How Oak Park shapes its response to 911 calls involving behavioral or mental health issues is now under discussion by village trustees. Options include building out a response program involving mental health practitioners hired within the village or to outsource much of the work to the local Thrive Counseling Center. An early c onsensus among trustees is to expand the role of Thrive, an Oak Pa rk -based nonprofit wh ich has long wo rked under c ontract to the village and it s p olice de partment.
Oak Park board approves 5-year capital improvement plan
Trustees are leaning toward spending down reser ves to cover costly projects
By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter
Oak Park’s village board unanimously ap proved the five-year capital improvement plan for 2025 to 2029, adding back in some projects staff had recommended deferrin and leaning toward spending down cash serves to cover costs
The capital improvement plan helps vil lage staff do strategic planning work major construction plans and other types of work The 242-page document outlining all projects and priorities is available online Trustees discussed the five-year plan on Sept. 10, Sept. 26 and Oct. 15. Topics discussed ahead of the final approval included parking infrastructure, electric vehicle charging stations, alley improvements, fireand police-related upgrades, street resurfacing, bike boulevards and Oak Park’s Village Hall remodel.
e Heming way District along Oak Park Avenue facing north.
Spending down reser ves
In October, Interim Chief Financial Officer Donna Gayden explained that Oak Park ould help fund costly 2025 projects by spending down cash reserves or by issuing bonds.
Most trustees said Nov. 12 that they’d prefer to spend down reserves by up to $27.8 million. Of that, $20 million will cover a major sewer and streetscaping project on Oak rk Avenue between Pleasant and Ontario streets
Oak Park has about $45.8 million sitting ts unrestricted fund balance. It’s advised keep that balance between 10% to 20% of normal prior year expenditures. For Oak Park, that would be about $11.2 million based on 2023 expenses. By spending down reserves, the village will still have about $18 million in its fund balance.
The first year of the CIP will be incorporated into the fiscal year 2025 budget. Trustees are expected to approve a finalized budget Dec. 3.
Deferred no more
Village staff recommended deferring or reducing some capital improvement projects to help reduce the cost burden and avoid spreading employees who work on such projects too thin. Two of those projects, however, were added back to the 2025 timeline ahead of the Nov. 12 meeting based on board direction: the feasibility and space study for Fire Station 2 and design and some construction for Fire Station 3.
But Trustee Brian Straw also asked for two other deferred projects to be added back in 2025: traffic signal retiming ef for ts and the addition of a left tur n signal at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Oak Park Avenue.
The traffic signal retiming ef for ts are intended to benefit pedestrians crossing streets. Straw said in October that this was a long-overdue safety need, and re peated that sentiment Nov. 12. Trustee Cory Wesley ag reed. It would cost an additional $300,000.
“If we save one life next year because we do it a year earlier, that’s worth $300,000,” Straw said. “If we save one serious injury, that’s worth $300,000 to me.”
“We’ re talking about $300,000 to increase pedestrian safety, and we’ve got a fund balance of $45,878,206,” Wesley said. “We could pay for this in pocket change.”
Village Engineer Bill McKenna said the work for locally owned streets could be done in 2025. But streets in Oak Park owned by the Illinois Department of Transportation, including Washington Boulevard and Ridgeland Avenue, could not be pa rt of the ef fort until after IDOT approves.
Trustee Lucia Robinson said she’d like the conversations with IDOT to happen first, before implementation. Trustee Ravi Parakkat ag reed, adding that he’d like to wait a few months for the Vision Zero recommendations to come back to the board.
Trustees ultimately approved bringing this work back to 2025, instead of deferring to 2026. They also approved work for a left turn signal at the Garfield and Oak Park avenues to happen in 2025. The hope is that this would help prevent a bottleneck of traffic, especially during morning rush, at this intersection, McKenna said.
Wesley also asked to raise the priority level of the Percy Julian Streetscape project from “D” to “B.” The board approved.
But Wesley said he would still rather issue a bond and let residents living here in future years, who will benefit from the long-ter m improvements, pay for them. He also said he’d prefer to save resources following the outcome of the 2024 presidential election.
“We’re going to have a new administration in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “I’d like to have a lot of cash on hand. I’d rather not do anything to reduce that.”
Robinson, however, countered that the board has a “unique opportunity to dip into a very robust fund balance and still be comfortably within the recommended fund balance range.”
Taking money out of the fund balance would mean, however, that there could be less available to fund a major Village Hall remodel and construction of a new police station. But that endeavor, last estimated to cost between $132 million and $138.3 million, might require the village to take on debt, anyway.
Gayden also recommended Nov. 12 that the board use $4.5 million of lost revenue, or leftover American Rescue Plan Act funds, to help cover the cost of 2025 projects that have no funding. Wesley said he was against using leftover ARPA funds for capital projects. Parakkat disagreed.
The village board will discuss the entire 2025 budget at its next meeting Nov. 19.
WEDNESD
AY
of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor Erika Hobbs
Digital Manager Stac y Coleman
Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan
Sta Repor ter Luzane Draughon
Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor
Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora
Contributing Editor Donna Greene
Columnists Marc Bleso , Jack Crowe, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger
Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck
Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead
Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza
Marketing & Adver tising Associate Ben Stumpe
Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls
Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
Publisher Dan Haley
Chair Eric Weinheimer | Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Audra Wilson
JAVIER GOVEA
Holiday Candle Making
Thursday, Nov. 21, 7 - 9 p.m., Pleasant Home
Join Einnim Candle Bar and the Park District of Oak Park to make a custom candle tting the season. Choose from a variety of essential oils to create your perfect scent blend for your new favorite candle tting for this holiday season. Each 9 oz. candle provides 40-45 hours of burn time using 100% soy wax. Light snacks and 2 drink tickets are included with your registration. Ages 21+ https://tinyurl.com/2p8ydhkm.
217 Home Ave., Oak Park
Hometown Legends Bus Tour
Sunday, Nov. 24, 1:30 p.m., OPRF Museum
Join us for a tour of Oak Park and River Forest’s most famous residents’ homes, including Dan Castellaneta, the voice of Homer Simpson, and Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s. This fun, relaxed tour will take you to landmarks while our guide shares fascinating stories about local celebrities. The tour lasts about two hours. For tickets and more information, visit oprfmuseum.org. 129 Lake St., Oak Park
Narcan Training
Saturday, Nov. 23, 1 - 3 p.m.,
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Learn how to use Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. This free training session will cover opioid overdose awareness and teach you how to administer Narcan. Participants will receive Narcan to take home. To learn more and RSVP, visit https:// bit.ly/3ZvCTms. 611 Randolph St., Oak Park
BIG WEEK
November 20-27
Understanding ADHD and Autism
Sunday, Nov. 24, 2:30 - 4 p.m., Oak Park Public Library
Join us to explore facts and dispel myths about ADHD and autism with insights from self-advocates of all ages This event, led by a neurodivergent librarian, is available both inperson and online via Zoom. Learn more and register at oppl. org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park (and virtual)
Wines for the Holiday Table
Thursday, Nov. 21, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Cheney Mansion
Tis the season of great meals to share with family and friends. Anfora Wine Merchants of Oak Park will be showcasing some of the best bottles to help celebrate the season. Light appetizers are included with your registration for this tasting event. Ages 21+ https://tinyurl.com/dfn6mefx. 220 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park
It ’s a Small World
Monday, Nov. 25, 1:15 - 2:30 p.m.,
Nineteenth Century Charitable Association
Discover the world of miniatures with member Liza Prossnitz, who has spent over 20 years creating these intricate pieces, a passion shared with her mother. Liza will display her mother’s collection and share insights into the art of miniatures, inspired by the Julia Ward Thorne rooms at the Ar t Institute of Chicago. This event is free and open to the public, with donations welcomed. To live stream, visit the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association’s website. A recording will also be available on the site one week later. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park
Compiled by Brooke Duncan
The Neighborhood Bridge Public Meeting
Sunday, Nov. 24, 12 - 1 p.m., St. Giles McDonough Hall
Join The Neighborhood Bridge for a public meeting to meet new Executive Director Prentice Butler and other leaders
Learn about the nonpro t’s background, upcoming services, and volunteer opportunities. No reservations required. To learrn more, visit: www.theneighborhoodbridge.org 1101 Columbian Ave., Oak Park
Bach ‘Cellar’ Suites Music and Wine Tasting
Friday, Nov. 22, 7 - 10 p.m., Pleasant Home
Join cellist David Sands and Sommelier Torrence O’Haire for an intimate journey through the preludes of the six Bach Cello Suites, illustrated in theme by an exploration in wine
Each suite will be paired with a thoughtfully presented wine, inspired by the music’s intricacy. Ages 21+ https://tinyurl com/e6e26x6h. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park
Havana Nights
Friday, Nov. 22, 6 p.m., Café Cubano
Celebrate the holidays Cuban style with live Cuban jazz. Bring your best Fedora and Cuban cigar for an evening of music and festivities. 113 N Oak Park Ave., Oak Park
Grand Opening: L’Arche’s New Group Home
Saturday, Nov. 23, 3–5 p.m., Oak Park
Join us at the Grand Opening and Reception of the new all-electric Oak Park group home for adults with intellectual disabilities. The home’s solar system with geothermal heat pumps makes this the rst Oak Park residence to provide 100% of electricity which powers all heating, cooling, lighting and household appliance energy needs. Free. For more information, visit www.larchechicago.org. 1111 S. East Ave.
French Salon of the Louis XVI Period. Thorne Miniature Rooms exhibit at the Art Institute Chicago.
Designed by Narcissa Niblack Thorne
United Nations Climate Change Conference
Al Gore, former vice president of the United States, (second from le ), Greg Johnson, the superintendent of Oak Park and River Forest High School, (fourth from le ), OPRF senior Elora Cianciolo (second from right) and Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman (far right) at COP29. PROVIDED BY GARY
NATURAL FUN
Walk, bike or run: With 350 miles of trails, this is where to get outside and get healthy.
PROVIDED GARY CUNEEN
CUNEEN
Al Gore (le ) chats with OPRF Supt. Greg Johnson (center) and Gary Cuneen, director of Seven Generations Ahead, during COP26.
River Forest les demolition lawsuit in Lake and Lathrop case
The latest chapter in this saga
By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter
In the latest chapter in the saga surrounding the Lake and Lathrop property, River Forest officials have filed suit in Cook County Circuit Court requesting that all of the current structures on the property of the stalled mixeduse development on the southwest corner of Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue be demolished.
According to Matt Walsh, village administrator, River Forest took the step to motivate the cleaning up of the property to remove the nuisance structures. A clean site, he said, “should also enable future redevelopment and improve marketability of the site.”
“The interested parties are still being served, so there are no hearing dates set at this time,” Walsh added.
This suit joins a foreclosure suit filed in April 2023 by Beverly Bank and Trust, a Wintrust-affiliated bank that was financing the development, and a suit filed in July by Lake Lathrop Par tners LLC against River Forest claim-
ing officials acted illegally in its denial of a new building permit to restart the stalled mixed-use development on the southwest corner of Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue.
In September 2023, officials re pealed the building permit for Sedgwick Properties, an authorized agent acting on behalf of Lake Lathrop Par tners LLC, and issued a stop work order. They said those steps were taken because Sedgwick failed to meet the requirements and conditions of the village’s 18-month building permit, which was originally issued in February 2022.
The long-delayed project had been on life support since April 2023, when Beverly Bank and Trust filed suit against Sedgwick Properties in Cook County court, looking to claw back $4.2 million from the $20 million line of credit it issued in 2022.
In the latest court filing the village has taken steps to force the demolition and restoration of the Lake and Lathrop property. The complaint states that all of the current structures on the property, including the parking structure, elevator shafts and foundation, are “a nuisance to the community and must be taken down immediately.”
If Wintrust Bank and Lake Lathrop Par tners, identified in the suit as the parties/owners of the property, do not
e proposed L ake and Lathrop development in River Forest never became a reality.
comply, village officials state their intent to pursue demolition to be paid for by these two entities
“The village’s priority is to attract a viable, vibrant and attractive redevelopment site,” village President Cathy Adduci said in a village e-newsletter. “The Village Board of Trustees retains all authority over the approval of any development plans related to this property.”
T he four-story, mixed-use development was to contain 22 condominium units with 14,000 square feet of retail space. T he project had been on the drawing board since before the Village Board approved Lake Lathrop’s proposal in 2016.
River Forest officials responded in August to the lawsuit filed by Lake Lathrop Par tners LLC by filing a motion to dismiss.
Make a Difference in the Health of Our Community
Chamber asks village to help fund community initiatives
First Fridays Street Festival and Black and Latine Business Suppor t Network proposed
By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter
The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce is asking the village for help to fund two new initiatives: a First Fridays Street Festival series and a Black and Latine Business Support Network.
The street festivals would take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of July, August, September and October, rotating between four business districts. Those include Chicago East, Madison, Southtown and Pleasant.
The Black and Latine Business Support Network is intended to uplift both new and established Black and Latine-owned businesses. The eight-month program would provide education and networking opportunities.
Trustees said they were supportive of both initiatives during their Nov. 12 meeting. Trustees directed village staf f to save room in the 2025 budget for the initiatives and are expected to further hash out details early in the new year.
First Fridays Street Festival
Chamber Executive Director Darien Marion-Burton said the street festival series would feature live entertainment, local business or nearby home-based business vendor tables and family-friendly activities.
The goals of this festival series, MarionBurton told the village board, are to strengthen relationships between neighborhoods and business districts and to support the village’s economic vitality work.
The idea is that the festivals will create a “regular community gathering that encourages participation from diverse residents,” according to the chamber proposal. By rotat-
ing through Oak Park business districts, the hope is that it will bring different communities together and help foster inclusion.
Oak Park has also been trying to promote its nighttime economy and prioritizes local business growth. The chamber proposal explains the festival will encourage visitors to explore local businesses after hours and create increased foot traffic.
Vendors would be able to set up booths along a partially closed-off street to sell products or promote services. This could help businesses build goodwill and loyalty with residents, too, Marion-Burton pointed out.
The chamber estimates this four-part series will cost about $43,000, including startup costs, entertainment, marketing and equipment. The chamber is committing $10,750 and asking the village for $32,250 plus traffic control and public safety costs to block off a street for the festival.
These are one-time financial requests for now, Marion-Burton confirmed, but the chamber may ask again.
Black and Latine Business Suppor t Network
The support network is intended to help Black and Latine-owned businesses succeed in Oak Park and foster a sense of belonging, according to the chamber proposal.
The eight-month program would have two cohorts. One for micro and emerging businesses and one for established businesses. The cohorts will emphasize learning opportunities, practical lessons and peer eng agement.
The program would work to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for proprietors of minority owned businesses, who may feel excluded, the chamber explained. It would allow Black and Latine business owners to learn from each other experiences and create opportunities for mutual problem-solving.
Education sessions would address ba riers of doing business in predominantl white environments, Marion-Burton said. Pre- and post-program surveys would assess changes in participants’ sense of belonging.
Veterans without homes nd options through Victory’s Path
Housing Forward highlights National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week
By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter
Housing Forward supports veterans, who are at a higher risk for homelessness than other adults, through programs like Victory’s Path.
Victory’s Path is a partnership between Housing Forward, the nonprofit working to end homelessness in west suburban Cook County, and Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital, the largest VA in Illinois that treats more than 56,000 veterans
Through this partnership, Housing Forward assists military veterans who are experiencing homelessness. Hines VA Hospital refers veterans who meet certain eligibility criteria to Housing Forward, where staff help transition them into housing
“These are individuals who have served this country and protected our freedoms,” said Patricia Stokes, senior director of
live a healthy, happy life once they retur n from service.”
Veterans are referred if the amount of support provided through Victory’s Path would be adequate in helping them move forward on their goals, such as gaining employment or sustaining their rent payments independently.
“We look at veterans who are functioning at a level where they would be able to recoup and recover in the year that they are provided support,” Stokes said.
This program offers rental assistance through the VA, either for six months or more typically, for a year. Additionally, Housing Forward provides case management and wraparound services to help veterans maintain independent housing after finishing the program.
Housing Forward staff meet with veterans in the program weekly and require them to participate in a quarterly learning semiring topics such as finance or ways tokes e
making an income to save, typically at least 30% of their gross income, or what would be their rent.
Housing Forward has served 2,159 veterans throughout its history, Stokes said. So far this year, the nonprofit has served 54 veterans throughout all its progr ams and outreach, she said. Of that group, 34 veterans fell into more than one “special” demo graphic, including individuals who have a disability, who have a substance use disorder, or who have another mental or physical illness
Stokes said through Victory’s Path, Housing Forward has seen that many veterans who return home are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, have broken family situations, are struggling to obtain or maintain employment, or might have a substance use disorder. Those circumstances can all contribute to experiencing homelessness and are not dissimilar to other groups who do
“We can understand differently the trauma that they have experienced, especially if they served on the front lines,” Stokes said.
Housing Forward has partnered with Hines VA Hospital for about 15 years total. T he hospital has services focused on veterans including care for veterans experiencing homelessness, for LGBTQ+ veterans, for minority veterans, for returning service members, and has mental health progr ams including for military sexual trauma, substance use and PTSD Hines also has veteran employment pro-
grams for job and career training .
“Ending veteran homelessness is crucial because those who have served our country deserve stable housing and dignity after their service,” said Erich Krumrei, a veteran and Housing Forward board member “Homelessness among veterans exacerbates mental health struggles, including PTSD, and undermines their ability to reintegrate into society.”
At the end of a veteran’s time with Housing Forward, an exit evaluation is conducted. It’s considered a positive exit if the veteran is renting housing on their own, transitioned to another situation to maintain housing such as living with a family member, or has acquired an additional housing subsidy A negative exit is when a veteran is experiencing homelessness again or contact was lost and it’s unclear what happened.
Other entities support Housing Forward’s efforts to aid veterans experiencing homelessness, too. On Nov. 8, Home Depot donated backpacks as care packages for veterans in the Victory’s Path program. The backpacks contained items like gloves, a hat, a face towel, a first aid kit, hand warmers, water and candy, said Peggy Howard, Housing Forward’s VA, family and youth supervisor.
Nov. 17 to 23 is also National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, which the village reco gnized in a proclamation highlighting the work of Housing Forward and Beyond Hunger, a nonprofit hunger relief agency.
PROVIDED BY HOUSING FORWARD
(From le to right) Bob Hahn, former Housing Forward board member; Je Porter, from Home Depot in Cr ystal Lake; Claire Johnson from Home Depot; and Erich Krumrei, Housing Forward board member and veteran.
PROVIDED BY HOUSING FORWARD
Home Depot donated backpacks for veterans tbrough Housing Forward’s Victor y’s Path program. e backpacks contained items like gloves, a hat, a face towel, a rst aid kit, hand warmers, water and candy.
Beyond Hunger CEO to retire in June 2025
Michele Zurakowski has ser ved in the role since 2012
By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter
Beyond Hunger ’s executive director and chie f executive of ficer, Michele Zurakowski, will retire in June 2025.
T he organization hired Zurakowski in 2008, and she has served in her current role since 2012. Beyond Hunger is a local nonprofit organization started in 1978 that provides hunger-relief services to areas across Cook County including parts of Chicago and the wester n suburbs.
“Building the organization alongside so many dedicated community members has been my life’s work, privileg e, and honor,” Zurakowski said in a Beyond Hunger news release. “As Beyond Hunger enters its next phase with tremendous momentum and stability, I am excited about what a new leader can mean for the organization’s future.”
T he organization used to be a small food pantry serving 8,400 people per year in 2005, according to the release. But last
year, the anti-hunger nonprofit served 65,000 individuals.
Zurakowski re por tedly helped grow Beyond Hunger’s budget from $40,000 to $5 million, according to the release. She did that through partnerships with community, civic and religious organizations.
“Michele’s 13 years of leadership has been instrumental to our current success as an organization, and we’re poised for continued growth and impact because of the strong foundation that she has built,” said Laura Gutier rez, president of Beyond Hunger’s board of directors, in the release
The board of directors created a leadership transition committee to search for the next Beyond Hunger leader. Koya Partners, a Chicago-based executive search firm, will conduct the search, according to the release.
The Oak Park Public Library’s board of trustees also chose Koya Par tners to search for a new library executive director.
According to the release, Beyond Hunger hopes to have a new chief executive officer in the role before Zurakowski retires.
Oak Park updates village logo
The original logo was developed in 1973
By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter
Oak Park is introducing an updated version of the village’s logo to reinvigorate the government’s brand.
The original “people tree” logo was developed in 1973 and updated in the 1990s. The new logo still shows human figures linked together as a community and depicts the supportive role of the village government, according to Oak Park officials.
The previous update changed the type of style for the words “Oak Park.” Green was chosen as the color for the “people tree” because Oak Park is filled with trees, according to officials.
“As the Village resets its overall look and feel, it seeks to strike a balance between
stephanie.pinzari@bairdwarner.com
embracing the community’s historic past and supporting its thriving present as a diverse, welcoming, inclusive and inte grated community while also building the future for the next generation,” officials wrote in a newsletter.
The logo will be updated throughout 2025 on official village correspondence and other government property. An improved village website is also expected to launch soon, according to officials.
PHASE 2
Police-response pilot program
from page 1
When the two-year pilot program for alternative police response was for mally proposed on April 30, community members and mental health professionals pushed for a closer working relationship with Thrive So, trustees sent the plans back for review. On June 11, Oak Park trustees unanimously voted to implement the first phase of the pilot program. That included a response to non-mental-health-related calls and follow-up connection with services. The village is still hiring to fill roles associated with this phase, including a program manager, two mental health clinicians and community service officers.
But the village board said at a meeting Nov. 12 that it wanted further input from the original taskforce for med to consider the issue. The discussion is expected to come back to village trustees in early 2025.
Village -led phase two
Between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, Oak Park received more than 49,000 calls through 911. According to Kira Tchang, the village’s human resources director, more than 20% of those calls, or about 10,000, would have been a “good fit” for alternative response. The intent with phase two, she said, is to tackle most, if not all, of those types of calls
In a village-led second phase, there would be a community care team to respond to low risk behavioral or mental-health related calls and a co-response team to respond to highrisk ones
The community care team would have a mental health clinician, peer support specialist, paramedic and police officer respond as needed. Low risk calls could include a confused person, a call about a panhandler or a fall. In a low-risk call, the police officer would check the scene is safe and then peel away if
OPRF CHAMBER
Two new initiatives from page 7
The chamber would also track business license renewals to measure impact. Other goals for the support network include empowering Black and Latine professionals as experts and creating a sup-
Kira Tchang, the village’s human resources director, speaks on Nov. 12 to the Oak Park Board of Trustees about the second phase of the alternative police response pilot program.
they aren’t needed
“One of the primary goals of this program overall … is to keep armed officers out of some of these interactions,” Trustee Susan Buchanan said. “I am just a little wary about bringing all these service into the village and working that closely with the police when we are trying to disengage from the police being involved in every case.”
The pilot program would essentially be adding resources to a traditional first responder dispatch, Tchang said. Whoever would usually respond, will still respond, with added resources. As the team gathers data, the program could adjust who responds moving forward, potentially further limiting police response.
The co-response team would have a licensed mental health clinician, paramedic and police officer respond. High-risk calls could include overdose, domestic disturbance or suicide ideation.
Tchang explained that most of Oak Park’s 911 calls are received during typical working hours, peaking around 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. So, the village is proposing operating five to seven days a week, for 10 to 12 hours per day. Staff would also be on call for overnight and weekend calls
The village teams would be on scene within 10 minutes during program operating
portive environment within Oak Park for Black and Latine businesses, according to the proposal.
Micro and emerging businesses would meet for half-day sessions held once a month on the second Saturday. Established businesses would meet in two-hour evening sessions held monthly. More details about the proposed layout of the cohort sessions can be found in the chamber’s proposal online.
The chamber estimates this program
hours, and within 30 minutes overnight and on weekends.
The benefits of a village-led phase two, Tchang said, include increased transparency and public accountability, more consistency and agility to adapt as needed, and investment of resources like taxpayer dollars into community needs. The village-led program is estimated to initially cost about $600,000.
Thrive -led phase two
For a Thrive-led second phase to the pilot program, response efforts would be split into tier one and tier two. Tier one would be moderate to high risk behavioral or mental health-related calls and tier two would be low risk ones.
In both tiers, a crisis therapist, engagement specialist, paramedic and police officer as needed would respond. The difference is that in a low-risk situation, the police officer would only check that the scene is safe and then depart if not needed
Thrive is proposing hours for operation to be either Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to midnight or Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. They would also have staff on call overnight and over weekends, with slower response times
One of the driving factors behind the pi-
would cost $69,000, including for a program coordinator salary, venue rental, curriculum materials, food and beverage, technolog y and other materials. The chamber is asking the village to cover the entire cost for now.
Trustee Susan Buchanan said she’s concerned about the village paying for both initiatives but supports them. Trustee Brian Straw agreed he’s supportive but wants to keep costs tight where possible. Marion-Burton pointed out that the chamber has a bud-
lot program, now being referred to as Oak Park ECHO, or Engaging Communities for Healthy Outcomes, was Illinois passing the Community Emergency Services and Support Act in 2021.
But CESSA’s implementation has been delayed since then and is now expected in 2025. This act would allow 911 dispatchers to contact providers like Thrive directly to respond to a scene. Now, the 911 dispatcher can only reach out to the village, then leaving police to contact Thrive. CESSA would cut out that middleman, meaning quicker response times to a behavioral or mental health crisis
Police typically arrive on scene within three to 10 minutes, according to Police Chief Shatonya Johnson. Thrive teams would be on scene in about 15 minutes during program hours, after being notified by police. It could be quicker when aspects of CESSA are implemented. And Thrive teams would be on scene within 60 minutes for over night and weekend calls
Trustee Lucia Robinson said she’s concerned about the longer response time but pointed out that Thrive has the higher level of expertise needed for this program.
“I really appreciate the idea of it being an outside social service provider,” Trustee Brian Straw said. “I think that the integration with the other mental health services that Thrive offers and the hand-offs that they already have great experience doing within the community is a real benefit.”
Village President Vicki Scaman said she was interested in a hybrid model, so as to ensure that Thrive employees aren’t being taken away from other mental health crisis issues to respond to low-risk calls that don’t require police
The benefits of a Thrive-led program, Tchang said, include expertise and experience, reduction of village legal and financial liability, and reduced administrative burden for the village The Thrive-led program would initially cost about $655,000.
The pilot program will be evaluated throughout implementation to determine if changes need to be made moving forward.
get of only about $400,000 annually but could try to cover more costs in the future, either through sponsorships or other partnerships.
Trustees also expressed excitement about uplifting marginalized groups and supporting small business owners.
Trustee Cory Wesley referenced the village’s equity, diversity and inclusion statement, saying the support network program will help “actively reject and rectify any barriers that prevent the full participation of marginalized groups.”
LU Z ANE DRAUGHON
River Forest levy is set to rise by 3%
By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter
River Forest trustees on Nov. 18 voted unanimously to accept the estimate of the 2024 corporate property tax levy of $9.7 million, an increase of 3%.
Officials are expected to for mally approve the levy request at the Dec. 16 Village Board meeting.
The 2024 levy request of $9,763,035 is slightly higher than the 2023 extended levy of $9,517,618.
Illinois tax-cap laws limit the tax levy increases for non-home rule municipalities such as River Forest to 5% or the level of the consumer price index (CPI), whichever is lower. For 2023, the CPI is 3.4%.
“I think a 3% increase is appropriat e, ” village President Cathy A dduci said, adding that she felt staff member s did “a great job. ”
Village Administrator Matt Walsh said that property taxes on new construction are not included in the levy valuation. That figure is estimated at $2 million as determined by building permits issued.
“By not including the new construction dollars, River Forest property taxpayers will benefit as a whole,” he said.
Calendar year 2023 was a reassessment year for the village and properties with home improvement exemptions that expired during the prior three years were picked up as new property, Rosie McAdams, finance director, explained in a memo to officials. The reassessment shows that the total assessed value of River Forest Township grew 31%, she added.
“Although the impact on individual homeowners will vary, the average increase in the corporate levy for individual homeowners should be about 3.0%,” McAdams said in the memo
The debt service amount of $302,546 is the full amount of the 2024 available Debt Service Extension Base, which is the amount the village is authorized to levy for principal and interest payments without a referendum, according to McAdams. She noted that the 2024 levy includes the 2024 series general obligation bonds that were issued in early 2024 for public works projects including street improvements McAdams also explained that a change in methodology will impact future police and fire pension benefit estimates
“This year’s actuarial reports include a change in methodology based on a programming change made by the actuarial consultant,” she said. “Both pension funds have agreed to smooth the reduction in contributions over a five-year period which actually increases the annual contribution.”
This is year three of the five of the smoothing
The tax levy request also highlights just how large a part police and fire pensions play in the village’s fiscal picture. The village is requesting to levy total taxes of a little more than $3.7 million to fund the village’s police and fire pension obligations, which are based on actuarial reports prepared by the village’s actuary, Todd Schroeder from Lauterbach & Amen. The 2024 property tax levy for the police pension fund is $2,045,958 and, for the fire pension fund, $1,757,300.
T he village b oard also approved the annual tax levy of $1,674,539 for the Rive r Fo rest Public L ibrary, an increase from $1,595,644. T he l ibrary f alls under the auspices of the village but is gover ned se parately.
The current fiscal year runs from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. The taxes from the 2024 levy are collected in 2025.
Oak Park residents frustrated by delay in West Sub fence replacement
West Suburban Medical Center o cials say they’ll replace the fence in spring, but locals are skeptical
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
In August 2023, a fence on the east side of an alleyway between North Taylor Avenue and the West Suburban Medical Center campus was damaged when a windstorm blew of f some of its wooden panels.
After a few weeks, West Suburban orchestrated the fence’s removal because, according to Oak Park’s Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Burch, the fence lacked standard maintenance. Neighboring Oak Park residents said people came to cut down the fence posts, damaged or otherwise, with a chainsaw. Since then, those living next to where the fence once stood have re ported an increase in trash, public urination, stolen bikes, and even a case of public masturbation.
A year- and-a-half later, those who live j ust west of the hospital say they ’re frustrated with West Suburban management’s d elays in re p lacing the f enc e, and the village of Oak Pa rk for not speedin g along the process or enforcing c onseq uences for delays
The long-stewing fence frustration came to a head during a Zoom meeting Nov. 11 between about a dozen Oak Park residents and Mary Abeleda, director of special projects at Resilience Healthcare. In December 2022, Resilience bought West Sub, which serves Chicago’s West Side and the Oak Park area, and Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Both facilities are considered safety net hospitals. While Abeleda announced that West Sub-
urban will install a fence in the same location in the spring of 2025 — by May 1 or 30 days from when the ground is no longer frozen — Oak Park residents on the call had doubts the hospital will follow through.
“I have very little faith in this happening,” said Melissa Ingram, who lives on North Taylor Avenue, in the meeting. “I look forward to being proven wrong.”
“Any reason why, given the temperatures are above 32 de grees, that this fence can’t be put in sooner?” asked Troy Koch, also a North Taylor Avenue resident.
Abeleda said it’s due to budgeting, which has been tight considering Resilience Healthcare inherited $80 million of debt when they bought the hospital.
“We’ve had to budget for this,” Abeleda said of the $60,000 fence. “And the money, we won’t be able to have it until next year.”
Like a good neighbor
In a neighborhood where houses butt up against West Suburban, several residents on the Zoom meeting called for the hospital to establish a positive relationship with the surrounding community, which they say has been lacking in past years.
“I feel as though the hospital has not really cared about the neighborhood,” said Kimball Ingram, who is married to Melissa Ingram. “They are very much caring about their profit and themselves, which I get, but you are in the neighborhood.”
Abeleda said Resilience Healthcare’s CEO Dr. Manoj Prasad sent her to communicate with residents, which she sees as a step toward rebuilding goodwill with the community
But according to Kimball, a judge involved in the adjudication process — which started over the summer to determine fines after West Suburban failed to submit a permit application for the fence by the end of July, as the village requested
West Suburban’s old fence against its parking lot, as seen from above the backyard of an Oak Park resident. According to o cials, the new fence w ill look the same, const ructed from cedar boards.
— encouraged the hospital to connect with its neighbors, so the village of Oak Park helped schedule an in-person meeting.
“Just before we confirmed, the hospital asked to cancel the meeting, which we said was not appropriate,” Kimball sai d in an email. So locals asked for a Zoom option instead
“‘I’d like to have a good neighbor’ is the message that I’d like you to pass along,” he said to Abeleda on the Zoom. “And it’s not been a great start from Dr. Prasad’s side.”
The village’s role
Last October, when the neighborhood hadn’t seen any progress in replacing the fence, Kimball said he went to Village Hall and asked for someone to review the fence situation and address the hospital’s violation of an earlier pact, but the village said there was no violation.
However, an Oak Park ordinance established in 2007 requires the hospital maintains the fence along this section of West Suburban’s property. And because of that agreement, West Suburban must be in violation of something, residents thought.
“There is a standing agreement. The fence was not maintained, as per the agreement. If it had been properly maintained, it would still be standing and would last for eternity, with continued maintenance,” Kimball said in an email to Emily Egan, the village’s Development Services Director
“Eventually, the village came to agree with us,” Kimball said, regarding the hospital being in violation of the agreement.
In March, West Suburban agreed to meet
with village staff, but that didn’t happen until May, according to Kimball, who received updates from village staff.
Over the summer, the village continued working with the hospital to address the fence. Though the hospital submitted a plan for the fence, it didn’t meet the village’s height and material requirements. So the village asked for a revised plan and for West Suburban to submit a permit application by the end of July. And if it didn’t, an adjudication process would determine fines. In early August, the permit application still hadn’t been submitted. West Suburban tur ned in its permit for a new fence Aug. 12.
“I find it very frustrating that the village cannot make the hospital come into compliance on this matter,” Melissa Ingram said in an August email to Egan, “especially when the village has no problem enforcing building/remodel permits and fees, parking fines, snow removal penalties and more.”
On the Zoom meeting, Burch said the village has options available, both legal and administrative, to enforce the fence’s maintenance on whoever owns the land.
Burch said West Suburban has been charged $100 a day for not putting up the fence since September 5, a result of the adjudication process that started over the summer. Though the hospital’s fees have not yet been paid and will continue to accrue, Burch said the over $20,000 will be due once the fence is put up. But they also might not be
At the administrative hearing where the village and hospital reached an agreement on a date to put up the new fence, Burch said “the village discussed the possibility of potentially forgiving those fines.”
Stormy Daniels: ‘I’m not done making bad choices’
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
By her own admission, public speaking isn’t Stor my Daniels’ forte.
But she manages j ust fin e, mostly bec ause she has a l ifetime of stories to draw from across her professional and personal spectrum.
That doesn’t mean it’s easy, though.
“I only remember about half of what I said up there,” Daniels said in an interview after her standup comedy performance Thursday at Comedy Plex, 1128 Lake St., Oak Park
So why is the adult entertainment star, whose prior involvement with Presidentelect Donald Trump is well told, involved in comedy?
“The real answer is spite,” she said. “It makes them mad.”
“Them” could have many meanings, and you can probably draw your own conclusions if you follow the news. But at the outset Thursday, in front of a crowd that decidedly skewed middle age, her goal was to set the record straight about all those rumors about her.
And boy, did she, in a roughly 40-minute session.
“I’m a man,” she offered as an example, eliciting guffaws. “I’m a sex trafficker. I’m riddled with STDs and will die of AIDS. You sold this story to launch your strip career
“Yeah … I woke up at 40 and said, ‘I have a dream.’”
It didn’t stop there. With re gard to the current, very recent state of politics, she said this:
“Who’d you vote for?” she said. “You had one (expletive) job. Someone dropped the ball.”
Daniels wasn’t afraid to tell the crowd that she is indeed a Re publican. That’s not a rumor.
Wait, what?
She answered why in a roughly 15-minute question-and-answer session with audience members after her routine
“Because it makes them so mad,” she said. “I’m that petty.”
It wasn’t all politics. A short video that preceded her taking the stage noted she is, among other things, a mother, a wife, an actress and a director. In other words, there’s more than meets the eye, and a lot more than
any rumor can hold
Daniels’ comedic style is frank storytelling, and yes, it incorporated almost as many F-bombs as jokes. Case in point was the meet-and-greet she conducted about an hour before showtime with a small group of fans who paid for the front-row platinum package.
Daniels simply sat in a chair and chatted up the group.
In other words, she was engaging.
“Speaking in public, I’m terrified,” she said, noting that conventional “wisdom” dictates someone scared of that should imagine the audience, well, naked
“You think that works for me?” she said. She also dished on her purported tell-all book, Full Disclosure, including all the stuff that apparently got left out. She’s planning a second book, among other writing ventures
“The most important thing about the first book I learned is people don’t read,” she said.
A sad commentary on society, perhaps, but she definitely wasn’t Debbie Downer, especially when it came to her views on the adult entertainment industry. She’s a director, which means she’s responsible for all details, including everything from booking talent to scheduling the film crew and location, and reviewing scripts.
It’s a lot of work and responsibility. But here’s one observation you might not expect.
“Some of the smartest, brightest, brilliant girls are in the industry,” she said.
Daniels’ opening act was Greg Studley, who has performed at big Los Angeles comedy venues such as The Comedy Store and The Improv The pair played off each other well during the Q&A session.
“I j ust told 30 minutes of jo ke s, ” S tudley said.
“Is that what it was?” Daniels deadpanned
The questions in the Q&A ranged from politics — “‘Why did you decide to testify against Donald Trump?’ I was subpoenaed.” — to her general advice on life.
“Use sunscreen?” she said. “Eat your vegetables?”
So what’s next for Stor my Daniels? Comedy Plex was the last stop on her most recent tour, so a break is in order.
One thing’s for sure, though.
She’s just getting started.
“ I’m not d one making bad choice s, ” she said. “ I’m definitely not d one doing d umb (expletive). ”
NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE FOR OAK PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 97, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
I. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy for Oak Park School District No. 97, Cook County, Illinois for 2023 will be held on December 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Meeting Room, 260 W. Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302.
Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the taxing district may contact Sheila Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Finance, 260 W. Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois at (708) 524-3133.
II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for the year 2023 were $94,660,883.
The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2024 are $97,880,000. This represents a 3.4% increase over the previous year’s extension.
III. The property taxes extended for debt service for 2023 were $4,338,469
The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service for 2024 are $4,133,275.
IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2023 were $98,999,352.
The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2024 are $102,013,275.
This represents a 3.0% increase over the previous year’s total levy.
Follow us on Instagram!
Top stories, local government, features, events, dining, art, and sports right at your fingertips!
ART BEAT
Heritage Chorale: Life as an art form rings true
Emmy-winning former resident Alex Wurman helped Heritage Chorale celebrate its 40th anniversar y
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
Life. It can be a rough ride, but it can be beautiful and inspiring, too. An art form in itself.
That’s what Heritage Chorale conveyed Saturday evening in its fall choral celebration at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, which was highlighted by a commissioned piece by Emmy Award-winning composer Alex Wurman.
The piece, titled Norb: Life as an Art Form, was dedicated to Norbert Teclaw, who helped form Heritage Chorale 40 years ago and was Wurman’s teacher at the FreeSchool, a special arm of Oak Park and River Forest High School.
Chorale members with vocal talent ranging from soprano to bass hit all the notes with aplomb, delivering Wurman’s lyrics in almost a sonic fashion, with accompaniment by drums, bass guitar and Teclaw’s daughter, Ingrid Schimnoski, on violin.
No doubt for Schimnoski that the ning was an emotional one. Teclaw 2019: What would he have said about urday and Sunday afternoon’s follow up Oak Park’s Grace Episcopal Church
“What a treat and he would have lo see everybody and it probably would be ally moving,” she said. “There is a lot here who did know him. Alex’s mother was violin teacher, and her memorial was here in this church.”
The words of the Norb: Life as an Art Form spoke to the impact Teclaw had on Wur man, but also Heritage Chorale and the Oak Park and River Forest community at large: This spaceship Earth is ours to steer, in all-inclusi ve peace with ev’ry and all peers.
philosopher Buckminster Fuller, whose book Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth had a deep influence on Teclaw
So let us sing, let our voices ring our choral ode to mentor and friend, for Buck y’s dream and Norbert’s spirit bestowed to us this precious gift of congregation!
Wur man lives in Los Angeles now, but the local community is never far from his mind
“It’s the same every time I come back,” he said. “I’m always surprised at how nice my childhood was and I didn’t know it.”
Wur man said he spent less than half the time writing the music. Writing the lyrics took about 70% of the time. All in all, it took three months, and in man hours, two weeks
“Most of the time was spent developing the idea of the piece,” he said. “I started out with a blank canvas and I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so the first thing I did was interview Ingrid, and she mentioned Buckminster Fuller and immediately something started coming together.
“The most amount of time I spent on the piece was in writing the words and the story. The story turned into the lyrics.”
What was it like watching that creation come into being with a chorale group in rare form, led by artistic director Wen Chin Liu-Young with further accompaniment on piano by Tehra Hiiolski?
“It’s a thrill, man,” Wurman said. “Every time. Especially when it’s the culmination of a whole life’s experiences. I met Norb when I was a child, and to finally realize through the study of him and Buckminster
Fuller the impact he had on my life, and to celebrate it in this way? I’m so honored.”
There was a lot more to the roughly hour-long concert with one intermission. Classics like Schubert’s Des Ta ges Weihe and John Wilbye’s Adieu, Sweet Amaryllis were woven around newer works like The New Moon from David N. Childs and Leonard Bernstein’s Make Our Garden Grow, from Candide.
Wen Chin Liu-Young said conducting and directing the group is no place she’d rather be.
“Because they are a community-based group, a lot of people are coming in with the heart that they just want to sing,” she said. “So when I’m conducting them, I’m focusing on what we can do to strive for perfection, rather than, ‘You have to get the notes right.’”
Sarah Campbell, president of the Heritage Chorale board of directors, and an alto singer as well, said Wurman’s piece was the backbone of the performance.
“We try to do a commissioned piece every year and because of the 40th anniversary and he was very excited to do that,” Campbell said. “He came to a rehearsal to teach us the piece.
“I think this piece is cool and fun, and it’s a little bit funky and it has a lot of heart to it.”
GREGG VOSS
Wen Chin Liu-Young
GREGG VOSS
Alex Wurman
12 Berwyn independent candidates face petition objections Sawa’s Old Warsaw
They said the seemingly coordinated e or t over a phrase is ‘basically election suppression’
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
For most people, the word “election” likely brings to mind the presidential race that concluded on Nov. 5. But some are already looking ahead to the election facing the western suburbs: consolidated local elections early next year.
In Berwyn, independent candidates who hope to appear on the upcoming ballot may not have the chance to do so, leaving voters without a say on who wins some races.
Twelve independents running for local positions in Berwyn, including mayor, clerk, treasurer and alderman, are facing objections to each of their petitions — over a minor wording issue.
While the candidates are not running as a slate, they’ve been in contact since the objections were filed and found the complaints were nearly identical across the board, said Micah Caldwell, a candidate for alderman in the First Ward.
“It really seems like it’s an intentional act meant to try to throw off many of these independent candidates and leave on the people who are running as part of the Democratic Citizens of Berwyn [DCOB], which is the sort of entrenched political group in Berwyn politics,” Caldwell said.
Challenges to petitions are not unusual; candidates and their supporters often try to knock their opponents off the ballot. This move is unusual because it appears to be a concerted by effort by one party to remove an entire group – an unaffiliated one at that – from running Caldwell and the other candidates said they believe that because of a statement from Berwyn Mayor Robert J. Lovero, a member of the DCOB, in which he referred to an unrelated objection to his own petition as one filed “against our team” and refe rred to the group of independents as “our opponents.” Lovero could not be reached for comment by publication.
The issue itself boils down to the wording of the nomination for ms that the candidates submitted. Caldwell and others who spoke to Wednesday Journal said they drafted with
lawyers based on state regulations. According to a copy of the objection to Caldwell’s petition, the for ms specified that the candidates should be nominated for inclusion on the primary ballot on Feb. 25, 2025, “provided that if no primary election is required, the candidate’s name will appear on the ballot” on April 1, 2025, instead
According to the objectors, this wording is confusing for voters because of a recent change in Berwyn’s electoral system. In March, residents passed a referendum changing the city’s system from a partisan electoral system to a nonpartisan one. As part of that referendum’s passage, Berwyn changed its system so the real election happens on Feb. 25. That means a primary is always required, making the conditional part of the statement unnecessary.
That means that if a candidate in Berwyn wins more than half of the vote in the primary, they are declared the winner overall, and the race never goes to the general election in April. Instead, the general election is reserved for run-off races in cases where no candidate wins outright in February.
Caldwell and other candidates said Berwyn did not perform an education campaign about the change or otherwise inform them of it ahead of their filing. They say the objections are just the latest form of ef for ts from the DCOB to maintain power on the city council.
“In my experience in Berwyn and watching Berwyn elections and politics, it is very intimidating in Berwyn if you are not part of the current administration. They will use various tactics to discredit other candidates or intimidate other candidates or basically make it so that nobody really wants to step up and run against them,” said Patricia Ostaszewski, an independent candidate for alderman in the Seventh Ward. “This is basically election suppression, right? It’s ballot suppression.”
Now, the candidates are going through a series of hearings to argue the objections to their petitions. At an initial hearing on Nov. 13, Lovero and Fourth Ward Alderman Robert Fejt, both DCOB members on Berwyn’s Municipal Officers Electoral Board, which is overseeing the hearings, recused themselves due to the conflict of interest. At a second hearing on Nov. 18, four objectors withdrew their claims. The remaining eight independent candidates will have their objections argued at a meeting on Dec. 2.
CRIME
Man hits Oak Park resident who found his dog
Around 6:42 a.m., Nov. 12 on the 200 block of South Grove Avenue, a man confronted an Oak Park resident. The resident had just located what he thought was a stray dog. The man struck the resident in the face with a closed fist, telling the resident not to touch his dog. The man then fled the scene.
Theft
Between 5 p.m. Nov. 10 and 10 a.m. Nov. 13 someone stole jewelry from an Oak Park resident’s jewelry box inside her residence on the 700 block of Wisconsin Avenue. The estimated loss is $21,000.
Arrests
■ A 69-year-old Oak Park man was arrested for a previous battery at 5:34 a.m. Nov. 11 on the 700 block of Madison Street. He was issued a citation and notice to appear in court.
■ A 19-year-old Chicago man was arrested at 9:17 a.m. Nov. 11 on the 300 block of Linden Avenue for a battery that occurred in Oak Park. He was also charged with criminal trespass to a safe school zone.
■ A 34-year-old Lake Zurich man was arrested at 10:45 p.m. Nov. 11 on the first block of Erie Court for possession of a controlled substance. He was given a citation and notice to appear.
■ A 32-year-old Oak Park man was arrested at 5:54 p.m. Nov. 12 on the 100 block of Garfield Street on two cases for violation of order of protection. He was transported to bond hearings.
■ A 33-year-old man from Champaign was stopped for traffic at 8:38 p.m. Nov. 11 on the 500 block of Madison Street. The vehicle had been re ported stolen and the man had two felony Cook County warrants for escape and aggravated battery to a police officer. He was also driving on a revoked driver’s license. He was transported to bond hearings.
■ A 45-year-old Oak Park woman was arrested at 8:07 a.m. Nov. 13 at Target, or 1129 Lake St. She was charged with criminal trespass to real property and battery for an
incident that occurred Nov. 11 at the same location. She was involuntary committed after having a mental health crisis.
■ A 27-year-old Chicago man was stopped for traffic around 9 p.m. Nov. 13 on the 300 block of North Austin Boulevard. A search revealed a handgun in the center console of the car. He was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, then given a citation and notice to appear.
■ A 68-year-old Oak Park man was arrested at 11:40 a.m. Nov. 13 at Village Hall for failure to re gister while on the Illinois Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Re gistration Act. He was transported to bond hearings.
■ A 55-year-old man from Pembroke Township was arrested at 10:31 a.m. Nov. 15 on the 800 block of North Ridgeland Avenue for unlawful use/possession of a weapon and failure to reduce speed. He was held for bond hearing court.
■ At 12:36 p.m. Nov. 16 at Village Hall, an Oak Park boy turned himself in for aggravated battery complaints which occurred at Oak Park and River Forest High School on Feb. 8. He was referred to court. These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports dated Nov. 11 – 18 and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port 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 Luzane Draughon
Holiday Housewalk an Market return for 26th year on Dec. 6 and
Oak Park River Forest Infant Society Fundraiser features 6 homes decked out for the holidays
By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter
The local kick-off to the holiday season is approaching, and this year’s Oak Park Rive Welfare Society (IWS) Holiday Housewalk and Market is an event that promises to deli good cheer.
The 26th annual fundraiser will be held the weekend of Dec. 6 and 7. Beyond offering a chance to see six beautifully decorated homes lit up for the holiday season, the event offers a chance to do good while having fun.
THE SEASON: Get inspired!
the biggest fundraiser for the IWS Chil dren’s Clinic, which has been a healthcare provider for children for over 100 years. “We’ve been a part of the community since 1916,” she said.
At its new location at the corner of Madison Street and Humphrey Avenue in Oak Park, the Children’s Clinic ensures access to health care for children in need from the Oak Park area including the city’s West Side. Niederman said that in this fisca year, the Children’s Clinic has served ov 3,000 patients through over 8,000 medical, dental and behavioral health care visits.
While supporting a key component of ic financial well-being with their ticket purchase, participants can also get ready to enjoy their own holiday season. Niederman said the walk will provide plenty of decorating inspiration, and the market will allow guests to get a jump on their holiday shopping.
er Mary ook signing her new book, “Pies: Sweet and Savory Recipes Inspired by Family and Friends.”
On Saturday DiSomma will hold a special event where she describes her baking journey and offers tastes of her homemade pies. Tickets for this are $30.
The market will also offer a Christmas tree raffle, and Niederman said that four local businesses have decorated trees with wares that are in keeping with their businesses. Lucky raffle winners will be able to take one home. Niederman said the Holiday Housewalk is a eat way to spend time with family and friends and holiday décor in homes that have wonderful architecture.
“We have six of the most fabulous houses this year, and even more fabulous than the houses are the owners. They are so enthusiastic,” he said.
The Holiday Market will take place inside the Children’s Clinic, allowing visitors to get a glimpse of the space that offers healthcare to so many children in need. This year, there will be 22 vendors offering everything from handknit sweaters to artwork and food offerings.
Deepa Chand’s Tallmadge and Watson-designed home will be one of the highlights of the walk. Chand and her husband, who both work in healthcare, were inspired to join the walk this year due to the mission of the IWS.
PHOTO S PROVIDED BY JENNIFER GOODSMITH DECKED OUT FOR
HOLIDAY HOUSEWALK
from page 17
Chand said, “The IWS has been serving the community for so long and in such an important way. This is something near and dear to our hearts.”
The Chands’ two colle ge-aged children play a large role in the decorating, which starts when the family chops down a tree together. One side of their home features more traditional decorations while the other is more whimsical and fun.
Chand said the entire family enjoys the holiday, and added, “It’s a way to be creative and to be with one another. We have a lot of fun with it.”
Around the corner from the Chands, Gigi Rowe will be decorating her Italianate home with multiple themes. The owner of Pickle Hill Parties said their family mo ved frequently, so they made an ef fort to focus on traditions that could travel with them wherever they lived.
The family feasts on reindeer pancakes every Christmas morning, and Rowe will set the breakfast table for the family meal. The dining room will be set for husband Taze’s infamous New Year’s Eve dinner.
The tree in their front hall holds ornaments with sentimental meaning. Some were needlepoints made by Rowe’s mother; others reflect places they’ve lived or their hobbies.
Their living room will be full of plants and flowers, which is Rowe’s specialty. The sunporch will be set up for a cocktail party. The decorations aren’t limited to the indoors: even the chicken coop will be decked
out for the holidays.
Rowe loves the holidays and said, “It’s a month where we really do a lot. We host friends and family and have a series of traditions that are kind of special.”
Two other Oak Park homes will offer glimpses into Christmas in a Victorian home decorated with ornaments from
family vacations and a Prairie-Style gem where decorations include a gingerbread advent calendar.
In River Forest, Kristien Singer will be decorating her family’s French Normandystyle home. The family moved from the city to their home only a few years ago, and they are enjoying having more space for family Christmas traditions
The main Christmas tree holds ornaments with sentimental meaning, many of them made by the kids. The kids still love the tradition of Elf on the Shelf, and family baking takes precedence in the kitchen. oughout the holidays, music is the backdrop to the family’s gatherings.
A short walk away, a 1927 Mediterranean home in River Forest will dazzle with a 15foot tree in the atrium as well as a 12-foot tree that showcases ornaments from the ’s travels.
Niederman said the IWS is grateful to all of the community members who opened their homes for the walk. “This year’s homes are all new to the walk. So, it’s pretty exciting,” she said.
Important details
The Holiday Housewalk will take place on Friday, Dec. 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Holiday Market, which takes place at the IWS Children’s Clinic at 28 Madison St. in Oak Park, is open Friday, Dec. 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets for the Holiday Housewalk cost $70 in advance and $75 if purchased the days of the event. A fast pass that allows holders to go to the front of the line at each home costs $250. Tickets can be purchased at https://oprfiws.org/buy-tickets
The Holiday Housewalk and Market is a volunteer-managed event that raises crucial funding for the IWS Children’s Clinic, which provides medical, dental and behavioral services to thousands of underserved children from over 50 local communities.
Four of the six houses that will be participating in this year’s Holiday Housewalk and Market
Be a Champion of Democracy
Be a Champion of Independent Local News
Invest in local news and our reader supported newsroom
The future of independent, authentic local news depends on direct support from our readers. We’ve proven that in our five years as a pioneering nonprofit newsroom.
100 X $100
So, right now we’re asking 100 of our readers to step up and pledge $100 per month as a recurring pledge to our reader supported newsroom. Become a Champion of Democracy at the most local level. Support our reporters and editors at Wednesday Journal, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.
There’s a match to help convince you. Our board of directors has already pledged $20,000 to our Champion of Democracy campaign. That means the first two months of your pledge will be DOUBLED.
$20,000 MATCH FROM THE GCM BOARD
We need to reach our 100 Champions goal by Dec. 31. Democracy, Accountability, Equity, Connection, Civility
Our fall fundraiser is happening now - Join us at
Erika Hobbs Editor Ken Trainor Viewpoints Editor
Trent Brown Riverside/Brookfield reporter
Luzane Draughon Oak Park reporter
Jessica Mordacq Austin/Forest Park reporter
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.
Call Viewpoints editor
Ken Trainor at 613-3310
ktrainor@wjinc.com
Babies can’t wait
Last month, local families and community members gathered at the West Suburban Special Recreation Association along with partners Raising Illinois, Oak-Leyden and Child and Family Connections #7 at Suburban Access Inc. This gathering was one of the events that took place across the state of Illinois intended to bring awareness to a chronically overlooked topic: the Early Intervention crisis
MARY REYNOLDS
One View
Early Intervention (often called EI), is the term for specialized supports for babies up to age 3, such as speech and language therapy, developmental therapy, occupational and physical therapies, and social work services.
Early Intervention is extremely effective and cost efficient: 1 in 3 children who receive EI do not later present with a disability or require special education in preschool, thus reducing the needs of these kiddos later in life and helping them reach their full potential from the start.
One caregiver in the audience shared a little bit about how helpful Early Intervention has been for her child: “As a family, we don’t know what she needs. It was all the therapists that … got us all the equipment that she needs. She’s not there yet, but she would be even further behind.”
Approximately 16-18% of children have a developmental delay or disability, and the most impactful time in a child’s development is the first three years of life. These are services that families are legally entitled to, and yet many families are not receiving them.
The Illinois Early Intervention system serves 28,000 infants and toddlers, but 9% of children who need EI services are stuck on waitlists, often for years, which means a child will have aged out of being eligible by the time they’ve gotten off the waitlist. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s about real children and real families in our communities who are struggling right now.
Why is this happening? Because the EI workforce is leaving in droves, by 500 providers a year. They are not being adequately compensated for their essential services. With very few pay increases in the last 25 years, providers literally can’t afford to do this work even though they want to. Fewer providers make for longer waitlists. Some families can turn to private therapies, but for so many the cost of private services is not within reach, exacerbating inequalities across the system.
This is unacceptable. Please join me in calling on the state to increase funding for EI in the 2025 budget. Sign the petition at https://www.raisingillinois.org. Early Intervention is not just a program; it’s also a promise. A promise to our children that we’ll give them every opportunity to thrive. EI is a promise to families that they won’t have to face developmental challenges alone, and it’s a promise to our community that we’re investing in a brighter future for all of us
Mary Reynolds is executive director of the Collaboration for Early Childhood in Oak Park
VIEWPOINTS
Assessing Cook County judicial candidates
We lived in DuPage County for 20 years. I was relatively active in politics during that time, serving as an election reconciliation judge in the county for years. In our time there, I don’t recall having especially noticed or much cared about county judicial elections.
We moved to Cook County in 2003. When elections rolled around, I was rather surprised about the number of judges on ballots, both for first-time election and for retention. In discussion with a few people, I became concer ned with the likelihood that most voters in the county were voting blind. They had no idea about any of the candidates, did not understand the rules of candidacy and, as many people told me, voted “Yes” for all candidates or reflexively voted “No” in the spirit of “throw all the bums out!”
While humor of a bleak sort resides in such No votes, blanket Yes votes were just as bad, at least as I saw it. My discussions with people who knew something about the county court system, never mind about the state
Supreme Court, brought realization that these judges, especially the circuit court judges, are of great importance to each of us. In many instances, a judge is the most likely county official the average citizen will ever encounter. That encounter could change a life. If the judge’s temperament or judicial behavior is questionable, the persons before her or him could quite literally be in jeopardy that would not prevail in front of another, better judge. So my sense grew that it is incumbent (so to speak) upon each of us to pay much closer attention to who and what we’re voting for (a good rule in any case). I began to investigate how to do two things: evaluate judge candidates and inform people about those evaluations. My research took me eventually to the work of the Alliance of Bar Associations. They send survey questionnaires to each judge candidate. Each member association makes its own evaluations based both on replies to the questionnaires and on the sense of how a
Debt and cash reserves
Oak Park’s village gover nment has adopted its five-year capital improvement plan (CIP). That means it has green-lit an ambitious list of projects to be carried out in 2025. The most costly, and overdue, project for next year will be rebuilding Oak Park Avenue from Ontario to Pleasant. This is a sewer and water replacement project plus a full streetscaping upgrade.
While the board approved the CIP, it is still sorting out how to pay the costs. The options are to take on debt, to pay for much of the work by spending down a cash reserve fund that has grown overlarge, or some combination of the two.
The village board had a fairly thorough debate on this subject last week and seems to be leaning toward spending down its $46 million reserve fund by perhaps $28 million to pay for capital improvement projects. That would leave it with a cash pot that still exceeds somewhat the recommended levels for a reserve We’re in favor of that action.
But we’d also suggest that the board take a bit longer view of its capacity to fund projects beyond next year — because it is revving up to take on the largest capital improvement project in memory over the next couple of years. That is the construction of a new police station and a major overhaul of Village Hall. Completely necessary projects. Very costly. And those projects will absolutely require, as they should, taking on substantial long-term debt to fund them.
We look at this holistically: Major outlays ahead. Spend down reserves now for next year’s projects and start planning how to structure the debt for the police station and Village Hall. Paying for projects that will carry the village through many decades by issuing debt is the most logical way to pay for such projects. Current and future residents of the village should share the costs of these long-ter m upgrades
West Sub’s fallen fence
What is going on at West Suburban Medical Center? How serious are the financial problems? Here’s what we know this week in our ongoing coverage of issues at this vital community health-care provider — vital for Oak Park and River Forest, even more vital for the West Side.
Fifteen months ago, portions of a long fence that divides the west side of the Austin Boulevard campus from its residential neighbors on Taylor Avenue blew down in a windstorm. The hospital removed the entire fence shortly after. But there has been no progress on replacing the fence, which is seen by neighbors as essential to their privacy and was part of a long-ago and hard-fought pact allowing West Sub to expand
The village has been way too slow in pressuring West Sub to rebuild the fence. And the hospital told a group of frustrated neighbors on a Zoom call last week that it will need to “budget” the $60,000 replacement cost and can do that by next spring.
Something is not right at West Sub that it can’t replace a fence in a timely and respectful manner
When a clown mov es into a palace, he does not become a king. The palace becomes a circus.
Turkish proverb
So … what have we learned following this devastating loss?
For one thing, we aren’t living in the country of our dreams anymore. In the days after this most shameful of elections, a friend reminded me that in 2016 — the first time this clown moved into the palace — we said, defiantly, “This is not who we are!” This time, my friend noted, “We can’t say that so easily, can we?”
Who we really are KEN TRAINOR
On Nov. 6, we woke up in a different country than the one we dream of and, as the clown prepares to defile the White House … again, we have to face the fact that this is who we are right now. Not all of us, of course. Some 75 million (and counting) voted for a country where truth is stronger than lies, where light defeats darkness, and where government of the people, by the people, and for the people will never perish from the Earth. We trusted that all Americans wanted that.
We were misinfor med. This time lies were stronger than the truth. In fact, truth barely made a dent in this year’s campaign. We learned that democracy can be used as a tool for democracy’s demise. We learned that the majority of Americans are such low-information voters, have such a short memory span, and are so easily swayed by falsehood that it may not even be possible anymore for truth to prevail.
There are no bright spots in this election, no silver linings. This time around, lies won, hands down.
So how do we defend the vulnerable if we are now the vulnerable? How do we navigate the insanity of this asylum now that the inmates are fir mly in charge? How do we defend our respective islands of light against the dark when darkness has become our default setting?
Some say we get the government we deserve. I don’t believe that. No one deserves this.
We learned that our institutions were too weak to prevent the darkness from taking control. Our final defense was the vote, but our electoral system is contaminated by sexism, racism and voter suppression.
We learned that we are, at this moment, incapable of electing a woman president, even when she was clearly the superior candidate, who ran a nearly flawless campaign against the most despicable human being ever to run for this of fice, who already established that he is the most incompetent person ever to hold the office, which qualifies
this election as the American people’s greatest collective failure, calling into question — as the authoritarians always do — whether we are capable of governing ourselves.
I hope to God that Trump and his minions stole this election because if he won it fair and square, I may never re gain my faith in my fellow Americans.
But if this is not who we are, then who the hell are we? We’ve been toggling back and forth like a colossal metronome for the past 45 years: Reagan to Clinton, Bush to Obama, Trump to Biden, and now Trump … again. One side wants progress, the other side will do anything to stop it. Two steps forward, one step back; one step forward, two steps back. The backlash against Obama was severe. The backlash against Biden, and now Harris, was equally harsh, punishing them for the sin of making progress, for daring to prove that the system works — whenever voters put the adults in charge.
In 2020, the pandemic enabled a breakthrough, a minor miracle. But the forces of backwardness succeeded in overtur ning Biden’s election. It took four years — aided by the impotence of the courts, the media, and a suppressed voter turnout.
We came so close to tur ning the page and finding a way forward. But the opposition wasn’t about to let the system work long enough for people to finally take notice. And our side isn’t strong enough yet to overcome the firehose of lies and fear-peddling. When that happens, the jig is up for Re publicans What will it take to defeat voter suppression, gerrymandering, election-worker harassment, the electoral colle ge, filibustering, and campaign finance abuse? How do we sustain progress, when voters attack it like antibodies rejecting a transplanted hear t? What will it take to cure this country’s government-phobia?
Re publicans are the masters of disaster: The Great Depression; the Watergate scandal; the extreme economic inequality of Reaganomics; 9/11, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and the 200708 financial meltdown; the pandemic — all of it happened on their watch. And after each disaster, voters turned to the Democrats to clean up the mess: Clinton eliminated the deficit and produced an unprecedented budget surplus; Obama brought us health care reform; Biden got us through the pandemic, passed the Recovery and Inflation Reduction acts, investing in green energy and infrastructure, adding 16 million jobs and sparking an economic boom. But every time Democrats come to
SHRUB TO WN by Marc Stopeck
the rescue, voters punish them, fueled by Re publican lies. How can we overcome the power of lies when voters can’t even remember back four years and reco gnize how much better of f they are now?
So we lurch from disaster to disaster, fix to fix. The center does not hold. Voters are easily manipulated. Social media is more problem than solution. Russian misinformation is rampant. The system has too many flaws. More devastating climate disasters loom because for the next four years, we will be gover ned … again … by madmen with outlandish egos, tech titans who have no answers, and a new/old president who is likely descending into dementia. Maybe all of that will change our future election reckoning — or maybe not.
Was 2020 our last real election, the last one that wasn’t rigged by lies — and our capitulation to those lies? If 2024 is the new model, all future elections will simply be a contest to determine the biggest liar. We have made America ridiculous again … a circus, run by clowns. Trump, the sequel.
Who are we now? Based on this election, we have become a nation of second-rate citizens who make bad choices, who keep running back to the Re publicans, addicted to the sugar high of lies and the adrenaline rush of insanity. To invert Winston Churchill’s famous words,
future Americans will look back and say, “This was their darkest hour.” I hope to God it is because I’m having trouble imagining anything darker. And at the moment, I’m having trouble imagining anything more hopeful.
As a nation, we have two choices: Evolve or Devolve, Sanity or Insanity. On Nov. 5, we chose insanity … again. Devolving is the easy path. All it takes is surrender, ignorance, lies, and cowardice. A majority of Americans demonstrated that in abundance two weeks ago.
But my g randkids need a future, so giving up is not an option. How do the rest of us accelerate our evolution?
Partly by remembering, and keeping alive, our fundamentals. Americans believe in just one self-evident thing: Everyone is created equal. To paraphrase Lincoln, whatever differs from that, to the extent of the difference, is not America.
Freedom is the condition we seek, but without equality, there is no freedom. It’s a very simple equation: Democracy + Equality = Freedom. And Forward is our only direction. That sums up who we really are. When everyone finally learns that, everything changes.
Apparently, though, we’re going to have to learn that lesson the hard way.
The sooner the better, because all this back-and-for thand-back crap is really crippling us.
WEDNESD AY
of Oak Park and River Forest
Viewpoints Guidelines
e goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have su cient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it o en is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it.
We reser ve the right to edit submissions. We do not have time to allow the writer to review changes before publication. We also do not have time to do more than super cial fact-checking, and because of our national epidemic of misinformation and conspiracy theories, when writers include statistical evidence to support their opinions, we require them to include the source of that information, such as credible websites, print publications, titles of articles and dates published, etc. Be as speci c as possible so that we and our readers have some way of assessing the credibility of your claims. Links may also be included for the online version. We follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics: seek the truth and report it and minimize harm. As a result, we will do our best not to publish pieces that espouse doubtful or debunked theories, demonstrate harmful bias, or cross the line into incivility. While we will do our best not to engage in censorship, we also do not intend to be used as a platform for misinformation. Your sources for fact-checking are a critical step in keeping the discourse honest, decent and respectful.
All submissions must include your rst and last name and the municipality in which you live, plus a phone number (for veri cation only). We do not publish anonymous letters. One View essays should include a sentence at the end about who you are.
If we receive your submission by 5 p.m. on Sunday, you can expect your opinion to be included in that week’s paper (and online), space permitting.
Pieces can be submitted through our online form at oakpark.com or directly to Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com. For the latter, we prefer attached Word les or plain tex t included in the email.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
■ 350-word limit
■ Must include rst and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for veri cation only)
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY
■ 500-word limit
■ One-sentence footnote about yourself and/or your connection to the topic
■ Signature details as at left
en along came Ike
The election of 1952 was the first election I was fully into because my eighthgrade history teacher spent time discussing it in class, and my family also talked about it frequently until the election in November
JOHN STANGER
One View
My family members did not like Truman because they believed he mishandled the Korean conflict and, too, that he should not have fired Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The Republican Party nominated Eisenhower rather than Senator Robert Taft, the strongly conservative Ohio senator, whom my grandmother favored.
I became aware that Eisenhower was chosen not only because of his achievements in World War II, but because he was not an adversarial person like Truman. Eisenhower’s outgoing personality and desire to avoid controversy proved very appealing, and my uncles also felt that his management of the Allied ar mies suggested he would be highly capable as head of our complex gover nment. My uncles also felt that Eisenhower’s promise to go to Korea (which he did) if elected to try to bring the conflict to an end was a winning plan.
The Democrats nominated former Illinois gover nor Adlai Stevenson, who I thought was a man of great capability. I expressed my feelings about Stevenson, and my opinion was accepted by my family members. But my family members believed that Stevenson could not defeat Eisenhower whose popularity was great.
Stevenson and his followers were called “eggheads” by some people, who simply did not appreciate the complexities of life that the followers of Stevenson both appreciated and understood
The Republican Convention was held in Chicago in 1952, and in the November election, Eisenhower and his chosen vice president, Sen. Richard Nixon of California, easily
won. When my history class held a mock election, a week before the real election, the Republicans won 22-3.
In 1956, the Republicans once again nominated Eisenhower and Nixon, and the Democrats again nominated Stevenson and Sen. Estes Kefauver of Tennessee. I remember that, during the campaign, Stevenson accused Eisenhower of being a part-time president because Eisenhower regularly spent time on the golf course
Stevenson also stated that because of a heart condition, Eisenhower would not live for more than a year. It turned out that Eisenhower outlived Stevenson by four years — Stevenson dying of a heart attack on a street in London in 1965.
Eisenhower ignored the health issue and stressed that the United States had enjoyed peace and prosperity during his presidency. He and Nixon won by a huge landslide in both the electoral vote and the popular vote
My mother and her friend Grace were visiting Washington D.C. in the summer of 1957, and while walking by the White House, they and a number of other people saw Eisenhower practicing golf shots on a special green that had been installed on the lawn.
My mother told me that some people yelled, “We love you, Ike” and the President stopped practicing and waved to the people In my high school American history class, Miss Hope held a number of pro and con discussions involving the election. Our class then held a mock election the day before the national election, and Eisenhower and Nixon won 21-4.
On the evening after the election, some of our neighbors attended a victory party at the Schus’ home. Although my family members were pleased with the election outcome, they did not go to the party.
Did Bi get what he deserved?
I’ve been jokingly saying, “Who let Biff steal the almanac?!” Then I realized he didn’t even need to. In his original timeline, he assaulted a girl, no consequences, walked away and went about his life. In the decades of watching Back to the Future, I never once asked, “Why didn’t someone report him to the police?”
We are not inherently good; it’s more like a trained habit. Really, we want to be better, more right, and have more than the next person. When my three boys are together, they instinctually jockey for position, boss each other around, take more than they need, or demonstrate superiority. I have to specifically remind them to, “Be respectful, be good.”
This need to be right and have more is everywhere, whether it is getting in the shortest line at the store, merging on the highway, the purse you carry, your sports team, how nice your car is, and who you vote for. This is nothing new, it’s very, very normal.
What is new is social media, an infinite venue where you can be “better at” and “right about.” It’s becoming increasingly individualized. For example, large-scale, unifying events like the Olympics no longer generate collective pride (i.e we’re better, more right than another country), but instead have been whittled down to
debating specific athletes’ worthiness with individual opinions
Everything is debated. Even weather Imagine if 9/11 happened today, would we all collectively mour n or would we all race to share our opinions? If you read the comments, you know exactly what I mean. And here’s my point, I urge you to look at someone else’s comments. Not their comments, but the comments they see when looking at a public social media post. Take the same video or clip or post on your partner’s/friend’s/coworker’s phone and see what comments pop up first. The comments they see will be entirely dif ferent than what you see. They are tailored to enrage/engage us just a bit, then make us feel right in our thinking, and/or want more things.
Then, if you read or like the comments, you will be served up more of the same A boogeyman isn’t causing this, it’s us — everyone’s individual behavior that drives the algorithm to get more clicks and likes. It doesn’t have a parent to remind it to be good
We want to be more right. The question to ask is, “Are we?”
I definitely wasn’t right thinking Biff really got what he deserved.
Beauty is truth, truth beauty
What endures: “Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats. Fill in the blank.
Democrats need a youth movement
My congressman is 85. My senior senator is 80. My other senator is apparently on silent mode. My President is 82. During the last days of the campaign, two of the major Democratic sur ro gates were 84-year-old Nancy Pelosi and 75-year-old Chuck Schumer. Enough is enough. We need new leadership in the Democratic Party and we need it now. I am 74
and I don’t want to see anyone older than me appearing on TV or online. Do you think we are safe in Illinois? Don’t fool yourself. Trump got 45% of the Illinois vote. As they say on The Sopranos, “next time there will be no next time.”
I’ve been a supporter of Democratic politicians and policies for my adult life. I would never vote for Trump, but I hope
I never have to vote for Danny Davis and Dick Durbin again.
I’m sure a big change in leadership will be painful but not as painful as watching the last few days of a pitiful election ef fort by the antique Democratic Party. Do you wonder why Democrats are not receiving the votes of young males? Twice as many Black men voted for Trump this time, 45%
of Latin voters voted for Trump. White males flocked to Trump. They probably wanted to hear from someone who was not talking down to them.
It is now or never. Democrats need new leadership up and down the line.
Jay Arbetman Oak
Park
Camille Yu Oak Park
Don Edward s Oak Park
e Lilac Bush
The lilac bush is blooming But it should not be. It’s autumn, too late. These blooms cannot survive.
Tender leaves, young and deep green will be shortly covered with snow. It has been an unusual season Defying expectations Igniting old fears.
These lilac blooms may not survive, But the lilac bush will. It is sturdy and resilient. Its roots run deep and it will bloom, When spring rolls around again.
Karen Morris Muriello Oak Park
Leaf-bagging rules update
For those of you who can af ford to take time of f from the wildly popular, village-wide viral Leaf-Bagging Block Parties, I have an update on the rules for you:
1) You are responsible for notifying your lawn service of the new bag rules. That way, the village doesn’t have to.
2) If your lawn service blows leaves into the street, you are responsible for cleaning them up. If you don’t you are subject to fines. Think of the revenue opportunity in combo with #1!
3) If the village blows leaves from the street onto your parkway it follows that you are therefore responsible for cleaning those up too. This will save the village labor cost since everybody knows blowing is cheaper than bagging, right?
Robert Parks Oak Park
Oak Park’s panhandling problem
As the cold we ather sets in, the village of Oak Pa rk is finally taking ste ps to address the aggressive panhandling that has plagued our community for months. While this ef fo rt may brin g temporary relief, it’s too little, too late T he real question is: Why did it ta ke the threat of subzero temperatures for our village gove r nment to take action?
Fo r months, taxpaying citizens have c omplained about the influx of ag gressive panhandler s, many of whom are struggling with addiction. These individuals have been harassing residents, disrupting businesses, and creating an atmosphere of fear and unease. Despite numerous pleas for help, the Oak Pa rk Police De par tment has been woefully unresponsive.
Now, with winter ’s chill setting in , the village is suddenly motivated to act. But this is n’ t a genuine attempt to address the root causes of panhandling; it’s a Band-Aid solution designed to ga r ner goodwill from frustrated residents. The village gove r nment seems c ontent to rely on Mother Nature to do their jo b, rather than taking proactive
ste ps to address the issue.
We deser ve better from our village gove r nment. It ’s time for Oak Pa rk to develop a comprehensive plan to a ddress panhandling and support those struggling with addiction. This includes:
• Increasing police presence and responsiveness to citizen complaints
• Collaborating with local social services to provide suppo rt and resources for those in need
• Implementing ef fect ive deter rents to ag gressive panhandling
• En ga ging with the community to develop a long-term solution
T he people of Oak Pa rk deser ve more than a seasonal solution to our p anhandling problem. We deser ve a gove r nment that takes our concer ns seriously and wo rks proactive ly to a ddress them. It’s time for our village leaders to ste p up and show that they ’re committed to creating a safer, more compassionate community for all.
Taylor Parsons Oak Park
Wise beyond her years
I was really impressed with the One View by Michelle Zavislak [To the men in my life ..., Viewpoints, Nov. 13].
As I read, I was thinking that it was written by a middle-aged woman, disappointed with the election. When I got to the end and found it was written by a 16-year-old girl from OPRF High School, I was flabberg asted! She writes so well and so articulately, it was hard to believe it was written by a 16-yearold.
She says exactly what I feel: that Kamala Harris was defeated by men who are, as she says, “the ones who dragged us down. You are the ones who must live with the fact that you chose a selfish, hateful, misogynistic, racist, convicted felon over a highly qualified woman. It is frustrating to see the men in our lives doubting us.
“I hope that you as men will grow with the mistakes of this election and instead of trying to tell us we’re fine or sit on your couch and watch today’s tragedies, as if it was a show, instead to fight for us and become better men. Become better role models for the next generation of men so that your daughters will be able to live in a world with stronger, more confident and better men than you are.”
I totally agree with her and am proud that a woman of the next generation, who is not even old enough to vote, has such strong opinions on toxic masculinity.
I am proud of Michelle and just want to say, “You go, girl!”
Kathleen Hopkins Oak Park
Prio l-being
Anyone who has boarde an airplane as a parent or guardian knows one thing in the event the ox masks are released, must secure your mask be fore assisting those around you.
That advice may be easier said than done, but it illustrates an important point. When you are responsible for someone else’s health or well-being — particularly as a sole caregiver — prioritizing your own health and wellness is profoundly important.
When I became the sole caregiver for my mother after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, I learned that navigating the health-care landscape was just one part of the equation. Caring for myself so I was the strongest, most capable version of myself was equally (if not more) important. Now as a wellness coach who focuses on consulting with caregivers, that’s the message I share with my clients
But what does that look like in practice? First, it means getting enough rest and finding ways to replenish regularly. Build a consistent schedule that includes eight hours of sleep and making time to see friends. It’s not healthy to be in caregiving
mode all the time. You need — and deserve — to take time ourself. ext, be proactive about wn health care. Schedgular check-ups with our primary care provider and stay up to date on your vaccinations — particularly re 55 and older. The CDC recommends getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine — you have a choice between the mRNA or the protein-based vaccines. Whichever you choose, vaccination remains the best form of protection against serious illness … for you and your loved ones
Finally, consider joining a support group or speaking to a licensed therapist who can guide you on your caregiving jour ney. Talking to someone who knows what it’s like to walk in your shoes can be very healing. We aren’t meant to weather difficult times alone, so find your village and don’t be afraid to lean on it
More than 100 million Americans act in a caregiving capacity. The single best thing they can do this season is prioritize their health and well-being — mind, body, spirit. Brenda Summerville Oak Park
Last week’s Wednesday Jour nal editorial in Viewpoints, titled “Referendum overreach,” deserves a vigorous rebuttal. On Election Day, 85% of Oak Park voters voted in favor of establishing an initiative and referendum process in our village. The people of Oak Park spoke definitively.
The editorial derided this voter referendum as merely a “sugar-candy” mechanism designed to strip power from the village board. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Oak Park Voter Initiative is not about
Pass the Voter Initiative
sidelining the village board or upending thoughtful gover nance. The voter initiative is about offering the residents of our community a structured way to discuss vital issues when they are not addressed. If the village board finds itself out of step with the views of the people of Oak Park, initiative powers enable the public to act — another tool in the toolbox of democracy.
If the election of Nov. 5 should teach us anything, it is that our democracy needs additional improvements and protections
Last week’s editorial tried to paint the
initiative process as new and radical. In fact, Oak Park is the exception, and not the rule, in not granting its residents the powers of initiative and referendum.
The people of every municipality in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and dozens of other states, already have the power of initiative and referendum for local ordinances. Are these voters somehow more enlightened or capable of democratic self-gover nance than Oak Parkers?
I urge Oak Parkers to reach out to our village board trustees to support the Oak Park
What kind of America do we have?
We are long overdue to believe A merica when it shows us who or wh at it is :
■ It is a country in wh ich grow in g income inequality is ignored or dismissed as the wealthiest class continues to grow in wealth and powe r.
■ It is a country that jealously protects the interests and comforts of wh i te supremacy, wh i le minimizing or erasing the persistent reality of systemic racism and xenophobia
■ It is a country that would prefer to
have a twice impeached, se p tuagenari an, convicted felon, who lost the last election and has neve r acce p ted that reality, who incited violence at the nation’s Capitol building after that loss, and who ve rbally attacks the most v ulnerable in society, and scap eg oats struggling mi gr ants and refugees, ser ve in the highest office in the land rather than elect a qualified woman of color who happens to be the sitting vice president of the United States
■ It is a country that collective ly
refuses to: acce pt the hard truths of i ts past and present, to reckon with the complicity of many people and has increasingly sought to enact laws to b an books or curriculum that would educate future generations about these fact s.
This is wh at America is tod ay. Trump ’s election has made that clear and, perhaps finall y, impossible to deny
Jeanné Schulte Matthews Oak Park
A threat to public health
I was for tunate to have been the chair of the Oak Pa rk Board of Health, the voluntary commission that oversees and a dvo cates for the Oak Pa rk Health De par tment and advises the village board on public health matters. In this position I had the honor of wo rk ing with commissioner s i ntensely interested in furthering the health of Oak Pa rk ’s citizens, along with two outstanding public health professionals, sanitarian Mi ke Charley and public health nurse Mar ga re t Provost-Fyfe MS N, both of whom directed the de partment.
My 50 years as a licensed clinical social wo rker, as an Ar my social wo rk officer, VA clinical social wo rker, and emergency room social wo rker at Loyola Medical Center, made me keenly interested in the powe r of
public health strat eg i es in the health improvements of the last centur y.
I am of the age that Ger man and Re d measles, chicken pox, and mumps we re dis ruptions in childhood life due to being in isolation. Fear of poli o was a constant, and tooth decay a significant problem. Moder n public health, with inoculations and fluoride, changed the lives and the health of Americans. And moder n vaccine science has protected Americans with highly ef fect ive vaccines that prevent or miti gate meningitis, COVID-19, he patitis B and C, seve r al dif ferent kinds of pneumonia, shingles, plague, smallpox, monkey pox, tetanus, whooping cough, diptheria, and influenza. And modern anti-viral drug s have made HIV/AIDS a manageable disease rather than a death sentence.
Voter Initiative as an overwhelming 85% of Oak Park voters did on Nov. 5. While the editorial board may dismiss the more than 22,000 Oak Parkers who voted for the initiative process as “gullible,” I know our village trustees will not make that same mistake. Instead, I am confident that the board will see that the initiative and referendum process will strengthen, not undermine, our local gover nance. Please join me in winning passage of the Oak Park Voter Initiative
Wi th all of these public health t riumphs, there has been an onslaught of vaccine and fluoride skep tics wh o have caused some people to not acce pt i noculations, leading to diseases that also infect health-care professionals. Va ccine mandates have maintained public health safety, but now a new threat to health, in the person of Ro be rt F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary d esignee, has emerged. He has made clear that he will greatly decrease acc ess to inoculations to Americans and threaten the herd immunity that has made childhood diseases, polio and small pox, a threat of the past, as well as eliminating fluoride in drinking water that has so greatly improved the oral health of Americans.
Frank Vozak Oak Park
Is it gullible to let the voters decide?
Count me among the “gullible” (your dismissive word) who voted “for” the voterinitiated referendum proposal. Empowering voters to overtur n laws and to enact laws that their elected representatives fail to enact puts the ultimate power where it belongs — directly in the voters.
Yes, voters sometimes make regrettable choices. Elected representatives make regrettable choices too Regrettable choices are an inescapable consequence of our form of gover nment.
Reference to fair-housing ordinances is a red herring. Nothing in the voter-initiated referendum process precludes the village board from passing resolutions. While the voters in the 1960s likely would not have approved a fair housing ordinance, it is not a given that they would have voted to overtur n such an ordinance after its enactment.
To analogize, I would have voted against a referendum to implement the current revised leaf-collection practices. Nevertheless, I would vote against a referendum to overtur n them. I don’t think it is a good idea lightly to overtur n a reasonable-enough ordinance adopted after considerable debate on a hot-button subject even though I might disagree with the ordinance.
Of course, I’m a gullible fool who doesn’t bother to actually think through these things.
Jacob Drews Oak Park
Bob Stigger Oak Park
Courteous bigotry
Even the late Strom Thurmond was apparently capable of a momentary suspension of bigotry. There are “celebratory racists” from “stealth racists.” The word “bigotry” is substituted here for “racism” because it encompasses animus linked also to ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and class; and resistance to democracy, secularism, and our Enlightenment tradition (science, reason, natural law and the “rule of law”).
In the typolo gy of bigotry, “cour teous bigotry” is a variety in the “stealth” category of hate.
Trump ’s comprehensive bigotry is full-volume celebratory: his followers lustily cheered the hate and his many vulgar invocations of thuggery. It’s a perverse clown show.
But what about those who didn’t attend the rallies and “don’t approve of what he says,” but never theless voted for him? Many may actually resent the accusation lumping them to g ether with white supremacist groups, Christian nationalists, and anti-science nut cases
But the association is there in the act of voting
T he resentment among courteous bigots is often not feigned, but genuine. The counter complaint: the accusers are “woke” (guilty), but also finger-waggers, snobbish moral pontificators, and elitists, looking down on them (not guilty).
This is not the time for withholding judgment.
Someone who sparked an insur rection (Amendment XI V, section 3), brags about assaulting women, mocks the sacrifices of American servicemen who served in Vietnam or who are buried in France, and openly admires homicidal tyrants, is an American civic perver t who should be condemned as a matter of base-line decency (ideolo gy set aside).
MAGA may complain the economy is bad and Democrats are responsible for inflation and a broken immigration system, but MAGA is incentivized, emotionally, to express those views and deny credit for anything. Election outcome explanations drawing upon MAGA assertions of “belief ” are not to be trusted
Cour teous bigots are respectful, friendly even, when they encounter the targets of MAGA hatred in the course of their daily lives. This counts, sure, and it likely accounts for their resenting the accusation. However, they likely listen approvingly to bigotry on TV and radio and they indisputably vote for bigotry.
A few bio graphical details about the late Strom T hurmond are illustrative. A rabid se greg ationist, yet who protested the label of being a racist, he bolted the Democratic Party in 1948 over a rudimentary civil rights plank, and eventually was welcomed into the Re publican Pa rty. In his opposition to the 1954 Brown decision and to civil rights legislation in 1964-65, he would not share a classroom, a lunch counter, or a polling place with a Black person.
But he would his bed: he eng aged in a presumed consensual af fair with a Black housekee per that produced a child (Essie Mae). And it is to be imagined that his approach to this teenager was cour teous: he surely didn’t think that whistling Dixie and waving a Confederate battle flag would assist in the seduction.
Gregg Mumm Oak Park
ED MCDEVIT T
Judging the judges
from page 21
judge has observed the concerns and expectations of the association.
I first found the associations judicial screening table in 2010. The Alliance back then had 10 member associations, many of them specific to ethnic representation: Asian American Bar Association, Black Women Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago, Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, for example. Among the other members were the Chicago Council of Lawyers, Cook County Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association. Today the Alliance has 13 member bar associations, including most of the originals. The one outlier has always been the Chicago Bar Association. It does its own evaluations.
The Alliance’s system of evaluation, then and now, rates judges running for election, whether contested or not, with simple codes: HQ - Highly Qualified; WQ - Well Qualified; Q - Qualified; NQ - Not Qualified; HR - Highly Recommended; R - Recommended; NRNot Recommended; and Not Evaluated Through No Fault of the Candidate. Judges running for retention have three possible ratings: Yes, No, Not Evaluated. Their tables, by the way, are available from numerous sources, including Vote for Judges
In 2010 I decided to share the Alliance table with as many people as I could. I really wanted to begin the process of ending blind (or non-) voting for judges in the county. Over the years since, my list of recipients for the evaluations grew substantially. In each election cycle I published my missive about judicial elections in my blog and linked to it on Facebook and Twitter.
In the beginning, penetrating the Alliance’s evaluations to see what went into them was a significant chore. I did it to a certain extent. Sometimes I had outside information on a candidate that sent me to other possible sources. Also, as a frequent attendee at Democratic Party of Oak Park monthly meetings, I got to meet judicial candidates. At times I was a bit of a pain with candidates: I asked them pointed questions, especially if they were first-time judge candidates
In the early years of my work on this issue, I was not aware of anyone else, outside of the Alliance of Bar Associations itself, that was showing public interest in this rather arcane pocket of Illinois politics. I was certainly aware that my audience for the evaluations was very thankful, since my contacts had previously been among the vast majority of voters who were clueless about why and how to vote for such candidates
Eventually some new players appeared on the scene
The first of these was Vote for Judges, a website that had the same purpose I had. It used the same source as I did: the Alliance table. Their site says
that Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice began their efforts “more than a decade ago in an effort to educate voters about judicial elections in Cook County. Today, the website is sponsored by the Committee to Elect Qualified Judges, a political action committee dedicated to infor med judicial voting.” They were not easily found, not even on the site of the Alliance itself. In the past three election cycles or so, they’ve become quite a bit more visible
In 2015 Injustice Watch, which describes itself as a “nonprofit newsroom,” was created. It initially did not provide information on voting for judges. It began its own evaluations of judges very recently. While they do publish the Alliance’s evaluation table, they send out their own questionnaires. As a jour nalism organization, they also do independent investigations of candidates. In 2024 their compendium of evaluations expanded significantly and proved to be extensive, even in some ways exhausting. The information they provided on certain candidates was unique to them and in one instance caused the Chicago Bar Association to totally change their support of a candidate. Their reporting is now a most important source. In the 2024 general election, for a number of reasons, the evaluations I depend upon and that drive what Vote for Judges provides was quite late in arriving. Early voting had already begun in several Cook County locations, particularly in Chicago. I was unable to get information out to my audience until a lot of people had already voted. The delay was due, at least partly, to the very large number of candidates, especially for retention.
In one sense it’s a bit surprising to no longer be alone in publicizing how to vote for judges in our county. The appearance of Vote for Judges was, for me, a most fortunate occurrence because it helped a lot in making a larger public aware. The sudden appearance of Injustice Watch’s extensive and detailed analyses was a real shock. I was both amazed and pleased that the fourth estate was finally paying close attention. I would gladly have made a bigger deal of their work had it not appeared so late in the cycle. It’s true that their ethos is, in certain ways, a sort of crusade to publicize the plight of the unnoticed and those poorly treated by the justice system, but the sheer volume and quality of their work is a terrific new contribution.
Just as interesting to me is that some mainstream publications, such as the Chicago Tribune, seem to be paying closer attention to judicial elections. In the past, one might have encountered an article about a judge with particularly glaring issues, but that was about it. Now we get much more detailed information from such sources, never mind the excellent material from such email services as Chicago Public Square. Until Vote for Judges and Injustice Watch are universally known, I’ll still inform my audience. I’ve spoken to many of them. They were, for the most part, unaware of those two sources. So my work still counts for something. As the character says in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, until the plague cart comes by and they throw me in, I’ll keep on going. Ed McDevitt is a River Forest resident
Mardy Bloch, 87
Lifelong educator, Longfellow principal
Dr. Marguerite
“Mardy” M. (Delhotal) Bloch, EdD, died peacefully on Nov. 10, 2024, at Alver no Senior Care Facility in Clinton, Iowa. Born on May 24, 1937, in Amboy, llinois, she was raised on a farm in Harmon and educated in a one-room counhe earned her Bachelor terbo College in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, majoring in elementary education and minoring in social studies, English, speech and drama. She earned her Master of Science degree from Purdue Uni versity in where she majored in elementar school administration and minored in psychology She received her Doctorate in Edu cation from Norther n Illinois University. In 1972, she and Walter Bloch married and lived their busy lives in Oak Park
She taught at Concordia University, ser as principal in several school districts, in cluding Longfellow School in Oak Park, and as superintendent of schools in Oak Brook. She also served as a consultant on educatio matters to the Archdiocese of Chicago. She presented workshop topics in the west area, was published in Today’s Catholic Educator and the Illinois Association of School Boards Journal, and presented for papers for numerous educational organizations. She was passionate about discussing trends in education through various media Her honors include: Outstanding Young Educators in the United States, Outstanding Mount St. Clare Alumni, Elementary School Principal of the Year by Illinois State Board of Education, Dare to be Great Award from Illinois Women Administrators, Special Education Recognition award from Illinois TASH, and the Ulyssean Award from the village of Oak Park.
Paul Bloch; her sister-in-law, Helene (Bloch) Clarke; a niece, nephew and many cousins She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her parents, Raymond and Helen; and her brothers, Jim and Bill.
Visitation will be held at The Canticle, home of the Sisters of St. Francis, 841 13th Ave. North, Clinton, Iowa on Friday, Dec. 6, from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral Mass at 11. Inter ment will be private
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, 841 13th Ave. North, Clinton, Iowa.
Arrangements are being handled by Snell Zornig Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting her obituary at www snellzornig.com.
Patrick Moroney, 60
Marine
veteran,
CPA, stained-glass artisan
Moroney, Park, died eacefully on Friday, 15, after a yearlong battle with canBorn on Sept. Paul and Kathleen Moroney, he was the second children and a ifelong Oak Parker before him, ep, graducollege, he ootsteps and joined herished time ed the rank of Lance Corporal. Subsequent to his service in the Marine Corps (whose birthday he faithfully celebrated every year), he attended UIC, where he earned a CPA degree and began his career as an accountant. In this capacity, he met and fell in love with Miriam, whom he married in 2002.
Nancy Godlewski, 88
A longtime resident of Oak Pa
rk
Nancy Godlewski (née Baldwin), 88, died peacefully on Nov. 10, 2024, in Naperville. Bor n on Sept. 19, 1936, in Danville, she was a longtime resident of Oak Park, then Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin, before moving to Monarch Springs as a founding resident. She was known for her love of exploring new culinary experiences, Hershey’s kisses, and playing dominoes. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She was the mother of Michael, Matthew, and Mary; the mother-in-law of Mary (Haley) Godlewski and Don Dearinger; and the grandmother of Laura and Liz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob); her son, Mitchell; her parents, Don and Pauline; and her sister, Linda Williams
A celebration of life will be held at a later time. Arrangements are being handled by DuPage Cremation Services in West Chicago.
Ri ck Borgst adt, 60 Member of First Baptist Church
Timothy Muller, 81 Computer system designer
Timothy Hugh Muller, 81, of Oak Park, died on Oct. 23, 2024. He arrived in this world on Dec 11, 1942, in Barberton, Ohio, the last time his arrival was planned. This brilliant man would show up to family reunions, Chautauqua, at weddings, always without a reservation. Presumably, he left this world still without a plan.
He volunteered at institutions he loved, serving on the board of the co-op in West New York, New Jersey, where he lived for nearly all his adult life. He gave blood regularly and created the systems that helped track blood donations in East New Jersey. He was board president, cleared snow, took down the nets, and ran the New Jersey Tennis Tournament at the Arlington Players Tennis Club, where he was a longtime member
Beginning in the summers while still at Thiel College, he wrote computer code and designed and implemented computer systems for PPG Industries, Univac, ChemicalBank, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Blood Center of New Jersey.
Mardy was dedicated to her communities, serving on numerous boards and committees. An avid supporter of the arts, especially the symphony and village theaters, she was also a dedicated supporter of L’Arche Chicago
Being a for mer Sister of St. Francis, she was happy to call The Canticle home again after her husband passed. The community of religious sisters was a comfort and blessing for her senior living.
Mardy is survived by her brother-in-law,
He had a keen intellect and felt a key part of every day was crossword puzzles in the morning, and Jeopardy in the afternoon, even keeping score while playing and proving to himself that he could play with the best of them. He was an avid golfer, traveling across country with his brothers, brothers-in-law and wife to play the historic courses of the game. Later in life, he became skilled in stainedglass craftsmanship, adorning his and his families’ houses with many of his windows. Patrick is survived by his wife, Miriam Rosa Moroney; his siblings, Colleen Moroney, Sheila Javor (Ken), Katie Moroney (Al Wolski), Mike (Liz), and Dan (Amy); many nieces and nephews; and his furry friend, Dante
Richard “Rick” Borgstadt II, 60, of Oak Park, died on Aug. 22, 2024. Born in Mansfield, Ohio on March 22, 1964, he graduated from District 97 in 1978 and from OPRF High School in 1982. He was diagnosed with endocrine carcinoma in September 2014. Treatment was successful for several years until it wasn’t
Rick was the brother of Karen Borgstadt; the son of the late Richard and Betty Borgstadt; brother of the late Beverly Borgstadt and the late Bonnie Bayham; the uncle of Alan P. Bayham III, Bevin Bayham Boney; and the cousin of Ann (Tim) Raymon.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Nov. 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Oak Park, 820 Ontario St. (use the doors closest to Grove).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Oak Park.
He will be remembered by his friends from Barberton, Ohio; West New York, New Jersey; and Oak Park, for his T-shirt collection, strong opinions, sense of humor, love of family and friends, stories, basic ditziness, and generosity.
He leaves behind his sister, Becky Smith (Bill), his brother, Dave Muller (Barb), and his sister, Sarah Muller (Gary Joseph). He was predeceased by his parents, Carl L. and Ella R. Muller, his brother, Phil Muller (Aliceann), and his wife, E. Dottie Watkins. He was a favorite uncle to Erin Smith, Lisa Turfler (Todd), Adelle Muller McKinstry (Matt), Jocelyn Gruepp Mueller (Guenther), Dave Smith (Sara), Amanda Osta (David), Nate Muller (Kate), and Ben Newton (Deena Bernett), and is also survived by 19 great-nephews and nieces.
Donations in Tim’s name may be directed to the Arlington Players Club, Washington Place, Kear ny, NJ 07032 or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
A memorial is scheduled for Nov. 30, 12:30 - 2 p.m. at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 Madison St., Forest Park
SPORTS
First top-10 team nish for Fenwick since 2015
Doher ty,
Mulvihill
help Friars girls swim faster at state
meet
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Seniors and multiple all-staters Anna Doherty and Evelyn Mulvihill continued raising the expectations of the Fenwick girls swimming and diving team.
“The taper was well executed this season,” Mulvihill said. “We trained harder than we ever have. We worked the small things a lot in practice so [the postseason] went really well.”
The Friars will reach one last time at the state finals, Saturday, at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont.
With three top-eight all-state and two consolation all-state performances, Fenwick (65 points) earned a tie for 10th with Fremd for the Friars’ first top-10 state finish since taking seventh in 2015.
“It shows that our hard work really paid of f,” Doherty said. “We sacrificed a lot for this season. I’m really happy that it resulted in a really positive way.”
Four of the Friars’ five entries placed higher Saturday than in qualifying during Friday’s preliminaries. Top-eight finishers competed for the state title Saturday. The next eight finishers raced for ninth place.
Doherty was sixth in the 200-yard individual medley (season-best 2:04.22) and seventh in the 500 freestyle (4:57.86).
The 400 free relay with Mulvihill, sophomore Maggie Raniere, junior Claire Wood and Doherty was seventh (3:28.40).
In the consolation finals, the 200 medley relay (1:45.27) of Mulvihill (backstroke), Doherty (breast stroke), Wood (butterfly) and Raniere (free) finished 11th. Mulvihill was 13th in the 100 free (51.49).
“It was an amazing day. We had some great final finishes,” Mulvihill said.
Based on Friday’s times, the Friars were seeded to score 63 points.
“Except for the 400 freestyle relay, the girls moved up in place. I know the girls wanted to finish in the top 10,” second-year Fenwick coach Ben Munster said. “I would say there were some really impressive perfor mances all weekend. I’m really proud of the way the girls raced. I’m really proud of the way they came together the last three weeks for conference, sectionals and state. The results speak for themselves in terms of what they accomplished this season.”
As they prepare to compete collegiately, Doherty (heading to Williams College) and Mulvihill (Iowa State) left quite a resume. Doherty had four all-state performances in her two individual events with faster times Saturday than she did taking sixth in both in 2023 (5:03.26 and 2:04.55). Doherty’s 4:55.92 to win the 500 free at the Leyden Sectional, Nov. 9, is the school record. She also
STEVE JOHNSTON
Fenw ick’s Anna Doherty competes in the 200 Yard IM dur ing the IHSA Girls’ State Final meet Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 in Westmont
was part of four consolation all-state relay lineups.
“Honestly, watching Anna succeed in that 200 IM (Saturday) after she trained so hard, it was so amazing to be able to do everything she did pay of f,” Mulvihill said. “I’m going to remember the people the most, the way that this team has supported me and made me a better person.”
This was Mulvihill’s first individual consolation all-state honor to join three consolation all-state relays. She swam a schoolrecord 51.09 in the 100 free at sectionals and 51.15 Friday.
“I’m really happy with how Evelyn swam
her 100 free and all of our relays did really well, too,” Doherty said. “We have some really good leaders on the team who will take hold next year. I’m happy with the team in general and how we did.”
Also for the Friars in Friday’s preliminaries, Mulvihill (100 back in 58.01) was 21st, Raniere (50 free in 24.23) was 30th, sophomore diver Valenica Ptak (197.25 points for 5 dives) was 34th and Wood (1:56.28) and freshman Audrey Munley (1:57.03) were 38th and 41st in the 200 free. Oak Park and River Forest High School junior Hailey Boland was 29th in the 100 breast (1:07.43).
girls basketball hopes to move up standings
Huskies look to continue improvement
By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
Last year at this time, Renee Brantley was
River Forest High School varsity girls basketball team on an interim basis. This season, she’s got the job full time, and she’s appreciative of the opportunity.
“It’s great, but my philosophy doesn’t
change,” Brantley said. “We set the standard and expectations. The players hold each other accountable and we hold them accountable as well.”
OPRF senior forward Genevieve Sim-
kowski, who is entering her third varsity season, ag rees.
“Things are going good,” she said. “We’ re
the head coach of the Oak Park and
Fenwick girls hoops ready to roll
Friars enter season enthusiastic and optimistic
By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
Starting her third season as head coach, Lenae Fergerson likes how her Fenwick High School girls basketball varsity team is shaping up.
“I am really excited about this group of girls,” she said. “They’re competing hard and defending well. While we’re still finding our identity offensively, I always feel we have a chance as long as we defend.”
Like Fergerson, the players are feeling confident as games tip off this week.
“I feel that the first two weeks of practice have gone overall very well,” said junior Cammie Molis, entering her second varsity season. “We’ve been focused and have had high energy throughout every day.”
“Coach Ferg and the coaching staf f continually push us to develop both individual skills and team chemistry,” added senior Kiera Kapsch, in her third varsity season. “There’s already been lots of improvement since the first day because everyone has shown up and given it their all at every practice.”
Fenwick, which went 9-22 last season, has eight returnees. Besides Kiera Kapsch and Molis, the Friars bring back juniors Heaven Lee and Darryelle Smith as well as seniors
BASKETBALL
from page 29
all excited to start the season because I think we have a good team this year.”
OPRF, which went 7-25 and lost in the Class 4A regional final last season, has seven returning players: Simkowski; sophomore Taryn Draine; juniors Gabriella Chesney and Leia Hammerschmidt; and seniors Siena Alfonsi, Anna Breuer, and Claire Detmer
The Huskies’ varsity newcomers are sophomores Selah Sarai Backeberg, Leilani Baldwin, and Marie Spencer and juniors Tavia Allen, Elaina Barnett, Ellanna Brucato, Ameina Johnson, and Aoife Mahic.
Claire Murphy, Catherine Quinn, Diamond Young, and Clare Kapsch, Kiera’s twin sister, who missed all of last season with an ACL injury
Clare and Kiera’s older sister Grac varsity player the last three seasons, is no attending the University of Notre Dame. Ki era admits it’s been an adjustment learning to play without her presence, but she Grace continues to help her development.
“She’s one of my biggest supporter and has shown me the way to be a leader like her,” Kapsch said. “I want to continu to bring the passion and high ener brought to the team. Grace definitely helped me grow in my confidence and make me feel comfortable on the court.”
Fenwick’s top newcomers are junior guard Madison Zorovich, freshman guard Eleanor Gibson, and freshman forward Avani Williams. Other new players are junior centers Grace Masterson and Elissa Scholtens and junior guards Maddy Cox and Giavanna De La Torre.
Befitting their status as a longtime Chicago-area power, the Friars always play a challenging schedule. This year is no different as top non-conference highlights include a debut trip to the Chicago Elite Classic, where Fenwick meets Lane Tech; Kenwood in the Sha Hopson Memorial Classic; the New Trier Thanksgiving Tournament; and the Dundee-Crown Holiday Classic.
Fenwick will also face strong opponents within the Girls Catholic Athletic Confer-
“There’s a lot of teaching and learning going on,” Brantley said. “But the chemistry is there and they’re building something. Everyone’s bought in.”
“The new girls are very good leaders and bring a lot to the team,” Simkowski said. “It’s fun playing with them because they’re helping out a lot.”
OPRF is getting an added boost this year with the return of JP Coughlin as an assistant coach. Coughlin served as the Huskies head coach for eight seasons (2013-2021).
“He’s very motivating and keeps our heads up,” Simkowski said. “He’s always giving good advice.”
“The experience and knowledge JP has is huge,” Brantley added.
As is the custom, OPRF has a challeng-
ence, a league Fergerson calls “one of the toughest.”
“Each year the teams have talent and every game is a battle,” she said. “I anticipate our conference to be the same this year.”
Molis, whose father Derek starred at nowdefunct Westchester St. Joseph and Loyola University Chicago, is one of the area’s best long-range shooters. But she says she wants to be a better all-around player this season.
“My goals individually are to keep my consistency with shooting and even advance it, but also to work on the other parts of my game,” she said. “As a team, I would hope to win more conference games.”
T he F riars started 0-11 last season, and another slow start is something they want
ing schedule. Highlights include the Brenda Whitsell Thanksgiving Tournament at Hinsdale South and the Loyola Academy Christmas Tournament, as well as non-conference games against New Trier and crosstown competitors Fenwick and Trinity.
“Beating Fenwick is always a season goal for the team,” stated Simkowski
The Huskies expect stern competition within the West Suburban Silver, generally re garded as one of the Chicago area’s best conferences.
“Anybody in the conference is always going to be tough,” said Brantley. “Downers Grove North is the defending champion, so everything goes through them. You never know how things will turn out; it’s any given night.”
As the culture-building process continues,
to avoid.
“We’re still young, but we remember what it was like,” Fergerson said. “We understand the importance of defending and competing consistently, and we have a goal to not repeat how we started last year.”
“I definitely would like to set the tone for the season with a win in our first home game,” Kiera Kapsch said. “Basketball is a long season, so maintaining focus and consistent growth will be important.”
Fenwick hosted Phillips on Nov. 19 (after press time) as part of the New Trier Thanksgiving Tournament. The Friars continue the tournament with games at Stevenson, Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m., and New Trier, Nov. 23 at 11:30 a.m.
OPRF is emphasizing growth and development on a daily basis.
“We just want to be better. Our goal is to compete within our conference,” Brantley said. “We want to be better this year from last year and set ourselves up for success. Every night, we want to give ourselves an opportunity.”
“I want to be the best player I can be, always working hard. I also want to lead the conference in steals because that’s a big part of my game,” Simkowski said. “As a team, we want to win more games and go far in the playoffs.”
OPRF opens up with Sandburg at Hinsdale South, Nov. 21, at 5:30 p.m.
“It won’t be an easy game, but I think we can win if we all give 100 percent,” said Simkowski.
C AROL DUNNING
Fenw ick junior Madison Zorovich (#22) looks to pass during a girls basketball scrimmage at Friars’ Frenzy, Nov. 14. Zorovich is among Fenw ick’s top newcomers.
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE
FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE
STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.
Request of Kalei Elisabeth Guedel Case Number 2024CONC001472
There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Kalei Elisabeth Guedel to the new name of: Kalei Sorenson Guedel.
The court date will be held:
On January 10, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Zoom ID: 95894921843 Password: 226532, Cook County, in Courtroom # 12.
Published in Wednesday Journal
November 13, 20, and 27, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
For any person who was a Special Education Student at Oak Park & River Forest High School and graduated in 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019, you will have 30 days to contact Susan Graves, at Oak Park & River Forest High School at 708.434.3061 to request your records. On Dec 01, the Special Education student records for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 will be destroyed.
Published in Wednesday Journal November 20, 27, 2024
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.
The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.
This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.
To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.
GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
PUBLIC NOTICE
Attention THE AUTO WAREHOUSE & EVER MARES MORENO,
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 1/1/25, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2014, TOYOTA, SCION TC with the following VIN JTKJF5C71E3073577
was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $320.00. If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.
Published in Forest Park Review Novembr 20, 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Attention TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP & ANTONIO REYES,
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 1/1/25, a sale will be held at 1510 Hannah Ave, Forest Park, IL, 60130 to sell the following articles to enforce a lien existing under the laws of the State of Illinois against such articles for labor, services, skill or material expended upon a storage furnished for such articles at the request of the following designated persons, unless such articles are redeemed within thirty days of the publication of this notice. Our records show, your 2015, TOYOTA, AVALON with the following VIN 4T1BD1EB2FU046648 was towed to our facility per police ordinance. Our records show that the current amount due and owing is $320.00. If payment is not received within 30 days Nobs Towing Inc. will enforce a mechanic’s lien pursuant to Chapter 770 ILCS 50/3.
Published in Forest Park Review Novembr 20, 2024
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff vs. ALFONSO RECENDEZ, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendant 24 CH 1921 CALENDAR 57 NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on December 16, 2024, at the hour 11:00 A.M., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate:
Lot 5 in Block 5 in Hillside Manor, a Subdivision of part of the North Half of the North West Quarter of Section 17, Township 39 North, Range 12, East of the Third Principal Meridian, according to the Plat thereof recorded October 5, 1945 as Document Number 1368749, in Cook County, Illinois. P.I.N. 15-17-104-005-0000.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Commonly known as 329 High Ridge Road, Hillside, IL 60162.
The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Marinosci Law Group, PC, 2215 Enterprise Drive, Suite 1512, Westchester, Illinois 60154. (312) 940-8580. 1803562
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION BMO BANK N.A. Plaintiff, -v.-
EUGENE A. PELLEGRINI A/K/A EUGENE A. PELLIGRINI, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants. 24 CH 2514 1811 BRISTOL ST., WESTCHESTER, IL 60154
NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 9/25/2024, an agent of Auction.com LLC will at 12:00 PM on January 8, 2025 located at 100 N LaSalle St, Suite 1400, Chicago IL, 60602, sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate. Commonly known as 1811 BRISTOL ST., WESTCHESTER, IL 60154
Property Index No. 15-21-411-0030000
The real estate is improved with a Single Family Residence. The judgment amount was $102,124.28 Sale
Terms: 20% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to Auction.com LLC, No third party checks will be accepted. All registered bidders need to provide a photo ID in order to bid. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. (relief fee not required)
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
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
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)(l) 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. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel LLC. (312) 357-1125 please refer to file number 24-00676. Auction.com LLC 100 N LaSalle Suite 1400 Chicago, IL 60606 - 872225-4985 You can also visit www. auction.com.
Attorney File No. 24-00676 Case Number: 24 CH 2514
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.
I3253810
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST Plaintiff, -v.-
BENJAMIN MCGEE, MARVA MCGEE A/K/A MARVA D MCGEE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS
Defendants 2023 CH 00549 2918 WILCOX AVENUE BELLWOOD, IL 60104
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-
EN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 1, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 6, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:
Commonly known as 2918 WILCOX AVENUE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-16-206-0550000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.
Monday at 5 p.m.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.
MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.
MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088
E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com
Attorney File No. 22-13437il_864723
Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 2023 CH 00549 TJSC#: 44-3002
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 # 2023 CH 00549 I3255882
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-OP2 Plaintiff, -v.TAMMY HOLMAN A/KA TAMMY JONES, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., STATE OF ILLINOISDEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Defendants 2022 CH 10868 1836 S. 3RD AVE. MAYWOOD, IL 60153
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 1, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 3, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1836 S. 3RD AVE., MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-14-305-0270000
The real estate is improved with a residence.
Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of
the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300
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 # 2022 CH 10868 I3255872
KEEP THE CHEER HERE
ABOUT THE GIFT CARD PROGRAM
In partnership with the Village of Oak Park, we want to motivate folks to shop local and give back to the businesses that make our town unique! This holiday season, we ’ ve launched our gift card program: Keep the Cheer Here!
Join us in supporting our community by purchasing Keep the Cheer Here gift cards perfect for everyone on your list!
WHERE TO PURCHASE?
Gift cards are available for purchase online or at participating retailers, with options for both physical and digital cards.
Scan the QR code to purchase online.
SURPRISE WINTER WONDERLAND POP-UP
Want to earn a free gift card? Don ’ t forget to join us at our secret Winter Wonderland Pop-Up, where the gifts keep coming all weekend-long!
From Sat. November 30th to Sun. December 1st, we ’ re running three incredible promotions:
1. Earn a $20 Gift Card with $200 in receipts from three or more Oak Park businesses.
2. Get a $5 Gift Card when you post a shopping photo with #KeepTheCheerHereOP.
3. Receive a Free $10 Gift Card for every $100 gift card purchased through our Holiday Gift Card Program.
As so you shop local, save those receipts, snap some festive photos, and see if you qualify for a FREE gift card! Happy shopping!
HOLIDAY EVENTS IN TOWN
Scan the QR code to the right to
A Special Advertising Section
Season of Giving Season of Giving
Your Local Guide to a Better World presented by
The Foundation was created by the community, for the community. Join us to build a racially just society in which all members of our community thrive and prosper. Together we can invest in real change. Please give to our annual fund today.
We’re All In
By TONY MARTINEZ, JR. President and CEO, Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation
In the past six years the Oak ParkRiver Forest Community Foundation has been inspired by the generosity of our residents and neighbors. We see how collectively we can transform and modernize philanthropy. And with courage, the Foundation is pursuing new avenues to do just that — to uphold our promise to be of better service to our partners, and to the greater west side. We’re all in this together. We understand that our work, from grantmaking to our investment portfolio to how we operate overall, must intentionally and comprehensively address the racial disparities that exist in order for all members of our community to thrive and prosper. From Community Voices, our landmark report on community needs for West Cook County, to hiring a new outsourced chief investment o cer
(OCIO) to invest in 100% mission-aligned investments, to our new communityinformed grantmaking strategy focused on safety and belonging and mental health, we are all in. We’re grateful for our capable sta , our committed board of directors, and the organizations,
Together we provide support for our most vulnerable residents.
Better together
As we planned this year’s Season of Giving special project, what struck us was how nonprofits from the West Side and across the Greater West Side of Oak Park, Forest Park, Brookfield are finding ways to collaborate. This has been building ov time for sure. And perhaps it was Covid that intensified the acti building of connections. If y Beyond Hunger, an Oak Pa focused on food insecurity, y want to serve Austin, on the city But rather than focus only on direct services won’t there be a more genuine connection if you partner with existing nonprofits alread at work on the West Side? And that is Beyond Hunger does through its collaborations with A House in Austin and What About Us. Sarah’s Inn focuses on individuals and families caught up in domestic violence. Providing temporary shelter is critical. And its ambitious outreach into local schools which focus on prevention of such violence is vital. But these
, Sarah’s Inn also partners with to provide long-term mental health services to its most traumatized clients. And it works with the Pro Bono Network and Housing ward to offer legal counsel and extended housing services
nda Schueler, executive diHousing Forward, says y has a wide range of “Our partnerships help strengthen the community’s safety net,” she . “One organization alone can’ t take on the mammoth responsibility of addressing riers for vulnerable populars of poverty, racism and e all better as a whole than siloed,” says Schueler
Our thanks, as always, for the par tnership er Forest Community Foundation in this endeavor. And this year our thanks, too, for the sponsorship support of Byline Bank and the West Cook YMCA.
businesses, and civic leaders who share our values and are all in too.
Together we provide support for our most vulnerable residents and continue to address the socio-economic and racial disparities keeping each individual from living a ful lled life. e organizations in the Season of Giving guide need your help to continue to do this important work. We need the engagement and involvement of the whole community in order to reach that goal and move our region forward. We hope you’ll join us.
Local nonprofits and social service understood that they can better meet the comprehensive needs of our community
“We are community. But there is so much we all can’t be experts in Carol Gall, executi Inn, a local organization tic violence. “Collaboration is a nent for ensuring that our all their needs met and are themselves in a life free of violenc Founded in 1980 concerned about tims of domestic violence, Sarah’s Inn last year served almost 30,000 adults, children and teens. The organization provides in tervention programs focusing on changin the behavior of perpetrators, prevention programs for students in local schools, and training and education for professionals Sarah’s Inn is headquartered in Forest Park The Covid pandemic was particularly challenging, as people living in abusive environments were isolated from social networks and under considerable stress. The number of people requesting support skyrocketed and, according to Gall, the need for their services hasn’t decreased in the pandemic’s aftermath as people are now struggling from a lack of af fordable housing, food insecurity and the rising cost of living.
“One organization alone can’t take on the mammoth responsibility of addressing systemic barriers for vulnerable populations, with layers of povert y, racism and inequality.”
LYNDA
SCHUELER Housing Forward’s chief executive o cer
“Pro Bono has attorneys who are committed to understanding how the legal system impacts victims, including child custody, divorce, and orders of protection. They do amazing work,” Gall said.
Sarah’s Inn most intensive current partner is Housing Forward, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in the west suburbs. Earlier this year, the nonprofits launched Safe Bridge, a program providing housing for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence.
Since its inception in 1992, Housing Forward has grown to be a multi-pronged agency providing wrap-around services, including emergency overnight shelter, interim and permanent supportive housing, emergency financial assistance and street outreach.
Last year, the organization served more
d
partners with Cook County Health on the RISE (Recuperation in a Supportive Environment) Center, a program for homeless individuals needing support after an- inpatient stay in a mental health facility. The center is located inside Write Inn, previously an Oak Park hotel that the organization bought last year and rehabbed for clients needing interim housing Housing Forward is based in Maywood and has many other community partners including Riveredge Hospital in Forest Park, the local chapter of NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) and the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition.
“Our partnerships help strengthen our community’s safety net. We’re always scanning the environment to see who is philosophically aligned with our work. The mutual client has to be at the center of the work,” said Schueler.
Beyond Hunger, an Oak Park-based nonprofit tackling food insecurity, partners with both Housing Forward and Sarah’s Inn as well as other local nonprofits. In addition, it teams up with for-profit entities, including grocery stores
TODD BANNOR
Sarah’s Inn Executive Director Carol Gall speaks at the End Domestic Violence Rally in Scov ille Park on Oct. 1.
Thrive Counseling Center: Carol’s Story
“Ihad always been strong, and able to bounce back. This time, it was too much. I was overwhelmed. I felt paralyzed in my thoughts, even my movement made me feel like a zombie. And I felt so distant from everything and everybody ... so ashamed.
‘How could this be happening to me?’ I had nothing to lose, so with the support of my daughter, I started therapy at Thrive. Listening cautiously, and holding on to each word to analyze, I pushed myself to come and began to connect with my therapist Ryne. Her voice was calm and restful. Ryne listened and began to ask simple questions that dug deeper into me than I expected. She started with what
PING:
Pwas going on right now, with open-ended questions from my past situation, revealing things I had suppressed without knowing for years.
I continued to be consistent and coming. It wasn’t always easy, but definitely necessary…It was so hard to see and hear myself talk about my life. The good, the bad, the ups, the down. Talking about myself out loud. Unbearable at times.
I had to learn to forgive myself, and sometimes daily I forgive myself. I’m learning to be vulnerable in a positive way…I pray that anyone that needs therapy, will seek it. I pray that they will have the support they need to do it, and the strength and courage to participate in it. That is my story” (Name and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy.)
So All Can Participate in Music
ING (Providing instruments for the Next Generation) believes all students should have access to instrumental music in the public schools. But with instrument rentals averaging $50 per month, many would miss out. Instead, PING has been supplying band and orchestra instruments to students at the Oak Park and River Forest public schools for more than 25 years, but that is not all.
“To offer true equity to young musicians, we have mentoring programs and access to lessons, music camps, performances, and trips for PING members,” said executive director Michelle Dybal. The PING Mentoring Program, which is celebrating 20 years, supports middle school musicians. PING Partners supports new musicians in grades 4 and 5. In both programs, PING students are paired with mentors from Oak Park and River Forest High School who play the same instruments.
for PING high school students to take private lessons and for PING musicians in grades 5 through 8 to attend summer music camps to access the same opportunities as their peers.
Additionally, the nonprofit organizes and pays
Instruments remain important to PING’s mission, especially this fall when a record-breaking number of new students became PING members: 84. This increase puts a strain on PING’s instrument inventory, which is aging from increased use. “The inventory is primarily built from generous donations of used instruments received from the community, but there is a need for more, bettergrade and different-sized instruments, along with accessories such as bows and cases,” Dybal said. PING’s largest revenue source is individual donors, and does not receive any monetary assistance from the three school districts it serves, D97, D90, and D200. Donations are needed now more than ever: pingoprf. org/donate. Questions/volunteer/donate an instrument, email: info@pingoprf.org
We envision a world where mental health is valued, proactively nurtured, and in reach of everyone. All are welcome at Thrive. Translation services, including ASL, are available upon request.
Photo: Adam Miller
Changing Women’s Lives at Deborah’s Place
For women like Catelyn, Deborah’s Place represents a fresh start. Having fled domestic violence on the East Coast, she was the victim of a violent crime here in Chicago and suffered an episode of psychosis because of these traumatic experiences. After all this, she found refuge and support in a 120-day transitional program at Deborah’s Place. There, staff helped her get new copies of her important documents and pursue her goal of finding a permanent place to live. Last week, she moved into her own apartment: for the first time in two years, she has a stable place all her own.
With this stable foundation beneath her, she’s excited to continue her career as a pastry chef, and to make her home a welcoming place for her adult children to visit. As Catelyn
moves into this new chapter she’ll continue to have support from Deborah’s Place Alumnae Services. No matter what obstacles may appear, she’s part of a community of care. She says “I’m starting basically fresh, from scratch. I’m going to leave my past in the past and start feeling at peace. I want to be happy— and for a long time, I didn’t think I deserved that.”
Catelyn’s story, like each of ours, is unique in its details—but it’s also one of hundreds at Deborah’s Place, where women’s lives are changing every day. By donating or volunteering, you help accomplish something powerful: once a woman comes to Deborah’s Place, she will never be homeless again. Learn more and support us at deborahsplace.org.
Deborah’s Place • deborahsplace.org • 773-638-6578
Sparking Curiosity, Cultivating Futures
If you’ve ever participated in a docentguided tour of the 95-year-old Oak Park Conservatory, you likely know the feeling you experience afterward. You’ve discovered something new or learned about a unique plant and carry that spark with you which can be shared with others.
Since our founding in 1986, The Friends have offered docent-guided tours of the Oak Park Conservatory. The tours are tailored to each group or grade level and are focused on science and horticulture, climate, and geography. Thousands of preschool through high school students have learned about the difference in rainfall between Mediterranean, tropical, and desert regions.
They have learned about plant defense mechanisms, water retention, and how plants are a source of food for a wide array of creatures. Maybe most importantly, they are curious to understand how they can be stewards of the earth.
This summer, we welcomed a group of Chicago Public Schools students from the After School Matters program for the second year. These kids, ages 14-18, applied for the Horticulture and Botany summer course. Their teacher brought them to the Oak Park Conservatory for a docentguided tour to expand their knowledge of plants
Oak
and climate and to also spark their curiosity about a future in horticulture. The connections our docents make with these kids and all who tour the Conservatory are essential to our vision of cultivating the future.
The Friends have great potential to impact lives in many different ways. From free early childhood programs to adult educational gardening lectures to special events for families, our work is only possible with community support.
We invite you to help expand our efforts to reach residents from surrounding communities with new opportunities and programs. Please help sustain The Friends and the historic Conservatory by supporting us today.
For more information about tours, volunteer opportunities, supporting us financially, or becoming a member, please visit fopcon.org.
COLLABORATIONS
Better together from page 4
and restaurants, to collect food products that otherwise would be thrown away.
What started in 1979 as a holiday food basket program org anized by a local Girl Scout troop is now an organization providing a community pantry, home deliveries, cooking classes, and health education programs for more than 65,000 people in the west suburbs and the city’s West Side.
Beyond Hunger operates a community food pantry in the basement of First United Church of Oak Park. During the pandemic, the organization had to switch gears and distributed packaged boxes of food on a drive-through basis in the church’s parking lot of f of Lake Street.
“We found that our clients really enjoyed the convenience, efficiency and anonymity of the drive-through, so we have continued it,” said Michele Zurakowski, chief executive officer of Beyond Hunger.
The org anization has a robust food deliv-
ery program and operates an innovative summer meals program for students in Districts 200 and 97. To avoid any stigma, food is provided to all students, and the
Having a home means everything to me
When Jackie’s relationship became abusive, she knew that she needed to get herself and her three children to safety. Following her stay at a domestic violence shelter, she was connected with an advocate at Sarah’s Inn, who helped identify her immediate needs and supported her as she began her healing journey toward a stable and independent life that is free from domestic violence. rough the Safe Bridge Housing Project, a collaboration between two well-established organizations, Sarah’s Inn and Housing Forward, Jackie was able to nd housing within a community where she and her children feel safe. e
Safe Bridge Housing Project provides survivors and their families with case management and wrap-around support services and resources.
anks to the Safe Bridge Housing Project, Jackie is now raising her children in a neighborhood where they feel safe, with good schools, and where her children are making friends. She is excited about their future and is extremely thankful to e Safe Bridge Housing Project which has a orded her the ability to provide a safe and loving home for her children.
Visit sarahsinn.org to hear more about Jackie’s story and to learn more about Sarah’s Inn’s programs and services.
schools are reimbursed by the federal government for those students eligible for the free lunch program.
Through Rush Oak Park Hospital medi-
cal staf f, Beyond Hunger clients receive blood pressure and cardiac screenings and access to free medical care at the hospital if needed. Volunteers with its Surplus Project collect surplus food re packaged by Rush cafeteria staf f into individual microwavable containers that are refrigerated until being delivered to sites throughout the community.
“We are increasingly focused on reaching people where they are rather than making them come to our home site at First United, which is really constrained for space,” said Zurakowski.
To that end, the organization partners with Austin-based nonprofits A House in Austin and What About Us through its Health Ambassadors project. Beyond Hunger provides nutrition training to the nonprofits’ own constituents who then share what they’ve learned with other constituents on-site.
Par tnerships, which appear to be a win/ win for all involved—for the organizations, their clients and even their donors—allow our local nonprofits to remain focused on their core constituencies while connecting their constituents with a wider range of essential services than they can offer alone.
CREDIT PHOTOSFORFOOD
Michele Zurakowski CEO of Beyond Hunger and chef Rafat Alzein, during Beyond Hunger’s 4th annual Healthy Chef Challenge on May 30.
Across Austin Blvd., nonpro ts nd ways to share services, grow connections
Building trust where there has been skepticism is foundational
By ZOË TAKAKI Contributing Reporter
Nonprofits which work across the border between Oak Park and Austin face unique challenges and growing opportunities. After decades in which Austin Boulevard has served as a hard boundary between neighborhoods which were once united, progress is clear if sometimes halting. There are now several nonprofits with physical presences in both communities and a changing awareness of how more affluent and majority white Oak Park can help best by listening more to Austinites.
Three nonprofits -- New Moms, Beyond Hunger and The Neighborhood Bridge – are among agencies working in both Oak Park
and Austin to serve the two communities in the ways they need to be served.
Prentice Butler, recently named executive director of still new Neighborhood Bridge, recognizes this when discussing how the nonprofit started with volunteers from Oak Park’s four Catholic parishes and has strived to work with the Austin community
“There’s been, unfortunately, boundaries between the community for years, and it’s been exacerbated by this disinvestment,” said Butler. “Many times before where you have a well-resourced community wanting to help out a community in need, there can be, let’s be quite frank, a black and white divide between the two communities. But through the efforts of doing the outreach and having conversations with lots of leaders in the community, I think there is a healthy optimism now where there might have been a healthy kind of skepticism.”
Butler has seen the positive impact of working with both communities.
“I think it’s a positive experience bridging the gap,” said Butler. “What we had in
New Moms’ job training program gives young mothers the chance to build their skills at Bright Endeavors, the nonpro t’s social enterprise that produces soy candles.100% of the proceeds bene t the mission of empowering young moms, their kids, and the local communities.
mind is to bring people together and make sure it’s done in a respectful and equitable way. This is not a top-down approach, this is collaborative. It’s been great to get people from both sides of the line of the community to be able to articulate for themselves what they would like to see.”
When serving both communities, nonprofts often recognize that the two communities have both different and shared needs.
An example of this comes from the nonprofit Beyond Hunger, which has roots in Oak Park for 45 years, and now has expanded to serving a variety of zip codes, including Austin.
Corina Robinson, communications manager at Beyond Hunger said the nonprofit calulated a food insecurity score that showed that Austin residents have about double the level of food insecurity as counterparts in Oak Park
“That encouraged us to start a second produce delivery. We began partnering with
local farmers and local growers in the area, especially within the Austin community and we were able to start doing a second delivery that’s dedicated just to produce for all of our home delivery clients,” said Robinson.
Jenna Hammond, chief development officer of the nonprofit New Moms, recognizes this when discussing the use of services across the two communities.
“There are maybe more services in Oak Park, but there’s also fewer people in need of those services. So then the ratio there works maybe in the favor of somebody in need, whereas in Austin, we’re part of a city that has resources, but there’s so many in need of them, creating a different strain on being able to access those resources,” said Hammond.
In response, these nonprofits put more investment where needed and actively respond to the needs of those asking for their services.
ANJALI PINTO
TODD BANNOR
John Meister, Kenna MacKinnon, Debbie Holiday-Phillips and Dan Doody of Neighborhood Bridge a er a presentation to service providers at Build Chicago on Jan. 9, 2023. See
Juan Silva (center) of the Brook eld Rotary Club and John Dumas (center right), administrative director of Share Food Share Love, stand with others to cut the ribbon on Brook eld’s rst communit y refrigerator.
Rotary Club, food pantry unveil Brook eld’s rst community fridge
Share Food Share Love will host the fridge at its food pantry for anyone who cannot a ord perishables
By TRENT BROWN Staff Reporter
The Rotary Club of Brookfield Riverside and Share Food Share Love food pantry have come together to help anyone in need of perishable food items.
On Friday, Sept. 13, both groups hosted a ribbon cutting for Brookfield’s first community refrigerator. From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, anyone will be able to access the fridge at the Share Food Share Love food pantry, located at 9030 Brookfield Ave.
While the pantry is providing the space, members of the Rotary Club will be responsible for maintaining the fridge. Friday morning ahead of its first day being open to
the public, Rotary members stocked it full of eggs, dairy products and fresh produce, as well as frozen goods in the freezer.
Juan Silva, a Rotary Club member and co-owner of Brookfield’s Beach Avenue BBQ, told the Landmark his idea for a community refrigerator was inspired by his past work
“Before I started Beach Avenue BBQ, I used to be a social worker in Little Village and other low-income neighborhoods, and the Love Fridge was a thing that existed in those communities,” he said. “I wanted to bring that to Brookfield because I knew that there was a need.”
The Love Fridge is a mutual aid group
Sponsored Content
With Beyond Hunger’s help, Alma’s table is full this season
At Beyond Hunger, our mission centers the significant role our community plays in ending hunger. More than providing healthy and nutritious groceries, we strive to build relationships with everyone who engages with us. These connections are what keep Beyond Hunger a strong, steadfast pillar of warmth and familiarity that many can rely on.
One of the most impactful ways we complete this mission is by writing holiday cards to our Home Delivery clients, who are homebound seniors and older adults, expressing our gratitude for them. One client, Alma, was so grateful that she wrote back: “As Thanksgiving approaches, I am mindful
of the many blessings I have and that includes all of you and the care that you show me. I am so thankful for your kindness. I am grateful that you are providing me with necessary food items yearround that deliciously sustain me, especially during the holidays.”
This work is only possible with your generosity. Alma’s note is a testament that your contribution, no matter how big or small, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those experiencing food insecurity.
Together, we can put a meal on every family’s table not just this holiday season, but all year round. Together, we can end hunger. Donate today and learn more at www.gobeyondhunger.org.
Beyond Hunger • gobeyondhunger.org
PHOTO BY BOB UPHUES
MEMBERSHIP FOR ALL
KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Kick off the holiday season by exploring all the ways you can participate in programs at the West Cook YMCA that fit your needs and your schedule::
• In-Person at the Y
• Live-streaming at the Y
• Live-streaming on YMCA360
• On-demand on YMCA360
TAKE A TOUR TODAY.
Stop in for a tour and we will show you all that the Y has to offer to meet your needs. Tour guides are available by reservation.
JOIN ONLINE
Receive $0 Joiner Fee and 50% off first month when you join online.
LEARN MORE
PROGRAMS FOR ALL
AQUATICS
Swimming is a life skill as well as great exercise and a challenging sport. All year, the Y offers drowning prevention and swim lessons for all ages, a swim team for the more competitive swimmer, and lifeguard and additional certification courses for those who want to lead the community in being safe.
LEARN MORE
PERSONAL TRAINING
Whether you need a check-up here and there or regular motivation and structure, our personal trainers are here to help you. Each package contains an initial Fitness Consultation to determine your goals and what each session will include. Sessions are 30 or 60 minutes in length.
LEARN MORE
CHRONIC DISEASE RISK MANAGEMENT
Providing evidence-based programs that prevent and manage chronic diseases. We offer programs throughout the year to address arthritis support, cancer wellness, childhood weight management, diabetes prevention, hypertension management, and weight loss.
LEARN MORE
GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS
This holiday season, join West Cook YMCA in providing programs and services that address the needs of our community. With your support, the Y serves as a refuge for those who are housing vulnerable, prevents drowning through complimentary swim lessons, helps our community reduce and mitigate the risk factors for chronic diseases, and collaborates with our school districts to strengthen the academic and social emotional supports of our students.
When you support the West Cook YMCA, you give the gift of wellbeing to our neighbors and have a transformational impact on our community today and tomorrow.
100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to provide free or reduced membership and access to the Y’s various programs and services to include drowning prevention, swim lessons, reduce the risk of chronic disease, enrichment for youth, and improving the health and wellness for the families and communities we serve.
We have set an ambitious goal that 30% of our membership will have access to the YMCA through contributions such as yours.
EXAMPLES OF HOW YOUR DONATION
GIVES THE GIFT OF WELLBEING:
$25 | ACCESS TO THE Y AS A MEMBER
$50 | PREVENT DROWNING
$100 | SUPPORT STUDENTS
$250 | REDUCE RISK OF CHRONIC DISEASES
GIVE TODAY IN-PERSON OR MAIL: West Cook YMCA
255 S. Marion St. Oak Park, IL 60302
ONLINE: westcookymca.org/give
BUILD report shows 13% decrease in violence around Austin campus
The gures come from the violence prevention organization’s annual repor t
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
While there was a 9% increase in violence in Austin in 2023, the half mile surrounding the Austin campus of BUILD — or Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development, a gang intervention, violence prevention and youth development organization — experienced a 13% decrease, according to the Chicago Data Portal.
The data is a part of BUILD’s recently released annual re port, summarizing the organization’s ef for ts and effects from June 2023 to June 2024.
Since 1969, BUILD has worked to connect young people with each other and support them to overcome barriers and thrive in their communities. BUILD case workers and mentors connect with youth on the West Side in the street, through afterschool programs, and from June 2023 to 2024, in a record 20 schools.
Funded by individual contributions, plus foundation and government grants, BUILD offers support services for mental health, crises and violence intervention, plus programs for colle ge and career pathways, and workforce development. The organization has also hosted over 100 community events or pop-ups to eng age the community and inter rupt violence.
“I was in a deep hole when I first came to BUILD. They took me out of that deep hole,” said Liliana, a 16-year-old quoted in the re port. She said BUILD encouraged her to participate in its programs. “I used to be crazy, just a straight hothead. Now, I just go to school, go home and to BUILD. It’s all I do now, and I’m happy.”
In its 2024 fiscal year, BUILD re ported it touched the lives of more than 2,750 young people, and its community events reached more than 7,500 locals — over 3,000 more than either of the previous two years.
Of those whom BUILD served, 99% have witnessed violence, 63% in the past year. 83% said they have friends or family in gangs, with 7% involved themselves. And nearly half were bullied, with another 40% recently suspended or disciplined at school. But since participating with BUILD from the summer of 2023 to 2024, 65% of those who were involved with gangs detached from them or are in the process of doing so. Another 85% had no detentions or expulsions during that time, and 82% had fewer disciplinary infractions.
From the 2023 to 2024 financial year, BUILD saw 6,405 more individual therapy sessions, 2,821 more group ones, and a 260-person increase in the number of
youths in therapeutic care.
The annual BUILD re port tells the story of D, a 16-year-old, who the organization suggested go to therap y.
“Of course there were bumps in the road – he struggled, he really put his mom through the wringer,” BUILD officials said. Now, D has a stipend job at BUILD. “His mom says his behavior has improved. He comes to work every day like he’s supposed to. He’s not disruptive at home. He’s not disruptive at school. So, it takes time, but BUILD works.”
BUILD’s increase in the number of people it has reached is largely due to the organization’s expansion.
While BUILD still operates a commu-
nity site inside the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, it opened its Youth and Community Hub last year in Austin, and this was its first full year on the campus.
In the summer, the Austin Campus was open until 9 p.m. nightly and until midnight three nights a week — sometimes for a late basketball night or for outdoor movies. Last month, the Austin campus held its first Halloween Spooky Farm
“BUILD Austin feels like a space for everyone, and having grown up just 10 minutes from here, I didn’t feel that I had that,” a BUILD neighbor said in the re port. “It makes me feel hopeful to see what’s being built by community.”
FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDE Z
Chicago ar tist Dwight White with middle-school participants from BUILD’s art program at the mural unveiling last October
COMMUNIT Y BRIDGE
from page 9
that operates and maintains 22 community fridges in areas around Chicago.
While Rotary Club members fully stocked the fridge Friday, Silva said it will mostly run based off donations from Brookfield residents or any other charitable people. People who wish to donate unexpired food can access the fridge at the same time it’s open to those in need
Silva said he had approached the Rotary Club with his idea for the fridge three years ago. They were able to raise funds for the initiative but quickly hit roadblocks in the form of village code compliance.
“Our idea was just to put it outside somewhere where people can access it, but we realized that there’s a lot more behind the scenes that goes into it,” he said. “Finally, we brought the idea to John from Share Food Share Love, and he agreed to host the refrigerator.”
John Dumas, the food pantry’s administrative director, said his team was in favor of the initiative immediately.
“Everybody was on board right away, because this really does fill a gap for us. There’s nothing more heartbreaking than [when] we get a call on Wednesday morning after we’ve been open on Tuesday, and somebody says, ‘I’m desperate for food,’ and we say, ‘Come Saturday,’” when the food pantry is open next, he said. “This is great for us because [we can say],
‘Hey, come by, grab something out of the fridge and then come back on Saturday and get your full complement of food.’”
Dumas said the pantry originally thought to keep the fridge accessible at all times, but Brookfield police advised against it for security reasons, so they agreed on the 16-hour daily window instead. He said Share Food Share Love also upgraded its door alarms, installed cameras and fixed it so the door locks itself at 10 p.m. each night.
Aside from that, though, he said there were few barriers to getting the fridge up and running once Share Food Share Love was involved.
“The Rotary, obviously, played a huge part in it, and the village was very supportive. The Chamber [of Commerce] was very supportive. Everybody that we’ve approached about it has just thought it was a great thing,” he said. “We actually ended up having an extra refrigerator, so it was just a question of pushing it out into the lobby.”
Dumas and Silva both said they hope Brookfield will embrace the community refrigerator
“I would encourage the community not only to use [the fridge] if they need food but also to bring food,” Dumas said. “The pantry will be doing some stocking, but we’re really counting on the community to keep it filled.”
“There’s a food pantry over by Eight Corners, and [people in need] have [Share Food Share Love], but there’s nowhere for them to get perishables, such as eggs, dairy, things like that, maybe some fresher produce that we can keep in the refrigerator,” Silva said. “We’re just hoping to give them [some] more options other than the boxed and canned items.”
Bridging the Gap to Help Austin Residents Thrive
Alicia and her daughter had been sleeping on friends’ sofas for months. Most recently, they’d been staying at Alicia’s mother’s house when her mother gave them a deadline to leave. That’s when Alicia turned to her child’s school for help, who referred her to The Neighborhood Bridge. The Neighborhood Bridge contacted several human service providers to help her find a place to live. Today they have a place to call their own.
The Neighborhood Bridge was established in 2023 to help connect Austin families to existing, highperforming human services. We conducted surveys and held focus groups with more than 600 parents and guardians of school-age children in Austin to understand their needs. There was consensus that while there are many
service providers in the Austin area, families and schools don’t know who to contact or struggle to overcome barriers such as trust, bureaucracy, paperwork, and transportation.
That’s where The Neighborhood Bridge comes in. We have built connections to over 40 service providers in Austin. In January, we will begin training our first group of volunteer Advocates. These Advocates will be assigned to families to help connect them to the services they need to thrive. And when families thrive, a whole community thrives. Help us “bridge the gap” for the services Austin families need and deserve. For information about volunteering with The Neighborhood Bridge, contact Jeanne Gallo at jeanne.gallo@theneighborhoodbridge.org. To donate, go to theneighborhoodbridge.org.
ACROSS AUSTIN
from page 8
While there are some struggles when working between Oak Park and Austin, there are many benefits as well.
“Oak Park and Austin have significant community engagement around supporting and addressing issues in their communities. It looks different because the communities are made up of different groups, but they both have people who care very much about the wellbeing of their communities,” said Hammond.
There is also a greater continuum of services when working across a variety of zip codes.
“If a young mom we work with begins at our location in Oak Park and then moves into the city and still needs services, she could come to our Chicago site and access those same services,” said Hammond.
The Neighborhood Bridge has been having volunteers from both Austin and Oak Park work with them, which creates an opportunity for those across the communities to get to know one another.
“For a lot of people, in Oak Park, they have expressed desire to help and to lift up those that have been left behind traditionally in the community, and there’s been a desire in others in the Austin community to make sure that there’s open dialog, and their shared ef fort to make sure Austin is a strong community,” said Butler.
ACT connects and inspires
Austin Coming Together (ACT)’s Austin Community Hub connects Austin residents to resources. At the 5th annual graduation party they hosted alongside the 600 N. Lorel Block Club, local youth were celebrating when Marshall Douthard Jr. shared his passion for architecture and construction.
“[At the graduation,] I thought we were just going to get a round of applause for graduating high school - Mr. Shields did more than that. He recognized us and gifted us with tokens of appreciation for our accomplishments. This motivated me to keep going. I really did not expect it,” Marshall said.
Innovation to get insight into what a project like this entails from both a construction and a community perspective. At the tour, Marshall met different staff, sat in on meetings, and learned what it might be like to have a job in the industry. It is this type of exposure and support that we continue to advocate for because we know how it can inspire our youth!
Marshall recently graduated from the Howe School of Excellence and this experience helped him decide to major in construction management at Illinois State University to graduate with an Associate in General Studies and a Certificate in Construction.
But ACT’s Executive Director Darnell Shields did not stop there, offering the young man a chance to tour the Aspire Center for Workforce
When asked if he had any advice for other youth, he said “If you want to be successful, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!”
Candace’s Voice and Strength: Embracing Community, the Warrior Way
Opportunity Knocks is comprised of Warriors who utilize voice, interdependence, experience, wellness, and social aspects of their lives to face the challenge of living with intellectual and developmental differences. By focusing on these aspects of their lives, warriors are able to thrive and influence their communities.
One Warrior who has particularly flourished by focusing on these aspects of her life is Candace T. Candace is a newer Warrior who brings a fresh perspective and a smile to every situation. While Candace is not from this area and her family is not near, she has embraced creating a community of her own, which includes her OK Warrior family. Candace is also involved in Arts of Life where she continues to seize every opportunity to show her talents and build up her community.
Candace’s positivity is contagious and she has positively impacted other Warriors in her short time being involved in programs. Candace brings a fresh perspective and experiences to OK. Candace has committed herself to utilizing her voice positively to help her friends when they’re having hard times. She also continues to grow in her love of art and has been an amazing artistic influence at Opportunity Knocks, bringing her voice to the community.
At Opportunity Knocks, we envision an inclusive community where all individuals experience access, presence, and support. Your support will help us continue to build that community. We are grateful for your support in keeping the Warrior Mission moving forward. Please consider a contribution.
The Oak Park Regional Housing Center Continues To Help Residents Expand Their Housing Options
Housing is an extraordinary need but also basic human right. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mr. McKee had to abruptly uproot from his previous residence to find new rental housing. After spending half his life in Oak Park, Mr. McKee had a need and a desire to remain in this community where his roots had been planted. Mr. McKee had used the Housing Center for services in the past. He was excited to learn that the services offered by the Oak Park Regional Housing Center were still available. He recalled the helpfulness of the Housing Center staff and the willingness to ensure that he
would receive the assistance needed to secure housing in the community he loves.
Mr. McKee was seeking a new rental residence that would welcome him and his dog Duke. Gretchen, the Housing Center Residential Coordinator, worked with Mr. McKee to help him find a location that was suitable for him and his dog Duke. Gretchen soon found a studio apartment that would accommodate Mr. Mckee with his budget and his furry friend. Mr. McKee has stated that this process put his mind at ease about what his next housing opportunity would be. Mr. McKee has stated he would and continues to recommend the services of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center.
Main Office: 1041 South Boulevard • Oak Park, IL 60302
708-848-7150 • info@oprhc.org
Meet Deborah Williams, Associate Director - HUD programming, of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center. Deborah has more than 10 years of experience assisting and educating individuals to become homeowners, manage their finances and to sustain their homeownership. Deborah makes a “statement” as she provides services to each of the clients that participate in the Oak Park Regional Housing Center’s West Cook Homeownership program. Her most recent impact was the assistance she provided to client Allie. Allie is a housing choice voucher holder who is seeking to become a homeowner. Allie has always wanted to become a homeowner. However, she never received the support she felt she
needed when she would talk to other agencies. When she met Deborah she felt she had found someone who would help her with every step of the way. Despite needing assistance with the basics of technology, Deborah helped her. When she needed to understand terms, Deborah took the time she needed to provide Allie with the information to assist her.
“I didn’t feel like I was being rushed or burdened, which is not what a lot of people exercise nowadays. It was very refreshing getting to know her and knowing that I will be working with her to hopefully become a homeowner soon. I feel better equipped and more adequate when I talk to her. She is an asset to your company.”
- Allie, 2024 pre-purchase homeownership client
Deborah Williams
Ending Hunger
A word about hunger in our region...
When we founded the Share Food Share Love food pantry, we referred to the people we served as our “clients”. Many helping professions use this term. But defense lawyers and psychologists also use the term. And we felt that in our situation, this can reinforce an unwanted stigma and relationship. A relationship that runs contrary to our pantry’s most guiding core value: Upli ing the dignity of people.
Let’s say you are a volunteer at our food pantry and it’s your role to welcome visitors through the pantry. So, you go into the pantry’s waiting room and call out the next service number. And among the several dozen people sitting before you, one raises her hand. And you suddenly realize that the person
raising her hand is your next-door neighbor. What must her experience feel like? What do you want her experience to feel like?
ese were the kind of questions we started to ask ourselves. And we soon stopped using the word “client”. Because the people who come to us for help are not our clients. ey are our neighbors.
We’re all neighbors here. Our food pantry’s long-term goal is to alleviate the causes of hunger in our 15-village region. is requires that we bring neighbors together. Including those in need, volunteers, donors, and strategic partners. Because in a word, the rst step toward ending our community-rooted problem is by recognizing that we are all neighbors in the e ort.
Share Food Share Love • 630-347-5390 • sharefoodsharelove.org
Wonder Works Children’s Museum Strives to Serve ALL Children
Wonder Works Executive Director Rachel Weber says, “Wonder Works Children’s Museum stands out because of its size. We are small and mighty and we seek to serve ALL children, regardless of financial difficulties or sensory needs.”
In 2024, Wonder Works Children’s Museum doubled their number of sensory friendly play sessions. Twice a month on Sunday, the museum opens an hour early for an accessible and inclusive environment and partners with Kids Unlimited Therapy Services and Lifespeed Behavioral Support Services. To best prepare the environment for a sensory friendly experience, each Wonder Works for Everyone session offers pre-registration for a limited number of families. Through the Museums for All program, Wonder Works Children’s Museum offers $3 admission to anyone with a LINK/EBT card. Regular museum admission is $15 per person and $13 for seniors, first responders, educators, and military personnel.
Wonder Works Children’s Museum works with several local social service organizations, including Friends of the Children, a House in Austin, and Family Focus, to offer free admission to agency clients. Organizations partnering with Wonder Works can rent the museum at no cost to host private events for their families. The museum also hosts regular community partner nights to bring all the social service agency clients together to play and learn about other services available in the community.
Wonder Works Children’s Museum is a 501c3 non-profit organization and depends on donations to make museum admissions possible for ALL children. Make a gift to Wonder Works today at www.wonder-works. org/give .
6445 W. North Ave. • Oak Park, IL 60302 • (708) 383-4815
Families affiliated with social service
DeAvioun nds hope with the support of New Moms
De’Avioun felt completely alone. She was in the nal months of her rst pregnancy with little support from her family. She questioned the quality of life she could provide for her child and considered putting her baby up for adoption. How could she do this all alone? One day, in a nal e ort to nd support, she searched the internet and discovered New Moms.
When she learned how New Moms’ programs supported young moms just like her, she courageously walked through the front door of New Moms, where she was warmly met by our Family Support Manager, Courtney. is step changed everything.
she could be a wonderful mom to her baby.
De’Avioun sees a bright future for her and her daughter. Encouraged by New Moms sta , she has enrolled at Triton College to pursue an Associate’s degree in architecture and plans to graduate in 2026. De’Avioun’s personal experience with housing insecurity fuels her aspirations to design residential homes.
A single glimmer of hope can transform a person’s journey from shadows to light. Today De’Avioun is leaning on the supportive community of New Moms while she discovers and achieves her goals.
For De’Avioun, New Moms’ programs became a lifeline. She enrolled in New Moms’ doula services two weeks before welcoming her baby girl into the world. With this new supportive community around her, she saw a future where
“New Moms has helped me gain more selfawareness and given me the con dence to be a mom, because I didn’t have it before.”
New Moms | 773.252.3253 | www.newmoms.org
Holiday Food and Gift Basket Brings Joy to Hundreds of Families
Holiday Food and Gi Basket, a program of the Community of Congregations, has been a beloved tradition in Oak Park and River Forest since the 1970’s. Every year we provide grocery gi cards in November and holiday gi s in December to families that have been referred to us by schools, township o ces, and social service agencies.
is year, 780 families ranging in size from individuals to families of twelve have been referred to us. Each individual or family will receive a Jewel-Osco gi card that varies from $35 to $80 depending on family size. We hope that these gi cards will help o set anksgiving grocery expenses and provide a more enjoyable holiday.
gi s, and deliver them to us at United Lutheran Church the week of December 9. en on Saturday, December 14, volunteers will load up their cars with the wrapped gi s and spread holiday joy throughout our community.
As one past recipient said, “You brought Christmas joy that warmed my heart in a truly special way. is is the rst year in several that I am actually looking forward to Christmas and I need to give you 100% of the credit.”
We also match families with sponsors who shop for gi s o a provided wish list, wrap the
Our small program has a big impact because of the support of community members like you. For information on how you can be a donor, sponsor, or volunteer, please visit our website at www.communityofcongregations. org/holiday-food-gi -basket/. ank you for helping our neighbors in need.
New Moms exists so young moms do not have to parent alone. Our impact is multi-generational, exponential, and beautiful.
Young moms and children need stability to take the next steps forward.
New Moms ensures that young moms have what they need to thrive.
Economic mobility is key to lasting change.
Being
SI area.ChicagolandintomovetowantedandWisconsininlivingwas Gretchen,withservice,GUIDEOPRHCthethroughapartmentsvisittooutwentIHome.newafindto girlfriend.mytoclosebetoandjobnewaforheremovetowantedIemployment.newhisforGreenlineCTAthetoclosebetoneededI out,wereweWhile Community.AustintheinFlat2occupiedowneraninapartmentgreatawithloveinfellI available.spotparkingaandyardawithapartmentbedroomtwospacious,affordable,anwasIt and11/3/2023oninmovedI Park!OakofVillagetheofeastjustneighborhoodChicagothewithlove landlord!thewithworktohowandwell,communitiestheknowsservice,greatprovidedOPRHCatteamThe
ADVANCINGINCLUSIVEEQUITABLECOMMUNITIES
ADVANCING INCLUSIVE EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES
ince 1972, The Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC), an organization regarded as a leader for fair housing rights, expansion of housing options, and economic opportunity, has been providing services to residents of the Village of Oak Park and the surrounding West Cook County communities including Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.
For many years, OPRHC spent much time creating the residential integration you see in the Village of
Oak Park today. This work, intentional in nature, allowed people of all races to learn about fair housing and their opportunities to live where they choose to live. Fast forward to a new century, as we celebrate 53 years of service to the community, we are beginning to pivot our work to strengthen community ties and residential relationships while continuing to help people with their housing needs. We are still here… for you!
I was living in Wisconsin and wanted to move into Chicagoland area. I went out to visit apartments through the OPRHC GUIDE service, with Gretchen, to find a new Home. I wanted to move here for a new job and to be close to my girlfriend. I needed to be close to the CTA Greenline for his new employment. were out, I fell in love with a great apartment in an owner occupied 2 Flat in the Austin Community. was an affordable, spacious, two bedroom apartment with a yard and a parking spot available. moved in on 11/3/2023 and love with the Chicago neighborhood just east of the Village of Oak Park! at OPRHC provided great service, knows the communities well, and how to work with the landlord!
Byline Bank fosters growth and unity in local communities
As a nancial institution, Byline Bank is well-versed in the art of investing. But as a community bank, Byline understands that its role extends beyond just accepting investments; it also actively invests back into its community.
In the last two years, Byline Bank gave over $160,000 in sponsorships, donations and grants and over $2.7 million in community development loans. In addition, Byline employees volunteered over 550 hours with Oak Park and River Forest organizations.
“Our involvement in the community is organically driven,” said Susie Goldschmidt, Byline’s Oak Park and River Forest Market President. “We’re here; we get to know local organizations who are on the ground and problem-solving, and we get to know local people who ask us to get engaged—we try to answer those calls.”
In answering the call, Byline has helped advance a number of Oak Park and River Forest initiatives including those related to animal welfare; the arts; diversity, equity and inclusion; education; nancial literacy; food
security; mental health; and family support. Some highlights include the following: e arts. Byline sponsors Music & Potlucks, the Oak Park Festival eatre, the Oak Park Art League, the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest, Heritage Chorale, the Michael Teolis Singers, and One Voice for Arts. ese sponsorships enhance access to locally driven entertainment and provide the community with an opportunity to come together and unite behind its shared love of the arts.
Diversity, equity and inclusion. Byline supports organizations such as the Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association, Oak Leyden, Place to Belong, rive Counseling Center, AgeOptions, the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Dragon Boat Race for Literacy, and the West Suburban Special Recreation Association. ese e orts contribute to fostering a more inclusive and equitable community—a place where success is attainable for all.
Food security. Byline Bank is deeply committed to Beyond Hunger, a charitable
organization dedicated to combating hunger through various programs and services. Byline provides essential community development grants for operational needs and sponsors the nonpro t’s annual fall bene t concerts. Goldschmidt also sits on the Beyond Hunger Board of Directors.
Byline’s community involvement is not limited to traditional philanthropy within nonpro ts. “We of course give where there’s a pressing need,” Goldschmidt said, “but we nd it’s meaningful to invest in the economic ecosystem and the community as a whole.” For example, during lunch meetings at its Oak Park and River Forest branches, Byline arranges for catering from nearby eateries—a small yet meaningful way of supporting the local economy, Goldschmidt notes.
Consistent with its status as the top Small Business Administration lender in Illinois, Byline advocates for local businesses as a member of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce and a sponsor of
Takeout 25. Goldschmidt also serves as president of Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance and as a member of the Village of Oak Park Business Association Council and Imagine Foundation Advisory Council. In addition, Byline has a presence at most Oak Park and River Forest community events, including the Memorial Day parade, Oaktoberfest, ursday Night Out and OPRF Rotary Food Truck Rally.
“We want Oak Park and River Forest to thrive,” Goldschmidt said. “Wellfunctioning charities, well-supported businesses and a tight-knit community equates to more opportunities for our customers, their families and our employees who live and work here. We’re giving back and pitching in because it’s what neighbors do.”
Animal Care League Development and Marketing Workplace Room
League of Women Voters Oak Park River Forest Gala celebrating 100 years
Beyond Health Care: OPRF IWS Provides Lifesaving Support for Families
Bella was four when her mother, Irene, first brought her and her brother to the IWS Children’s Clinic. The Clinic, the cornerstone program of OPRF IWS, offers infants, children and young adults 0 to 21 medical, dental and behavioral health care, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Now, at 11, Bella has benefited from years of physicals, health visits, and dental care.
The Clinic stepped in. Through its Emergency Food Fund, supported by donations, Irene received immediate assistance. Fulgencio connected the family with food programs, transportation for medical visits, and social services. Bella also received a backpack, school supplies, a uniform, and a winter coat through Clinic programs.
But the Clinic’s support went even further—through behavioral health services, Irene and her family received critical help during a crisis. For two years, Yajaira Fulgencio, the Clinic’s Behavioral Health Director, worked closely with Irene, a single mom, who was unemployed and struggling financially. The family had lost their home and was relying on $50 per month from a Link card for food.
Reflecting on the journey, Fulgencio shares, “The IWS Children’s Clinic is a special place. Not only do families get high-quality health care with short wait times but they receive behavioral health that can turn around lives. Irene has started a new job with benefits. The family is living in their own apartment.”
Thanks to support from the IWS Children’s Clinic, Irene and her family are in a better place today. Please consider donating at oprfiws.org/ donate. (Names have been changed for privacy.)
Infant Welfare Society of Oak Park & River Forest • oprfiws.org/donate
OPRFCF Shifts Its Investment Strategy to Fully Align With Its Mission
Over the past several years, the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation has been making changes to ensure every aspect of the organization and its work re ects its mission to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents of Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities.
“As a philanthropic institution, we have the ability to not only partner with local organizations working to solve the complex problems facing our region, but also to invest our assets in ways that can help reduce many of these problems at their root,” said Sheryl Martin, chief nancial o cer of the Foundation.
As it works toward the goal of 100% alignment with its mission, the Foundation is changing the way its investments are structured so they re ect best practices in the eld — sustainable, responsible investing, with special attention given to investments that
have particular relevance to racial equity and justice. As part of this shi , the Foundation recently named Bivium Westfuller (BWF) as its outsourced chief investment o cer (OCIO).
An OCIO works with the organization’s
investment committee and senior leadership to determine appropriate investment goals, asset classes and risk parameters, in accordance with the organization’s mission and strategy.
e Foundation’s new investment strategy will encourage publicly traded companies to end practices that harm communities of color and adopt practices that promote racial justice through shareholder pressure — for example, by disclosing employment statistics on the racial makeup of their workforce. e strategy will also allow the Foundation to avoid supporting companies whose business practices or products do not align with its mission.
We have the ability to not only partner with local organizations working to solve complex problems, but also invest our assets.
Sheryl Martin is the chief nancial o cer at the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation.
Sponsored Content
Give a gift that every child will remember forever—the gift of a happy childhood. From now through December 31st, when you give a gift online, it will be matched by generous donors during our Hephzibah Holiday Challenge.
Nature Therapy is Healing Therapy
Nature has amazing healing qualities— just ask Jenny Wise, Art erapist at Hephzibah Home. Nature therapy is a regular part of the treatment we provide for children living at Hephzibah Home, where abused and neglected children ages 3-11 come to heal. Research shows that when a child engages in nature-based activities it helps those who have su ered from trauma become more resilient and recover sooner. Research also shows that nature therapy may in fact o er more comfort than some traditional therapies and allows children to connect to something other than their trauma.
immediately named the cicada Caramel, noting its pale coloring and similarity to the sweet treat. is led to an impromptu lesson in entomology by Jenny, who adapts lessons based on what they nd in nature. e girl decided to take Caramel on a walk to show the cicada the world through her own eyes, re ecting on the beauty of nature all around her and introducing the cicada to sta and fellow children before carefully returning Caramel to the garden.
During the planting season at the Hephzibah Home Garden, one child unearthed their rst cicada of the season. She
Nature therapy teaches children that just as in nature, transformation and change in their lives are possible. We are grateful for our supporters, community partners and our dedicated sta members who always nd new ways to help children heal.
Hephzibah Children’s Association • 708-649-7100 • hephzibahhome.org
One Earth Collective inspires action to preserve our planet
Over the past 13 years, One Earth Collective has reached diverse communities with impactful programs centered around environmental sustainability and justice. We educate the public about environmental issues, focusing on the intersection of environmental, racial, and social justice, and inspiring individual and systemic change. Programs include One Earth Youth Voices, One Earth Local, and the One Earth Film Festival, the Midwest’s premier environmental lm festival. rough a unique arts-for-social
change model, the lm festival provides much-needed knowledge and inspiration to audiences locally, nationally, and globally to combat the paralysis felt when confronting climate change. A 2024 audience member shared, “Once again I found my experience seeing beautiful provocative lms topped only by the excellent facilitated discussion with lm stars and directors and local activists. I love that OEFF blends art, community, ideas to create an inspiring experience, every time!”
Sponsored Content
Home Sweet Home
The American Dream is all Bintou wanted for herself and her daughter, Caddy. She never expected the journey to be easy. However, trying to nd a secure, stable life a er moving to the US from Africa became an uphill battle. Not only was Bintou struggling to raise her autistic daughter alone, but she was also ghting for services for Caddy who struggled in school. Bintou o en had to miss work to deal with frequent school disruptions leading to lost wages.
Luckily, Bintou was connected with Hephzibah’s Intact Family Services caseworker, Holly Little, who knew exactly what to do. Holly helped the family nd the right school for Caddy, and was able to secure housing for the family, allowing them to move into a safer apartment. According to Bintou “Hephzibah is the best thing that happened to us. ey’ll take you from nowhere and put you somewhere. Look at me!”
On top of these challenges, they were also living in less-than-ideal housing and were even forced to move to a shelter for a short period of time. Eventually, Caddy’s behavior in school resulted in DCFS intervening to help Bintou nd the help she needed.
When families thrive under Hephzibah’s care, it’s a success story for everyone. Families receive the services they need, and sta see families strengthen and ourish. When asked why she performs this important work, Holly says, “I just really love helping people”. We couldn’t agree more
Hephzibah Children’s Association • 708-649-7100 • hephzibahhome.org
The Joyful Giving Catalog2024
Animal Care League
Animal Care League o ers 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 1,300 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 di erence in the life of a homeless animal by visiting animalcareleague.org where you can sign up to volunteer, make a donation, view our adoptable pets, and learn about upcoming events.
Arts Alliance Forest Park
Become a Member and Create With Us! Arts Alliance Forest Park. The Catalyst for Creativity.
Members enjoy a variety of bene ts including discounts to events, advanced notice to opportunities to showcase your talent, all while collaborating with other local organizations and businesses including Forest Park Theatre, the Park District, Historical Society and the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce.
Programs include the well-attended and known StoopSessions, Tellers’ Night, GarageGalleries, Makers’ Market and FiberFlash. You were born creative. Join the only Forest Park arts organization that assembles like-minded art enthusiasts for the love, fun and beauty of art.
Austin Coming Together (ACT)’s mission is to increase the collective impact of our 50+ member organizations on improving education and economic development outcomes for Chicago’s Austin community. Since 2010, we’ve been connecting residents to services, attracting investments for the community, and building capacity for policy change. Recent e orts include co-developing the former Emmet School into the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation and supporting the Austin Eats Initiative, a 20+ group focused on strengthening the community’s food access infrastructure.
Learn how Austin is leading e orts to move forward together, and how you can support, at AustinComingTogether.org/AustinCares
Beyond Hunger
For 45 years
Beyond Hunger has been harnessing the power of communities to create a hun-
ger-free future. Our food pantry, home delivery program, nutrition education classes, and bene ts services program provides hunger relief that goes beyond basic nourishment. Our goal is to provide our clients with the immediate and long-term tools they need, ensuring that no one is left behind in the battle against food insecurity. This work is not possible without our community. Whether you volunteer, advocate for those in need, or donate, you are essential in moving our mission forward. With your support, we believe hunger is solvable.
BUILD
Since 1969, we have embedded mentors in schools and across neighborhoods to connect with youth who need support. Wrapping young people in the opportunities and care they deserve, we help them build hope, resilience, and a path to a promising future. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school, 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: www.buildchicago.org
CAYR Connections
CAYR Connections is a 501(c)3 nonpro t founded in Oak Park.
CAYR stands for “Come As You Are,” and we advocate for embracing neurodiversity, the natural variation of human brains. We believe that there is no “right” type of brain, and that an inclusive, accessible society improves the world for everyone, not just neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, etc.) individuals.
Your donation helps us fund current programs and create new ones, too! We are working on a neurodiversity-a rming afterschool and summer program for 2025.
The Day Nursery
located at 1139 Randolph Street in
educates young children ages 2 to age 6, and o ers working families a safe and nurturing environment for young minds to learn and grow. We are proud to share our most recent assessment scores for meeting or exceeding age exceptions for literacy & language, 93%; social-emotional, 87%; and physical development, 95%. Please consider a tax-deductible gift to provide a ordable and equitable access to high quality education for all young children.
Visit thedaynursery.org/ to donate today. Thank you.
Deborah’s Place
For women experiencing homelessness in Chicago, Deborah’s Place opens the door to opportunity and stability. Going beyond just shelter, Deborah’s Place provides a supportive community and wrap-around services. Each year hundreds of women receive dedicated guidance as they pursue their goals for healthier, safer, more independent lives. With a key in her pocket and a team by her side, anything is possible on her journey.
You can help Deborah’s Place change lives by donating or volunteering. Learn more at www.deborahsplace.org.
Learn more about how you can get involved in the ght to end hunger by visiting www.gobeyondhunger.org or donating using this QR Code.
Visit www.cayrconnections. org to learn more. Your generosity helps celebrate “minds of all kinds.”
Austin Coming Together
The Oak Park & River Forest Day Nursery,
Oak Park,
Building self-esteem at BUILD
Dis 16, and had been struggling with low self-esteem and trust, hanging around the wrong group of guys. So early on in our relationship, the four of us took him and his mother grocery shopping: they were so amazed. ‘Nobody ever did this for us,’
D said, looking up with tears in his eyes. ‘Man, why do you guys want to do all of these things for me?’ Some of the youths are just not used to people being nice. Eventually we recommended that he get therapy, and he did. Of course there were bumps
in the road—he still struggled, he really put his mom through the wringer. But we were persistent and consistent, and we started to see the change. Now, he now has a stipend job at BUILD, he has a community of support here. His mom says his behavior has improved. He comes to work every day like he’s supposed to. He’s not disruptive at home. He’s not disruptive at school. So, it takes time but BUILD works.
MMisty’s journey from housing crisis to housing stability with Housing Forward END HOMELESSNESS
isty was just 29 years old when she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Since then, her medical condition has progressively worsened. She has battled thyroid cancer, strokes, depression and bariatric surgery. During this time, Misty was forced to leave her family home after her mother died. She relied on friends for a place to live, which only furthered her need for stability. But Misty kept fighting.
After an extensive stay at Loyola University Medical Center, Misty began her journey with Housing Forward. Her hospital social worker knew she needed a stable place to heal and referred Misty to Sojourner House, one of two Medical Respite Programs operated by Housing Forward and our hospital partners. Misty confesses that if
Sojourner House had been unavailable, she would have needed to recuperate in the hospital full time. As she admits, “batteries and a plug” are the life-saving devices she needs to keep her heart pumping.
Misty’s journey from housing crisis to housing stability was secured with her recent move to Broadview Legacy Apartments, Housing Forward’s new permanent supportive housing development that opened in May. When asked how she feels about her new, fully furnished, apartment, she says emphatically, “I love it here!” Her next steps are a surgery to remove excess skin after her loss of over 200 pounds and getting onto the heart transplant list. Working with her case manager, Misty believes there is hope for a happy, stable life while maintaining her health.
The Collaboration for Early Childhood
Early care and education is the workforce behind the workforce. It makes everything else possible, and it allows children to reach their full potential from day one. We are a community-driven organization that cultivates the development of the whole child, birth to age five, by engaging families, local organizations, early childhood educators, caregivers, and health providers to create equitable, nurturing, and interconnected systems of support. Donate today to ensure that our community continues to be a place where families and their babies have the care, relationships, and resources needed to thrive!
Invest in early childhood. Whatever the size, your donation will make an important impact. Learn more and give at www. collab4kids.org.
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 hemingwaybirthplace.com or
Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory
Built in 1929, the Oak Park Conservatory is a Historic Property of the Park District of Oak Park. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Conservatory offers three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants and two outdoor gardens including a play area for toddlers. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers a wide range of programs focused on enriching the visitor experience at the Conservatory. From volunteering to educational and recreational opportunities, tours, and classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy year-round. To learn more or to join, visit fopcon.org.
GROWING COMMUNITY
Growing Community Media Media
Growing Community Media is the reader supported newsroom behind four great local news publications covering our neighborhoods and villages. We publish the Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark. We focus our efforts on Essential Civics -- five vital purposes which have never been more important. Democracy. Accountability. Equity. Connection. Civility. Our reporters tell stories which strengthen the fabric of our communities while holding local governments and institutions to account. We know local news is the glue which holds our communities together and we depend on our readers to support our journalism.
Donate for news that matters to you at growingcommunitymedia.org/donate
Founded in 1897,
tial treatment program for severely abused, neglected, and traumatized children and those in need of behavioral intervention ages 3-11. In addition, Hephzibah offers foster care services, comprehensive services for children and families in crisis, positive parenting services and an abuse & neglect prevention program. Hephzibah also provides affordable after-school care and summer camp for Oak Park families of all income levels.
To make a donation, visit www.hephzibahhome.org/donate-now
Holiday Food and Gift Basket
Holiday Food and Gift Basket, a program of the Community of Congregations, has beenspreading holiday joy to families in Oak Park and River Forest since the 1970’s.
In November, every family referred to us receives a grocery gift card paid for with donations. On the second Saturday of December, volunteers deliver holiday gifts that have been purchased by sponsors from a provided wish list. Our small program has a big impact because of the support of community members like you.
Visit our website at www. communityofcongregations.org/holidayfood-gift-basket to find out how you can be a donor, sponsor, or volunteer.
Housing Forward
Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness.
Housing Forward is a recognized leader in suburban Cook County offering a coordinated response for people experiencing a housing crisis to quickly resolve their situation. We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to people in housing crises, and create stability through permanent housing for the most vulnerable members of our community. Each year we assist more than 2,000 individuals and families with compre
The Imagine Foundation
The mission of the OPRFHS Imagine Foundation is to champion community excellence by raising funds to support OPRF facilities improvements to meet evolving educational needs. The Foundation was created by community volunteers who understand that the school district cannot cover the costs of the entire Imagine Plan out of its cash reserves, nor can taxpayers. The Foundation is an independent nonprofit that works in partnership with the school to augment public investment with private philanthropy. Imagine Foundation invites you to take part in this unique community system of support by donating to help secure the future of OPRF Huskies! www.imagine-foundation. org/donate
L’Arche Chicago
Life is better together…
Quality care for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities extends beyond the basics of supporting someone with their basic living and medical needs. It’s about creating opportunities to say, “I’m living my best life” and mean it! L’Arche Chicago is committed to the highest quality of care for our core members (adults with disabilities), and our intentional community makes it possible for us to experience life to the fullest, together. Mutual relationships transform lives at all three of our homes, located in Forest Park and the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. Our newest home in Oak Park will serve four more individuals and is thoughtfully designed to be ADA compliant and universally designed to meet all current and future accessibility needs.
You make our community stronger – Join us by making a gift today! www.larchechicago.org
708-660-1600
hello@larchechicago.org
Hephzibah Children’s Association
Celebrate Minds of All Kinds with CAYR Connections
“Idiscovered that I was Autistic only a er my daughter’s diagnosis. I always knew that I was di erent, but I didn’t know why. I struggled to t into a world that didn’t make sense and learned to ‘mask’ or ‘camou age’ my neurodivergent traits, which impacted my mental health. Learning that my mind wasn’t awed—just wired di erently— was a life-changing revelation,” says Megan, a teacher and board member at CAYR Connections.
CAYR (pronounced “care”) stands for “Come As You Are.”
CAYR Connections’ goal is to promote neurodiversity, the natural variation in human brains, and educate our community about ways to be more inclusive, accepting, and a rming of neurodivergent people (e.g., Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic, etc.) Many late-diagnosed folks like Megan have found that as they accept and embrace their neurodivergence, they feel positive
DECEMBER 3
impacts on their mental health and well-being. Megan adds: “Discovering neurodiversitya rming practices empowered me to embrace who I am and advocate for both myself and my daughter. I know that accommodating myself and my daughter will have a positive impact on our lives. I hope that my advocacy work with CAYR can help others, too.”
CAYR’s programs support neurodiverse individuals and families of all ages. From our CAYRgiver Circle for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent kids & teens, to our partnership with the Chicago Neurodiverse Social Club for neurodivergent adults, we aim to create a more inclusive, accepting community. Our next goal is to open an a erschool and summer program! Learn more and join us at www.cayrconnections.org.
CAYR Connections • cayrconnections.org
OPRF’s MakerSpace
A shining example of the transformative power of modern learning environments
magine a space where students make ideas
What was once a humble arts and crafts room has transformed into the vibrant MakerSpace, a collaborative hub of innovation inside our
offers all students access to a range of tools and technologies. Huskies can get their hands on everything from 3D printers and scanners to
Students are empowered to explore passions, discover new interests, and enhance traditional classroom experiences. Whether they’re recording original songs, designing fashion, printing valves for science projects, or engineering structures to visualize advanced calculus problems, the MakerSpace provides the perfect platform for project-centered learning. As OPRF’s facilities continue to evolve, the MakerSpace serves as an example of the impact 21st century learning spaces can have on the
youth of our community. Imagine Project 2 continues this work by bringing new Physical Education and renovated theatre facilities to OPRF by summer 2026.
The OPRF High School Imagine Foundation champions community excellence by raising funds to support facilities improvements to meet evolving educational needs. You can help ensure that future generations of Huskies have increased access to modern facilities by making a tax-deductible gift to support Project 2. Imagine becoming part of the team
building the future of OPRF!
OPALGA+: Offering life-changing scholarships for LGBTQIA+ high school graduates
Since 2014, OPALGA+ has annually raised funds and distributed scholarships to local LGBTQIA+ youth and allies for postsecondary education. In 2024, OPALGA+ awarded its largest amount yet: ten $5,000 scholarships for a total award of $50,000. No one can attest more powerfully to the impact of these funds than the students themselves:
“I want to go into psychology. The mental health resources in my community–African American and also LGBTQ–are really low. It’s a market that’s not being helped, and that’s what I want to do. I want to help those people.”
—Kennedy Smith, 2024 OPALGA+ scholar, Lindblom Math & Science Academy now attending University of Wisconsin-Madison
“Receiving the OPALGA+ scholarship definitely reflects my activism for the LGBTQ+ community and continues to make sure they’re being represented, and that their voices aren’t being taken away because their voices matter just as much as everyone else’s do.”
—Sean Groh, 2024 OPALGA+ scholar from Lane Tech attending Drake University
“I attended high school in a Latinx community with few LGBTQ resources. I was the type of student who sat in the back of the room and never said much. Now in college, I’m much more outgoing and am the future president of the Prism Club, the LGBTQ club on campus.”
—Emily Gonzalez, two-time OPALGA+ scholar, attending Dominican University Class of 2027
We are accepting applications for 2025-’26 scholarships through March 15, 2025. Your generosity makes these efforts possible. Please help us support the next generation of LGBTQIA+ leaders. opalga.org/donate
OPALGA+ • opalga.org
Breaking Down Barriers to HealthCare:
Pillars Community Health provides compassionate & accessible whole-person care
Samuel* was referred to Pillars Community Health a er seeking medical attention at a local hospital. Samuel’s rst language was not English, and he found it challenging to comprehend the information they provided, and the questions asked. Without health insurance, and as the primary provider for his family, Samuel was deeply worried that his medical issues might negatively impact his family’s wellbeing. He arrived at Pillars Community Health feeling frustrated, isolated, and anxious about not only his health, but his family’s future.
are available in multiple languages and some services are provided free of charge, while others are o ered on a sliding fee scale, based on each person’s ability to pay.
At Pillars Community Health we envision communities where everyone has access to the care they need, when they need it. We are committed to eliminating barriers to care, such as language and income. Many of our services
A er arriving at Pillars Community Health Samuel was greeted by one of our care coordinators, who spoke his native language, and Samuel relaxed a bit. rough the care coordinator, Samuel and his team collaborated, determined a diagnosis and followed up with the appropriate treatment plan. We applied sliding scale discounts to his services and assisted him in applying for medication assistance. With support, Samuel was also able to recover more quickly and return to work relieving his stress about supporting his family.
*Named altered for anonymity.
River Forest Public Library Foundation
Listing: In person and online, River Forest Public Library serves everyone from toddlers to seniors by connecting them with information, entertainment, and each other in a welcoming space. RFPL Foundation works to ensure the vitality of the Library through advocacy, fundraising, and grants. Foundation grants have enabled the Library to repurpose mechanical room space to build a new multi-purpose meeting room and ADA compliant restroom, refresh the Children’s and Teen spaces, maintain the Memorial Garden for gatherings, o er community events like the Dooley Band concert and Summer Reading Kicko , and more. Please donate at rfplfoundation.org and help your Library continue to serve and connect our community for generations to come.
Sarah’s Inn
Sarah’s Inn is a community-based organization whose mission is to improve the lives of those a ected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. We o er services in three areas of program focus: Intervention services for families a ected by domestic violence that includes Advocacy and Counseling; Prevention education for youth to give them the tools to develop healthy relationships; and Training and Education for professionals and community-based organizations to create a network of skilled ambassadors. Intervention services are con dential, bilingual (English/ Spanish), and o ered free of charge to survivors and their children.
Make a donation at sarahsinn.org/donate
Share Food Share Love Food Pantry
Our food pantry serves 15 villages, where over 7,000 of our neighbors are living below the poverty line. Most (83%) live in just 7 of our 15 villages. Which makes ours a region of “haves” and “have-nots”. But we are all neighbors here. Like many food pantries, we are a not-for-pro t business. Which means our collective purpose is to one day go out of business: We are working collectively toward a time when neighbors in our region are no longer oppressed with hunger. A time when enough of us have come together to uplift all of us.
End Hunger. Uplift Neighbors. Learn how you can help at sharefoodsharelove.org
The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest
The award-winning Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest and its esteemed conductor Jay Friedman continue 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 a ordable ticket prices, including free admission for all students through college. Please help us continue and strengthen our tradition of bringing beautiful and inspiring music to Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and neighboring communities.
Make your end-of-year tax-deductible donation at SymphonyOPRF.org, or: P.O. Box 3564, Oak Park, IL 60303-3564.
The Joyful Giving Catalog2024
When Rose Mattax was a child, she treasured the idea of a neighborhood being a close-knit community where people looked out for each other, spent time together, and supported each other. In her adulthood, she longed for that connection with her neighbors. Everything changed when L’Arche Chicago bought the house across the street.
This gathering is a highlight for everyone, with new players often joining in.
Shortly after L’Arche moved in, Rose received a knock on her door. Jean, a core member resident, and an assistant brought over home-baked cookies, marking the start of many new friendships. Over the past eight years, these connections have grown into cherished traditions and lasting memories.
L’Arche provides integrated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Every Wednesday, Rose sits across from Noah, another core member, at the L’Arche Chicago dining table, ready for their weekly game of Uno.
On less frequent occasions, Jean will get a hankering for a nonalcoholic beer, and Rose gladly accompanies her to O’Sullivan’s in Forest Park. Jean’s wit and humor never fail to charm the server, making these outings truly special. Rose’s home has transformed into what the community fondly calls the “L’Arche Annex.” For many of the young assistants, moving into Rose’s upstairs apartment is a significant step as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives. This maintains the sense of community – friendship, support and mutual growth.
“I couldn’t have imagined the joy that L’Arche as a neighbor would bring into our lives. I treasure every moment of these invaluable friendships. Life is better with L’Arche as a neighbor.” For that reason, Rose is known to always extend invitations for others to join the L’Arche community
L’arche Chicago • 708-660-1600 • larchechicago.org
Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Presents “Raining Pianos” Program
The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association is known for sharing its building with the community. This year it has extended this mission to extend the use of its important asset, the Steinway pianos with some of our talented community members. This past summer our newest program, entitled “Raining Pianos” was held at 1pm on the fourth Monday during the months of June thru September. It featured five accomplished pianists from surrounding communities who sprinkled us with music from the nineteenth century. Each pianist performed on our lovingly restored Steinway piano. Our series began with Heather Peterson from Oak Park, who after her beautiful performance
explained how her chosen pieces related to her life. The talented Cacie Miller, who performed in July, said her music has helped her navigate the world around her. In August, brothers Brian Ling(a sixth grader), and Owen Ling (a high schooler)shared the spotlight. Both brothers have competed in international competitions and performed at London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Carnegie Hall. Each brother has also received first place awards in performance. Our summer series ended with a member of the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, Doug Cotsamire. He has taken piano lessons since second grade, and has been studying classical piano in Oak Park for eleven years. Recently retired from his rheumatology practice Doug amazed us by performing some of his favorite piano pieces.
At L’Arche Chicago, supporting adults with disabilities includes valuing the strong, meaningful bonds that form when you build friendships within the community.
Thrive Counseling Center
Thrive Counseling Center has provided mental health services to Oak Park and surrounding communities for over 120 years. We build healthy minds, families, and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being, regardless of their ability to pay. We envision a world where mental health is valued, proactively nurtured, and in reach of everyone.
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Psychiatry and medication management
• 24/7 Crisis intervention
• Case management
• Suicide awareness and prevention training
• Thrive Talks community education programs
Open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday from 9am-2pm. To learn more or donate, please visit thrivecc. org or call 708-383-7500.
Way Back Inn
Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for substance use and gambling disorders. Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment. This holiday season, we ask that you gift responsibly with the youth in your family. Children who have early exposure to gambling experiences, including lottery tickets, are more likely to develop a gambling problem later in life.
For more information or to make a donation to our program, go to: www. waybackinn.org or call us at 708-345-8422.
West Cook YMCA
When you give to the West Cook YMCA, you impact our community today and tomorrow.
100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to providing scholarships to children, adults, and seniors- your friends and neighbors-transforming their lives through access to health screenings, chronic disease prevention programs, after-school programs, swim lessons, homeless prevention for residents, and Y memberships that can open the door to help each person become their best self.
To donate, visit // westcookymca.org/give or send your check to West Cook YMCA, 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60302. (708-383-5200)
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 nancial assistance to those participating in our year-round programs and summer day camp.
To make a donation please visit wssra.net.
Wonder Works Children’s Museum in Oak Park
Wonder Works Children’s Museum has been a community gem on North Avenue since 2003. Our small but mighty museum plays a very important role in nurturing young minds, fostering a love of learning, and bolstering social and emotional skills. In 2024, we continued to grow museum access for ALL children through discounted admission for families with nancial needs, sensory-friendly play sessions, and social service agency partnerships. As a 501c3 non-pro t organization, individual donations to Wonder Works Children’s Museum are crucial to bringing our mission and programs to life.
Visit Wonder-Works.org/give to donate and support the museum.
Sponsored Content
OPRF Museum Tells Your Community’s Stories—Large or Small
Good things often come in small packages.
That’s why the Illinois Association of Museums named Oak Park River Forest Museum the state’s Small Museum of the Year soon after it opened its doors in 2017. The museum is in an 1898 firehouse that underwent a $1 million renovation, transforming a vacant building into a welcoming Oak Park Landmark next to
be rented for private events. OPRF Museum, at 129 Lake St., Oak Park, is operated by The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest. The featured exhibit on the museum’s first floor tells the 150-year history of OPRF High School.
Whether you’re interested in sports, the arts or building additions, this exhibit has it all.
The museum’s second floor contains a “Wall of Fame” highlighting famous residents, a children’s play area, and an award-winning exhibit about Fair Housing.
Visit our Fields Research Center, open by appointment, to research almost everything related to the villages including homes, community groups and businesses. Membership has many benefits. For information, visit oprfmuseum.org or call 708848-6755 and follow The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest on Facebook.
Building Community, One Story at a Time
“I
t’s not Wednesday unless I read the paper,” says long-time reader Jeannette, who connected to her community by reading the Wednesday Journal since she moved to Oak Park in 1994.
“It is more than just a local paper. It is a feeling of belonging in a special community...stories about people and organizations in OPRF doing great things that I would not otherwise know about,” she says.
Growing Community Media brings a sense of belonging and connection to thousands of readers in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Riverside, Brook eld, and the West Side of Chicago.
but it also keeps readers informed about local government, businesses, nonpro t organizations, events, schools, and much more.
“ anks for keeping us informed!” says longtime reader Kelly.
“I gi a subscription to all my new clients in Brook eld and Riverside,” shared Allan, a longtime supporter of local news. Not only does local news build community,
Our reporters tell stories that strengthen the fabric of our communities while holding local governments and institutions to account. We know local news is the glue that holds our communities together and we depend on our readers to support our journalism. To those who subscribe, purchase papers at newsstands, advertise with us, and donate to our community news, we thank you.
“Keep up the good work!” - Herbert You can donate for news that matters to you at growingcommunitymedia.org/donate
December 15, 2024
Holiday Promise
February 16, 2025
Espectacular Espanol
June 8, 2025
Resplendent Romantics
Concerts on Sundays, 4 pm at Concordia University Chapel, River Forest Students through college admitted free of charge
Free parking at 1124 Bonnie Brae Place
Play an instrument?
Email SymphonyOPRF@gmail.com if you'd like to join the orchestra.
Contact us for tickets or more information! 708.218.2648 | theSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com SymphonyOPRF.org
AEmpowerment: The Impact of the
OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation
s Oak Park and River Forest High School celebrates its 150th anniversary, the OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation proudly reflects on its long-standing commitment to empowering students. In the 2023-24 school year, 92 graduating seniors received a total of $222,150 in scholarships, allowing them to pursue their dreams at 4-year universities, 2-year colleges, and trade schools.
What makes the Foundation particularly unique is its connection to the high school. Few high schools can boast of a dedicated scholarship foundation as robust and impactful as ours. Since its founding in 1924, the Foundation has been more than just a financial resource. It stands as a testament to the power of community-driven investment in education. Each scholarship is an intentional contribution to a student’s future, recognizing character, academic excellence, leadership, artistic talent, community service, and more. These awards don’t just open doors—they create pathways to long-term success.
The ripple effect of this investment is seen throughout the community. Students who benefit
from these scholarships are not only prepared to succeed in their fields but also to give back in meaningful ways. Many become leaders, artists, and innovators who return to support the very Foundation that helped them get started.
As we honor this remarkable milestone, we invite you to join us in continuing this legacy of opportunity. Your support ensures that future generations of OPRFHS students will have the resources they need to reach their full potential. Visit scholarships4oprfhs.org to contribute and make a lasting impact. 150 Years of
Season of Giving Season of Giving
Animal Care League
B24, B26
Arts Alliance Forest Park B24
Austin Coming Together .................. B14, B15, B24
Wonder Works ............................................ B17, B34
Be a Champion of Democracy
Invest in local news and our reader supported newsroom
The future of independent, authentic local news depends on direct support from our readers. We’ve proven that in our five years as a pioneering nonprofit newsroom.
100 X $100
So, right now we’re asking 100 of our readers to step up and pledge $100 per month as a recurring pledge to our reader supported newsroom. Become a Champion of Democracy at the most local level. Support our reporters at Wednesday Journal, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.
There’s a match to help convince you. Our board of directors has already pledged $20,000 to our Champion of Democracy campaign. That means the first two months of your pledge will be DOUBLED.
$20,000 MATCH FROM THE GCM BOARD
Donate today GrowingCommunityMedia.org/donate We need to reach our 100 Champions goal by Dec. 31
Our fall fundraiser is happening now - Join us at GrowingCommunityMedia.com/donate
Committed to Oak Park and River Forest
Whether you’re seeing a movie at the Lake Theatre or heading for a hike in the G.A.R. Woods, we think you should be able to get all of your banking done in your neighborhood… with people who love the area as much as you do. Byline is privileged to be a part of the Oak Park and River Forest community, and we are proud to partner with local nonprofits like Beyond Hunger and sponsor local events like Thursday Night Out in downtown Oak Park.
To learn more about our commitment to Oak Park and River Forest, visit bylinebank.com/oprf
