Wednesday Journal 112019 by Wednesday Journal

W E D N E S D A Y

November 20, 2019 Vol. 39, No. 16 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Special section page 25

Oak Park approves Lake Street Holiday Inn

Trustees grant property owners a special-use permit By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Downtown Oak Park is getting closer to having a hotel, as the village board, following recommendation by the Zoning Board of Appeals, granted a special-use permit, Nov. 18, authorizing the operation of a 98-room Holiday Inn Express and Suites hotel at 1140 Lake St. Salim Hemani, who co-owns the property with his brother Azim, spoke on behalf of the project to the zoning board on Nov. 6. “Being in this local market for the last 30 years around the Chicagoland area and being in the businesses, we have found the need for a hotel in this area,” he said. Hemani brought the project’s architect and a representative from Holiday Inn to the meeting. “We went to Holiday Inn for the franchise application and they’re very eager and wanted to put this project up,” said Hemani. According to Hemani, the current five-story structure is 40 percent vacant. Plans for the quick service hotel include constructing three additional floors on top of the building, extending its current height of 52 feet to 80 feet. The first floor will remain a commercial space with a small hotel greeting desk. See HOTEL on page 14

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Opening night

Studio 8 owner Melody Kratz, left, accompanies artist Irving Newman on opening night of Newman’s show, Nov. 15. Story on page 12.

Val’s halla not closing after all River Forest resident swoops in to save record store, for now

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Music-loving hearts broke throughout Oak Park and the surrounding area earlier this month after the general manager of beloved record store Val’s halla, 239 Harrison St., announced its impending closure in a Facebook post.

“It breaks my heart to announce this but unfortunately Val’s halla will be closing its doors at the end of the month,” the post read on Nov. 2. A testament to the major impact Val’s had on the community, news outlets all over the metro area reported on the announcement. People lamented that, with the end of Val’s, came the end of an era.

But, those mourning Val’s can now rejoice, as the store will not be closing after all. General Manager Shayne Blakeley revealed the good news on Nov. 15 on Facebook, writing, “Rumors of our demise have been greatly exaggerated! Val’s halla is getting a new lease on life!” See VAL’S on page 14

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FPSD91 Forest Park Middle School ad (FPR) Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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I N S I D E

R E P O R T

ment. We will update this story as information becomes available.

Melissa Elsmo

Pork and Mindy’s files for bankruptcy

For months, local food lovers have been looking at the newspaper-covered windows at 7528 North Ave in Elmwood Park anticipating the opening of Pork and Mindy’s -- the lively BBQ chain helmed by Jeff Mauro of Food Network. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, Pork and Mindy’s filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection early in November and all locations have been closed. Pork and Mindy’s, established in 2016, had been steadily growing its Chicagoland locations over the years. In addition to establishing an Elmwood Park location, the pork-focused restaurant was in the process of opening dozens of small eateries in Mariano’s grocery stores at the time of filing. While the sandwich-loving celebrity chef appeared comfortable building a restaurant empire, the OPRF graduate and current River Forest resident, took his hometown debut seriously. Mauro spoke candidly to Oak Park Eats in April about his desire to make the Elmwood Park location the flagship Pork and Mindy’s location. Oak Park Eats has reached out to Mauro and his associates for com-

West Sub Leapfrog score hops from B to A

West Suburban Medical Group received an A-rating from the nonprofit organization Leapfrog Group for the second half of 2019. Leapfrog Group promotes quality, safety and transparency in the health care system. Scores are based on hospital performance and patient safety records. The A score is an improvement from the B-rating West Sub received for spring of 2019. They received an Arating for spring of 2018; the hospital’s score was downgraded to a B in the fall of that year.

MARIA MAXHAM/Staff

Stacey Sheridan

Mayor Lightfoot to speak at Thanksgiving service

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is expected to speak at the Oak Parkbased Community of Congregations’ Multi-Faith Thanksgiving Service this Sunday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m., at New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 4301 W. Washington Blvd. in Chicago. The event will benefit area nonprofits. For more info on the event, called Together For Good, call Unity Temple at 708-848-6225, ext. 101, or email ataylor@unitytemple.org.

Michael Romain

Lake marquee goes digital

Lake Theatre’s new digital LED marquee is up and running. Installation of the digital marquee began Tuesday, Nov. 12 and was completed that same week on Friday, Nov. 15. Previously, the theater, located at 1022 Lake St., had the original analog marquee from back when the movie house was built in 1936. “We did a last-minute picture of the old marquee last Monday,” said Rebecca Gonzalez, one of the theater managers. “It’s kind of sad to see it go.” While the old marquee is gone, the giant, neon-blue vertical “LAKE” sign, flashing up façade, remains.

Stacey Sheridan

River Forest opens more parking at former bank lot River Forest trustees voted unanimously on Nov. 12 to allow residents to park at the village-owned parking lot at 418 Franklin Ave. In June, the village bought the parking lot from Fifth-Third Bank for $355,000 as part of its efforts to redevelop the property at the southeast corner of Lake Street and Park Avenue. Since then, 28 of its parking spaces sat unused. Village staff reasoned that, given the demand from residents and businesses alike, there was no reason to leave the parking lot empty until the development plans emerge.

When the village bought the parking lot, it came with two deed restrictions. It can’t be used for any banking-related use for 10-years, and it can’t be used for any cannabis-related businesses for as long as the village owns the land. Other than that, the only limits are the zoning classifications, which allow the village to use it for parking. The parking lot has 28 parking spaces, with eight parallel parking spaces on the south end of the lot and 20 perpendicular parking spaces on the north side of the lot. In a memo to the village board Sara

Phyfer, the village’s management analyst, wrote that another nearby villageowned parking lot at the southeast corner of Lake and Park has five 24-hour spaces, and 10 spaces for overnight parking. All spaces are limited to residents with valid permit. The village has seen increasing demand for 24-hour parking lots, with five residents from the nearby condominiums currently on the waiting list. Staff recommended opening up the eight parallel spaces for 24-hour parking and opening the remaining 20 spaces

for three-hour parking. The three-hour limit, the memo stated, was something that several businesses on the south side of Lake Street, between Park and Franklin avenues, have been asking for. The fee for the 24-hour parking spaces will start off at $110 per month, but it will go up to $120 a month, effective May 5, 2020. That would bring it in line with other 24-hour parking spots in villageowned lots. More information on how to apply for a 24-hour parking permit can be found at vrf.us/forms/form/15.

Igor Studenkov

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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Author Talks Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m., Eastgate Café: Join Oak Parkers Isaiah Makar and Melanie Weiss as they discuss Weiss’ award-winning young adult novel Spoken. The book, about spoken word, features poetry by Makar, who will also discuss using Spoken Word in the corporate setting. 102 Harrison St., Oak Park. Thursday, Nov. 21, 6 to 9 p.m., Community Engagement Space, Main Library: Meet Chris-Tia Donaldson, author of This Is Only a Test: What Breast Cancer Taught Me About Faith, Business, Love, and Hair, and learn how she advocates for women experiencing financial difficulties, who are undergoing breast cancer treatment, to highlight health disparities due to race and socioeconomic factors, and more. 834 Lake St., Oak Park. Saturday, Nov. 23, 3 to 5 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Join authors Neal Samors and Bob Dauber to hear stories from Entertaining Chicago: Remembering the Places, Performers, and Stories Throughout the 20th Century. Chicago offered its residents a wide variety of entertainment venues. The book includes more than 80 interviews. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Art Reception Sunday, Nov. 24, 2 to 4 p.m., Ferguson Art Gallery, Kretzmann Hall, Concordia University: At The Photogram—It’s Not an X-Ray!, see Dan Zamudio’s art, created by placing an object onto light-sensitive paper and then exposing both to a light source. Artist talk at 3 p.m. Exhibit through Dec. 13. Gallery hours, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest.

Through Nov. 30, Community Engagement Space, Main Library: See VersAnnette Blackman’s Community on a Shelf: Exploring the Human Side of Mental Illness. The exhibit features art created during Blackman’s personal grief, depression and anxiety experienced after losing her brother to suicide. More: oppl.org. 834 Lake St., Oak Park. Through December, Studio 8: View mid-century geometric art of Oak Park architect and artist Irving Newman, the first showing of his work in 50 years. Tuesdays through Saturdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. More: studio8vintage.com. 7316 Madison St., Forest Park.

‘Eurydice’ Friday, Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, 3 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday Nov. 24, 3 p.m., Bergmann Theatre, Concordia University Chicago: The Collective at Concordia presents a re-imagining of the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. With contemporary characters, plot twists and visual effects, this play is a fresh look at a timeless love story. $15; $10, students/seniors/CUC alumni. Tickets: EurydiceCUC.brownpapertickets.com or at door. 7400 Augusta St., River Forest.

Lucile Evans Music Festival Friday, Nov. 22, 6 p.m., Unity Lutheran Church: At the Artists in Residence Recital, Project 88 presents baritone Aaron Agulay and returning guest artist Donald Lee, piano, as they perform works by Schumann, Ravel, Barber and Hoiby. Also hear a new work composed by Artistic Director Élider DiPaula. Free. 6720 31st Street, Berwyn. Saturday, Nov. 23, 6 p.m., Unity Lutheran Church: At the Chamber Music Recital, Project 88 presents various ensembles for flute, clarinet, strings and harp. Composers highlighted will be Florence Price, Muczynski, Ravel and Caplet. Free. 6720 31st Street, Berwyn.

November 20 - 27

BIG WEEK Proud Oak Parkers: OPALGA+ at 30

Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oak Park River Forest Museum: See the new exhibit that puts the spotlight on the community organization that came together 30 years ago to support an open, active community of gay and lesbian residents and end discrimination based on sexual orientation in our villages. Through Feb. 29, 2020. $7; $5, Oak Park/River Forest residents; $3, students; free, members and children under 7. More: oprfmuseum.org, 129 Lake St., Oak Park.

WBEZ’s Podcast Passport Presents: On Being with Krista Tippett Purchase tickets now. Live Taping Friday, Jan. 31, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Unity Temple: Krista Tippett’s public radio show and podcast is Peabody Award-winning. This live taping includes an interview with Ai-Jen Poo, co-founder and executive director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. Held in partnership with Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation. $35; $75, VIP, includes meet and greet after the show. Tickets/more: showclix.com/event/wbez-s-podcastpassport-presents-on-being-with-krista-tippett/listing. 875 Lake St, Oak Park.

The Climate Crisis and What You Can Do To Help Combat It Thursday, Nov. 21, 7 to 9 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library: Pamela Tate, a Climate Action Leader, trained and certified by Al Gore and his Climate Reality Project, will talk about the climate crisis and what individuals can do while there’s still a chance to rescue the planet. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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ART BEAT

Change your address,

not your neighborhood

with senior living at Brookdale Oak Park. For senior living in the neighborhood you know so well, look no further than Brookdale Oak Park. Our Independent Living and Assisted Living community offers an active, enriching lifestyle without having to leave familiar surroundings and friendships. Photo by Ilanie Hibel

OPRF students perform in ‘As You Like It’ at the high school’s Little Theater.

‘As You Like It,’ Woodstock style By DOUG DEUCHLER

Theater Critic

t’s a thrill to witness high school students performing the works of William Shakespeare. There is currently a fun production of the crowd-pleaser As You Like It playing at the Little Theater of Oak Park and River Forest High School that is entertaining and energetic. The show is full of standout performances. The large cast provides a lighthearted, very likable romantic comedy evening. I know there are purists who dislike Shakespeare plays done in any period other than the Elizabethan of its origin. But director Linda Burns has chosen to move her wellstaged production from the Renaissance to the era of 50 years ago — 1969 is the exact setting, a time when free spirits and rebellion were a significant aspect of the youth culture. “I wanted to find a way to help high school students connect to the story and thought that setting [the play] in a more recent period would help them do that,” Burns told me. “I also saw the connection of characters escaping to nature and the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s. Once I made that connection and realized this year is the 50th anniversary of the rock festival Woodstock, all the characters fell into place.” Patt Cheney, who designed the make-up and hair styles, and Jeffrey Kelly, who created the costumes, provide a delightful look back at the hippie era, a time of swirling colors, vests and smocks, love beads, bell-bottoms, “Jesus sandals” and mini-skirts. Duke Frederick (Archer Ackerman) has banished his brother Duke Senior (Terria O’Neal) because he wants to take over. Duke Senior and his gang of friends and followers find safe haven in the Forest of Arden. It’s a sort of magical place full of love, joy and music. In the meantime, greedy Duke Frederick allows his niece Rosalind (Kira Imowitz) to live in the palace because she is close with Duke Frederick’s daughter Celia (Marissa Kuriakos). When Duke Frederick turns sour on Rosalind and evicts her, in defiance loyal

Celia, her cousin, leaves as well. Both women escape to the Forest of Arden. For protection, Rosalind dresses as a man she calls Ganymede. Celia stays dressed as a young woman. Celia and Rosalind are accompanied during their escapades by a lively, quick-witted court fool named Touchstone, played to perfection by Sam Theis. Touchstone eventually marries a dancing country girl named Audrey (Elisa Perrone). Rosalind and Celia see Orlando (Declan Collins) fight a guy named Charles (Joe Frantzen) in a contest. Rosalind falls in love with Orlando, who has a mean older brother, Oliver (Leo Gonzalez). Orlando is forced to flee after being persecuted by his sibling. Rosalind and Orlando are fated to meet, fall in love at first sight, be separated, and then joined again. They find themselves pursuing love in a world that seems to have gone a insane. Some immortal Shakespearean poetry occurs in this play. As Jaques, Margaret Kennedy delivers the famous “All the world’s a stage / And all the men and women merely players” speech. Imowitz’s lovely and determined Rosalind is the show’s heart and focal point. Music plays a big part and there are several interludes with a group of hippies in the Forest of Arden who present hootenanny style songfests accompanied by a guitar, ukulele, and tambourine. Christopher Scholtens is the technical director, Eva Oney is the stage manager, and Jack Smith is the master carpenter. As You Like It is over 400 years old. Yet its web of love and deception, its musical interludes, and its lively cast keep the pace of the show moving right along while providing the audience with lots of laughs. There are two additional performances of As You Like It this weekend in the Little Theater, on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22 and 23, 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. OPRF is located at 201 N. Scoville, Oak Park. Tickets: oprfhs.ticketleap.com/asyou-like-it, or at the door.

► To schedule your personal visit, call (708) 316-1545 today.

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Lead Bus Driver Wanted Forest Park School District 91 Forest Park Elementary School District 91 seeks a highly qualified, personable, organized, responsible individual for the position of Lead Bus Driver. Responsibilities Include: • Transporting students safely on designated route • Hiring and supervisory responsibility for all district bus drivers and assistants • Logistical planning and coordination of all transportation commitments within the district • Regular communication with parents and internal and out of district personnel • Recordkeeping and maintenance duties • Other duties as assigned Requirements: • Current CDL, school bus endorsement and passenger endorsement Annual salary and benefits

Apply at www.fpsd91.org/

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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Tax bills? They’re going up

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4 Keys to Winterizing Your Yard Winter has arrived earlier than usual this year, so our counsel on how to prepare your yard for the season has suddenly taken on a certain urgency. At the same time, as you will see below, it’s important Scott to keep in mind McAdam Jr. the flourishing springtime that is only two seasons away: 1. After our first snowfall melts, remove excess leaves from your lawn areas. This can help reduce turf disease pressure on the plants, due to excessive moisture being trapped under the leaves. 2. Cut back your perennials and place a layer of mulch or leaf debris in the beds. Doing so will protect your plants from the freeze / thaw cycles that can occur during the winter. If you already have mulch, you may not need any more. 3. Plant your spring bulbs now for that beautiful burst of spring color come April and May. Among the varieties that are most popular: tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths. 4. Plan your garden for next year. This is the time to evaluate what plants performed well in your garden this year and to think about changes you may want to make next year.

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or 23 years, taxing bodies in Oak Park have been starved for revenue, scrimping and saving, using stubby pencils in decrepit buildings, paying paltry wages. All because of those darned Tax Increment Finance districts downtown and along Madison Street. Now those TIFs are expiring, the clouds are lifting and in hiking their property tax revenues by millions to capture those TIF dollars, the schools, the library, the parks, the township are finally getting what is rightfully theirs. All is right with the world again. What’s that you say? During the onerous TIF years the library built a grand new building and fully renovated a branch after voters approved a major construction referendum, the high school basically absconded with $100 million in “phase-ins” which they piled up in the vault, District 97 wound up with a brand new HQ on Madison paid for with $7 million from the TIF, voters coughed up money via referenda for both school districts, everybody got raises and raises, and along the way the taxing bodies actually got a good share of the money intended for the TIF via early distributions. Now the TIFs are ending and all the taxing bodies in town — with the exception of village government — have either decided to or are about to balloon their tax levies to gather in every TIF nickel next year and for every year to follow. They are setting a new baseline for future taxation that explodes any simplistic notion of state-mandated tax caps. Economic development, the whole point of TIFs, is intended to make the tax pie bigger so individual taxpayers — homeowners, apartment renters, commercial property owners — can maybe get some relief from the Oak Park’s stupefying tax burden. The TIFs, despite their warts, worked. New development was created. But the tax mitigation doesn’t work if the taxing bodies just suck up all the dollars. “If I sound bitter, maybe I am,” said Cara Pavlicek, Oak Park’s village manager, of the reality that every other taxing body is in guzzle mode.

David Pope, a two-term village president and until a year back chair of the Taxing Bodies Efficiency Task Force, said, “The consequences are significant, profoundly significant for a lot of people who were just barely getting by.” The PR and finance folks at the various taxing bodies are uniformly spinning this as “We’re just taking our usual, modest, fiscally disciplined tax-capped increases of 1.9 to 3 percent. Same as always. And over here on the side, well, we really have no choice but to also permanently take all the available dollars due to the TIF expirations.” Balderdash. Oak Park taxpayers are about to get jobbed. At least the park district has elucidated a plan on how it intends to spend its windfall. Might be a good plan or a bad plan, but they at least sought some cover. The parks are freezing program fees for two years, doling out sliding-scale discounts for those less well off, and funding the new minimum-wage hikes for its legion of summer kid staffers. At least the vote at the township to approve this money grab was 3-2. Meanwhile over at the library, the explanations on how it will mainline $693,144 in new TIF funds into its veins are exceedingly vague. They have some modest capital improvement/software/ security projects they will advance, and, lo and behold, they’ve discovered that, by comparison to some other libraries, some low- and mid-level staffers seem to be underpaid. Well, not for long. Raises, they are a-coming. District 200 allows that this new manna from heaven will allow the district to avoid a tax hike referendum for a good long time. The whole point of tax caps is to allow voters to decide if they want to hand over more of their money! The OPRF board will continue its debate on this topic Thursday evening. As Pope points out, “There certainly are not going to be any referendums run before 2030. No one would be stupid enough to run one.” The man’s an optimist.

DAN HALEY

Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PHONE 708-524-8300 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com | www.RiverForest.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES CALENDAR CIRCULATION Jill Wagner, 708-613-3340 Mary Ellen Nelligan, 708-613-3342 Michelle Dybal circulation@oakpark.com maryellen@oakpark.com calendar@wjinc.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING NEWS/FEATURES SPORTS/PARKS Dawn Ferencak, 708-613-3329 Dan Haley, 708-613-3301 James Kay, 708-613-3319 dawn@oakpark.com dhaley@wjinc.com james@oakpark.com Wednesday Journal is published weekly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, Illinois (USPS No. 0010-138). In-county subscription rate is $35 per year, $60 for two years, $87 for three years. Annual out-of-county rate is $43. © 2019 Wednesday Journal, Inc.

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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Single mother wins $50 million in medical malpractice case By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

A Cook County jury awarded $101 million to 29-year-old single mother Tequila Snow Nov. 5 in a medical malpractice lawsuit against West Suburban Medical Center. However, Snow will receive just under half that, because the involved parties had reached an agreement to cap the amount prior to the verdict. The Associated Press reports Snow will receive $50 million. Snow’s son Gerald Sallis Jr. was born in 2014 with profound brain damage after a lawyer for the family said the hospital staff at West Suburban Medical Center did not perform an immediate cesarean section on Snow, despite test results indicating that the unborn child was not moving. Keith Hebeisen of Clifford Law was one of four attorneys representing Snow. “After five very long years, I

am relieved that the lawsuit on behalf of my son is finally over,” Snow said in a statement. Gerald Sallis cannot walk, speak or feed himself and requires round the clock care, which his mother can now provide. Tenet Healthcare, which owned West Suburban at the time Gerald was born, said in a statement, “While we believe the care provided under the circumstances was appropriate, all parties agreed to a settlement prior to the verdict that will support this patient and her family.” West Suburban Hospital is now owned by Pipeline Health. According to Hebeisen, Gerald was living temporarily at Misericordia, a care community for people with developmental disabilities, where he has been receiving excellent care. “It’s a great place, but it’s no substitute for mom,” said Hebeisen.

Oak Park may ban singleuse plastics in restaurants

Snow, a former certified nursing assistant, couldn’t provide constant care for her son and still be able to support the family financially. “It broke her heart to have to put him there, but it’s such a great place, so she can live with it as a temporary thing,” Hebeisen said. With the money awarded to her, Snow can now fully provide the care her son needs. “She was very overwhelmed when the verdict came back,” Hebeisen said. “She is going to be able to fulfill her wish of having Gerald back home. She fought very hard to be able to bring Gerald home.” Gerald, a sweet and goodnatured boy, is Snow’s first and only child. “He’s the happiest when his mom is around,” said Hebeisen. “He lights up like crazy when his mom is around.”

The board will discuss the potential ban in a special meeting Oak Park restaurants may soon have to find an alternative to Styrofoam carryout containers. In a Nov. 18 meeting, the board received a recommendation from the Energy and Environment Commission to adopt an ordinance prohibiting single-use plastics, including polystyrene foam, from all eating establishments. The board will further review and discuss the potential ban in an as-yet-unscheduled special meeting. Trustee Simone Boutet called for restaurant outreach. “I’d like to see outreach to the restaurant community at the special meeting,” she said.

Trustee Arti PeddakotlaWalker added that the commission could assist in communicating the news to restaurants. “I think the Energy and Environment Commission can help facilitate that because I know they do a lot of outreach, so I agree with Simone, but I think that can be done through the commission,” she said. According to Village Clerk Vicki Scaman, the special meeting will most likely take place in January.

Stacey Sheridan

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Most Oak Park taxing bodies Oak Park school districts plan to capture TIF funds poised to vote on tax levies By STACEY SHERIDAN and MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporters

With the impending expiration of the Madison Street and downtown Oak Park Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, almost all Oak Park taxing entities are planning for additional property tax revenue that has until now been diverted for economic development efforts. However, the Village of Oak Park, citing fiscal discipline, does not plan to capture funds from the TIFs, opting to keep the village tax levy increase to 3 percent. “We kind of laid that math out for the village board, but the entire budget that, as the manager, I’m recommending is at the 3 percent and does not capture the $114 million in new EAV [equalized assessed value] from the TIFs coming into the big picture,” said Cara Pavlicek, Oak Park village manager. According to the recommended 2020 village budget, if the village government did choose to capture the $114 million in new EAV, the funds would “generate an additional $2.4 million, or an additional $1.4 million over the requested capped 3 percent property tax levy which equates to a 7 percent levy increase,” said Pavlicek. Fiscal discipline is the motivation for the village government to not capture the increase, she said. “I think they’ve been pretty clear that the purpose of economic development in growing the EAV was then that we, shall we say, keep the amount of money we’re collecting the same, so the pie should stay the same and the slice of everyone’s pie – in other words, each homeowner’s tax bill – is a little smaller,” said Pavlicek. Village government appears to be the only taxing body that is prescribing to that fiscal recipe. Five other major taxing bodies all intend to capture a slice of the TIF fund pie. “I’m sure we’re the only entity following the recipe and I’d bet money that we have more people yelling at us about our fiscal discipline than anyone else,” the village manager said. “And I don’t mean to sound a little bit bitter about it, but it is, it’s interesting.” The Park District of Oak Park intends to capture approximately $315,000 from the TIFs. Parks staff also recommended raising its levy by 1.9 percent in addition to the TIF influx. “We would also capture the funds from the expired TIF. The increased amount will equate to about $4 per $100,000 home value,” said Diane Stanke, marketing and customer service director for the park district. “The 1.9 is actually lower than the two previous years, which we actually increased by 2.1 percent” The park district already collects $400,000

annually in TIF rebates, bringing their TIF total to $715,000, according to Stanke. “Of course we are good stewards of our tax dollars here and we always want to use our tax dollars as best we can to benefit our community, so we’ve come up with three different ways in which we’re going to spend that $315,000 to benefit our community,” said Stanke. If the budget is adopted, funds will be used to offset the gradual rise in the minimum wage to $15 per hour, which Stanke said will cost the parks department about $160,000 annually. The parks are also freezing program fees for the next two years, offering some monetary relief for participants. The TIF funds will compensate for the revenue lost from not raising fees. Thirdly, the TIF funds will help subsidize the Clubhouse, its costly childcare program. “We’re coming out with what we call a childcare discount program, where anyone with a household income of $100,000 or less will be eligible for this program. Depending on their income, they will get a break in the fee for our childcare program,” said Stanke. These are only staff recommendations. The parks budget for 2020 has not yet been adopted, so none of this has taken effect. The Oak Park Public Library plans to capture $690,000 in TIF revenue, according to Matt Fruth, library board president. The library intends to use the money to make computer system upgrades and to increase salaries of lower paid workers. Unlike the parks department, the library does not have any income from fee-based programming. “One of the considerations that we have that is different than the village and the parks and the schools is that, I think, in terms of funding sources, we have, I think by and large, the largest reliance on property tax revenue as a portion of our revenues compared to everyone else,” Fruth said. Both District 97 and District 200 also plan on capturing revenue from the expired TIF districts. Rob Grossi, D97’s financial consultant, said that the district’s 2019 tax levy will capture all of the available taxes from the expiring TIFs. The district stands to receive about $4.1 million from the expiration of the downtown TIF and $1.2 million from the expiration of the Madison TIF. The district will get an additional $5.7 million from new taxable property. District 200 will capture around $800,000 of additional revenue as a result of the expiration of both TIFs, said Cyndi Sidor, the district’s chief business officer. The OPRF school board will discuss this issue Thursday evening.

D97 to capture expiring TIFs while in D200, it’s up for debate By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

The Oak Park District 97 and OPRF District 200 school boards will both adopt their final 2019 tax levies in December. District 200 administrators recommended a tentative tax levy of $73.2 million, which is a nearly 8-percent increase over the 2018 tax extension of around $68 million. In a Nov. 12 memo, Cyndi Sidor, the district’s chief school business official, stressed that “the impact to residents’ property tax bills will be limited to a 1.9 percent increase,” which is the rate of the Consumer Price Index, which is used in Illinois to cap tax increases. During their meeting on Nov. 12, District 200 school board members asked Sidor to explore a range of options for further reducing the impact to taxpayers. Those options include one (or perhaps a combination of) of three scenarios, such as abating a portion of around $800,000 in extra

tax revenue that’s due the district from the expiration of the Madison Street and Downtown tax increment financing (TIF) districts, abating some of the $3.8 million in state funds from a Property Tax Relief Grant the district was awarded in February and freezing the levy at the rate of CPI growth. The D200 board is expected to take a vote on the levy adoption at their meeting on Dec. 19. The D97 school board unanimously approved a tentative total tax levy that represents a 9.7-percent increase. The total tentative levy is around $80 million, according to Rob Grossi, the district’s financial consultant. The tax levy increase, however, is only 1.9 percent for taxpayers who live outside of Oak Park’s two expiring TIF districts. Grossi said the district’s 2019 tax levy will capture all of the available taxes from the expiring TIFs. The district will get about $4.1 million from the expiration of the downtown TIF and $1.2 million from the expiration of the Madison TIF. The district will get an additional $5.7 million from new taxable property. The D97 board is expected to take a vote on the final 2019 tax levy at a regular meeting on Dec. 10.

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Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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Madison Street senior housing project gets hearing Project will go before plan commission on Dec. 5

SUPER SENIOR: Rendering of proposed 7-story senior living community on Madison Street.

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

A planned hearing on a proposed 174-unit senior housing development on Madison Street has been delayed until December after the developer failed to fully comply with a legal requirement that it notify all neighbors within 300-feet of the Plan Commission meeting. Originally set for Nov. 21, the plan commission will now hear the American House proposal for a seven-story senior living community on Dec. 5. “Their list of residents to notice was incomplete,” said Craig Failor, Oak Park’s village planner. “The village requires every applicant to do three things with notification. One is put a notice in the newspaper 15 to 30 days before the public hearing.” The second thing applicants must do is put signage on the property indicating the date of the hearing and the purpose of it, as well as who to contact. “And then they’re supposed to send letters out to residents within 300 feet of the proposed development site,” said Failor. “The list that they used to send the letters was incomplete. It didn’t have all the residents listed in that document that they were supposed to, so now they have to resend it out.” There are no penalties on American House for not fulfilling the third step in its entirety, according to Failor. The only consequence is having to push the meeting to next month. “Everything’s going to be the same as far as presentation and their proposal,” said Failor. The proposed senior living community would be built at 711 Madison St., formerly a car dealership. The 256,725 square foot building would have 76 independent living units, 65 assisted living units and 33 memory care units for a total

Rendering provided

of 174 units or 222 beds. To build that large of a building, American House plans to request the vacating of a portion of South Euclid Avenue from Madison Street to the east-west alley behind the building to put in a cul-de-sac. “As part of the redevelopment agreement, they’ve indicated that they wanted to expand the building across Euclid and use Euclid as part of their development site,” said Failor. “They have to put in the cul-de-sac because they’re basically building over the street and it’s a dead-end street at that point,” he said. American House is planning to buy 725 Madison St., the

location of Spike’s Boutique Hotel for Dogs. Failor didn’t know the status of the sale of Spike’s. “They are going to use that property as an open green space and relocate the utilities that are existing in Euclid, like water and sewer, ComEd and [Nicor], and shift that over to this green, open space,” said Failor. The utilities would go underground. American House plans to make the green space accessible to the public. According to Failor, the village hasn’t received many comments regarding the development. American Housing has had “several meetings with the neighbors,” said Failor, and just recently went over the proposal with them.

Park district postpones Priory path project Village asks commissioners to explore permeable surface option By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

One month after the River Forest Park District Board of Commissioners approved repaving a portion of the Williams Street path, which runs through Priory Park, commissioners have agreed to take a few months to consider other options. The park board has been discussing ways to improve the path for the past few months. In October, commissioners agreed to focus on saving money for a new indoor facility. And, since they wanted to do something to address the deteriorating pavement, they agreed to go with the cheapest alternative possible – asphalt.

During the Nov. 11 park board meeting, River Forest Village Administrator Eric Palm urged the park district to use permeable pavers instead. While he acknowledged that it would be more expensive, he felt that, given the village’s ongoing efforts to reduce flooding, he would be remiss not to suggest it. After prolonged discussion, the board agreed to take a few months to see whether they could get some funding for the pavers. Among other things, the park district will consider using the roughly $25,000 donation it received from the recently disbanded River Forest Women’s Club, which came with no strings attached. Park district Executive Director Mike Sletten explained in October that staff had looked at three options: the permeable pavers, which would cost $29.65 per square foot; stamped concrete, which would cost $22 per square foot; and asphalt, which would cost $7.41 per square foot.

The plan specifically called for repaving the portion of the path that starts at Williams Street and continues east, stopping right before it bends south. Sletten said the current entrance was a two-prong fork-like layout, and the park district would remove the left prong, reducing the among of impermeable surface. The park district also planned to add a bioswale near the entrance to further reduce flooding. Palm said that, in the long run, the park district would save money, since the pavers have longer useful life, and it would benefit River Forest as a whole. “Again, this adds cost to project, but we weigh it against the benefit of getting storm water out of the system,” Palm said. Park board President Ross Roloff asked Palm if the village might be able to contribute some money toward the project, adding that if the park district replaced paths at every park with permeable pavers, “we’d go broke.”

Palm said he wouldn’t know the answer until he discussed that with the village trustees. His feeling, he said, was that, given how much money the village spent on storm water mitigation, there may not be appetite to fund more. “The village would probably come back [and say], we spent the money, we’ve certainly done that, and we’re looking for our partners to do the same,” Palm said. He did suggest that the park district look to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, noting that, in village’s experience, they were very willing to provide grants for storm water mitigation Palm said he wasn’t necessarily pushing for brick pavers. There are other permeable surface options out there, and more alternatives get developed every year, he said. After some discussion, the commissioners agreed to postpone the project until next spring and see what options are out there.

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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New Holocaust course at OPRF offers lessons in empathy Inspired by wave of white nationalism, anti-Semitism last year By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

A new history course will debut at Oak Park and River Forest High School in the fall of 2020 and it’s not your typical elective. Holocaust Studies, “unlike other survey classes that might teach just a unit on Nazis or the Nuremberg trials … will offer a deep, interdisciplinary study of the Holocaust that centers on personal stories,” wrote Karin Sullivan, District 200’s communications director, in a statement. Each day of the semester-long course, she said, will begin with students watching a two-minute video clip of a Holocaust survivor talking about their personal experience. They’ll be given an ID card bearing the name and birthdate of someone from the Holocaust, and the last five minutes of each class “will be spent updating one person’s story … as a way of stressing that the Holocaust did not just happen to six million persons, but happened to one person six mil-

“And then you have upstanders — people who stand up for the [threatened] group and take personal risks.”

lion times.” With that gradual forgetMichael Soffer, a history teacher ting, certain truths about the at OPRF who developed and will Holocaust that may never teach Holocaust Studies, said he have been entirely clear, have created the course after a “conflubecome even more obscure. ence of a bunch of things,” namely “There’s this false assumpthe recent rise of white nationalism tion that America doesn’t and anti-Semitism in America that get involved in World War II, has fueled hate crimes both near because we didn’t know what and far — from the mass shooting at was happening, but it was the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsthere,” Soffer said. “Just open burgh last fall to a slew of incidents the Chicago Tribune.” at OPRF last year, such as when Soffer said that as the Nazis MICHAEL SOFFER students airdropped the image of a rose to power and took steps History teacher at OPRF Swastika during a school assembly toward genocide in the 1930s and scrawled the n-word on a shed and ’40s, anti-Semitism and on the high school’s campus. nationalism in the United For Soffer, who is Jewish, the course is States rose apace. For instance, polling more than academic. His wife’s grandmoth- data taken at the time shows a significant er survived the Auschwitz concentration increase in the number of Americans who camp. Soffer’s grandfather, “a well-respected held conspiratorial perceptions of Jews young scholar in his town,” was smuggled (“bankers taking all our money away,” or into what is now the state of Israel before “physically weak pacifists,” or “they’re the start of World War II. tricking the country into going into every “Another thing that was percolating for war,” Soffer said). me was the reality that so many Holocaust Soffer explained that another false assurvivors I grew up hearing and knowing sumption his course will address is the idea are no longer with us,” Soffer said in a re- that the Holocaust was a unique experience cent phone interview. “The Holocaust is in Jewish history. receding from memory in the annals of his“In fact, it’s not,” he said. “In a lot of ways, tory.” it’s similar to what had been happening in

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Europe up through that point. The Jews had been expelled by that time from England, France, Spain, Portugal and most of the German states.” Soffer said he wants his course to also be a lesson on what he calls “upstanding.” “You have villains, bystanders (which many people in Germany and America were), you have collaborators who decide for whatever reason that they agree with the bad thing happening, and then you have upstanders — people who stand up for the [threatened] group and take personal risks,” Soffer explained. “So there are people who put on Yellow Stars themselves, who advocated in America for open immigration, who wrote, researched, etc. “I hope kids come out of the class saying, ‘I understand the reasons why people bystand and collaborate, and I’m more armed with the mechanisms to be an upstander myself — whether on racism or homophobia [or other social ills].’ How do we love the stranger? Democracy and anti-Semitism are really important things that I want our kids to be mindful of, especially as a father of Jewish children. It’s really important to me for them to be safer than my grandparents were.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

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Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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Oak Park artist gets first showing at Studio 8

By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter

Studio 8 in Forest Park had two firsts on Friday, Nov. 15. It was the first official art gallery show held at the eclectic vintage shop, and it was the first exhibit ever of Oak Park artist Irving Newman’s works, which had been in storage since he created them in the 1960s. Melody Kratz and Brian Shamhart, owners of Studio 8 at 7316 Madison St., said they discovered Newman’s art in the spring when they went to his home to look into buying some items for their store. They noticed some “amazing geometric art” on the walls and asked about it. Newman’s wife, Erusha, told them they were her husband’s works. Katz and Shamhart said they were surprised when she and Newman showed them two closets in the home filled with his artwork. Katz describes Newman’s work as “geometric modern art done in the style of Josef Albers,” who was most famous for his “Homage to the Square” series, which he worked on for over 20 years, starting in the late 1940s. Albers’ works from this period focused on how simply changing color and spatial relationships using the same shape — the square — could create significant artistic and optical differences. “Abstraction is real,” Albers is quoted as saying. “Prob-

ably more real than nature.” It is easy to see Albers’ influence in Newman’s works, which focus on squares and rectangles, strict geometric patterns, offset by different colors. Newman said his work also explores themes, especially the art books that are on display at Studio 8, and he finds connections between music and art. “[The books] are variations on a theme,” said Newman. “The concept is similar to variations on a theme that you find in classical music. I am interested in musical variation. In art, I focused on shape and color variation.” His favorite composers are Beethoven and Brahms. It was the first time Newman had seen his work presented in a gallery space, and the first time he’d looked at a majority of his paintings all at once. “It’s special,” said Newman. “This can’t be duplicated.” Born in 1934, he grew up in the Bronx, New York City. In the military, he served in Korea, 1954 to 1955. Upon return, he graduated from Brooklyn Community College and developed an interest in architecture and fine arts. In the late 1950s, Newman attended the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and here he became inspired to create his own art. In the 1960s, he presented at art shows on the East

VARIATIONS ON A THEME: Artist Irving Newman peruses his paintings during an exhibition of his work at Studio 8 in Forest Park. ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

coast, including exhibits at A.M. Sachs Gallery and other galleries in New York City, Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. and Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo. He went on a worldwide tour in the 1970s, during which he studied architecture in different countries. He met his future wife in London in 1976, and in 1984 they were married and settled in Oak Park, where they have lived ever since. Newman’s career in architecture through-

out the Chicago area included work on the O’Hare International Terminal in the early 1990s. Kratz was excited to have Newman’s work in the first gallery show at Studio 8. “We acquired more than 50 paintings and art books he created,” she said. “They are absolutely stunning. “To find such a prominent collection of modern art is extremely rare. We are so excited to finally show off this collection by one of our local residents.”

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

C R I M E

Witness stops carjacking attempt A man carrying a small black gun attempted to carjack an Oak Park woman in the 200 block of Lake Street at 6:58 p.m. Nov. 11. The man showed the firearm and demanded the woman’s car keys. Police said a witness saw the attempted carjacking taking place and “intervened verbally.” The alleged perpetrator fled. Police described him as roughly 20 years old, African American, of thin build and around 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with brown eyes and short black dreadlocks; he wore a black jacket, gray hooded sweatshirt and white shoes.

Armed robbery/aggravated kidnapping arrest ■ Police arrested Chicago resident Cordero Williams, 30 years old, for armed robbery and aggravated kidnapping in the 300 block of Lake Street Nov. 16 at 10:45 a.m. The armed robbery and aggravated kidnapping occurred the same day. Williams was transported to the Oak Park Police Department

for processing. He is currently in custody, being held without bond.

Theft ■ Chicago

police recovered a stolen gray 2006 Nissan Altima in the 300 block of North Lorel, Chicago on Nov. 12 at 9:42 a.m., but made no apprehensions. The car was taken in an aggravated carjacking on Nov. 8 in the 300 block of South Humphrey Avenue. ■ A Maywood resident’s Samsung Galaxy 9 smart phone was taken in the 300 block of Madison Street Nov. 12 at 6:53 p.m. by two men. Total loss is $500. ■ Packages were stolen from four residences in the 900 to 1000 blocks of North Humphrey Avenue and one residence in the 400 block of South Taylor Avenue Nov. 11 between 2 p.m. and 4:30. ■ The contents of the stolen packages include party supplies, soap, a copper pearl car seat cover, pregnancy pillow, children’s clothing, a pair of women’s black Ugg snow

D200 approves 3-year contract for supt. Board voted unanimously on Pruitt Adams’ extension in October

was hired permanently in December of that year. Since then, she has presided over major policy and capital initiatives at OPRF. In 2017, after a failed referendum and tense public debate over the high school’s aging, 90-year-old swimming pools, PruittAdams — touting her experience leading a By MICHAEL ROMAIN similar initiative while superintendent of Staff Reporter the of University City, Missouri school district — recommended Earlier this month, the the formation of a working District 200 Board of Education group to preside over a facilities unanimously approved a threemaster plan. year, $242,201 contract for Supt. That prompting turned into the Joylynn Pruitt-Adams. The board 40-member Imagine OPRF, which voted on the contract at a regular produced a long-term facilities meeting on Oct. 24. District officials plan that district officials are released the full employment acting on and that has the high agreement to Wednesday Journal school poised to break ground last week. The new contract runs on among the most significant through June 30, 2022. JOYLYNN renovations in its history. In 2018, the D200 board voted PRUITT-ADAMS The superintendent has also unanimously to give PruittOPRF Superintendent presided over a series of major Adams five more vacation days equity initiatives during her and a 2.75 percent annual pay raise, which boosted her salary to $235,834. tenure, most notably the overhauling in The new contract reflects that 2018 salary May 2018 of OPRF’s gender equity policy to strengthen protections for the high school’s increase and is retroactive to July 1, 2019. She was hired on an interim basis in transgender students and the ongoing June 2016 to temporarily replace former implementation of the racial equity policy that Supt. Steven Isoye, who left the district for the D200 board approved unanimously in April. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com another superintendent’s job. Pruitt-Adams

boots and bathroom towels.

Criminal damage to property ■ Someone scratched a name and a star into a statue at Mills Park in the 200 block of Home Avenue between 8 a.m. Nov. 7 and 10 a.m. Nov. 9. ■ In the 800 block of Pleasant Street, a man driving a Silver Ford Explorer pulled alongside another person’s Kia Optima, got out of his Explorer and started yelling at the other person on 7;20 a.m. Nov. 18. The man then broke the victim’s license plate bracket and manually bent the victim’s license plate before fleeing the scene, traveling eastbound on Pleasant Street.

Burglary ■ Someone broke the glass door of a business and stole an ATM machine and cash register containing $300 in the first block of North Harlem Avenue at 2:41 a.m. Nov. 12. ■ A person opened the unlocked rear pas-

senger door of a Jeep Wrangler belonging to an Oak Park resident and ransacked the interior in the 100 block of Forest Avenue between 7 p.m. Nov. 13 and 6 a.m. Nov. 14. No loss was reported. ■ A person shattered the glass rear door of Park Avenue Coin Laundromat and damaged the Alaska ATM machine, while trying to steal it, in the 900 block of South Oak Park Avenue between 9:55 p.m. Nov. 17 and 6:10 a.m. Nov. 18. Estimated damage is $4,000. These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports Nov. 12-18 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

Seven OPRF students earn perfect ACT scores Perfect scores on the rise nationwide

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Sevent students at Oak Park and River Forest High School got a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT — something that only two-tenths of 1 percent of the 1.8 million graduating seniors who take the test each year are able to do, District 200 officials explained in a statement. The students include Veronica Brooks, Garrett Credi, Evelyn Drews, Aaron Freeman, Marissa Kuriakos, Alex Yuan and one student who preferred to remain anonymous. Interestingly, the rarity of a perfect ACT score is gradually diminishing, according to Katie Rose-De Laet, of applerouth, an online test prep and tutoring resource. “It’s true that more students are taking the test than in the past,” Rose-De Laet wrote. “In 2007, 1.4 million took the ACT; by 2017, that number was 2 million, an

increase of almost 43%. That being said, the growth of perfect scores seems to be outpacing the growth of the test. A decade ago, perfect scores made up 0.038% of tests annually, which means one student out of 2,600 could expect a perfect score. These days, it’s more like 0.2%, or one in five hundred. That’s an increase of 500%.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com 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: 708/5240447 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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HOTEL

Holiday Inn approved from page 1 The second floor, which connects by bridge to the village-owned Holley Court parking garage, will act as the primary hotel entrance, with check-in and meeting rooms available for guest use. There will also be eight guest rooms, four of which will have a king-size bed. The other four will be queen suites. Each queen suite consists of two queen-size beds. Floors three through five have the same layout with eight kings, one king suite, five queen suites and one accessible queen suite for a total of 15 rooms per floor. Floors six through eight, the planned new floors, will also have 15 rooms on each floor, with two queen suites, one accessible queen suite and 12 king suites. The top three floors share the same layout. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites signage will hang outside the new floors, with assurances that it will not overwhelm the building. The façade of the original five floors will stay essentially the same but with refurbished limestone facing. The hotel will have central air instead of window units. Perhaps the biggest concern from community members regarded deliveries made to the hotel. Trucks would deposit deliveries on Prairie Way, an extremely narrow alley behind the building. “One of the ongoing issues that we have in the alley behind our building is we can’t even get out of our building because there are delivery trucks there,” said Dave Lehman, who lives in the neighboring condominium complex. “The issue is very simple. That’s why we chose a limited service hotel,” said architect Barkat Virani. “There is no food, there is no bar. That’s when the deliveries generally go up one hell of a lot.” Virani said the hotel, once in operation, would likely only receive deliveries once a month. He also said, even though Holiday Inn Express and Suites locations do provide continental breakfasts to guests, the deliveries would primarily consist of guest toiletries. “All due respect, I find it hard to believe

VAL’S

Last-minute rescue from page 1 Blakeley credits loyal customer and River Forest resident Trevor Toppen for coming to the record store’s rescue, calling him the store’s “guardian angel.” Toppen’s son helps out at the store. “I have a lot to be thankful for,” said Blakeley. “It’s a Thanksgiving miracle.” According to Blakeley, Toppen couldn’t bear to see Val’s halla end in such an “un-

Rendering provided

INN THE WORKS: Rendering of the proposed new hotel at 1140 Lake St., courtesy of Azim and Salim Hemani. that an 85-plus-room hotel will only require one delivery a month,” said Marcia Lehman, Dave’s wife. “The residents simply, more often than not, cannot get out of our building and that is just a function of the way the alley is built.” FFC gym owner Jeff Long worried that hotel guests would take over the villageowned Holley Court parking garage, leaving gym patrons with nowhere to park. According to Village Planner Craig Failor, Holley Court has a capacity to hold 1,200 cars and is currently operating at 75 percent. Long also expressed disbelief about the hotel’s delivery schedule. “There’s also no way you’re only going to have one delivery a month when you have breakfast every day,” he said. “I have a small café in my club, and we get deliveries at least twice a week.” Other community members expressed concerns that the hotel would add to Lake Street traffic.

ceremonious” fashion because it “means too much to too many people.” The debt-laden record store isn’t completely out of the woods yet. Blakeley said he and Toppen plan to work together to keep costs down and streamline the business. Blakeley said Val’s halla needs the help of the community to ensure that Toppen’s intervention doesn’t become just a temporary reprieve from closure for the store. Its future depends on its fan base. “The onus is on the community,” said Blakeley. “Put your money where your mouth is.” Toppen could not be reached for comment.

The zoning board voted to recommend, agreeing all public concerns related to traffic fell under the village’s authority. At the Nov. 18 village board meeting, traffic, delivery and parking concerns were brought up again. Azim Hemani told the board they’re working with Sysco to ensure a food delivery time of either late at night or very early in the morning. Carleton Hotel owner Mike Fox told the board he believes in the free market and is not against the proposed Holiday Inn but believes it unfair that the Carleton has to pay for guest parking, when the Holiday Inn would not have to. “Things are slow for us. Everybody loves to be at the magic number of 70 percent occupancy. We haven’t been there for years,” said Fox. He expects the Carleton’s occupancy to hit 46 percent occupancy for 2019. The Carleton was required to purchase more parking when the hotel added extra rooms in 1999. The real estate taxes on the Car-

leton’s parking lots have skyrocketed in the years since their purchase. “I looked it up today. I knew it was big; our lots average between $9,800 and $16,000 per lot a year,” said Fox. “I wish we had more rational people like you, Mike, out there,” said Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb. After additional questioning from the board to both Failor and Azim Hemani, the board voted to grant the special-use permit. Trustee Arti Peddakotla-Walker cast the sole dissenting vote. “Like Mike, I believe in the free market,” said Abu-Taleb. “I believe small businesses take a lot of risk to invest in communities and neighborhoods. I believe businesses are the soul of a community, of a neighborhood, and I think we, as a board, and staff need to be as supportive as possible of these assets for our village. And I definitely would welcome you to our village, as long as you commit to being a good neighbor and you’re going to hold onto that asset.”

VAL’S SAVED FROM VALHALLA: Manager Shayne Blakelely called it a “Thanksgiving miracle.”

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Lightford, Harmon eye runs for Senate president By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

Two local state senators are among the leading candidates to succeed the retiring John Cullerton as the president of the Illinois Senate. Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) and Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) spent last weekend on the phone, calling colleagues trying to line up support for their respective bids to become the leader of the state Senate. Cullerton (D-Chicago) set off the scramble when he made the surprise announcement on Nov. 14 that he would retire in January in the middle of his term. Cullerton’s successor as Senate president will be chosen in January after he resigns in a vote by the members of the Senate. Lightford and Harmon both represent different parts of Oak Park and their neighboring districts spread out to other western suburbs. Lightford also represents River Forest and Forest Park. “I know that I have the experience and the capabilities to lead my colleagues and my caucus,” Lightford said Monday in a telephone interview. On Nov. 16, Harmon announced his intention to seek the post of Senate president at a special meeting of the Democratic Party of Oak Park (DPOP), which Harmon leads.

In a telephone interview on Monday, Harmon slightly hedged his intentions. “I ran for the office 11 years ago when John Cullerton was first elected, and I expect that I will be a candidate again this time,” Harmon said. “I’m just still working my way through talking to a handful of colleagues I haven’t connected with.” But on Saturday morning, DPOP volunteers were urged to go to the far South Side of Chicago to gather signatures for the nominating petitions for state Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) to put her on the ballot for the March primary and volunteers, guided by Harmon, have been sent to help out many Democrats across the state over the years. Harmon said. “That’s what a good Senate president would do, help 40 Democrats get reelected,” Harmon said. “And as we go into redistricting and the 2022 election when all the senators will be on the ballot, that’s a critical skill.” The new senate president will be voted on by the 59 members of the state Senate, 40 of whom are Democrats, so the race is essentially will be determined by the Democratic senators. “It is the most unusual election in that we are competing against our colleagues and friends,” Harmon said. “Our colleagues in the Senate will have to assess whose strengths in the race are best suited for the job at this time.” Lightford, who serves as the No. 2 Demo-

crat in the Senate as majority leader, says she would bring needed diversity to leadership of the General Assembly, noting that the four current leaders of the General Assembly and the governor are all white men. “I bring an entirely different perspective,” Lightford said. “I bring the women’s perspective, I bring the mother’s perspective, I bring the African-American perspective. I bring diversity.” Lightford, 51, has served in the Illinois Senate since 1999 and has built a reputation as a leader on education issues. The race for Senate president comes at a time when three Senate Democrats are involved in federal investigations. Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), a distant cousin of John Cullerton, has been charged with embezzlement in a federal indictment claiming that Cullerton was a ghost payroller for the Teamsters Union. Tom Cullerton has pleaded not guilty. Sen. Martin Sandoval’s (D-Chicago) home and offices were raided by federal law enforcements officials in September and he has stepped down from his role as chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. He has not been charged with any crime. And, Sen. Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) reportedly wore a wire and taped then state Rep. Luis Arroyo offering him a bribe to support legislation in the Senate. Arroyo

resigned from the General Assembly after being indicted on bribery charges and Link has denied being an informant. “We’ve got like this big black cloud over our caucus right now and a lot of investigations that I believe we should address,” Lightford said. “I want to go in a new direction.” Harmon, 52, also said that he would address the ethical issues facing the General Assembly should he be chosen Senate President. “I’d like to think I can bring a policy expertise, a commitment to deliberate and steady change and improvement in the environment in Springfield along with the political experience necessary to protect our majority and, thereby, protect our policy victories over the years,” said Harmon who currently serves as an assistant majority leader and has been a powerful, often behind-thescenes player in the Senate, especially influential in developing policy, since being first elected to the Senate in 2002. Harmon was mentored by former Senate President Phil Rock, who died in 2016. Harmon said that if he is selected as Senate president he would model his leadership on Rock’s inclusive style. “Phil Rock was absolutely my mentor and certainly my role model,” Harmon said. “He was an extraordinarily effective senate president and his prevailing virtue was fairness.”

2019 Fall leaf collection set to begin...

The annual fall leaf collection program is scheduled for Oct. 21 – Dec. 13 with eight pickups planned for each section of the Village. Residents should rake leaves into the street at least 18 inches from the curb the day before the scheduled pickup dates indicated on the map. Leaves raked into the street will be pushed into piles by Public Works crews during the night to reduce impact on traffic and parked cars. Leaves will be collected the following day. Residents who miss a scheduled pickup date should keep their leaves on the parkway until the night before the next scheduled pickup. Sweepers will be scheduled to run at the end of the collection program to clean up residue. Cooperation is essential to the success of this operation, so please follow these simple rules:

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

Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 14 Nov. 21 Nov. 29F Dec. 5 Dec. 12

EAST AVE.

THURSDAY

Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11

SOUTH BLVD. TUESDAY

MONDAY

Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26 Dec. 3 Dec. 10

Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 18 Nov. 25 Dec. 2 Dec. 9

EAST AVE.

HARLEM AVE.

• Do not park on or near a pile of leaves, which can hinder leaf removal operations. Heat from a car also could ignite the leaves. • Rake leaves onto side streets whenever possible. Try to avoid major thoroughfares where piles of leaves might create traffic hazards. • Do not rake leaves into or close to cul de sacs or traffic diverters. The equipment needs room to operate.

• Do not rake leaves into or close to bus shelters or bicycle racks. • Keep catch basins clear of raked leaves to avoid flooding. • Inform landscape services of the leaf collection schedule. • Obey all parking restrictions. Regulations will be strictly enforced. • Dampen piles after raking to avoid leaves being blown by the wind. • Drive carefully. Leaves are slippery when wet and large piles may hinder visibility. • Drive cautiously – crews will create safe work zones and close intersections for a few minutes while removing large leaf piles.

WEDNESDAY

ROOSEVELT RD.

2019 FALL LEAF COLLECTION SCHEDULE

AUSTIN BLVD.

• Consider composting or using the leaves as garden mulch as an alternative to raking. • Rake leaves out the day before the scheduled pickup date. • Leaves only -- do not add brush, grass clippings or yard waste.

NORTH AVE.

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

December December 55––88 December December 55––88 December December 55––88

December December December December 55––55 88––88

Shop from more than 600 Shop from more than 600 talented artists and makers talented artists and makers from acrossShop North America from more than 600 across North America from while enjoying a one-of-a-kind talented artists and makers experience. For details, visit Shop from more than 600 while enjoying a one-of-a-kind Shop from more than 600 North America from across oneofakindshowchicago.com. talented artists and makers talented artists andenjoying makers a one-of-a-kind experience. For details, visit while from across North America H E M A RNorth T – America CHICAGO NEW LOOK: Dominican University intends to enclose the terrace on the west side of the fromTacross while enjoying a one-of-a-kind experience. For details, visit Library at the River Forest campus. oneofakindshowchicago.com. Rebecca Crown while enjoying a one-of-a-kind

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Dominican to ICAGO – C HUniversity enclose library’s outdoor terrace

CHICAGO

Small section will remain as open-air patio By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

ROCKAPELLA THE PRESIDENT’S HOLIDAY CONCERT

12.6.19

With their sparkling renditions of holiday classics, this concert will put anyone in the Christmas spirit! Since they first achieved national television fame on PBS’s Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?, Rockapella has toured the globe and provided a funky powerful soundtrack to several generations of vocal music fans, while keeping it all fresh along the way.

FRIDAY, December 6, 2019 | 7:30 p.m. BOX OFFICE (708) 488-5000 • FREE PARKING 7900 West Division Street • River Forest, IL 60305

events.dom.edu

River Forest trustees voted unanimously on Nov. 12 to allow the Dominican University, 7900 Division St., to build a one-story enclosure over the Rebecca Crown Library terrace. Dawn Morse, Dominican University’s associate director of buildings and grounds told Wednesday Journal the idea is to create a place of study and quiet contemplation. It is meant to complement the university’s plans to put all student support services in one place. The enclosure is expected to be built sometime next summer. The library currently has a raised outdoor terrace on the west side of the building, on the library’s main level, right above the mechanical room. It’s roughly arrow-shaped, with walls surrounding it on all but two sides. This means in order to enclose it, the university would simply need to build two walls and add a roof above it. According to the renderings provided to the village, the enclosure would encompass most, but not all of the terrace, leaving 8 to 10 feet as an outdoor patio. The rendering shows that the enclosure will accommodate eight tables big enough to sit at least four people. And, with the roof built right above the first floor, it would be shorter than the

rest of the building. Because the enclosure still fits within the library’s existing footprint, the construction isn’t expected to have any significant impact, and it’s not expected to affect the library’s services. And while the plan calls for a removal of one tree, the executive summary submitted to the village board indicates that it was simply because the tree was in poor health, and the university does plan to replace it with another tree elsewhere on the property. According to the executive summary, the enclosure is part of the broader plan to revamp the library. The university’s Student Success and Engagement Division plans to move writing, tutoring and disability services from Palmer Hall to the first floor of the library. This would put them near the existing academic advising, leadership and career development offices in the Library Link, a structure that connects the library building and Lewis Memorial Hall. The idea is to create a hub where students can easily access all support services. The study space, the executive summary states, would complement that initiative. Under the university’s planned development zoning, in effect since 1999, the change is large enough to require board approval. Neither River Forest management staff nor the trustees had any issues with it. “It’s pretty straightforward,” said Village President Catherine Adduci. “The design looks fabulous.”

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

THE GREATEST ESCAPE BOOK AND COMING-SOON MOVIE

AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING

THE GREATEST ESCAPE Centuries & Sleuths

BOOK AND COMING-SOON MOVIE Saturday, November 23rd Bookstore

AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING 10 a.m. p.m.St, Forest 7419–5 Madison Park,Centuries IL 60130& Sleuths

Bookstore Saturday, November 23rd

Madison 10 7419 a.m. –5 p.m. St, Forest Park, IL 60130

Saturday, November 23rd 10 a.m. –5 p.m.

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore

7419 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

501 Edgewood Pl, River Forest

1202 William St, River Forest

$625,000 | Price Reduced | 3 BR | 1.1 BA

$1,122,000 | Price Reduced | 4 BR | 6 BA

This one-of-a-kind, Mid-Century classic has been completely

Spectacular French Provincial in the heart of central River Forest.

renovated into an open modern masterpiece of design, function

Every bedroom with its own luxurious bath! Walk to the parks

and luxury.

and schools.

1432 Ashland Ave, River Forest

609 Wesley Ave, Oak Park

$1,199,000 | Price Reduced | 5 BR | 3.1 BA

$478,000 | 4 BR | 2.1 BA

Grand Southern Style Colonial in the heart of River Forest. Spec-

Fantastic open concept updated home with loads of living space

tacular pool and private coach house, perfect for an in-law suite.

and custom kitchen by John Preus!

Steve Scheuring Realtor and Local Expert, Oak Park & River Forest steve.scheuring@compass.com 708.369.8043

625 Gunderson Ave, Oak Park $368,000 | 3 BR | 1.1 BA Beautiful traditional 4-Square located in the heart of Oak Park. Pristine oak floors, art glass windows, and modern upgrades.

Steve Scheuring is a real estate agent affiliated with Compass Real Estate. Compass Real Estate is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local equal housing opportunity laws.

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

NEED TO REACH US?

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

Homes

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

IT’S COLD OUTSIDE: Oak Park resident Darius Augustine needed a way to help keep the cold from seeping through the 106-year-old windows of his home, and ended up inventing a snap-on thermal window that can be mounted inside or outside.

Preparing your house for cold and snow By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

he calendar says it’s fall, but winter is already here in the near western suburbs, with Oak Park and River Forest recording inches of snow on Halloween and record-breaking cold temperatures for early November. It might seem like it’s time to throw in the towel and sit by the fireplace until spring, but there are a few tasks and timetables local homeowners might want to get a handle

Early winter hits hard

on to prepare for the season ahead. By now, most homeowners have likely made sure that boilers and furnaces are up and running. Matt Kwilas, operations manager for Oak Park-based House of Heat, says if you haven’t already had your boiler or furnace checked, it’s not too late to make that yearly appointment, especially in light of the Farmer’s Almanac forecast of a particularly cold winter. “We recommend service once a year,” Kwilas said. “It’s good to spot general maintenance issues that need taking care of and change filters.” Kwilas notes that besides keeping your home’s heat running at optimal levels, that service appointment can serve another pur-

pose. “While we’re servicing, we may find that a system is not working safely or needs replacing,” he said. He says this information can be helpful to know before your boiler calls it quits in the middle of a polar vortex.

Move your car and the snow In Oak Park, snow brings parking restrictions. After 2 or more inches of accumulation, the village’s Emergency Snow Removal Parking Plan takes effect. When the plan is in effect, for seven days a week, including holidays, major streets designated as snow routes must be cleared of all parked cars, with violations subject to a $100 fine.

Non-snow route streets allow parking between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. on the even address side on even days and on the odd address side on odd dates (oak-park.us/village-services/parking/snow-emergency-parking). A village ordinance also requires snow and ice to be removed from the public sidewalk within 24 hours of any snow, sleet or freezing rain. In River Forest, parking is not permitted on village streets for eight hours following a snowfall of 2 inches or more, in order to allow snow plowing and salting operations to act quickly and respond to hazardous conditions. See WINTER on page 22

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Generations of Excellence since 1958

708.771.8040 • 7375 W. North Ave., River Forest DonnaAvenue Barnhisel 7375 West North Dan Bogojevich MANAGING Anne Brennan River Forest, Illinois 60305 BROKER/OWNERS Karen Byrne Calkins 708.771.8040 Kevin Tom Carraher Andy Gagliardo Pat Cesario Joe Cibula

Tom Poulos

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

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

Jack Lattner Jane Maxwell Iris McCormick Vince McFadden Elizabeth Moroney Colleen Navigato John Pappas Rosa Pitassi

Sue Ponzio-Pappas Jenny Ruland Laurel Saltzman Laurie Shapiro Tom Sullivan Debbie Watts George Wohlford Nancy Wohlford

Randy Ernst • 773-290-0307

700 ASHLAND • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 12:302

2036 NORDICA • CHICAGO

N EW LI S T I N G!

N EW LI S T I NG!

INVITING SPACIOUS HOME offers mid century/prairie style features with a large open floor plan. Unique feature with dual fireplaces in both kitchen/family room & living room/dining room. Professionally landscaped yard with a built-in in-ground hot tub and inviting fire pit. ........................................................$1,199,000

BEAUTIFUL HOME with great potential and hardwood floors throughout! Features living room with wood burning fireplace, den, & BR on 1st floor. 2nd floor offers master suite, full bath with skylight, 2 bedrooms, full bath and family room. Solar Powered opening skylights. ............................................................ $525,000

BRICK BUNGALOW with a lot of potential! Three plus bedroom home on a large 38 X 199 lot with loads of charm and hardwood throughout. Eat-in kitchen, family room, full finished bsmt, deck, fenced-in extra deep yard, and 2-1/2 car garage. Possible 4th BR and extra storage too! ....................................................... $290,000

CLASSIC OAK PARK HOME on a large corner lot in the Harrison Arts district. This four BR, three BA home boasts four levels of living space. Tall ceilings, hardwood floors, vintage leaded glass windows, updated kitchen with breakfast bar. Finished 3rd floor, newly finished basement. ..................................................$549,000

823 JACKSON • RIVER FOREST

UNIQUE QUALITY BURMA BUILT HOME with 5 bedrooms and 3 full, 2 half baths. House has many wonderful features; 2 separate office areas, hardwood floors, kitchen with all newer appliances, adjoining eating areafamily room. Finished basement. Three car garage ..........................$825,000 NEWLY UPDATED HOME on large lot in a great location of River Forest. Brand new eat-in kitchen. Four spacious BRs, two and half baths of which upstairs have radiant heated floors. Completely painted, refinished floors, newer windows. New staircase leading to the basement. ..............$699,000 BEAUTIFUL BURMA BUILT TUDOR sits on a lovely lot with side drive leading to attached 3 car garage and large yard. This 4 bedroom, 3-1/2 bath home offers a great flow throughout the 1st floor, large eat-in kitchen, hardwood floors, leaded glass and classic cove ceilings. .................$689,000 MOVEIN READY home offers 5 BRs and 4 full BAs. Fabulous stripped and refinished woodwork, hardwood floors. Much sought after 2nd fl laundry. Fin rec room in bsmt, wrap-around porch, custom deck, private backyard, 3 car garage with 2nd floor walk-up bonus room. ..............................$659,000 LOVELY SLPITLEVEL HOME offers newly refreshed contemporary style and wonderful space. Home offers three BRs, three brand new bathrooms, beautiful front entryway, vaulted ceiling family room, sun room, game room, deck, spectacular backyard, attached two car garage. .........$659,000 VINTAGE CHARMER on tree lined cobblestone street. Warm, inviting home with lots of potential! Living room is centered with a cozy fireplace, separate dining room, bright kitchen and spacious family room. 2nd floor has 3 BRs and 1 full BA. Large deck overlooking backyard. .............$425,000

PRICE REDUCED BEAUTIFUL HOME found in OP Historic District. Offers three large bedrooms, all with hardwood floors, two and a half bathrooms, new kitchen with butler pantry, full finished basement, over-sized backyard, brick paver patio, dog run, two car garage and two outdoor parking spaces . ................................................................................................................$569,000 CENTER OF TOWN VICTORIAN with high ceilings, four spacious levels of living in beautiful Oak Park. This 5 BR, 3-12 BA home offers a formal entry, wood burning FP, sun room, family room, eat-in kitchen. Great flow, tons of natural light & storage throughout this beauty! ................................$539,000 TRADITIONAL HOME with many recent upgrades including new tear off roof and refinished hardwood floors. Large Family room/4th bedroom on the main level with full bath. Beautiful original stained glass window. 3 BRs on 2nd floor with full bath. Two car garage w/work bench area. ........ $489,000 FANTASTIC HOUSE in Historic OP! This four bedroom three full bath home is nearly 100 years old and feels like new, as it was renovated roughly ten years ago. Spacious eat-in kitchen, 2nd floor laundry, central air, large backyard. Vacant and ready for immediate occupancy!....................$469,900 PRICE REDUCED GREAT NORTH OP LOCATION with this 4BR, 2BA home! Three BRs upstairs, Master BR downstairs. Large LR with gas fireplace. Kitchen and family room off dining room. Huge 2nd floor BA. Basement ready to be finished. Nice landscaping in the back yard. .................$359,000 PRICE REDUCED SOLID BRICK GEORGIAN HOME with 3 bedrooms, 1-1/2 baths in need of updating. Well maintained by longtime owner. Hardwood floors under carpet. Classic wood burning fireplace in LR. Separate dining room. Deep yard if looking to put on an addition. 2 Car garage. Bring your decorating ideas and make this your own. ........$299,000

232 N SCOVILLE • OAK PARK

1422 WILLIAM • RIVER FOREST

LOVELY BURMA BUILT BRICK HOME, situated in the heart of RF, offers old world charm seamlessly blended with modern updates. Includes 6 BRs plus tandem, 5-1/2 baths, hardwood floors, wb/gas fireplace. Expansive bsmt with media/rec room. In-ground pool on double lot. .......................................$1,330,000

RIVER FOREST HOMES

BURMA BUILT BUHRKE HOUSE combines Tudor revival & chateau style architecture elements. Gorgeous décor and impeccable attention to detail and care found in house and landscaped grounds, extends to fabulous in ground pool and patios. Perfect for entertaining. .........................$1,975,000 BEAUTIFUL, CLASSIC HOME offers everything for today’s modern living. Custom-built home has the highest quality finishes. No detail was missed. Brick and stone exterior, wrap around porch, eleven-foot ceilings and oversized windows. LL has 2,000 feet of living area. ............................$1,525,000 GORGEOUS RESTORATION of stately RF home offers 3BRs, 4 full baths, recently updated kitchen/dining, art glass windows, French doors, hardwood floors, sun room and large family room. Fab finished basement. Private, beautifully landscaped, newly fenced yard with in ground pool. ..... .............................................................................................................$1,200,000 BEAUTIFUL BRICK & STONE CLASSIC HOUSE with unique front wraparound porch sits on a private park-like lot. Features 4 BRs, 2 full/2 half baths, nat wd, art glass windows, open kitchen with breakfast room, family room, mudroom, finished basement. Nothing will disappoint! ..............$1,150,000 ROOM FOR EVERYONE! Move in ready, gracious rooms and highest end updates! Designer kitchen, first floor family room, mudroom, 5 BRs, 3-1/2 baths, finished 3rd floor retreat, finished basement with a 6th bedroom. Completely renovated top to bottom, all you need to do is move in! .............. ................................................................................................................$939,000

OAK PARK HOMES

UNPRECEDENTED ESTATE in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historical district of Oak Park! This meticulously renovated 5 BR, 5 full / 2 half bath property offers exquisite details and refined finishes that boast timeless materials and over the top custom millwork. This is a showcase home!..............$1,450,000 LOVELY TRADITIONAL HOME, found in walkable OP location, offers wonderful space for family and entertaining. Original details blend seamlessly with the updated 3 story addition. Offers 5 bedrooms, 4-1/2 baths, newer kitchen, abundant storage, family room, wine cellar. .......$1,065,000 STUNNING RENOVATION with exquisite modern finishes. Solid brick home features new hardwood floors throughout, recessed lighting, wood burning fireplace, family room, 3 generously sized BRs. Spacious finished LL. Central air, and 3-car garage. Just Move in and Enjoy! .....................$629,500 A GRAND HOME situated in Historic Oak Park! Enjoy the charm & character of HW floors, natural millwork, crown moldings, and many windows that fill the home w/tons of natural light. Five BRs, 2-1/2 bathrooms, screened-in porch, den, landscaped private backyard. .........................................$574,900

ELMWOOD PARK HOMES

ARCHITECTUALLY UNIQUE COLONIAL with extra large rooms flooded with natural light. Vaulted ceilings and skylights in the upstairs hallway, bathrooms and master BR. Fin basement. Professional landscaping, large outdoor deck, second floor balcony. Move right in and enjoy!.........$478,000 RECENTLY UPDATED COLONIAL located in EP’s RF Manor. Huge 2-story addition which includes a family room and 2-room master suite. Lots of windows and natural light. Family room includes a wood-burning fireplace and radiant floor heat. Enjoy entertaining in this home! ..................$449,900

745 S TAYLOR • OAK PARK

P R IC E R E DU C E D! POSITIONED BEAUTIFULLY ON A CORNER LOT in a great location. The detail found throughout this home is something to see. The seamless addition adds tremendous space to this 4 BR, 2 full and 2 half BA home. A full finished bsmt with office and rec room. Storage galore. ................................................................... $879,000

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2 FLATS

RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2-1/2 BA. Top floor with open views. ..........$579,950 RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2-1/2 BA. Two heated garage spaces. ..........$479,000 RIVER FOREST 1BR, 1BA. Updated and move-in ready. ...............$169,000 NEW LISTING OAK PARK Two Flat ...............................................$669,000 OAK PARK Two Flat............................................................................$530,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 2-1/2 BA. Three levels of living. ........................... $489,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2 full / 2 half bath. East facing balcony. ...............$429,900 OAK PARK 2BR, 2-1/2BA. Stunning, bright tri-level. ......................$330,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2BA. Lots of large rooms........................................$329,000 PRICE REDUCED OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. .......................................$286,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2-1/2BA. 3 floors of living! ....................................$259,000 OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. Garage parking. .............................................$200,000 NEW LISTING OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. ............................................$154,900 OAK PARK 2BR, 1BA. Bright corner unit. .........................................$136,000 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Lovely, cared for building. ...............................$99,000

Thinking about buying or selling?

For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com

Contact Gagliardo Realty Associates today.

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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

HomesInTheVillage.com

Featured Listings for This Week River Forest $517,500 2BR, 2BA Call Patti x124

Oak Park $599,000 5BR, 3.2BA Call Elissa x192

Oak Park $474,000 Multi unit Call Laurie x186

Erika Villegas,

Joe Langley

Joe Castillo, Co-Owner

Jane McClelland

Mike Becker

Mary Murphy

Properties of The Week

Oak Park $335,000 Multi unit Call Jane x118

2348 Highland Ave Berwyn • $219,900 4BR, 1BA Call Kris x101 Berwyn $320,000 Multi unit Call Erika x180

Oak Park $224,500 2BR, 2BA Call Elissa x192

Managing Broker/Owner

River Forest $488,000 3BR, 2.1BA Call Roz x112

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

Berwyn $327,000 Multi unit Call Mike x120

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

Forest Park $218,000 3BR, 1BA Call Kyra x145

Roz Byrne

Sharon O’Mara

Tom Byrne

Elissa Palermo

Oak Park • $149,000 2BR, 1BA Call Marion x111

Laurie Christofano

Kyra Pych

Kari Chronopoulos

Linda Rooney

Marion Digre

Kris Sagan

1118 N Harvey Ave Oak Park • $215,000 2BR, 1BA Call Kris x101

Morgan Digre

Patti Sprafka-Wagner

Ed Goodwin

Harry Walsh

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

JUST LISTED

NEW PRICE

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

1/2 ACRE LOT

400 FOREST AVE, OAK PARK $1,167,500 :: 5 BED :: 2.5 BATH

1447 KEYSTONE, RIVER FOREST $635,000 :: 3 BED :: 2.5 BATH

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

Frank Lloyd Wright historic district beautiful 1 acre lot.

Brick & stone English cottage, on a beautiful cul-de-sac street.

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

NEW PRICE

JUST LISTED

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

620 LATHROP, RIVER FOREST $549,000 :: 3 BED :: 2.5 BATH

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

Beautiful totally new renovation top to bottom. Great location.

Charming totally updated home with new kitchen & baths. Great location.

Unique Victorian in Lincoln School district. Renovated kitchen & baths.

WINTER

KATHY & TONY IWERSEN

Yard work

708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

from page 19 The village also requires residents and business owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of and adjacent to their property within 24 hours of a snow event. If you’re tired of all that shoveling, some homeowners like to take the heat outside and invest in a snowmelt system for their walkways and driveways. Easier to install in new construction or when homeowners are redoing sidewalks and driveways, snow melt systems installed beneath the pavement heat the surface and can eliminate the need for shoveling and salting.

Block the wind

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10251188

If you have an older home, chances are you’ve felt the wind blowing through your old windows during winter storms. Window replacement is an option, but a study cited on green building website treehugger.com points out that most new windows manufactured in North America don’t do a better job of preventing air infiltration than properly cared for original windows. Sometimes maintenance and a good storm window are all it takes. Oak Park resident Darius Augustine wasn’t even thinking about winter weather when he came up with a business plan that ended up helping his own 106-year-old house weather the winter months. As he watched his sister in Florida prepare for hurricanes in previous years, he wondered if there was an easier way to protect windows than boarding them up with every storm. He came up with the idea of a storm window that could be mounted inside or outside existing windows with a simple snap. He quickly realized that the product

made to withstand hurricane force winds could also keep a northern home warmer in the winter. He’s working on a patent for his Storm Snap windows, which he manufactures in Chicago, and says the windows are great for historic homes like his own in which homeowners want to preserve the original wood windows but want more energy efficiency. Part of their appeal is the ease of install according to Augustine. “They can be mounted on the outside or the inside,” he said. “If you mount them on the interior, there’s no need for ladders. Anyone can do it.”

Don’t forget the yard In Oak Park, leaf collection is well underway and will continue through Dec. 5, with seven pickups planned for each section of the village (oak-park.us/events/fall-leafcollection-begins). In River Forest, leaf collection runs through Nov. 30 (vrf.us/departments/department/4/service/4/Fall-leaf-pick-up. html). Both villages offer leaf pickups free of charge and emphasize that only leaves should be raked into the street for pick up. Scott McAdam, president of Forest Park’s McAdam Landscaping Inc., has four tips for homeowners looking to put their yards to sleep for the season and offers a way to bring a bit of optimism to the colder season. “After this snow melts, remove excess leaves from your lawn areas,” he said. “This can help reduce turf disease pressure on the plants due to excessive moisture being trapped under the leaves. “Cut back your perennials and place a layer of mulch or leaf debris in the beds to protect the plants from the freeze thaw cycles that can occur during the winter. If you already have mulch, you may not need any more. “Plan your garden for next year. This is the time to evaluate what plants performed well in your garden this year and to think about changes you may want to make next year.”

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

1452 Waverly Ave, Westchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $395,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:30-2 535 Lyman Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $399,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 614 Belleforte Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 743 S. Cuyler Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$419,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1:30 1207 Rossell Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $449,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 700 Ashland Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $525,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:30-2 336 Coonley Rd, Riverside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $995,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

CONDOS

817 Lake St. UNIT 2N, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 926 S. Wesley Ave. UNIT 3, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $139,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 1-3 200 Home Ave., Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . .$199,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sat. 12-2 417 Lathrop Ave. UNIT 3E, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $709,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2:30

TOWNHOMES

411 Lathrop Ave. UNIT 3E, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $749,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2:30

ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

186 N. Marion St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $599,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3:30

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Growing community.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

ONE Magnificent Cause

Donate a new, unwrapped toy through December 5th and put a smile on a child’s face this holiday season! *Please no stuffed animals, battery operated or realistic war-type toys.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

1142 FRANKLIN AVE, RIVER FOREST

427 N OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK

735 AUGUSTA ST, OAK PARK

4 br, 4.1 ba $1,400,000

4 br, 4 ba $739,000

4 br, 2.1 ba $729,000

Donna Serpico 708.848.5550

Alice McMahon 708.848.5550

NEW LISTING

834 GUNDERSON AVE, OAK PARK

1224 N KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK

130 S HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK

804 N HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK

212 MARENGO AVE 1S, FOREST PARK

4 br, 2.2 ba $565,000

4 br, 3.1 ba $525,000

5 br, 1.1 ba $499,000

5 br, 3 ba $484,700

2 br, 2 ba $399,000

Kelly Fondow 708.848.5550

Cara Carriveau (Busch) 708.848.5550

Alice McMahon 708.848.5550

Jonathan Reith 708.848.5550

Alice McMahon 708.848.5550

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

KoenigRubloff.com • 866.795.1010 NEW PRICE

NEW LISTING

1024 PLEASANT ST 6, OAK PARK

839 N LOMBARD AVE, OAK PARK

1081 HUNTER ST, LOMBARD

32 MARENGO AVE A, FOREST PARK

1135 SCHNEIDER AVE 3B, OAK PARK

3 br, 2 ba $392,000

3 br, 1.1 ba $315,000

4 br, 2.1 ba $309,000

2 br, 2.1 ba $287,500

2 br, 2 ba $272,500

Victoria Witt 708.848.5550

Cory Kohut 708.848.5550

Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550

Michael Dmyterko 708.848.5550

Cory Kohut 708.848.5550

OPEN SAT 122

NEW LISTING

200 HOME AVE 2C, OAK PARK

1421 N HARLEM AVE A, OAK PARK

500 WASHINGTON BLVD 102, OAK PARK

315 MARENGO AVE 4F, FOREST PARK

314 LATHROP AVE 606, FOREST PARK

2 br, 1.1 ba $199,000

1 br, 1 ba $105,000

1 br, 1 ba $94,500

1 br, 1 ba $79,800

Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550

Victoria Witt 708.848.5550

Susan Abbott 708.848.5550

April Baker 708.848.5550

Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

The Joyful Giving Catalog

Everything you need for a better world: • More Art

• More Food

• More Compassion

• More Health

• More Education

• More Housing

• More Equity

• More Peace

Running now through December 25

Browse, read, share with your children. Give Locally – Give Joyfully! Animal Care League Animal Care League offers a safe haven for pets in need. Rooted in the community since 1973, Animal Care League takes a proactive approach to animal care and adoption as well as preventative measures to help reduce the number of homeless animals in our communities. With over 1000 pets coming to our doors each year, Animal Care League counts on supporters to ensure that we can provide what is needed from routine vaccinations to life saving surgery. Make a difference in the life of a homeless animal by visiting www.animalcareleague. org where you can sign up to volunteer, make a donation, view our adoptable pets, and learn about upcoming events.

Beyond Hunger (formerly Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry) $1 = 3 meals, is an equation only you can make possible. With your help, Beyond Hunger has been reducing local hunger for over 40 years. Your gifts support over 13,000 local families struggling with hunger. That support provides groceries for a week plus access to vital programs and services to help people stretch limited food budgets in healthy ways. Even a little goes a long way: every $1 donated can feed a neighbor for an entire day. Join us in making sure everyone in our community can move beyond hunger.

and violence to become positive leaders in their communities. These young people face enormous obstacles and trauma, and so we surround them with the counseling, mentoring, training, and opportunities they need to build a future and succeed. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school and college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering and gardening. Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity. Join us in BUILDing a better future. Visit and donate at buildchicago.org/

Cantata Adult Life Services Cantata Adult Life Services has a strong history that goes back 100 years. Our commitment to the changing needs of older adults on our campus and in the community continues to grow and evolve. We support over 1,000 seniors annually in their journey to “best life.” Your contributions will carry on our mission of helping individuals, families, and the community age successfully. In tune with the season of giving, Cantata is hosting a Soup Supper on 11/14 – all proceeds benefitting seniors and the Best Life Foundation. For m/ore information on how you can make a positive difference, please visit cantatacares.org.

Celebrating Seniors Coalition

Since 1969, BUILD has helped Chicago’s most vulnerable youth escape gangs

• To facilitate cooperation between the business community, government agencies and non-profit organizations for the benefit of the senior population. • To promote senior groups and organizations that serve persons 60 and older. • To raise public awareness of issues affecting seniors. To generate funds to support at-risk and vulnerable elders. To volunteer to support our Celebrating Seniors Week (May 14 – May 21, 2020) or to contribute financially to our community mission, visit us at celebratingseniors.net.

Children’s Research Triangle (CRT)

Children’s Research Triangle (CRT) is the only organization in Illinois specializing in addressing mental health and the medical impact of prenatal substance exposure and treatment of childhood trauma. Our clinical and research staff are experts in designing and implementing interventions for youth struggling with severe mental health and behavioral challenges associated with trauma and complex neurodevelopmental issues. CRT programs increase accessibility of mental health services for high-risk children in under-resourced communities, specifically those who have experienced physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect, community and domestic violence, and prenatal substance exposure. Check us out and support CRT at: childrensresearchtriangle.org/donate/

To make a donation, visit GoBeyondHunger. org or send checks payable to Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

BUILD

four main objectives:

Since its launch almost ten years ago, Celebrating Seniors Week has become a vibrant annual tradition in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park. The Celebrating Seniors Coalition is dedicated to honoring, recognizing and serving local seniors. The organization concentrates on

Cluster Tutoring Cluster Tutoring is a nonprofit, community-based organization that provides free one-to-one tutoring to more than 100 stu-

dents in grades K through 12 from Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Tutor-student pairs work together during the school year on reading, math, and other homework to prepare the student for a successful academic career. When Cluster started nearly 30 years ago, fewer than half of Chicago Public Schools graduated from high school. Now, all of Cluster’s seniors not only graduate but are accepted at colleges and other post-graduation programs. Donations go toward materials that help students learn. To learn more or to donate, visit clustertutoring.org.

The Collaboration for Early Childhood For over 15 years, the Collaboration for Early Childhood has been here to support children under 5 years of age. Last year, we provided over 1,900 hearing and vision screenings for children in Oak Park and River Forest; We delivered robust outreach, and training to over 700 parents; and we hosted over 350 professionals at our Annual Early Childhood Symposium. This year, donations will support mental health programming, supports for children with disabilities, and programming for grandparents and pregnant moms. Please support young children this giving season. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit us at www.collab4kids. org or follow us on Facebook.

Concordia University Chicago Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts university based in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1864, the university is located on 40 acres in River Forest, Illinois. Historically a college for teachers, it now offers more than 100 areas of study through traditional, blended or online classes. Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees through one of four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

The Joyful Giving Catalog

VOCEL Opens Big Doors

OCEL ﬁrst encountered Javier Arriola-Lopez, the principal of Carson Elementary School on Chicago’s southwest side, last spring when we pitched our program to him as a possibility for families at Carson. VOCEL provides education for our youngest learners and support for their parents and caregivers. We do this because science tells us a child’s brain is developing rapidly in the ﬁrst few years of life—more than a million new neural connections forming per second. These early years of life have a profound impact on the trajectory of a child’s future.

of Business, the College of Education and the College of Graduate Studies. Professors are passionate about teaching, learning and preparing students for success in their chosen vocations. Beyond academics, Concordia offers NCAA Division III athletic teams, intramural sports, touring music groups and numerous student clubs and organization focused on service, recreation, spiritual life and more. Currently, more than 6,100 students are enrolled. To learn more, please visit CUChicago.edu or CUChicago.edu/GiveNow to support our students.

Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is a non-profit 501(c)(3) literary arts and educational foundation dedicated to thoughtful reading and writing. The foundation offers a wide variety of programming, all open to the public, to nurture and encourage creative expression for students and for people of all ages. Through tours and exhibits at Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace museum, the foundation fosters an understanding of his life and work, his Oak Park origins and his impact on world literature. Your gift supports creative outlets for people of all ages through professional teacher development, local author and performing artist programs, inter-generational engagement, a writer-in-residence program, as well as student writing workshops, mentorships, and scholarships. For more information about us or to donate online go to www.hemingwaybirthplace. com or mail us at: Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, P.O. Box 2222, Oak Park, IL 60303-2222.

Yet, often during this critical early stage, many children and parents lack access to quality early learning programs. As a result, nearly three quarters of children in Illinois are entering kindergarten behind. “Some school principals try to get any resource they can into their school to open doors for students,” Arriola-Lopez said after listening to our pitch, “but I’m selective. When I think about what resources and programs I want to bring into Carson, I think about opening big doors, the doors that are going to matter most.” Then, pointing to the VOCEL ﬂyer, he concluded, “This is a program I

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory The Oak Park Conservatory began as a community effort to house exotic plants residents collected during their travels abroad. Completed in 1929, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory offers a rich atmosphere throughout three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers programs focused on enriching the visitor experience at the Conservatory. Toddlers through adults can participate in year-round educational and recreational programs, volunteer opportunities and special events. To learn more or to join, visit fopcon.org.

Green Community Connections At this time of increasing climate urgency, One Earth Film Festival continues to grow and harness the Power of We, of our families, friends and communities, to make real change for our planet and our future. Save the date for the 9th annual Festival, March 6-15, 2020, in the Oak Park / River Forest area and beyond. Join us for quality films, engaging discussion, activities and community-building that inspire climate action, resilience and environmental justice. Protect our cities and our planet by joining One Earth and becoming part of the Power of We.

want for our families at Carson.” What Principal Javier Arriola-Lopez knows is that the investments we make in our youngest learners, and the people who support them, are the ones that will pay the greatest dividends. With your help, VOCEL will continue oﬀering innovative programs that allow every child to learn, grow and lead. VOCEL is located at 5317 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60651. To ﬁnd out more about VOCEL and donate, go to vocel.org., or email us at info@vocel. org. VOCEL works with young children and their parents. Memberships start at $25 ($15 for students / seniors). Visit oneearthfilmfest.org/ members today. All donations now through #GivingTuesday will be matched 1:1, doubling the impact of your donation.

Growing Community Media Growing Community Media is dedicated to building community through independent, non-partisan local journalism. We believe that high quality community journalism preserves and strengthens the fabric of our democracy. Independent community journalism holds local governments to account. It connects neighbors. It is the credible source when social media goes haywire, and it allows a community to debate and celebrate. Through Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, Growing Community Media reports local news and tells compelling local stories across many platforms. Our mission calls us to build fact-based accountability and connection, conversation and civility, diversity and a sense of belonging. Join our mission by donating at GrowingCommunityMedia.com or contacting dhaley@wjinc.com

Historical Society Forest Park The Historical Society Forest Park was founded in 1975 for the purposes of “collecting and preserving the rich heritage of Forest Park.” The historical society offers tours of Haymarket Martyr’s Monument in Forest Home Cemetery every Saturday in the summer, collect oral histories of Forest Park Veterans of Military service, hosts

several historical events a year and celebrates Forest Park.

The Historical Soci

For more information about the Society, its events and programs, or to donate visit forestparkhistory.org or mail us: Historical Society of Forest Park, PO Box 311, Forest Park IL 60130

Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest We are the community’s story tellers and our new facility in an 1898 Oak Park Landmark at Lake and Lombard is Oak Park River Forest Museum, selected by Illinois Association of Museums as Small Museum of the Year. We invested $1 million in private funds to create a welcoming space in a former firehouse. Featured exhibits include “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing” and “Proud Oak Parkers: OPALGA at 30.” We are not supported by tax dollars and a gift of any amount funds our 2020 schedule of programs, our research center, and our knowledgeable staff.

The Historical

Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755

Hephzibah Children’s Association Hephzibah Children’s Association was founded in 1897. We serve more than 1,000 children and families each year through innovative, community-based programs. Hephzibah provides a Group Home for children who have been taken from their families due to profound abuse or neglect. Our skilled staff recruits and trains foster parents and offers ongoing support to help all family members

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

How the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation Helps Nonprofits

uring the two years she has worked with fellow committee members to determine Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation grant recipients, business owner and longtime volunteer Sarah Jolie has had a close view of the year-round support – financial and otherwise – the Foundation offers to the more than 100 local nonprofits that enrich the lives of area residents. Jolie says she is heartened by OPRFCF’s ongoing commitment to providing organizations with multiple opportunities to ensure programs live up to their potential, and by a renewed focus on fostering equity – physical, educational, economic, gender, age, racial and other forms – in the communities the Foundation serves. “One of the things I’m pleased about is the commitment to racial equity and general equity – that it’s an ongoing part of the conversation,” she says. “It’s really added to the conversation because you understand the kinds of ways culture has evolved and where our blind biases are.”

navigate challenges. Our after-school Day Care operates on a sliding scale to serve working parents in Oak Park, with programs based at each elementary school. To make a real difference in the lives of children and families, please donate today at hephzibahhome.org.

Housing Forward Housing Forward’s mission is to end homelessness by transitioning people from housing crisis to housing stability. The agency, now in its 27th year, offers a full range of services designed to reduce the length of time and impact of trauma associated with homelessness and housing instability. Our current programs include the PADS Emergency Shelter, Outreach & Engagement, Supportive Housing, Employment Readiness, and Emergency Assistance and Stabilization in two area walk-In centers (Oak Park and Maywood). In 2019, we launched Sojourner House to offer medical respite for medically vulnerable individuals and interim housing for families transitioning from homelessness. Housing Forward impacts the lives of over 2000 adults and families with minor children annually. To learn more about us, to volunteer or to donate, visit housingforward.org, email giving@housingforward.org or call 708.338.1724 ext. 283.

Jolie notes the Foundation is in a unique and helpful bridge-building position, serving as a “safety net for donors, and also as a safety net for nonprofits.” Consider the grants program, which is funded by donor investments. The Foundation opens its annual Community Grants to local organizations that impact the wellbeing, enrichment and sustainability of Oak Park-River Forest and surrounding communities. Foundation staff initially vet applicants and narrow down the list of eligible organizations. Jolie and the other grants committee members then begin what she calls a “deep dive” into each organization on the list, examining program goals, financial histories and other statements. Committee members also conduct site visits and engage staff at each organization in face-to-face conversations related to a potential grant. This coordinated, collaborative approach helps committee members make thoroughly informed grant recommendations to Foundation staff.

Infant Welfare Society (IWS) Join us in our mission to advance the health and well-being of children in need. When you support the Infant Welfare Society, you help vulnerable children in our community and surrounding areas access critical healthcare, including pediatric, dental and behavioral health services. Our Children’s Clinic and health outreach programs serve 3,500 children each year, and your generosity is key. A gift of $50 pays for two essential vaccines. A gift of $150 provides specialized dental services. Give Health today: www.oprfiws.org/donate or 708-406-8661. You’re also invited to join us for our 21st annual Holiday Housewalk & Market, December 5 - 7!

L’Arche Chicago L’Arche Chicago is a community where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together in homes, as family. We are committed to merge individualized, high-quality care with genuine friendships in our group homes. Our vision is to create environments that celebrate difference - revealing the unique gifts of people with intellectual disabilities. Help L’Arche Chicago spread joy and gratitude in this season: www.larchechicago. org/gratitude

Grants are awarded each October. This year, the Foundation provided more than $200,000 to 21 organizations, hand-delivering the checks to recipients. MOMENTA Executive Director Sarah Najera says the grant and the personalized delivery of this year’s monies “reinforces that what we are doing matters in the community.” One of MOMENTA’s programs is the Every Body Can Dance workshop, featuring dancers in wheelchairs; with its 2019 OPRFCF grant, the nonprofit hopes to expand the reach of its inclusive dance offerings while also addressing other kinds of equity. “We want to make the art form of dance and creative movement accessible to everyone,” she says. Frank Lipo, executive director at the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest, says he appreciates the additional ways the Foundation fosters nonprofits’ financial wellbeing. The Foundation oversees a fund that specifically supports the Historical Society’s operations, and Lipo also welcomes the professional

Maywood Youth Mentoring Program Organized in 1993 as a 501c3, the Maywood Youth Mentoring Program has served hundreds of middle to highschool youth providing a variety of programs, workshops, field trips, and experiences designed to increase academic potential and instill cultural pride. Since 2008, the program has hosted free monthly youth breakfasts with topics ranging from anger management/and conflict resolution, etiquette, police/community interactions, sexual health, drug and alcohol avoidance, and academic excellence. Youths practice critical thinking skills to encourage positive life choices. Volunteer mentors interact with youth providing positive role models for college and career choices. To volunteer, or to donate, visit us at www. maywoodyouthmentoring.org, or contact Barbara Cole, founder/CEO at 708-344-3577.

MOMENTA Momenta is the resident Dance Company of the Academy of Movement & Music, located in Oak Park. MOMENTA dance concerts are the only place audiences can see classical ballet, historic American modern dance, contemporary works, and integrated dance (includes dancers with disabilities) all in one performance. Learn more and donate at momentadances.org

development the Foundation offers to local nonprofit leaders and staff through its programming. “I think the Community Foundation acts as a philanthropic umbrella,” he says. “It keeps us in the loop about opportunities, it offers us and fellow organizations training sessions and seminar-type workshops that executive directors and board members might go to for tips about running a nonprofit.” The Foundation’s enthusiasm for nonprofits, and the work it does to help them further their missions, are a fitting outgrowth of community residents’ best intentions. “The culture of giving, the culture of participation, the culture of activism is valued,” says Jolie. “Here, there’s a passion to be as good as you can be as neighbors to other people.” To learn more about how the Foundation supports nonprofits through its grants, donor funds and training programs, and how you can get involved, contact Elizabeth Chadri at 708-848-1560 or echadri@oprfcf.org. We look forward to speaking with you.

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association strengthens our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building through space grants to local non-profits. 80% of its usage is non-profit. We provide community outreach, scholarships, and public programming in five areas: music, art, literature, science, and social sciences. The NCCA is the owner of 178 Forest Avenue, commonly referred to as the Nineteenth Century Club. Our charitable and cultural activities are supported by our members, volunteers, donors, and by the events held at the Club. Programs are open to all and we welcome all ages to join. If you would like information about volunteering, joining or donating, please call us at 708-386-2729 email to info@ nineteenthcentury.org. You can also make donation at ncca.memberclicks.net/givingtuesday.

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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Oak-Leyden Developmental Services The mission of Oak-Leyden Developmental Services is to help children and adults with developmental disabilities meet life’s challenges and reach their highest potential. The organization offers life-changing support in three areas: Children’s Services, Residential Services, and Lifelong Learning. Empower people with developmental disabilities today at oak-leyden.org/getinvolved/donate.

Oak Park Art League As one of the longest, continually running non-profit arts organizations in Illinois, the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is a vibrant cultural center where the invitation and challenge to use art as a medium for personal and community growth is made available to people of all ages. Since 1921, OPAL has brought arts education, appreciation, exhibitions and the spirit of artistic inquiry to the surrounding community. OPAL is committed to meaningful community outreach to the population that makes up our greater community through partnerships and on-site art and programming with local social service agencies through our “Art for Social Change” initiatives. For more information about membership, volunteering or to make a donation, please contact Executive Director, Jill Kramer Goldstein at 708-386-9853 or oakparkartleague@gmail.com. The Oak Park Art League is located at 720 Chicago Ave. in Oak Park.

Oak Park Public Library Empower every voice in our community! When you choose to give to your local library, you invest in foundational resources, services, and spaces that support a unique quality of life in Oak Park. You support work dedicated to literacy, education, diversity, inclusion, equity, health, safety, and affordability. You also choose to help connect people and community, to educate global citizens, and to sustain, share, and respect our community’s resources. To learn more about how you can make Oak Park’s center of information, civic engagement, and local history stronger, contact Executive Director David J. Seleb (DavidS@oppl.org, 708.697.6911). Make an online donation now at oppl.org/give.

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is based on a powerful promise: to create an enduring institution where people can come together and pool their resources to meet our community’s most pressing needs —

not just now, but forever. For sixty years, generations of thoughtful and caring donors and residents have empowered the Foundation’s work to safeguard and advance the community in which we live, raise our families and work. From helping donors with legacy gift planning, to managing donor advised funds, to strengthening local non-profits, we connect. Visit oprfcf.org or call Rhea Yap at 708-8481560 to start a fund, discuss your charitable estate plans, or make a donation today.

Opportunity Knocks Opportunity Knocks is dedicated to enriching life and community. We exist to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as they live, work, learn, grow and connect within their community. We use a dynamic, person-centered and community-based approach to programming that serves to engage the voice of our participants, foster interdependent connections, encourage exploration, promote holistic wellness and healthy relationships. We are 95% privately funded and rely on the generous support of the community. Your gift does matter in moving our mission forward by offering unique opportunities for these young adults to create their place in the community.

PING! Providing equitable access to instrumental music for students in grades 4 through 12 in Oak Park and River Forest public schools has been the mission of PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) for more than 20 years. In addition to loaning band and orchestra instruments to students whose families cannot afford them, PING! also provides music enrichment through workshops; mentoring; and scholarships for summer music camps, school music trips, and private instruction. Enrichment programs like these provide positive peer groups and growth opportunities for students in need. PING! relies on community support for donated instruments and financial contributions to maintain its instrument inventory and program funding. For more information or to make a donation, go to pingoprf.org. If you have an instrument to donate, send us an email at pingoprf@ gmail.com.

River Forest Public Library Foundation RFPL Foundation works to enhance River Forest Public Library today and for the future through fundraising and advocacy. In 2019, the Foundation fully funded major updates in the Children’s Room to make the space more welcoming and functional. We provided support for the Summer Reading Program and contributed to the Lobby/Circulation area renovation. Since 2015, gifts have supported special programming for all ages, staff development and

Community journalism remade

Building community through independent, non-partisan community journalism. Reporting local news and telling compelling local stories in many ways, across many platforms. Convening community members and organizations, especially those not often heard, for honest conversations as we build a pervasive presence in our communities.

Print. Digital. Social. Events. Growing Community Media

We’ve created a new non-profit with one purpose: to own our four respected and essential community newspapers and, then, to grow independent, sustainable journalism in our seven neighborhoods for the decades to come. That path will surely include printing newspapers and selling all the advertising we can. But we’ll add more digital reporting, more specialized beats, video, podcasts and events. And where’s this new stream of non-profit revenue coming from? From readers and donors in our seven neighborhoods who see the essential value in independent community journalism.

Partner with us. Find out more at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

the Anne Smedinghoff Memorial Garden. Help ensure a bright future for River Forest Public Library with your gift. We gratefully accept cash, credit/debit, securities and bequests. Visit RFPLFoundation.org/donate.

Sarah’s Inn

For nearly 40 years, Sarah’s Inn has worked to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and break the cycle of violence for future generations. Sarah’s Inn Services and Programs include: • Free, confidential and bilingual services for victims of domestic violence • 24-hour crisis line (708)386-4225 • Advocacy, referrals, and safety planning • Counseling for adults, teens and children • Legal Advocacy • Partner Abuse Intervention • Community and professional training

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and inspiring music to Oak Park and River Forest. Make your end-of-year tax-deductible donation at symphonyoprf.org, or: P.O. Box 3564, Oak Park, IL 60303-3564.

Thrive Counseling Center Thrive Counseling Center (formerly Family Services of Oak Park) has provided mental health services to our community for over 120 years. Located in the heart of Oak Park, our mission is to build healthy minds, families, and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being. Hope, resilience and recovery form the heart of our programs and services. Last year we provided critical services to more than 1,400 friends, neighbors and family members including: • Counseling for youth and adults • Psychiatric care and medication management • In-home counseling for older adults

• School-based violence prevention

• Increased access to care for impoverished youth

• Volunteer and internship opportunities

• 24/7 crisis intervention

To donate, visit www.sarahsinn.org/donate. To learn more about our services, programs, upcoming trainings, events and more, visit www.sarahsinn.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SarahsinnOakPark.

• Suicide Safer Community Programs including: safeTALK and QPR

St. Angela School St. Angela School has walked with the families of Chicago’s west side for one hundred years—walked with a deep commitment to enriching the lives, and the futures, of their children. We have a rich and varied history – and a future of great promise. We provide our children with a safe and loving environment and challenging academics; we help them explore paths that lead to meaningful and rewarding careers; and we teach them, above all, to believe in themselves. As we prepare for our next hundred years, we’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to love and serve all those who choose to be part of our community. Learn more about St. Angela School at saintangela.org.

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest

Named “Community Orchestra of the Year” in 2018, The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest, under the leadership of award-winning conductor, Jay Friedman, continues to bring extraordinary and accessible concerts to our community. Ticket sales provide less than half the funds needed for the Symphony’s performances. Your gift keeps the orchestra going strong and allows us to maintain affordable ticket prices, including free admission for all students through college. Please help us continue and strengthen our 88-year tradition of bringing beautiful

• FREE, public Thrive Talks: our Speaker Series at the Oak Park Main Library Adult and youth group therapy including: art therapy, stress management, coping with anxiety, grief support and Sibshops We are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours and evenings, and on Saturdays from 9am-2pm (all services). To learn more or donate, please visit thrivecc. org or call 708-383-7500, ext. 111. Follow us on Facebook!

UCP SEGUIN OF GREATER CHICAGO

From Student to Professional Artist

lec Rasumussen was a sophomore at OPRF High School when he decided to start attending the drop in life drawing sessions at the Oak Park Art League (OPAL). Alec knew at that point that he wanted to pursue his passion for the visual arts and wanted to surround himself with professional and likeminded artists. Though he was the youngest person by at least 20 years attending the sessions, Alec recalls “I always felt welcomed and inspired to work.” During the summer of 2017, Alec continued his involvement at OPAL by working as a teacher’s assistant in the Art Camp program. “The artist I worked with was able to show me how to ﬁt a teaching practice alongside an active artistic practice,” Alec says, “He gave me the conﬁdence to pursue that on my own, and this past year I taught a painting class for high school students on the weekends.” Alec is currently in his junior year at Cooper Union pursuing a Bachelor of

their parents. VOCEL uses innovative early learning approaches designed for children age 0 to 3 while remaining grounded in science-based best practices in child development, attachment, and neuroscience. Through VOCEL’s programs, families are equipped with the insights, tools, and support they need to catalyze their child’s brain development in preparation for preschool and beyond. Find out more about VOCEL and donate at vocel.org.

UCP Seguin believes that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act as full members of the community. So we stop at nothing to provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities, as well as specialized foster care for children. Our goal: life without limits for people with disabilities. Make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Donate online at ucpseguin.org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304

VOCEL

At VOCEL, our ultimate purpose is to help ensure every child has the foundation to learn, grow and lead. Our core program, the Child Parent Academy, is a dynamic, two-generational early learning accelerator for both children and

West Suburban Special Recreation Association West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) provides recreational programming for individuals with disabilities who reside in Oak Park, River Forest and nine other surrounding communities. Donations to WSSRA, help provide financial assistance to those participating in our year-round programs and summer day camp. To make a donation, please visit wssra.net.

Fine Art degree in Painting. We know that Alec will build on his early OPAL experiences and continue to grow into an exceptional artist and teacher. For more information about membership, volunteering or to make a donation to the Oak Park Art League, please contact Executive Director, Jill Kramer Goldstein at 708-386-9853 or oakparkartleague@ gmail.com. OPAL is located at 720 Chicago Ave. in Oak Park.

Alec Rasumussen

Youth Outreach Services Youth Outreach Services supports youth ages 12 to 21 and their families, by providing free programs that offer skill development, therapeutic interventions, and mentorship to improve their safety and well-being. Through the past 60 years, YOS has offered outpatient, community-based behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, after school mentoring and outreach, family therapy, crisis intervention services, case management, foster care, transitional living and housing services, in-school prevention curricula, and juvenile justice programs. Help youth flourish by donating at YOS.org/ donate or text @GROWYOS to 52014. Or help empower youth to reach their goals, by calling 773-777-7112 to refer them for services.

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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Ask the Experts: Successful Aging and Brain Health Thursday • November 21, 2019 • 5:00 PM Belmont Village Senior Living 1035 Madison Street • Oak Park, IL 60302 Join us to learn the best ways to maintain a healthy brain and age successfully at every stage in life. Senior health and Alzheimer’s disease experts will present on preventative care and the benefits of a Whole Brain Fitness lifestyle. Q&A session to follow. Dinner will be served. RSVP to Shalena Thomas at sathomas@belmontvillage.com or 708-848-7200.

ci·vil·i·ty

noun 1. formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech. “I hope we can treat each other with civility and respect”

Community journalism remade Growing Community Media Partner with us.

Find out more at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

VIEWPOINTS

The Rush Hospital parking garage: Two views p. 36-37

Sharing space and power across gender

have to admit I am seriously concerned for our country and for our community. In addition to the work that needs to be done to address the damage and discord caused by racism and climate change, we are also still struggling, mightily, with gender relationships. Whether in the halls of the capital, Oak Park village government, or many of our own homes, we are still struggling with how men and women share space and power. I am also struck by the differences with which generations are handling this challenge — or not. Earlier this year there was a forum held where high school students of color, mostly female, spoke about the challenges of advocating for their respective demographic groups and their work for change. All of the groups mentioned that this work was mostly being done by females, and though they welcomed the participation of males, struggled to secure that participation. Lest we think this challenge is purely one for people of color, I had yet another eye-opening experience. I met with a high school club that I knew began as all white and male. I was surprised to find a table of all white females. When I asked them about the shift, they explained that after they joined, the club became co-ed. After the elections — in which all females won — the males left and the club became all female. I asked if this bothered them and the answer was no. OPRF High School recently held a workshop for female students to encourage them to consider taking business classes, which currently are very heavily male. I asked my daughter, a recent grad, why she had not considered taking any of the business courses despite liking AP Macro and Micro Economics and initially considering business. She responded that she preferred to avoid the guys who would often be in those classes. Upon further probing, she said she found a general personality type that made class with them difficult. I am not taking my daughter’s perceptions as fact, but merely acknowledging that the perception exists and there are repercussions. So what is going on? It’s pretty clear when it comes to the clashes happening with older adults as women continue to fight to secure places of power and agency over their own lives and those of other marginalized folks. We have put considerable effort into raising strong, empowered young women who are confident in taking the reins with regard to their interests and future. But adults have not put the same type of effort into preparing young men for this new reality. This has led to a lack of agreement and clarity on roles and behavior. And here’s the interesting part: Unlike older women, Gen Z, and increasingly millennial women, have no interest in trying to make it work with young men. If they can’t “get with the program,” they essentially ignore them. In fact this phenomenon is happening in many modern societies around

LINDA FRANCIS

See FRANCIS on page 36

Legalized Pot: a ‘scary bag’ for U.S. health care From the Friar Files Blog, FenwickFriars. com, posted on Nov. 14: y reason for writing today is to share with my Fenwick family some concerns that several members of the mental health care community, including myself, have felt compelled to be outspoken about lately, given the recent direction taken by lawmakers regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana. Stated simply, marijuana is not the benign substance that many in the media and the legislature have made it out to be. Its effects can be quite devastating, and as it becomes more readily available, we anticipate a significant rise in the medical and social problems that are connected to regular marijuana use. For example, the American Academy of Family Practice recently cited several studies that link marijuana to the development of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a long-term mental disorder involving a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion and behavior, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion, and a sense of mental fragmentation. These studies indicate that regular marijuana users are six times more likely to develop and exhibit schizophrenic symptoms. These same studies also point to decreased motivation, increased lethargy and a lack of focus and mental clarity that persists beyond the time that a user is “high.” Other studies point to a correlation between marijuana use and reproductive difficulties, particularly in males. These studies indicate that regular male users of marijuana have an exceptionally high risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED), and that medications such as Viagra and Cialis are ineffective in treating marijuana-induced ED symptoms. Even though full recreational marijuana use laws do not go into effect in Illinois until Jan. 1, we are already seeing the results of a more relaxed atmosphere and increased availability in our clinic, Mensah

Medical, located in Warrenville. We specialize in the natural treatment of psychological, cognitive, and neurological health disorders. We identify the biochemical imbalances that most frequently contribute to those disorders and prescribe nutrient therapy to overcome those imbalances. Of late, we are seeing a significant increase in the number patients with schizophrenia, and far too often, those patients indicate that their symptoms started or worsened as they began or increased their use of marijuana. It is important to note that the vast majority of these patients are young males between the ages of 18 and 27. We certainly recognize that there is another side to this debate. We are aware that many people have used marijuana for years with few obvious or lasting side effects. We acknowledge that there are medical cases, such as cancer and chronic disease, in which controlled, physician-monitored use may make marijuana a viable and effective pain-management option. We also recognize that combatting the illegal distribution of marijuana leads to costly law enforcement efforts and the incarceration of many non-violent offenders, most often from communities of color or economic disadvantage. There are reported state and local income-generation benefits that will come from taxing what is already a robust industry. However, we must also take into account the social impact and the increased strains on the health-care system that will accompany legalization. We can look to two other “drugs,” tobacco and alcohol, as a model for what to expect with marijuana. While I am not calling for a return to prohibition, we must acknowledge the millions of deaths each year that are the direct result of alcohol and tobacco use, and the billions of dollars spent each year on health care to address alcohol- and/ or tobacco-related disease or injury. We can anticipate a similar social and financial impact with the increased

ALBERT

MENSAH, MD One View

See MENSAH on page 36

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

O U R

V I E W S

Lightford, Harmon eye top spot

here is an epic and overdue shift coming to Democratic politics in Springfield. State Senate President John Cullerton announced his coming resignation, either being chased or shamed by the corruption swirling around his caucus. Or maybe he wants to spend more time with his family. The feds are deep into an investigation of Democratic state senators, lobbyists attached to them, and the industries footing the bill for all the political muscle. Sadly, a focus of the multiple threads of the investigation is in our general neck of the woods with State Sen. Martin Sandoval and Cook County Commissioner and McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski in investigators’ crosshairs. Add in the putrid culture of sexual harassment in the state capitol and the desire for substantive change is upon us. Two of the names prominent in reporting of possible replacements for Cullerton are even more local. And both Kimberly Lightford and Don Harmon have made plain their interest in the promotion. Majority Leader Lightford, of Maywood, reps River Forest, Forest Park and parts of Oak Park and Austin. She is a smart and effective legislator who has driven education reform among other issues. She has a common touch along with sharp political instincts. Harmon, an assistant majority leader, is Oak Park’s favorite son. Present and well connected locally, Harmon is a deep thinker by the standards of state government. And he is persistent, too. When a progressive income tax finally gets passed, Gov. J.B. Pritzker will get the credit. But it is Harmon who has been pushing his Fair Tax for evermore. There are other names in the mix for what is often a once-in-ageneration opportunity. And we’ll allow that the cultural forces at work in this moment point toward the virtues of a woman running the senate. But Illinois would benefit from either Harmon or Lightford stepping up to this key leadership role.

Finally, a new hotel The proposal to convert a middling downtown Oak Park retail and office building into a Holiday Inn Express Hotel is on a fast track. Monday evening the Oak Park Village Board followed the unanimous recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals and approved a plan by the building’s longtime owner Azim Hemani. Beyond needing a special-use permit to construct a hotel in downtown, this project fully complies with existing zoning in terms of parking and height — even after three stories are added to the top. There are likely still obstacles ahead for a project of this size. But we are enthused that a modern hotel will be coming to downtown Oak Park. Whether for Wright tourists, local university visitors, or business people looking to avoid the Loop, Oak Park has long hoped there was a viable market for a hotel. Now it seems there is. Converting an office building that has never been fully successful into this new use is a plus for Oak Park. Finally, making fuller use of the Holley Court garage is all to the good though we agree with the zoning board that many of the visitors to the Holiday Inn will be arriving by ride share or means other than personal auto. That should mitigate concerns over congestion. The hotel is another step in the transformation and reinvigoration of Oak Park’s downtown. This is good news.

V I E W P O I N T S

Moral neutrality colludes with evil

he House of Blues looks a little like a haunted house — cavernous, ornate, walls painted free-form and adorned with myriad music mementos. Above the entrance, ghostly sculpted reliefs of gods of the blues stare eerily down like a gallery from Hotel California. But this Tuesday night was not devoted to music. It was dedicated to MSNBC’s Chris Hayes and his podcast, “Why is This Happening?” in the music hall, the Chicago stop on his fall tour (L.A. and Austin, Texas preceded, with one more to come). High above the stage, shrine-like, an array of statues of religious figures and images from world religions, including the Blessed Virgin, the Star of David and illuminated Arabic script, flanked three phrases stacked one upon another — “Unity in Diversity,” “Who Do You Love?” and “All Are One” — about as far from a Trump rally as you’re likely to get. The place was packed by the time Chris Hayes ambled out to warm up the crowd. “It’s 12 degrees. Let’s go downtown and talk about structural racism,” Hayes said. “I love this.” In fact he loves Chicago, where he spent seven years or so working for The Reader before moving into broadcasting. He talked about the history of racism and how far we’ve come, or think we’ve come. “History doesn’t get people off the hook,” he observes. “Some were calling it what it was back then,” he said, so we need to call it what it is today. With that he introduced his guests, Nikole Hannah-Jones, who started the New York Times’ “1619” project and wrote the opening essay looking back on the 400-year legacy of slavery, and Ibram X. Kendi, an American University professor who has written a much-discussed book, How To Be an Anti-Racist. That set off a triangle of rapid-fire, back-and-forth brilliance by three extremely articulate human beings, which lasted more than an hour and was completely engrossing. Kendi said it’s about fairness and love. Racism isn’t fair and you have to have enough love for people to want to do something about it. Hannah-Jones said we focus on white nationalism, but what has really changed? “This pre-dates Trump,” she said, recalling a sign at the Women’s March in January of 2017 that read, “If Hillary were elected, we’d be at brunch now.” That’s telling. At least Trump brought what was already there out into the open. Hayes asked, “Is this a democracy for all its citizens or is it a white man’s nation?” “It’s not either/or. It’s both/and,” Kendi replied. Things have gotten better and worse. After Obama was elected, the “post-racial society theory” arose. OK, we elected a black man, so everything’s good now. “The post-racial theory,” Kendi said, “is one of the most sophisticated racist ideas ever.” It let white Americans off the hook. If we’re in a post-racial society and a racial group is still suffering, there must be something wrong with the racial group. Instead of looking at “250 years of racial architecture” and its impact on this country, Hannah-Jones pointed out, too many white Americans started saying to black Americans, “Our ancestors came here and made it. Why can’t you?”

KEN

TRAINOR

“Progress,” said Hayes, “deluded us into overlooking how much [racism] is still there.” “So you don’t have to engage,” Kendi added. “Lord knows everyone marched with Dr. King,” Hannah-Jones quipped, “but what side are you on right now?” Defensive outbursts (“I am not a racist!”) are an attempt to stake out neutral turf. Not my problem, not my accountability. But as Kendi has written, you can’t be a passive “non-racist;” you can only be racist or anti-racist, and for many, if not most people, it’s both, and he includes himself, examining his own unconscious biases in great detail in his

writing. “Moral neutrality colludes with evil,” was the line of the night. “This nation is built on white supremacy,” Hannah-Jones noted. “We are awash in black stereotypes from birth on. How do we purge ourselves of that? It’s in our very DNA.” Ironically, “white supremacy doesn’t benefit white people,” Kendi said. Opposition to gun regulation, for instance, means more guns, which leads to more white suicides. If poor white Americans think a social program will benefit black Americans, they usually oppose it, but they deprive themselves of the benefits of that program. Yet even poor whites enjoy the privilege of attending middle-class schools, which are better than all-black schools. Poor whites still live in neighborhoods with more resources. Racist ideas are appealing, Kendi said. “I have more, therefore I am more. It’s like processed meat. Racist ideas taste really good. We have to strive to create a non-processed meat.” Hayes asked, “Is race in America like gravity or is it like the weather? Can it change?” “Can we have policy in this country that is not centered on race?” Kendi replied. “Yes, but it would be a different America. You can’t tinker your way to anti-racism. You need radical structural change. Yes, you lose whiteness, but you actually gain.” Too many still believe it’s either white supremacy or minority supremacy, he observed, “but the vast majority would benefit from a different kind of country.” Hannah-Jones wasn’t so optimistic. She sides with gravity. “There is no fluidity in a caste system,” she said. “It’s based on anti-blackness.” Most other minority groups as they assimilate, are considered “white.” “Black is singular.” So maybe we’re stuck. Then again, a large crowd, more than half white, turned out on a 12-degree Tuesday night to listen in rapt attention to a lengthy discussion on structural racism. I didn’t see anyone leave early. I doubt that would have happened before Michael Brown was killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri five years ago, which represented a turning point in this country’s racial awareness. At least it did for me. Race still feels like gravity because we have such a long way to go. Then again, maybe we’re discovering a more benign form of climate change. Another step on our national, and personal, journey — from moral neutrality to active anti-racism.

V I E W P O I N T S

The free tax cut you won’t get Property taxes in Oak Park have increased about 20 percent over the last 10 years, adjusted for inflation. Over the last five years, one third of homeowners have seen their property taxes increase by 25 percent or more. Ask yourself, has your income gone up 25 percent in the last five years? The trajectory of property tax growth in Oak Park is unsustainable. Your elected representatives have a rare opportunity to stem this out-of-control growth because of the expiration of an obscure taxing instrument called a “TIF.” Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is meant to set aside a block of property tax income for special projects, usually to help fund needed infrastructure in blighted areas. For the last few decades Oak Park has had two large TIF funds, one for Downtown Oak Park and one for the Madison Street area. These TIFs are set to expire soon. If these TIFs are allowed to lapse, and all of our taxing bodies limit their tax increases to the rate of inflation, property taxes will actually go down in Oak Park, by about 2 percent*. This will provide much needed property tax relief. This would be a free tax cut. Free because no taxing body will need to decrease or cut any services. Free because you will see tax relief in your next tax bill even as all of the taxing bodies increase their budgets to match inflation.

W E D N E S D A Y

But you won’t see this tax cut. Already the various Oak Park taxing bodies are moving to capture the TIF funds, dramatically increasing their budgets on a year over year basis, some by as much as 10 percent. The rationale is that since you are already paying for the TIFs in your tax bill, you won’t notice if those funds are redirected. The TIF funds are not being taken because there is a need; they are being taken because they can be taken. The taxing bodies are making the calculation that you won’t notice. I am asking you to take notice. I am asking you to write the board members of these taxing bodies and ask them what their plans are for the TIF funds. Demand that they tell you how these funds will be used. Ask them if they understand how damaging the current property tax levels are to the community. * Note, the elementary schools and high school currently receive about 75 percent of the Downtown Oak Park TIF fund due to a legal agreement, and we cannot reasonably expect them to forego those funds. This calculation replaces that with a tax levy increase, and even allowing for that, we still see an approximate 2 percent cut in our total Oak Park property taxes.

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Linda Francis Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Tom Deja Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher

Josh VanderBerg Oak Park

Collaborate with us, share your culture

At the Oak Park Public Library, we strive to empower every voice in our community, and to put our community at the center of everything we do. When it comes to cultural programming, we realize we are not always the experts. That’s why we’re launching a new way to intentionally center our community members who want to celebrate and share their heritage and cultures through public programs at the library. Community members like Juanta Griffin, who has organized a Community Kwanzaa Celebration at the Main Library on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2-5 p.m. This will be the third year in a row that Griffin has worked to bring in food, music, dancers, entrepreneurs, and more with library support. Everyone is welcome to attend this celebration of African-American culture and community. “As a diverse community, our goal is to live together peacefully,” Griffin says. “Cultural community programming provides the education needed for villagers to share fellowship with each other in a safe, welcoming environment.” Now, based on the success of this annual event and other cultural heritage celebrations that community members have brought to us in the past year, the library is welcoming applications from community members

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Client Engagement Natalie Johnson

who would like to co-host their own multicultural programs, supported by library staff, space, and resources. This new approach is one way for us to proactively uplift and support community voices and expertise, and to welcome community members into inclusive and inspiring library spaces at all three library locations. If you’re interested, or know someone who is, please visit oppl.org/multicultural to learn more and submit an application. If the library has the capacity, you will receive support from library staff to plan and facilitate your program. This new initiative allows us to be intentional in our work and to make choices based on our community’s shared needs and aspirations. It supports our goals to actively engage with our community through cultural programming that is facilitated by and delivered through the unique voices and identities of community members, to foster inclusive opportunities with diverse groups, and to show empathy for and develop connections between diverse audiences.

Sarah Yale

Manager of Community Engagement Oak Park Public Library

Thanks for the Cadfael quote

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

Wow, I loved your words of wisdom about the qualities of November [Trying to love November, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, Nov. 13] as well as your leaf blower digs. I agree with both. Mostly, I loved the Ellis Peters quote. Too bad she is no longer with us to tell us more tales of Brother Cadfael. The best scenes were always set in his comfortable and comforting herbarium.

Elaine Johnson Oak Park

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

■ 250-word limit

■ 500-word limit

■ Must include first and last names,

■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,

municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)

your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left

Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 708 613 3300

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

FRANCIS

Genders at odds from page 33 the world. Young women are not interested in living their lives in a small or confined way. They are taking up more space. In the absence of dependency for livelihood, security or social acceptance, the question looms: Is the effort for coexistence worthwhile? Sadly, the answer from too many young folks, particularly female, is no. I hope we begin to put more effort into figuring out why and what binds us together across gender and how we communicate this to our children as we raise them to live together in ways that are mutually fulfilling. Quite a bit has been written lately about the challenges young white men face regarding their male identity, particularly in light of increases in violence wrought by disaffected young men. This has been a challenge for many young black males for some time now; however, it does foretell what can happen when young men lack a sense of belonging and place. I have heard this blamed on efforts to achieve racial and gender equity. This is like blaming population growth on improving water quality. We must constantly seek to improve everyone’s quality of life and do better at planning for the likely effects. As I often say, change is inevitable. The question remains, what will we do about it? How can we raise our boys and girls to share space and power respectfully and equitably? How can we become better models for what that should look like? It might begin with acknowledging that we are learning, too, but that we are committed to making it a reality.

MENSAH

Legal but not healthy? from page 33 and more readily accepted availability of marijuana. We at Mensah Medical have taken a very active and public stand against recreational marijuana legalization. We have included several articles in our monthly newsletter warning our patients, friends and colleagues of the impending dangers ahead. I have spoken at community rallies and testified before state and local legislatures when laws regarding legalization were being considered. During these presentations, I have shared that while this increase in the number of patients who must seek our help will likely be quite profitable for our clinic, it is not the way we want to benefit financially. I encourage all of you to be aware and be wary of what is to come with expanded availability and legalization of marijuana. Talk to your children and the other young people in your life. Know and look out for the medical and mental health concerns that stem from marijuana use. And, if some of the more dire consequences of marijuana use should touch you or someone close to you, know that medical and mental health support is available. Excellence has always been the credo at Fenwick High School. This cannot be achieved for future generations if judgment is impaired and drive and determination is subdued by inappropriate substance use. Dr. Albert Mensah is a graduate of the Fenwick class of 1982.

Library levy is excessive Dear Oak Park Library Board, My understanding is that the library has been operating without inordinate financial stress, and that debt from building the library will be paid off in 2020. If the debt payments have been running about $1 million per year, the library will continue to receive in perpetuity the tax money that had been paying that debt with no new cost against it once the debt is paid off. The Library Board should abate taxes by about $1 million given the end of construction debt. Instead you choose to keep the $1 million per year, every year, in perpetuity that you are no longer spending on debt, and you are asking for a roughly 9.98 percent levy increase (about $700,000) related to the end of various TIFs. A 9.98 percent levy increase is tone deaf, irresponsible, harmful to many residents, and unnecessary. As a board you have a fiduciary duty to resident taxpayers to manage library finances, not a fiduciary duty to the library to maximize revenue. Please revisit your revenue stream, reconsider the end of

construction debt and the meaning of that on what you want to fund. I’ve read you are looking at $900,000 or so in new spending initiatives; would the money not spent on debt be the source of that, rather than fracking more money out of an already overburdened and angry taxpayer? Lastly, please do not rationalize this as 9.9 percent being only $50 or $100 per year per household. With the library, park district, District 97, District 200, Oak Park Township and the village continually making that rationalization each and every year, that “measly” $50-$100 becomes $300-$600 per year in perpetuity, which is how we see taxes rising by those amounts year after year after year, and how we get to deflated home values and people being forced to sell what they can’t afford anymore because of chronic boards’ spending indiscipline. The library does not tax in a vacuum.

Jack Powers Oak Park

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Rush rushed its parking garage proposal As neighbors of Rush Oak Park Hospital (ROPH) and members of the Central West Oak Park Neighborhood Association, we appreciate Wednesday Journal’s continuing coverage of the hospital’s proposal to build a 6- to 7-story parking garage and close a portion of Monroe Street in our residential neighborhood. This issue is important for all Oak Parkers as it sets a precedent for business encroachment into our residential neighborhoods. We would like to add some additional perspective to the Journal’s front-page story about the Nov. 7 Plan Commission meeting regarding the proposed parking garage. After failing to address serious concerns raised by both neighbors and members of the Plan Commission, the hospital asked that its proposal be shelved until the Plan Commission’s February 2020 meeting. These concerns include the following: 1. ROPH has no master plan for its Oak Park campus, and this lack of planning is reflected in its ad hoc approach to current and historical campus development and community relations. Lack of planning is the root cause of the current traffic and parking problems that ROPH now seeks to solve. 2. ROPH did not provide conclusive evidence on the number of parking spaces it needs. In 2017, ROPH claimed no additional parking needs associated with projected growth of services on its campus, yet two years later it claims to need 600 additional parking spaces days after the opening of its new Emergency Department. ROPH needs to provide consistent numbers in line with a comprehensive master plan. 3. ROPH did not provide a feasibility study for alternate locations for a parking garage within the ROPH campus along existing commercial corridors. ROPH should prioritize keeping all campus traffic away from its residential neighbors.

4. ROPH did not present a viable solution for keeping non-local hospital traffic out of residential alleys and streets, which jeopardizes the safety of our neighborhood residents, including many small children. ROPH should do whatever is necessary to avoid this risk. 5. The proposal did not meet minimum design standards used for other recent parking garages constructed within Oak Park, which are intended to minimize the impact of light, air and noise pollution on neighboring single-family homes. We value the benefits ROPH provides to our neighborhood, village and surrounding communities. However, we also feel strongly that ROPH should go through a rigorous process to plan for future growth that considers the needs of all stakeholders impacted by its plans. We were disappointed by the failure of ROPH to include neighbors in its process. This failure resulted in a proposal that puts the safety of our neighborhood residents at risk, ignores the design challenges posed by a 6- to 7-story parking garage interfacing with 1- to 2-story single-family homes and condominiums, and erodes the trust of the surrounding residents. At the Nov. 7 meeting, the Plan Commission approved a continuance until February and encouraged ROPH to work with the community and incorporate its feedback into future plans. We appreciate this position, as we believe a transparent, inclusive and rigorous process will deliver a positive outcome that meets the needs of our collective community. We look forward to collaborating with ROPH, the village, and other relevant stakeholders to address the above concerns.

David Burna, Rachel Hahs, David Osta, Teresa Heit-Murray Central West Oak Park Neighborhood Association

Can electric leaf blowers do the job?

I have been an Oak Parker for almost 40 years. I am for the environment. I am against climate change. I want to save all the species. For almost 40 years I’ve read letters against leaf blowers. Folks are against the noise (mostly) and folks are against the pollution. Me too. I drove a hybrid car from 2004 until last year. Now I drive an EV — no noise and no pollution. But for now we are stuck with noisy, polluting leaf blowers. First, we need machines to move the leaves. It is just too labor intensive to try to do it with rakes. And the electric leaf blowers are just not powerful enough to do the job. I have not tried one, but I have seen my fellow citizens using them. They don’t seem to be up for the job. Technology gets better and better. Batteries get better and better. In warm weather, my new EV can go over 200 miles on a charge. Maybe next year they will have battery-powered leaf blowers that can do a professional job. When that happens I will switch sides to the antigas leaf blowers.

Allen Matthews Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Rush Oak Park remains committed to community

or more than a century, Rush Oak Park Hospital has been a staple in the community it serves, providing exceptional and compassionate health care. One recent example of our commitment is that we again received an “A” grade for patient safety, the highest possible, from the Leapfrog Group, a nationally recognized nonprofit watchdog organization. This marked our seventh consecutive “A” and ninth overall, adding to our list of recognitions for quality care. We also take great pride in being a strong community partner and will continue to be one as we evolve and expand along with the health care industry. It’s vital to the communities we serve that the hospital remains attentive and responsive to new technologies, scientific advances and consumer demands. A significant increase in outpatient care and the demand for emergency care has prompted us to expand our service lines and recently open a new, state-of-the-art emergency department. Last year alone we had more than 8,000 additional visits to our campus than the year prior. Examples of such visits included doctor’s appointments, radiation therapy, cardiac rehabilitation and imaging tests like mammograms, CT scans and MRIs, among others. The substantial increase in visits over the years has caused an overflow of vehicles to our campus

and resulted in a spillover of parking in the neighborhood. To address the frustration our neighbors have experienced with the overflow of parking, we formalized a plan to take those vehicles off the streets and put them on our campus where they belong. Our intent was good, but going before the Oak Park Plan Commission last week with a proposal to build an additional parking garage on hospital-owned property without first receiving input from the neighbors was, in retrospect, premature on our part. Which is why we immediately asked for a continuation of the proposal to a later date. In the coming weeks, we plan on meeting with representatives of the neighborhood. We will continue to work with the Oak Park village engineer and our own traffic consultants to determine the best approach for the hospital and the community. The mission of Rush is to provide the best health care for the individuals and diverse communities we serve through the integration of outstanding patient care, education, research, and community partnerships. We believe in that mission and will strive to continue to see it to fruition. Bruce Elegant is president and CEO of Rush Oak Park Hospital.

BRUCE ELEGANT One View

e l a s n o s t ticke W! NO

Bicycle helmets save the lives of those you love

Aug. 27, I went out for a quick morning bicycle ride when the bike slid out from underneath me on a curve. Three weeks later I came home. The fall caused my femur to punch through my pelvis, shattering it, and cracked a rib. A 911 call drew a quick response and a short ride to the Loyola trauma center. Ten hours of surgery, three plates and 10 screws later, the pieces of my pelvis were back together again. I’ve learned from this experience two things: I overestimated the amount of traction on my tires and I underestimated the amount of damage possible in coming off a bike. Yet with having experienced all this physical damage, I feel incredibly blessed for the injury that I did not experience. Close inspection after the accident showed a helmet that was crushed over my left temple. Clearly it took the impact that would have crushed my skull had I not been wearing it. Having had this experience, it pains me to see teens and adults riding in our village on bikes without helmets as if they do not need this basic safety equipment. Parents, if you love your children, buy them helmets and have them wear them whenever riding a bike. Teens, if you love your parents, get a helmet and use it. Children, if you love your parents, ask them to buy themselves helmets and use them. They are simple devices that save lives — yours and those of the people you love.

Sean Taylor Oak Park

Presents

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

buy your tickets: oprfchamber.org/bite-nite Sponsored By:

Venue Sponsor:

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

Check First.

RELIGION GUIDE

First Congregational Church of Maywood

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

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

William S. Winston Pastor

Roman Catholic

Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM

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

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

St. Edmund Catholic Church

ELCA, Lutheran

Good Shepherd

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

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

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

St. Giles Family Mass Community

Lutheran—ELCA

United Lutheran Church

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

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

Roman Catholic

Ascension Catholic Church

www.unitedlutheranchurch.org

708/386-1576

(708) 697-5000

(M-F)

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Lutheran-Independent

Grace Lutheran Church

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

Grace Lutheran School

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

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

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

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

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

808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am 5:00 pm at St. Edmund Church Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 – 4:45 pm Saturday Taizé Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1 Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor Roman Catholic

St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park

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

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

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

Nov 23 Thanksgiving Interfaith 24 Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahdur Sikh 26 Christ the King Christian Day of the Covenant Baha’i 28 Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha Baha’i Thanksgiving Interfaith USA

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

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Lou Cipparone, 88 Korean War medic, pharmacist

Louis Peter “Lou” Cipparrone, of Oak Park, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Nov. 17, 2019. The son of Peter and Angeline Cipparrone, he was born in Chicago on June 14, 1931, Flag Day, a fitting birthday for LOU CIPPARONE a man who so loved our nation’s flag. He grew up in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood with his three siblings — Bill, Gene, and Rose. After graduating from Crane Tech High School, he worked as a pharmacy apprentice before being drafted in 1951 to serve as an army medic in the Korean War. He answered his nation’s call fearlessly and courageously, working alongside his fellow servicemen in the 4076 MASH Unit — the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital that inspired the television series M*A*S*H. A hero and a healer, he shared the wisdom of his service with his children and grandchildren for the rest of his life. After being honorably discharged, he met the love of his life, Joann Greene Cipparrone. Their storybook romance quickly turned to marriage, and they were married on Aug. 31, 1959. Together, they had five beautiful children — Mickie (Chuck Kerr), Louie (Carolyn), Cathy, Debbie (John Figel), and Pete (Kris). Lou and Joann raised their children in Oak Park, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was known on the 800 block of Forest Avenue for his unmatched enthusiasm for holiday decorations and flying the American flag, both on holidays and also whenever he felt like it. A master handyman with a sharp mind, he enjoyed a dedicated career at Louis Zahn Drug Company for 31 years. He was dearly loved by his 14 grandchildren, who were his world, and he took an unwavering interest in each of their lives. He never ceased telling them how “terrific” they were, and how deeply he loved them. An exceptionally dedicated family man, he and Joann hosted their famous family dinners every Sunday night for nearly 30 years. Services will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Salerno’s Galewood Chapel. The funeral will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, at St. Giles Church in Oak Park.

Alfred Jaques, 89 Korean War vet, engineer

Alfred M. Jaques, 89, died on Nov. 10, 2019. Born on March 13, 1930, he served in the U.S. Air Force in Korea. An engineer, he worked for over 50 years in the steel industry in Illinois and Indiana. He was an active alumnus of IIT and was passionate with fundraising

V I E W P O I N T S and recruiting for the Latinos Involved in Further Education (LIFE) program. Alfred Jaques was the husband of Raquel (nee Mandujano); the father of Alfred (Michelle), Maria (Lloyd) Goslin and Jose (Jamie) ALFRED JAQUES Jaques; the grandfather of Callum and Tyr Jaques, Raquel, Alexandra and Samantha Goslin, and Allysia and Anthony Jaques; the brother of Virginia (the late Marcos) Mondragon and the late Belen Jaquez and Jose (Dolores) Jaquez; and the uncle of many. Visitation was held on Nov. 12 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, followed by a funeral on Nov. 13 at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, with private interment at Good Shepherd Cemetery, Orland Park. The family appreciates memorial donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (cff.org).

Rev. Thomas Cannon, 85

Episcopal priest, veteran Rev. Thomas Kimball “Kim” Cannon, 85, a resident of Oak Park for over 40 years, died on Nov. 6, 2019. Born in Oak Park on May 5, 1934 to the late Joseph William and Mary English Cannon, he was a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean era. Fr. Kim was an Episcopal priest for over 50 years. He presided at St. Andrew’s Church in Chicago for 35-plus years and served in other parishes in Cook and DuPage counties. Rev. Cannon was the husband of Kathleen; the father of David, Peter, Thomas (Michelle), Sarah and Joshua (Indalia) Cannon; the grandpa of Jonathon and Jeremy Cannon and Alexa and Mitch Cannon; and the brother of Judi Keenum. A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 545 S. East Ave. in Oak Park. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 708-383-3191.

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, before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

Robert P. Gamboney 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.

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Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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Fallin’ For WSSRA Stars

he West Suburban Special Recreation Foundation (WSSRF) hosted its seventh annual “Fallin’ for Our Stars,” a night of fun and fundraising at the Cheney Mansion in Oak Park, on Friday, October 18, 2019.

Marianne with Tracy and Tom Brooker (Oak Park)

This year’s event, a Starlit Casino Night, featured Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, Craps, Star Pull, a Live Auction, music from vocalist Richie Shep and delicious fare from the Knockout Catering Company. Through the generosity of our donors, sponsors, and those in attendance, WSSRF raised over $27,000 for WSSRA programs and services. Some of the funds raised from the evening’s paddle raise will help purchase equipment for the new WSSRA Imaginarium Sensory Room opening in Oak Park in January 2020.

Shannon and Dr. John O’Brien (Oak Park)

Rick Rumoro and guests (Oak Park)

Dr. Bill Najim (Oak Park) and Larry Venzera (Forest Park)

WSSRF and WSSRA would like to thank all the 2019 Fallin’ for Our Stars Sponsors for their continued support. This year’s sponsors included:

Good Heart Work Smart, Compass Architecture LLC, The Retirement Research Foundation, Park District of Forest Park, Park District of Oak Park, Joseph Mullarkey Distributors Inc, Kelly Frank, Richie Shep, Democratic Party of Oak Park, Forest Agency Insurance, H & H Electric, Mohr Oil Company and many WSSRA families and supporters. WSSRA provides recreation programs for adults and children who have a physical impairments or developmental disabilities. Through WSSRA, residents of all ages can participate in year-round programming specifically designed to meet their individual needs. WSSRA serves the communities of Berwyn, Cicero, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Harwood Heights, Norridge, North Riverside, Oak Park, River Forest and Riverside. For more information, please contact WSSRA at 847-455-2100 or visit wssra. net.

WSSRF Foundations Members - Leonor Vanik De Vazquez (Chicago), Rocio Perez (Berwyn), AnneMarie Casas (Franklin Park), Bath Kaplan (Oak Park), Karen Mullarkey-Kerrins (Oak Park), Marianne Birko (Oak Park), Christine Nakatsuka (Elmwood Park), Veronica Ramirez (Oak Park)

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

Basketball Preview PAGE 42

@ @OakPark

SPORTS

Girls wrestling is growing

OPRF coach Fred Arkin calls it an emerging sport By JAMES KAY Sports Editor

After decades of having girls wrestle against boys, the IHSA has passed a by-law that will give high schools the opportunity to create a girls wrestling program where female athletes can compete against other girls. Former OPRF board member and girls wrestling coach Fred Arkin has been one of the faces leading the charge to get this done. “[Girls wrestling] is growing and it’s growing fast,” said Arkin. “I think the more the girls find and see benefits of wrestling, it is going to rival the boys.” However, passing the by-law does not mean the IHSA has recognized girls wrestling as an established sport. The by-law classifies girls wrestling as an “emerging sport.” According to the IHSA’s website, there are 24 sports that are considered “emerging sports.” Before girls wrestling can shed that title, the IHSA wants more data on participation in the sport. According to Arkin, 641 girls were certified last year by the IHSA to participate in wrestling (meaning high school girls signed up for the sport and had their body fat tested). This was up from the 433 athletes certified in 2017. Arkin is one of the co-chairs of the Illinois Coaches and Officials Wrestling Association steering committee. Passing the by-law is a big step for moving the legitimacy of the sport forward. Arkin knows there are other obstacles in establishing girls wrestling as a future staple of the IHSA but has faith the IHSA will see how the sport will grow. “If there is a demand for the sport, the IHSA will let it happen,” said Arkin. “The IHSA isn’t throwing up roadblocks and has been very cooperative. This is something they see coming down the road and they want to do all of their due diligence to make sure it isn’t a flash in the pan and that this is something that is going to grow and be consistent over time.” OPRF’s wrestling program is one of the pioneers of hosting tournaments where female wrestlers can primarily go up against other female wrestlers. Since the by-law was passed, OPRF has nine events and tournaments planned for this season that exclusively involve female wrestlers facing one another. The D200 board also approved a small stipend for the program to have a coach, due to the expressed interest in the sport. According to Arkin, OPRF’s girls divi-

sion had “20 to 30” female wrestlers show up this year to the preseason wrestling meeting compared to last year’s 11. Having more members on the team this season has created a new dynamic for the female wrestlers who were around at the beginning. “I am very excited,” said OPRF wrestler Camila Neuman. “We have never had so many opportunities where we have a bunch of different events where we can wrestle at and have actual bracketed weight classes. It’s awesome. I don’t have to feel nervous about wrestling a boy or anything.” Even with these tournaments set up, the girls will still travel with the varsity boys team during dual meets since most teams in the area don’t have enough female participants to fill out all of the weight classes. With more female wrestlers wanting to participate in the sport, there is also the obstacle of making sure these athletes are in a safe environment to take part in any school’s program. Neuman has found it disheartening that she is viewed as a “female wrestler” and not a “wrestler.” “I was always scared wrestling a boy because of how it would look if I lost,” said Neuman. “I thought they would think, ‘Oh she’s so weak; she lost to a boy.’ I feel like when wrestling guys, they will do anything to win against you because you are a female. It only makes you want to prove them wrong.” Neuman also says that having gone through an offseason, preseason, and regular season of wrestling has earned her more respect from the coaching staff and the varsity team since she has now “proved herself.” However, there are some male wrestlers who, she claims, still make jokes about her presence in the wrestling room. “I don’t know if that is just an immaturity thing or if it’s something else,” said Neuman. Kennedi Dickens has had a different experience being in a different weight class. “I was already friends with [some members of the boys team] and when we were at the preseason meeting, they were like, ‘Oh Kennedi you’re going to wrestle? That’s cool,’” said Dickens. “They thought that I could do it.” Arkin wasn’t aware of the situation that Neuman described. “This is the first I have heard that kind of comment from Camila,” said Arkin. “It wouldn’t surprise me since they are 14-year-old boys. But it is our goal to be sure that [the female wrestlers] are in a welcoming environment. We’ve had conversations with people in the building, especially [OPRF PE teacher and faculty member] Linda Carlson, about how to, as an adult male, coach girls. But I am not going to say there weren’t growing pains to having girls as a

Courtesy Camilla Neuman

LET’S WRESTLE: While not a sanctioned IHSA sport, girls wrestling is rising at OPRF part of the wrestling program.” Arkin went on to say that being able to divide the athletes up will help with this issue. With there already being a limited amount of practice space, it is difficult to separate the groups. Even with difficulties that come with breaking into a new sport, female high

school wrestlers are starting to get a shot at competing with one another. “If you look at what is happening nationwide with girls wrestling, this is a sport on the rise,” said Arkin. “We will continue to fight the good fight with the IHSA and we are confident to get a state tournament going at some point in the future.”

Swimming sectional round up OPRF, Fenwick sending swimmers to state finals

Fenwick and OPRF are known for their powerhouse swimming programs. They went toe-to-toe at sectionals on Nov. 16 and finished first and second respectively. Here are the quick hits from the meet. OPRF: Swimmer/divers who qualified for state: Teagan Osga (200 IM, 100 Back, 200 Free Relay), Alex Mitchell (200 Free, 500 Free, 200 Free Relay), Sara Segal (50 Free, 100 Breast, 200 Free Relay), Victoria Kouris (200 Free Relay), Yasmin Ruff (Diving) and Abby Gibbs (Diving). Fenwick: Swimmers/divers who qualified for state: Katie Drumm (50 Free, 100 Butterfly), Lindsey Drumm (100 Butterfly), Baleigh Racky (100 Backstroke) and Angelina Cakuls

(100 Backstroke). Coach’s Corner OPRF head coach Clyde Lundgren on team’s sectional success: “Fenwick is such a solid group and they are always prepared. But going into the meet, we had already faced them a couple of times. Sectionals is such an emotional thing. Everyone is trying to get their best times and get through to the state meet. Winning the sectional would have been the icing on the cake, but the goal was to get as many people to the state meet.” Fenwick head coach Rene Miller on the team’s success: “I think the girls really have bought into the system we have here. That is what I think makes us successful. They enjoy what we do and have fun doing it. You have to give credit to [Riverside Brookfield High School] and [OPRF] what they are doing over there, and I am just proud of the girls.”

James Kay

S P O R T S

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Basketball Preview

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Fenwick’s Lauren Hall tries to find room during a game versus Montini last season.

Nine reasons to follow girls hoops this season

What you need to know for the 2019-20 season By JAMES KAY, LAUREN RECCHIA, and MELVIN TATE Sports Editor and Contributors

OPRF’s varsity team struggled to find its identity last season. They went 11-21 and had a negative net rating (-3.6) in their 201920 campaign. However, the team believes it is ready to compete again and by the look of its new scheme, anything can happen. Here are three reasons James Kay thinks you need to pay attention to OPRF this season.

This team will shoot 3s on 3s on 3s If you walk onto the basketball court at your local gym, you will find someone chucking shots from 24 feet away from the hoop. Why? Because Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry (and NBA analytics departments) changed the way basketball is being played across all age groups. OPRF head coach James Coughlin acknowledged this on Nov. 15.

“We are probably going to shoot more threes than any other team I have coached before,” said Coughlin. “That is the way basketball is going, so we will probably set a new record [of 3-point shots attempted] every year from now on. We jacked them up in summer league, and we don’t have any shy shooters.” The Huskies lost some of their offensive firepower to graduation (including current UIC point guard Ahsha Spencer). To make up for it, attempting a lot of threes might be the way to counter the lack of returning scoring production. By the sound of it, the players are content with the 3-point barrage they are going to have every game. “The thing we tell them that will get them to the bench the quickest is turning down open shots,” said Coughlin.

Tatym Coe’s Wizardry If this team hopes to live and die by the three, one of the reasons it might be able to pull that off is because of the stability senior Tatym Coe brings to the backcourt. “For a kid like Tatym Coe, she should have been a four-year varsity player, and

she wants to win this year,” said Coughlin. “She works super hard, she’s quick, and is someone who guards all 85 feet of the floor. She’s probably one of the 20 quickest guards in the state.” This will be Coe’s first year playing point guard (she played shooting guard last year) but her experience as a slashing two-guard might ease her transition into being OPRF’s primary ball-handler. During five-on-five drills, Coe blew by anyone who tried to press her at the top of the key. She has an affinity for being able to finish through contact at the rim while also possessing veteran instincts in drive-andkick scenarios. In a 3-point-heavy system, Coe’s ability to slow the game down when she enters the paint is going to free up the 3-point sharpshooters waiting to be fed on the perimeter. Another reason to watch Coe and Co. is because of her killer instinct on and off the floor. She radiates confidence and doesn’t see this season as a developmental year for her younger teammates. “We are coming out trying to make a name for ourselves,” she said. “We are going to

come out and get W’s. I believe we are going to be good this year.”

Depth and newfound chemistry Coughlin said on Nov. 15 that he knows what his starting lineup is going to be for the first game, but every player is competing for the 7-10 spots. “We have 16 players, and I wouldn’t hesitate to put a single one in right now,” he said. “The last time I had a team like that was four years ago, and we only had 10 players. Now it’s on us to get everyone an opportunity and play consistently.” Outside of four seniors and sophomore Lilah Gery, who Coughlin said could step into the second or third scoring option role for the Huskies, this team is mostly composed of juniors. They have size in the backcourt (two 6-footers) and enough length to compete with a complete team like Lyons Township. However, the biggest improvement the team has seen since the season ended last spring is the chemistry created in summer league. “This team works for each other more than the other teams I’ve had in the last couple of years,” said Coughlin. “We’ve had our

S P O R T S

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Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

Basketball Preview most spirited practices between June and the first two weeks of the preseason. Win or lose, we are going to play for each other, which hasn’t always been the case.” All five players interviewed by Wednesday Journal brought up the improved chemistry of this year’s team. “We made it a point to bond together this year,” said senior Karly Cantrell. “Last year, there was a little bit of drama, but this year we are so positive. We eat together all the time and hang out outside of practice. We just have each other’s backs.” With a new team and clean slate, OPRF will vie for an above .500 record for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Fenwick’s varsity team went 23-12 last season but came up short in the playoffs. They averaged 50 points per game and had a point differential of +384. With five seniors gone from last year’s roster, head coach Dave Power has a combination of youth and senior leadership that he hopes will propel his team this season. Here are three reasons why Melvin Tate thinks you need to follow Friars basketball this season:

Returning players have something to prove Fenwick has been ousted by Nazareth Academy in the IHSA Class 3A sectional final the last two seasons. But with plenty of experienced players returning to go with a few talented newcomers, the Friars are optimistic they can finally get over the hump. “The past losses to Nazareth were tough, but we only use them as motivation to improve our skills and work to get further,” said Fenwick senior guard Lily Reardon. “I think they’ve taught us we must stay focused and treat every game like it is a final.” Indeed, Fenwick has used the preseason to emphasize the importance of self-improvement. And Power likes what he’s seen so far in practice. “It’s going quite well,” he said. “We’ve come out really hard and spent a lot of time on defense. We’re always capable of scoring points, but we want to put emphasis on play-

GG AA M M EE SS TT OO W W AA TT CC HH FF OO RR OPRF

12/7: Downers Grove North @ 7:30 pm 12/20: at Lyons Township @ 6:00 pm 1/25: at Evanston @ 4:00 pm 2/4: Glenbard West @ 7:00 pm

Fenwick

11/29: Loyola Academy (New Trier Thanksgiving Tournament) @ 11:30 am 1/4: Simeon (Chicagoland Showcase) @ 10:30 am 1/18: at Bennet Academy @ 6:30 pm 1/29: at OPRF @ 7:00 pm

Trinity

12/14: at Montini Catholic @ 1:30 pm 12/18: Marist @ 6:30 pm 1/11: at Kenwood @ 7:30 pm 1/23: Saint Ignatius @ 7:00 pm

ing both ends of the court. Hopefully, they’ll learn that playing tough defense can convert into scoring.” Reardon and forward Katie Schneider are four-year varsity players whose experience is valuable for the program, according to Power. Another player to look out for is Sheila Hogan. The senior is a three-year varsity player who has a nice outside shot. She suffered an injury during soccer season last spring, but Power is hoping for her return in the second half of the year. Junior forward Lauren Hall is entering her third season on varsity, and Power likes her all-around game a lot. “Lauren is very athletic. She has great anticipation and runs the floor; she has a good motor,” he said. With the Nazareth losses hanging over them, the seniors will have one more shot to take down a Roadrunners’ team that has gone 63-7 the last two years.

Youth improves depth Fenwick also has a pair of good sophomore post players in Audrey Hinrichs and Elise Heneghan who gained valuable experience last year. “They’re both capable of scoring 20 points per game,” Power said. “Audrey is almost always our top rebounder, and both she and Elise had some huge games for us.” The Friars’ junior-varsity team went undefeated last year in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Red Division, and several of those players hope to make an impact this winter, including sophomores Mia Caccitolo, Mira Schwanke, and Amanda Hansen, and juniors Jelena Jaksic and Makenzie Ramonez. “Mia is a hard-nosed kid. She’s very quick and can blow by people,” Power said. “Mira is a point guard who has a nice shooting stroke, but she likes to get an assist more than score. Amanda has mad hops and good shot-blocking ability; in time we expect her to be another player who can help us around the basket. Junior guard Gianna Amundsen and senior guard Stephanie Morella are experienced players who can help in a pinch. “We have a lot of depth; that’s why we think we can play up-tempo at both ends,” Power added. “Pressuring the ball along with doing some trapping and other defensive stunts will help us keep games at a high pace. We’ll push the ball up the floor more than we did last year, and that’s based on our willingness to run hard down the floor on both ends. We can use fresh legs and keep up the pressure; while a lot of opponents will play six or seven players, I can see us playing 10.” Fenwick will need its depth to deal with what will be yet another rigorous schedule. Last year, the Friars played three schools that ended the season Downstate in 4A — Benet, Mother McAuley, and Rockton Hononegah — and this year’s slate includes area powers Benet, Lincoln-Way West, Marist, New Trier, and Simeon among others.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Fenwick’s Maggie Vanermen (No. 21) absorbs contact during a game versus Montini.

A coaching legend in action Reardon knows that playing for Fenwick means playing for an esteemed head coach in Power, and she’s appreciative of the opportunity to learn not only about basketball, but also life. “It’s awesome to play for someone with so much experience and talent,” Reardon said. The ultimate goal for the Friars is to advance downstate. But they also know there will be plenty of basketball played before the playoffs, so this year’s approach will be focusing on daily improvement as a team and not so much on the opponents. The way in which Power balances team development and readying for a playoff run will be one of the storylines to look out for this season. “We’re going to concentrate this year on developing our players,” Power said. “We want to get better basketball IQ-wise. I want us playing our best basketball come state tournament time.” Trinity had a hard time getting its footing last season. They had a point differential of -138 and allowed 49.4 points per game to their opponents. However, they were 6-4 at home, and if they can find a way to get it done on the road, this team could contend. Here are three reasons why Lauren Recchia thinks you need to watch the Blazers this season:

Blazers bounce back and run the floor After a 13-16 finish last season that concluded in the regional finals, the Blazers are already eager to advance even further in the 4A playoffs this season. “I have been excited to see how focused and hungry our kids are this season to leave their mark,” said head coach Kim Coleman. “We have a good group which has been playing together for a while now and we are ready to put the pieces together.” The Blazers have already shown early on that they are strong in their ability to get up and down and run the floor and defend.

“I’m confident in our ability to defend this year,” Coleman said. “Last year we stuck with the zone defensively and this summer and first week of practice we have emphasized tough man-to-man discipline defense.”

Familiar faces and new faces Junior forward Makiyah Williams, who averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds per game last season, will be back to help lead the way for the Blazers. Senior Zyerra Stafford, a four-year starter, and junior Maddie Miller will also be players to watch for this season as they have another year of experience under their belt. “[Williams] is a kid who has been a key talent in helping our program rebuild,” Coleman said. “We know with [Stafford’s] ability to score and create for her teammates that we will be successful. Maddie Miller is our secret weapon; her ability to shoot the ball serves as a big help in the success of our program along with her selfless leadership.” Senior Lauren Saleh and junior Savanna Childress will also be looking to step up in their own way after gaining more experience. “[Saleh] is coming off a solid summer and looks a lot more confident this season after having a year of varsity play under her belt,” Coleman said. “Childress will also be huge for us as she has had a year under Stafford and has watched and grown a lot playing for Chicago Hoops Express this summer.” Among the new faces fans will see for the Blazers this season is standout freshman Ciarra Richardson, as the team will look to get her acquainted with the varsity level.

Intense season of conference play The Girls Catholic Athletic Conference is always competitive, and this year will be no different. Key matchups with Fenwick, Montini, Loyola, McAuley, and Ignatius will highlight the Blazers’ 2019-2020 campaign, along with facing off against two top 25 teams in Kenwood and Homewood Flossmoor.

Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

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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: Y19002510 on November 1, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of DGCB GROUP with the business located at: 110 S. MARION STREET UNIT 305, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DEBORAH GILLESPIE 110 S. MARION STREET UNIT 305, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Oak Park’s Draft Program Year 2018 Comprehensive Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (Draft CAPER) will be available for public review and comment during business hours from November 21 to December 5, 2019 at the Oak Park Village Hall (Neighborhood Services Division) 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302; at all public library branches in Oak Park; and on the Village’s website. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed. Program Year 2018 ran from October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019. As a recipient of federal funding under the Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Solutions Grant and Section 108 Loan Guarantee Programs, the Village is required to submit annual performance reports to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Any comments concerning the Draft CAPER should be submitted in writing to Mark Dwyer, Grants Supervisor, at the Village Hall address listed above, or by calling 708.358.5416, by 5 p.m., December 5, 2019. Published in Wednesday Journal 11/20/2019

Published in Wednesday Journal 11/6, 11/13, 11/20/2019

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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: Y19002550 on November 8, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of DB TAX AND BOOKKEEPING SERVICES with the business located at: 1001 EASTERN AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DONNA C. BINION 1001 EASTERN AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104

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: Y19002602 on November 14, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of GLOSS ADDICT with the business located at: 2110 S. 4TH AVE., MAYWOOD, IL 60153. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: FELICIA SIMMONS 2110 S. 4TH AVE. MAYWOOD, IL 60153.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday 17 December 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing to consider a text amendment to Title 9 of the Forest Park Zoning Ordinance in the following ways: Amend Section 9-1-5 to include deﬁnitions for “Adult-Use Cannabis Business Establishment”, “Adult-Use Cannabis Craft Grower”, “Adult-Use Cannabis Cultivation Center”, “Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization”, “Adult-Use Cannabis Infuser Organization or Infuser”, “Adult-Use Cannabis Processing Organization or Processor”, and “Adult-Use Cannabis Transporting Organization or Transporter”. Amend Section 9-4B-2 to allow Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization as a conditional use in the B-2 (Community Shopping District) with a 500-foot distance requirement from schools and churches. Amend Section 9-4C-2 to allow Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization as a conditional use in the DBD (Downtown Business District). Amend Section 9-5A-2 to allow Adult-Use Cannabis Craft Grower, Adult-Use Cannabis Cultivation Center, Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization, Adult-Use Cannabis Infuser Organization or Infuser, Adult-Use Cannabis Processing Organization or Processor, and Adult-Use Cannabis Transporting Organization or Transporter as a conditional use in the I-1 (Light Industrial) zoning district. Amend Section 9-5B-1 to allow Adult-Use Cannabis Craft Grower, Adult-Use Cannabis Cultivation Center, AdultUse Cannabis Dispensing Organization, Adult-Use Cannabis Infuser Organization or Infuser, Adult-Use Cannabis Processing Organization or Processor, and Adult-Use Cannabis Transporting Organization or Transporter as a permitted use in the I-2 (Industrial) zoning district.

PUBLIC NOTICE Forest Park School District 91 will be accepting sealed bids for a 2020 Ford F-250 pick-up truck with a snow plow.

The purpose of this hearing is to consider a request by the Village of Forest Park, as petitioner, to amend the text of the Forest Park Zoning Ordinance as speciﬁed above within the Village of Forest Park, and such other Zoning Ordinance changes consistent with and to conform to the proposed amendments provided for by this Notice.

Published in Forest Park Review 11/20/2019

Published in Forest Park Review 11/13, 11/20, 11/27/2019

Published in Forest Park Review 11/20, 27, 12/4/2019

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 19-06 Planned Development and Street Vacation HEARING DATE: December 5, 2019 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits. LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302 APPLICANT(S): House Development LLC, One Town Square, Suite 1600, Southfield, MI 48076 OWNER(S) OF RECORD: 711 Madison Street: 711 Madison Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60302 & Essex Foley Family, LLLP, 100 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook, IL 60062; 725 Madison Street: Chicago Title Land Trust Company – Spikes, The Hotel for Dogs, Inc. as sole beneficiary. SUBJECT PROPERTY ADDRESSES: 711 and 725 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 711 Madison Street; LOTS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, AND 11 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 1 IN HUTCHINSON AND ROTHERMEL’S SUBDIVISION, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST 1/2 OF LOT 3 OF THE SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN (EXCEPT THE WEST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 THEREOF) ALSO OF BLOCKS 1, 6, 7, 12, AND 13 OF THE SUBDIVISION OF LOTS 1, 2, AND 3 IN PARTITION OF THE EAST 1/2 OF LOT 2 IN SAID SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18 AFORESAID, ALL IN THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PIN: 16-18-201-032 725 Madison Street; LOT 1 IN BLOCK 2 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF BLOCKS 2, 3, 6 AND 7 IN HUTCHINSON AND ROTHERMEL’S SUBDIVISION BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST 1/2 OF LOT 3 OF THE SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN (EXCEPT THE WEST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 THEREOF) ALSO OF BLOCKS 1, 6, 7, 12 AND 13 OF THE SUBDIVISION OF LOTS 1, 2 AND 3 IN THE PARTITION OF THE EAST 1/2 OF LOT 2 IN SAID SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18 AFORESAID, ALL IN THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PIN: 16-18-200-005 Euclid Avenue right-of-way vacation (between Madison Street

and south alley); THAT PART OF 66-FOOT WIDE EUCLID AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY 125.00 FEET IN LENGTH LYING SOUTH OF THE SOUTH LINE OF MADISON STREET AND NORTH OF THE NORTH LINE OF A 16-FOOT WIDE PUBLIC ALLEY IN THE WEST HALF OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. REQUESTS: The Applicant seeks approval of a Planned Development and right-of-way vacation to allow for the construction of a 256,725 square foot residential care facility (senior care) within the MS-Madison Street zoning district consisting of 174 Unit (222 beds) at 7-stories tall. The Applicant is requesting zoning relief for the following; 1.) Increase in density from 48 allowed dwelling units to a not-to-exceed unit count of 174 dwelling units, 2.) Increase in height from an allowed 50 feet to a not-to-exceed height of 90 feet, 3.) A reduction in the rear yard setback from a required 25 feet to a not-toexceed distance of 16 feet as measured from the property line south of the abutting alley, and 4.) An increase in foot candles at the property line from 1 to not-to-exceed 6.9. The building will be comprised of independent living units, assisted living units, and memory care units. The Applicant is also requesting the vacation of a portion of South Euclid Avenue right-of-way between Madison Street and the east-west alley abutting the development parcels to the south. *NOTE: this is a re-notice due to a prior notification error. Copies of the application and each of the applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Persons with disabilities planning to attend and needing special accommodations should contact the Village Clerk’s Office at 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, or call (708) 358-5670. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THESE PROCEEDINGS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD. David Mann, Chairperson OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION, Sitting as a Zoning Commission Oak Park, Illinois 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal 11/20/2019

Lump sum bids will be publicly opened at the Forest Park School District 91 Business Office, 424 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, 60130, at 10am on Thursday, December 5, 2019. Bids received after the designated time and date of the bid opening shall not be considered. The Forest Park School District 91 Board of Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids or parts thereof, to waive any irregularities or informalities in bidding procedures and to award the contract in a manger best serving the interest of the Owner (District 91). Specifications are as follows: Ford F-250 4x4 Pick-Up Regular Cab with 8’ Bed Limited Slip Rear Axle LT265/70Rx17E OWL All Terrain Oxford White (Vehicle Color) Cloth 40/20/40 Split Bench Full Length Black Cab Steps, Regular Cab Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Cruise Control/Tilt Wheel Electronic Shift on the Fly 4x4 Snow Plow Prep Package Back Up Alarm Western 8’ Pro Plus Plow Whelen L31 Super LED Amber Beacon No Holes Drilled Light Mount Board of Education Forest Park Public Schools County of Cook Forest Park, Illinois, 60130 Please contact Mr. Robert Laudadio, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds at 708.366.5700 ext. 313, for any questions regarding the specifications

The applicant for this petition is the Village of Forest Park, 517 Desplaines, Forest Park, Illinois. Signed: Kerry McBride Zoning Board of Appeals Chairperson Published in Forest Park Review 11/20/2019

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Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCIN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE IMPAC SECURED ASSETS CORP., MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3, Plaintiff, vs. ANDREW ALMAUI, ARVEST CENTRAL MORTGAGE COMPANY SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO CENTRAL MORTGAGE COMPANY, HERITAGE TITLE COMPANY, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ROBERT BEAULIEU, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 18 CH 15833 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, December 16, 2019 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-13-407-006-0000. Commonly known as 820 ELGIN AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The successful purchaser is entitled to possession of the property only. The purchaser may only obtain possession of units within the multiunit property occupied by individuals named in the order of possession. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 18-02929 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3136789

FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE F/K/A NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2007OSI Plaintiff, -v.SHERI LYNN CULVER, VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF LESSIE MATHIS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, WILLIAM P. BUTCHER, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR LESSIE MATHIS (DECEASED), JEANIE MICHELLE MATHIS, ANTIONETTE L. MATHIS, KATHY LAWRENCE, KANDACE MINOR, GILDA J. MATHIS, TALLEVETTE MUELLER, ANGELA NEIDERMANN, DONALD S. MATHIS, ANDREW L. MATHIS, JAVON A. MATHIS, LESLIE KEITH MATHIS, BILL J. MATHIS, STEPHEN F. MATHIS, PAUL A. MATHIS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ANNETTE V. MATHIS, CARY ROSENTHAL, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ANNETTE V. MATHIS (DECEASED) Defendants 15 CH 02303 1201-05 RANDOLPH STREET 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 September 10, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 12, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1201-05 RANDOLPH STREET, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-10-404-040 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twen-

ty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 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. 14-15-00446 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 15 CH 02303 TJSC#: 39-5912 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are

advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 15 CH 02303 I3136439

fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE

THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm 3pm. Please refer to file number 19-090471. 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. SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 19-090471 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 19 CH 5738 TJSC#: 39-5960 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 19 CH 5738 I3136302

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WELLS

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION BANKUNITED N.A. Plaintiff, -v.JEANETTE JOHNSON, VILLAGE OF RIVERDALE, AN ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD, AN ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, STATE OF ILLINOIS Defendants 19 CH 5738 1419 SOUTH 3RD AVENUE 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 September 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 17, 2019, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1419 SOUTH 3RD AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-14-138-0070000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $31,030.30. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale

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Wednesday Journal, November 20, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

I love working for a bank that supports the organizations that matter to my family and community.” CHRIS BARKIDJIJA, SVP GROUP HEAD, SYNDICATIONS, BYLINE BANK

A Community Bank for Oak Park and River Forest. For more than 20 years, Chris Barkidjijia and his wife Anya have called River Forest home. Throughout the years their three sons have all attended D90 schools and were active in Park District programs. “What makes the Oak Park River Forest area great is the variety of activities we have access to. Two of my sons were quite active in Chicago Edge—and its predecessor travel soccer club—which inspired me to become a coach, and my eldest son to referee for the club throughout his time at OPRF High School.” Additionally, Chris and his family have all been actively involved with the Academy of Movement and Music/Momenta. “It’s great to find a community like ours that provides so much opportunity in the arts, athletics and in so many other areas,” he says. “I’m proud that Byline is committed to supporting the businesses and organizations that make Oak Park and River Forest so unique and irreplaceable.”

To learn more about our commitment to Oak Park and River Forest, visit bylinebank.com/oprf