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W E D N E S D A Y

December 8, 2021 Vol. 42, No. 19 ONE DOLLAR

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JOURNAL

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of Oak Park and River Forest

THE MOST WO NDE RFU L GU IDE O F THE See IN YEAR! SIDE

Holiday Inn Express goes back to village board Significant concerns expressed about traffic

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The proposal for a Holiday Inn Express & Suites in downtown Oak Park is on its second lap through the village approval process. The previous village board approved the original special-use permit request for the hotel at 1140 Lake St. in late 2019. However, the project was shelved with the onset of COVID-19 and the approval has lapsed, necessitating applicants Azim and Salim Hemani to embark on the process a second time.

The project scored the endorsement of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) on Dec. 1, but zoning board members were at a loss over the prospect of reconciling Lake Street’s current traffic problems, let alone the hotel’s potential to cause additional congestion.

“To think we’re going to resolve this with legislation or turning this [application] down, I think, is really misdirected,” said ZBA member Mas Takiguchi.

Plans for the hotel have changed slightly in the intervening time between 2019 and the present. While the original proposal had 98 hotel rooms, which would have meant adding three more floors to the existing 5-story building, the new iteration has 68 See HOLIDAY INN on page 17

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

EXTRA-INFURIATED: Students and parents react to news of an extracurricular ban by staging a protest in front of OPRF High School on Dec. 4. The administration quickly changed their minds. More photos on page 16.

OPRF reverses course on sports and activities ban Will attempt other measures as COVID cases rise at school

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Just four days after Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200

officials announced their plans to cancel all sports and after-school activities through winter break, they rescinded that decision Monday afternoon but not without implementing new COVID-19

guidelines.

School district officials’ initial decision to pause school-related activities See OPRF COVID on page 16

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

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Anonymous donor fuels D97 PTOs’ support of students $50,000 gift will fund supplies, snacks, other needs

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Almost two months ago, members from all 10 of Oak Park School District 97’s parentteacher organizations (PTOs) launched their inaugural ‘Share the Warmth’ winter coat drive, asking residents to donate new or gently used children’s jackets, gloves and snow boots. What they didn’t expect was that one donor would give $50,000, instructing the PTOs to help district students in need year-round.

Pemalyn Hessing, co-president of the PTO Council, an organization that represents parents in D97 elementary and middle schools, said the money will be used to create “angel funds” and be divvied up across the 10 PTOs to assist their respective families. The money could be used to purchase graduation gowns, school supplies and snacks or offset the cost of field trip fees for students.

“This is to make sure that every child in D97 has the things they need to have a full

and meaningful school experience,” Hessing said.

Hessing noted the donor, who wished to remain anonymous, was inspired to give, after reading a story about the ‘Share the Warmth’ drive published in the Oct. 20 issue of Wednesday Journal.

Adhering to the donor’s other request, Mak Flournoy, co-founder and co-President of DivCo, the PTO’s Diversity Council, said the $50,000 had to be distributed

fairly among the PTOs. The only way to do that, Flournoy said, was to look closely at each school’s student enrollment and the number of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. Those two key factors helped determine the angel fund distribution ranged from $2,000 to $6,000, she said.

As Hessing and Flournoy reflected on the recent donation, the two spoke about how excited they were to be able to take this step forward and promote the district’s mission of equity. Flournoy said the angel funds are an example of what “thoughtful” and “intentional” work looks like, as they offer a net of new support for the district’s children, especially those from marginalized groups. These funds, Flournoy added, are a push for PTOs to think less about bake sales and “more leadership and leading.”

“I’m just really thrilled that we’re at this place between the district and the PTOs where there’s alignment on focusing

Coat drive a warm success The D97 parent-teacher organizations’ inaugural ‘Share the Warmth’ coat drive pulled in more than 120 coats, snow pants and winter accessories, according to a press release issued by the PTOs. The donations were brought to Kids’ Kloset, a clothing donation center at First United Church in Oak Park. Kids’ Kloset typically charges $3 for a coat, gloves, hat and scarf, but those fees are waived for clients referred by social workers or charitable organizations, the release said. For more information or to schedule a visit to the Kids’ Kloset, contact Susan Zaruba at susanzaruba@ gmail.com. First United Church is located at 848 Lake St. in Oak Park.

on racial equity and equity and inclusion within our schools,” Flournoy said, “and, to do so in a way that is meaningful. It’s something that’s good for there not to be tension around. It is really refreshing.”

Learn more. Give more.

Joyful Giving

Visit OakPark.com, go to the Season of Giving page, and find links to many local, nonprofit organizations in need of your help this giving season.

OakPark.com | AustinWeeklyNews.com | ForestParkReview.com | RBLandmark.com

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ART BEAT

Five decades of memories, smoked and soaked Festival Theatre suffers major losses to records and equipment in fire

By JAMES PORTER Contributing Reporter

The extra-alarm fire at 1034 Lake St. on Nov. 23 impacted more than one neighborhood institution. In addition to Delia’s Kitchen restaurant was the long-running Oak Park Festival Theatre, located just above Delia’s, which for 46 summers has brought live outdoor productions to Austin Gardens. The company had just finished its fall run of The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe at Pleasant Home a few days earlier. Several artifacts from that production were destroyed in the blaze. According to Festival Theatre managing director Bryan Wakefield, the loss was immense.

While he is thankful that human lives were spared, he rues the destruction of precious relics and records.

“We were very fortunate to avoid the fire,” said Wakefield, “but we got all the smoke and water. We were underneath the unit that got all the fire, so we estimate our losses to be pretty near total. Water is not kind to electronic equipment, nor fabrics like costumes. Our summer season normally takes place outside, so we had speakers, soundboards, our sound stack, all of our lighting dimmers, computers, monitors, props, costumes [and] close to 50 years of historical documents.”

As expected with circumstances like this, many items are not replaceable. Nearly 50 years of operation translates to nearly 50 years of memories. Wakefield noted, “We are the oldest equity company, the oldest union outdoor Shakespeare company, in the Midwest.”

Estimated losses include “a lot of memories and headshots from great Chicago actors, directors and designers who have worked with us … a ton of historical stuff. Things like the speakers, the soundboards, those things can be replaced. We had some older props and costumes that were gifted to us — they don’t make things like that anymore,” Wakefield said. “We had some custom-designed lighting equipment that was made by somebody out of other materials; we can’t replace those items.”

The company is currently trying to figure out how much it would cost to replace the less singular objects, which are all insured. “The insurance adjusters, and people evaluating the fire, they’re all doing their work right now to determine what the losses will be,” Wakefield said. “Once we pull things out of the unit and are able to test to see if anything does still happen to work, then we’ll be able to put together a list of things that we’ll need to replace.”

Despite the trauma, Wakefield insists this will be more of a new beginning than a final chapter. “The plan is to return to Austin Gardens in the summer,” he said. “The fall show tends to move around some. The current plan is to be able to be back at full strength by the summer.”

There is a way for the community can get involved. “As a nonprofit, we are funded by support from our community,” he said.

“Ticket sales only pay for a small portion of our operating costs throughout the year. At the moment, if you want to help directly, you can go to oakparkfestival.com and donate to the page directly. If people know about equipment and things like that, or if somebody has something in a basement they’d be willing to donate to us, it’s a tax-deductible donation, and they can get in contact with us on our donation page as well.”

PROVIDED

DEVASTATION: Insured but not all replaceable.

River Forest schools vaccine clinic draws 165 students D90 partners with Jewel-Osco

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

About 165 students at River Forest School District 90 have received the first dose of the two-shot Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, according to Dawne Simmons, district communications and community outreach coordinator. In partnership with a local Jewel-Osco,

District 90 held a vaccine clinic at Roosevelt Middle School Nov. 19, just over a week after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorized the Covid vaccine for children 5 to 11.

Throughout the pandemic, District 90 has teamed up with Jewel-Osco in River Forest, 7525 Lake St., to encourage eligible faculty, staff and students to get vaccinated. Since the spring, the two entities have hosted a handful of vaccine clinics at Roosevelt, and the Nov. 19 clinic was just another part of the effort, Simmons said.

Simmons said the district did not expect all families with 5- to 11-year-olds to sign up but wanted to offer them the opportunity to get the vaccine right at their local school, on familiar grounds. Simmons said that there were some families who initially scheduled a vaccine appointment at the Nov. 19 clinic but chose to cancel and went to their pediatricians or local pharmacies ahead of the clinic’s date.

Either way, Simmons said the district remained firm in its messaging, pushing families who are able to get vaccinated against

COVID-19.

“We have a 98% vaccination rate among our staff,” Simmons said, adding the district wants families to be able to also reach that benchmark. “This is not only good for the District 90 community but for the greater River Forest community. It has to be a community effort, and we consider ourselves to be an important part of the community, and that’s why we’re doing this.”

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines for children, visit www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/.

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

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Community brings aid to those displaced by Lake Street fire

GoFundMe campaigns raking in thousands of dollars in support

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Many were left to pick up the pieces of their homes and businesses after the intense fire on Lake Street Nov. 23, two days before Thanksgiving. Determined to have originated in the rear of 1034 Lake St. on the ground floor in the trash area underneath the grease duct at Delia’s Kitchen restaurant, the fire quickly decimated the timber building and caused significant damage to an adjacent structure.

While no one was injured, save one firefighter who pulled out his back, the fire inflicted more than physical harm. In the spirit of the giving season, thousands of dollars have gone toward helping people get

How to donate to GoFundMe accounts Donations to Bailey’s campaign can be made at: https://gofund. me/5074448b, while the GoFundMe for Polished Nails and Day Spa is accessible at: https://gofund.me/2d4e1709

back on their feet in the aftermath of the flames.

Delia’s, the beloved restaurant located on the ground floor of the building, was destroyed. The three apartments above the restaurant, two of which were occupied by tenants, were left a sopping wet pile of debris after the fire.

A since-disabled GoFundMe for the breakfast joint collected a total of $30,356. The campaign started for Brianna Bailey, one of the displaced apartment tenants, was near-

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

HELP ON THE WAY: The building at 1034 Lake St. was decimated by fire, Nov. 23. ing its ambition of amassing $7,000 as well.

At the time of publishing, the GoFundMe for Bailey had $5,640.

“It’s just been such a blessing,” Bailey previously told Wednesday Journal. “I really can’t grasp the generosity of people.”

Just as the fire’s path reached Polished

Nails and Day Spa, located at 1036 Lake St., the community’s goodwill has too. A total of $12,380 has been donated to the salon’s GoFundMe, started by the owner’s son, as of Dec. 7, putting it over its $12,000 goal.

Wednesday Journal has reached out to Polished Nails and Day Spa for comment.

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BIG WEEK December 8-15

Jeanette Andrews, Illusionist

Sing We Joyous!

Friday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park

Saturday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 12, 4 p.m., First United Church Of Oak Park This 60-year Oak Park tradition returns with the Oriana Singers, the City Voices chorus, Pro Musica Youth Chorus, and the Sing We Joyous Orchestra, all under the direction of Bill Chin, running the gamut of classic Yuletide melodies, from Handel to Stevie Wonder. Audience members, staff, and artists are required to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours prior to the concert (at the door with photo ID). Masks are required for all audience members. The concert will be about 75 minutes long without intermission. $25 (18 and under are free). 848 Lake St. Oak Park.

Jeanette Andrews is billed as a magician, but “illusionist” might be the more proper description. Through the means of art, sensory anomalies and scientific anecdotes, Andrews has expanded her brand to workshops and speaking engagements, she is also a respected entertainer as well. $10; 339 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.

LeTab Teen Environment Club Sunday, Dec. 12, 1-2 p.m., Oak Park Public Library If you are a teenager and want to make a difference in the community, the Teen Environmental Club is sponsoring a monthly Adopt-A-Block cleanup. Each month, this team will select a neighborhood in the Oak Park area, picking up litter and generally keeping the city clean. The crew will meet in the Main Library Teen Space on the second floor, and will walk to the designated neighborhood. Supplies will be provided; all teens are welcome to join. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

A Carpenters Christmas

ESTEBAN BATALLÁN SOLOIST

Celebra La Trompeta Sunday, Dec. 12, 4 p.m., Chapel Of Concordia University Jay Friedman will conduct the Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest in pieces by Batallan, Hummel, Rodgers and Brahms. $27 online or through the mail (with a copy of your vaccination card), $30 at the door. 1124 N. Bonnie Brae Pl., River Forest.

JOHN CONCEPCION

KEN DONOVAN

TIM BRADLEY

Sunday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., Dominican Center for the Performing Arts Lisa Rock and her 6-piece band keep The Carpenters’ holiday tradition alive, bringing Christmas songs to the stage at Dominican University in River Forest. Based on the music of The Carpenters’ two holiday albums and Christmas variety shows, this show features hits like “Merry Christmas Darling” and the jazzy “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” Tickets start at $20. Patrons are required to wear masks while in the building, including at their seat throughout the performance. Photo ID and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test results (within 72 hours prior to attendance) will be required at the door. events.dom.edu or call 708-488-5000.

The Three Tenors Celebrate the Season Monday, Dec. 13, 1:15 p.m., 19th Century Club The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association presents John Concepcion, Ken Donovan, and Tim Bradley, with Lisa Kristina on piano, performing holiday classics along with standards from operatic and musical theater. To make an online lunch reservation no later than the Thursday before the program, call the office at 708-386-2729.

The program will be presented in the second floor ballroom, with socially-distanced seating. $20 for members; $25 for non-members. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

May All Beings Be Happy - Fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 11, 10-11:30 a.m. Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago.

In conjunction with the Animal Care League, Kadampa will be hosting a Saturday morning meditation on compassion. In addition, there will be door prizes, a holiday gift raffle and a cameo appearance from a puppy. Register at meditateinchicago.org/ all-beings. $30, 13 Harrison St., Oak Park.

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

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River Forest tries again to spur Lake and Park development Signs going up advertising village-owned sites

Lake St.

By ROBERT J. LIFKA River Forest officials are restarting dormant efforts to develop property on the southeast corner of Lake Street and Park Avenue after years of failed attempts.

The potential project area consists of three parcels, including two under village control — a parking lot at 7787 Lake St. and a vacant lot at 419 Park Ave. — and one privately owned parcel at 7777 Lake St. The owner of 7777 Lake St. previously had expressed a willingness to include his property in a coordinated redevelopment of the site but more recently declined to sell the property.

Trustee Bob O’Connell told fellow officials at the Nov. 22 village board meeting that “development site available” signs would be posted at the two village-owned parcels.

He said the hope would be for the signs to attract a person who is “not in the traditional developer role.”

The village has issued four requests for proposals for the site between 2010 and 2017.

The most recent effort to develop the site, which occurred in 2018, was led by Chicagobased Ehlers and Associates, a financial and economic development advisory company.

Two developers, IBT/Walsh, the investment arm of the Chicago-based Walsh Con-

7787 Lake St. (village owned)

7777 Lake St. (privately owned)

Park Ave.

Contributing Reporter

419 Park Ave. (village owned)

GOOGLE MAPS

THREE PARTS: River Forest’s village government is seeking development proposals for two parcels it owns at Lake Street and Park. struction, and the Chicago-based Focus Development, proposed a mixed commercial-residential development for the area that would generate property tax revenue for the village, but that effort also fizzled.

In 2015, the village entered into nego-

tiations for a redevelopment agreement with Keystone Ventures, which proposed a mixed-use development for the site that would have included up to 16,000 square feet of retail space and 35 residential units but no agreement was ever reached.

According to the village’s economic development commission, the village’s comprehensive plan that was adopted in 2019 calls for “appropriate” redevelopment of the site to be in the five- to six-story range. Village officials expect development of the site to be sensitive to other multifamily and commercial properties adjacent to the site and aim to be congruous to those sites.

According to a description of the site on the village website, the properties are in an area of Lake Street referred to as the Village Center Area, which is intended to be a “charming, pedestrian-oriented, retail/ mixed-use environment that serves in some ways as the symbolic heart of the village.”

The comprehensive plan calls for retail/ commercial/mixed-use buildings located along Lake Street at or near the sidewalk, with multistory, multifamily development located along Central Avenue and the southern portions of the blocks.

Each development opportunity requires a heightened level of sensitivity and creativity to appropriately balance the village’s existing character with the need and desire for economic development while protecting open space and environmental areas from development encroachment.

The village hall/police/fire facility on the west side of Park Avenue is expected to remain and no expansion plans are anticipated.

The village acquired the parking lot at 7787 Lake in 2003 and 419 Park, which was previously a single-family home, in 2010.

Fenwick makes winning offer for Dominican’s Priory Campus Oak Park and River Forest High School not chosen for prime RF property

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Fenwick High School entered into a purchase and sale agreement Dec. 3 with Dominican University for the university’s Priory Campus, beating out Oak Park and River Forest High School and several other entities vying for the multi-acre parcel, according to a press release issued by the university on the same day.

Over the summer, Fenwick, which has long leased the athletic fields surrounding Priory Campus from the Dominican Friars religious order, was among a group of organizations that expressed interest in the property and submitted a letter of intent.

Dominican President Glena Temple and Vice President of Finance and Administration Mark Titzer said they could not disclose the names of other organizations which submitted letters of intent or the total number

FILE

of letters they received for confidentiality reasons. The two also said they were unable to reveal the sale price of Priory Campus for reasons of confidentiality.

According to a previous report by Wednesday Journal, Priory Campus, a 7.6-acre lot located at 7200 Division St. in River Forest, has been appraised at $8 million.

Under the agreement’s due-diligence clause, Fenwick has 120 days, or four months, to assess the site. That includes physical inspections and “imagining” the site’s potential uses, Titzer said. The news release clari-

fied that “pending approvals and subject to closing, the sale is expected to be finalized in the spring.” That clause, said Titzer, “allows the buyer [a period of time] to fully understand and explore all aspects of the property before the person actually closes.”

Asked why Dominican picked Fenwick among the pool of potential buyers, Temple said Fenwick was the “best partner.” Meeting sale and land-use expectations and agreeing to extend the lease of the university’s early childcare center, which is located on Priory Campus, were among a list of considerations, and Fenwick continued to come out on top, she said. Temple added Fenwick also remained committed to keeping Priory’s historic buildings.

“I’m obviously excited about this,” said Temple. “We’ve been working on this for a while, and it feels like a wonderful opportunity for Dominican, for Fenwick, for River Forest and for future collaboration for all of us.”

In a press release issued Dec. 3 by Fenwick, President Richard Peddicord said the school has yet to decide how to use Priory Campus. Peddicord once told Wednesday Journal the site could be used for additional space for administrative or athletic offices,

spiritual retreats or Fenwick arts and music programs.

In addition to the sale agreement with Dominican University, Fenwick also announced its plans to purchase the athletic fields from the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great. The fields are about 11 acres of land, and if Fenwick were to acquire that land, in addition to Priory Campus, the Oak Park Catholic high school could own a total of 18 acres, the press release noted. In an email to Wednesday Journal, Fenwick Director of Marketing Scott Hardesty said the school has entered into a contract with Dominican Province, and the sale will also be finalized in the spring. The sale price of those athletic fields is expected to be disclosed in the spring.

“We don’t yet know exactly what all the uses of the land and Priory will be, but much like our predecessors in the Fenwick community who didn’t know what the future would hold for Fenwick High School, we know this is something significant,” Peddicord said in the release. “We know that this sets Fenwick on a path for even greater future success. We know this was simply too good an opportunity to forego.”

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This holiday give a gift with meaning and impact:

Support the Community Recreation Center pdop.org/tributepaverbrick

Inspire, honor, celebrate with tribute pavers at the gateway of the Community Recreation Center.

The Parks Foundation of Oak Park invites you to donate an engraved tribute paver brick to help us reach our fundraising goal and leave a lasting imprint at the gateway to the Community Recreation Center.

Purchase a paver brick in honor of your business, organization, a family member, or in memory of a loved one.

Proceeds from the paver brick sales will go towards the Community Recreation Center Capital Campaign and costs of the paver bricks are tax deductible.

Rush looking into potential financial misappropriation in Oak Park By a former executive

“With the arrival of new leadership at Oak Park, a potential misappropriation of funds was identified,” Rush spokesperson

By STACEY SHERIDAN Tobin Klinger said to Modern Healthcare.

Staff Reporter “We immediately launched an internal investigation that is onRush University System for going at this time.”

Health is reportedly looking into Per Modern Healthcare, the possible financial misappropriaacademic hospital system is tion by a former executive of looking into the issue with help Rush Oak Park Hospital, accordfrom external forensic auditors ing to Crain Communication’s and counsel.

Rush Oak Park Modern Healthcare. disclosed the information in its Modern Healthcare reported financial statement for the quarNov. 29 story that Dr. Dino Ruter ended Sept. 30. moro uncovered the potential Rush reportedly said the financial misappropriation after DINO RUMORO amount of money involved is taking over as CEO of Rush Oak not expected to be material to Park Hospital in July. Rumoro the overall financial condition of the health came aboard following the retirement of Bruce Elegant who had led the hospital for system, according to Modern Healthcare.

While Klinger confirmed Rumoro discovnearly 25 years. The piece does not link Elered the potential financial misappropriaegant to the allegations.

Rush University System for Health de- tion to Modern Healthcare, he did not identify the implicated former executive. clined comment to Wednesday Journal.

Our Community Needs Community Journalism Reporting local news, telling local stories and keeping local officials accountable is more important now than ever before.

Let's keep informed.

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Donate at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

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Sponsored Content

MY DAD’S FRIDAY COLLEGE TRADITION

D

uring the four years I was in college my sweet dad sent me a handwritten letter that arrived every Friday afternoon. In the first paragraph he wrote about my mom, in the second he talked about my younger brother, and in the third he updated me about the happenings of our dog, Fritz. The letter always, always contained a crisp $20 bill. That $20 was quickly spent on weekend fun.

In hindsight that was a financial opportunity lost. I was lucky enough to have my college tuition and housing paid via my parents and a small student loan. Plus, I had a part time job that covered my spending money. So, I could have easily saved that weekly $20 from my dad.

If I were smarter, I would have invested that weekly $20 (a total of $2400 by graduation) in a run of the mill index fund. If so, I would have about $41,000 (30 years later) sitting in an investment account today thanks to the power of compound interest (10% yearly). If I had followed my dad’s lead and put aside $20 a week since college I would have about $160,000 in that investment account. Even more heartbreaking, if once I started working full time, I had invested just 10% of my meager salary ($26,540 back in 1991) I would have about $515,000 waiting for me in an investment account today.

But, of course, I was not that wise and disciplined about my money as a young adult and so those opportunities were missed.

In my defense, investing was not in my vocabulary as a kid. My parents’ money conversations were about bills and spending not stocks and

708-819-1580

investing. I am not alone. Four in five parents wish they had more information about money and financial know-how when they were children.

Why didn’t we learn more about money as children, investment or otherwise? Because the subject of money was and still is taboo in many households. Research has found that Americans are more comfortable discussing just about anything else.

Our weight, sex lives, drug use, mental illness, marital problems, and even death are more palpable conversation topics than money-talk.

Why is the money conversation so uncomfortable?

Some researchers have found that our money-talk reluctance may stem from a common American belief that our value as a human being is somehow made material in our salary and bank accounts. Money can be a vulnerable conversation. Talking about our net worth is like talking about our personal worth. Money-talk may also highlight our societal incompatibility.

If we are a true democracy our citizens should feel equal to each other. Yet, in reality, we have a class system that produces a lot of inequality.

Consequently, parents may be reluctant to talk about money with their children. Some parents who struggle financially may believe avoiding discussing money with their children will spare their children from a stressful conversation. While more wealthy parents may worry that if their child knows the family net worth, the child may lose academic or professional motivation. Either way the money-talk conversation with our kids can get stalled or never even started.

www.theresaclancylaw.com | theresa.clancy@theresaclancylaw.com THERESA CLANCY Estate Planning Attorney

Our silence about money is not shielding our children. Our financial decisions impact our kids whether we choose to include them in the conversation or not. Talking comfortably about finances is an important part of helping kids develop a healthy relationship with money. If we’re transparent about our money choices, we are helping our kids understand the power money can hold and providing opportunities to learn from our successes and our mistakes.

Plus, talking about money with our kids can be as beneficial to us as it is to our kids. Having the conversation will likely make us feel more confident even if our prior money habits were not perfect…or far from it.

The experts say we should start with positive stories about money to help our kids normalize thinking about and discussing their financial planning.

From there we can move into more complicated conversations. When it is time for our kids to make monetary choices, we can help guide them, but we need to let them make their own choices and at times their own monetary mistakes. We do not want to deprive them of lessons they need to help them make better choices in the future.

If we can start having conversations about money when our kids are young, they will likely develop a healthy relationship with earning money, saving money, and donating money. Unlike me, our kids will have stocks and investing in their vocabulary and will understand the power of compound interest. Similarly, if we ensure our young adult children create powers of attorney healthcare and property, they will know the power of an estate plan and will never have to worry about estate planning being on their to do list year after year.

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

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New ownership brings new life to Na Siam

Close-knit family of three enters restaurant ownership on North Avenue

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats

Husband and wife team, Nathapon Srimahaprom and Pattra Wijitjamari, are two months into their first foray into restaurant ownership and bring family front and center at Na Siam, 6851 W. North Ave, Oak Park. Their infant daughter, Maple, can be found playing with toys or napping behind the counter when she isn’t being cared for

by Wijitjamari’s mother, Jinda, who also doubles as a server in the restaurant.

“This is our first restaurant,” said Wijitjamari. “We wanted to open a restaurant to have the baby near us.”

After the tragic death of their first-born son in 2019, the couple, looking to change their circumstances, headed to Moab, Utah and entered a two-year mentorship at Arches Thai. The establishment, owned by relatives, provided the perfect platform for the couple to learn the basics of cooking and restaurant ownership.

“Pattra is a better cook than me and always wanted a restaurant. I wanted to do everything to make her happy again,” said Srimahaprom of his wife. “She is self-taught and learned from cooking at home. I had to start out by learning to chop vegetables.”

MELISSA ELSMO/Food editor

Crispy tofu and potsticker appetizers from Na Siam.

The time in Utah was healing and readied the couple for restaurant ownership. After their daughter’s birth in 2021, the couple invited Wijitjamari’s mother to join them to help care for her and make keeping a close eye on her easier while they searched for a restaurant.

“We were looking everywhere and really liked this place and the area,” said Wijitjamari. “We did our research and also joined Takeout 25.”

The online Facebook group, made up of dedicated restaurant supporters, proved to be the deciding factor for the owners when choosing Oak Park as home for their restaurant. Inspired by the positivity in the group, the duo settled on taking over the pre-existing business in the

MELISSA ELSMO/Food editor

Beef Pho from Na Siam in Oak Park features thin Vietnamese rice noodles with sliced meat, bean sprout, fried garlic and scallion in homemade broth.

MELISSA ELSMO/Food editor

Nathapon Srimahaprom (foreground) and Pattra Wijitjamari work in tandem in the Na Siam Kitchen.

North Avenue District.

Srimahaprom and Wijitjamari opted to keep the former name and menu but bring their own influences to the menu by making thoughtful recipe adjustments that focus on clean flavors and authentic ingredients.

“We are trying to be true to our own style and want our dishes to be a true reflection of Thai home cooking,” said Srimahaprom.

In addition to offering common Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Pad Si-Ew they also offer five noodle soups including Kao Soy soup featuring a creative mix of egg noodles with yellow curry sauce, onion and cilantro topped with crispy egg rolls. Na Siam also offers a rich interpretation of Pho and will soon offer less known Tom Sab Soup.

Though it sounds similar to the more wellknown Tom Yum Soup, Tom Sab is entirely different — a comforting hot and sour pork rib soup that is best served over rice and boasts aromatic herbal notes of galangal, kaffir lime and lemongrass.

Currently Srimahaprom, Wijitjamari and Grandma Jinda are the only employees at Na Siam and hope customers understand things can be a little slow at time. They are

collectively looking forward to the day they can hire additional help and envision expanding to include a second location highlighting sushi and ramen.

As Maple is becoming more mobile, keeping her happy and entertained is becoming more challenging. Though Wijitjamari and Srimahaprom are considering one of the many nearby daycare centers on North Avenue to care for her down the road they are committed to keep her at the restaurant for the time being.

“After losing our son we know the importance of staying together as much as possible,” said Wijitjamari fighting back tears.

“For now, Maple is here with us every day and she eats this food, too.”

As for combining parenting and restaurant ownership, Srimahaprom and Wijitjamari agree it is both “fun and hard,” but they are dedicated to putting their best into everything they do.

“We want people to understand us and know who we are,” said Srimahaprom. “We want to serve the community and thank all the customers for their support and patience.”

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

11

After contract, new chief exec plunges into planning River Forest administrator officially starts Dec. 13

By ROBERT J LIFKA

structure and zoning issues, and increased collaboration with other taxing bodies and education entities with ties to the village Brian Murphy, River Forest’s new village and its residents. Also discussed were enviadministrator, got a good look at the priori- ronmental and health issues, such as flooding and reducing air pollution and depenties of the village board when approval of his contract at a Dec. 6 special meeting was dence on natural gas. Scheiner explained followed by a 90-minute strategic-planning that staff members would digest the discussion and distill suggested short- and longsession.

Murphy will be paid $185,000 annually un- term goals into specific recommendations der the contract, which runs until May 12, to be presented to the board in early 2022.

Murphy’s contract as village administra2025, when the term of current village Presitor in Plainfield was not renewed in April dent Cathy Adduci also ends.

“I’m glad to be here,” Murphy said before following the election of a new mayor. He served in that position since the meeting. “I’m very humbled 2009, coming to Plainfield from and honored.” his home state of Michigan.

He described the board and Since June he has served as actstaff as “absolutely fantastic,” ing community development diadding that the further he rerector for Fox Lake. searched the village, the more In July, River Forest hired impressed he was with the board GovHR of Northbrook, a public and staff. management consulting firm, “They have a passion to serve to conduct the search. The firm, the community,” he added. which serves local government The choice of Murphy as clients and other public-sector village administrator was anBRIAN MURPHY entities across the country, had nounced in November but the been used by River Forest previboard still had to approve his appointment and contract, a formality com- ously, most recently to fill the village finance pleted unanimously Dec. 6. His first day on director position.

Following a nationwide search, officials the job will be Monday, Dec. 13.

Murphy replaces Eric Palm, who re- interviewed six candidates in a series of spesigned in February after 10 years as River cial meetings in October and November beForest village administrator, leaving to ac- fore narrowing their choices to two finalists.

Adduci cited Murphy’s understanding cept a similar position in Hoffman Estates.

Lisa Scheiner, assistant village manager, of economic development as one of his strengths. has served as acting village manager.

Murphy earned his bachelor’s degree Murphy brings 28 years of public administrative experience, most recently as vil- from Oakland University in Michigan and lage administrator in Plainfield for 12 years. his master of public administrator degree In addition to his base salary, he will re- from the University of Michigan.

His previous experience in municipal ceive sick days and holidays under the terms set forth for full-time-level employ- government includes two years as city ees in the village’s personnel policy manu- manager of Belding, three years as village al, and 18 days of paid vacation. The village manager of Beverly Hills, and five years as also will pay for his health insurance, med- assistant city manager of Troy, all in Michical insurance, life insurance, accidental igan. He also served as assistant to the city death insurance, disability insurance and manager in Grosse Pointe and assistant short-term disability insurance. In lieu of village manager in Grosse Point Park, both a village-owned vehicle and cellphone, he also in Michigan. will receive a $400 per month vehicle allowOfficials still have to hire a new fire ance and a $60 per month cellphone allow- chief following the retirement of Kurt Bohlmann in September. GovHR also is ance.

Topics discussed during the strategic- conducting that search. Robert Nortier, planning session, conducted by Scheiner, a former deputy chief in River Forest, is included economic development, infra- serving as his temporary replacement.

Contributing Reporter

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

OA K PAR K-R I V ER F OR E ST

Community Foundation We envision a racially just and equitable society as the full inclusion of all people into a society in which everyone can participate, thrive and prosper.

In an equitable society, everyone, regardless of the circumstance of birth or upbringing, is treated justly and fairly by its institutions and systems.

We ask for your support to make this vision a reality.

Visit oprfcf.org to learn more.

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

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OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Community Foundation

present

Season of

Giving Your Local Guide to a Better World

Make an impact in your own community this year by supporting local nonprofits. Go to OakPark.com and check out the 2021 Season of Giving (you’ll find it on the homepage).

Read articles, personal stories and detailed descriptions of these local organizations: Animal Care League Austin Coming Together Beyond Hunger BUILD The Collaboration for Early Childhood Concordia University The Day Nursery Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Friends of Oak Park Conservatory Hephzibah Children’s Association Growing Community Media

Historical Society of Forest Park Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest Housing Forward IWS Children’s Clinic L’Arche Chicago Maywood Youth Mentoring Program Nehemiah Community Project New Moms The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Oak Park Art League Oak Park Festival Theatre

Oak Park Public Library Oak Park Regional Housing Center The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation One Earth Collective Opportunity Knocks D97 PTO Council PeopleCare,Inc. PING! Pro Bono Network The Quinn Center of St. Eulalia Race Conscious Dialogues River Forest Public Library Foundation

Sarah’s Inn Sister House St. Angela School Sweet Rest The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Thrive Counseling Center UCP Seguin Way Back Inn Welcome to Fatherhood West Suburban Special Recreation Association Wonder Works Youth Outreach Services

If you missed the Season of Giving special section in the newspaper, you can request a free copy by emailing your name and address to marc@oakpark.com and we’ll mail you a copy.

13

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

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Oak Park trustees pass 2022 budget Board approves $160.3M document 6-1

By STACEY SHERIDAN

pushed for years before we even got into office — I’m very happy to see that happen,” she said.

Her quarrels with the budget took up the Without any discord and on schedule, the Oak Park Village Board of Trustees adopted majority of her monologue. Walker-Pedthe 2022 fiscal year budget, Monday night. dakotla stated she “didn’t agree” with the All but one village board member voted in village board’s decision to use $14 million of the $38.9 in American Rescue Plan Act favor.

“What, we’re not going to fight about this funds to reimburse the village for lost revat all?” Trustee Ravi Parakkat joked prior to enue due to COVID-19. She called the reimbursement a “misstep” as “people are hurtthe vote.

The budget serves as a financial outline ing.” The anguish caused by the pandemic for spending priorities over the 12 months, she linked to the increase in crime.

“When you see that crime is going up beginning Jan. 1. The 35 village funds inin our community, it’s not a cludes approximately $160.3 surprise just given how much million in net expenditures. this pandemic has taken from The expected fiscal year ’22 people in terms of their jobs,” expenditures out of the vilshe said. lage’s main operating fund, Her biggest grievance with the general fund, total $69.8 this particular budget was million. The board has comthe money allotted for policmitted to capping its tax levy ing, which includes $27.1 milincrease to 3%, equating to lion from the general fund. roughly $1.1 million.

Noting that “people calling Trustees expressed their for change … never get their appreciation to staff, espeway,” Walker-Peddakotla incially the village’s chief fivoked Black writer and civil nancial officer and treasurer, rights activist James Baldwin.

Steve Drazner, for putting to“How long must Black gether the hefty, 324-page fisAmericans wait for progress cal document. The final adopfrom their governments when tion was the culmination of a months-long process that ARTI WALKERPEDDAKOTLA it comes to racial profiling by Oak Park trustee police?” she asked. began with a preliminary The sitting village board has budget discussion held in the made a larger commitment to height of summer on July police reform than the previ27. While Drazner was available for questions at Monday’s meeting, the ous board. The ’22 budget includes $350,000 board was already well-versed in the con- appropriated to the village manager’s office for a potential non-police emergency tents of the budget due to the multitude of response initiative. conversations leading up to that night.

“I wanted more,” Walker-Peddakotla “I’ve said everything I have to say about this budget in these previous meetings,” said. “I will always want more for those initiatives.” said a smiling Trustee Susan Buchanan.

Trustee Jim Taglia felt differently. He That was not the case for other village board members, particularly mid-term urged his fellow board members to not “let Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla, who has the perfect be the enemy of the good,” statvoted against adopting the village’s fiscal ing he is in favor of non-police emergency budgets every year since taking office. This response and referenced the Community Emergency Services and Support Act, year proved no different.

She treated the board to a lengthy speech state legislation signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzdetailing her reasoning. While she praised ker in August requiring 911 call centers to the work put into the document, she reit- coordinate with mental health agencies.

However, he was “not particularly superated her belief that “budgets are moral documents,” reflecting the village’s “moral portive” of the inclusion of $350,000. He priorities.” This budget, she thought, was justified his view by pointing out that of moving closer in that direction, but was still the budgetary item provides no detail of “lacking.” She referenced the creation of a what a potential non-police emergency rededicated trust for the village’s affordable sponse would involve.

“I am supportive of such a program and I housing fund as one of the budget’s most have stated so unequivocally,” he said. “But worthwhile new additions.

“I do think that the work that Trustee [Lu- to levy tax dollars before we have a very cia] Robinson and I have done to get an af- clear idea of what the expenditure entails is fordable housing fund — and advocates have not best practice.”

Staff Reporter

“I wanted more. I will always want more for those initiatives.”

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

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16

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

C R I M E

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OPRF COVID

Reversal after protest from page 1 came from concerns of a recent rise in positive Covid cases among students and employees. Last week, the district reported 17 new COVID-19 cases, identifying over 50 close contacts per case.

According to a schoolwide email sent Dec. 6, Superintendent Greg Johnson outlined three new measures, which are set to remain in place through the end of this semester.

Among them, students and employees must now wear KN95 or surgical face masks; the Oak Park Department of Public Health is providing the district masks for those who do not have their own and will be made available to them upon entering the building. Those masks are reusable.

Johnson is also asking students who have not yet opted in for COVID-19 saliva testing to sign up via Skyward, a database for schools, and for those who have already signed up to actually participate in the testing. A second round of testing will take place Dec. 9 during physical education classes, Johnson said.

OPRF spokeswoman Karin Sullivan said getting students to show up for weekly Covid testings at school has been a challenge. Under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s guidelines, only unvaccinated school employees are required to test weekly for COVID-19. But testing is voluntary and open to all students regardless of their vaccination status, although those who are unvaccinated are urged to test, according to the school site.

Roughly 2,000 students opted to get tested for COVID-19, Sullivan said, but the reality is only 100 to 200 students come each week for testing. Total enrollment at OPRF is 3,364 according to the state’s school report card. Unlike last year, when students were offered the option to attend in-person or online classes, those who chose the former were required to be tested for Covid, but that is not the case this year, she said.

“It’s very clear we cannot require students

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

LET US PLAY: OPRF basketball player, Reese Garland, addresses the gathering of students and parents who protested the school’s decision to ban extracurriculars due to a surge in COVID cases. The ban was quickly rescinded. [to test for COVID-19], and there are no consequences if a student has opted in and doesn’t show up,” she said.

As far as masking goes, Sullivan said that while a majority of students have been “quite good” about wearing their masks properly – nose and mouth covered – there are some students who need reminders.

“What we feel we’re seeing is just pandemic fatigue overall. People are just tired of everything that goes along with coping with Covid,” she said.

In the Dec. 6 email, Johnson noted some changes to students’ lunch period. In an effort

to encourage them to “spread out” more during lunch, the district is allowing all students to eat off campus for the next two weeks only.

Before, juniors and seniors were only allowed to eat lunch outside of school grounds, said Sullivan. Also, apart from the north cafeteria, the west gym and the fieldhouse will serve as makeshift lunchrooms.

Sullivan said finding the right place to accommodate students during lunch has posed another obstacle.

“We’ve heard a lot: ‘Can’t you just move lunch into bigger spaces?’” said Sullivan.

“What we’re doing this week is we have taken over gyms for lunch, and that is losing instructional space. Again, it’s affecting our P.E. division, and they’re rolling with it. They have been fabulous, but we had to determine ‘Can we take these instructional spaces for lunch?’ and ‘What does that look like?’”

Acknowledging ‘difficult days’

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

ON SECOND THOUGHT: Parents and students turned out Saturday to weigh in against the high school’s extracurricular ban.

Sullivan also explained the district’s thought-process behind its initial decision to pause activities, citing other letters Johnson sent to families over the weekend. In those letters, Johnson told families the 17 new COVID-19 cases that cropped up last week were a “concerning uptick,” and that the Oak Park Department of Public Health “directed us” to halt all extracurricular activities, including sports practices and competitions Dec. 4 through winter break.

“We understand that this announcement is disappointing and frustrating, especially as our extracurricular activities were just get-

ting underway,” Johnson wrote in an email Dec. 3. “However, protecting the health and safety of our entire community is our utmost priority.”

Sullivan told the Journal, “That was our most immediate action we could take given this very concerning rise in cases,” adding that she and other school officials began thinking, “Where can we limit the density in gathering?”

That decision received pushback from students and parents, prompting a protest outside OPRF on Dec. 4. Those in attendance, many of whom were student athletes, were upset and voiced their concerns, noting that extracurricular activities are more than just games or performances; they are essential outlets for mental health and social wellness.

A petition on Change.org – which has garnered more than 1,900 signatures – made its rounds on social media over the weekend, where signers are demanding the Board of Education and administration reconsider the cancellation of extracurricular activities and hold a public hearing to disclose the information leading to the initial decision.

District 200 board members are to host a special meeting Dec. 7, after the Journal’s print deadline, to discuss COVID-19 mitigations.

“I know the past few days have been extremely difficult,” Johnson wrote in the Dec. 6 email, inviting families to attend the special board meeting. “Thank you to all our students, teachers, and staff for all your efforts to help get our students back to the sports and activities that they love. You truly do represent those things that are best.”

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

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17

Oak Park Health Department gets new nurse Paying for position using American Rescue Plan Act funds

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Out of the $38.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds going to the village of Oak Park, $40,000 will go toward compensation of registered nurse Cassidy Olson. The village board voted unanimously Dec. 6 to approve the resolution to hire Olson for the nursing position for a period of one year.

The resolution was brought forward to the board during its last meeting of the year to allow the village to continue COVID-19 response services into 2022, according to Interim Village Manager Lisa Shelley. The employment agreement begins Jan. 1 and expires Dec. 31, 2022.

Olson’s duties will primarily consist of assisting the Oak Park Public Health Department with vaccinations, particularly

VID-19 and two “public on weekends, as the village’s health fellows.” other hired full-time regisThe epidemiologist would tered nurses work weekdays be compensated in a not-toand evenings. exceed amount of $115,678 Village President Vicki for a period of one year Scaman acknowledged Olson, who was not present at through the Illinois Dethe meeting, for taking the partment of Public Health position.

(IDPH) Cooperative PubVICKI SCAMAN “Thank you to Cassidy lic Health Grant, if it is Oak Park village president for taking this role on,” she awarded to the village of said. “I know the other nursOak Park. es are quite exhausted.”

“That is a position that The temporary nursing we sorely need,” Public position may not be the Health Director Theresa only new addition to the Oak Park Public Chapple-McGruder told the board.

Health Department. The village board also The two “public health fellows” would voted unanimously to approve the submis- be funded through the U.S. Centers for sion of grant applications for the purpose Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of hiring three other temporary positions: and the Council for State and Territorial an epidemiologist focused chiefly on CO- Epidemiologists (CSTE), supplemented by

“Thank you to Cassidy for taking this role on. I know the other nurses are quite exhausted.”

$12,000 in ARPA funds. The fellows would work with the village for two years.

“It is a competitive process; the fellows are not guaranteed,” Shelley said.

If the village of Oak Park should be assigned either one fellow or the requested two, $12,000 in ARPA funds would be needed cover the costs of sending the fellows back and forth to the CDC over the twoyear period.

The fellows spend a year with the CDC, undergoing public health training. Following training, they are assigned to state and local health departments to assist in special projects and staffing, according to Chapple-McGruder, who said the Oak Park Public Health Department is only about 50 percent staffed.

“Our health department is right now extremely understaffed,” said ChappleMcGruder.

HOLIDAY INN

Worries about traffic from page 1 rooms and only one added floor. The first floor will continue to be used for retail, but the hotel concierge’s desk will also occupy the first floor.

Project architect Barkat Virani told the zoning board the changes would mitigate the hotel’s impact on traffic, and it is expected that only half the guests would need parking.

Neighbors, however, remained unconvinced, though they were not necessarily against having a hotel occupy the building. Those at the meeting expressed anxiety hotel guests would exacerbate the standing traffic issue caused by people illegally parking outside nearby businesses.

Such businesses include cannabis dispensary MedMen and Nando’s Peri-Peri restaurant, both of which are located on the first floor of the building intended for the Holiday Inn. The problems are compounded by Chipotle Mexican Grill, located next door, as customers often double park on Lake Street and block the easement to Holley Court garage, according to residents.

Residents were further unconvinced that guests would know to use the hotel’s primary entrance, located on the second floor and accessible via the bridge attached to the village-owned Holley Court garage, rather than the Lake Street hotel entrance. Concerns were raised that guests checking into the hotel would likely park their cars on Lake Street, causing further blockage.

“I feel that we could direct people all you want into this garage, but it’s a very tough sell,” said ZBA member Steve Ruszczyk.

He added that the hotel had an “insufficient way to get in the front and an insufficient way to get in the rear.”

The ZBA found residents’ suggestion of a valet service, which the Hemani brothers presently have no plans to pursue, ultimately an ineffective traffic-mitigation idea. Neither Lake Street nor the building’s back alley have areas for cars awaiting valet parking to queue, the zoning board reasoned.

Noting that solving Oak Park’s ever-evolving traffic prob-

RENDERING PROVIDED

TRAFFIC JAM: Rendering of the proposed Holiday Inn Express fails to show the vehicular traffic that concerned neighbors say will further gum up an already congested Lake Street. lem was outside their purview, the ZBA voted 5-to-1 in favor of recommending the village board approve the request for a special-use permit with the condition that hotel signage be affixed on the west of the building. The ZBA also directed the applicant to present a plan for delivery hours and areas during the permit application process. Ruszczyk cast the dissenting vote.

Chair Jim Lencioni told residents they had the ability to present their worries to the village board, which will make the final call. He noted that the board’s membership had

changed considerably since 2019.

“This is a different body,” Lencioni said.

Still, the traffic issue weighed heavily on zoning board members, with Takiguchi considering the night’s conversation as a harbinger of sorts. He told his fellow zoning board members traffic was likely to worsen as downtown Oak Park continues to grow and redevelop.

“Things are going to get more like Lincoln Park than Oak Park at this point,” said Takiguchi. “I don’t think we can hide from it; I think we’ve got to manage it.”

18

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SUA holiday toy drive runs through Dec. 21

Recovery can be hard.

PCC will support you every step of the way.

Brewpoint coffee is local drop-off spot

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

The season of giving is here, and one Oak Park nonprofit is looking to bring some holiday cheer to families in need – and teaming up with local organizations along the way. In partnership with Best of Proviso, the Hampton House and Brewpoint Craft, Suburban Unity Alliance (SUA) is hosting a Christmas toy drive to benefit children from Oak Park, Proviso Township and Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

The collection, which began Dec. 6 and runs until Dec. 21, is another effort from SUA, as well as its collaborative partners, to support children and families. Accepted donations include new toys appropriate for children ages 6 to 12, and items must be unwrapped, said SUA founder Anthony Clark. SUA is also accepting monetary donations through its online website at www.suburbanunity.org/donate.

“A lot of families right now are struggling with work and employment and making ends meet,” said Clark, a community activist and teacher at Oak Park and River Forest High

School. “That additional revenue or additional income to purchase toy items for children is difficult. It’s creating stressors, so we look to step up.”

Clark noted there are two drop-off locations for donors: Brewpoint Craft, 163 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park and the Hampton House, 804 S. 17th Ave. in Maywood. Donations can be dropped off at Brewpoint during business hours, 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Those who are planning to drop off their toys at the Hampton House can do so between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. any day of the week.

Brewpoint founder Melissa Villanueva, she said she did not think twice about joining forces with SUA. Back in September, Brewpoint and SUA came together for a back-to-school drive, collecting face masks and travel-sized hand sanitizers for students.

“Anthony is plugged in. SUA is plugged in,” Villanueva said. “They know what the needs are, and we know that we [Brewpoint] can be a place where we can be connected and serve the community, and so, doing something like a toy drive during the holidays is an absolute no-brainer.”

Learn more.

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

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A Western Springs man was able to run away from two armed men who were in the process of burglarizing his vehicle in a parking garage in the first block of Erie Court last week. At 1:17 a.m., Dec. 3 the victim walked into the parking garage and found a man sitting in the front seat of his 2013 Jeep.

When the victim yelled, a second man appeared from the rear driver’s side of the victim’s vehicle and pointed a handgun at the victim, who was able to run out of the parking garage and call police.

The victim saw a dark gray sports utility vehicle exiting the parking garage, according to police reports, and returned to his Jeep to find its interior had been ransacked and rear driver’s side window shattered. No loss was reported.

Aggravated vehicular hijacking arrest

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■ A Chicago juvenile was arrested and charged Nov. 29 for the aggravated vehicle hijacking with a firearm of a 2015 Toyota Avalon that took place Oct. 20 in the 700 block of South Oak Park Avenue. The juvenile was identified as one of the two offenders through an investigation conducted by Oak Park police detectives and was taken to the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center in Chicago in lieu of bond.

Lisa Rock in

Burglary ■ A security alarm system alerted police that A-1 Jewelry and Pawn, 6151 W. North Ave., was broken into at 2:24 a.m., Dec. 2.

Officers found two glass display counters broken. A television, video gaming systems and other items were missing from the business. The loss was unknown at the time of reporting.

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Motor vehicle theft

■ The gray 2015 Infiniti Q50 reported stolen Oct. 26 from the 200 block of North Grove Avenue was recovered, sans license plates, by the Chicago Police Department Nov. 30.

■ A black 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT parked in the 100 block of West Garfield Street was removed between 1 a.m. and 7:45 a.m., Dec. 1. A pair of Gucci sunglasses, a gold chain and a pair of Louis Vuitton sunglasses were inside the vehicle. The estimated loss is $61,500.

■ The red Honda CR-V reported stolen Dec. 1 from the 6600 block of West North Avenue was recovered at 2:41 p.m., Dec. 2 by the Schiller Park Police Department with no apprehensions.

Theft ■ The catalytic converter was cut from a Ford E-350 while the vehicle was parked in the 300 block of Chicago Avenue between 7 a.m., Nov. 24 and 7 a.m., Nov. 29.

Criminal property damage ■ The rear driver’s side window of a black 2019 Dodge Charger was shattered between 1 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., Dec. 1 in the 100 block of Garfield Street. The estimated damage is $200.

These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports through Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

NEED TO REACH US?

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

21

Homes

Virtual holiday housewalk and raffle returns

Fundraiser benefits the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society

By LACEY SIKORA

F

Contributing Reporter

or the second year in a row, the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society (IWS) is taking its Holiday Housewalk virtual. This year’s walk will feature six architecturally significant Oak Park and River Forest homes decorated for the holidays.

While the in-person walk was limited to one weekend, the video access for the virtual walk will be available Dec. 10 through Jan. 10, giving participants an entire month to take in the indoor and outdoor scenes.

The IWS is also making ticket buying a little sweeter, by offering another grand raffle of $10,000.

IWS board President Debbie Blanco says

that the Holiday Housewalk is an integral part of the society’s mission.

“It’s our premier fundraiser of the year,” Blanco said. “Sixty percent of the budget of the Children’s Clinic comes from philanthropy.”

The IWS Children’s Clinic serves over 3,400 children in more than 10,000 visits each year, addressing the medical, dental and behavioral care of a population in need.

As the construction continues on the Children’s Clinic new home on Madison Street, that support is more important than ever.

Blanco says the Holiday Housewalk, whether in-person or virtual, is a good representation of the IWS as a charitable organization.

“Our fundraisers are ‘fun-raisers.’ Community is very important to who we are,” she said.

Sarina Butler, longtime IWS volunteer and script writer for this year’s walk, says the walk is always a highlight of the holiday season.

See HOLIDAY HOUSEWALK on page 23

PHOTOS BY ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Among the homes on this year’s Holiday Housewalk is a French Provincial style residence in River Forest that retains much of its 1927 charm, perfect for the holiday spirit.

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

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23

HOLIDAY HOUSEWALK Significant homes from page 21 “Our area is so beautiful, the architecture is extremely diverse and many homes are historic,” Butler said. “Homeowners take pride in keeping their homes really lovely at holiday time. It’s a chance to see gorgeous homes with great people willing to share them for a great cause.”

This year’s homes span a variety of styles.

A River Forest home built in 1927 for a mafia figure suspected of involvement in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre had seen better days when its current owners purchased it.

Working with local architect Rosanne McGrath, they enlarged the home and created an interior that complements the home’s French Provincial exterior. While the family has modernized the house for today’s style, they retained the original foyer chandelier and stair banister.

An Oak Park stunner on Forest Avenue has no known architect, but the early 20th century home holds its own among nearby Frank Lloyd Wright designs. The home is decorated with a combination of traditional and modern furnishings.

Butler says the two-story foyer features a stunning seven-foot-tall artwork composed of eleven infinity clusters made of crystal.

An E.E. Robertsdesigned home on the tour has been remodeled, but Butler states, “It looks just like Roberts built it yesterday.”

The original touches include art glass windows fronting Chicago Avenue. One touch that’s not original is the renovated kitchen which can comfortably accommodate 40 guests for an annual cookie baking gathering.

In River Forest, a 126-year-old Victorian house was converted to a three-flat in the 1920s. Today’s owners have returned it to a single-family home. An exterior renovation in 2010 was followed by an interior remodel in 2014 which created a modernized kitchen that suits the original era of the home.

The final River Forest home was built in 1901 and designed by architect Charles Lowry for his son and namesake. The home was remodeled early in its life, and its art glass tells the story.

The original art glass features curved lines and rounded shapes while the glass installed during the renovation is more linear and modern. The current owners love to cook and highlight their Mediterranean heritage. Butler says their kitchen

How to take the tour The Infant Welfare Society Virtual Holiday Housewalk and Grand Raffle tickets can be purchased at one.bidpal. net/holidayhousewalk/welcome.

Each $55 ticket includes entry to the $10,000 grand raffle. Ticket packages including more raffle tickets are available for purchase as well.

The virtual tours will be available for viewing from Dec. 10 through Jan. 10.

The Grand Raffle drawing will be recorded and shared online Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. with its built-in, open pantry celebrates the family’s rich food heritage.

While all of this year’s homes are architecturally significant, Butler says the most well-known is Oak Park’s Arthur Heurtley House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Six architecturally significant homes are featured on this year’s Holiday Housewalk with their interiors decorated to suit the season.

1902 and considered to be his first Prairie Style home. This year, the house will be professionally decorated by Forest Park’s Moss, and Butler says the natural theme will complement Wright’s Prairie design.

“They really are committed to the aesthetic of the house,” Butler said. “Even among Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses, it’s unique.

It’s so impressive, and this is the first time people will see it decorated for Christmas.”

Butler says that when COVID forced the housewalk to move to a virtual format, the IWS volunteers were a bit nervous about turnout. There was no need to be con-

cerned. The 2020 walk raised more money than the pre-pandemic, in-person walk in 2019. Butler is hopeful that this year’s walk will do the same in order to provide needed funds for the Children’s Clinic.

Housewalk Co-Chair Monica Klinke states, “Last year, we were looking for a temporary fix for our pandemic problem, and it turns out people loved this format.

You can watch it on your own time, in your house in your pajamas or with your friends. Last year, we had people from 24 states and from as far away from France watching. We had a broader reach.”

24

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Dear Readers, Thanks to all those who have supported our nonprofit mission at Growing Community Media since our formation in 2019. At our relatively new nonprofit, our leadership has spent the past several months developing our initial strategic plan, and focusing on our mission statement: Growing Community Media connects citizens through community journalism rooted deep in our neighborhoods, based in facts, and reflective of voices not always heard.

On the ground, we work to fulfill our mission with projects like our Campaign for Democracy election coverage in our suburban communities and our Delores McCain and Terry Dean Narrative Reporter position on the West Side of Chicago. Every day we report stories of our local athletes and artists, homes and businesses, festivals and meetings, teachers and students, religious communities and nonprofits. All while working to hold our government, institutions and leaders accountable. Every day we host robust conversations among our readers in our opinion pages and on our social media. And we have been able, so far, to keep our content free and available to all, without paywalls.

Make no mistake -- producing content that is deeply rooted, fact-based, and reflective of the broad spectrum of voices that call our communities home is anything but free. As a nonprofit newsroom, we depend on the support of readers like you to keep this critical work going. And from now through the end of the year, we have the opportunity to match your new monthly donation 12 times, or double your one time gift up to $1,000 per individual. Your gift now extends the reporting we can do in 2022.

Will you help power the broad and deep reporting on our communities that is unavailable anywhere else?

If you prefer to make your gift by check, be sure to look for a donation envelope in print copies of this week’s newspapers.

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www.oakpark.com/donate or make your check payable to Growing Community Media at 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

@ @OakPark

SPORTS OPRF boys turn tables, dunk crosstown rival Fenwick

Sam Lewis paces Huskies with 21 points, 13 rebounds

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Fenwick High School boys basketball team entered its annual rivalry game with Oak Park and River Forest High School on Dec. 3 having defeated the Huskies nine of the previous 10 meetings.

But OPRF used a 12-0 third-quarter run to pull away from the Friars for a 66-52 victory in the Chicago Elite Classic at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Credit Union One Arena.

“It means a lot,” said OPRF senior forward Justin Mullins. “They’d beaten us a lot lately, but we have a new culture now.”

“It’s big for the town,” added OPRF coach Phil Gary. “We’ve been losing to them a lot, but this is a fresh start and a new era. The kids were super pumped early and we missed some wide-open shots, but once we settled in, I thought we were fine.”

Both teams struggled offensively at the start as Fenwick (0-3) led 4-0 midway through the opening quarter. OPRF (3-2) didn’t score until Roscoe Caldwell nailed a three-pointer, and that seemed to loosen up the Huskies as they rallied to take a 12-9 advantage after the first.

OPRF pulled away a bit in the second quarter, outscoring the Friars 17-13 to take a 29-22 halftime lead. But keyed by three consecutive baskets by freshman guard Damion Porter Jr., Fenwick used an 8-0 run to tie the game 32-32 midway through the third quarter.

However, the Huskies immediately countered with a decisive 12-0 spurt which featured back-to-back thunderous dunks by Mullins and Sam Lewis.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

OPRF’s Sam Lewis (11) scored a game-high 21 points and added 13 rebounds to pace the Huskies during their win over crosstown rival Fenwick on Dec. 3 at the Chicago Elite Classic at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Credit Union One Arena.

“Those dunks c hanged the game; our crowd went crazy,” said Lewis, who finished with game highs in scoring (21 points) and

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Justin Mullins (center) scored 20 points and had 12 rebounds for the Huskies, who came into the game against Fenwick on Dec. 3 having lost nine of their previous 10 meetings.

rebounding (13). “We started rolling.”

“I think that showed a bit of growth on our end,” added Gary. “In the past couple of games, we were shell-shocked when teams made runs at us. But tonight we were calm.

Basketball is a game of runs, and when they made their run, we made a big one after that.”

Fenwick coach Tony Young felt his team’s inexperience was an important factor during the key stretch.

“That’s the [lack of] experience with our freshmen and sophomores,” he said. “Our seniors did their job. In his first game back [from football], you could tell Denium [Juette] had been playing for a while. Their pressure sped us up a little bit.”

OPRF led 46-36 after three quarters, and Juette scored nine of his team-high 20 points in the fourth quarter as the Friars attempted to rally, but Mullins negated the effort by pouring in eight of his 20 points.

“Once we started getting a lot of steals, I think that changed the flow of the game,” Mullins said. “We needed that.”

Mullins added 12 rebounds as the Huskies

dominated the Friars on the glass, finishing with a 44-32 edge. That helped to offset some ball carelessness by OPRF, which committed 24 turnovers.

Fenwick was also done-in by poor shooting from both three-point range (0-for-10) and the free-throw line (6-of-20).

“That’s unacceptable,” Young said.

“That’s what really hurt us.”

While OPRF was enthusiastic about defeating its rival, there’s a good chance it was the last time for the Huskies to play this calendar year. Not long afterwards, the school announced that it was pausing all extracurricular activities -- including athletics -- through the winter break due to a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases. The school has recorded 17 cases over the past seven days.

In an email sent to parents, OPRF Superintendent Greg Johnson said the school would be in discussions with the Oak Park Health Department over the next two weeks to determine how to proceed.

Meanwhile, Fenwick is scheduled to return to action Dec. 7 at St. Ignatius.

S P O R T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

27

Trinity basketball rides hot start to win over OPRF

Blazers scores game’s first 15 points, paced by sophomore guard Miller

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

When Trinity High School hosted Oak Park and River Forest High School on Dec. 2 in a crosstown showdown, it marked the first time since February 2020 that the Blazers played with the general public in attendance at Sister Michelle Germanson Gymnasium.

“It was nice to have the people from my school and my classmates come out to watch and support me. I’ve never really had a warm atmosphere like this to play in,” said sophomore guard Lauren Miller, who poured in a game-high 24 points and added 10 rebounds to pace Trinity to a 45-32 victory over OPRF. Trinity (4-3) got off to a hot start, scoring the game’s first 15 points. Both Coleman and Miller thought that was the key to the victory.

“That was phenomenal. I just wished we could’ve maintained it throughout the whole game,” Trinity coach Kim Coleman said of the Blazers’ early intensity after a 47-19 loss to Fenwick on Nov. 30.

OPRF (3-3) didn’t score until more than four minutes into the game, on a basket by senior guard Kennedy Jones. The Huskies

CAROL DUNNING/Contributor

OPRF’s Kennedy Jones guards Trinity’s Cierra Richardson, who scored six points during the Blazers 45-32 win over the Huskies on Dec. 2 in River Forest. had just three baskets in the entire first half as they continued a troubling pattern.

“We have to learn how to start games with the same intensity we try to finish them with,” OPRF coach Carlton Rosemond said.

“We’ve gotten off to slow starts in a lot of our games, and that may have to do with our preparation for them.”

It didn’t help the Huskies that they were without two of their best players, senior

guard Lilah Gery and junior forward Reese Garland, against Trinity due to injury.

“Lilah is our leading scorer and not having her hurts,” Rosemond said. “Not having Reese’s physical presence inside also kills our rotation. But we don’t make excuses, it’s next girl up.”

A bright spot for OPRF was the play of senior guard Libby Majka, who scored 13 of her team-high 17 points in the second half.

“This is Libby’s best game of the season,” Rosemond said. “She’s a very talented player, but I think sometimes she doesn’t believe it. Hopefully, after today she sees she can do it, and it will be a sign of things to come.”

Three Trinity junior guards made valuable contributions against OPRF. Sophia Rodriguez had 10 points, Cierra Richardson 6 points and Maeve Lundt 7 steals.

“When we’re at the top of our game, we’re pressing and speeding up our opponents,” Coleman said. “We need to be more patient in running our offense and trusting it. Our focus is just being connected to one another while we put our pieces together.”

On Dec. 4, Trinity fell to Evanston High School 54-37. Miller had 10 points and 9 rebounds and Richardson 9 points for the Blazers, who resume their schedule this week with games at St. Ignatius and at Phillips.

The next game for OPRF is to be determined as the school suspended athletics and other extracurricular activities until further notice due to an increase in COVID-19 cases.

OPRF athletes breathe sigh of relief after school reversal Games back after officials walk back suspending extracurriculars

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

When Oak Park and River Forest High School announced on Dec. 3 that all extracurricular activities -- including athletics -- would be suspended due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, it caught many student-athletes off guard.

“When we found out about the decision, we were disappointed,” said OPRF boys basketball forward Justin Mullins on Dec. 4. “It happened to us last year, and we hate to see it happen again. There are guys trying to get college looks, and games help them. [Not playing] hurts.”

“It was tough. I was in near-tears,” added boys basketball forward Connor Hoehne.

OPRF students and parents organized a protest at the school Dec. 4 in an effort to get the suspension reversed.

Among those who spoke was Reese Garland, a junior on the girls basketball team.

“This is very upsetting news, considering we found out while we were at the game,” she said, referring to OPRF boys basketball’s 66-52 victory over Fenwick at the Chicago Elite Classic. “This affects our mental health because we have had our past two seasons cut short. It’s upsetting to everyone. We need sports and clubs so that we can feel like

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

OPRF student and basketball player Justin Mullins speaks to the crowd, who gathered to protest the decision to suspend all extracurricular activities due to a COVID-19 case surge, outside the high school on Dec. 4. ourselves again.”

As it turned out, the protest had an impact, because on Dec. 6, the school announced that athletics and other after-school activities would return the following day. And Hoehne was very happy about returning to the court.

“We’re super-excited to get back to [basketball], especially since we think we’re going to have a good year,” he said.

“Last year without sports was one of the lowest points of my life because I’ve always played them. They’re a way to connect with people, and when we were faced with losing them again, I got really scared. But it’s super that’s not the case.”

Lori Gery, mother of OPRF girls basketball senior guard Lilah Gery, said her daughter was devastated when the initial decision was announced, calling it traumatic and a risk to the mental health of the student-athletes to have their seasons suspended abruptly.

But she’s pleased with the administration’s decision to reinstate winter sports.

“I am so relieved that the administration reversed its decision,” she told Wednesday Journal via text. “I absolutely support commonsense mitigation strategies like vaccinations, social distancing, masking and quarantining.

They’re in place so that our kids can participate in their beloved extracurricular activities, which haven’t been the source of spread to date. It’s a win for their mental health.”

OPRF boys basketball coach Phil Gary is also pleased to be able to resume the Huskies’ season.

“It’s a big relief,” he said. “It was discouraging to hear the news on Friday, but to hear that we’re back helps kids mentally.”

OPRF boys basketball’s next game is Dec. 17 at Proviso West, while girls basketball’s next game is Dec. 13 at Hinsdale Central.

28

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

S P O R T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

OPRF wrestlers navigate rare rebuild in 2021-22 Coach: ‘We’re looking at this as a two-year process’

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School wrestling team is in a rare retooling situation. Having graduated several seniors from last spring’s pandemic-abbreviated season means the Huskies have several young and inexperienced wrestlers in their varsity lineup.

Yet, OPRF coach Paul Collins is optimistic about the way his team has performed in the early stages of the season. The Huskies lost their dual-meet opener Nov. 24 to Batavia 63-15, but defeated Andrew 43-30 three days later.

“It’s going pretty well,” he said. “We’ve got a young team with strong senior leadership.

We don’t have the superstars like we have had the last couple of years, but we’re looking to make solid development throughout the year and push at the end for the conference and state meets.”

Returning wrestlers with experience include seniors Amari Blanchard and Jalen Dunson (126 pounds), along with junior Cooper Lacey (120). Newcomers to keep an

eye on include sophomore Ruben Acevedo, who will wrestle at 113 pounds, junior Vance Domenz (170), junior William Kelly (132) and freshman Joseph Knackstedt (140).

With a young team, Collins expects to take some bumps early in the season. But he’s taking a long-term view of the program.

“Team-wise, we have a lot of development that needs to happen this year,” Collins said.

“We want to put ourselves in a position to win at the end and help our seniors finish their careers the right way. We’re looking at this as a two-year process.”

The Huskies are due to travel to several high-profile invitationals both in Illinois and across the Midwest, including The Clash dual-meet tournament in Rochester, Minnesota, on Jan. 7 and 8.

Then there is the always-tough West Suburban Silver Conference, which features top teams such as Downers Grove North, Hinsdale Central and Lyons Township.

Collins feels his young team is up for the challenge, thanks to the foundation established by past wrestlers.

“These guys are going to see the level of wrestling they’re expected to be at,” he said.

After having a pair of dual meets canceled

last weekend due to the temporary shutdown of athletics at OPRF as a result of an increase in COVID-19 cases, the Huskies have dual meets scheduled for this week with Hinsdale Central and Downers Grove North and a home quad on Dec. 11 with DeKalb, Providence and Riverside-Brookfield.

Deep Fenwick squad looks to make noise With a large number of experienced wrestlers returning this fall, Fenwick High School wrestling coach Seth Gamino is optimistic about this season.

“It’s exciting to have a full wrestling room and the energy is amazing,” Gamino said.

“Guys are pushing one another and are pumped to hit the mats representing Fenwick with pride.”

The Friars return seven wrestlers from last spring’s pandemic-abbreviated season, including senior Tommy Sullivan (145 pounds), junior Rowan White (152), senior Martin Paris (160), junior Finn McGee (170), junior Alex Ochoa (182), senior Conor Paris (195) and junior Conor Stetz (220).

Moreover, Fenwick regains the services of

senior Jimmy Liston at heavyweight. A Purdue football recruit, Liston missed the spring season due to injury.

“We’re solid from our middle weights all the way through heavyweight,” Gamino said.

Several of Fenwick’s wrestlers were on the IHSA Class 5A state championship football team, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Friars started slowly. However, Gamino readjusted the schedule and believes it will help alleviate any early-season struggles.

“The only thing I was worried about was them being out of shape, but winning a state football championship kept them in great condition,” Gamino said.

Fenwick has a rigorous schedule this winter. Besides having dual meets in the competitive Chicago Catholic League, the Friars will participate in the Morton Holiday Classic Invitational, a quad at Lyons Township High School and their annual triangular meet with St. Patrick and Taft.

Gamino said he’s thrilled to have wrestling back in its traditional time of year.

“Last year was irregular and just no fun,” he said of the spring season. “[Now] the boys can look forward to a proper schedule and [state] tournament action. It’s exciting.”

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

VIEWPOINTS

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We are not NIMBYs

p. 33

Protect more than just our own

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n Friday, Oak Park and River Forest High School canceled extracurricular activities for the next two weeks, until winter break, due to a rise in COVID cases at the school. A number of students and parents in the community are frustrated about this cancellation, and some of them staged a protest this past weekend outside the school. About 100 people showed up and there was television coverage from the Chicago CBS station.

In online discussions about the protest, a comment by local activist Cynthia Brito Millan caught my attention.

She wrote: “Where was this energy when Black and Latinx youth organizers protested failing grades because of the pandemic?” The truth embedded in this question really hit me. In the spring semester of last school year, 29% of Black students, 17% of Latinx students, and 7% of white students earned at least 1 F in a class. This was a grading crisis, spurred by the pandemic. It was one that occurred across the country.

Brito Millan mentors ROYAL, a group of Black and Latinx student activists who made the case in spring 2021 that the pandemic was affecting all students, but was impacting students of color the most — and students of color were also dealing with a second pandemic of racial violence and upheaval. They asked the high school not to fail any students due to the burdens of these dual pandemics. Some other districts around the country chose this option. The students put on a protest of their own back in May and several dozen people were there. It was notable that the 100 students and parents at the recent extracurricular rally were mostly white, while the two dozen people at the grading rally were mostly students of color. Why the difference?

We all bring the highest level of energy to issues we believe directly affect us and our own families. And the white students and parents at the extracurricular protest, and those voicing their feelings online, clearly feel that the suspension of activities will affect them and their families.

But what if we white parents decided to devote at least some portion of that same energy to other people’s children, especially to Black and Latinx students? I’m not asking white parents not to care about their own kids. I’m not even proposing that people should take a particular position on extracurriculars or on grading. But I am proposing that in a society where resources — money, health care, grades — are distributed unevenly by race, white parents bear some responsibility for considering other children. Otherwise, we just continue to perpetuate the disparities that exist as each person looks out for their own.

So, fellow white parents, let’s continue to protect and nurture our own children. But let’s also look beyond self-interest and listen to the voices of Black and Latinx youth and the issues that affect them and that they care about. Let’s devote some of our influence and energy to the issues that they raise. That is one way we can build a more just society — by standing with one another, across differences of race, gender or class.

By all means, listen to your own kids, and show up to the protest, speak for their issues online, and advocate for them. But remember that other kids need that advocacy too. What small step can you take to provide it?

Jim Schwartz is an Oak Park resident, an educator, and a blogger at Entwining.org.

JIM

SCHWARTZ One View

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A conversation on the reparations movement

s a young Black man growing up in Oak Park, I was never taught that Black people lived here before the 1950s, when world-renowned chemist Percy Julian moved in. I would later learn there were Black people living in Oak Park as early as 1880.

I was stunned.

This narrative has been largely erased from our history. Spreading awareness is key to the work of Walk the Walk, the grassroots group I co-founded with Danielle Morales and Chris Thomas.

In November, we launched an Oak Park Reparations Task Force composed of nine Black community members. The goal is to give detailed recommendations to Oak Park taxing bodies, residents, nonprofits, forprofits, and religious institutions on how to repair the harm done to the Black community since 1880.

We’ve been working on this initiative since June 2020 and presented to the Oak Park Village Board, which Wednesday Journal covered, the early history of Black residents. The presentation illustrated how the board participated in limiting the growth of the Black community and wealth in Oak Park and as a result should try to repair the harm done.

We’ve also partnered with the Oak Park Public Library to co-host community programs about the history of early Black residents, the experiences of current Black residents, and reparations.

As the library’s restorative practices coordinator, Tatiana Swancy says reparations are one way for the government to recognize and begin repairing a great harm that has been done to a person or group of people.

That research is backed up by recent action in Con-

gress. H.R. 40, introduced by the late John Conyers, D-Detroit, in 1989, finally passed out of the House Judiciary Committee in April. It was the first time the committee voted on the legislation.

Reparations are important for both economic and moral reasons. The moral case for reparations is twofold. Reparations promised to “freedmen” after emancipation were never paid and the United States is in desperate need of a truth and reconciliation movement. It gives us a chance for all to look our history in the eye, acknowledge and repair the harms of the past and attempt to all move forward together.

The economic reasons are many but can be most clearly seen in the fact that from 1619 to 1865 Black enslaved Americans were not paid for their labor. As a result, Black people did not have money to invest, buy real estate, life insurance, start businesses or build generational wealth. The wealth they should have gained was used to fund wars, build cities, massive fortunes, and help propel the U.S. into a global superpower faster than any nation in history.

Throughout time, Black people have benefited the least from the wealth they built. Nationally, according to the Federal Reserve Board, the median wealth of white families is nearly eight times more than that of Black families. A 2017 report by Prosperity Now and the Institute for Policy Studies says median Black wealth in America is set to hit zero by 2053.

Black people deserve to be compensated fairly for our labor and contributions to the American experiment.

The harms must be repaired.

CHRISTIAN HARRIS One View

See HARRIS on page 32

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

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Pragmatic sustainability

t is encouraging to see voices promoting sustainability gaining strength and influence in both River Forest and Oak Park.

The actions taken by the River Forest Village Board at its Nov. 22 meeting, related to negotiating a new waste hauling contract, reflect the views of its own Sustainability Commission.

The board heard strong recommendations on the need to expand composting options in the next contract, on adding and promoting the collection and recycling of electronics and hazardous materials.

Village staff told the board they heard those requests/demands clearly and would work on incorporating them into negotiations for a new five-year contract with its current vendor Lakeshore Recycling Services.

Notable, too, Lakeshore is the recent buyer of the village’s longtime hauler, Roy Strom Refuse and Removal. The transition from the family-owned Strom to the larger entity has not been entirely smooth. That led the village board to direct staff to negotiate a oneyear opt-out clause if Lakeshore can’t hit specific metrics built into the contract.

In Oak Park there is a rising, if ad hoc, climate change group that is gaining in influence. As proof that elections have consequences, Oak Park’s current village board has made sustainability a priority. Trustee Susan Buchanan gets credit for her steady pressure and leadership on sustainability both inside the board and in the ad hoc setting.

A new village-backed project, Better Homes, Better Planet, is both a pragmatic approach to making Oak Park’s aging housing stock more energy efficient and part of an aspirational agenda to make the village a true leader in saving the planet, one town at a time.

Incorporating urgent sustainability initiatives into the many realms where local government has control and influence is a powerful step that we are happy to see in both villages.

Fenwick’s bold growth

It is not a surprise that Dominican University accepted a bid from Fenwick High School to purchase its 7-acre Priory Campus in River Forest. From our first reporting last spring that Dominican was looking to offload an aging facility it no longer needed as a satellite campus, university officials made plain that selling the site was not urgent and that garnering the highest price was not its goal.

It was looking for the right match. That match was most certainly going to be with a fellow Dominican religious order institution.

Also interesting that there is a side deal between Fenwick and the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great which allows Fenwick to convert its long-term lease for 11 acres of adjacent sports fields into a purchase from the province.

Still unclear just how much the Oak Park-based high school has put on the table. Or proposed terms. Fenwick, under its letter of agreement, also now has 120 days to continue its planning and due diligence. What we know is that Fenwick plans to retain the existing buildings on the site, a step that pleases the university.

The use of the interior space is not finalized, though Fenwick has said it might be administrative or athletic offices, arts and music programs, or for spiritual retreats.

The good news is that 18 acres of essentially open space in River Forest will be preserved with at least a semi-public use and that its ownership will be consolidated under a respected institution such as Fenwick.

Left out here is Oak Park and River Forest High School which made the first entreaty to Dominican after the Journal reported the site was on the block. OPRF’s ongoing and massive multi-year renovation of its Scoville Avenue campus was potentially going to be amended if the River Forest site were acquired. Now it may be back to the original drawing board.

The bathtub in my next life

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Better is better than great

he other day I cleaned my bathtub.

Newsflash, right? I do my own housekeeping, I live alone, and some chores I let go longer than others.

I’m not a slob. My place is orderly enough. The basics get done on a semiregular basis, but housekeeping isn’t high on my list of favorite activities.

If I let something go too long, though, I start feeling I’m not on top of my life.

Deferred maintenance is its own punishment. It builds up, nags, and finally indicts. I can put it off only so long, and then I have to do something about it. I reached that point with the tub last week. The shower curtains held me back. They get in the way of scrubbing the tub. So I threw them in the laundry. No more excuses.

Down on my knees, scrub-a-dub-dub. Not so bad.

Then the fixtures, then the grout between the tiles. I even cleaned the dust off the window sill and sash.

A shower is a tiny room unto itself where we conduct an important ritual of self-improvement. We come out of the shower better than we went in. So cleaning the place where we get clean is fitting and proper.

Afterward, admiring my cleansed ablutions chamber, I experienced the wave of well-being that washes over me whenever I finally tackle a too-long-delayed chore. I call it the “virtue rush.” Which led to an epiphany: The shortest path to self-esteem is cleaning your bathtub.

I was on top of my game again, or closer to it anyway. I felt better about myself. Not great about myself.

Pride is a leap too far. We live in a self-esteem-starved culture, afflicted by chronic, compensating hyperbole.

We shout that we’re “great” as if to say so makes it so, even though we know better. I’ll settle for better. It’s the bridge that gets us to the other side. Clearing that first hump started the dominoes toppling and soon my entire bathroom was presentably clean.

The Hippocratic Oath famously advises: “First, do no harm.” Surely, next comes: “Make it better.”

As always, I thought, “This feels so good. Why don’t I do it more often?” But that’s beside the point. The point is: doing it is the shortcut to self-esteem.

I used to pay someone to come in once a month

and give my place the once-over, but that wasn’t as satisfying. Doing it myself is better, in spite of my endless wrestling match with inertia. Doing something where you can actually see the result reminds me to redouble my efforts to make things better in the rest of my life. This, of course, has wider application.

Donald Trump wanted to “Make America Great Again” and succeeded … in making it worse.

Joe Biden wants to “Build Back Better.”

I’ll take “make it better” over wishful thinking and “great” salesmanship any day. Take a sad song, the Beatles sang, and make it better. You can’t get to great without first making it better. The doable isn’t so insurmountable. To paraphrase a popular adage, don’t let great be the enemy of better.

The long march of human history has been all about gradual improvement. Steven Pinker makes a convincing case in his book, The Better Angels of Our Nature, that this is precisely our story, in spite of occasional downturns and backslides. Homo Sapiens has shown the wisdom of incremental bettering, even though in every era human beings wailed and gnashed their teeth that things were getting worse.

Maybe that very anxiety is what drives us to make things better. We’re certainly experiencing high anxiety right now.

But that’s a long way from my bathtub. The point is not to clean your bathtub. The point is to make small changes for the better, and never stop. Pick your bathtub, i.e. the dreaded chore that undermines your self-esteem. It might be making your will, or getting help with your finances, or making that doctor’s appointment to address something keeping you up at night, or reaching out to an alienated friend, or getting that broken thing fixed, whatever is broken in your life. A family, for instance.

Or voting — vote for better over B.S. The season we’re in right now is the story of small beginnings. Look what came of all that — and look what needs to be fixed. Take a sad Christmas song and make it better.

Trust me, you’ll feel better about yourself.

Next up: the refrigerator.

The less said, the better.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S

OP Park District’s $6M debt certificates

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Only $2.5 million in private cash donations have been received for the CRC. While the PDOP Foundation says it has a couple million more in pledges, the project is still reportedly $5 million short of its goal, which raises questions. Why begin construction when the funding is not secured, and will taxpayers be on the hook for up to $6 million?

The PDOP already shifted $5 million in capital funds to help finance the $22 million CRC. Their ability to amass millions in excess capital highlights an issue: either the PDOP is levying too much money from taxpayers and/or its user fees are too high, as the majority of their revenue comes from property taxes, with the rest largely derived from user fees. As such, why doesn’t the PDOP lower its levy and/or reduce its user fees to avert the buildup of millions of dollars in surplus funds?

Another question pertains to the PDOP’s recent request for $2 million of the village of Oak Park’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding which appears earmarked for the CRC. The PDOP says it needs the money because it suffered severe economic impacts due to the pandemic, yet it ended 2020 on a positive note with an increase in net position of $3.1 million. As of May 2021, the PDOP had $16.3 million in total cash available to the district (fund balances).

Given its strong financial position, they don’t need the ARPA funds.

The issuance of up to $6 million in debt certificates, its spending of $5 million in capital funds, and its $2 million ARPA request all to fund the CRC — a major capital project that the PDOP declines to put before voters for funding approval — raise questions of transparency and accountability to taxpayers.

RENDERING PROVIDED Monica Sheehan is a A rendering of the community center proposed by the Park District of Oak Park. resident of Oak Park. he funding of Park District of Oak Park’s (PDOP) Community Recreation Center (CRC) raises questions and reveals transparency and accountability issues.

On Oct. 14, the PDOP commissioners voted unanimously to issue up to $6 million in debt certificates, a funding tool that allows elected officials to bypass voters in borrowing money. Any time a taxing body issues debt certificates, it’s a red flag for taxpayers. Think of debt certificates as non-referendum bonds but with no recourse for taxpayers and with higher interest rates, as they’re repaid via budget appropriation/surplus which isn’t guaranteed.

The PDOP issuance of debt certificates ran under the radar and was buried in a Nov. 1 Wednesday Journal story, in which PDOP Executive Director Jan Arnold stated “adamantly” that the $6 million raised by the debt certificates will not go toward funding the CRC and instead will fund the Capital Improvement Plan. Yet based on its scheduled expenditures and funding through 2025, there’s no need for the $6 million once the CRC is removed from the plan. Arnold’s statement was walked back in a recent email exchange which referenced the plan, and she now says the $6 million may be used to assist with cash flow for the construction of the CRC.

MONICA SHEEHAN One View

Peace on Earth vs. the Code of Honor A Texan told me he believed, in Texas, it is legal to shoot someone if they needed it. In other words, disrespect requires swift, violent retaliation, aka self-help justice. This is the Code of Honor. The honor code is an outdated, cultural remnant responsible for much of current American violence, according to Steven Pinker in his book The Better Angels of Our Nature.

Honor culture was in Europe hundreds of years ago.

For example, 6,000 Frenchmen died in sword honor duels in the 17th century (By The Sword, Richard Cohen). The governments eventually stopped the dueling in cities.

Pinker explains in detail how the honor code came from remote parts of Britain to the American South.

Pinker cites a 1996 study showing that northern college students laughed off an insult while southern college

students had a strong negative reaction to the same insult (Insulted Southerners, Cohen, Nisbett, Bowels & Schwarz, 1996). Pinker uses statistics and documentation to show that, overall, southern whites are more violent than northern whites, and southern Blacks are more violent than northern Blacks. The difference is shown in quarrel homicide statistics.

When southern whites and Blacks moved north, the honor code was in many of them. According to Thomas Sowell, senior fellow at the Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, the dysfunctional honor code died out among whites. Sowell states that the honor code continues in poor Black areas because people mistakenly assume that it is an African heritage.

Robert Sullivan Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Equity Editor/Ombudsman Michael Romain Digital Publishing and Technology Manager Briana Higgins Staff Reporters Stacey Sheridan, F. Amanda Tugade Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Business Manager Joyce Minich Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action.

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V I E W P O I N T S

Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase for Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 I. A virtual public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 for 2021 will be held on December 16, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. To submit public comment that will not be read at the meeting but will be appended to the minutes of the meeting go to: https://forms.gle/32XaQEDFJ7j1RPYS7 by 4:30 p.m. on December 16, 2021. Any person desiring to make live public comments will need to submit their name by 4:30 p.m. on December 16, 2021 by going to: https://forms.gle/YVee542BF2ybxJR86. You can join the meeting on your computer via Zoom link or by phone. Public comments are given at the beginning of the meeting so please join promptly by 7:30 p.m. To join the virtual Board meeting go to: https://oprfhs-org. zoom.us/j/87991744406?pwd=Q3dWYnJwck16UFVQ eGR3V0lEQWcrdz09 and enter Passcode 474320 or telephone in the U.S. 312-626-6799 and enter Webinar ID: 879 9174 4406.

II. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2020 were $73,409,473.

The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2021 are $74,842,073.

This represents a 1.95% increase over the previous year.

III. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2020 were $0.

The estimated property taxes to be levied for debt service and public building commission leases for 2021 are $0.

This represents a 0% increase from the previous year.

IV. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2020 were $73,409,473.

The estimated total property taxes to be levied for 2021 are $74,842,073. This represents a 1.95% increase over the previous year.

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Lack of masking at Pete’s I love shopping at Pete’s for lots of reasons — great produce, helpful staff and it’s in my neighborhood. After two visits to the store on Lake Street in the past two weeks, however, I’m beginning to think I should re-evaluate my choice of grocery store.

Entering the store on a recent Saturday, I saw two employees who seemed to be “in charge” types with their masks pulled down below their chins. Upon checking out, the bagger had a mask below her nose. I told the staff at the customer service counter that seeing Pete’s staff without proper masking was extremely disturbing.

The following Tuesday, I again visited the store. This time two administrative types were chatting by the door (to welcome customers?) with their masks not covering their mouths or noses. I asked them why they didn’t have masks on when signs outside and inside the store stated they were required. They casu-

ally slid their masks up over their faces. A few minutes later, I saw the shorter of the two men walking through the checkout area with his mask dangling below his chin. I was headed to the back of the store, and ran into him again without mask coverage. I asked him why he thought the mask rules didn’t apply to him. He ignored me and went through the door to the staff-only area.

At checkout, I asked the cashier and bagger who these guys were. They replied that one was the store manager and the other was Pete, the owner of the store.

Yet another example of the adage that rules don’t apply to those who are in control. If this situation at Pete’s doesn’t improve, then I’ll be looking for another place to shop.

P.S. Mask-wearing by staff at the Jewel on Madison is not much better.

Anne Huston Oak Park

River Forest Jewel manager is anti-mask

Let me start by saying I’m an old bat (72) and perhaps this letter is going to sound like your average complaining old bat. I know everyone is sick to death of COVID, the restrictions imposed because of COVID, and people who complain about COVID stuff. Sorry.

Did you know that the village of River Forest has no responsibility for enforcing COVID mandates? The story of my beef with the village starts at the River Forest Jewel, however.

(This paper restricts letter length, so the rest of the story will have to wait until next week.)

I’m sick to death of the River Forest Jewel’s sloppy compliance with mask mandates.

I live easy walking distance from the Jewel, so, unfortunately, I wind up shopping there fairly frequently. Many of the employees walk around with masks hanging down around their mouths or necks. Some walk around with no masks on. The outside vendors who stock the shelves with their own products are just as bad. Conversations with the manager are a joke. I’ve tried on more

than one occasion.

The manager made it a point to tell me that he wears a mask, even though he doesn’t think he should have to wear a mask. And left to his own devices, he wouldn’t wear one, but the company makes him wear one. And he ain’t happy about it. Oh, and it’s my job to walk around the store and point the offenders out to him because, apparently, he has a bad case of mask blindness.

Interestingly enough, whenever I nicely ask a non-compliant worker (employee or vendor) to put on a mask or pull up his/her/their mask, they all comply without complaint. Oh I might get a cross look, but that’s it. Imagine my surprise, though, when I called the village of River Forest to report the problem, only to find out they don’t do enforcement. The nice lady at the village who took my call suggested that I call Jewel’s corporate offices. But that’s a story for another time.

HARRIS

neighborhoods where Black residents have faced racial injustice and harm. In November, Walk the Walk and the library co-hosted a program with the Asheville mayor, and this month we’re continuing the discussion on a national level.

Our discussions will continue at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 14, with a talk via Zoom with Dr. William Darity Jr. and A. Kirsten Mullen, authors of From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the TwentyFirst Century, and thought leaders in the reparations movement.

Please join us by registering for the program at oppl.org/calendar.

Christian Harris is a consultant. He has been a resident of Oak Park since 1995.

from page 29

Reparations is not a foreign concept in the U.S. Under the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, approximately 60,000 Japanese Americans, unjustly incarcerated in U.S. internment camps during World War II, were given $20,000 each.

More recently, Evanston has committed to paying $10 million over 10 years to Black residents to apply toward housing costs, using tax revenue from legal marijuana sales.

Asheville, North Carolina has committed to spending more than $2 million to invest in

Louise Mezzatesta River Forest

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

We are not NIMBYs The following was sent to the Oak Park Plan Commission and Chairman Sims on Nov. 29: I have lived on South Humphrey since 1981, and in my present home since 1986.

I have raised four children and a great number of dogs in this neighborhood, and have lived here through change and through continuity. It is a good place to live and a good place to raise kids, in great part because it is a racially, ethnically, and religiously diverse couple of blocks, with folks of all ages, occupations, sexual orientation, educational attainment, and income. Many of my neighbors, like us, bought here when we were young and have chosen to stay. No one who comes here stays here by accident.

I can only speak for myself and my family — we want affordable housing, accessible housing, and sustainable, energy-efficient housing that will enhance our racially, economically, and ethnically mixed neighborhood.

Opposition to the current proposed development at 7 Van Buren is simply not racist or a function of, forgive me,

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“NIMBY” thinking. The opposition to the proposed, overreaching non-compliant plan is not made in ignorance of the needs of this area, the history of this neighborhood, or irrational fears. My neighbors, whom I support, are simply asking that the building be built to village of Oak Park standards already in existence.

Cognizant of the political, financial, and administrative processes at work here, I nonetheless am deeply saddened that it appears meaningful work was not put in to develop compromise and “buyin” from the neighborhood. What we’re left with is animosity and confrontation.

However this ultimately resolves — approval, rejection, compromise — it is worse than unfortunate that my neighbors’ concerns are dismissed or, more damaging, characterized as racist or “NIMBY-ism.” Nothing could be further from the truth. And any narrative to the contrary is harmful to our social fabric in the neighborhood and in the village.

Deborah Spector Oak Park

Will 7 Van Buren mean less affordable housing?

For those who remember Oak Park Village Board meetings lasting until midnight while he was president, it was no surprise that David Pope’s One View, published in last week’s Viewpoints section was anything but brief [Austin & Van Buren will be a game-changer, Viewpoints, Dec. 1]. However, what he didn’t say about the 6-plus-story building proposed by the Oak Park Residence Corporation speaks volumes.

Mr. Pope wrote that “a small, vocal group of neighbors are responding out of fear” in their opposition to the proposed development at Austin and Van Buren. But he doesn’t describe what they fear, dismissing their concerns as if he were FDR. Pope doesn’t address the details people find wrong with this project.

Among them: Is it really transit-related development? One can walk to the Blue line, and maybe the 45-unit building will be good for the shops in the Harrison Street Art District. But the site is a mile from the nearest grocery store on Madison. There aren’t any east/westbound buses on Madison Street in Oak Park to ease the burden of tenants carrying groceries back home to Van Buren and Austin.

Regarding affordability, Pope dodged my question with a vague answer earlier this year after the OPRC’s dog-and-pony show community meeting required by the village’s Planned Development Ordi-

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

nance. I asked him how many of the 12 units in the existing building at 7 Van Buren qualify as “affordable” units. My premise was/is that if 100% of the existing units have affordable rents, then limiting such units to 20% in the new building will actually mean a net loss of three affordable units at that OPRC location.

And those may not be the only reduction of affordable units among the OPRC’s current real estate holdings.

The WJ editorial [ResCorp’s Austin Blvd. vision, Viewpoints, Dec. 1] reported that the OPRC is recapitalizing by selling a California-style building (similar to 7 Van Buren) that it owns near West Suburban Hospital. How many affordable units are in that building, and will the purchaser maintain any of the affordable rents there upon completion of the sale? Will the sale result in the further loss of affordable units to middle-to-lower income renters, such as support staff at the hospital?

As long-winded as Pope’s rationale for OPRC’s proposed development is, I hope that “the thoughtful, sound, deliberative judgment of plan commissioners and of village board members” he references see the holes in his arguments, and vote against the excessive redevelopment plans for 7 Van Buren.

Chris Donovan Oak Park

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

New Jersey’s lessons on gun regulation

n 2020 I moved from Oak Park to New Jersey (Montclair). In Oak Park I was a member of the Gun Responsibility Advocates (GRA) group that works for regulation to improve firearm safety and reduce gun violence in Oak Park and around the nation. I was determined to get involved in similar efforts in New Jersey.

To my surprise, I discovered that New Jersey has the nation’s second most stringent gun laws after California and one of the lowest gun death rates in the U.S., as well as the lowest suicide rate. In fact, the recently re-elected New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is urging state legislators to pass stricter gun legislation during the current legislative session that ends Jan. 10, 2022.

By contrast, Illinois is not doing so well in this regard with a gun death rate that is 2.6 times higher than New Jersey and a mixed record on gun laws. The Illinois suicide rate is also higher. I was perplexed by this difference because the two states have much in common, and I started looking for answers to explain it.

Both states have urban-rural differences, a majority Democratic legislature, a history of corruption, had and still have their share of inner-city gun violence, and most illegal guns come from out of state (Indiana or Pennsylvania and further south, respectively). On closer inspection there are major differences that may play a role in the discrepancy in gun regulation. Illinois has many more rural areas (81%), where residents are often opposed to gun regulation. By contrast, 67% of counties in New Jersey are mostly urban and suburban with many more residents supporting at least some level of gun regulation. And then there are major differences in how and when gun regulation evolved.

In Illinois handguns were banned in 1949, and later several Illinois municipalities created their own handgun bans. However, after the U.S. Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. Heller declared the D.C. ban on handguns unconstitutional in 2008, towns including Wilmette, Morton Grove, Evanston, and Winnetka repealed their bans but Chicago and Oak Park did not. In 2010, the Supreme Court overturned the handgun bans in Chicago and Oak Park.

The Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act created a mechanism for issuing concealed carry licenses in 2013, activated in 2014; Illinois was the last state in the nation to pass a law allowing concealed carry.

Bans on assault-style firearms remain in place in some municipalities, including Oak Park.

New Jersey, by contrast, did not enact strong gun regulation until 1966, but then its legislature voted into law “An Act Concerning Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons,” the most stringent gun legislation written in the U.S. up to that point. It strengthened regulations on gun dealers and gun buyers.

Not surprisingly, the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other gun rights groups mounted a ferocious campaign to derail this law but failed to do so, probably in large part because of support from law enforcement for the bill, the recent assassination of John F. Kennedy, the rising crime rate in the state, and the murder of a state trooper during the debate prior to voting on the bill. Subsequent attempts to overturn this law have proven unsuccessful. The

1966 New Jersey legislation became a model for the federal gun legislation following the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. The Gun Control Act passed by Congress in 1968 restricted interstate commerce in firearms and the importation of guns, but did not go as far as requiring gun permits or registration.

The 1966 New Jersey bill required a separate permit for each handgun and a firearms purchaser identification card to buy a rifle or shotgun. Applicants for firearm permits were required to have their fingerprints taken, disclose any history of mental health issues and criminal convictions, provide character references, and pay a $2 fee (now $50). The bill also required gun dealers to keep detailed records of handgun sales, including the serial number of each gun sold, and provide this information to law enforcement. This legislation was subsequently further strengthened and most recently New Jersey was the first state to comprehensively regulate untraceable and undetectable firearms, or “ghost guns.” Importantly, the law also required applicants to demonstrate a “need” to carry a concealed weapon.

The assassination of a few high-profile individuals, a rising crime rate, and the violent reactions to Dr. King’s murder were apparently enough to have the New Jersey legislature and the U.S. Congress pass gun regulation between 1966 and 1968.

Today however, even in the face of large numbers of mass shootings, including massacres in schools, and an increasing murder rate (but not crime rate), the opposite appears to be happening with weakening or repealing of gun regulations and strengthening of gun rights in the U.S. Three lessons that one can learn from gun regulation history in New Jersey are: 1) the NRA can be defeated, 2) strong gun regulations can be sustained over time, at least in a “blue” state, and 3) a requirement to prove the “need” to carry a concealed gun can get around the overturned handgun bans. However, the conservative supermajority in the Supreme Court may overturn the “need” for a concealed gun permit (aka “may issue”), following oral arguments on Nov. 3 in the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen case. If the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association wins this case, it will open the flood gates to people obtaining concealed carry permits, even in New Jersey; Illinois is a so-called “shall issue” state and one can get a concealed carry permit with only few preconditions.

The Texas anti-abortion law may also impact gun regulation around the country if it is sustained by the Supreme Court (unlikely), but has the potential to allow more gun regulation at the state level. It seems that we are at a pivotal point in the history of gun regulation in our country and I am fearful for what the future holds, particularly given the propensity to favor “stand your ground” and “selfdefense” if concealed carried guns are allowed to mushroom everywhere.

Maarten Bosland is a former Oak Park resident who now lives in Montclair, New Jersey. He is a member of Gun Responsibility Advocates.

MAARTEN BOSLAND One View

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Ending Roe v. Wade is about controlling women

I’m compelled to write this in response to last week’s letter calling for an end to Roe v. Wade [Put an end to Roe v. Wade, Viewpoints, Dec. 1].

The blessedly short letter was filled with opinion and falsehoods, all of which feature heavily among the strawman arguments used by the religious right. These arguments obscure the real goal of anti-abortion legislation, which is purely and simply maintenance of the status quo (i.e. keeping white men in power) by controlling women.

We can be certain that denying women access to abortion is about maintaining control over women. If those politicians at all levels seeking to deny women access to abortion truly cared about the well-being of their “unborn constituents,” they would enthusiastically support policies intended to support infants and children after birth, ensuring equity in housing and access to food, to quality child care and preschool, and to high-quality education. Perhaps most tellingly, antiabortion politicians never seek to

penalize the men whom one might argue bear more responsibility for pregnancies than do women; after all, women cannot get themselves pregnant. But they don’t care about any of that — they seek only to punish women.

Women deserve full personhood, to be treated as fully realized human beings with complete bodily autonomy. I’m certain that most OP/ RFers agree with this sentiment, as do the vast majority of Americans.

To ensure our voices are heard, we must support pro-choice politicians, both locally and nationally. We must vocally support women’s access to all health care, even the types of care we do not personally agree with. And we must support legislation that gives women and all individuals equal rights, including the right to make personal medical decisions without government interference.

In short, women require equal treatment under the law. Nothing less is acceptable.

Jody Koch

Oak Park

Celebrating Inclusive Schools Week

Inclusive Schools Week is an annual international event celebrated the first week in December. It’s a time designated to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of teachers, students, administrators, and parents in making their schools more inclusive and, thereby, contributing to the development of a more inclusive society. It highlights and celebrates the progress schools have made in providing supportive and quality education to all students, including those who have been marginalized due to disability, gender, ethnicity, geography, and language. It also provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and families to discuss what else needs to be done to ensure that schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.

The 21st annual Inclusive Schools Week will be celebrated December 6th-10th in classrooms, schools, and communities throughout the world.

This week celebrates rebuilding our inclusive community by strengthening our commitment to inclusive education, extending previous successes, and redirecting our talent, time, and energy to improving practices.

Inclusion is about making sure that our country’s educational system works for all students, including students with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, students of low socioeconomic status, and students with disabilities. Research has consistently demonstrated that inclusive teaching practices are not about teaching to the lowest common denominator, but rather ensuring that the classroom offers opportunities for all children to succeed.

Inclusive teaching means presenting information in ways that are relevant and meaningful to each and every student. Discussion, hands-on learning experiences, and inquirybased projects are all examples of inclusive teaching practices that have, again and again, been shown to improve academic achievement for all students.

I welcome every educator, parent, and student in Oak Park to join me in celebrating Inclusive Schools Week.

Together we can encourage and inspire movement toward a more inclusive community.

Lauren Arends

Special Education Inclusion facilitator

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

35

Clarifying board and commission responsibility Before I was an Oak Park village trustee, I served on two citizen groups: Citizens Police Oversight and Community Relations (CR). While chairing the CR Commission, I wrote a satirical article concerning Ernest Hemingway that the Journal printed.

The late President Barbara Furlong and former Village Manager Carl Swenson invited me to breakfast to discuss the profound impact my letter might have on future funding of the Hemingway Foundation. In fact, my commission role was brought up as one reason I needed to be

more careful in what I was writing.

Needless to say, I was stunned that a commissioner could have this much impact on the Hemingway Foundation by writing one letter. The power of a commission and a commissioner was worrisome to village officials. I met with other chairs of commissions who suddenly had an email from Furlong/Swenson telling them to clear any media questions or letters to the media through village government.

I, and others, declined to follow the directive.

Commissions are composed of independent advisors. Citizens are appointed by the board, but they are not beholden to the board or any special interest groups. They advise the government based on the facts before them, and they make recommendations. Some commissions, for example Zoning, have broader decision-making authority and may make binding decisions.

The trustee is there to listen and to clarify points relative to current board policy/ agenda. He/she is not there to tell the commission what to do. The commission can

support a village initiative, reject it, or offer new ideas. The board can, in most cases, accept, amend, or reject recommendations. In addition, the board has the final say … in almost all situations.

The only employee the village board has is the village manager. The trustees are accountable to the people. Commissions are bound by precedence, ordinances, statutes, rules of conduct, and by civic duty.

Robert Milstein Oak Park

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Thanks for clearing all those leaves

Kudos to the village of Oak Park Public Works Dept. for their 2021 Fall Leaf Collection. Living near apartment buildings with permitted street parking, the leaf piles in front of our house were not always collected each Monday morning (our scheduled pickup day). But due to the luxury of seven leaf collections, the street in front of our home is now clear of leaves. A thank-you also to the apartment dwellers who eventually caught on to not park immediately next to the enormous piles of leaves.

Carolyn DeCoursey Oak Park

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f you do, you should know how important foot care is. Over time, diabetics risk developing foot complications. When the nerves are damaged from chronic high blood sugar, feet can become numb or painful with burning or tingling. This is called diabetic neuropathy. When diabetes affects the arteries, circulation to the legs and feet may be compromised. Either of these conditions may lead to serious problems including ulceration, even amputation.

The key to prevention is early diagnosis of diabetes, and regular foot exams from a podiatrist. Diabetics who receive regular foot care, including paring of calluses and debridement of thick fungal toenails, are almost four times less likely to undergo an

Dr. Linda Lambert

amputation than those who do not seek treatment.

Medicare and some private insurances cover 1 pair of diabetic shoes and 3 pair of protective insoles each calendar year. Dr. Lambert has been a supplier of diabetic shoes since 2002. The shoes come in 30 different styles each for men and women.

These include boots, lightweight colorful athletic shoes, and dress shoes. Even patients who are not diabetic love the look and comfort of the footwear. Diabetic socks, slippers and compression hosiery are also available.

Protecting your feet with appropriate footgear is an important aspect of preventive care for diabetics.

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36

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

PROVIDED

Damage in the Oak Park Festival Theatre office.

Festival Theatre needs your help

On Tuesday, Nov. 23, the offices of Oak Park Festival Theatre (OPFT) sustained significant fire, smoke, and water damage as a result of a multi-alarm fire at the 1034 Lake St. building in downtown Oak Park. The offices were on the second floor, directly above Delia’s Kitchen.

We are immensely thankful that there were no injuries reported during the fire.

However, there is substantial damage to the entire building, including damages to two other local businesses and two residences.

Our losses are considered total: OPFT’s equipment for stage productions, such as computers, sound equipment, costumes, props, and lighting, in addition to office equipment, technology, and nearly 50 years of OPFT records and artifacts have been destroyed.

At this time, the OPFT staff and board leadership are still determining the impact of this crisis on our organization and 2022 programming, including our summer outdoor production in Austin Gardens. While we were insured for events such as this, our policy is likely insufficient to offset our material losses, as much of our replacement

equipment will be less dated than those that were damaged, and therefore more expensive to acquire. Additionally, insurance will not cover the significant amount of indirect costs, such as time and resources required to manage this setback on behalf of our staff and company.

OPFT relies on the support of generous patrons and donors such as you. Now, more than ever, we need your support. OPFT employs more than 100 artists and serves more than 5,000 patrons annually. Our community needs your help to overcome this catastrophic event.

Please consider making a gift today to support our recovery efforts at oakparkfestivaltheatre.com/donate or by calling 312857-8813.

With your help, we look forward to overcoming this crisis and rebuilding an even brighter future for all.

An affordable option

3117 S Oak Park Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788- 7775

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Our Community Needs Community Journalism It’s not just about crime reports and board meetings. We also need inspiring, funny, heartwarming and, at times, heartbreaking stories about our friends, neighbors and children. Perhaps now, more than ever.

Let's build community!

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Bryan Wakefield

Managing Director bryan@oakparkfestival.com

Barbara Zahora

Artistic Director barbara@oakparkfestival.com

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

Growing Community Media

37

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,



software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.



Seasonal Farmers’ Market Manager The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Manager in the Health Department.

This position manages the Oak Park Farmer’s Market including the vendors that sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This is a part-time seasonal position with work from January-mid November and work required on Saturday’s from May through October. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking to hire a School Psychologist for a part-time position for grades PreK-4th starting in December 2021. To qualify, candidates must have a valid Illinois Professional Education License with endorsement in School Psychology (PreK-4). A Master’s Degree is preferred as well as 5 years of successful educational experience in both general and special education; and at least five years of successful experience in evaluating students, collaborating, and problem-solving with school and District teams. The right candidate will facilitate MTSS meetings, including individual and grade-level planning meetings.

Integrate D90 practices around equity and inclusivity into daily work and relationships with students, families and colleagues.

Duties include: Completing appropriate psychoeducational assessments for children who have or are suspected of having a disability. Identifying and assessing the learning, development, and adjustment characteristics and needs of individuals and groups, as well as, the environmental factors that affect learning and adjustment. Using assessment data about the student and his/ her environment(s) in developing appropriate interventions and programs. Responding to parent and teacher requests for evaluations in accordance with Illinois law and maintaining compliance in accordance with Illinois special education law.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90.org



Fun, Clean, Picture Frame Assembly JOB Tired or bored of clicking away on a keyboard working at home? Manufacturing Keep your hands and mind busy with a fun, safe, clean assembly job. You’d have your own large assembly zone, at least 15-20 feet away from others, so we’re really safe here. Top rated firm Alpina Manufacturing LLC founded in 1992, Oak Park resident owner. Beautiful campus in Galewood, near Mars candy, 3 blocks north of Oak Park. We build and sell display framing systems to customers nationwide including Wal-Mart, Verizon, Circle K gas stations, Hospitals. Full time, Part time, Flex hours for working parents or students. We train, no travel, work in Galewood. Open to any backgrounds. Excellent pay, friendly caring management. Stop in anytime between 7am and 4pm M-F ask for Izzy to apply and check us out. Alpina Manufacturing 6460 W Cortland St Chicago IL 60707 PART-TIME COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING, AND EVENTS SPECIALIST The Village of Riverside (pop. 9,298) is just 9 miles from downtown Chicago and is a National Historic Landmark Community designed by visionary landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. The Village is seeking applicants for a part-time Communications, Marketing, and Events Specialist. The position reports to the Village Manager and is responsible for planning, designing, and creating Village Social Media posts, management of the Village website and promoting special events. The Communications, Marketing, and Events Specialist will coordinate with various departments and commissions to provide updates and promote various services, events, and sponsorship opportunities.

Starting a New Business?

Riverside is looking for an individual with knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations and communication who can translate that information into a public administration context.

The successful individual will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, enjoys making creative and engaging content, and be comfortable using computers including utilizing graphic design and internet communication programs and applications.

Minimum requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or closely related field • Minimum three years’ experience in communications, public relations, journalism or closely related field.

Hourly Pay range: $30.49 to $55.20 per hour with expected starting rate $35+/- per hour (approximately 1015 hours per week).

Application review starts Tuesday December 15, 2021. Apply Today!

Send cover letter, resume, application and three work related references by e-mail to Ian Splitt at isplitt@ riverside.il.us.

Village of Riverside 27 Riverside Road Riverside, IL 60546 Equal Opportunity Employer

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38

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG MARKETPLACE

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ITEMS FOR SALE

APARTMENT FOR RENT:

PIANO FOR SALE

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· Apt 1SW in architecturally significant 8-unit building; · Heated garage parking & storage on ground level included

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Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery.

708-848-9404

LANDSCAPING BRUCE LAWN SERVICE Fall Yard Clean-Up Slit Seeding Bush Trimming Fall Leaf Clean-Up Senior Discount Snow Removal

brucelawns.com

708-243-0571

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost 708.749.0011

PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Small & big work. Free estimates.

Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years

WOODWORK Terry's

Woodwork Restoration On-site refinishing of wood

and fiberglass since 1977.

Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty!

References available.

Contact Terry Seamans at 630-379-7148 or terryseamans@yahoo.com

773-637-0692

RENTALS & REAL ESTATE SUBURBAN RENTALS CICERO 3724 S 53RD CT

A beautiful 2 flat in South Cicero off 35th st. Features include 3 bedrooms, central air, garage parking.

Modern appliances include dishwasher. Utilities separate. $1,700 per month plus security. Lease with option to buy possible.

708-383-8223 or 773-676-6805

HUGE CICERO APT

Huge 3.5 RMS 1 BDRM apt. Heat, water, cooking gas, etc included.

Full appliances. 2nd floor. Plenty of street parking available. Terrific location. No pets. $795/month. 1 mo. security deposit. Credit check. 1 year lease. Avail Dec or Jan. Broker 708-284-2500

BERWYN DELUXE 5 RMS

Deluxe 5 RMS, 2 BDRMS apt. Close to bus, train, hospital, park, stores.

Includes heat, water, all appliances, laundry facility, parking. Just painted, new blinds. No pets. No smoking. $1200/mo. Sec. dep. 1 mo.

Credit Check. Available Dec or Jan. BROKER 708-347-2500

Ask for John

Email: 7444franklin@gmail.com for details & photos.

ROOMS FOR RENT

Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave.

Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt.

312-212-1212

OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT A 1,635 SQ. FT. RETAIL SPACE FOR LEASE (END CAP)

Recently Updated/remodeled.

Heavy traffic area. **Discounted Rate-Limited Time!

If Leave message, Include: Your Name, Number & Type of Business.

TEXT or CALL: (708)828-6491

RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

CITY RENTALS AUSTIN RENAISSANCE APARTMENTS

A HUD subsidized affordable Apartment property announces the opening of its waiting list for both One and Two Bedroom Apartments! Resident rent is approximately 30% of gross household income, some restrictions apply. Our property is located on Washington Blvd in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Apartments offered with an occupancy of one to four persons. Properties feature modern kitchens, include appliances, and offer onsite maintenance. Austin Renaissance will accept requests for application packages by U.S. Mail postmarked no later than , September 15, 2021. Send or email a written request for an application package that includes your name, mailing address. Daytime telephone number, Email address, and the number of persons in your household to: Town Center Realty Group LLC, PO Box 64, Huntley IL 60142-0064 or Email requests to mrpaul.tcrg@gmail.com Application packages available by mail or email delivery only. No walk-ins accepted.

Town Center Realty Group LLC

Reach the people making the decisions.

Place an ad in GCM Classified!

Call 773/626-6332

Illinois Classified Advertising Network WANTED TO BUY FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit www.RefrigerantFinders.com

Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21008160 on November 12, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of JNO ENTERPRISES with the business located at: 136 S. CUYLER AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: JONATHAN L. DARNALL 136 S. CUYLER AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal November 24, December 1, 8 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y21008171 on November 12, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of HALL’S HANDYMAN SERVICE with the business located at: 409 S. 7TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CLYDE HALL 409 S. 7TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153, USA

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of Chela de Jesus Piedra Gonzalez, Petitioner and Nelson Alejandro Armijos Gonzaga, Respondent, Case No. 2021D010060.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before December 29, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal November 24, December 1, 8 2021

Published in Wednesday Journal December 1, 8, 15 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission December 23, at 7:00 PM NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider a request for a zoning variation of required on- site parking for 9110 Broadway Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Please check the following webpage before the meeting for more information: https://brookfieldil.gov/community-developmentdepartment/planning/brookfield-development-projects Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kendra Kuehlem, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 and at kkuehlem@brookfieldil.gov.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 4857344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (south) entrance of Village Hall.

By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman.

Published in RB Landmark December 8, 2021

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of BABY GRAULAU 2021CONC001674.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: BABY GRAULAU to the new name of: RICARDO LONGORIA The court date will be held: On February 2, 2022 at 10:30am at via Zoom: Meeting ID: 923 0250 9713 Password: 709022 Cook County in Courtroom # Cal. 6/ 1707 Published in Wednesday Journal December 8, 15, 22, 2021

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.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER Plaintiff, vs.

ELENA F. MARROQUIN A/K/A ELENA FIGUEROA INDIVIDUALLY AND AS GUARDIAN FOR CHRISTIAN MARROQUIN AND NICHOLAS MARROQUIN, JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., MARIELENA SANTANA INDIVIDUALLY AND AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE ESTATE OF RICCARDO A. MARROQUIN A/K/A RICCARDO MARROQUIN, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, 17 CH 954 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-07-420-011.

Commonly known as 425 S. EAST AVE., OAK PARK, IL 60302.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 17-00157 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3181888

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS, INC., MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, MANA SERIES 2007-OAR4 Plaintiff, -v.ELLEN C. SCHNACK, RANDALL C. SCHNACK Defendants 19 CH 14891 626 NORTH TAYLOR AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 4, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 5, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 030R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 626 NORTH TAYLOR AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-319-0080000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $417,344.71.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no

representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm..

Please refer to file number 19092500.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

LOGS Legal Group LLP 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 19-092500 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 19 CH 14891 TJSC#: 41-2041 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 19 CH 14891 I3182691

S W NE ASH! FL You can get local news delivered right to your email in-box.

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year • OakPark.com • RBLandmark.com • ForestParkReview.com • AustinWeeklyNews.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

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Wednesday Journal, December 8, 2021

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

A Special Advertising Section

present

Holiday 2021

Spectacular!

Your Guide to Holiday Shopping & Dining in Oak Park, River Forest & Forest Park

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December 8, 2021

HOLIDAY

Spectacular presented by

Special Advertising Section

From the Forest Insurance family to yours, best wishes for a

Joyous Holiday Season DAN BROWNE

President

CATHY HALL

Vice President

DAVID KLANS

Commercial Acct Mgr

DIANE VILLAGOMEZ

Personal Acct Mgr

MELISSA KESHEN

Commercial Acct Mgr

MARIA LOPEZ

Personal Acct Mgr

LINDA CARRERA

Commercial Acct Mgr

708 383 9000

CRISTINE SAUCEDO

Personal Acct Mgr

JULIE CRANLEY

Commercial Acct Mgr

NICHOLE HOPPE

Personal Acct Mgr

GINA COSTELLO

Commercial/Aviation

forestinsured.com

Chubb | Cincinnati | Hanover | Hartford | Liberty Mutual | MetLife Auto & Home | Nationwide Private Client | Progressive | Safeco | Travelers

Special Advertising Section

HOLIDAY

Spectacular presented by

December 8, 2021

10% OFF 1025 Lake Street,Oak Park, IL 60301 (708)573-3668 pokeburritochicago.com

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December 8, 2021

HOLIDAY

Spectacular presented by

Special Advertising Section

Staff

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Oak Park Eats Editor Melissa Elsmo Contributors Michelle Dybal, Issac Stopeck

For Holiday shopping, there’s no place like home

W

e have all heard the mantra to “Shop Local.”

This year it’s more important than ever.

Keeping your spending dollars in the community will help the recovery of our local businesses and keep our Villages diverse and vibrant - just the way we like them!

There is so much to discover right here within a few square miles of your house. In these pages alone, you’ll find dozens and dozens of shopping and dining options, plus a plethora of holiday happenings.

This year, Commit to Local by exploring the hidden—and not so hidden—gems in your own neighborhood. Give the gift of Oak Park and River Forest. It just makes sense.

Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Digital Publishing and Technology Manager Briana Higgins

A huge thank you goes out to the Village of Oak Park which is committed to the recovery of our community and has provided support for businesses to advertise in this publication. Many of these small businesses could not have participated without Village support. And to our partners at Growing Community Media who do all the heavy lifting to make something like this come together - thank you!

We all know that it takes a Village – now get out there and enjoy the season!

LIZ HOLT

Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

Liz Holt Executive Director Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce

Published by Growing Community Media NFP. 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 524-8300 | OakPark.com

Special Advertising Section

HOLIDAY

Spectacular presented by

December 8, 2021

Happy Holidays La Notte Ristorante Italiano

La Notte Ristorante Italiano

Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner "The Feast Of The Seven Fish"

NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION

Friday the 24th of December.

We will be taking reservations for this special event until December 23rd.

Seating is limited and does fill up quickly.

Open from 4 pm till midnight!

Food Service will stop being served at 10 pm!

Celebrate with us and ring in 2022!

Featuring live Music by "The Gabriel Dactu Duo"

We are featuring a special CHRISTMAS EVE MENU

Enjoy a special New Year's Eve Menu crafted by Chef Giovanni Mancini

Seating for dinner will begin at 3PM. Our last seating will be at 7PM. All catering and pick up orders will be available Only from 11AM till 3PM no later.

For the COUNTDOWN TO MIDNIGHT, we will provide complimentary champagne toast and party favors!

from

SEATING IS LIMITED

La Notte Ristorante Italiano FOR RESERVATIONS Pleas call 708-948-7576

1120 Pleasant St, Oak Park IL 60302 (Located In The Carleton Hotel)

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HOLIDAY

Spectacular presented D by

Special Advertising Section

ViaClay Community Pottery Studio

Holiday Sales Friday, December 10th Friday, December 17th

3p to 8p 208 South Marion Locally handmade pottery created by ViaClay members, teachers, and students!

Learn more about classes, memberships, and gift cards!

Special Advertising Section

HOLIDAY

Spectacular presented by

Holiday events

December 8, 2021

C EL EB R AT E WI T H P E RS ONALI ZAT I ON HOUS E !

December 8 - January 10

THIS YEAR, MAKE IT PERSONAL! PERFECT LOCALLY INSPIRED GIFTS FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, GUESTS, ARCHITECTURE FANS—OR ANYONE ELSE! LOCALLY INSPIRED T-SHIRTS | WATER BOTTLES | MUGS | HATS | TOTE BAGS AND MORE.

Winter Greens Market Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Dec. 19, Oak Park Conservatory Shop for wreaths, garland, swags, porch pots and other winter accents. An array of evergreens, boxwood, winter berries, magnolia tips and more are available for winter containers and decorating. Need help putting a container together? It can be arranged for you! 615 Garfield St.

Dombrowski’s Christmas Trees Daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Rehm Pool Parking Lot The Park District of Oak Park has partnered with the Tree Farm to bring freshly cut Christmas trees throughout the winter season. 515 Garfield St.

Celebrate with Live Music at FitzGerald’s Thursday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.

Ron’s Very Special Christmas Special. $15.

Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

Rob Parton Big Band Christmas Show. $15.

Friday, Dec. 17, 9 p.m., Sidebar

The Lovehouse Holiday Show. Free.

Saturday, Dec. 18, 9 p.m.

The Redmonds Holiday Show. $10.

Tuesday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m.

Soul Christmas Show: The As Is Band. $10.

Wednesday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m.

Anderson Family Holiday Jamboree. $10.

Proof of vaccination or a negative test result within 72 hours, plus masking, required. Tickets/more: fitzgeraldsnightclub.com/shows/list. 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn.

Toy Drives Through Friday Dec. 10, Lower Level Lobby of Oak Park Village Hall The Oak Park Police Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots, which distributes donated toys as gifts to less fortunate children in the community. 123 Madison St. Friday, Dec. 10, 6 to 9 p.m., Howard Mohr Community Center At Mayor Hoskins Toy Drive in Forest Park, bring a new, unwrapped toy or giftcard to help families with limited resources. Appetizers and “a cup of cheer” will be served.

7640 Jackson Blvd.

CO N T I N U E D

O N

PA G E

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CELEBRATE WITH US THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WITH EVERYTHING YOU WANT PERSONALIZED! FROM LASER ENGRAVING AND EMBROIDERY TO DIGITAL PRINTING, SILK SCREENING AND MORE! ASK ABOUT ALL OUR CUSTOM SERVICES.

127 MA RION STRE E T, OA K PA RK 708.383.4100

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HOLIDAY

Spectacular presented by

Special Advertising Section

$5 off Stadium Pizza

$12 off an order of $60 or more

$4 off Large or XL Pizza

10% off any Catering Order over $100

CATERING YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES FOR THE PAST 56 YEARS!

708-383-1500

Order Online at

SalernosPizza.com

Full Dining Room, Banquets & Bar Pick Up - Delivery - Catering

Keep up to date on our live shows through Facebook and Instagram!

One Coupon Per Order. Not Valid With Any Other Offer. Limited Time Only. Only Valid at Salerno’s Oak Park.

Special Advertising Section

HOLIDAY

Holiday Events S’Mores with Santa

C O N T I N U E D

Spectacular presented by F R O M

P A G E

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Cookies and Cocoa with Santa

Friday, Dec. 10, 6 to 8 p.m., Roos Pavilion Santa is visiting the Park District of Forest Park on his trolley and bringing his elves along with him. Get a picture taken with Santa, walk through a winter wonderland and warm up with chili, s’mores, and hot cocoa. $5, FP residents; $10, nonresidents. Register: amilia.com/store/en/park-district-of-forest-park/api/ Activity/Detail?activityId=xam0q0x. 7329 Harrison St.

Holiday Housewalk for Healthy Kids Anytime Dec. 10 through Jan. 10, Virtually with OPRF Infant Welfare Society Children’s Clinic Take video tours of six Oak Park and River Forest homes all dressed up for the holidays. And, enter the Grand Raffle for a chance to win $10,000. Help provide children in 50+ area communities with needed medical, dental and behavioral health services. $55, includes one raffle ticket. Tickets/more: one.bidpal.net/ holidayhousewalk/ticketing

Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to Noon, Nineteenth Century Club Indulge in cookies and cocoa, arts and crafts, holiday music and shopping for gifts and handcrafted items.

Bring a camera for socially distanced photos with Santa. Adults need proof of vaccination or negative test within 72 hours. Masks required for all. Brought by the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. $5 per person or $20 per family at the door. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

While Waiting - an Advent Bread Baking Retreat Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Zoom with Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality The simple task of bread baking replaces pre-holiday busyness with Christmas giving from one’s hands and heart. The presenter is Br. Joseph Kilikevice, a friar and founding director of the Shem Center, Oak Park. All faith traditions and spiritual paths are welcome. In-person option available at St. Marks in Glen Ellyn. Donation requested. Register: stmarksglenellyn.org/2021/11/10/ advent-bread-baking-retreat-day-on-saturdaydecember-11th-from-10am-230pm-rsvp-required

¡CELABRA !

A T E P M O R LA T

Sunday December 12, 2021 – 4pm Concordia University Chapel – River Forest BATALLÁN Baroque Suite in F HUMMEL Trumpet Concerto

December 8, 2021

JAY FRIEDMAN,

Music Director and Conductor

RODGERS, arr. Bennett Victory at Sea BRAHMS Symphony No. 2

Esteban Batallán Preconcert Conversations with David Leehey at 3pm.

To order tickets & subscriptions go to SymphonyOPRF.org Single ticket online: $27 (includes link to recorded concert) Single ticket at the door: $30 In person ticket sales start at 2:30pm; Seating starts at 3:30pm.

Proof of vaccination and masking are required for all in-person attendees.

Virtual-only ticket: $15 per household; link emailed approximately a week after live performance.

Call (708) 218-2648 or email TheSymphonyOPRF@gmail.com for more information.

Free Parking in the garage located at 1124 N. Bonnie Brae Place, River Forest (1 block west of Harlem Ave. between Division & Thomas Streets)

Holiday Walk Saturday, Dec. 11 and 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Downtown Oak Park Catch the holiday spirit and shop local.

• Free holiday movie at the Lake Theatre (10 a.m.)

• Free Hot Chocolate Walk at local businesses (10 a.m.

to 1 p.m.)

• Area choirs performing (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

• Live music inside restaurants (times/locations vary) More: downtownoakpark.net/event/holiday-walk. On Marion St. between Lake St. and North Blvd.

CO N T I N U E D

O N

PAG E

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HOLIDAY

Spectacular presented by

Dinner for 4 @ 49.99 Includes a choice of 2 SM appetizers or 1 sampler. choice of 1 salad. choice of 2 dinners(1from each of the house specialities, entrees, or the vegetarian, vegan) and baklava

Specials carry out only Expires 12/31/21

Special Advertising Section

Dinner for 6 @ 69.99 Includes a choice of 2 SM appetizers, or 1 sampler. choice of 2 salads. choice of 3 dinners(1from each of the house specialities, entrees, and the vegetarian, vegan) and baklava

129 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park • (708) 848-5555 • grapeleaves.us

Special Advertising Section

HOLIDAY

Spectacular presented by

December 8, 2021

BRING THE KIDS TO

Meet Santa Claus 151 N. Oak Park Ave. | Oak Park, IL 60301 708-948-0405 | bankoakpark.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 10 AM to 1 PM Come say hi to Santa Claus at the bank! Children are encouraged to bring a wish list to give to him, and every child who attends receives a complimentary gift .

1

Oak Park Bank is a branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company, N.A. 1. Giveaway. While supplies last.

151 N. Oak Park Ave. | Oak Park, IL 60301 708-948-0405 | bankoakpark.com

B11

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December 8, 2021

HOLIDAY

Spectacular presented by

Take Home a Miele for the Holidays!

Save $100 on all Miele HomeCare vacuums now through Dec 24

CityHome Vacuums & Appliances

708-660-9800

148 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301

Special Advertising Section

Special Advertising Section

Holiday Events Dancing Krow Studio Holiday Hours Saturday, Dec. 11, Noon to 3 p.m.

Stop by the art gallery cooperative for unique, one-of-a-kind, meaningful gifts: paintings, photography, fiber art, collage, jewelry, soaps, candles and more. 43 Harrison St., Oak Park.

HOLIDAY C O N T I N U E D

Spectacular presented by F R O M

P A G E

December 8, 2021

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a holiday dance tradition that began in the 1890s. The ballet is based on the original story by E.T.A. Hoffmann and composed by Tchaikovsky. Masks are required. Presale tickets available through Dec. 10, 11 p.m., $16. Day of tickets at the door, $20. Children two and under, free.

7574 Division St., River Forest.

Velitas Celebration Saturday, Dec. 11, 4 to 5 p.m., Youth Services Program Room, Forest Park Public Library In parts of Latin America, the Christmas season starts by illuminating the streets with candles, listening to tropical holiday music, cooking traditional Christmas delicacies and dancing. Kids are invited to join artist Elsa Mejiaus in making paper lanterns to kick off the holidays. Mask required. For a virtual or recorded option: ys@fppl.org, 708-689-6126. More: fppl.evanced.info/signup/Calendar.

7555 Jackson Blvd.

LUX CANTORUM

Lux Cantorum’s “Holiday Blessings”

“Sing We Joyous!”

“The Nutcracker” Saturday, Dec. 11, 2 and 6 p.m., Trinity High School Theatre See students of Principle Dance of Forest Park perform

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Saturday, Dec. 11, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, 4 to 5:15 p.m., First United Church Sway to the music, laugh at the hijinks and sing along at this family-friendly show featuring the Oriana Singers, City Voices, Pro Musica Youth Chorus and the Sing We

Joyous Orchestra. The always-new and comedic rendition of “Twelve Days of Christmas” is an audience favorite.

Masks required; show proof of vaccination upon arrival. $25; free, 18 and under. Tickets: singwejoyous2021.bpt. me or at the door. 848 Lake St., Oak Park.

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May All Beings Be Happy Joint Fundraiser with Animal Care League & KMC Chicago Dec 11th • 10-11:30am

ANNIVERSARY off our rock bottom prices during our 31st Anniversary Sale

Saturday, Dec. 11, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Pilgrim Congregational Church Experience divine presence from many faith traditions, featuring choral selections for Kwanzaa, Chanukah and Christmas by J.S. Bach, S. Rachmaninoff, D. Forrest, R. Isenberg and others sung by Chicago’s premier sacred choral music ensemble. Proof of vaccination for those ages 5 and older, masks and social distancing required. $20; free, ages 10 and under. Tickets/more: luxcantorum.org/upcoming. 460 Lake St., Oak Park.

Meditation on compassion and a puppy visit! This event is a joint fundraiser for KMC Chicago and Animal Care League. Everyone is welcome Website: meditateinchicago.org/event-details/ may-all-beings-be-happy-fundraiser

New Year’s Eve Celebration Public Talk & Prayers with Gen Zamling Dec 31st • 7:30-9pm

Now more than ever, our world needs authentic kindness, empathy, and compassion. Ring in the New Year with genuine inspiration and purpose. Join us for an alternative New Year’s Celebration with a special talk Healing our World with Compassion, followed by prayers of compassion.

Everyone welcome!

Website: meditateinchicago.org/event-details/ new-years-eve-celebration-1

Both events in-person AND virtual Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, 13 Harrison St, Oak Park • 312.767.1898 Learn more about these events and more at: MeditateInChicago.org

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December 8, 2021

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December 8, 2021

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JOHN CONCEPCION

KEN DONOVAN

A Carpenter’s Christmas Sunday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m., Lund Auditorium, Dominican University Lisa Rock and her six-piece band are keeping The Carpenters’ holiday traditions alive. The concert is based on their two holiday albums and Christmas variety shows, and features “Merry Christmas Darling” and the jazzy “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” Proof of full vaccination including 2 weeks passing since final injection or proof of a negative test within 72 hours and a photo ID are required, along with face masks. $15 - $39. Tickets/more: dom.edu/ arts-minds/performing-arts-center/carpenterschristmas. 7900 W. Division St., River Forest.

Holidays a cappella Sunday, Dec. 12, 4 p.m. Pilgrim Congregational Church, and Monday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m., Virtually with Chicago a capella Hear Chicago a cappella sing rare choral treasures from Norway, the Republic of Georgia, and Puerto Rico, plus music for Chanukah, the spiritual “Sistah Mary,” and new takes on carols and seasonal favorites like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

Ensemble member Joe Labozetta created the program rich with beautiful harmonies, meaningful messages and energetic fun. $45, preferred seating; $33, general seating; $30, seniors; $15, students. Tickets/more: chicagoacappella. org, 773-281-7820. 460 Lake St., Oak Park.

HOLIDAYS A CAPPELLA

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TIMOTHY BRADLEY

The Three Tenors Celebrate the Season Monday, Dec. 13, 1:30 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club Join John Concepcion, Ken Donovan and Tim Bradley from the Lyric Opera as they celebrate the season with a performance of operatic and musical theater favorites and holiday classics. Brought by the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. $15, suggested donation for non-members; free, members. Tickets/more: nineteenthcentury.org. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

Voices of Oak-Leyden Holiday Concert Tuesday, Dec. 14, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Veterans Room, Main Library The Oak-Leyden adult choir is touring throughout Western Cook County during the holiday season.

Catch them on their Oak Park stop! The choir, composed entirely of participants in Oak-Leyden’s Lifelong Learning Centers and Community Living Services, “brings joy to all who hear them as they infuse the songs they sing with infectious energy and enthusiasm.” 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E B18

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HOLIDAY

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December 8, 2021

Michael D. Costello, Artistic Director

CHICAGO CHORAL ARTISTS

Johann Sebastian Bach CHRISTMAS ORATORIO Chicago Choral Artists, Soloists, and Orchestra Michael D. Costello, director Nathalie Colas, soprano Sarah Ponder, mezzo-soprano

Hoss Brock, tenor (Evangelist) Ace Gangoso, tenor David Govertsen, bass-baritone

Colas

Brock

Ponder

Gangoso Govertsen

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 7:30pm SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 7:30pm Light refreshments at intermission GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7300 Division, River Forest TICKETS: www.ChicagoChoralArtists.org 773.658.9799 or at the door Adult $45, Senior $40, Student $25

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December 8, 2021

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“It’s a Wonderful Life” Viewing Party Monday, Dec. 13, 20 and 27 and Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m., FitzGerald’s Nightclub Screen the classic Christmas film “It’s a Wonderful Life” and see FitzGerald’s transformed into all things Pottersville with themed drinks including ZuZu’s Petals, Flaming Rum Punch and Mulled Wine. Fans are encouraged to dress in period costume. Free. RSVP to guarantee entry: fitzgeraldsnightclub. com/shows/list. 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn.

Winter Card Making Workshop Thursday, Dec. 16, 6 to 8:45 p.m., Austin Room, Forest Park Public Library Bring your creative spirit and join Forest Park artisan Kimberly Adami-Hasegawa. Rubber stamps, origami and more will be employed to create handmade cards. Supplies are limited. This is an adult drop-in program. Masks required. 7555 Jackson Blvd.

Music of the Baroque (MOB) Holiday Brass and Choral Concert Thursday, Dec. 16, 8 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church Celebrate the season as Andrew Megill, conductor of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Carmel Bach Festival Chorale, leads joyful carols, solemn chant and jubilant works for brass with MOB’s Chorus and Brass Ensemble. Proof of vaccination or a negative test are required. $35 to $78. Tickets/more: baroque.org, 312551-1414. 7300 Division St., River Forest.

C O N T I N U E D O N P A G E B20

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December 8, 2021

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B18

Unity Chamber Music Series Holiday Concert Friday, Dec. 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Unity Temple Hear holiday favorites, at a Frank Lloyd Wright UNESCO World Heritage designated site, performed by Cellissimo, the senior performing cello ensemble of the joint programs of the Western Springs School of Talent Education and the Naperville Suzuki School. Brought by Unity Temple Restoration Foundation (UTRF). $10 - $20; discounts for students and UTRF members. Tickets/more: utrf.org/events/category/ events. 875 Lake St., Oak Park.

J. S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio

CELLISSIMO

Friday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church Rejoice in Chicago Choral Artists’ performance of Bach’s Christmas masterpiece for chorus, orchestra and soloists (7:30 p.m.) and learn more at a pre-concert lecture (6:30 p.m.). Masks required. $45; $40, seniors; $25, students; online or at the door. Tickets/more: chicagochoralartists.org. 7300 Division St., River Forest.

“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Jr.” Friday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 18, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 19, 3 p.m., Madison Street Theater This holiday, join Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts for the beloved classic claymation brought to the stage with songs including “Silver and Gold” and “We’re a Couple of Misfits.” Proof of vaccination required ages 12 and up. $12; $8, ages 12 and under. Tickets/more: ovationacademy.org/shows-tickets.

1010 Madison St., Oak Park.

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HOLIDAY

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December 8, 2021

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B22

December 8, 2021

HOLIDAY

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Taste the North Avenue District Asian, BBQ, Sandwiches, Seafood and more!

Amarind’s Thai Restaurant

6822 W North, Chicago • 773-889-9999 Open Wednesday-Saturday 11:30-8:30 Pickup or delivery. Order by phone for pickup or online with Grubhub. View menu at Amarinds.com/menu. Wonderful soups and stir-fries.

Basehit BBQ Catering

6606 W North, Chicago • 773-417-7970 Open Tuesday-Saturday 11-8. Order by phone.

View menu at Basehitbbq.com. If you don’t eat red meat and love BBQ, check out their turkey tips

BodyWorx JuiceWorx & EcoCafe

6209 W. North, Oak Park • 708-660-1400 Monday & Friday 7-6, Saturday 9-6. Juices, smoothies, coffee drinks, salads, sandwiches.

Takeout and walk-up window. For menu, and to order visit Theecocafe.com. BOGOH...buy one get one half off on everything on menu. Limit two items per order.

Buona Beef

7025 W North, Oak Park • 708-383-1800 Open Sunday-Thursday, 10:30-9:30; Friday & Saturday 10:30-11. Order at the counter or online for curbside, drive-through or counter pickup at Buona.com. No-contact delivery available via DoorDash. Purchase gift cards online. See website for daily, budget-friendly specials. Outstanding Italian beef, homemade potato chips and fries.

China Chop Suey

6425 W North, Oak Park • 708-524-3388 Pickup or delivery by restaurant or Grubhub.

Open Monday-Thursday 11-10; Friday & Saturday 11-10:30; Sunday 12-3. Menu at Chinachopsuey.com/menu. Call or order online at orderonlinemenu.com/637. 10% off for students and seniors. 10% off first online purchase. Free eggroll or 2 crab Rangoon with entree. See website for other promos. Awardwinning orange chicken. Delicious Cantonese fried shrimp.

China Delight

6618 W North, Chicago • 773- 237-8886 Open daily 11-10. Counter service. Call or order online for pickup and delivery. View menu at Chinadelightil.com/menu. Free eggroll or can of pop with $25 order. presented by

Dunkin’ Donuts

7117 W North, Oak Park • 708-524-8202 Open Monday-Saturday 4 am-5 pm; Sunday 5-5. Counter service. Deliveries via Grubhub.

View menu at Dunkindonuts.com.

Dunkin’ Donuts

6336 W North, Chicago • 773-622-1881 Counter service. Open for orders/pickup, 6am6:30 pm. Drive-through open 24 hours. View menu at Dunkindonuts.com.

Hygge Supper Club (Huegah Catering)

6966 W North, Chicago • 312-965-2509 This future restaurant is catering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with deliveries via Grubhub and Uber Eats. No minimum order. View menu/ order at Huegah.com/hyggesupperclub. 20% off your website order when you mention The North Avenue District.

JJ Fish & Chicken

6321 W North, Oak Park • 708-383-1137 Open every day (even Christmas): MondayThursday, Sunday 10am-11pm; Friday-Saturday 10 am-midnight. Counter service. Call to order ahead for pickup. View menu at JJfishoakpark. com. See website for daily specials. 9% off for churches with IDs, all seniors, and all big parties with website coupon. Accepting donations for the needy. Will match your contribution.

Kentucky Fried Chicken

6034 W North, Chicago • 773-887-4458 Counter service daily 10:30-8. Drive-through daily 10:30-10. Order ahead online for pickup: kfc.com. Delivery via Grubhub.

Lemme Get Ummm

7016 W. North, Chicago • 773-413-7573 Open for pickup Monday-Friday, 11-4:30. Salads, sandwiches, smoothies, desserts. View menu and order for delivery via Ubereats.com.

Deliveries also available from Grubhub and Door Dash.

Lexington Betty Smoke House #1 6954 W North, Chicago • 773-309-8240 Smoked/BBQ meats, Southern sides & classic desserts. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon-7.

Lexingtonbettysmokehouse.com. Awardwinning chef. Try their brisket and smoked chicken.

Linda Michoacána

6808 W North, Chicago • 773-417-8591 Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:30-8:30. Mexican hot chocolate, ice cream, paletas and other sweets; tamales and other savories. View menu on at Lindamichoacana.com. Call to order for curbside pickup. Deliveries via Grubhub and Uber Eats. Mention The North Avenue District and get these deals: Free scoop of ice cream with your order of freshly made funnel cake.

Order 3 cups of elotes (Mexican-style street corn) and get the 4th cup free. Buy 2 large mangonadas and get the 3rd one 50% off.

Don’t miss their amazing tamales ThursdaySunday. Call to pre-order.

Michael’s Beef House

6747 W North, Oak Park • 708-848-8080 Open Monday-Wednesday and Saturday 11-8; Thursday and Friday 11-9. Sandwiches, salads, dinner plates. Counter service. Call to order for pickup. Dining room open. View menu: at Michaelsbeefhouse.com. Flawless fries; excellent gyros (great on a salad) and Polish sausage sandwich.

Na Siam Thai Restaurant

6851 W North, Oak Park • 708-613-4447 Open Thursday to Tuesday, 11:30-9:30; Wednesday noon-9:30. Dining room temporarily closed due to new COVID variant.

Call or order online for pickup or delivery by the restaurant at na-siam-oakpark.com.

Also deliveries via DoorDash, Grubhub, and Seamless. Free eggroll with orders of $20+.

Free pot stickers with orders of $30+. Check out the delicious BKK beef noodle soup.

Nick Jr’s Grill

6856 W North, Chicago • 773-887-5450 Open daily 6-3. Dine in table service or pickup (curbside pickup available). Mexican food, breakfast, and sandwiches. Phone in orders.

View menu Zomato.com/chicago/nick-jrs-grillmontclare/menu. Tasty and affordable.

6400 WEST NORTH AVENUE | 773-664-0620 25+ AREA LOCATIONS | WWW.OLDSECOND.COM

Member FDIC

“Old” and “Old Second” each refer to Old Second National Bank.

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B23

Taste the North Avenue District Asian, BBQ, Sandwiches, Seafood and more!

North Avenue Falafel

6814 W North, Chicago • 773-688-5388 Open daily 10-9. Middle Eastern food. Counter service. Order by phone for pickup. View menu at grubhom.com/restaurant/northavenue-falafel-6814-w-north-ave-elmwoodpark. Deliveries via the restaurant, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. 10% off any menu item when you mention The North Avenue District.

Try their chicken shawarma on a salad.

Okami Sushi Chicago

6818 W. North, Chicago • 773-417-8560 Open Sunday-Monday, Wednesday-Thursday noon-9 pm. Friday-Saturday noon-10. (Closed Tuesday.) Dine-in table service. BYOB. View menu at Okamisushiil.smiledining.com. Call or order online for pickup/delivery. Okamichicago. com. $15 lunch special. Pick 2 classic rolls & pick 2 nigiri. Comes with miso soup. Every day from 12– 3. Best miso soup you ever tasted!

Serrelli’s Finer Foods

6454 W North, Chicago • 773-237-7530 Open Tuesday-Friday, 9-5; Saturday, 9-4. Italian deli counter, also packaged and frozen homemade items. For catering service/gift packages, order online at Serrelli-street.com/pdf/serrelli-banquets.pdf. Buy gift cards by phone or in-person. Make Tuesday’s special!! Take home a Serrelli’s pizza kit. Buy one! Get one extra pound of bulk sausage free! Famous Italian beef! Canned tuna in olive oil, imported from Italy.

6978 Soul Food

6978 W. North, Chicago • 773-237-6090 Open Sunday-Thursday noon-8; Friday-Saturday noon-10. Scratch-made fried fish, fried chicken, and sides. Deliveries via DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. View menu at Yelp.com/ menu/6978-soul-food-chicago. $7.99 lunch specials. Ask about their senior discount.

Snoopy’s

6317 W North, Oak Park • 708-613-4527 Open Monday-Sunday 11-9. Counter service, indoor tables. Salads, hotdogs, burgers, other sandwiches, ice cream. Order on-site, by phone or online at Snoopystogo.com 10% off first online order. $5 off every $100+ online order.

Free soup with your order. Loyalty points on every order. Terrific burgers, fries, and shakes (including peanut butter!).

Member FDIC

“Old” and “Old Second” each refer to Old Second National Bank.

Starbucks

7112 W North, Chicago • 773-622-8610 Drive-through and counter open Monday-Friday 4:30am-9pm; Saturday-Sunday 5am-9pm.

Order ahead with app or online. View menu at Starbucks.com/menu. Gift cards available online.

Surf’s Up

6427 W. North, Oak Park • 708-613-5585 Open Tuesday-Thursday 11-9; Friday and Saturday 11-10; Sunday noon-5:15.

Seafood, sides, fried wings. Counter service. Order ahead by phone or online for pickup or curbside delivery. Menu at: themenustar2.com/webspace/menus. php?code=surfsuprestaurants.com. Deliveries via DoorDash and Grubhub. Large salads topped with a generous portion of perfectly grilled shrimp. The best fried wings around.

Fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce, too.

Taco Burrito King

6518 W North, Chicago • 773-637-2111 Open Sunday-Wednesday 10:30am-midnight, Thursday 10:30am-1am, Friday-Saturday 10:30am-2am. Mexican specialties. Dine in and carryout. Call to order ahead for pickup. View menu at Tacoburritoking.com/menu. Deliveries via Grubhub and Uber Eats. Save 75 cents on your $3.25 order of chicken tacos. Check website for daily/monthly specials.

Urbn Bistro

6526 W. North, Chicago • 773-413-7109 For catering, call 630-642-4014. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 2-9. Counter service, indoor tables. Curbside pickup; no-contact delivery. Order on-site, by phone or online at Urbnbistro.com. Mention The North Avenue District and save 10% on your order. See website for daily specials. Finally, jerk chicken comes to the District! (How about some jerk chicken eggrolls?)

Wild Fish N Beef

6620 W North, Chicago • 773-887-5035 Counter service. Open Monday-Saturday noon8. Sandwiches, salads, soups, Greek-style dinner plates. Deliveries via Grubhub and DoorDash.

View menu on Facebook: Facebook.com/ wildfishnbeef. Mention The North Avenue District and save 15% on orders over $25. Try the delicious spanakopita as an entrée or a side dish. Cut in small pieces for a fabulous party appetizer. Chicken gyros is hard to find, but they have it and it’s wonderful.

The Onion Roll Restaurant & Deli

6935 W North, Oak Park • 708-383-2548 Open Monday-Saturday 8-3, Sunday 8-2. Dine-in table service. Outdoor dining. Jewish-style deli: corned beef, pastrami, smoked fish, bagels, onion rolls, rye bread, etc.

Order on-site, by phone or online at theonionroll.com Deliveries via Grubhub. Mention The North Avenue District and save 10% on corned beef or pastrami sandwiches. 10% senior discount on Wednesdays, dine-in only.

6400 WEST NORTH AVENUE | 773-664-0620 25+ AREA LOCATIONS | WWW.OLDSECOND.COM

Building Bridges mural by St. Giles students and By Discovery, LLC. Code Ninjas-Oak Park window, 7119 W. North, Oak Park.

presented by

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December 8, 2021

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To all of our residents, neighbors and friends,

Wishing you Hope, Joy and Peace in the New Year For over 36 years, Oak Park Apartments has been restoring and modernizing many of the area’s most beautiful and classic apartment buildings. In 2021, we welcomed over 800 new residents to the community. We are committed to making a home for them here in Oak Park and the near western suburbs.

F I N D

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Holiday Events

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December 8, 2021

B20

Family Snow Ball Saturday, Dec. 18, 3 to 4 p.m., Zoom with Forest Park Public Library Shake away cabin fever at this family-friendly dance party with music from Motown throwbacks to seasonal favorites.

Whatever you celebrate, don your holiday swag, sweaters and bling. Designed for ages 8 and younger and their families.

Register: fppl.evanced.info/signup/Calendar

A Celebration of the Stories and Values of Kwanzaa Sunday, Dec. 19, 2 to 3 p.m., Austin Room, Forest Park Public Library Storytellers Baba Tony Brown and Kucha Brownlee will bring the symbols and principles of Kwanzaa to life. Learn about Nguzo Saba--Unity, Self-determination, Collection work and responsibility, Co-operative economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Presentation includes African drumming, shekere playing, audience participation and more. For children of all ages and their families. Mask required. A recording will be shared later for those who cannot attend. Register: fppl.evanced.info/signup/Calendar.

7555 Jackson Blvd.

Merry Measures, a Celebration of Festive Feasting Monday, Dec. 20, 1:15 p.m., Nineteenth Century Club Get a taste of December traditions in poems, stories, remembrances and song presented by Oak Park Festival Theatre Artistic Associates. The “menu” includes old favorites, followed by musings of Ogden Nash, Anne Lamott, Maya Angelou and more. Brought by the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. $15, suggested donation; free, members. Tickets/more: nineteenthcentury.org. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park.

that Charles Dickens took in creating A Christmas Carol, a timeless tale that would redefine Christmas. Mask required. Register: fppl.evanced.info/signup/Calendar.

7555 Jackson Blvd.

Noon Year’s Eve Friday, Dec. 31, 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 11:30 to Noon, Barbara Hall Meeting Room, River Forest Public Library Calling all babies, toddlers, preschoolers and kids up to 4th grade along with their caregivers. Be the first to celebrate the new year with activities and crafts with a festive flair. Register child participants for one session only. Sign up: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com. 735 Lathrop Ave.

Senior New Year’s Eve Party Friday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Howard Mohr Community Center Ring in 2022 with an elegant meal, lively music and dancing, raffles and prizes, a champagne toast and party poppers at “midnight” (3 p.m.). $50, FP residents; $55, nonresidents.

Discounted bus service available for FP residents. Reservations: 708-771-7737. 7640 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park.

115 N. Marion St., Oak Park (708) 383-3100 jamesanthonysalon.com

Bedtime Story with Santa Wednesday, Dec. 22, 7 to 8 p.m., Virtually with the Park District of Oak Park The jolly old elf will read some stories and spread good cheer. All ages. $8, OP residents; $11, nonresidents.

Register: https://www.amilia.com/store/en/parkdistrict-of-oak-park/shop/activities/3469192

Senior Movie: “The Man Who Invented Christmas” Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1 to 3 p.m., Austin Room, Forest Park Public Library Join fellow seniors for a 2017 biopic on the journey

Legacy In Concert Friday, Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m., Madison Street Theater (MST) Ring in the new year with and a male vocal group composed of performers with credits ranging from Broadway to arena shows and television. They’ll take you through the decades, starting with Doo Wop, Motown, and disco and transition to pop, R&B and hip-hop. Concert begins at 9:30, followed by dancing at 11:30 until the new year arrives.

Food and drink available all night. PRICE. Tickets/more: madisonstreettheater.org/event/mst-presents-legacy-inconcert. 1010 Madison St., Oak Park.

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OPEN HOUSE

OPEN HOUSE

Full-day, after school, summer camp

Part-day program Saturday, January 23rd, 9-11am

Thursday, February 17th, 7pm

Full-day for ages 6 weeks - preK

Ginkgo Room Applications accepted

Morning Session:

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Summer Camp for 3 to 5, K-5th

online at www.opfs.org

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Email info@opfs.org • Or call 708-686-2030 to learn more!

63 0 0 Rooseve lt Road , Oak Park • w w w.opfs .org Oak Park Friends School | Learning Through Play

Most Oak Park & River Forest teens choose NOT TO USE Alcohol • Marijuana OR Misuse RX Medications Join the crowd that’s sober, safe & having fun!

Oak Park & River Forest Townships

OakParkTownship.org/Prevention-Services Positive Youth Development (+PYD) supports youth in making healthy choices to lead alcohol and drug-free lives.

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Oak Park's premier beauty destination for unique and healthy hair, skin, and body care as well as bath, kids' and home items.

We have a huge assortment of gifts starting at $5, and our famous bundles to make any shopper's list a bit more simplified. Shipping and gift tags available. E-Gift cards, too!

ELEVATE CREATIVE • 321b Harrison Street • Oak Park www.elevate-oakpark.com • ShopOakParkIL.com

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Jerusalem Cafe Award winning and Voted best Middle Eastern restaurant in west suburbs.

Spread the Joy! We Cater!

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Shop online or in-store 140 Harrison St, Oak Park grndcoffeehouse.com • (708) 613-4592

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The Gift of Good Eats: Celebrate the season one memorable bite at a time

Holiday

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

Dorilocos on the ‘secret menu’ at Linda Michoacana:

Located in the North Avenue District, Linda Michoacana, 6808 W. North Ave., is known for serving up frozen desserts, but there is something quirky and cool lurking on their hidden menu.

Order “dorilocos” and expect to receive a bag of Doritos topped off with pickled pig skin, cabbage, avocado, sour cream, salsa, and Japanese peanuts.

Food writer David Hammond requests a handful of gummy bears to finish off the sweet and savory bite.

Donuts for sharing from Firecakes:*

Make yourself popular at your next meeting and swing by Firecakes, 104 N. Maple Ave., to pick up an assortment of their daily offerings.

You cannot go wrong with their classic Tahitian Vanilla or buttermilk old fashioned varieties, but at this time of year you’ll see all sorts of seasonal offering popping up on their menu.

Chocolate cream pie from Spilt Milk:*

December 8, 2021

give a kit this holiday season snowflakes bracelets earrings necklaces & more!

Great for teachers, essential workers, stocking stuffers or hostess gifts Original handmade jewelry & gift certificates also available

Prepare to fight for the last slice of chocolate cream pie from Spilt Milk, 811 South Blvd. This decadent dish rotates on and off the menu so don’t expect it to be around every day. This woman-owned business offers an array of treats to tempt you no matter what is on the menu.

Steak dinner from The Little Gem Café:*

Black pepper notes and an au jus reduction enhance the angus hanger steak offering at The Little Gem Café, 189 N. Marion St. Served with vegetables the indulgent meal is an ideal date night meal on a chilly evening.

* OPRF Chamber of Commerce Members

beadinhand.com 145 Harrison Street 708-848-1761 Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11–6 Wed: 1–6; Sat: 10–5; Sun: 1–5

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Holiday

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

Adding a bloody mary to your lunch at Poor Phil’s:*

Order a fish sandwich, a dozen oysters, or a classic Murphyburger, but be sure to add a house-made bloody mary to your next lunch at Poor Phil’s, 139 S. Marion St. One sip of this spicy eye-opener and your lunch will feel like a special occasion.

Monday burgers from Big Guys Sausage Stand: Take a break on a busy weeknight and indulge in $5 quarter pound burgers from Big Guys, 7021 Roosevelt Rd. or snag the original half pound Big Guys burger topped with fried onions, pickles, thousand island and American cheese.

Any interaction with Chef Paco at New Rebozo:

For 30 years, Chef Paco has been perfecting the menu at New Rebozo, 1116 Madison St. — so you’ll be pleased no matter if you order the Chile Nogada, Sope with Hibiscus or anything else on the elevated Mexican menu. No meal at the Oak Park mainstay is complete without a chat with Chef Paco. His effervescent personality is the ideal garnish to every dish he serves.

131 North Marion Street • Oak Park, IL. 60301 •708.613.5595

• COUPON •

$50 off a $150+ purchase Good until December 24, 2021

Collaborative meals hosted by Anfora Wine Merchants:* Lookout for “mostly monthly” wine pairing dinners hosted at Anfora Wine Merchants, 128 S. Marion St. These special ticketed events bring together the chefs from Carnivore and bakers from Blackout Baking Co. for multicourse meals in the private dining space at the Marion Street enoteca.

Subscribe to Anfora’s newsletter to stay in the loop. * OPRF Chamber of Commerce Members

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Eat, Drink & Be Merry this holiday season

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Holiday

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

Our $25 holiday bonus is back A Vegetable Galette from The Happy Apple Pie Shop:

For every $100 you purchase in Maya gift cards, you receive a FREE $25 bonus gift card!

All things apple reign supreme at the Arts District pie shop, but savory pie lovers clamor for the handheld vegetable galettes often offered at The Happy Apple, 226 Harrison St.

Carryout from Khyber Pass:*

Host your holiday gathering with us, dates are still available!

Ring in the New Year with a special NYE menu and live music!

Indian fare travels well and Khyber Pass, 1031 Lake St., delivers a flavorful array of dishes throughout the area. Known for Dumbuc Khana (cooking in pot with steam) and Tandoori Khana (roasting over charcoal in a clay oven), proprietors encourage patrons to enjoy their dishes with an assortment of tandoori breads.

Afternoon tea from Serenitea Oak Park:

Feel like a princess -- Tracy Boone, owner of Serenitea, 1046 Pleasant St., packages up tea party fare to enjoy at home. Enjoy a good strong cuppa with watercress and cucumber, fig and cream cheese, and chicken salad tea sandwiches with scones, cookies, and pastries.

A simple breakfast at George’s:

Visit mayadelsol.com for reservations, gift cards and holiday party information.

144 s oak park ave | oak park | 708.358.9800 www.mayadelsol.com

Embrace the best of a true community restaurant when you enjoy a simple breakfast at the diner located at 145 S. Oak Park Ave. Be sure to give your regards to George on the way out—a simple act of kindness goes a long way.

* OPRF Chamber of Commerce Members

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D N U HO T S I L T F I G ON YOUR

Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit OakPark.com/subscribe

FR

Have a

O D N E E

T U

WITH THIS AD EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2022

Dunkin Donuts / Baskin Robbins 217 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302 Open 7 days a week 4am-10pm

Dunkin Donuts 3 Erie Ct. Oak Park, IL 60302 (inside West Suburban Hospital) Open 7 days a week, 4am-8pm

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Holiday

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

Warming soups from Starship:*

CE CREAM FI

Things are “souper” at Starship, 7618 Madison St., in the winter months. Few sandwich shops can claim to offer a selection of 80 soups, but our local mainstay can claim that every day of the year. Order hot soups on the rotating daily menu or select from the full arsenal of available soup varieties in the freezers located in store.

$3 O F

Build your own poke bowl from Poke Burrito:*

Bring some color to a dreary winter day at Poke Burrito, 1025 Lake St. Let your personality shine when you design your custom creation at the restaurant located at 1025 Lake St. Salmon, shrimp and tobiko took center stage in our rosy-hued creation.

Country style shells at Cucina Paradiso:*

Smoked wings from Small Batch Barbecue:

Hands down the smoked wings from Small Batch Barbecue, 7441 Madison St., are among the best wings you’ll find in the area. Drums and flats are smoked over a mix of hickory, apple and cherry wood before being flash fried to perfect crisp.

* OPRF Chamber of Commerce Members

KE CA

Few local dishes are as cozy as the shells offered at Cucina Paradiso, 814 North Blvd.

Chef-owner Anthony Gambino tosses pasta with spicy marinara, crumbled Italian sausage, mushrooms, peas, Spanish onion, a touch of cream, and Romano cheese.

WITH THIS AD EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2022

Dunkin Donuts / Baskin Robbins 217 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302 Open 7 days a week 4am-10pm

Dunkin Donuts 3 Erie Ct. Oak Park, IL 60302 (inside West Suburban Hospital) Open 7 days a week, 4am-8pm

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Holiday

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

Beef Pho from Na Siam:

New, family-focused owners are breathing new life into Na Siam, 6851 W. North Ave. They offer five noodle soups on their menu including a noteworthy version of beef pho. The rice noodle soup, boasting bold star anise flavors in a rich broth, comes with a garnish tray brimming with basil, bean sprouts and chilis.

Cocktails with friends at Citrine:*

Take a pause when you are doing your holiday errands and enjoy a cocktail with friends at Citrine, 100 S. Oak Park Ave. We’re always torn between the GTO and the Long March. The first features flavors of gin, thyme and grapefruit while the second offers a combination of bourbon, cherry and lemon notes. Cheers!

Chicken Parm and pasta from Angie’s Pantry:*

Take a load off and trust Angie Montroy, owner of Angie’s Pantry, 809 South Blvd., to handle dinner for your hungry brood. She embraces an 80/20 philosophy when is comes to meal time. 80% healthy fare like Chicken Parmesan and light tomato pasta leaves room for 20% indulgence — I recommend Angie’s peanut butter cup “baby cake!”

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich from Base Hit BBQ and Catering:

Skip the drive-thru and get your hands on a mammoth chicken sandwich in the North Avenue District. Base Hit BBQ, 6606 W. North Ave., offers a thoughtfully edited menu of traditional barbecue fare, but the secret star on the menu is this spicy slawtopped wonder.

* OPRF Chamber of Commerce Members

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ON SALE!

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Holiday

BY MELISSA ELSMO, OAK PARK EATS EDITOR

Holiday vibes at River Forest Chocolates:*

Few places channel the spirit of the season more than River Forest Chocolates, 7769 Lake St. Pop in for some holiday cheer while getting everything you need to fill your stockings. Not to miss items include hot chocolate bombs, River Forest tortoises, and house made English toffee.

Very berry French toast from Yolk:*

Micro-chain and River Forest newcomer, Yolk, 7301 W. North Ave., has a reputation for turning out one of the best breakfasts in Chicagoland. We can’t stop thinking about the very berry French toast — the decadent and colorful dish features challah bread French toast garnished with house-made Greek yogurt, almond granola, fresh berries and honey.

Truffle Fries from Kettlestrings:*

Nothing makes a dish feel more festive than a drizzle of truffle oil. Chef Laura White from Kettlestrings Tavern, 800 S. Oak Park Ave., is bringing this holiday flair to a plate of shareable fries by tossing them with parmesan, truffle oil and serving them with a garlic aioli for dipping.

Pork Chop Calabrese from Victory Italian:

It is easy to be distracted by the meatballs, pastas and salads at Victory Italian, 100 S. Marion St., but don’t overlook Chef Farina’s center cut chop pounded thin with herb bread crumb, calabrese peppers, and white wine sauce. The pork chop Calabrese is a standout among the solid offerings at this Pleasant District spot. * OPRF Chamber of Commerce Members

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Family Meals for the Holidays!

Feeds 4-6 Guest $49.99/$57.50

Bucket Rib Tips......................Full Slab Ribs Whole Chicken..........OR...........½ Slab Ribs 3 Large Sides.......................Whole Chicken Dinner Rolls............................3 Large Sides Dinner Rolls

Feeds 8-10 Guest $79.99/$88.99

Bucket Rib Tips..........................3 Full Slab Ribs Whole Chicken...........................Whole Chicken 2Lb Pork..................OR................4 Large Sides 4 Large Sides..................................Dinner Rolls Dinner Rolls

848 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302 • rib1.com • (708) 383-8452

Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore • Mysteries and history for adults & children • • Classics • • Fiction & non-fiction from recent authors • including some of our December authors, even "Christmas with the King"!

While books are still our favorites, we’ve added a sumptuous selection of puzzles this season.

7419 W. Madison • Forest Park, IL 60130 • 708-771-7243 www.centuriesandsleuths.com • cns7419@sbcglobal.net

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December 8, 2021

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Sessions can be used for any sessions for 2022, and a Framed option is available in time for Christmas Gifts!

Jamilla Yipp Photography • 19 Harrison Street, Oak Park • 773-320-7558 • www.jamillayipp.com

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Chamber Gift Card Program Benefits Local Consumers SHOP L OCAL O and Businesses PRF

By Issac Stopeck

T

Contributor

his holiday season, support local businesses by purchasing a Shop Local OPRF Gift Card from the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce. Currently, these gift cards can be used at 48 participating merchants in Oak Park and River Forest, and new vendors are continually being added to the vendor list.

Chamber members envisioned the gift card program in July 2020 to spur community business growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Later that year, the Chamber launched the Shop Local OPRF Gift Card Program in collaboration with Yiftee, a company that facilitates community e-gift cards programs. This year, the Chamber has sold almost $10,000 in gift cards.

“We’re really just trying to help local spending,” said Jenny Yang, facilitator of Shop Local OPRF. “The program real-

mly helps out the merchants and the community. It helps give many benefits thatt are as easy and turnkey as possible.”

The gift cards are digital and can be spent either in stores or online.

Additionally, they do not expire and can be purchased year-round on the Chamber’s website. Many of the merchants in the Shop Local OPRF network are restaurants or retail establishments, but Yang emphasized n that any vendor with a POS system can participate regardless of industry. cal In addition to providing value for local cal consumers and vendors, Shop Local OPRF also benefits businesses looking to give back to the community. For example, Byline Bank in Oak Park recently purchased a total of $15,000 in gift cards from Shop Local OPRF, Downtown Oak Park, and several local retail stores and restaurants. The bank later donated these cards to their patrons as well as to local charitable organizations, such as Beyond Hunger. Susie Goldschmidt, Oak

Happy holidays, neighbors.

Colin Fane, Agent 212 S Marion Street Fl G Oak Park, IL 60302 Bus: 708-383-3163 www.colinfane.com Monday & Friday 9am-5pm Tues/Wed/ Thurs 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-12pm

1901978

I wish all my neighbors a safe and happy holiday season and the very best in the New Year. It’s a true joy to be part of such a wonderful community.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

State Farm Bloomington, IL

Park River Forest Market President for Byline, expressed her support for Shop Local OPRF. “Local businesses play such an important role in the Oak Park River Forest community that doing something as simple as a gift card program made an impact during a meaningful time for those businesses,” she said.

The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce has almost 450 members and seeks to facilitate an environment where local professionals can network

and support one another. To view the current Shop Local OPRF merchant list or purchase a gift card, visit the Chamber of Commerce website at oprfchamber.org. To sign up for the merchant list, contact Jenny Yang at jyang@oprfchamber.org. Membership is free for Chamber members and $150 per year for non Chamber members.

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Since 1998, Belmont Village has safely delivered an unparalleled senior living experience for thousands of families. Collaborations with experts from the nation's top universities and healthcare institutions that have established our national leadership in demonstrably effective cognitive health and wellness programs. Combining the highest levels of hospitality and care, our communities make life worth living.

Learn more at BelmontVillage.com/OakPark

©2021 Belmont Village, LP. | SC52076 | BelmontVillage.com/OakPark

December 8, 2021

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Hey Neighbor!

We are local, family owned, and here for you.

The Oak Park HandyHuman was born out of a lifelong love of making homes functional and beautiful. I strongly believe that nothing is more important than feeling comfortable and safe in your home, and that is the spirit that drives my approach to customer service and workmanship. I feel so lucky to be doing what I love right here in my own community.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

Warmly, Sarah Seeyle Owner + Neighbor

• Electrical • Plumbing • Drywall/Plaster Repair & Installation • Bathroom & Kitchen Updates & Remodels • Exterior Home Repairs • Deck Repairs, Painting & Construction • Furniture Assembly & Repairs • Custom Carpentry • General Maintenance

www.theoakparkhandyhumaninc.com Phone: (708) 303-8615 | Email: info@theoakparkhandyhumaninc.com

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Special Advertising Section OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

C O N T E N T

Stepping back in time at Russell’s Barbecue A ‘tradition that goes on and on’

R

ussell’s Barbecue, 1621 N. Thatcher Ave, Elmwood Park, has been a family tradition since 1930.

The meat-focused mainstay originally found its home on North Avenue before moving to the expansive space built to house the rustic restaurant in the mid-1940’s. The building boasts a tall smokestack and wooden booths covFood Writer ered with red checkered tablecloths beckon guests to embrace retro recipes and savor the flavor of the past.

Ben Tapia, longtime manager of Russell’s Barbecue, started as a busboy at Russell’s when he was just 15 years old. He had to get a special permit to work under-age, and now 30 years later knows the business from top to bottom and keeps the kitschy restaurant

MELISSA ELSMO

running smoothly.

“Russell’s really was a hangout for people in the 1940s and 50s,” said Tapia. “There was nothing around here at all so this became a destination for families and couples. They would spend time in the restaurant and on the lawn. Russell’s was especially popular after a visit to Kiddieland.”

Russell’s menu has expanded over the years, but the original dishes are still among the most popular selections today.

The limited early offerings included nothing more than simple hamburgers, beef and pork sandwiches, ribs and chicken.

The original Russell’s menu didn’t contain any smoked meats; 14-hour smoked brisket and pulled pork menu items were added in 2011. Tapia said Russell’s was established before wood smoked barbecue and aquarium smokers made their way onto Chicagoland restaurant menus. Russell’s smokeless barbecue allows the sauce to standout in their throwback dishes.

Today the original meat sandwiches, slab ribs and bone-in chicken continue to be slow roasted and served just as they were in 1930.

The tender and simply seasoned meats are all designed to be doused with Russell’s barbecue sauce. Of course, the signature sauce,

Ben Tapia, manager of Russell’s Barbecue, knows the business of barbecue from top to bottom.

Ribs cooked according to Russell’s tradition are not smoked but roasted until tender and sauced with their signature barbecue sauce.

All photos Melissa Elsmo

Russell’s half roasted chicken is one of the original recipes still on the menu today.

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Though the addition at Russell’s is modern, the main dining room has the vintage charm the restaurant is well known for.

Desserts, like the chocolate cake shown here, are all made in house at Russell’s Barbecue.

Russell’s Barbecue, 1621 N. Thatcher Ave. in Elmwood Park, has been serving families since 1930.

To cope with the pandemic Russell’s installed a drive-thru in the back of the restaurant. made on-site for use in dishes served in the restaurant, has remained the same over the decades and still contains the Jamaican spices and bold cinnamon notes that keep customers coming back to Russell’s yearafter-year.

“We tried to modernize once and people got upset,” laughed Tapia. “I try my best to keep everything the same, but people like the nostalgia and want to continue enjoying the same dishes. A consistent recipe has been key for us.”

The big facility is part museum with large black and white photos and framed newspaper articles cluing diners into the rich history behind the restaurant. Loyal customers are resistant to changes to the property as they want their memories kept intact. During the pandemic, however, regular custom-

ers applauded the addition of a drive-thru to the property. The make-shift solution features a standalone “heater box” manned by a masked employee. Orders placed through the drive thru lane account for nearly 30% of all Russell’s sales.

“We knew we needed to do something fast, and we didn’t have thousands of dollars to spend,” said Tapia. “The drive-thru was a huge help and we would not have made it through the pandemic without it.”

While Russell’s has a “more modern” location in Countryside, Tapia is proud that Russell’s was born in Elmwood Park. The charming barbecue joint is a local landmark of sorts and a place where wistful folks can step back in time and savor a timeless memory.

“Many of our older customers come back here because they went on dates here and now, they bring their grandchildren to eat here,” said Tapia proudly. “The Russell’s tradition that goes on and on.”

The newest hot spot for Live Entertainment

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includes 1 Glass Champagne for Midnight toast (adults only)

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7308 W. North Avenue • Elmwood Park 708-456-3644 • donnygs.com

For more culinary delights, visit OakPark.com and click on EATS.

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Proud to be part of our diverse community Join us at the annual Membership Brunch in January to join or renew your membership.

Details announced soon.

In 2021, we happily gathered and hosted Architectural Walks, Backyard Movie Nights, an Ice Cream Social in Scoville Park, donut sales at the Farmers Market, Potlucks, and the annual Scholarship Gala.

To donate to the Scholarship Fund, visit www.opalga.org. Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Oak-Park-Area-Lesbian-and-Gay-Association--2284888498432739

All are welcome.

We hope to make new friends and see you in 2022!

www.opalga.org

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Have a

D N U O H T S I L T F I G R U O Y ON Call Jill at (708) 524-8300

or visit OakPark.com/subscribe or ForestParkReview.com/subscribe

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SHOP LOCAL! Support our Restaurants.

Purchase a Shop Local digital gift card and use it throughout the community at your favorite participating eateries.

Available at oprfchamber.org

Learn more. Give more.

Joyful Giving

Visit OakPark.com, go to the Season of Giving page, and find links to many local, nonprofit organizations in need of your help this giving season.

OakPark.com | AustinWeeklyNews.com | ForestParkReview.com | RBLandmark.com

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Committed to Oak Park and River Forest Byline is privileged to be a part of the Oak Park River Forest community for more than 20 years and since 2020 has committed over $65,000 to organizations in Oak Park and River Forest. Our team looks forward to continuing our commitment to customers and businesses in the Oak Park and River Forest community.

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

©2021 Byline Bank. Member FDIC.