0%/$550 0%/$550
A.P.R.
4.949% 4.851% 4.502% 5.059% 5.015% 5.040%
· Approved IHDA Mortgage Program Lender · Financing available up to 97% LTV Construction Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit available – call for terms.
Mortgage rates are accurate as of Monday afternoon. Due to the fluctuation of mortgage rates, the rates may vary before publication. Contact your mortgage lender for complete details. Mortgage rates vary in APR and other qualifying factors.
To Advertise your Mortgage Rates, call Mary Ellen Nelligan: 708/613-3342
local employees, happy employees!
Hire Local. Place an ad on WJ’s Local Online Job Board. Go to OakPark.com/classified today!
Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information. (708) 613-3342 classifieds@OakPark.com
46
S P O R T S
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
OPRF ousted from playoffs by Brother Rice Huskies’ inability to cash in scoring opportunities late proves costly
By MELVIN TATE
S
Contributing Reporter
aturday night’s IHSA Class 8A secondround game between OPRF and Brother Rice in Chicago was one of the most anticipated games of the weekend. Despite the wide disparity in seeding, the No.16 seed Huskies and top-seeded Crusaders appeared to be evenly matched. The game lived up to expectations as a close defensive battle for three quarters. Unfortunately for OPRF, the host Crusaders pulled away in the fourth quarter en route to a 27-17 win. OPRF (8-3) hasn’t won more than one state playoff game in a season since 1985 when the Huskies advanced to the 6A quarterfinals. “We’re right there. So much of it is about matchups,” OPRF coach John Hoerster said about the Huskies’ postseason struggles. “Playing against a great team like Brother Rice on the road is tough. A few different bounces and things could’ve gone differently. We had some opportunities, but we just couldn’t cash in on them.” After the Huskies punted on their opening possession, Brother Rice methodically marched down the field. The drive stalled inside the OPRF 10-yard line. The Crusaders faked a field goal attempt, instead running an option play which failed. After a scoreless first quarter, Brother Rice scored early in the second quarter on File photo senior quarterback John Bean’s beautifulOPRF senior wide receiver/defensive back Trevon Brown had a spectacular touchdown catch and interception in a 27-17 loss at ly lofted 48-yard touchdown pass to Dylan Brother Rice on Saturday, Nov. 5. Summers at the 8:37 mark. Ramon Valdez’s extra point gave the Crusaders a 7-0 lead. Hoerster said. “It’s an amazing group of Brother Rice fumbled the ball on the open- 21-9 with 9:31 left in the fourth quarter. On the next drive, OPRF quarterback young men. Going into the season, we had a ing kickoff in the second half. OPRF settled Like Bean earlier, McGill threw a pair Jaden McGill (13-for-29, 110 yards, TD, 3 inlot of questions that needed to be answered. for a 36-yard field goal by Darrow to whittle back-to-back picks the rest of the way, terceptions) threw a deep pass We didn’t know how good we could be. But the Huskies’ deficit to 14-9 with which quelled any chances for a Huskies’ that was intercepted by Jayshon we knew we were going to have tremendous 10:31 left in the third quarter. comeback. Means at the Brother Rice 10. “We took the field goal,” HoMcGill’s second interception was re- leadership from the senior class.” The Crusaders (11-0) embarked Although the Huskies will graduate severster said. “We were thinking turned by Myles Jones deep into OPRF teron a 90-yard scoring drive that eral key players (notably on defense), some if we stopped them and got the ritory. On the next play, Bean found the end lasted over six minutes. Bean ball back, a touchdown would zone on a 9-yard run to put the game out top players return next season. McGill, capped off the drive on a 1-yard win it for us.” of reach at 27-9 with 2:41 remaining in the Nazareth Bryant, Kunkel and offensive linekeeper that extended the Brothman Fabian Gonzalez, along with defensive Forcing turnovers on the fourth quarter. er Rice lead to 14-0 with nine secleader Nahlyee Bryant, are back in 2019. next two Brother Rice possesWith 39.8 seconds left, McGill connected onds left until halftime. sions, OPRF couldn’t take ad- with senior wide receiver Craig Shelton (7 Remarkably, OPRF answered vantage of its opportunities. catches/89 yards) on a 24-yard touchdown with a touchdown in the closing “You’ve got to take advanpass. Keith Robinson’s two-point conversion seconds of the first half to get tage of those turnovers,” Horun accounted for the game’s final scoring. right back in the game. JOHN HOERSTER erster said. “You’ve got to get “(Brother Rice) did a great job upfront,” After returning a squib kickOPRF coach touchdowns instead of field Hoerster said. “Their linebackers did a nice off to midfield, McGill drew a goals, get first downs when job of playing downhill. They got penetraroughing the passer penalty you need them. Unfortunately, tion on us and we had a difficult time. That’s as time expired. The untimed we didn’t take advantage of just a tough group of defenders.” down gave OPRF an opportunity, the opportunities the defense Despite the loss, OPRF had a terrific seawhich was converted when Toby provided us.” son. The Huskies finished 8-3 with a share Kunkel took a pitch from McEscaping trouble on those ocof the West Suburban Conference Silver DiGill and heaved a 38-yard pass towards the end zone. Senior wide receiver casions, Brother Rice engineered a 9-play, 67- vision championship and notable wins over Trevon Brown (3 catches 50 yards) snagged yard scoring drive that chewed up over four Glenbard West and New Trier. Hoerster credits the successful campaign the ball with several defenders around him minutes off the clock. The Cornell-bound to the Huskies’ dedicated senior class. Summers made a spectacular one-handed for a Hail Mary TD to make the score 14-6. “I’m going to miss the hell out of them,” TD catch, pushing the Crusaders’ lead to Henry Darrow’s PAT was blocked.
“We had some opportunities, but we just couldn’t cash in on them.”
Visit us
online for the
latest in Sports news and events
www.OakPark.com
S P O R T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
HUSKIES
Historic season from page 48 All seven runners recorded personalbest times. “When every athlete runs their fastest ever, you can’t ask for more,” Raymond said. “We can walk away from the season knowing we gave it our all when it mattered most.” Maggie Rose Baron, who ran in the Jones Regional, was another key contributor for the Huskies this fall. The Huskies earned their trip to state by placing fifth at the Niles West Sectional. At Niles West, Wollen (14th place/18:15), Thompson (16th/18:16.4) and Welin (21st/18:23.2) paced the Huskies with top 25 times. Duwe (27th/18:33), Hulen (42nd/19:08), Harper (50th/19:15) and Lewis (75th/19:43) also competed for OPRF, which scored 114 points. OPRF also won the Jones Regional in its postseason debut this season. With the exception of a few runners, the Huskies return the bulk of their team next fall. “We are losing Violet Harper and Hannah Thompson next year,” Raymond said. “Violet and Hannah’s leadership was essential this year. They brought the
team together and got them to believe in the power of the pack. They were also consistently in our top three throughout the entire season. “We are returning five of the top seven runners,” she added. “Our 8 through 14 runners are very motivated and it will be competitive to get into the top seven next year. We have the pieces to put together another great team next year.”
Blazers show well in Class 2A Trinity finished 23rd with a score of 531. Alexis Cohn set the pace for the Blazers with a time of 18:39.1 and 57th place in the 2A state finals. Sophomores Sylvia Ritzler (19:25.6/113th) and Courtney Yungerman (20:19.9/174th) also ran well for Trinity. The Blazers’ other runners were senior Hannah Roberts (20:22.7/178th), sophomore Annabel Halloran (20:52.5/191st) and sophomore Jessica Hoffman (21:21.6/201st). Belvidere North won the 2A state championship with a score of 113, while sophomore Brooke Stromsland won the individual title at 16:32.7.
Friars’ Durkin, O’Brien stay close in race Senior Laura Durkin finished the race in 18:35.4 for 148th, while junior Marie O’Brien posted a time of 18:42.6 for 161st in the Class 3A state finals.
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
SAWA’S OLD SAWA’S OLDWARSAW WARSAW Authentic Polish-American Smorgasbord Authentic Polish-American Smorgasbord Restaurant••Lounge Lounge Banquets • The Room Restaurant •• Banquets • The JazzJazz Room Dine In • Carry Out • Catering • Delivery Dine In • Carry Out • Catering • Delivery www.SawasOldWarsaw.com
www.SawasOldWarsaw.com
THANKSGIVING JOIN US FOR OUR THANKSGIVING FEAST FEAST THANKSGIVING
FEAST
Sliced Turkey Sliced Turkey Mushroom Soup Carved Round of Beef Carved Round of Beef Carved Ham off the Bone Mix Vegetables Carved Ham off the Bone Sliced Turkey Stuffed Cabbage Broasted Chicken Broasted Chicken Wine Herring Carved Round of Beef & Smoke Polish Sausage FreshFresh & Smoke Polish Sausage Sauerkraut Carved Ham off the Bone Assorted Cake Sauerkraut CookiesHours Holiday Sweet Potatoes Broasted Chicken Sweet Potatoes Apple Crepes Stuffing Christmas Eve - Closed Stuffing Fresh & Smoke Polish Sausage Soft Serve Ice Cream Christmas Day - Closed Potato Pancakes Potato Pancakes & Vanilla) New(Chocolate Years Eve - Closed Sauerkraut Pierogies Mushroom & Chicken Noodle Soup New Years Day - Closed Holiday Hours Mushroom Soup 400lbs of Turkey! Sweet Potatoes Mashed Potatoes with Brown Gravy Mashed Potatoes with Brown Gravy Pierogies Stuffing Christmas Eve - Closed Full Salad Bar Full Salad BarPancakes Christmas Day - Closed Potato Dessert Dessert Table Table New Super Years EveSunday - Closed Pumpkin Pie Pierogies Giant HD-Screen Pumpkin Pie New Years Day Closed Kolaczki $2 Miller Lite bottles Mushroom$23 Soup Adults Kolaczki
$25 Adults
Mashed Potatoes with Brown Gravy $10 Children $12 Children Full Salad Bar Seating reservations Seating reservations everyevery hour 1/2 hour Dessert Table Sawa’s Old Warsaw ~ 9200 W. Cermak Road ~ Broadview, IL ~ 708.343.9040 Sawa’s Old WarsawOld ~ 9200 W. Cermak Road ~W. Broadview, ILRd ~ 708.343.9040 Sawa’s Warsaw ~Pie 9200 ~ Broadview, 708.343.9040 Ample Parking Available ~Cermak Large Families WelcomeIL ~~Video Poker Pumpkin Ample Parking Available ~ Large Families Welcome ~ Video Poker Sign-up for the Polonia Gazeta (Email Newsletter) for~upcoming events Parking Available ~ Large Families Welcome Video Poker Sign-up for Ample the Polonia Gazeta (Email Newsletter) for upcoming events Kolaczki
$23 Adults $10 Children
SAY Connects presents Seating reservations every 1/2 hour
After America to Me:
Sawa’s Old Warsaw ~ 9200 W. Cermak Road ~ Broadview, IL ~ 708.343.9040 Ample Parking Available ~ Large Families Welcome ~ Video Poker Sign-up for the Polonia Gazeta (Email Newsletter) for upcoming events
On the ground in Oak Park and River Forest Meet the people & organizations working to create change in our villages
Our moderator
Wednesday, Nov. 28 7p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Percy Julian Middle School Auditorium Free admission | RSVP required
Doris Davenport
• John Borrero - Collaboration for Early Childhood Community Ambassadors Program • Frances Kraft - The E-Team • Christian Harris - Zingela Ulwazi • Kamau “Maui” Jones - Echo Theater • Dot Lambshead Roche - Race Conscious Dialogues/Raising Race Conscious Kids
Tickets at: www.OakPark.com/sayconnects
47
48
Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2018
@ @OakPark
SPORTS
OPRF ousted from playoffs by Brother Rice 46
Fenwick Sectional this weekend
OPRF cross country girls 10 at state th
Future is bright for underclassmen-laden Huskies
By MARTY FARMER
T
Sports Editor
he Oak Park and River Forest High School girls cross country team capped off a superb postseason run by placing 10th at Saturday’s Class 3A state finals. Competing at Detweiller Park in Peoria, the Huskies scored 318 points on Saturday in cool conditions. “I am so proud of what the team accomplished at state this year,” OPRF coach Ashley Raymond said. “We didn’t have a front runner but we had seven girls who bought into the power of the pack. We had seven girls that were willing to give it their all for their teammates and it paid off.” The Huskies’ 10th place finish ties the 1984 team for the best result ever at state finals in program history. OPRF has qualified for state nine times since 1979. Naperville North (80 points) won the 3A state title. Glenbard West junior Katelynne Hart won state in the individual results with a time of 15:59.8, the second-fastest time in state finals history. The standout junior has won three straight state titles in cross country. Sophomore Nora Wollen led the Huskies with a time of 17 minutes, 36.7 seconds to finish 49th. Her pace was 5:52 per mile over the course. Senior Violet Harper (17:56.4/70th place), freshman Josephine Welin (18:02.1/80th), senior Hannah Thompson (18:12.2/102nd) and freshman Samantha Duwe (18.16:7/113th) were the Huskies’ other top runners. Sophomore Parker Hulen and junior Audrey Lewis recorded times of 18:26.2 and 19:18.3, respectively, for OPRF. See HUSKIES on page 47
Submitted photo
OPRF crosscountry team (top row, left to right): Jana Casey, Maddy Wilkie, Hannah Thompson, Violet Harper, Audrey Lewis; (bottom row, left to right) Parker Hulen, Nora Wollen, Maggie Rose Baron, Samantha Duwe, Josephine Welin.
Indoor Tennis • New Classes Starting! Kids 3 and Up Classes! Adult Beginner to Advanced Classes, Lessons, Leagues & Teams. Big Hit Drills. Inquire.
Non-Member Programs
Tennis & Fitness FREE $50 Credit
PILATES
Sign Up Today!
Non-Member Training
Save $200*
PickleBall Play Every Day!
Yoga • Pilates Spinning Group Training
301 Lake St., OP
(708) 386-2175 TENandFiT.com
* restrictions apply