Wednesday Journal 122017 by Wednesday Journal

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2018 food trends Page 16

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

December 20, 2017 Vol. 35, No. 18 ONE DOLLAR

@oakpark @wednesdayjournal

A Christmas story rooted in civil unrest Inspired by August protest, churchgoers promote racial reconciliation By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

When hundreds of far-right protestors, including young white supremacists and neo-Nazis armed with weapons and tiki torches, took to the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia in August, Yevette Killingsworth thought about her son, who was living in Charlottesville at the time. “He said it was scary for people to even be out at that time — and this is 2017,” Killingsworth recalled during a Dec. 16 interview at Cornerstone Anglican Church-True Freedom Ministry, 171 N. Cuyler Ave., in Oak Park. The protests had a more indirect effect on the Rev. Michael Wright, the pastor of True Freedom Ministry — a predominantly African-American congregation that shares space, along with a predominantly Hispanic congregation, inside of the Cornerstone Anglican Church, a predominantly white congregation. Wright’s church had been developing a relationship with an Anglican church in Wheaton. The bishop of that church, See CORNERSTONE CHURCH on page 12

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

GIVING THE JOINT ATMOSPHERE: FitzGerald’s, which is really more like Martini’s, has transformed its SideBar to Nick’s Place for the holiday season. Remember, you’re in Bedford Falls, not Pottersville.

Welcome to Bedford Falls … in Berwyn FitzGerald’s pop-up channels ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ complete with Zuzu’s petals By MICHELLE DYBAL Contributing Reporter

Stepping off busy Roosevelt Road under a sign marked “Welcome to Bedford Falls,” bar-goers are welcomed into a scene that is part movie set, part time travel as they transition past antique autos and a scene from

the living room of 320 Sycamore on George and Mary’s wedding night, then finally through the door with a sign with the word “Nick’s” lit overhead. At this Nick’s, Clarence could get his flaming rum punch (even if it isn’t cold enough outside) and mulled wine -- “heavy on the cinnamon, light on the cloves.”

These libations, along with others, are all carefully researched and prepared by three bartenders from Berwyn who run The Roosevelt Room, which is putting on the pop-up “It’s a Wonderful Life at FitzGerald’s SideBar” on Wednesdays in December. The eveSee BEDFORD FALLS on page 13

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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Celebrate Holiday Lights in the Oak Park Arts District. Indulge your creative side at festive seasonal events within the studios, boutiques, galleries and eateries of Harrison Street.

Please visit www.OakParkArtsDistrict.com for details.

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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I N S I D E

R E P O R T

D97 seeks volunteers for committee Oak Park District 97 is looking for community members who might want to volunteer on its Committee for Legislative Action, Intervention and Monitoring (CLAIM) — the body that is responsible for developing “a legislative agenda to propose, support, oppose or monitor legislation impacting board priorities,” according to a recent district statement. The committee meets once a month and is charged with monitoring county, state and federal laws for their potential effect on school policy and finance; engaging with lobbying groups like the Illinois Association of School Boards;

Hatch Patch wins Green Award

Hatch Path, the garden at Hatch Elementary, 1000 N. Ridgeland Ave., in Oak Park, has long been considered a model as far as school gardens go. The roughly 1,000-square-foot lot, which graces the school’s north side, yields everything from potatoes to sunflowers — all organically grown. The garden has been rewarding the senses of passersby since it was first cultivated as a pumpkin patch in 2006. Now the people of Oak Park have rewarded it. This month, the Hatch PTO earned a 2017 Green Award from

and informing Oak Park area lawmakers at different levels of government about how their proposed policies, practices and legislative proposals might impact the district, among other functions. Interested candidates can access additional information about CLAIM by visiting http://www.op97.org/boe/claim. Currently, the district needs to fill three openings. To be considered for membership or for more information about CLAIM, contact Lou Anne Johannesson at ljohannesson@op97.org. The deadline to apply for the positions is Friday, Jan. 5.

Michael Romain

the Village of Oak Park Environment & Energy Commission for the “hard work and environmental initiative” it demonstrated with Hatch Patch. The PTO received the award and a certificate of recognition at the “Celebrating Stewardship: Heritage, Environment and Design” award ceremony on Dec. 13. According to the commission’s website, the Green Awards recognize and appreciate “specific deeds or actions that embody and advance the mission of the village of Oak Park to work toward a sustainable and secure future.”

Michael Romain

‘Hoop Dreams’ star accused of assault

Arthur Agee Jr., featured in the 1994 Oscar-nominated documentary “Hoop Dreams” released on bond from Cook County Jail on Dec. 17, after allegedly kicking a female companion several

Liquid gold

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

From left, Danielle Jones, Natalie Bobrowska, both student beekeepers, and students Sara Bartczyszyn and Andrea Senyk, pour fresh honey into smaller containers, during a honey bottling party inside the Parmer Hall nutrition lab at Dominican University in River Forest. Story on page 11. times outside a Forest Park bar. A Glendale Heights woman flagged down a Forest Park police officer at 11:37 p.m. on Nov. 19, according to a police report. She said she wanted to file a report against her boyfriend, showing an officer blood on her hands and forehead. The victim said Agee, 45, had jumped on her outside Pioneer Tap, 7445 Randolph St., after a verbal altercation. According to the police report, the two were in an alley when Agee, about 6-feet-2 and 200 pounds, threw her to the ground and started kicking her. Agee allegedly took her cellphone, threw it on the ground and fled the scene in a grey Chevy Envoy. Agee, of Chicago, was arrested on Dec. 16 and charged with aggravated battery. A Cook County Judge set his bond at $30,000. He paid the $3,000 bail required

and was released. Agee was one of two high school basketball players featured in “Hoop Dreams,” a 1994 documentary by Oak Park film director Steve James, which chronicled how Agee and William Gates contrasted their athletic ambitions against life in their inner-city neighborhoods. “Hoop Dreams” won several film awards, including the 1994 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary; the 1994 Chicago Film Critics Award for Best Picture; and the 1995 George Foster Peabody Award. The film was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Editing category. In 2007, the International Documentary Association named “Hoop Dreams” the best documentary of all time.

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Holiday Cheer at Cheney Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 20 - 21, 3 to 8 p.m., Cheney Mansion: Come to an open house and view holiday decorations in the historic 1913 former home. $2 donation or non-perishable food item for the OPRF Food Pantry. Thursday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Cheney Mansion: The Active Adult Holiday Party begins with drinks, socializing and enjoying the holiday décor followed by lunch and gifts for all. $20, Active Adult members (discount applied at checkout); $25, residents; $30, non-residents. Register: pdop.com, 708-725-2000. 220 N Euclid Ave, Oak Park.

Tuba Christmas Saturday, Dec. 23, 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. Various Locations: See low-brass musicians from Oak Park & River High School, and Brooks and Julian Middle Schools play favorite Christmas songs on tubas, sousaphones and euphoniums. Starts at the Harlem/ Lake Green Line station. Then, on to Oak Park businesses, such as Old Navy and The Gap, then to River Forest to Starbucks and Whole Foods, wrapping by 9:15 a.m. Following this, they join 400 other musicians for Tuba Christmas Chicago at the Palmer House Hilton.

Skating Fun – Off and On the Ice Thursday, Dec. 21, 5 to 7 p.m., Ridgeland Common: See the Holiday Skating Exhibition where skaters perform original routines to holiday music. $2; tickets available at the door. Friday, Dec. 22, 6:15 to 8:15 p.m., Ridgeland Common: Come to the Crazy Holiday Sweater Rink Party and drink cocoa, make wintery crafts and skate. All ages. $7; free, with rink pass; $3, skate rental. Questions: 708-725-2000. 415 Lake St, Oak Park.

Dec. 20-27

BIG WEEK Boxing Day

Tuesday, Dec. 26, Noon to 4 p.m., Hemingway Birthplace Home: This family event, celebrating an English tradition of gift-giving to servants, includes harp music (noon), The History Singers (2 p.m.) and Hemingway Readers Theatre (3 p.m.). Tea, holiday punch and treats served. $10; $7 seniors/students; free, members and children 5 and under. Tickets at the door. Questions: 708-848-2222. 339 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park.

Celebrate with Song at FitzGerald’s Rob Parton Big Band Christmas Show Wednesday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.: Hear the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, seasonal favorites and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Riverside-Brookfield HS Jazz Band opens the show; main show at 8 p.m. $15; $5, 17 and under. More: 708-788-2118, fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

Country Night Holiday Show Thursday, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m.: See Allegra Malone, The Menards, The Country Doctors, Becky Levi, Linda Weseman, Sole City Juke Band, Erin Edmister & Killian Sweeney from Three Tons and Badass Gumbo. Doors open at 7 p.m. $10, at the door.

The Fat Babies After Party Wednesday, Dec. 27, 9:15 p.m.: The pop up It’s a Wonderful Life is sold out, but everyone is invited to join the fun after the movie with this seven-piece Chicago ensemble playing 1920s and 30s jazz. Compliments of Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest. Donations of hats, scarves and gloves accepted in the SideBar both Wednesday, Dec. 20 and 27, for Housing Forward. 6615 Rooseveltt Rd., Berwyn.

The Redmonds Christmas Show Friday, Dec. 22, 8 p.m.: Celebrate with The Redmonds, a Forest Park-based band, including Oak Park’s Mike Gorman of Off Broadway on bass. Also playing, Kevin Lee and the Kings, Duct Tape Band, The Romeo Brothers and 24/7. Doors open at 7 p.m. 21+. $12. Tickets: fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

$5 Drop-in Holiday Beading Workshops Friday, Dec. 22, 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 23, 2 to 5 p.m., Bead in Hand: Create angel earrings or ornaments. Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Saturday, Jan. 6, 2 to 6 p.m. daily, Bead in Hand: Drop in and make a beaded snowflake or memory-wire bracelet. Info: beadinhand.com. 145 Harrison St., Oak Park.

Thank-You Note Workshop Wednesday, Dec. 27, 9 to 5 p.m., River Forest Public Library: Kids - don’t forget to be grateful for your holiday gifts. Drop by the Children’s Room to create personalized cards. Supplies provided. Grades Kindergarten through 4. Questions: 708-366-5205. 735 Lathrop Ave.

CALENDAR EVENTS ■ As you’ve likely noticed, our Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights. Email calendar@wjinc.com.

Oak Park Area Arts Council (OPAAC) Shows Now through Friday, Dec. 29, Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., OPAAC Gallery at the OP Township Senior Services Dining Room: The artwork of Jack Stockman includes watercolor and other mediums. He has illustrated more than 20 children’s books including The Advent Book. 130 S. Oak Park Ave. Now through Friday, Dec. 29, Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., OPAAC Gallery at Oak Park Village Hall: Tia Etu’s show, titled “Abstracted,” explores emotions “from the greatest happiness to the most agonizing pain and all in between.” 123 Madison St.

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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Community Foundation CEO departs for Chicago Trust Vogen grew foundation’s assets by 16 percent during her tenure

tions, was the 2016 Big Idea recipient, and The Rescue Foundation, which provides workforce training for ex-offenders, was this year’s recipient. The Community Foundation noted that the Communityworks endowment fund, which is overseen by the foundation, also By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter flourished under Vogen’s leadership. Communityworks focuses on Seven Generations The last three years have been a time of Ahead’s PlanItGreen initiative for environrapid growth for the Oak Park-River Forest mental sustainability; Success of All Youth, Community Foundation under the leader- which works to help all children reach their ship of its outgoing CEO Kristin Carlson potential; and Leadership Lab, which develVogen, who announced this month she’s ops local leaders in business, government leaving for a job at the Chicago Community and nonprofit sectors. Trust. Gary Cuneen, executive director of Seven Vogen took the position in August 2014 Generations Ahead, wrote in an email that and during her tenure has helped grow the Vogen “has been extraordiassets of the Community nary in her role — comFoundation, and the Charibining vision, enthusitable Trust it oversees, by a asm and hands-on action combined 16 percent, from that we will sorely miss $58 million to $69 million. as a community.” That includes distributions “Kristen’s positive spirof nearly $15 million to loit and easy-to-work-with cal, regional and national personality, combined organizations. with her ability to build Community Foundation relationships, generate CFO Sheryl Martin will ideas and create collaboserve as interim CEO until ration, are the legacy that a successor is chosen. she is leaving as the ComOak Park philanthropist munity Foundation’s Mary Jo Schuler said in a CEO and president,” Cutelephone interview that neen wrote. Vogen’s leadership “has Vogen, a River Forest brought the Community resident who was named Foundation to new heights.” Kristen Carlson Vogen Villager of the Year by “She is the Energizer Wednesday Journal in Bunny personified,” Schul2015, emphasized the er said, noting Vogen’s work importance of “collective giving” that takes on the Community Works Partnership, NextGen Leaders program, the Big Idea ini- place at the organization, calling it “the tiative, and the revamp of the Leadership core of everything we do at the Community Foundation.” Lab. “We’re able to highlight that by creating “We’re sorry to see her go, but we feel ingiving groups that connect people who have credibly blessed that she’s spent three-plus something in common and have them be years with us,” Schuler said. A news release from the Community able to contribute smaller amounts and leFoundation noted Vogen not only re-ener- verage something bigger and more impactgized existing giving groups at the organiza- ful in the community,” Vogen said. Schuler said the Community Foundation tion but also created new ones. is fortunate not only to have gotten Vogen The Community Foundation noted that its Women Leaders in Philanthropy group for the time it did but also the fact that she grew from 68 to 92 active members during will remain in the community. “The other advantage is she is remaining Vogen’s tenure, distributing $36,000 to various causes in 2016. The Big Idea competi- in the Chicagoland philanthropic commution, created during Vogen’s time as CEO, nity,” she said. “She’s going to the Chicago awards $50,000 to entrepreneurs who pitch Community Trust, which does have jurisdiction over really the entire county, so we ideas that help transform the community. The Surplus Project, which repackages are not completely losing her.” and distributes food from local organizaCONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

Schubert Festival Oak Park The music of Franz Schubert will be performed in the beautifully renovated Unity Temple on January 27, 2018. Don’t miss out on this spectacular event featuring Van Cliburn gold-medal pianist Ralph Votapek, highly acclaimed vocalists and pianists, and members of the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera Orchestras. FEATURING: • Trout Quintet • Shepherd on the Rock • Piano sonata in B-flat major

Get your tickets early! Dinner tickets include an authentic Austrian dinner and will sell out quickly! For more details on the program, dinner menu and how to purchase tickets, please visit SchubertFestivalOakPark.org.

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An Oak Park Tradition A

im McClure was Oak Park’s village president in the years directly after the years when this town redefined itself for its progressive future of racial integration and economic reinvention. In the turbulent late 1960s as Oak Park declared itself for open housing — as a means of self-preservation, alongside the moral good — the town had remarkable and bold leaders. John Gearen was president, the man for the gale force winds. Then as the 1970s began, the remarkable declarations had been made, new diversity programs, some of them even legal, had been invented from whole cloth. What Oak Park needed was a steady and true leader who believed passionately in the goals but had the capacity to even the temperature, and turn rhetoric into policy that could be implemented, explained and defended. And just as the community had offered up Gearen, next came Jim McClure. President from 1973 to 1981, Jim died the other day at the age of 97, just a week after his wife Lynn had passed. That was a team. I’ve been observing village presidents in Oak Park since the late 1970s. And what always keeps McClure so high on my list is that he was a fully integrated man. He didn’t need anything from being village president. He was confident but self-effacing. He was plenty smart but didn’t show off. He was kind and decent but not about to be played. He had an easy sense of humor but never told a joke that I heard. He knew issues, he could read a budget, he could set priorities, but he was usually the last person to speak. He let the staff shine, had no need whatsoever to take credit. He worked hard but it all seemed effortless. If you read his obit on page 51, you’ll see his “philosophy of life.” Nothing flashy. He had a true faith and saw that for the blessing it was. He loved his family and took strength there. He was a

Scout. As a kid, as an adult, he was a Scout. He was a lawyer and good at it. And he valued community service. But, he said, it was in the interplay of all those parts that he was made whole. I will miss Jim McClure. Elsewhere in the news: These villages face another loss, not to death but to a new job opportunity. Kristin Carlson Vogen, these past three years the CEO of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, has resigned effective before the month closes. She’ll head back downtown to a new position — sounds perhaps like it was actually made for her — at the Chicago Community Trust. A longtime River Forester, Vogen won’t fully disappear from view and there are worse things for our communities than to have a warm ear at Chicago Community Trust. That said, Vogen led the foundation’s continuing emergence as essential glue and rocket fuel in our villages. The rare bird who can marry true vision with nuts and bolts execution, Vogen focused the foundation on primary missions around all youth — as in every last one — on sustainability, on nurturing new community leaders and expanding the definition of what local philanthropy really looks like. Consider the Big Idea project dreamt up by the Entrepreneurial Leadership Project or the Future Philanthropists for high school students. Always she had an eye to drawing in new talent, fostering collaboration, yet expecting accountability. Altogether a remarkable community builder. Finally, not everyone is heading out! The Journal is wonderfully excited to announce the arrival of Melissa Elsmo. An Oak Park chef, popular food writer and, it turns out, the person who knows everyone, Elsmo joins David Hammond in our expanding efforts to cover local food and dining. Her annual food trends column runs today on page 16.

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Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PHONE 708-524-8300 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com | www.RiverForest.com CIRCULATION Jill Wagner, 708-613-3340 circulation@oakpark.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING Dawn Ferencak, 708-613-3329 dawn@oakpark.com

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Wednesday Journal is published weekly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302-2901. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, Illinois (USPS No. 0010-138). In-county subscription rate is $32 per year, $57 for two years. Annual out-of-county rate is $40. © 2017 Wednesday Journal, Inc.

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Oak Park budget includes slight tax levy increase

Trustees cut fire pension discretionary spending, shift insurance payment By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

The Oak Park Board of Trustees approved a $146 million budget for 2018 as one of their last orders of business last week, including a tax levy increase of 5.7 percent. Expenditures in the general operation fund for 2018 have been reduced roughly $3 million compared to last year’s budget. The levy increase is also down from recent years; it’s been as high as 13 percent. The tax levy extension represents a roughly $2 million increase in revenue compared to 2017, to about $32 million. The village’s portion of a residential property tax bill is about 15 percent of the entire amount, which is split between other taxing bodies such as the schools, park district and county agencies. The village’s tax levy extension is expected to increase a homeowner’s total tax bill by 0.85 percent. Earlier this year, trustees were presented with a budget that would have increased the levy 17 percent, but a series of cuts to various spending proposals, along with revenue increases, over the last few months dropped the levy increase to roughly 9 percent. A last minute change to the budget on Dec. 11 meeting reduced the levy further, to a final 5.7 percent. That change, proposed by Trustee Dan Moroney, cut JIM TAGLIA a proposal to put Oak Park trustee $400,000 into the Oak Park fire pension plan, a payment that would have been beyond what the village was obliged to contribute to that retirement fund. Trustees also included a last-minute change to the budget that shifted the source of funding for a required payment of $750,000 to the village’s Self-Insured Retention Fund, which supports worker’s compensation costs. Rather than adding that to the tax levy, trustees paid the bill from the village’s general fund cash reserves. “This is very palatable to me,” Moroney said, adding that reducing the levy increase

“has been my goal from the very start of the process.” Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb said that drawing from the general fund reserves will still keep the village board within its own self-imposed policy of maintaining a reserve fund within 10 to 20 percent of annual expenditures. The general fund’s unrestricted balance was $7.5 million on Jan. 1, a little more than 11 percent of budgeted general fund expenses in 2017. Abu-Taleb said it is a vast improvement from about four or five years ago when the

village had a fund balance of zero. “We can live with a bit less in the fund balance,” he said in a telephone interview following the meeting. Trustee Jim Taglia called the budget “laudable,” because of the small levy increase. “Last year the budget was $149 million and this year it’s $146 million, so that’s a reduction of $3 million, and you don’t see that a lot in municipal government,” he said. According to the approved budget document, expenditures in the general operating fund – which funds day-to-day operations of the vil-

lage -- is predicted to increase from a projected $58.8 million in 2017 to $61.25 million in 2018. Trustee Deno Andrews also praised the budget for reducing the levy increase, calling the 5.7-percent increase a win for the board and the village. It was the first time going through the budget process for Andrews, who along with his colleagues Moroney, Taglia and Simone Boutet, joined the board earlier this year. “I feel like we new trustees have genuinely been heard,” he said. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

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“Last year the budget was $149 million and this year it’s $146 million, so that’s a reduction of $3 million, and you don’t see that a lot in municipal government.”

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End of the line: CTA stalls on rusted water tower refurbish River Forest resident spent eight years complaining to whoever would listen By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter

Day after day, Terry Griffin gazes out her window and sees a rusted water tower and shack — she can’t avoid them. When she goes into her living room, she sees the dilapidated structures to the east, rising outside her window with the morning sun. If she works in her home office, she sees the two old structures from the south, fixed in the ground like a rotten sore. They follow her, the first thing she sees when she opens and last thing she sees when she closes her condo door. “It’s a constant eyesore,” she said. But she doubts she’ll see something done about them during her lifetime. Griffin, 75, president of the William Street Condominium association, has complained to several agencies about the rusted struc-

tures at the end of the Harlem and Lake Green Line station, most recently on Nov. 24 when she sent a letter to the president of the Chicago Transit Authority. The CTA owns both the water tower and shed. But the agency can’t even confirm that they’ve received Griffin’s complaints. “We have checked our records for the past two years and we have not received any complaints about the tower or shed,” CTA spokesman Jon Kaplan wrote in an email. Only after Wednesday Journal re-sent him Griffin’s letter a month later did Kaplan confirm “we have just received it.” The villages of River Forest and Forest Park have also had trouble getting their voices heard within that organization. Steve Glinke, director of the Forest Park Public Health and Safety Department, said he first contacted the CTA about the two structures five years ago when the water tower’s pipe broke in the summer of 2011. The water tower and shed, constructed in June 1967, service various mechanical sysSee RUSTED on page 17

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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D97 finance administrator moves on Alicia Evans, asst. supt. of finance, has taken another job

Evans was hired at D97 a year ago March in a position that paid a starting salary of roughly $148,000. She replaced Therese O’Neill, who retired in 2016 after serving eight years in the position. In a statement released on Dec. 15, Supt. Carol Kelley said the search for By MICHAEL ROMAIN Evans’ replacement has already startStaff Reporter ed. The district will soon be retaining an executive search firm A high-ranking adminto facilitate the search proistrator for Oak Park Elcess. ementary Schools District “Alicia Evans has been 97 announced her resignaa vital and valuable memtion last week. During a ber of our district for the meeting on Dec. 15, the D97 past two years,” Kelley school board accepted the said. “Her leadership was resignation of Dr. Alicia particularly critical to the Evans, the district’s assuccessful passage of our sistant superintendent of recent referenda, and her finance and operations. knowledge and expertise DR. ALICIA EVANS Evans will take a posihave helped strengthen our tion as assistant superinshort- and long-term finantendent of business operacial future. I thank her for tions in a school district in the south her dedicated service during her time suburbs. At Evans’ request, D97 offi- here, and wish her all the best in her cials did not release the name of the new position.” south suburban district. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Area schools prep for new handwriting requirements

Requires students to learn cursive before 5th grade, effective 2018 By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Starting on July 1, 2018, all public elementary schools in the state will be required to offer at least a unit of instruction in cursive writing to students before they completed the fifth grade. Some local districts, like Oak Park Elementary District 97, are already preparing for the new requirements. Last month, both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the bill creating the requirement. In his veto message, Rauner argued that the “legislation constitutes yet another unfunded mandate for school districts that will not protect the health or safety of Illinois students. “If the General Assembly believes that cursive writing instruction should be required in elementary schools because it will improve student outcomes, it should be included in the Illinois State

Learning Standards and funded accordingly.” But supporters of the bill argued that the extra cursive instruction would give students a skill that’s still essential — despite the changing technological landscape. “As technology has advanced in the fastpaced world we live in, the way we write and communicate with each other needs to adjust as well,” said state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-7th), who introduced the bill, just after both houses overrode Rauner’s veto. “To make our young students stronger readers, writers and critical thinkers, our schools will again teach cursive so they can begin to develop these necessary skills,” Welch said. “Cursive writing is a skill children will need throughout their lives,” said state Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-4th), who sponsored the bill in the Senate. “You cannot write a check, sign legal documents or even read our Constitution without an understanding of cursive writing.” Both Oak Park Elementary School District 97 and River Forest District 90 already teach cursive writing to elementary school students. Chris Jasculca, the communications director for District 97, said that while his district offers See CURSIVE on page 17

NEW YEARS EVE SPECIAL MENU Starters (choice one)

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Lobster Bisque Seared Crab Cakes with Dijon Remoulade Grilled Avocado Salad with Corn, Tomatoes, Romaine & Creamy Pesto Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Pecan-Fennel Vinaigrette Grilled Mozzarella & Prosciutto with Basil Pesto

Entrees (choice one)

Linguini with Mussels & Clams Chicken Saltimbocca with Sage, Peosciutto, Capers & Butter Grilled Fresh Water Trout with Caper Sauce, Arugula & Borlotti Beans Braised Lamb Shank with Wild Mushroom Risotto Lobster Ravioli with Grilled Prawns

Dessert (choice one)

Chocolate Cheesecake Tiramisu Affogato Strawberry Mousse

$37.00 Per Person

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Oak Parkers call for better lighting to reduce crime

WINDOW REPLACEMENT

• CUSTOM KITCHENS • CRAFTSMAN QUALITY ADDITIONS

Request for improvements follows string of carjackings

• EXPERT INSTALLATION • DEAL DIRECTLY WITH OWNER

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER

“Everyone is telling me on Facebook and in my petition that if it’s not fixed, they are going to move out of this town,” she said. An Oak Park woman who Trustee Andrea Button commade headlines in November mended Martinez for making her after being targeted in an atcase for the lights publicly. tempted carjacking is calling “It took a great amount of couron the Village of Oak Park to age, and your comments were very improve lighting around the moving to me,” Button said, adding village. that she takes the request seriously. Melissa Martinez told the “I, too, am scared,” Button said. Oak Park village board this “I am a single mom, I live in an month that two men attempted apartment and I park my car a to take her car in late Novemblock away from my home, so ber but abandoned the effort there’s risks involved for all of us.” when she pled with them to not drive off with her 3-year-old Oak Park resident Kitty Conklin daughter who was in the backsaid some blocks have as many as seat of the vehicle at the time. five different intensities of lighting. “I’m here because I’m the They should be updated and brought mom who had the gun to her to a “decent standard,” she said. head with the three-year-old Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Tain her car two weeks ago,” she leb apologized to Martinez and told said. “I’m here because I think the board and public that “safety is we need to fix it, talk about it. the number-one priority for us, and I want you to just imagine that we have determined as a board that it’s your wife or your child or in (the 2018) budget we made no your grandson … there’s a gun cuts whatsoever to public safety.” and somebody can take them Abu-Taleb suggested the vilaway and do whatever the hell lage consider using the roughly they want with their body.” $500,000 available from the vilMartinez said at the Dec. 11 lage’s Community Choice Agmeeting that she had collected gregation Fund, which was crenearly 1,400 petition signatures ated to help fund sustainability backing her effort to better light initiatives in the village, to imvillage streets and alleys with prove lighting. ANDREA BUTTON LED lights and installing addiUsing the funds for new lighting Oak Park Trustee tional lights in darker areas. would save money and increase She estimates such a project safety, Abu-Taleb said. would cost the village $2.8 million. The Oak Park Police DepartBetter lighting around the ment reports that it has made nine village is only part of the solution to de- arrests connected to the 16 carjackings that terring crime, she acknowledged, but said have taken place in the village this year. trustees should take the issue seriously. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com Staff Reporter

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“It took a great amount of courage, and your comments were very moving to me. I, too, am scared. I am a single mom, I live in an apartment and I park my car a block away from my home, so there’s risks involved for all of us.”

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Razing historic River Forest home, if …

Meeting stipulated conditions would enable demolition sooner By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter

After a months-long debate over the future of a dilapidated, yet historic, home, River Forest’s Historic Preservation Commission recently OK’d a developer’s plans to demolish 747 William St., on condition that they comply with a few demands. “We are being robbed at this point, we are being held up by gunpoint,” said Commissioner Carla Graham-White. “Maybe we can say, ‘OK rob us, but don’t take all my money. Don’t shoot me.’ I think, perhaps, this might be the best solution at this point, if the owner is willing to agree to what conditions we ask.” The village’s seven-person Historic Preservation Commission voted 4-3 on Dec. 13 to approve Mayborn Development’s plan to demolish the historic home on the 700 block of William Street, a block the village has declared a local landmark. Mayborn comprises River Forest residents Rob Sarvis and Mark Sullivan. The two completed their application to demolish 747 William St. on Oct. 25, after an unsuccessful first filing in September.

In their initial application, Sarvis and Sullivan said the home’s structure was unsound, making rehabilitation impossible. Mayborn purchased the historic home for $415,000 in August. At the meeting, Commissioner David Raino-Ogden disputed developers’ and architects’ claims, arguing that the other 24 Prairie-style homes on the block have been preserved and had their foundations replaced. Raino-Ogden even drew up plans for how the structure could be renovated. “But that’s not the purpose of what Rob and Mark want to do with the house,” said Pat Magner, architect for Mayborn’s project. “They’re not there to salvage a foundation and get this place restored in the historical condition it’s in. … “The purpose is to build a new house. They bought the house to make a profit, that’s their job, that’s what they do.” Mayborn’s house is rumored to be designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who developed the low-slung, angular Prairie School style. The block itself represents the first Prairie School planned development in the state. Initially, commissioners voted on Dec. 13 to deny a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the property, with only Commissioner Al Popowits dissenting. As a result, Mayborn cannot demolish the property until at least April 25, or six months after the completed application was filed. Commissioners stipulated that, if May-

born submits a new set of building plans that that meets the commission’s specifications, developers can demolish the home sooner. The new plans must show that the new home will be built in the same, simple Prairie School style as the rest of the block; not exceed the height of the current structure; be constructed using the same wood and stucco materials as the current home; maintain the original design of the front façade, with the existing front room turned into an open porch; sit no larger than 3,000 square feet; sit from the street at the same distance as the current home; and that any additions added to the house be set back 5 feet from the front façade. An altered date for demolition was not specified if Mayborn meets the new, approved building plans. Commission Chairman Tom Zurowski must approve and send a letter to Mayborn stipulating the conditions by Dec. 23, or 10 days after the meeting. “Once this is done, the commission should go back and see what is wrong with the current ordinance,” said Commissioner Graham-White, arguing that the Historic Preservation Commission needs more teeth to stall or block demolitions of historic local homes. “Basically, six months is much too short; maybe a developer will think twice if it’s one year or 18 months.” CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com

Ordinance may not allow Sugar Beet beekeeping

Question of whether the organization is a ‘business’ or an ‘institution’ By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter

On June 13, two days after Sugar Beet installed beehives on the roof of their Schoolhouse, 349 Ashland Ave., the River Forest Village Board questioned the legality of keeping bees in the village. “Poof, all of a sudden, it was illegal out of absolutely nowhere,” said Lissa Dysart, marketing director. Sugar Beet had ambitious plans for the hives. The business and its nonprofit Schoolhouse planned to use them as a tool to educate kids on pollinators, their health, and how they’re tied to the environment. Sugar Beet also planned to harvest the hives for honey tasting, use the honey in its prepared food items and donate all the proceeds to an organization that supports pollinator health. “It pulled the rug out from under us,” Dys-

art said. Sugar Beet kept silent about the bees through the summer. “We just didn’t talk about it,” she said. After the summer, the two hives declined, one bee population leaving the hive, the other not sustaining enough bees to last the winter. Dysart said she’s unsure if they will try keep hives again next year — it all depends on the village. Village trustees passed a beekeeping ordinance Nov. 27, which now requires residential and institutional beekeepers to apply for permits and, in most cases, limits their density to two hives. Because Sugar Beet Coop is a business, Dysart said she’s not sure if there’s room for them in the legislation. “I understand it’s a delicate balance, taking care of the public and what they want, but in a lot of ways I think it gets shortsighted,” Dysart said. Village Administrator Eric Palm said he’s not sure where Sugar Beet falls under the new beekeeping ordinance. River Forest officials are still working at pulling all the necessary materials for permitting the practice together — developing forms, fact sheets, educational materials and more. Palm said he hoped to finish implementa-

tion by the first quarter of 2018. After that, “I’ll have to ask staff and the sustainability commission to look at what we’ve adopted and if we have to make changes, we’ll make changes,” he said, although he could not guarantee that Sugar Beet would be included in the legislation. “It’s confusing,” Dysart said, “but you have all these bees in the mix. You actually have living organisms you’re taking care of and you’re responsible for. It’s kind of a one-two punch, like, Oh God, I’m potentially doing something illegal and, on top of it, there’s this organism, kind of the whole hive, that actually depends on you.” If the village rules that the Sugar Beet business applying for a permit is illegal, Dysart said, they will probably ask the Schoolhouse, their nonprofit sister organization, to apply to keep the bees on their roof in River Forest, so long as Sugar Beet officials finance the hives and commit to their upkeep. She believes the Schoolhouse would fall under the “institution” designation of the new ordinance. Sugar Beet can also apply for a variance if the ordinance doesn’t work for them. CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

CORNERSTONE CHURCH Bridge building from page 1 Wright said, explained that his predominantly white congregation was so shaken by Charlottesville that he offered to bring counsel to Wright’s parishioners. “I told him that we deal with that kind of trauma every day,” Wright recalled during an interview on Monday. “You’re talking about Charlottesville, but I have three members in my congregation whose relatives were shot.” The frank exchange would eventually morph into a movement of sorts called, simply, Walk Across the Street. The initiative involves cultural exchanges between black and white churches — both on Sunday morning and during the week in the form of seminars on race relations and other topics. Grace McCutcheon, a former member of another Anglican church in Wheaton who moved to Chicago last year and now attends True Freedom, said that Wright’s visit to her old church, which is predominantly white, sparked a cultural exchange that was “really powerful.” “As they say, 10 o’clock on Sunday morning is the most prejudiced time of the year,” said Dorsey Johns, a West Side resident. “We’re trying to break that down.” Last Sunday, the Walk Across the Street movement spawned a Christmas concert and variety show of sorts held at Cornerstone that featured a multicultural, multiracial choir singing popular gospel songs.

A literal walk The name Walk Across the Street evokes

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM the first encounter between Wright and Cor- “We sometimes have combined services and nerstone’s pastor, the Rev. William Beasley, we do different outreach ministries together.” “Rev. Beasley always had a multicultural who around two years ago literally walked across the street to see what was happen- vision and I had a multicultural heart,” said ing at the predominantly black congrega- Wright. “Oak Park, being a multicultural lotion, then worshiping at Beye Elementary cation, is a wonderful place for us to prosper.” Wright and other people involved in the School, located kitty-corner to Cornerstone. “Rev. Beasley was having lunch with his Walk Across the Street movement, however, wife and just walked across the street,” are quick to point out that this extended moWright said (attempts to reach Beasley be- ment of racial reconciliation is not premised on any watered down sense of unity. fore press time were unsuccessful). “I love the notion of Christians coming The moment resulted in a fellowship between the two churches that made what hap- together to worship from different backpened one Sunday a little easier for the both grounds, but in a way that is just,” said Keesha Mwangangi, a former member of True of them. Freedom, who now “We had gotten pastors a church of locked out of the her own in Austin, school one Sunday where members of and we didn’t have Cornerstone have a place to worship,” visited as part of Wright said. “People were standing outthe Walk Across the side, so we walked Street initiative. across the street and “What impresses Cornerstone allowed me is when this nous to worship there tion came up of Walk for the day.” Across the Street, SEBASTIAN HILDAGO/Contributor In 2016, Wright Pastor Wright besaid, True Freedom ‘EMMANUEL!’: A musician plays during a came the voice for Ministry moved in what this can look Dec. 16 rehearsal for a Christmas concert permanently, with like,” Mwangangi last Sunday at Cornerstone True Freedom said. “That’s pretty the two churches now joined at the hip Church in Oak Park. The church building big, because when — hence the merged includes three congregations: white, black we talk about racial name, Cornerstone- and Hispanic. reconciliation, leadTrue Freedom. The ership is only coming church also shares from whites and the space with a predominantly Hispanic con- blacks are just sitting-duck participants. But gregation, Piedra Principal. in this case, Pastor Mike came up with a cur“We have different services, but our leader- riculum and did an orientation.” ship is really integrated,” said Cornerstone Pastor Rickey Sanders said that when his member Betsy Rager, who lives in Austin. Austin church was visited by some white

parishioners recently as part of the Walk Across the Street initiative, he didn’t shy from incorporating social justice into his sermon. He spoke about Colin Kaepernick and the politics behind the former quarterback’s protest. He didn’t hold back for the sake of unity, he said, although the conversation was always cordial. And when Sanders visited a predominantly white church, he was struck by the commonalities. Last Saturday, as Killingsworth spoke in the church’s vestibule, sounds of “Emmanuel,” a gospel song ubiquitous during the Christmas season, particularly in black churches, wafted from the sanctuary. Everyone interviewed for this story was part of a multiracial choir that performed during the concert. In keeping with Mwangangi’s observations, the African-American religious experience anchored the program, but there were flourishes of other cultures and ethnic intermingling. “Silent Night” was sung in Spanish. Someone played a harp. McCutcheon performed spoken word. “We’re not allowing the affairs of Charlottesville to define who our neighbors are as Christians,” said Mwangangi. “The people who were carrying those tiki torches identify as Christians, but what’s encouraging to me as a pastor who has been part of this is that white Christians took the initiative to say, ‘This is not the narrative of my Christian faith.’” One Jesus, Mwangangi said, led people to protest against blacks. Another, she added, led people to speak out against the protestors. “I don’t know of a true, liberating Christian who would say we both serve the same Jesus,” Mwangangi said. “One is false,” said McCutcheon, who is white. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

River Forest unveils new village website

Check out your property information on the new digital village map By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter

The village of River Forest unveiled a sleek new website Dec. 11, which allows residents to now pay for parking tickets, apply for a building permit, map property information and more online. Development of Vrf.us was about a year in the making. River Forest put out a request for proposals for a new website last year, and received six responses, said Jon Pape, management analyst for the village. After reviewing proposals, officials chose the Chicago-based Webitects development firm for the job, at a cost of $29,640 to redesign the front and backends of the site. “In their proposal they showed a real ability to be flexible and customize something for us, rather than an out of the box solution,” Pape said. “It was built from scratch with our residents in mind, they were able to take a lot into consideration and really show us how they could do something personalized and custom for us.” Webitects started the design process in February by hosting a series of community focus groups where residents

voiced their needs and concerns about the old site. After about six months, the development firm got to building. By Dec. 11, the work was done. “It makes strides in improving communication with people, it allows them to find more information and keeps it looking a little more fresh,” Pape said. “The old one could certainly use a facelift and I think we’ve gotten there now.” When designing the new site, Pape pointed to organization as a key new feature. The homepage prominently features

five popular functions separated—pay a utility bill, contractor licenses, overnight parking requests, service requests and building permits—instead of the old site where “everything [was] jumbled together and divided by department or function of the village” Pape said. Underneath the five buttons is a search bar, where residents can type in their address and view such property information as tax data, voter precinct, garbage collection day and more on a map. Another feature of the new site is the Life in River Forest menu, which offers guides to new residents and businesses about historical preservation, sustainability, the village’s comprehensive plan and more. The new Vrf.us also allows the village to put up more events on the homepage, whereas the old site could only showcase five at a time. It also features more pictures and video than the old site. Pape said he plans to integrate more maps to specific addresses on the site soon, like a map of crime, forestry, and a map of when recycling is picked up at your home. Right now, this information is currently siloed under specific department menus. “It’s certainly a living, breathing thing, you never feel like it’s quite done,” Pape said. “But we’re glad to have it live and we’re going to keep continuing to improve it.” CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

BEDFORD FALLS

Flaming rum punch? from page 1 ning includes a showing of the movie and live jazz afterwards. With cocktail choices like Mr. Martini, the Burt & Ernie, Pottersville Sour, Zuzu’s Petals, plus Clarence’s drinks of choice, the taste range strikes different notes, including floral/sweet, juicy, savory and bitter/sour, according to Isaac Lyons, who has tended bar for 12 years. He also looked to the past in creating the offerings. “We took inspiration from drinks of the day,” Lyons said. “You could find these drinks in a bar in the ’30s and ’40s, with fresh ingredients, but with contemporary spirits — and some older, such as Laird’s Apple Jack, the oldest distilled spirit in America.” All 80 slots across December’s four Wednesdays sold out in a couple of hours, and when FitzGerald’s Night Club announced it would open up to show only the movie on Dec. 27, 250 tickets went in minutes. Christina Cheronis called FitzGerald’s for two hours straight to get a reservation for herself and friends Linda Hoeflinger and Katie Cunningham, all of Oak Park. Both Cheronis and Hoeflinger, who have been friends since they were children growing up in Oak Park, have seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” more than 100 times each and the three friends say it’s their “favorite Christmas movie of all time.” Lyons, Ryan Anderson and Marcus Reidy came up with the idea this time last year. They already thought the SideBar at FitzGerald’s, with its warm, nearly 100-year-old wood bar and trim throughout, looked like Nick’s, the bar from the movie (Martini’s before and after the dream sequence). And then one cold December night, after the bar closed, they pulled down the screen permanently affixed to the wall behind the bar, and watched the film. The idea and their business, which also does private parties, were born. To bring the concept to life, Reidy said the decorations have been a collaboration. Anderson brought in his grandfather’s Jim Beam Model T bottle to add to the vibe of the already historic-looking bar. Oak Parker Don Carter lent his 1926 Model T and Jim Corcoran, also of Oak Park, has his 1946 Nash parked out front too. When entering the bar, a fireplace has old-fashioned holiday cards on the mantel. Order a drink and see the tip put into a gold-tone cash register and hear the bell ring, just like the one at Nick’s. “The register is on loan from a guy in Norridge who repairs old registers,” Reidy said. “And the FitzGerald’s family has been wonderful in helping us host the Roosevelt Room with decorations and ideas.” Bill FitzGerald, the owner, set up a chicken rotisserie “run” by an old record player. Travel posters hang above the outdoor fire-

The Roosevelt Room’s gift to our readers: a recipe for the cocktail called Zuzu’s Petals. Follow the Roosevelt Room on Instagram @rveltroom. FitzGerald’s SideBar, 21+, opens at 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn.

Zuzu’s Petals Courtesy of the Roosevelt Room From It’s a Wonderful Life Pop-Up at FitzGerald’s Side Bar

Ingredients: 1½ oz. Bluecoat Gin ½ oz. Crème de violette ½ oz. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice Ginger beer Fill a 12 oz. glass with ice. Pour in first three ingredients; stir. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with edible flower petals, such as begonia.

place. It may be reminiscent of the Baileys’ honeymoon night, but these chickens have a bigger purpose. There is a raffle, with proceeds going to Housing Forward, at the end of the night. One prize is the freshly roasted chickens. Although the event is sold out, the SideBar’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” décor remains nightly through Dec. 27. Also available (while supplies last) is mulled wine. Clarence would be in heaven. And don’t forget to tip and hear that cash register bell ring. Just think — somewhere an angel may be getting wings.

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

NICK’S PLACE: Bartender Isaac Lyons, top, makes a specialty drink for a customer. Attendees mingle before the movie begins. A 1926 Model T is seen parked in front of the bar entrance. A 1946 Nash marks the era during the It’s A Wonderful Life pop-up on Roosevelt Road in Berwyn.

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Oak Park police arrest 15-year-old in 7-Eleven robbery Clerk shot one of three robbers on Dec. 11 By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

The Oak Park Police Department has arrested a 15-year-old Oak Park boy and charged him with an attempted armed robbery that took place at the 7-Eleven convenience store, 240 Chicago Ave., at 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 11. Few details were provided concerning the arrest of the minor, who is allegedly one of three people who attempted to rob the store. Police took the boy into custody at 12:50 p.m. on Dec. 12. Village spokesman David Powers said in an email that the store clerk shot and wounded a 17-year-old male in the attempted robbery, who was transported to Loyola Medical Center in Maywood and listed in critical condition. One of the three alleged robbers was armed, according to Powers. An update on his condition and whether he has been charged in the attempted robbery were not immediately available. No information was available about the third male connected to the robbery. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

Oak Park police arrest teen for three carjackings

Chicago resident charged with crimes committed in September and October By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER

Steward is being held without bond at Cook County Jail, awaiting his next hearing on Dec. 15, Oak Park police have arrested at the Fourth Municipal District an 18-year-old Chicago resident Courthouse in Maywood. Oak Park Police Chief Antony suspected of hijacking three veAmbrose said in the hicles in the village press release that preduring September and October. venting carjackings Police said in a press and catching offendrelease that they have ers is a top priority arrested Brandon J. for police. He said that Steward, of the 1600 police department has block of North Parkincreased patrols with side Avenue, Chicago, additional officers to on Thursday, Dec. 7, heighten police visibiland charged him with ity, along with underan aggravated vehicucover officers. lar hijacking on Sept. BRANDON J. STEWARD “Vehicle hijackings 22 in the 1000 block of tend to be random and North Hayes Avenue, difficult to predict, but on Sept. 29 in the 700 block of we have made significant headway North Hayes Avenue and on Oct. in solving the incidents that have 7 in the 900 block of North Hum- occurred in our community,” Amphrey Avenue. brose said. “As citizens embrace Staff Reporter

daily routines that include simple steps to reduce their chances of being a victim, we believe these types of crimes will occur less often in our community.” Ambrose said that of the nine arrests made by Oak Park police connected to recent carjackings, three were juveniles. In addition, two other juveniles suspected of being involved in recent attempted carjackings on Austin Boulevard and Lombard Avenue were turned over to Chicago police and charged with a different crime. Ambrose advised residents to be aware of their surroundings and call 911 when in doubt. “We would rather respond and find out everything is OK than have to investigate a crime that might have been prevented with a call,” Ambrose said. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

C R I M E

Thieves use fake identity to ‘buy’ Porsche

A man and woman purchased a black 2012 Porsche Panamera from The Autobarn Volvo Cars of Oak Park, 1140 Garfield St., by means of fraudulently opening a line of credit in the name of a person who is deceased, at 10 a.m. on Dec. 5, according to police. The male offender was described as black, 30 years old, 5-foot-4, 165 pounds, with short black hair with a small ponytail. He wore a fedora, walked slowly and was a heavy breather, according to police. There was no description for his accomplice. The car was valued at $46,304.23.

Unlawful use of a weapon/ assault A juvenile from Oak Park was arrested by Oak Park police at 12:35 p.m. on Dec. 12, in the 7200 block of West Jackson Boulevard and charged with unlawful use of a weapon and assault.

Theft ■ A Chicago resident was the victim of theft in the 200 block of South Cuyler Avenue at 7:09 a.m. on Dec. 13. The victim was approached by a male between the ages of 17 and 21, who asked for change. Meanwhile, an accomplice reached into the open trunk of the victim’s vehicle and took a Lenovo computer bag containing a Lenovo laptop, a wireless mouse and a wireless internet router. Both then fled westbound on Randolph Street on foot. The person who first approached the victim was described as black, between 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-11 with a thin build and short dreads. He wore a skullcap, dark jacket and blue jeans. The second offender was described as being black, the same age, height and build, and wore a plaid jacket and blue jeans. ■ A package was stolen from a porch in the 500 block of South East Avenue sometime between 10:25 a.m. on Dec. 12 and 3:07 p.m. the next day. A man was observed removing the UPS package and then entering a large SUV, possibly a GMC Yukon. The offender is described as Hispanic, 5-foot-4 to 5-foot-5, with a thin build, teardrop tattoos near his

left eye and on his left hand and wearing a black jacket with an intricate design on the back, a black hooded jacket, a white hat, dark jeans and dark shoes. ■ An office in the 1100 block of Lake Street was the target of theft sometime between 6 and 9:05 p.m. on Dec. 13. The offender used a key to enter the office and stole a Mossimo wallet, which contained $18, multiple credit cards, an Illinois driver’s license and identification and insurance cards. The estimated loss is $38.

Auto theft ■ A 2016 Gray Honda Pilot that was reported stolen on Dec. 9 was recovered in the 500 block of North Humphrey Avenue at 9:03 p.m. on Dec. 9. ■ A vehicle was the target of an attempted theft in the 400 block of South Cuyler Avenue sometime between 4 p.m. on Dec. 11 and 12:02 p.m. on Dec. 12. The offender separated the driver’s side door window trim and unlocked the door to gain entry to the vehicle. The offender then used a pry tool to pull off the steering column but was unsuccessful in getting the vehicle started. The estimated damage is $200.

Vehicle, garage break-ins ■ A garage was burglarized in the 200 block of South Lombard sometime between 10 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 6:45 a.m. the following day. The offender gained entry to the garage by means of an unlocked side service door and stole a blue 262 cruiser bicycle with a tan seat and handlebars. The estimated loss is $400. ■ A vehicle was burglarized in the 200 block of South East Avenue sometime between 6 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 10:30 a.m. the next day. The burglar entered through an unlocked door, ransacked the interior of the vehicle and took a larger red-and-black suitcase, miscellaneous women’s clothing, three USB connector cords and food items. The estimated loss is $920. ■ A vehicle in the 900 block of Lake Street was the target of an attempted burglary sometime between 6:15 and 9 p.m. on Dec.

11. The offender did approximately $1,000 worth of damage trying to pry open the driver’s side door. ■ A vehicle was burglarized in the 300 block of South Elmwood Avenue sometime between 4 p.m. on Dec. 11 and 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 12. The burglar shattered the rear passenger side window to gain entry to the vehicle, ransacked the interior and took a Garmin Nuvi GPS unit, two iPods, a Bose Bluetooth speaker, a box of miscellaneous art books and supplies and a bag with Dewalt hand tools. ■ A garage was burglarized in the 700 block of South Maple Avenue sometime between 9 a.m. and noon on Dec. 11. The burglar gained entry by an open overhead door and took a black Takara Sugiyama bicycle and an orange Stihl Echo leaf blower. The estimated loss is $370.

Residential burglary ■ A residence in the 900 block of Lyman Avenue was burglarized sometime between 7:25 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 13. The offender used brute force to open the rear basement door, unlocked an interior door and exited through the rear residence door, leaving it ajar. The estimated loss is unknown. ■ A residence was burglarized in the 500 block of North Humphrey Avenue sometime between 11 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 14. The offender broke a small glass window pane on the front door and reached in to unlock the door to gain entry to the enclosed front porch. The offender ransacked the interior, breaking an electronic piggy bank and taking a bottle of sparkling wine. The offender then entered an unsecured common area in the building and crawled through a small window to enter the locked basement. Once inside the basement, the burglar ransacked the area, drank several cans of pop and took a half-gallon container of ice cream. ■ A residence was burglarized in the 1000 block of Linden Avenue sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 2:26 p.m. on Dec. 12. The offender broke a window to unlock the front doorknob from the inside, ransacked several

rooms and took an iPhone 6, an Acer laptop, a Nintendo Switch console and three games, an iPad 2, a diamond bracelet, a string of pearls, Cool Water brand cologne, Jordan shoes and two wallets with cash. The estimated loss is $5,500.

Controlled substance Victor D. Gordon, 31, of the 4100 block of West 15th Street in Chicago, was arrested for manufacturing and delivery of heroin, possession of a controlled substance and resisting a peace officer at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 13 in the 1000 block of South Taylor Avenue.

DUI arrest ■ A 31-year-old man from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in the 1100 block of Randolph Street at 1:29 a.m. on Dec. 14. The man had struck several parked cars in the 900 block of Washington Boulevard, police reported. ■ A 21-year-old Elmwood Park man was arrested in the 200 block of North Kenilworth at 11:13 p.m. on Dec. 15, and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after leaving the scene of an accident in the 800 block of Lake Street, according to police.

Criminal trespassing A 20-year-old Chicago man on Dec. 12 was charged with a criminal trespass to motor vehicle that occurred in the 100 block of Iowa Street on Feb. 13. These items, obtained from the Oak Park and River Forest police departments, came from reports, Dec. 9-15, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Timothy Inklebarger

River Forest third-grader struck by car on way to school Boy in stable condition after surgery at Loyola By NONA TEPPER Staff Reporter

A third-grader struck by a car as he walked to Lincoln Elementary School on Tuesday morning is in stable condition following sur-

gery, according to a school official. The student was struck by the vehicle at the intersection of Oak and Park avenues before school started at 8:20 a.m., said Dawne Simmons, a District 90 spokeswoman. There is a four-way stop at the Oak and Park intersection on school days. Simmons said she didn’t know who called 911, and verified that it was not a hit and run. A parent accompanied the boy as he was trans-

ported by ambulance to Loyola University Medical Center, where he underwent surgery and remains in stable condition, Simmons said. Simmons did not provide information on the injuries the boy suffered. River Forest police did not respond to interview requests about the incident. “The Lincoln PTO is supporting the family by placing a collection box at the school,” Simmons said. “In the collection box they’re ac-

cepting cards and notes for the student, who’s a third grader at Lincoln, and they will also accept financial donations for the family.” Simmons said students were also planning to send the boy cards, notes and iMovies wishing him a speedy recovery. “The entire D90 community is offering their prayers, their thoughts, their well wishes to the entire family, not just the student, but the entire family,” Simmons said.

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

From Rooibos to floating noodles, the latest in culinary chic

8 Food Trends for 2018

t’s time to dust off the good old culinary crystal ball in hopes it reveals the hottest food trends for 2018. Obviously, I have no guarantee if I’m on the right track, but have high hope I’ll be proven right over the next 12 months. Cauliflower is sure to remain popular throughout the coming year and interest in “bleeding” meatless burgers is bound to surge, but be sure to make a little room in your crisper bin for an ugly carrot or two to be even more on trend. While you’re at it, help prove me right by sipping on rooibos, eating a waffle on a stick, or enjoying you next batch of French fries as an entree.

ing the way for Indonesian fare to make a splash in 2018. Comprising thousands of islands, Indonesia has a diverse cuisine featuring flavorful spice pastes (sambal), decadent beef curries (rendang), and glorious composed salads (gado-gado). With a vast array of regional flavors to explore, look for American palates to embrace these bold and underappreciated dishes. Waffle Pops: This timeless breakfast favorite has been providing culinary bliss-out moments to the masses since the Middle Ages, but look for this steadfast favorite to displace the super trendy cake pop 2018. These festive waffles served up on a stick can be dunked in frosting, chocolate, honey or even marshmallow fluff before finishing them off with crushed cookies, cereal, nuts and/or sprinkles.

Rooibos: Look for this herb to give matcha lovers something else to sip on in 2018. Rooibos (roy-boss), made from the leaves of a South African plant, is steeped like tea and Food writer promises health benefits in every cup. Global Poutine: Poutine Naturally caffeine-free and a is a perennial favorite among good source of iron, calcium and potasCanadian snack connoisseurs, and Amerisium, the red-hued drink boasts the ability can chefs have been dabbling with this to improve bone and heart health. Stop by delicious potato concoction for quite a Todd and Holland in Forest Park to select while now. something from their extensive Rooibos Classic poutine is composed of French collection. fries topped with gooey cheese curds and

MELISSA ELSMO

Ghost Restaurants: As interest in appbased food ordering continues to grow and flexible third-party delivery services gain popularity, the arrival of delivery-only establishments will be on the rise in 2018. Ghost or “headless” restaurants ditch the dining room in favor of producing made-to-order fare designed to take a quick trip in the car. They’ve experienced some growing pains in the recent past, but ghost restaurants are sure to work out the kinks in the New Year. Discounted Ugly Veggies: Around the globe, billions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables are tossed aside every year because of visual imperfections. In an effort to make a dent in food-waste, conscious home-cooks are embracing mangled, cracked, and over-grown produce. Online delivery services rescue millions of pounds of trash-bound produce each year and sell it to open-minded folks. As this trend picks up steam, we’ll begin to see wonky fruits and veggies offered for sale in brick-and-mortar grocery stores at deeply discounted prices. Indonesian Fare: Waves of excitement surrounded Filipino cuisine in 2017, pav-

piping hot gravy. Look for creative international riffs on this comfort-food classic to pop up state-side in the New Year. Floating Noodles: Social media users adore sharing images of epic food presentations. It’s no surprise foodie photogs became obsessed with “floating noodles” first served at Hana restaurant in Singapore. The dish features soba or somen noodles cascading eerily from a pair of chopsticks suspended in mid-air. A simple architectural trick accomplishes the feat and a version of this fanciful presentation has already popped up on restaurant menus in California. While it is likely to be a short-lived trend, expect to see your Instagram feed filled with images of hovering noodles in 2018. Lager Love Returns: The IPA has become the king of the craft beer movement, but beer lovers may take another look at bottom-fermented lagers in 2018. Prized for their longer fermentation and crisp finish, lagers have fewer fruity-floral notes than an IPA. Looking to be on trend? Pop over to Kinslahger in Oak Park and give their Prohibition Pilsner a try. CONTACT:melissa@oakparkeats.com

Trendy Eats Easy IndonesianStyle Floating Noodles Serves 8-10 These noodles will be equally delicious if you serve them in a bowl, but I rigged up my chopsticks with a little wire to create the floating noodle effect.

For the pork marinade: 1 pound pork loin chop, cut into ¼” thick strips 1 ½ tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce For the crispy shallots: 2 shallots, thinly sliced into rings About ¼ cup of canola oil For the sauce: ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce 2 tablespoons ketchup 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon canola oil Salt and black pepper For the noodles: 6 garlic cloves, minced and divided 1 ½ cups shredded green cabbage 1 ugly carrot, peeled and shredded (about 1 cup) ½ cup mung bean sprouts 1 pound spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package directions For the garnishes: Chopped scallions ½ cup mung bean sprouts Reserved crispy shallots Medium boiled egg Black sesame seeds

Photo by Melissa Elsmo

Marinate the pork: Combine the cut pork, soy sauce and chili-garlic sauce in a small bowl and toss to combine. Set aside until ready to cook. Make the crispy shallots: Combine the sliced shallots and the canola oil in small skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until the shallots begin to fry. When the shallots are deep golden brown (take care not to burn them) remove them to a small bowl using a slotted spoon. Reserve the cooking oil and shallots separately.

For the sauce: Mix the soy sauce, chili-garlic sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside. Cook the noodles: Heat the reserved shallot cooking oil in a large skillet over high heat until simmering. Add the pork with the marinade to the pan and cook, stirring frequently until nearly opaque, about 5 minutes. Add one-third of the chopped garlic and a pinch of salt and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Reduce heat to mediumhigh and add the cabbage, carrots and bean sprouts and mix well. Cook, stirring frequently until wilted; about 3 minutes. Add one-third of the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the noodles and the sauce mixture and toss well with the remaining one-third of chopped garlic.

* To serve: Transfer the noodle mixture to a large serving bowl and garnish with boiled egg, black sesame, scallions, bean sprouts and crispy shallots.

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Pizza delivery driver robbed in Oak Park

No weapons shown, but one offender indicated he was armed By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter

A Domino’s Pizza delivery driver called Oak Park police at about 11:35 p.m. on Dec. 10 to report that six people had just robbed him in the 1400 block of North Austin Boulevard. The victim told police he believes one of the six individuals involved in the robbery was armed, although no weapon was ever displayed. According to a police summary report, two women called over to the delivery driver and took the food. While the two women spoke with the driver, four men approached and ordered the victim to hand over his belongings. The victim told police that one of the men kept his hands in his pocket, leading the victim to believe he was armed.

The victim handed over $155.19, and all six offender fled southbound on Austin Boulevard on foot. All six offenders were described as black. The first woman was described as 5-foot-8 with a heavy build, dark complexion, a ponytail and wearing a sleeping mask with a zebra-print design on her forehead. The second woman was approximately 5-foot-10 with a dark complexion, braids and wearing dark clothing. Three of the men were described as 5-foot11. One weighed about 120 pounds, had a dark complexion, a tattoo over his left eye and wore dark clothing and a dark hood; the second had a medium complexion, skinny build and wore gray clothing; and the third had a dark complexion, medium build and wore gray clothing. The fourth male, whom the victim believed armed, was described as 5-foot-7 with a medium build, medium complexion and wearing a blue bubble coat CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

Girl abducted by her mother in Oak Park

Police searching for Wendy E. Jarvis, who disappeared with her daughter on Saturday By Timothy Inklebarger Staff Reporter

Police are searching for an Oak Park woman they say abducted her 6-year-old daughter during a court-supervised visit that took place at a local restaurant on Saturday at about 11:15 a.m. Wendy E. Jarvis, 41, of the 1100 block of South Boulevard, was visiting her daughter , Zoe Stegmeyer, at a restaurant near her home, when she told the court-appointed supervisor she was taking the girl to the restroom, Oak Park police report. Jarvis then allegedly exited with the girl through a rear door in the restaurant kitchen. The supervisor followed the two but lost sight of them near Pleasant and Marion streets. Policed searched the woman’s home but have been unsuccessful in locating her. Jarvis is not known to have access to a vehicle. Stegmeyer, who lives with her father in Schiller Park, is 3-foot-4, 45 pounds, with blonde, shoulder-length hair. She was wearing a black, quilted jacket, a black shirt with a heart on the front, black leggings, black

Wendy E. Jarvis and Zoe Stegmeyer boots and pink gloves. Police report that Jarvis is currently in a custody dispute with Stegmeyer’s father. Jarvis is 5-foot-2, 144 pounds and has brown hair and hazel eyes. The Village of Oak Park issued a press release stating that Oak Park police have contacted the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The Illinois State Police is expected to issue an Endangered Missing Person Advisory, which is shared with 2,200 media outlets. The abduction does not meet the criteria to be considered an AMBER Alert, the village press release notes. Those with information can all Oak Park police at 708-386-3800. Anonymous calls can be made by calling 708-434-1636 or online at www.oak-park.us/crimetip. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com

RUSTED

CTA inaction frustrates from page 8 tems at the Harlem rail shop, including the fire prevention sprinkler and rail car washer systems. The water tower holds about 75,000 gallons of water, and there’s “more water going in there than they can ever possibly imagine needing,” Glinke said, adding, “I have to imagine it’s not compliant with contemporary codes.” Glinke said he met repeatedly with representatives from the CTA, telling them the structures violated Forest Park’s property maintenance standards. He still has business cards for a CTA project manager for Capital Construction Infrastructure, and the design oversight manager for the Capital Improvement Program Management at the CTA. Officials got as far as hiring an engineering firm to decide whether it was cheaper to tear down or repaint the structures. Glinke remembers meeting with a group of engineers about the project. In June 2016, he had an appointment with CDM Smith about the structures. A decision on their future was supposed to be included in an upcoming CTA capital improvement plan at that time. But after the meeting with the engineering firm, Glinke said the bureaucracy shrugged its shoulders. Silence. “Promises made are promises broken,” Glinke said. “The CTA, we can’t force them to [do anything], and we would be reluctant to get into some kind of pissing match with someone of the scale of the CTA because they’ve got rooms full of lawyers and we’ve got one.” River Forest has struggled too with what to do about the structures, although they technically fall within Forest Park’s village boundaries. In 2009, Rick Gillis, then traffic and safety commissioner for River Forest, exchanged emails with Griffin, and said he talked to a CTA official who told him construction on the two structures might start in 2012, would take four years, and that the CTA only has money for engineering so far. Nothing happened. In 2013, Griffin followed up with Village

CURSIVE

State mandated from page 9 cursive instruction to second- and thirdgraders, officials will still be taking steps to ensure future compliance with the new law. “We’ll be assessing and evaluating our practices in the months ahead to ensure that they meet the standards set forth by the law, are being implemented with consistency and fidelity, and are meeting the needs of our students,” Jasculca said. At least one area administrator has spoken out against the new law. Louis Cavallo, the superintendent of Forest

Administrator Eric Palm, telling him “if the CTA will not paint these structures, perhaps our village and the village of Forest Park could share the cost with the CTA.” Palm said he, too, has complained to the CTA about the structures over the years. He called the CTA a few years ago, and left a message for someone to call him back with information. The CTA never returned his call. After Griffin filed her complaint in November, Palm again reached out to the CTA’s government affairs team. It took him a few days to even find the right contact. “The difficulty for the village is these properties, they rest on property not within our jurisdiction, so I can’t issue them a citation or ticket or whatever or say, ‘Hey can you fix this?’ It’s usually met with deaf ears,” Palm said. “The transit agencies certainly have their challenges when it comes to funding; this is not high on their priority list. It’s an unfortunate situation; it’s unfortunate they can’t fix it, take them down, or paint or what have you. We wouldn’t let our infrastructure go into that condition, so it’s sad that they do.” A CTA spokesperson said the project has been in the planning stage since 2015 and that CTA officials prefer the removal of the tower and shed over a repaint job. But final decisions on the scope of the project will not be made until the project is funded. When will that be? “That time frame is still to be determined, due to the unknown state of funding for the state capital program,” Kaplan said. The CTA currently has a $33 million budget shortfall, caused, in part, by a decline in state funding for the transit service. Still, “they’ve got a capital expenditure program to upgrade certain stations,” Griffin said. “I think that’s where they’re spending their money. Their priorities are probably the mayor’s [Rahm Emanuel]. Whatever he considers, they have upgraded.” Twelve years ago when Griffin first moved into her apartment on the 400 block of William Street, the view wasn’t so bad. Trees blocked the rusted out shed; the water tower wasn’t quite so decrepit. “It wasn’t a deal killer when we bought it,” she said. “But I bet if we try and sell it now, it might be.” CONTACT: ntepper@wjinc.com

Park School District 91, said that while his district already teaches cursive, “it’s not a 21st-entury learning skill by any stretch of the imagination.” Cavallo said that he met with Welch last year before the cursive writing legislation passed and expressed his disapproval to the lawmaker. “There’s too much being added to all of our plates with nothing going away,” Cavallo said. “You should look sometime at what is required, it’s whenever any legislator finds something that they feel is their pet project. “We have everything from Bosnian genocide, just some of them are crazy, date rape, they’re important topics, but they say, ‘You need to teach this, you need to teach this,’ and they just keep getting added, but nothing ever goes away.” Nona Tepper contributed to this report.

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

H O M E

F O R

T H E

H O L I D A Y S

ALEXA ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Hey, sleigh rides!

Marcello Gulotta, upper left, coaxes his niece, Chelsea Rider, 2, both of Elmwood Park, to say hello to Santa Claus. Attendees enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies on Westgate and sleigh rides during the annual Home for the Holidays event on Marion Street in downtown Oak Park on Saturday.

Happy Holidays!Â Health, Happiness and a Safe 2018! Thank you for being a part of our Martial Arts Family!

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15 y: as d 20 , b m s re rd uris foo ultu ries a e n Aw an to xica gric fish 4 a , xic f Me of ent , 201 e t o ry m 2 M rke • dor inist lop 201 017 a e M ssa n m dev xico 15, 2 ian a a l e b s 0 c a i am ex , rur of M 14, 2 he A 017 go M 2 • tock ood t 20 for t ice hica f a o C 5 h es g liv and • Za 201 o C rred e ic sm efe ho atini e Pr C • L ierg op c •T on C •

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plus ... Buck-a-Shuck $1 house oysters $1 $1 peel-n-pop shrimp $1 monday thru friday til 6pm!

Holiday Time is Family Time!

Say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Noâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to slave shrimp

This is not to say that all Thai or other he Thanksgiving-Xmas-NYE season, Southeast Asian shrimp is the result of at our house as at many others, is marked by several traditional holiday slave labor, but some seems to be, and seafood companies have been engaging in a foods, including shrimp. To procure kind of shell game involving the shipping the shrimp, we usually try to find the of shrimp from questionable sources to best price; shrimp, once a luxury good, now third-party countries where the shrimp is seems pretty much a commodity product. bagged, labeled and sent on to the United We used to buy shrimp based largely on States. In this way, the country of origin cost. Lately, however, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re scrutinizing can be hidden from the consumer. labels more carefully and digging a little Some major grocery chains, like Costco, deeper in our pockets. are making efforts to purge their freezer According to Aidan McQuade, director cabinets of shrimp and shrimp of Anti-Slavery International, products that are tainted by laquoted in the Washington Post, bor abuses or slavery, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you buy prawns or shrimp a good thing. from Thailand, you will be For our Thanksgiving celebrabuying the produce of slave tion, we decided to buy shrimp labor.â&#x20AC;? Now â&#x20AC;&#x153;slave laborâ&#x20AC;? is a from the Gulf. At Marianoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, frightening term, and it seems Gulf shrimp came in around to apply to both unsavory labor $15/pound. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about $5 more practices as well as out-andper pound than shrimp from out human bondage, people Thailand and Southeast Asian enslaved to perform the tedious countries suspected of engaging hand-work involved in peeling in practices that most Ameriand de-veining shrimp. cans would not condone. The United States imports If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in shopnearly half the shrimp that ping locally (and you should Thailand harvests, and AsLocal Dining be), Carnivore has peeled and sociated Press found that such & Food Blogger deveined Gulf shrimp for $22/ â&#x20AC;&#x153;shrimp peeled by modern-day pound. slaves is reaching the U.S., Paying a little more for Europe and Asia.â&#x20AC;? According shrimp can be a good way to to U.S. Customs records, Thai 1042 Pleasant St., Oak ensure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not supporting shrimp â&#x20AC;&#x153;made its way into Park slavery and other repugnant the supply chains of major 773-368-5554 labor practices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; plus, you get U.S. food stores and retailthe added advantage of buying ers such as Walmart, Kroger, American. Whole Foods, Dollar General Of course, all this might be for naught and Petco, along with restaurants such as if the Gulf shrimp were not as good as the Red Lobster and Olive Garden.â&#x20AC;? Yes, even Thai shrimp we used to purchase. Turns Whole Foods, which would seem to be the out, the Gulf shrimp we had for Thanksgivshining (though costly) exemplar of the ing was some of the very best shrimp in organic and the good, reportedly traffics in memory: frim, sweet and tender. Honestly, slave shrimp. weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not that crazy about Gulf oysters, so The Wholeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand shrimp in the photo this is not a blanket endorsement of Gulf above, which I found at Caputoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on Harcrustacean, but those Gulf shrimp were lem, is listed in the Washington Post as one fantastic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and purchasing them allowed us of many brands that have been found to be to sleep better at night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;compromisedâ&#x20AC;? by labor abuses.

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

a guide to area church services

Church Guide O come, let us adore him,   Christ the Lord!

Join us for Christmas worship United Lutheran Church 409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland) Oak Park

Christmas Eve December 24 at 5 p.m. Holy Communion with candle lighting and children’s story

Christmas Day December 25 at 10 a.m. Holy Communion

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24

Lessons and Carols, 4:15 and 6 pm  Led by the children of Grace Holy Communion, 8 pm   Candlelight Holy Communion,10:45 pm   Music begins at 10:30 pm

Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 10 am 7300 Division St.▪︎ River Forest ▪︎ 708-‐366-‐6900 ▪︎ GraceRiverForest.org

www.unitedlutheranchurch.org

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Christmas Worship

To you a child is born who is Christ the King

Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service 5:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service 10:30 p.m. Pre-Service Music - 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Communion Service 10:00 a.m.

New Year’s Eve Service 7:00 p.m.

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church 305 Circle Avenue, Forest Park (708) 366-3226 Rev. Leonard R. Payton, Pastor Rev. Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary www.stjohnforestpark.org

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

—— all are welcome ——

December 24

Christmas Eve

5 pm Family Friendly Service 7 pm Worship Service

Advent Worship, 10:30 am Family service, 5 pm (Child-friendly service)

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

Traditional Candlelight, 11 pm

324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org

(Pre-service music begins 10:30pm)

Christmas Day

Good Shepherd

Let our community know your worship schedule To advertise, call

611 Randolph at East Ave. Oak Park • 708-848-4741 goodshepherdlc.org

First Congregational Church of Maywood

at 708/613-3342 (direct line) or email: maryellen@oakpark.com

400 North 5th Avenue • Maywood, IL 60153 (708) 344-6150 www.firstchurchofmaywood.org

Service of Carols, 10:30am

6th Annual Gospel Concert

February 11, 3pm Intergenerational celebration with choirs from Chg/Milw

Lutheran Church, ELCA

Come home for the holidays and connect. Sunday Service is at 11:00 am. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service • Sunday, December 24th at 7:00pm Christmas Morning Service at 11:00am

Mary Ellen

Celebrate the Season Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation Holiday Services

Please like us on Facebook

Keep Christmas with us.

FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF OAK PARK CHRISTMAS & BEYOND DECEMBER 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE

11 a.m.

Family-Friendly Worship with Christmas Pageant

8 p.m.

Jazz Worship

Winter Solstice Celebration Thursday, December 21 :: 7 p.m.

11 p.m.

Traditional Worship

Christmas Eve Morning Service :: 10:45 a.m. Holiday Pageant/Worship for All Ages :: 3 p.m. Family Candlelight Service :: 7 p.m. Organ Recital :: 10:30 p.m. Candlelight Service with Carols and Readings :: 11 p.m.

11 a.m.

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation 875 Lake Street Oak Park IL 60301

DECEMBER 31 - NEW YEAR’S EVE

Pancake "Sticky" Church: an interactive, intergenerational, casual worship

THE ADVENT STORY PODCAST

Advent invites us on a journey to retell and re-experience Christ's birth. Listen to audio story reflections from First United family & friends at www.firstunitedoakpark.com 848 Lake Street, Oak Park firstunitedoakpark.com facebook.com/firstunitedoakpark 708-386-5215

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Join us for Christmas! Christmas Eve – “Angels in the Infield” at 8:00 p.m. Christmas Morning Service at 10:30 a.m.

405 S. Euclid Ave., Oak Park 708-848-7360 www.euclidavenueumc.org Sanctuary/first floor accessible

Worship with us on Christmas Eve for a special service of Lessons & Carols December 24, 9am 542 S Scoville, Oak Park blvdpres.org | 708-860-6747 info@blvdpres.org

Season’s Greetings

10:30 am 4:00 pm 8:00 pm 11:00 pm

Morning Worship Family Candlelight Service Lessons & Carols Candlelight Service Communion Candlelight Service

First Presbyterian Church of River Forest ~ 7551 Quick Avenue Pastor Paul Detterman

708-366-5822

www.firstpresrf.org

Wheelchair and Hearing Accessible

Let our community know your worship schedule boulevard presbyterian church

“a new church serving Austin & Oak Park”

To advertise, call Mary Ellen at 708/613-3342 (direct line) or email: maryellen@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

The Catholic Parishes of Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park welcome you with open arms to our Advent and Christmas Season Services Ascension Catholic Church

808 S. East Avenue, Oak Park (708) 848-3099 - ascensionoakpark.com

Come an eel the real joy of this season with us! df

Advent Evening Prayer Wednesday, December 20 at 7:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday, December 23 from 4:00 – 4:45 pm Adjusted Mass Schedule for the Fourth Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 23 – Mass at 5:00 pm Sunday, December 24 – Mass at 9:00 am Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord Christmas Eve – Sunday, December 24 Mass at 4:00 pm – with Schola Mass at 6:00 pm – Children’s Focus with Choristers Carols at 10:30 pm with Choir – Mass at 11:00 pm Christmas Day – Monday, December 25 Mass at 9:00 am – with Organ and Instruments Mass at 11:00 am – with Organ and Instruments The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Saturday, December 30 – Mass at 5:00 pm Sunday, December 31 – Mass at 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 11:00 am *No 5:00 pm Mass* Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Monday, January 1 - Mass at 9:00 am Taizé Prayer for the World Day of Prayer for Peace at 7:30 pm The Epiphany of the Lord Saturday, January 6 – Mass at 5:00 pm Sunday, January 7 – Mass at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 5:00 pm

St. Luke Parish

7600 Lake Street, River Forest 708-771-8250 stlukeparish.org Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation Saturday, December 23 – 8:30 am and 4:00 pm Christmas Eve–Sunday, December 24 3:30 pm –Program of Christmas music by our Cherub & Seraphim children’s choirs 4:00 pm – Family Mass 6:00 pm – Mass with flute, brass and voice 9:30 pm – A Classic Christmas program of festive choral music and beloved carols sung by the St. Luke Chancel Choir 10:00 pm – Mass with organ, brass and flute Christmas Day–Monday, December 25 9:00 am Mass–Accompanied by the St. Luke Contemporary Choir with guitar, brass and flute 11:00 am Mass - Traditional Christmas music with organ, flute and brass The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Saturday, December 30 – Mass at 5:00 pm Sunday, December 31 – Masses at 7:30, 9:00, 11:00 am Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Monday, January 1 – Mass at 9:00 am

St. Bernardine Church

7246 W. Harrison Street, Forest Park (708) 366-0839 - stbern.com Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord Christmas Eve – Sunday, December 24 Masses at 8:00 am and 10:30 am Family Mass at 5:00 pm Caroling at 10:00 pm High Mass at 10:30 pm Christmas Day – Monday, December 25 Masses at 8:00 am and 10:30 am Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Monday, January 1 - Mass at 9:00 am

St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish 38 N. Austin Blvd., Oak Park (708) 386-8077 - stcatherinestlucy.org

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord Christmas Eve – Sunday, December 24 Masses at 8:30 am and 10:30 am 5:00 pm - Family Christmas Mass (Prelude at 4:30 pm) Christmas Day – Monday, December 25 Masses at 8:30 am and 10:30 am Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Sunday, December 31 - Masses at 8:30 am and 10:30 am Monday, January 1 - Mass at 10:00 am

St. Vincent Ferrer Parish

1530 Jackson Avenue, River Forest (708) 366 -7090 - svfparish.org Fourth Sunday in Advent 5:30 pm Saturday – Vigil Mass Sunday Masses: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord Christmas Eve – Sunday, December 24 Mass at 4:00 pm Mass at 10:30 pm – Adult Choir Christmas Day – Monday, December 25 Masses at 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 11:00 am The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Saturday, December 30 - Vigil Mass at 5:30 pm Sunday, December 31 - Masses at 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 11:00 am

St. Edmund Parish

188 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park (708) 848-4417 - stedmund.org

Adjusted Mass Schedule for the Fourth Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 23 - Mass at 4:00 pm & 5:30 pm Sunday, December 24 - Mass at 9:00 am Solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24 4:30 pm Vigil: Family Mass Choral music and carols begin at 4:00 pm.; 10:30 pm Vigil Lessons and Carols begin at 9:50 pm Christmas Day: Monday, December 25 Masses at 9:00 am and 11:00 am Choral music and carols begin at 10:50 am The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Saturday, December 30 – Mass at 5:30 pm Sunday, December 31 – Masses at 9:00 am and 11:00 am *No 5:30 pm Mass* Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God New Year’s Day Monday, January 1 - Mass at 10:00 am The Epiphany of the Lord Saturday, January 6 – Mass at 5:30 pm Sunday, January 7 – Masses at 9:00 & 11:00 am & 5:30 pm

St. Giles Parish

1045 Columbian Avenue, Oak Park (708) 383-3430 - stgilesparish.org Sacrament of Reconciliation Wednesday, December 20, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm Confessional at southwest corner of Church Saturday, December 23 from 8:30 – 9:30 am Adjusted Mass Schedule for the Fourth Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 23 – Mass at 4:30 pm Sunday, December 24 – Mass at 9:00 am Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24 3:00 pm Children’s Christmas Mass in Church 3:00 pm Parish Christmas Mass in Gym 5:00 pm Youth/Teen Mass (with Teen Choir) in Church 7:30 pm Family Mass Community Mass in Gym (Carols at 7:00 pm) 10:30 pm Christmas Vigil Mass in Church (Carols at 10:00 pm) Christmas Day: Monday, December 25 Masses at 9:00 and 11:00 am The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Saturday, December 30 – Mass at 4:30 pm Sunday, December 31 – Masses at 7:45, 9:30, 11:15 am and 5:00 pm Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Monday, January 1 – Mass at 9:00 am The Epiphany of the Lord Saturday, January 6 – Mass at 4:30 pm Sunday, January 7 – Masses at 7:45, 9:30, 11:15 am and 5:00 pm

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

NEED TO REACH US?

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

Homes

Unity Temple model welcomes visitors for decades OPRF school project still helping tourists understand Wright’s masterpiece By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

he vast majority of school projects have a limited lifespan. Displayed proudly on a refrigerator door or living room book shelf, they are often secreted out to the recycling when their creators are sleeping or away at school. In Oak Park, a school project has proven an exception to the limited-life-span rule. Created in 1976 by an Oak Park and River

Photo courtesy of the Historical Society of Oak Park & Rvier Forest

NOT YOUR AVERAGE CLASS PROJECT: John Seminerio (above) delivers his completed model of Unity Temple to the famed Wrightdesigned building on Aug. 25, 1976 just prior to leaving for college. The model continued to be displayed until 2015, when it was placed into storage while Unity Temple underwent a total restoration. It returned to Unity Temple last summer and remains on display there (lower left). Forest High School senior, a model of Unity Temple has had a remarkably long life and remains an attraction at Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic Oak Park structure, with a little help from a very dedicated volunteer.

John Seminerio, who works as a graphic starting to get its sea legs,” Seminerio said. designer outside of San Francisco in Marin “Bob Urbanick was a wonderful teacher County, looks back on his years in high who got us all involved with Frank Lloyd school as pivotal to his lifelong love of de- Wright.” sign. Seminerio says the high school offered a Until recently, he was not four-semester architecture seaware of what became of his quence, complete with competihigh school project model of tions through the Illinois Instithe Unity Temple, but a little tute of Technology. The class sleuthing from Bob Trezevant, a used a 10-by-10 room to create longtime Oak Park resident and their models, and during senior volunteer at the Wright’s Home year, the students worked on a and Studio and Unity Temple, group project to create a model. brought the two together and Seminerio’s group worked on revealed that Seminerio’s high a model of the Unity Temple, but school project is well-tended and he wasn’t happy with their final part of the architecturally sigproduct. Urbanick encouraged JOHN SEMINERIO nificant site. him to recreate the model himself and reach out to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to see if they Lighting a spark would be interested in purchasing the comSeminerio credits the curriculum and pleted project. The foundation, today known as the Frank teachers at OPRF High School in the 1970s for instilling a deep love of architecture in Lloyd Wright Trust, agreed to Seminerio’s himself and countless others. He recalls offer to build the model for $150, and offered him access to the Unity Temple. fondly his teacher Byron Urbanick. “My memory is that in 1972 and 1973, the See TEMPLE MODEL on page 27 Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation was just

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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expansion is a case study in how to do it right. (And really, who is going to question chocolate and candy around the holidays?) The first thing to know is that Donna did not rush into this. She has been planning and looking for space for a long time. She waited for the right one to open up: a space that had plenty of room for retail and her chocolatier kitchen in the back. She had a clear vision for the store and her business. She looked for a space with opportunity to arrange her merchandise so that the best selling and more profitable product lines receive premium floor space. The new layout is intentional, following years of experience in a smaller space. The simultaneous rebrand gave River Forest Chocolates a new logo, color palette and visual identity to complete the new space. Suddenly, all parts of the business look fresh and clean and

streamlined. It works well together. Even with professional help on the rebranding from Yearbook Studios, River Forest Chocolate’s relaunch relied on plenty of DIY. Donna painted the ceiling tiles herself. She and her family did most of the decorating, moving and installation. All this, right before the busy Hanukkah and Christmas season, which call for sixteen hour days, seven days a week. At a time when development and the “business community” too often mean large companies with multiple locations, it is so nice to see a locally-owned shop grow and flourish. Congratulations, Donna!

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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TEMPLE MODEL Still on display

Caretaker

Bob Trezevant has longstanding ties to the community and the from page 25 Unity Temple. A retired teacher for Oak Park Elementary School During the six weeks before he District 97, Trezevant has volunheaded off the college, Seminerio teered for 35 years at the Frank worked long hours on the model. Lloyd Wright Home and Studio He recalls that the foundation let and Unity Temple. him borrow blue prints for his His ties to Unity Temple go back work, which he copied for refer- generations through his late wife, ence. Katherine Gervais. Katherine’s “One of my greatest treasures is mother, Helena Saxby Gervais, arthat I have a copy of those today,” rived in Oak Park as an infant in Seminerio said. 1909, just as the Unity Temple was He says that he decided to build being dedicated. the model on top of quarter inch Raised in the congregation, she copies of the blueprints married Paul Gervais of Unity Temple. there in 1935. When “I decided to use the Bob married Katherblueprints as grass, ine Gervais in 1966, and the temple kind of Helena was working as grows right out of it,” an assistant to the minhe said. ister of Unity Temple’s When he went away congregation, and she to Iowa for college, gave him his first tour Seminerio would ocof the building. casionally stop by the When Bob and KathUnity Temple on visits erine returned to live BOB TREZEVANT home to see his model, in the Gervais home but a move to San Franin 1977, Bob became an cisco pulled him away active volunteer at the from the area. Home and Studio and Noting that one of his Unity Temple. When biggest regrets in life is Katherine passed away not becoming an architect after in 2005, her memorial service was taking what he calls a left turn into held at the temple. graphic design in college, SemineTheir son, Warren Trezevant, rio said that the lessons he learned then a senior animator at Pixar, at OPRF and in building the model spoke at Unity Temple in 2010 in have stayed with him in his chosen the Break the Box series, becoming field of graphic design. the fourth generation of his family “I still work with my hands,” to have ties to the building. Seminerio said. “I still have a doDuring his years as a volunteer it-yourself approach to making and tour guide at the Unity Temthings.” ple, Bob Trezevant took special in-

“The model is so important for appreciating the building.”

SUBMITTED

TAKING CARE: Bob Trezevant next to the Unity Temple model.

TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

WHERE IT STARTED: The Unity Temple model sprung from a senior year project in an architecture class taught by OPRF teacher Byron Urbanick, shown above teaching in March 1959. John Seminero wasn’t happy with the end result, so he painstakingly redid it the following summer.

terest in the model, feeling it was an integral part of explaining the building to tourists. “The model is so important for appreciating the building,” Trezevant said. “Visitors can readily see its layout and easily perceive the beauty of its design. It is especially helpful to use when the weather prevents us from taking visitors outside, and visitors love to photograph the model itself.” When the table that Seminerio had created for his model began to deteriorate, Trezevant built a new one. During the recent restoration of the Unity Temple, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust displayed the model at Wright’s Home and Stu-

dio, and today it is back on display in the Unity House gathering room of the temple. “The model is an absolute treasure,” the former executive director of the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation, Heather Hutchinson, said. “It looks so beautiful, and I love that it sits so prominently in Unity House. We owe thanks to Bob for being such a magnificent steward of what I’m now calling our little jewel inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s jewel box.” When the model was moved back to the Unity Temple this summer in time for its reopening, Trezevant researched Seminerio and found him easily with the help of the internet. Seminerio was de-

lighted to hear that his model was still on display. “I’m so touched to know that Bob is not only an advocate but has been taking care of the model,” Seminerio said. “To me, the story runs from Byron Urbanick to Bob Trezevant. What is it about people who do these sort of things?” While he might live far from his roots in Oak Park, Seminerio notes that he continues to live in the shadow of the architect who inspired his project. “I’m never very far from Frank Lloyd Wright,” Seminerio said. “One of his biggest buildings, the Marin County Civic Center, is close by. He’s never been that far away from me.”

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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Rich Gloor, Jr.

Tony Bell

Ann Bill

Katherine Bill

Patsy Bonniwell

Sylvia Christmas

John Condne

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Diane Davis

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Nancy Gohla

Sandi Graves

Nancy Jarrett

Phil Justice

Jan Kerr

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As the year comes to a close, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who made our success possible. It is in this spirit we sayâ&#x20AC;Ś

Marjorie Greenwald

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Caroline Rauch

Jim Schott

Carolyn Sheehan

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Deborah Wess

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Thank You & Best Wishes for the Holiday Season!

ÂŠ2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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In The Village, Realtors® Mike Becker

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Community Foundation

Community Giving Guide

ed by the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

The Most Wonderful Guide of The Year!

eason of Giving is a campaign organized by Wednesday Journal and the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation to encourage local charitable giving during the holiday season. It has long

been recognized that when we shop local, our money recirculates through the local economy reaping dividends for the entire community. The same is true for charitable giving. When you donate to local nonprofits, your money goes to work in your own

neighborhood. Your donations feed local families, offer safety and learning to local children, and enrich the beauty and art that surrounds us all. Over the coming weeks, we hope that you will take a moment to look over the listings in this Giving Guide. Find

e connect giving to impact! Animal Care League

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

Cantata Adult Life Services As a nonprofit since 1920, Cantata’s mission and vision is to help older adults age successfully, both on our campus and out in their communities. We help them live their best lives by offering a variety of services that meet each individual’s unique needs. This past year, we provided nearly 2,500 services to 1,200 seniors thanks to you and your generosity. Whether it’s the gift of your time or a donation, everything is greatly appreciated and contributes to the successful care and support for aging adults. To donate and make a difference in the lives of seniors in your community, please visit www.cantatahomeservices.org/donate or email george.columbus@cantata.org

Celebrating Seniors Founded in 2010 before launching its inaugural Celebrating Seniors Week in May 2011, Celebrating Seniors is dedicated to honoring, recognizing and serving seniors in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, Illinois. The organization concentrates on four main objectives:

• To facilitate cooperation between the business community, government agencies and non-profit organizations for the benefit of the senior population.

• To promote senior groups and organizations that serve persons 60 and older. • To raise public awareness of issues affecting seniors. • To generate funds to support at-risk and vulnerable elders. To volunteer to support our Celebrating Seniors Week or to contribute financially to our community mission, visit us at www. celebratingseniors.net.

Cluster Tutoring Program The Cluster Tutoring Program is a communitybased organization that provides free, one-to-one tutoring for youth in grades K through 12 from the Austin neighborhood. Our mission is to help students realize their potential through learning in an environment that strengthens the students, the tutors, and the community. The program’s emphasis is on reading as a means to academic success and the development of mentoring relationships between caring adults and youth. Tutors receive training and ongoing support. Tutoring space is donated by First United Church of Oak Park and Pine Avenue Church. To volunteer or to donate, please contact Kara Kalnitz at 773-378-5530 and visit www.clustertutoring.org.

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Community Foundation We connect donors to impact. Your gift to the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation can benefit one or many organizations locally, regionally or nationally. We accept all sizes of gifts -- gifts of cash, appreciated stock, real estate and through bequests. We work with you to match your philanthropic interests with needs. We manage scholarships for students and provide enrichment grants for young

people. We provide grants to local nonprofit organizations, present Impact Excellence seminars for them and manage many of their funds. We connect our community for collective impact. For more about what we do, please visit us at: www.oprfcf.org, on Facebook and Twitter: @oprfcf. 708-848-1560 1049 Lake Street, Suite 204 Oak Park, IL 60301 Donate online at: https://goo.gl/MeQaon

The Collaboration for Early Childhood The Collaboration for Early Childhood is your resource for early childhood information in Oak Park and River Forest. We provide the connections vital to every child’s opportunity for success in learning and in life. We work with more than 60 organizations so that parents and their children receive critical information and support services, children are screened for developmental delays, teachers in child care centers, preschools and family child care homes provide high quality programs and our most vulnerable children and their families experience a strong web of support. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit us at collab4kids. org or follow us on Facebook.

Concordia University Chicago Founded in 1864, Concordia University Chicago is a comprehensive liberal arts-based Christian university in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Graduate and Innovative Programs, Concordia-Chicago offers more than 100 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. Concordia-Chicago equips men and women to serve and lead with integrity, creativity, competence and compassion in

an organization that resonates with you. Check out their website. Consider making a donation or volunteering. Spread the word. Don’t just shop local—give Local.

a diverse, interconnected and increasingly urbanized church and world. More than 5,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled at Concordia-Chicago, located in River Forest.

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory The Oak Park Conservatory is a gem in our community. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that helps make the Conservatory a community destination. FOPCON has over 150 volunteers and 500 members. We offer guided tours, free children’s programming, and host Uncorked in the Summer. We are proud of our Discovery and Rubinstein Gardens and our partnership with the PDOP in supporting the Conservatory. Please visit fopcon.org to join or donate. 615 Garfield, Oak Park, 60304. Contact Beth Cheng, Executive Director at 708-725-2460.

Oak Park Festival Theatre Since 1975 Oak Park Festival Theatre, the Midwest’s oldest professional outdoor classical theatre, has brought the magic of dramatic masterpieces to generations of our neighbors. Whether performing under the stars in beautiful Austin Gardens as we do each summer or at any of the many local venues where we partner with local philanthropic agencies (such as Housing Forward, Oak Park Housing Authority or Nineteenth Century Charitable Association), Festival Theatre breaths fresh air into timeless texts for Oak Park and beyond. With ticket prices kept friendly for every budget and free admission for all under 13, we rely on the generosity of our audiences to continue our dynamic community dialogue. Donations can be made on-line at oakparkfestival.com or mailed to us: Oak Park Festival Theatre, P.O. Box 4114, Oak Park, IL 60303.

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Community Foundation

nated by the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

Housing Forward helps people get back on their feet John didn’t have any financial means, he didn’t have a job to return to, or an apartment to live in when he was released from prison. He had family nearby, but they had families of their own and couldn’t help. While looking for jobs at the local library, he heard about Housing Forward and the PADS Shelter. That day was a turning point for him. While at the library, John learned about the Career Passport program. “Being homeless was depressing,” John says, “I am not a quitter, so I knew that as long as I kept on the right path, I could better myself. I just

had to accept that others were willing to help me.” Career Passport is a 5-week course that helps those with higher-barriers (re)enter the workforce through employment preparation, referrals to training, education and job placement. The goal is to break down barriers to employment, and to assist in the search for sustainable work. Through the generous support of the Harry & Jeannette Weinberg Foundation, BMO Harris Bank, OPRF Community Foundation and public grants, Housing Forward hired a fulltime Employment Training Specialist,

We connect giving to impact!

Green Community Connections At Green Community Connections, we believe people are the answer to our serious environmental issues. We provide a deeper understanding of natural systems, build community, and inspire change. Through our largest program, the annual One Earth Film Festival, we raise awareness and inspire action. In 2017, 5,600 people attended our 10-day fest, viewing films, participating in discussion and engaging with community partners and advocacy groups to take immediate action on behalf of our planet.

Hephzibah

Hephzibah Children’s Association was founded in 1897. We serve more than 1,000 children and families each year through innovative, community-based programs. Hephzibah provides a Group Home for children who have been taken from their families due to profound abuse or neglect. Our skilled staff recruits and trains foster parents, and offers ongoing support to help all family members navigate challenges. Our after-school Day Care operates on a sliding scale to serve working parents in Oak Park, with programs based at each elementary school. To make a real difference in the lives of children and families, please donate today at hephzibahhome.org.

Housing Forward The mission of Housing Forward is to transition people from housing crisis to housing stability. By emphasizing prevention, supportive services, employment readiness and supportive housing, we are able to offer a comprehensive, long-term solution that moves clients into housing quickly and keeps them there. This housing-first approach to homelessness is more efficient, more fiscally responsible and less traumatic to clients who are typically facing extraordinary hardship. It is also beneficial to the communities being served who do not have to bear the costs of homelessness in the form of expanded social services, health care and public safety costs. We offer an attractive return on your investment — measured in terms of human lives and futures. To donate, please visit housingforward. org/give, or contact Janet Gow, Director of Development & Communications, at 708.338.1724 ext. 262.

L’Arche Chicago L’Arche Chicago is a community where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together in homes, as family. In our group homes in the OPRF neighborhoods, we strive to merge the highest quality of care and genuine friendship. We seek to create a world that welcomes difference and celebrates the unique gifts of all people, where each person has a genuine place of belonging. Support L’Arche Chicago and help us to create that kind of world right here in Oak Park River Forest. larchechicago.org/2017

Jennifer Levitt. With seventeen years of experience in workforce development, Jennifer is also a long time local resident. John has hopes of going back to school. He wants to work with kids that are struggling with similar issues he went through. It is only with the support of donors and our community that Housing Forward’s vital programs continue to help John. For more information about Housing Forward and how you can help, visit housingforward.org. John

New Moms New Moms offers services to support moms in the areas of homes, jobs, and family support. These tools empower moms to transform their lives and create strong families filled with stability, health and vision for a strong future. For more information or to donate, visit www.newmoms.org

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

OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation Since 1924, community members, alumni and friends of Oak Park and River Forest High School have honored loved ones, cherished teachers, academic achievement,

initiative and leadership through gifts to the OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation. These gifts have made possible the 60+ scholarships which the Foundation awards deserving seniors each year to help defray college tuition costs. With your support, we can help more of our graduating seniors receive critical financial assistance for college. We hope you will join us and make a tax-deductible donation by visiting www. scholarships4oprfhs.org. Please consider making a gift in any amount to fund existing need-based scholarships or visit our website to learn about endowed and annual named scholarship opportunities. Contact scholarshipsoprfhs@gmail.com for more information.

The Oak Park Education Foundation (OPEF) Strong schools are at the heart of a strong community. Established in 1989, OPEF is a privately funded, nonprofit organization that brings artists, architects, scientists, and technology experts into K-8th grade classrooms at every District 97 school. Our professional partners share their passion for learning while conducting free, hands-on residencies with more than 4,200 students annually. OPEF also runs BASE Camp, exceptional summer enrichment. Learn more, volunteer or donate at opef.org. 260 Madison St., Oak Park, IL 60302 Contact: Tracy Dell’Angela Barber, Executive Director tdellangelabarber@opef.org. 708-524-3023

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Community Foundation

nated by the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation Oak-Leyden Developmental Services

In 2017, Oak-Leyden Developmental Services helped nearly 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities reach their highest potential. Our multi-disciplinary Early Intervention Program provides therapies to help prepare young children for their years ahead, as well as education that supports the entire family. Our enriching, adult day programs offer community activities, life skills coaching, and vocational training. In our 12 group homes, adults receive residential care, social and recreational opportunities, and access to healthcare providers. Please volunteer, donate items on our wish list, make a contribution, or become an Oak-Leyden Enrichment Partner at oak-leyden.org or call 708-524-1050 x102.

Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry

$1 = 3 meals, is an equation only you can make possible. With your help, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry has been reducing local hunger for nearly 40 years. Your support means we are able to meet the needs of nearly 16,000 families struggling with hunger each year. It means we can provide over 50 pounds of nutritious food plus access to vital programs and services to help people stretch limited food budgets in healthy ways. It means that even a little goes a long way: every $1 donated can feed a neighbor for an entire day. To make a donation, visit oprffoodpantry.org or send checks payable to OPRF Food Pantry to Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301.

We connect giving to impact!

Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society/ IWS Children’s Clinic Heartfelt Healthcare is a home for the holidays. Everyone wants to be home for the holidays. Family, friends, food and laughter. Comforting, familiar and happy. The warm, welcoming embrace of the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society’s Children’s Clinic is a home of a different kind. We care for children from families that could not find help anywhere else. Children who are living in poverty and have faced difficult circumstances. We provide medical, dental and behavioral services right here from our cozy building on Lake Street. We even help with nutrition, pet therapy, health education and literacy support. We call it Heartfelt Healthcare. Please give generously this Holiday – from your home to theirs. Please call (708)406-8661 or visit www.oprfiws.org.

Opportunity Knocks Opportunity Knocks is dedicated to providing opportunities and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they may pursue their educational, occupational and social interests. Our approach to programming is person-centered, peerled and community-based. Due to challenges in relying on the State of Illinois as a funding partner, we rely on our community for that partnership and support. We are nearly entirely privately funded. That fact makes your support that much more important. To learn more about Opportunity Knocks or to make a donation in support of the Warrior Mission, please visit us online at opportunityknocksnow. org.

PACTT Learning Center At PACTT Learning Center, we believe that the road to a higher quality of life is paved with a quality of opportunity. Providing our participants with access to employment and recreation in the community is critical to ensuring the success of the people we serve. Through personcentered programs that emphasize access, choice and the dignity of risk, PACTT provides a safe environment for

This Community Giving Guide of local nonprofits will run weekly through December. If you would like information on how to list your organization, email Marc Stopeck at marc@oakpark.com.

participants to experience a personal freedom grounded in human rights. PACTT programs include a therapeutic day school, residential services for children & adults, a transition program for older teens and vocational training/job placement for adults. To learn more about PACTT or make a donation, go to www.pactt.org or call 773-338-9102 ext. 2424

Pillars Pillars is the largest nonprofit provider of mental health and social services in the western and southwestern suburbs. The agency serves 10,000 people each year through direct client services, including Mental Health, Addictions, Domestic & Sexual Violence, Child & Family Services, and Community Housing. Untreated mental illness and addiction can lead to hospitalization, encounters with law enforcement, violence, and even early death. Pillars’ programs empower people to break out of those cycles and lead healthy, productive, independent lives— which ultimately saves the community money. Stand together as Pillars, with us. Donate online or pledge a monthly gift today at www.pillarscommunity.org/ donate.

Ping! PING! provides the opportunity to experience the many benefits of a music education to students in need in our community. Each year PING! loans musical instruments to students in need in Oak Park River Forest school districts 90, 97, and 200 so that they can participate in the band and orchestra programs at school. PING! also provides music enrichment through workshops for 4th and 5th graders; mentoring, scholarships for summer music camp, and field trips for middle schoolers; and private music lessons for high school students. PING! is a volunteer-run organization that depends on the community for donated instruments, volunteer help, and financial contributions to maintain our instrument inventory and programs. For more information or to make a donation, go to pingoprf.org. If you have an instrument to donate, send us an email at pingoprf@gmail.com.

Finding purpose at the Infant Welfare Society By Kim Goldschmidt

For 100+ years, the Infant Welfare Society has focused on supporting the Children’s Clinic, which provides quality medical, dental, and social services for children from more than 50 local communities. These families often can’t afford or access quality care elsewhere. Traditionally a female organization, the society, on its 100th anniversary, sought innovative ways to grow and raise funds. Consequently, they formed a Men’s Group to complement the many Women’s “Circles.” I was flattered when approached to join the inaugural Men’s Group. I think the older you are, the more you tend to look for purpose in life. I think back to the 1950’s when I was in grade school and my Mom was in Infant Welfare. Her involvement certainly helped motivate me to join the organization. I can see the smile on her face today if she were alive to enjoy knowing that I was part of this special cause. I feel a little sheepish writing this when others do much more than I. But I will say, we are always looking for a few good men to be added to the group. There definitely is strength in numbers. And to be realistic, the more women that are involved the better, since, in all honesty, they really are the ones providing the overall guidance. They are smart enough to know that we are dependent upon their leadership. To find out more about how you can get involved at the Infant Welfare Society, visit oprfiws.org.

Kim Goldschmidt

Coordinated by the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Community Foundation Your GivinG Can Have BiG impaCt Since 2002, the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation has distributed over $26,000,000 to local, regional and national nonprofit organizations. Here are ways for you to get involved and be part of this impact. Create a fund: donor-advised - you recommend charitable beneficiaries locally or anywhere in the USA annually - you select charities that will receive annual contributions from your fund scholarship - you select a purpose and the Foundation connects with the recipients designated

add to an existinG fund: such as the Fund for Now, the Fund for Forever,

the Fund for.......visit www.oprfcf.org for the many funds that welcome your gift. Donate to the Fund for Now

Connect with

Kristin Carlson Vogen or Rhea Yap

Donate to the Fund for Forever

708-848-1560 kcvogen@oprfcf.org | ryap@oprfcf.org 1049 Lake Street, Suite 204, Oak Park or visit us at: www oprfcf.org facebook.com/OPRFCF

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation has partially underwritten the Season of Giving in support of nonprofit organizations serving Oak Park and River Forest.

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Community Foundation

nated by the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation Pro Bono Network

Access to justice should not depend upon one’s income. There are simply not enough lawyers to help people in dire need of legal aid. These include safety from an abuser, adequate housing, and the ability to get a job. Pro Bono Network, a locally-grown and new kind of organization, has brought over 250 attorneys to pro bono work by making legal representation practical. As a result over 1500 clients have received legal aid services which often encompass basic human rights. Learn more at pro-bono-network.org. Donating will make a difference! Be a part of bridging the justice gap!

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest

We connect giving to impact! Each year The Symphony of Oak Park & River

The River Forest Library Foundation “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people,” said Andrew Carnegie. That’s why he funded thousands of public libraries a century ago to help people help themselves through self-directed learning. Today, the River Forest Public Library (RFPL) carries on that core mission by providing not just books and periodicals but also a wide array of digital resources (onsite and remotely), interactive programs, and other transformative learning opportunities. Honor a family member, a cherished teacher or mentor, a dear friend, or your own love of lifelong learning by giving to the RFPL Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, at 735 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305 or rfplfoundation.org/donate. Your gift will inspire others and transform the lives of so many in our community.

Sarah’s Inn

Since 1981, Sarah’s Inn has worked to improve the lives of those impacted by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. Our Intervention Program provides bi-lingual services for families affected by domestic violence in order to safely navigate crisis, effectively process trauma and ensure self-sufficiency. Our Training and Education Program creates a network of skilled bystanders to appropriately intervene as first responders and community advocates. Our Together Strong Project was created to prevent relationship violence by teaching youth about the impact of their choices, giving them the tools to lead healthy lives, and empowering them to make a difference in their community. To donate, visit donatenow.networkforgood. org/sarahsinn, or make a tax-deductible donation through postal mail by sending a check to: Sarah’s Inn, PO Box 1159, Oak Park, IL 60304

Forest receives support from loyal patrons and generous friends. Ticket sales provide less than half the funds needed for the Symphony’s performances. Your gift keeps this award-winning orchestra going strong, allowing us to keep our ticket prices low and provide free tickets to students through college to our concerts held at Dominican University. This year we celebrate our 85th Anniversary and your help is needed to ensure our future. We will reward donations of $100 (or more!) with a a free CD. Make your end-of-year tax-deductible donation at symphonyoprf.com, or: P.O. Box 3564, Oak Park, IL 60303-3564.

Thrive Counseling Center Thrive Counseling Center (formerly Family Services of Oak Park) has provided community mental health services for 119 years. Located in the heart of Oak Park, our mission is to build healthy minds, families and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being. Hope, resilience and recovery form the heart of our programs and services. Last year we provided critical services to approximately 1,500 friends, neighbors and family members including… • counseling for youth and adults • psychiatric care & medication management • 24/7 crisis intervention • in-home counseling for older adults • case management and supportive housing • psycho-social recovery day program • stress reduction courses To learn more or donate, please visit www. thrivecc.org. or call 708-383-7500, ext. 316

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

West Cook YMCA A life best lived includes helping others experience a better life. When you give to the West Cook YMCA, you give to our community. 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly to providing scholarships to children, adults, and seniors- your friends and neighbors- transforming their lives through access to health screenings, chronic disease prevention programs, after-school programs, swim lessons, life-skills training for residents, and Y memberships that can open the door to help each person become their best self. Make a difference right in your own community today with your support of the West Cook YMCA’s scholarship fund. To donate, visit WestCookYMCA.org/donate or send your check to West Cook YMCA, 255 S. Marion St., Oak Park, IL 60302. (708383-5200)

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

Wonder Works Children’s Museum Creative and imaginative play are vital to a healthy child and Wonder Works Children’s Museum provides countless opportunities for both, giving children a safe space to explore. Wonder Works is committed to providing an environment where early learning flourishes through thoughtfully designed “experience zones” and educational programming. Rachel Rettberg CEO Wonder Works Children’s Museum 6445 W North Ave, Oak Park IL 60302 773.636.7971 rrettberg@wonder-works.org wonder-works.org www.facebook.com/ wonderworkschildrensmus YEMBA

YEMBA Founded in 2007, YEMBA is focused on educating and empowering youth thru life-skills mentoring. We provide free life-skill mentoring workshops to middle school youth. These workshops are designed to educate and empower them mentally, physically and spiritually. We employ life-long learning and service experiences through group mentorship that will equip them with knowledge and tools for leadership development and ultimately, success in life. Also, we provide training opportunities for high schoolers and adults to explore their philanthropic journey as mentors. We rely on the generosity and sponsorship of individuals like you to help continue this great mission! To help make a difference in the lives of our youth, please visit us at http://www.yembainc.org or follow us on Facebook @yembaInc em

Youth Outreach Services (YOS) Youth Outreach Services (YOS) is a non-profit organization that helps at-risk youth in the Chicago area reach their potential. For almost 60 years, we’ve focused on caring for teens that face challenges at home, in school and in the community. YOS believes all youth are capable of excellence. Our job is to provide the support they need to meet challenges head on, discover their strengths and make healthy choices. We provide comprehensive services from our four service areas depending on each client’s needs: Counseling, Prevention, Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice with programs in schools, client’s homes and our offices.

To make a donation, volunteer, or get more information, go to yos.org or call 773-7777112, x 7270.” To make a donation, volunteer, or get more information, go to yos.org or call 773-7777112x7270

This Community Giving Guide of local nonprofits will run weekly through December. If you would like information on how to list your organization, email Marc Stopeck at marc@oakpark.com.

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Community Foundation

nated by the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

Creating a “life without limits” • UCP Seguin Already blessed with two beautiful daughters, Leslie and Jeff Cox made the momentous decision to adopt twin nine year old boys, Matt and Erik, lovingly welcoming them into their River Forest home. The Coxes came to realize both sons had a developmental disability.

the young men benefitted from UCP Seguin’s Building Bridges to the Future Initiative, which helps students with disabilities transition from high school to adult life. UCP Seguin worked with OP-RF High School to ensure a smooth transition in their jobs and to adult services.

Leslie and Jeff sought the best medical care, educational supports and athletic opportunities, ensuring each son developed to his full potential. In time, the boys attended Oak Park-River Forest High School, while their parents partnered with high school staff to prepare them for the future.

In spring 2017 Matt and Erik were ready to move on from high school. A perfect home a short bicycle ride from their parents awaited them. Managed by UCP Seguin with supports by an Adult Foster Parent, the new home has given the twins the opportunity to become full-fledged adults. They continue working, and stay active in the sports they love –

We connect giving to impact!

In their final stages of school

softball, basketball, swimming and hockey. Matt and Erik also attend one of UCP Seguin’s Community Connection’s day centers – CHOICE, based in Oak Park. Through CHOICE, each individual has opportunities for communityintegrated employment, volunteerism, socialization, personal enrichment, and life experiences, based on their personal choices. Please join the Cox Family and help make “life without limits” possible for people with disabilities. Donate online at www.ucpseguin.org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304

Spread the Joy! SO MANY WAYS

to help children thrive and families flourish Through December 31

MATCHED GIVING Make a contribution online by December 31 and your gift will be matched by generous benefactors through our annual Hephzibah Holiday Challenge. Double your gift today at hephzibahhome.org!

Hephzibah Children’s Association offers a safe haven for children traumatized by neglect and abuse, services for children and families in crisis, foster care and day care on a sliding scale for families of all income levels. Our holiday model (above) is an Oak Park elementary-school student enrolled in Hephzibah’s award-winning Day Care Program.

THANK YOU for your support!

hephzibah C H I L D R E N’ S

A S S O C I AT I O N

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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VIEWPOINTS

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

Black Lives Matter signs aren’t enough p. 48

A modest proposal for rescheduling Christmas

ll the people clutching their pearls about how the meaning of Christmas has been lost are talking out of their butts. Christmas as a fun day is not a new development. Witness: And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

That is literally chapter and verse on Christmas, and in those 40 words that are the final authority on what is and is not “Christmas,” specifically mentioned are: • Presents • Spoiling children • Product placement • Celebrity endorsements And obliquely referenced: • Getting drunk with friends and coworkers • Holiday parties • Gift competitiveness • Houseguests Furthermore, if you include Matthew 2:10, “They were overjoyed at seeing the star,” you can add “displays of light” to the list of things that have been part of Christmas since the day Christmas was invented. So shut up about Christmas being too much about lights, parties, and presents. Christmas has always been about lights, parties, and presents. And this is how it should be because after Christmas, we go into the much worse time of winter — the part of winter with nothing to look forward to. At least in December we have Christmas coming. Thanksgiving through New Year’s is one, long, glorious distraction from the weather. Jan. 1 through May 1 has nothing to distract you from the fact that you don’t technically have to live here. Really, Christmas would be better-placed on something like Feb. 25. Think about it! We would have Christmas lights and decorations and trees and parties and sweaters and all that great festive crap for two extra months! Two glorious, festive, tinsel-bedecked extra months. That’s three full months of the Christmas season, with benchmark parties for the New Year and the Super Bowl, plus it stays light out later than 3:45 p.m. when it currently gets dark, which’ll ameliorate holiday-related depression. After the big day (again, here we’re thinking of it as Feb. 25), we’re within two weeks of Spring Training and within a month of the first nice day. There’s really no drawback to this idea. I can’t even imagine Jesus would be mad about my moving His birthday back a couple of months. Surely in the event

ALAN

BROUILETTE One View

See BROUILETTE on page 48

Our Hobson’s Choice on historic preservation

he River Forest Historical Preservation Commission (HPC) took two difficult votes on Wednesday, Dec. 13 that will have long-term implications for the community. Both votes had to do with the significant residence located at 747 William St. All commissioners, including myself, were fully cognizant of the implications of their votes. The first vote denied the developers’ request for permission to demolish the structure. Given the limited powers of the HPC the denial only put off the demolition for an additional four months. In April of 2018 the developer may demolish 747 William and build what he wishes. The second vote stated that if the developer would adhere to a list of specific standards, the commission would agree to an earlier demolition date. This second vote was heart wrenching for many commissioners and, not surprisingly, passed with only a one-vote majority. It must be understood by River Forest residents that the HPC has very limited powers. First, it can require that a developer come in and dialog with the commission about a proposed demolition. Second, it can delay a demolition for six months. These very new powers prevent a repeat of the 2015 Victor/Mars Mansion

POPOWITS One View

GONE AND GOING: Mars Mansion (top), 747 William St., River Forest (above). debacle in which the developer refused to speak to the commission, and decided to wait the then three-month delay before demolishing one of the largest, most luxurious estates in River Forest. Given the commission’s limited powers, the second vote was an attempt by some commissioners to influence the type of structure to be built on the historic block — one of the few Prairie-style housing developments in the U.S. In this particular case, we are fortunate in that the developers are River Forest residents and sensitive to community concerns. On many occasions they have expressed the desire to fit the new structure into this historic neighborhood. In my opinion, 747 William is history. It is the victim of village indifference to its rich historic and cultural inheritance. By village, I do not mean the government but rather its residents. I can assure those who care that other historic structures in the village are an endangered species. What are we going to do to prevent this lurching from one crisis to another? I have no solutions, only suggestions: ■ We can extend the HPC’s powers to delay demolition from six months to nine months or even one year. This would give the HPC more negotiating power vis-avis developers. See POPOWITS on page 48

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

O U R

V I E W P O I N T S

V I E W S

Pretend preservation

hey don’t have much to work with, the River Forest Historical Preservation Commission, but they took up their small cudgel last week in trying to leverage some benefit in the battle over 747 William St. The house, historically significant as part of a planned block of modest Prairie-style homes, is officially toast. It will be demolished. The question now is whether the commission’s offer to speed the date of demolition — from April if the developer will design a replacement that hits certain design marks — will provide incentive. Build a replacement using the same materials, at the same scale, and demolition can come early and save the developer time and money. Cough up a McMansion? Then no demolition until April. It’s not much of a weapon but you work with the puny tools the Historic Preservation Ordinance allows. As Al Popowits, a commission member says in a One View today, it is long past time for the community to decide if playing charades on preservation is a worthy game. We’ve lost interest in pretend preservation. Give the commission power — say 18 months of delay on demolition of a significant home — or just stop pretending that historic preservation is an essential value of this village.

Berrios’ pitiful play

Who’s Fritz Kaegi? Joe Berrios, the Cook County pol and county assessor, wants us to think of Oak Parker Kaegi as an investment banker who got rich investing in the private prison industry. That’s the focus of an inaccurate and irrelevant TV ad in regular rotation on the dime of Berrios against Kaegi and his rising independent Democratic battle for Old Joe’s job. Berrios, of course, has been playing us for suckers by blending a rotten property tax assessment system with his too tight connections to property tax appeal attorneys. The Tribune has laid the whole sorry story out in a stunning expose of malfeasance and political chicanery. Kaegi made a nice career in investment banking. But he quit his career to take on Berrios and this corrupt property tax system. Sitting with Kaegi, you hear his smarts and his passion for bringing fairness to a system long corrupt. Ads like Berrios’ fit the pitiful playbook of character assassination we’ve come to expect in our politics. Oak Parkers know Kaegi and won’t fall for it. Tell your Cook County neighbors.

A short walk

With Christmas upon us, it is a time when the infrequent among us may return to some church home out of desire or obligation. Today, our Michael Romain tells the page one story of multiple Oak Park congregations, of different denominations and ethnicities, which have found their way to worship together. They share a sanctuary at Corner Stone Church but have also found ways to talk openly about the challenges of being Christian together in racially fraught times. They have created ways to be integrated and to be distinct in the shared space. It began with a casual affiliation between ministers of the white Anglican Corner Stone and the black True Freedom churches. At the start, they shared an intersection — Cuyler and Ontario. Corner Stone was in the handsome stone church. True Freedom rented space at Beye School. On a Sunday morning when True Freedom found itself inadvertently locked out of the public school, its members took a “Walk Across the Street” and were welcomed at their neighbors’, and soon partners’, church. A Christmas lesson? We need less burrowing into the comfort of a religious home and more using the safety of our sanctuaries to work through the pain and the fear to genuine reconciliation. A worthy cornerstone indeed.

@ @OakParkSports

Topping everyone’s holiday list

ike a lot of people, I was shook up when Tom Broderick took his own life two days after Thanksgiving. There was no more committed social justice activist than Tom, and he inspired and reassured those of us who can’t muster the same level of commitment to such a wide array of worthy causes. With his death, he almost seemed to be saying, “It’s up to you now.” There’s a song, written by Phil Ochs, that closes WFMT’s Midnight Special each Saturday night (Kim and Reggie Harris version on YouTube). The title is “When I’m Gone.” There’s no place in this world where I’ll belong when I’m gone And I won’t know the right from the wrong when I’m gone … Won’t be asked to do my share when I’m gone … Can’t say who’s to praise and who’s to blame when I’m gone … Can’t be singing louder than the guns when I’m gone … Can’t add my name into the fight when I’m gone … And I won’t be laughing at the lies when I’m gone And I can’t question how or when or why when I’m gone … My pen won’t pour out a lyric line when I’m gone So I guess I’ll have to do it while I’m here. Tom did it while he was here, throwing himself, wholeheartedly, into every fight for justice. Suicide, of course, always raises the question of hope. Did he lose it? I don’t know, but if Tom Broderick he did, he’s not alone. Hope is in short supply these days. It’s been a long year. The Trump administration’s daily outrages are wearing people out. So hope is probably at the top of the wish list this holiday season. Not wishful thinking. Not starry-eyed optimism. A tougher hope, one that withstands the gale force winds — and keeps standing. Sustainable hope. So as my gift, I’ll pass along a couple of the better statements I’ve heard lately on the subject. Victoria Safford, a Unitarian minister, wrote “The Small Work in the Great Work” in a collection of essays by various authors titled, The Impossible Will Take a Little While: Perseverance and Hope in Troubled Times, which is probably worth a read (or a gift under the tree). Maria Popova featured it in one of her Brain Pickings blogs. And Rev. Alan Taylor used it in a sermon at Unity Temple the Sunday after I heard the news about Tom: Once you have glimpsed the world as it might be, as it ought to be, as it’s going to be (however that vision appears to you), it is impossible to live compliant and complacent anymore in the world as it is. … Our mission is to plant ourselves at the gates of Hope — not the prudent gates of Optimism, which are somewhat narrower; nor the stalwart, boring gates of Common Sense; nor the strident gates of Self-Righteousness, which creak on shrill and angry

hinges (people cannot hear us there; they cannot pass through); nor the cheerful, flimsy garden gate of “Everything is gonna be all right.” But a different, sometimes lonely place, the place of truth-telling, about your own soul first of all and its condition, the place of resistance and defiance, the piece of ground from which you see the world both as it is and as it could be, as it will be; the place from which you glimpse not only struggle, but joy in the struggle. And we stand there, beckoning and calling, telling people what we are seeing, asking people what they see. This past Sunday, I listened to the “On Being” interview with author Rebecca Solnit, who sees hope as a form of courageous uncertainty: Hope, for me, means coming to terms with the fact that we don’t know what will happen and that there’s maybe room for us to intervene. We live in a very surprising world, where nobody anticipated the way the Berlin Wall would fall or the Arab Spring would rise up, the impact of Occupy Wall Street. Obama was unelectable, six months before he was elected. … The earthquake shakes you awake. That’s the big spiritual question: How do you stay awake? How do you stay in that deeper consciousness, that present-mindedness, that sense of non-separation and compassion and engagement — and courage, which is also a big part of it, and generosity? People are not selfish and greedy. Why has everything we’ve ever been told about human nature misled us about what happens in [disaster] moments? And, as I think neuropsychologists and the Dalai Lama’s research projects and economists are beginning to say, what if everything we’ve been told about human nature is wrong, and we’re actually very generous, communitarian, altruistic beings who are distorted by the system we are in but not made happy by it? What if we can actually be better people in a better world? … People in this culture seem to love certainty more than hope, which is why they often seize on these really bitter, despondent narratives — they know exactly what’s going to happen. That certainty just seems so tragic to me. I want people to tell more complex stories and to acknowledge that sometimes we win, and that there are these openings. But an opening is just an opening; you have to go through it and make something happen. You don’t always win, but if you try, you don’t always lose. … Hope is tough. It’s tougher to be uncertain than certain. It’s tougher to take chances than to be safe. Hope is often seen as weakness because it’s vulnerable, but it takes strength to enter into that vulnerability, of being open to the possibilities. The good news is there are plenty of good reasons to keep hope alive. The bad news (not so bad, really) is that it demands what it should demand of us: that we be better people in a better world. That’s what Tom Broderick was working toward. And if we want to honor him, I guess we’ll have to do it while we’re here.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S

A way to reduce federal income taxes

n recent weeks, there has been a dramatic increase in inquiries about paying Cook County property taxes early. As an official in local government, I would like to think that the sudden uptick in early-bird taxpayers is motivated by a surge in support for the good work done by tax-supported local governments. But I know better. The true motivation for the increased interest in early tax payments is the change in federal tax law being voted on by Congress. Federal law has long allowed Americans to reduce their taxable income by deducting the full amount of taxes paid to state and local governments. This includes deductions for the full amount of property taxes on homes, and for the full amount of income tax payments to states. The bill Congress is considering, however, would limit the deduction for state and local taxes to $10,000 per year. Because many taxpayers in Oak Park and elsewhere in Cook County pay more than $10,000 in property taxes annually, some have responded to the income tax changes by seeking to pay their property taxes early, before the changes in federal tax law take effect. Property taxes paid by Dec. 31 will be fully deductible in tax year 2017, and will not be subject to the limitations on deductibility expected to be in effect for property tax payments made in 2018. In Cook County, the next property tax bills will be mailed at the end of January 2018, and will be due at the beginning of March. The Cook County Treasurer’s

office, however, allows taxpayers to pay these bills early, and has made the process easier this year. The amount due on the next property tax bill will be 55% of the total amount of 2016 property taxes, which were paid in calendar year 2017. Taxpayers can pay the bill through the Cook County Treasurer’s website, or download a tax bill from the site and then pay it by mail, at the Treasurer’s Office or at any Chase Bank. Homeowners whose mortgage companies pay their property taxes are advised to talk to the mortgage company before making an early payment. It should be noted that not all people with property tax bills greater than $10,000 will be paying more in federal income taxes under the tax proposal. This is because the limitations on the deductibility of state and local taxes may be partially or fully offset by other aspects of the proposal, including a possible decrease in federal income tax rates for individuals, and an increase in the value of the standard deduction. With all these proposed changes, it is difficult to generalize about the plan’s impact on homeowners with property tax bills of $10,000 or more; taxpayers with specific questions should speak with their income tax advisers. One thing that is reasonably clear, however, is that paying the next property tax bill early is a good tax planning move for most homeowners with high property taxes. Ali ElSaffar is the Oak Park Township assessor.

ALI

ELSAFFAR One View

Supporting girls who code

tarting in January, girls age 12-18 are invited to join a new coding club at the Oak Park Public Library. Girls Who Code, a national nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology, is dedicated to supporting and increasing the number of women in the computer science field, and I’m excited about getting more girls from our area involved. This summer, before I began my junior year at Oak Park and River Forest High School, I approached the Oak Park Public Library about launching a Girls Who Code Club chapter. I figured a lot of girls in Oak Park and River Forest would be interested, and I knew also that the library would be a welcoming place for our neighbors in surrounding communities who may not be as fortunate to have the facilities offered in our villages. The library is committed to digital learning for all, and it has the free, open, public space and resources to host a new opportunity like this. The club is open to all girls, no matter where they live. If you don’t know how to code, come learn! If you do know how to code, come learn to code better. Coding is one of the widest kinds of fields and a good skill to have going into college. But you don’t have to

want to be a coder to join. Girls Who Code is a place to get comfortable with technology and to understand how all the information and data generated today can be translated to be useful in our everyday lives. You don’t have to aspire to be a coder to get something out of the class. I first got involved with Girls Who Code last year at the Broadview Public Library, where we built an interactive website to help people learn how they could help the environment. I went into it not knowing much about coding, but the club’s open environment helped me not feel intimidated. Everyone is more or less in the same boat, and there’s no pressure. The new club’s first meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m., in the Oak Park Public Library’s Computer Classroom, 834 Lake St., Oak Park. After that, we’ll meet every Wednesday evening, 5:30-7 p.m. High School Services Librarian Rachael Bild and Digital Learning Coordinator Deidre Winterhalter will facilitate, and OPRF teacher and Mathematics Division Head Julie Frey will also lead some sessions. The club is free and open to all girls, age 12-18, and no previous coding experience is needed. Learn more at girlswhocode.com and oppl.org. Carli Tucci is a junior at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

CARLI TUCCI

One View

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Timothy Inklebarger, Nona Tepper Viewpoints Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter Marty Farmer Columnists Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Michelle Mbekeani-Wiley, Cassandra West, Doris Davenport Staff Photographer Alexa Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Director Social Media Strategy & Communications Jackie McGoey Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Joe Chomiczewski Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Media Assistant Megan Dickel Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Caleb Thusat Comptroller Edward Panschar Credit Manager Laurie Myers Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 708-613-3310 or email him at ktrainor@wjinc.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR ■ 250-word limit ■ Must include first and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote about yourself, your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left

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

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r Develope n focuses oArts Oak Park t Disusetrdeicveloper signs os onomos’ District Ho rand Kleron on to reb pertitieess pro RGER EBA THY INKLrterr By TIMO porte

Staff Repo se – the rict Hou place the ding Dist do buil ment taking schedule ry con elop – is on er The luxu ed-use dev er, Ran Euclid mix develop ing iits e and ts 28-unit Dog at Lak but its is sett next ty t year, of Tas n early nex already its Group, District for to be ope elopment s Art k Dev riquist Oak Par with Har on the . tnership a four-unit sights d k project ed a par to Oak Par t has form not only buil n but quis s to Harriso rapher leas g Ran ture Photog ff g and t alon ng et Ven etin keti CAMARGO/Sta elopmen for mark son Stre WILLIAM long held two egy tial dev tegy perties that the residen r a new stra erci al pro mercial e. learning omm long com help stee il 4 after rd members alik of them the y troubled Apr s. the on man omo s– ing Park during ming boa is Kleron six building et in Oak district by Chr nt and inco n’s Ribs the arts rison Stre mos lost in mbe inso ono Har ure Kler clos of Rob for incu formed erties but has -- to fore , the newly tes inside s was a relief prop vacant g celebra ol of the g them since. n in n. In 2015 ontr e new trol ng recessio gained con e Readlin successful. Th ketin positio dum, s marketi IEF: Cat be ority been ess in referen Venture THEN REL ld likely ns a min ch has not ted succ capital g building FIRST JOY, referenda wou had limi omos maintai of whi n-makin 5 million d various jects, 97 The $57. er to fun e decisio Harrison Kleron ies – the size hav ion pro ha District to ord ans not in pert nt, ent s . k’s web and exp ts, 60 perc issued the pro – and doe redevelopme in late 2015 nty Cler ance d poin y said their mainten nearly 20 Cook Cou disclose Na itsk y in by on the both a Nav ed that authorit cipal Mon counted ory for elm- passed ent. 4. estimat ayers pag pa e 16 prin April of vict s have rwh perc CT on Street site on cost taxp official e, 40 margins ly ove S DISTRI TS L ROMAIN age hom dum will District And the were relativeds referendum See ART s t referen 00 of an aver By MICHAEReporter fun g rate firs sure ng itin the $1,0 mea Staff operati ent lim every a proe 13 n the outing. The ed for a 1 percto generate nue $74 for M on pag call er — whe est High er NDU reve ch ord emb nal whi in REFERE nsion last Nov and River For , which additio gin, 54 See D97 Unlike tax exte 3 million in dum Park oint mar $13. referen took weeks of Oak rly 10-p jected come lities by a nea two votes, s faci School’ less than 40 omes of the be- passed to 46 percent. by ent even the outc e clear ev failed e perc wer lize — incts wer renda to fina 37 prec 97 refe rk ave District votes from all s oak pa fore the | 144

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$26.5 million camera tickets in red-light Harlem Avenu issued along e since 2014

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January 11, 2017 Vol. 35, No. 21 ONE DOLLAR

with gold

The trouble w ith leaves

Warm fall result s in piles of leaves in Oak Par k in January By TIMOTHY

fall just after Thanksg they stub bornly clun iving, but this year g on. She said in of 2017, “I’m an interview in the first week and seeing looking out the back some tree window s that still thei r leav An unusual haven’t lost es.” The coup Parkers scra ly war m fall has le dutifully some tching thei raked the of leaves r heads over Oak into the street to leaves out that still be pick piles collectors line the stre neighbor in Decembe ed up by garbage hoods. ets of thei r, but the r covered by Many have pile was the first snow of and shoved do with the been left wonderi the season back onto ng wha rotting piles are usually , weeks after t to plows, leaving a brow the parkway by snow scooped up n pile of they Undaunted, lic works by the villa Belinda and icy muck. departme ge’s pub- rake nt and its d the leav er Waste garbage hau Managem es out onto William again ent. l- the piles had the street, The large thaw once maple tree ed, but late – leaf of Belinda in front of removal seas by then it was too the home Lutz-Ham on had ende Lutz-Ham el and her William Ham el said she’ d. husband, in othe el, in the s seen lefto Scoville 1000 bloc r parts of ver piles Avenue, k of Sout the village. drop “I welcome h this year you to driv than in the ped its leaves later lage e around past. ; the streets Lutz-Ham the villook unkemp el, who has Predictin for the last t,” she said lived in the g the perf 22 years, . ect leaf rem home said the leav oval sche es usually dSee LATE LEAVES on page 14

INKLEBARGER

Staff Repor ter

Photo by Mak Wright

BEAMING: The 1893 William Douglass House on Kenilworth has been modernized, but the hearth and overhead beams connect it to its 19th-century past.

One day, 10 kitchens F And 32 years of supporting young mothers By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

or over 30 years, Parenthesis has been raising funds to support young mothers through its annual Kitchen Walk. A favorite of homeowners, architects, designers and curious neighbors, the walk draws crowds of the kitchen-curious on the last Saturday of April every year. In the fall of 2016, Parenthesis became a part of Austin-based New Moms, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of pov-

erty and changing the future for young moms who are experiencing poverty and homelessness in Chicago and the neighboring area. Laure Zumdahl, New Moms CEO and president, is excited to have Parenthesis complement New Moms in Oak Park and River Forest, and welcomes joining the Kitchen Walk tradition.

FINE TIME: M Motorists ts m making illeg centt of all rred- oris al right WILLIAM CAMAR GO/Staff Photog and Cermak light ccamera tickets issu turns on red accounted rapher ed along Har for more than Road from f Jan. 1, 2014 lem to Oct. 31, 201 Avenue between Nor 90 perth Avenue 6.

See KITCHENS on page 21

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Road. Base d on thos e numbers part of a , com Wednesday Jour nal anal piled as stretch of Harlem may ysis, that four-mile be the mos length t lucrative The two red- of road in the enti By BOB UPH re state. UES and BRET enue in Rive light cameras on Senior Edito T McNEIL Harlem Avr Forest -r and Contr Lake Stre at North ibuting Repor Avenue and et -- have ter issu mill ed Harlem Aven ion in citat more than ions since ue is a busy $5.2 knows that And at the the start road. Ever . But of 2014. intersection yone and recently beco thanks to all that of Harl Cermak Road traffic, it’s me somethi , North Rive em Avenue wyn have A gold min ng else: rsid combined e. to issue mor e and Bermillion in Between e red-light January camera tick than $20.7 2014 and more than A pair of cam October 2016 ets. $26.5 mill eras oper ion in red, Roosevelt citations light cam and Harlem ated by Forest Park were issu era $550,000 at ed to mot has contribu lem betw orists to the Harl ted another een North em Avenue Avenue and on Harcitation total Cermak s. See RED-LIG HT CAMERA on page 10

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

Those sparkling winter prisms Few holiday delights compare with the annual Prisms of Winter Concert at OPRF High School. On Thursday, Dec. 14, the lucky ticketholders to this sold-out event were treated to a brilliantly orchestrated program. Hundreds of students performed in over 30 different groups, large and small, moving from one to the next with no time in between for applause. There were the main orchestras, bands, and choirs. I found each and all of them excellent, but was especially moved by the Concert Choir’s beautiful “Adiemus” from Songs of Sanctuary by Karl Jensen. And then there were the duos, trios, quartets, quintets, and ensembles. One gets the sense that these groups come together out of pure joyful creativity. They make it look easy, but you know it’s not. The Prisms musical landscape is broad, from classical to jazz to modern to traditional holiday songs to musical jokes. The faculty quartet — Anthony Svejda, Patrick Pearson, Andrew Fredrickson, and Meredith McGuire — provided a not-to-bemissed comic interlude, playing “Wacky Boomster” on plastic tubes. While the audience is paying attention to

Photos by Steve Scheuring

Scenes from OPRF’s Prisms of Winter Concert.

one performance, the musicians are moving into place for the next. One example: a piano duo played variations on chopsticks in the back of the auditorium while the others moved quietly in the dark to their places on stage and in the aisles. All performers put their best into the magnificent Finlandia by Sibelius, a truly grand finale. That was followed by applause. I came away in a state of sensory saturation and emotional overwhelm, so impressed and proud of these young people, my grandson included.

Stephanie Ferrera Oak Park

Cami can tell you the names of all of Mary’s grandchildren — in order, from youngest to oldest. As a Belmont Village caregiver, she’s passionate about enriching the lives of our residents through personal, skillful and thoughtful attention to every detail. From daily care to choosing the perfect birthday gift for the littlest grandchild, we’re there for our residents whenever — and however — they need us.

To us, they’re family.

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

V I E W P O I N T S

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Achievement gap can’t be fixed with a Black Lives Matter sign

ust like being anti-sexist, being antiracist isn’t something you can prove by your own word. Nor can you prove your lack of racism and sexism by citing your relationships with people from other races or genders. In both situations, actions speak louder than words. It’s the data surrounding your actions — both quantitative and qualitative — that prove the truth of your claims. There are white folks who aren’t racist, but they didn’t become “not-racist” by declaring it so. It took lots and lots of personal, professional, scholarly and uncomfortable work. When it comes to equity in schooling, Oak Park offers an example of the gap between words and actions. Like other “liberal utopias,” Oak Parkers are proud to put up their “Dump Trump” and “Black Lives Matter” signs and fly their rainbow flags. But that inclusivity is only surface-level. Racism isn’t something that can be fixed with a #BlackLivesMatter sign in your yard; eliminating racism requires a lot of work that most white liberal people aren’t willing to do. My case in point is the racial achievement gap in Oak Park’s District 97, which serves elementary students. For many years, D97 has acknowledged that there is a racial achievement gap. However, most of the work toward closing the gap has been focused on “processing” workshops, focus groups and “diversity pods” that allow residents (mostly white liberals) to express their feelings about racism. They want a change, and they will say so. Yet like other white liberals, their words don’t come with mandates to take a hard look at themselves — either individually or institutionally — to change practices that don’t promote equity and provide reparations for black families that have experienced racism. This year a 40-point gap exists between

BROUILETTE

Move Christmas to February from page 43 of a second coming, He’d presumably have greater concerns than where the big day fell on a calendar that didn’t exist the last time He kept an appointment book. Besides, once I explained the idea, I’m pretty sure a guy from the desert who never experienced waiting for a train on a 6 degree day would cut me some slack even if said guy didn’t also have to maintain a reputation as the forgiving sort. It would be the end of the Real Dead Tree Era, for sure. This is not a drawback; our Christmas trees pretty reliably saw Valentine’s Day when I was a kid, and they start to look a little thin by then. I love Christmas, but not enough to fetishize the past, so real Christmas trees are a tradition that needs

black and white students across the district. Though that’s an improvement over the past few years, the gap remains huge. Oak Parkers tend to explain away the gap by saying it is a gap about differences in income, not race. They offer a simple formula: race + low-income status = racial achievement gap. But income does not explain everything. Harvard researcher Ron Ferguson once estimated that only about half of the blackwhite achievement gap could be explained by differences in income. While low-income students do face barriers to educational equity, there are also middle-class black students who are experiencing barriers to equity in their educational experience. Oak Park is not alone in this. Researchers like Ferguson and John Ogbu have examined racial achievement gaps between middle-class white and black students since the late 1980s. While older research tended to focus on cultural and family differences, recent research is finally beginning to examine issues like teachers’ unconscious biases toward students who are different from them by race and gender. Black students are falling behind academically, not simply because of their socioeconomic status but because of a combination of racist institutional policies set in place by district leadership and individual racist actions by teachers, staff and administrators. Racist actions may be overt and deliberate, but they are also much more likely to arise from implicit, unrecognized bias against people of color. It is important to me to use the word racism because that is what it is. In order for us to truly eradicate racism, we need to know it, we need to speak it, we need to call

it when we see it, and we need to work on fixing it. White fragility makes it difficult to discuss solutions to racism because of white people’s inability to name and identify their personal racism. Factual examples of racism — both individual and institutional — in D97 include: On average, black students are 40 points behind White students in nearly every subject in every grade at every school. According to the Illinois School Report Card, D97’s teachers are 80 percent white and 76 percent female. Research finds that generally, white teachers are likely to hold implicit biases against black students and that low-income black boys benefit most from exposure to same-race teachers. It closes “the belief gap” in expectations for their futures. Data suggest there are inequities in discipline in D97 schools. For example, at Julian Middle School, while overall rates of suspension were low, black students were seven times more likely to be suspended than white students and Latinx students were 13 times more likely to be suspended than their white peers. Research shows the established practice of admitting students to gifted programs, based on teacher referral, discriminates against children of color. Although there is currently discussion about changing the delivery of gifted education in D97, changing how students are identified has not become a focus of discussion. Broward County, Florida, pioneered the use of universal screening to identify gifted children and saw the percentages of black and hispanic students accessing services skyrocket. Florida’s Orange County followed suit in 2012. By changing how giftedness is identified, D97 could do

SHARHONDA KNOTTDAWSON One View

to go. I don’t get the affection for something that drops sap and sharp needles anyway. No one romanticizes “a real icebox,” yet people get all moony over getting a “real Christmas tree.” Screw that. I want the fakest of fake trees. Mine is hot pink and was delivered unto me by Amazon. People with small children would get two more months of good behavior, too — that hideous Nazi surveillance elf of the shelf would be around and threatening to tattle all the way from Black Friday until nearly Spring Break. That’s got to be worth a little extra hassle over presents, right? In closing, let me point out that summer has great festive-holiday spacing; Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day. Beautiful, even distribution. I am only asking that winter receive equal treatment, that we separate Thanksgiving, New Year’s, and Christmas a little better. Thank you. Alan Brouilette writes a column for our sister publication, the Forest Park Review.

POPOWITS

Preserving our history from page 43 ■ We can use tax dollars to purchase historic homes, renovate them, and put them back on the market. Who knows? We might even be able to make a profit on the transaction. There is precedence for this idea. Just recently the village (government) purchased a building on Madison Street for $1M in hopes that it will serve as an engine for economic development in the new TIF district. The question to be asked: “Is preserving our historic culture as important as economic development?” ■ One of the problems with 747 William is its poor physical condition. The developer claims the cost of renovating

a much better job of finding and supporting gifted students of color. Eventually that could put an end to high school Advanced Placement classes with only one or two black students, as is too often the case today at Oak Park and River Forest High School. Instead of just asking what black families and black students are doing wrong, why aren’t we also asking what white teachers and school administrators and district officials are doing wrong? If we are serious about alleviating the racial achievement gap, we have to be serious about alleviating racism. Racism is not a personal moral failing; it is the consequence of living in a society that has been steeped in racism, and white supremacy, for the last 300 years. Being non-racist requires intensive study of institutional, historic, systemic racism and white privilege, and being able to identify personal (implicit and explicit) racial biases. It also entails examining the effect of different kinds of policies — such as teacher recommendations vs. universal screening for admission to gifted programs — and making the commitment to stick with policies that promote equity, even when they are more expensive or time-consuming. It’s time to get serious about doing the hard work to shift implicit biases within white people’s minds and change racist policies in white institutions, especially public schools that educate children of color. If we don’t acknowledge, understand and work actively to eliminate racism, then we won’t be able to fix the racial achievement gap in schools. ShaRhonda Knott-Dawson currently resides in the west suburbs of Chicago with her two school-aged girls and her husband, Brian. This piece originally ran as an EducationPost blog.

this particular structure is prohibitive, due to its rundown condition. Having toured the structure, I am inclined to believe him. Should village inspectors periodically inspect significant structures? ■ Some historic residences sell very slowly. Marketing these structures is not the same as marketing other kinds of real estate. Should the village have a full-time person on staff whose task it is to liaison with realtors, historic preservation groups, certain specialized publications, etc. in an effort to find buyers? Currently, we are giving lip service to the importance of historic homes. Are we prepared to do more? If not, then let’s stop gnashing our teeth and accept the gradual loss of our heritage. Al Popowits is a commissioner on the River Forest Historic Preservation Commission.

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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Merry Christmas! Better late than never

erry Christmas! Those two words are currently among the least spoken from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. There was a time when those words served as a communal greeting to one and all until the actual event. The season was furthered emphasized by stores who had their Christmas music playing and Santa everywhere. Today, the only remaining vestige of the season is the partial frenzy of Christmas shopping, beginning on Black Friday and then sputtering out thereafter. I have noticed that even the stores are no longer dressed in holiday cheer with bright lights outlining the buildings! It is sad and disheartening to see the level to which this holiday season is going. It’s all about spending money on gifts and no longer about a savior who was born in Bethlehem. I have to admit I’m also guilty of not putting out lights for the past 10 years. I still maintain my tradition of wearing my Santa hat from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. But I don’t see many others doing it? Why? I can no longer depend on others to give me the Christmas spirit. I have to create it for myself. So I wish people a “Merry Christmas” when I see them whether they respond in kind or not. I placed a wreath on my back door because it’s the one I use the majority of the time coming in from the garage.

ARLENE JONES One View

I have a small artificial tree and I am going to put it up. Yes, it’s a lot of work for only 10 days or so, but if I am to get the Christmas spirit, I’ve got to make the effort. I’ve only gotten one Christmas card in the mail. I can’t even recall the last time I sent one. There was a time when we took a lot of joy in just seeing the cards that someone would send. People spent a lot of money buying them and even more time picking out the “just right” card to outdo the one they had sent the year before.

Jeffrey Jon Smith

Oak Park

mitment to do better in at least one thing during this holiday season. Find a Santa’s hat at the dollar store and put it on. Take a moment to put up a decoration around the house just to acknowledge the season. Find a church home and partake of a sermon that feeds your soul. Acknowledge the “reason for the season” and use it as the basis for all you do and say. Merry Christmas! Arlene Jones writes a weekly column in our sister publication, the Austin Weekly News.

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Declare the internet a public utility in Oak Park

Now that the FCC under Trump has wiped out protections for Net neutrality, the mayor and the Oak Park Board of Trustees should move quickly to declare access to the internet a public utility in Oak Park and consider implementing municipal broadband for our village. It’s time to do something to protect Oak Park residents from the endless predation of corporations and the rich.

What Christmas traditions do you participate in? I need inspiration for next year. I believe I said the same thing last year. I promised myself I would do better, but the evil reality of job loss, illness and complications of struggling to stay afloat is truly the main culprit. I do have a choice though. I can give in to my struggles and let them overwhelm me or I can “keep on pushing” and not allow the obstacles being placed in my path to slow me down. You all know me. It will be the latter and not the former! So join me in making a personal com-

Call for extended Holiday SALE hours.

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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Early Childhood Resources Early Childhood Center and Camp

West Suburban Temple Har Zion 1040 N. Harlem Ave. River Forest, IL 60305 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org 2-5 years old 7:30 am–6:00 pm M-Th 7:30 am–3:30 pm on Fri.

Preschool and kindergarten programs for three, four, and five-year-olds Call for an appointment. 7300 Division St. River Forest 708-366-6900 graceriverforest.org

Helping parents be successful since 1980 708/848-2227 www.parenthesis-info. org Find us on Facebook.

Early Childhood Education at

Pilgrim Community Nursery School Celebrating 50 years. 460 W. Lake St. Oak Park IL, 60302 Phone: 708-848-5869 www.pilgrimschool.net Accepting students ages 2–5 years old.

First United Church Nursery School More than Just a School 848 W. Lake St. 708-848-4910 Find us on Facebook and at www.firstunited school.com Call for a tour and info about summer camp.

The Day Nursery

1139 Randolph Street Oak Park, IL 60302 708.383.8211 Call to Schedule a Tour! oakparkdn@att.net www.oprfdaynursery.org

• Open 7 am–6 pm • Serving children 2½–6 years old • NAEYC Accredited

Raise your profile in the community. Check the early childhood directory on oakpark.com for updated listings, maps, & current open house information. Call Mary Ellen Nelligan for details: 708-613-3342

Collaboration for Early Childhood Strong Start, Bright Future

O B I T U A R I E S

Ron Nelson, 86

Army officer, founded insurance firm, loved sports Ronald T. “Ron” Nelson, 86, of River Forest, died peacefully on Dec. 17, 2017, with his wife Eileen and family by his side. The only son of Frank T. and Marie Nelson (Ostrowski), he grew up in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, where he learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, trust, honesty and decency, lessons he practiced and lived every day of his life. At St. Leo High School, he excelled in academics and athletics, earning a scholarship to St. Norbert College where he played for the football team, earning membership in the school’s hall of fame. After serving as an officer in the U.S. Army, training troops in mountainous Colorado, he returned to Chicago and began a long and prosperous career in the insurance business, ultimately leaving senior RON NELSON positions in major firms to start R.T. Nelson & Associates Ltd. Moving from Roseland to River Forest was a bit of a culture shock — adjusting to green grass and sports such as tennis, squash and golf. The Nelsons believed that participation in athletics was an easy method to judge somebody’s character which at the end of the game was all that mattered. HHHLife was never about the score, never about material belongings or appearance of financial success. He always had a positive attitude. His greatest success was loving his wife Nancy of 41 years and raising a family of eight boys and three girls with strong Catholic values. After Nancy’s untimely death he married Eileen Dywer, another Trinity High School graduate, and they spent the past 18 years caring for one another. He established lifelong friendships through his memberships in various clubs in Chicago and Naples, Florida that continue today through his children. Ron Nelson was the husband of Eileen (nee Donahue) and the late Nancy (nee Feeley); the father of Michael (Lorrie), Mary Ann (John) Lappe, Kevin, James, Christopher (Sue), Scott (Carol), Melissa Bouchard (Craig), Bryan (Elizabeth), Todd (Anne), Matthew and the late Maureen Kanara (Edward); the grandfather of Colleen Kempf (Scott), Katie Morley (Kevin), Kelly Midkiff (Matthew), Kenneth Kanara (Julie), Kristen and Keith Kanara, Lauren Lappe Wier (Matt), Emily Lappe Gammon (Ben), Brigid Lappe Stauduhar (Paul), Johnny Lappe (Fiona Scully), Meaghan Nelson, Madeline Nelson, Abbey Nelson, Ryan Nelson, Connor Nelson, Jack Nelson, Brendan Nelson, Shale Bouchard, Cambelle Bouchard, Braidy Bouchard, Ava Nelson, Molly Nelson, Carolyn Nelson and Aidan Nelson; and great-

grandfather to 13. Ron also shared a special place in his heart for Eileen’s children, James Jr. “Fritz” (Pamela), Julie (Charlie), John, Kevin (Marie) and grandchildren Jenny, Patrick, Sean, Matthew and Meghan. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. On Thursday, Dec. 21 friends and family will meet at St. Luke Church, 7600 Lake St., River Forest for Mass at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericordia (misericordia.org) are appreciated.

Matthew Ivaska, 47 OPRF graduate, loved fishing and sailing

Matthew John Ivaska, 47, of Elmwood Park and formerly of River Forest, died on Dec. 9, 2017 after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. He graduated Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1988 and was a faithful and dedicated employee at Quality Control Corp. in Harwood Heights. His passions included fishing in the North Woods, sailboat racing, competitive billiards and Southern cooking. Matthew Ivaska was the son of Sally and the late Edward Ivaska; the father of Joshua; the brother of Amy (Gerry) McCarthy and Adam Ivaska; and the uncle of Conor, Danny and Cormac McCarthy and Rayna, Sam and Kira Ivaska. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of River Forest with a reception to follow. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the British Home/Cantata at www.cantatacares.org. Additional information is available at www.drechslerbrownwilliams.com or 708-383-3191.

Antoinette Cesario, 69 Oak Park resident

Antoinette (Toni) Cesario (nee Fox), 69, of Oak Park, died on Dec. 7, 2017 following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on Aug. 14, 1948, Antoinette was the daughter of Cecilia and the late Warren Fox; the mother of Michael (Pam) Cesario and Kimberly (Michael) Surges; the life-partner of Steven Reilly; the sister of Susan (Robert) Whittie; the grandmother of Robyn, Donnie, Mehgan, Salena, Connor and Ashley; and the aunt of many nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21 at St. Albert the Great in Burbank, followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates memorial donations to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. See OBITUARIES on page 51

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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O B I T U A R I E S Continued from page 50

Elizabeth Lympany, 84 Legal secretary

Elizabeth Moore Lympany, 84, of Oak Park, formerly of Indian Head Park, died on Dec. 11, 2017 at the Oak Park Arms in Oak Park. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she raised her family and worked as a legal secretary there before moving to the Chicago area, where she continued as a legal secretary in Chicago until she retired at age 68. Elizabeth was the wife of the late Byron Lympany; the mother of Noel (Michele), Kenneth, Kelley Ann, and ELIZABETH Michael (LetiLYMPANY cia) Moore; the g randmother of Noel, Rebecca, Brendan, Kevin and Patrick Moore, Jessica Moore, and Brian and James Moore; the sister of Joseph (Gillian) and George (Kate) Wynne and the late Edward (Judith) Wynne, Mary Ann (Clifford) Turbitt and John (Patricia) Wynne; the aunt of many; and the daughter of the late Honorable Edward and Elizabeth Wynne. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St., Oak Park. Friends will meet at St. Luke Church, 7600 Lake St., River Forest on Friday for Mass at 10 a.m., followed by private interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mercy Home (mercyhome.org) are appreciated.

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.

Jim McClure, 97 Oak Park village president, 1973-81

James J. McClure Jr., 97, of Evanston, formerly of Oak Park, died on Dec. 17, 2017. Born on Sept. 23, 1920, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II. An attorney, he served as president of the village of Oak Park from 1973 to 1981, during a critical period as the village transitioned into a more racially diverse community. Mr. McClure was a longtime member of Oak Park Boy Scout Troop 16, first as a Scout himself, beginning in the early 1930s (earning his Eagle Scout JAMES MCCLURE badge before entering the Navy), then serving as Troop 16 Scoutmaster from 1950 to 1960. His sons and a grandson also became Eagle Scouts. He spoke at Troop 16’s 100th anniversary in 2016. His philosophy of life was: “Love of God, love of family, awareness of both the uniqueness and the contribution of every other human being, a sense of the wholeness of life, with my religious faith, my profession of law, my family and my community service, each playing an important part and complementing each other.” Jim McClure was the husband of the late Lynn (nee Phelps); the father of John P. “Jack” McClure, Julie (Fred) Giegler, and Donald S. (Ruth) McClure; the grandfather of Jamison (Cody) Cornett and Corey (Danae) McClure, Andrew (Katie) and Laura Giegler, and Christine and Margaret McClure; the great-grandfather of Evan Giegler; and the brother of the late John Baker McClure. A memorial service will be held at 2:30

MEMORIES: Jim McClure (right) reminisces with another former village president, Clifford Osborn, at Oak Park Village Hall in 2002. p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, at the Elliott Chapel, Westminster Place, 3131 Simpson St., Evanston. A second memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, at First United Church, 848 Lake St., Oak Park.

Robert P. Gamboney Funeral Director

In lieu of flowers, donations to McCormick Theological Seminary, 5460 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL 60615 are appreciated. Funeral info: 708-383-3191 or drechslerbrownwilliams.com.

Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home

Since 1880

I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.

Family Owned & Operated

Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667

Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director

I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.

203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Religion Guide Methodist

Check First.

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

First Congregational Church of Maywood

And at the Altenheim, you’ll be able to protect it with rent that is reasonable. But the Altenheim is so much more… it is surrounded with beautiful grounds and wildlife, seniors who look out for one another and apartment selections and activities to suit your lifestyle.

Call Today To Receive Information About Our Arborwood Studio and 1 Bedroom Apartments

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

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

William S. Winston Pastor 7824 West Madison Street | Forest Park 708.366.2206 www.thealtenheim.com

(708) 697-5000 Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM

LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television

How to Keep in Touch with Us in 3 Steps

twitter.com/OakPark

Get your daily dose of your local news straight from home!

DAYSTAR (M-F)

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6:30-7:00am

Chicago, IL.

WCIU-TV (Sun.)

10:30-11:00am

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Word Network

10:30-11:00am

Nationwide

(M-F)

www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org

“Here is where you belong!” Engage Christian Church Engaging God, His Family, and His Mission 1000 S. Elgin Ave. Forest Park, IL (In First United Church) To stay connected visit our website and join us on social media www.engagecc.org Facebook: @EngageCC Twitter: @engagecchurch Instagram: @engccchurch

West Suburban Temple Har Zion

1040 N. Harlem Avenue River Forest Meet our Rabbi, Adir Glick Pray, learn, and celebrate with our caring, progressive, egalitarian community. Interfaith families are welcome. Accredited Early Childhood Program Religious School for K thru 12 Daily Morning Minyan Weekly Shabbat Services Friday 6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org

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

Fair Oaks

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Lutheran—ELCA

744 Fair Oaks Ave. Oak Park 386-4920

United Lutheran Church

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

708/386-1576

Lutheran-Independent

Grace Lutheran Church

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

Sunday Schedule Christian Education for All Ages 9:00am Worship Service 10:00am

Child care available 9-11am

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

Roman Catholic

Ascension Catholic Church

Grace Lutheran School

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

Christ Lutheran Church

607 Harvard Street (at East Av.) Oak Park, Illinois Rev. Robert M. Niehus, Pastor Sunday Bible Class: 9:15 am Sunday School: 9:10 Sunday Worship Services: 8:00 and 10:30 am Church Office: 708/386-3306 www.christlutheranoakpark.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship 8:30am & 11:00am Adult Bible Class & Sunday School 10:00am Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org

808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am, 5:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 pm Saturday Taize Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1

Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor

Roman Catholic

St. Edmund Catholic Church

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

Roman Catholic

St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park

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

St. Giles Family Mass Community

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

Traditional Catholic

The Traditional Catholic Latin Mass

Our Lady Immaculate Church 410 Washington Blvd Oak Park. 708-524-2408 Mass Times: Sat. 8:00am Sun. 7:30 & 10:00am Operated by Society of St. Pius X. Confessions 1 hr. before each mass

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

Psychotherapy & Life Coaching Services

UNITY CHURCH OF OAK PARK

Rev. Dr. Charles E. Cairo

With Spirit as my guide, I take charge of my life.

Master Addictions Counselor -Therapist Certified Criminal Justice Specialist

405 North Euclid Ave.

Sunday Services 9 am & 11 am Youth Education 11 am 708-848-0960 — unityoakpark.org

www.fireescapecounseling.com 7645 W Jackson Blvd. Suite 200 Forest Park, Illinois 60130

FireEscapeEFBC@gmail.com Proverbs 13:10 - Jude 1:22-23 312. 719.6936

Upcoming Religious Holidays Dec

21 Yule

Christian

24 Christmas Eve

Christian

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/Classiﬁed/

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

AUTO PARTS PART-TIME DRIVER & INVENTORY NAPA Auto Parts Stores looking for dependable and dedicated employees for part-time Driver and Inventory Worker openings. Most important is a friendly demeanor, good attitude, and ability to work with people. Availability right now. If interested, call George or Jim at 708-447-4980.

ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER PART-TIME Part-time Electrician’s Helper. Must have own transportation and some tools. Call 708-738-3848.

BILLING & ADMIN SUPPORT Intermodal Logistics Company, located in central downtown Oak Park, seeking a full-time Billing and Administrative Support professional. The ideal candidate must be detail oriented and possess a willingness to learn new skills in our growing organization. Primary Responsibilities Include: * Ability to perform complex billing processes * Light phone work, filing, order supplies Proficiencies: * Microsoft Word & Excel Training will be provided. Logistics industry and /or Quick Books knowledge is a plus. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Qualified candidates can email resume and cover letter to humanresources@icl-na.com DRIVER PART TIME Local Company looking for part time parts driver/receiving clerk. Must be drug free & have valid DL. Must be able to lift 75lbs. hours 9am til 3pm. $12/hr .Email resume HR@sievertelectric.com. No phone calls

INCOME TAX PREPARER Income tax preparer for small accounting firm during tax season (Feb 15 to Apr 15). Experience preferred. Call 708-488-1800.

SUBURBAN RENTALS FOREST PARK 3BR Vintage, large, sunny 3BR apartment available. Newly refinished hardwood floors. Central Air. Dishwasher. Laundry in bldg. Garage Parking available. 2 blks to Blue line, 3 blks to Madison St. downtown. $1600 plus util. Call 312-802-8291. TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT 7511 Brown Ave. Apt C, Forest Park, IL. Very Nice Townhouse. Best in Town. Close to everything Granite Counters, private balcony, Dramatic LR/DR w HW floor 10 ft ceiling, lovely master bedroom master BA w Jacuzzi tub, 2 cars indoor garage, 2 beds, 2.5 baths, 2072 sqft. $2,250/monthly. Call 708-860-1640 ruksakul@gmail.com

NO. RIVERSIDE–HOUSE 4 Bedroom, Newly Decorated

2330 SO. 10TH AVENUE

$1800.00 month. No Pets

DOLEJS REALTY 708-447-1000

REAL ESTATE WANTED HAS YOUR HOME BECOME A BURDEN?

Repairs, Taxes?? At a need to sell, we buy houses to fix up for rental or resale, especially houses that need major work on them! “So, if your house has become a problem we might become the solution!” We Pay Cash, No Commissions

VICTORIAN GENERAL CONTRACTORS 708-484-8676

SUBURBAN RENTALS OAK PARK FOREST PARK Studio, 1, and 2 BDRM. Heated. Dining room. Parking available. Walk to El. $625-$1250.

www.oakrent.com

RIVERSIDE CONDO 88 PINE AVENUE

3 BR, spacious; Dining Room; Close to Riverside Elementary and High School, Burlington Train & Shopping. $1500 per month;

DOLEJS REALTY 708-447-1000

HOUSEMATE WANTED HOUSEMATE WANTED Seeking housemate in lovely Oak Park home. Must love dogs and be happy to walk dog daily, as well as doing a few errands each week. Looking for tidy, compassionate and fun-loving person as a companion. Any age, male or female. Would have your own bedroom and bathroom. Prefer person who does not drink alcohol, or drinks very little. Parking space available outside of garage. Starting February 21, 2018. References required. Call Pamela Tate 312-953-7930.

CITY RENTALS EAST GARFIELD 5RM APT Furnished apt for rent. Carpeted throughout. Alarm/security system. Must see it to appreciate it. Heat incl. Call 773-846-7495

ROOMS FOR RENT

SPACE FOR RENT

AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957

4807 SQ FT In beautiful neighborhood in Oak Park. Varied uses possible for any kind of not-for-profit. Offices, community center, school, day care, etc. Private Cell: 708-846-9776

Large Sunny Room with fridge & microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $101.00 week & up. New Mgmt. 773-378-8888

Office Suites 2 to 4 rooms

CHURCH FOR RENT OAK PARK CLASSIC CHURCH FOR RENT

Includes Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Kitchen, Midweek Service/ Bible Study, Office Options. 708-8468-9776

SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M

property management, inc.

708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.

Apartment listings updated daily at:

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT OAK PARK RIVER FOREST

2 Offices 220 to 1100 sq. ft. Store 1100 sq. ft.

Strand & Browne 708/488-0011

WANTED PARKING SPACE GARAGE SPACE WANTED Near Harlem Ave. Anywhere between North Ave. and Irving Park. Call 773-637-3847.

ESTATE SALE Riverside

ESTATE/GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE 3242 SOUTH HARLEM FRI 12/22 & SAT 12/23 10AM TO 4PM

Bar/restaurant (NSA approved), Office furniture/supplies, tools, shelving, building materials, snow boarding/ski suits, ice skates, uniqune stains, decorations, electric signage boards, shelving units, linens, dishes, decorations, lamps, garden tools, power cords, commercial glassware, bar stools, kegerators, Pottery Barn carpets, kitchen equipment and many other eclectic items deeply discounted. Will deliver depending on location and items.

ITEMS FOR SALE GUITARS Martin D-15 Acoustic Steel Spring Guitar w/ case $400.00. Callabero Spanish Classical Guitar $120.00 Call 708-383-0753 btwn 10am & 5pm

WANTED TO BUY Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-888-328-8457 for an appointment.

Email us: classifieds@OakPark.com | classifieds@RiverForest.com

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers-lead plastic-other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

LOST & FOUND FOUND: Jeep Key Jeep key found 12/9 on 1100 block of Circle. Identify key ring with it. Call 708-420-3442 to claim.

ELECTRICAL A&A ELECTRIC

Ceiling Fans Let an American Veteran do your work Installed We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848

Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp | Servicing Oak Park and all surrounding suburbs

CARPENTRY

FIREPLACES/ FIREWOOD

Carpentry &

Firewood

Custom Carpentry, Decks Kichens, Baths, Basements licensed / bonded / insured

Fast Free Delivery

Grosso

Home Remodeling 708-363-8379

gabegrosso@sbcglobal.net

CHIMNEYS & FIREPLACES Oak Park Chimney and Fireplace Contractors Inspections by appt. Chimney Sweeping Dampers Serviced Gas Logs & Lighters Rain Caps & Screens Service & Repairs

(708) 383-6589 (708) 906-5027 oakparkchimney@gmail.com Serving Chicago’s Western Suburbs Safely Since 1983

Unlimited

Mixed hardwoods • $130 F.C. CBh & Mix • $145 F.C. 100% oak • $165 F.C. Cherry or hiCkory • $185 F.C. 100% BirCh • $220 F.C. Seasoned 2 years Stacking Available

847-888-9999 1-800-303-5150

Credit Cards Accepted

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

GARAGE/ GARAGE DOOR Our 71st Year

CLEANING Pam’s A+ Cleaning Service

Fall is here! Time to make a change? Take a moment to preview our detailed cleaning. For a free esimate please call 708-937-9110

Garage Doors &

Electric Door Openers

Sales & Service Free Estimates

(708) 652-9415 www.forestdoor.com

ELECTRICAL– LOW VOLTAGE

HANDYMAN

KINETIC KONCEPTS

CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE

A division of Kinetic Energy Inc, is a local, residential low voltage specialist in home networking, smart TV installation and programming, landscape and under-cabinet lighting. Call for free estimate.

(708) 639-5271

Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

❄❅❆❄❄❅❆❄ ❄❅❄❄❅❆❅❄ ❅❄❆❅❄❄❅❆

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CLASSIFIED

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

Chertkow and Chertkow (22019) Attorneys for Petitioner 1525 East 53rd Street Chicago, Illinois 60615

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Roberta Alvarado, Petitioner and Jose A. Rivera, Respondent, Case No. 2017D-009727.

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of David Townsel, Petitioner and Demetrice Huntley, Respondent, Case No. 2017D-008943.

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Marisol Contreras, Petitioner and Luis Contreras, Respondent, Case No. 2017D-005745.

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.

708/386-2951 t ANYTIME

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Ramiro Restrepo, Petitioner and Mandelin Gonzalez, Respondent, Case No. 17 D 007297. 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 January 16, 2018, 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17152975 on December 13, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of CHICAGO TAX CONSULTANT LEAGUE with the business located at: 111 W. JACKSON BLVD. SUITE #17092, CHICAGO, IL 60604. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MELISSA DAVIS 207 GREEN ST. APT. #1 MAYWOOD, IL 60153.

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

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/20, 12/27, 1/3/2018

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 January 8, 2018, 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.

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 January 16, 2018, 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.

HANDYMAN

PAINTING & DECORATING

%,%#42)#!, (!.$9-!. 3%26)#%3 !LL 4YPES OF (OME 2EPAIRS 2EPAIRS )NSTALLATIONS 0ROFESSIONAL 1UALITY 7ORK !T 2EASONABLE 0RICES 0ROMPT 3ERVICE 3MALL *OBS A 3PECIALTY

Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Do

ALEX

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Exterior and Interior All Work Guaranteed 35 Years Experience Call 708-567-4680

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Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

708.749.0011

708-296-2060

PLASTERINGâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; STUCCOING

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404

HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT

(708) 613-3333 â&#x20AC;˘ FAX: (708) 467-9066 â&#x20AC;˘ E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM

McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services Work Guaranteed

WINDOWS

Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges â&#x20AC;˘ Ovens Washer â&#x20AC;˘ Dryers Rodding Sewers

BROKEN SASH CORDS?

Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience CALL THE WINDOW MAN!

FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.

708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000

FAST RELIABLE SERVICE

(708) 452-8929

Licensed

Insured

Ralph Grande Elmwood Park 708-452-8929

Wednesday Classified 3 Great Papers, 6 Communities To Place Your Ad, Call: 708/613-3333

Serving Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park & Riverside Since 1974

PLUMBING

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Plumbing & Sewer Service FREE ESTIMATES Service in 1 Hour in Most Cases

All Work Guaranteed Lowest Prices Guaranteed FREE Video Inspection with Sewer Rodding /P +PC 5PP -BSHF t /P +PC 5PP 4NBMM Family Owned & Operated

t Lic. #0967

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Glenda Rosales, Petitioner and Gerardo Rivas, Respondent, Case No. 2017 D 005796. 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 January 16, 2018, 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 12/20, 12/27, 1/3/2018

PUBLIC NOTICE The Northern Illinois Independent Purchasing Cooperative is accepting proposals for Fresh Produce Products. Sealed proposals are due by Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at 10 a.m., at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Proposals are to be submitted to: Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 Attn: Micheline Piekarski RFPâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Fresh Produce Products 201 North Scoville Avenue Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Forest Park Review 12/20, 12/27, 1/3/2017

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17152826 on November 29, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of THE COLLECTIVE CURRENCY with the business located at: 741 MORRIS AVE, HILLSIDE, IL 60162. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: JESSICA M. ROME 741 MORRIS AVE HILLSIDE, IL 60162. Published in Forest Park Review 12/6, 12/13, 12/20/17

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17152952 on December 11, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of LIVELIHOOD with the business located at: 836 LATHROP AVENUE UNIT 1, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: MARLEE HONCOOP, 836 LATHROP AVENUE UNIT 1 FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Published in Forest Park Review 12/20, 12/27, 1/3/2018

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,â&#x20AC;? as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17152949 on December 11, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of IBERIA AND BEYOND with the business located at: 850 DES PLAINES AVENUE UNIT 506, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: IVAN R. MORENO 850 DES PLAINES AVENUE UNIT 506 FOREST PARK, IL 60130. Published in Forest Park Review 12/20, 12/27, 1/3/2018

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/6, 12/13, 12/20/2017

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/13, 12/20, 12/27/2017

LEGAL NOTICE

Chertkow and Chertkow (22019) Attorneys for Petitioner 1525 East 53rd Street Chicago, Illinois 60615

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Neeta Christian, Petitioner and Frederick O. Christian, Respondent, Case No. 2017D-009249.

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Emmanuelle Ajavon, Petitioner and Ayi Pata Gildas Ajavon, Respondent, Case No. 2017D-008978.

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Elisabeth Velasquez, Petitioner and Pedro Hernandez, Respondent, Case No. 2017D-010467.

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 January 22, 2018, 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 12/6, 12/13, 12/20/2017

Failure to comply with these requirements may lead to disqualification of your proposal. You may contact Micheline Piekarski, Director of Food & Nutrition Services, by email at mpiekarski@oprfhs.org or by phone at 708-434-3142 for any questions. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/20/2017

Attention! Home-improvement pros! Reach the people making decisions. Advertise here. Call 708/613-3342

Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-613-3342

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/20, 12/27, 1/3/2018

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

CLASSIFIED

(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know

In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed separate bids will be received by the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97 (the “Board”) for the following project: OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 HOLMES ELEMENTARY ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS 508 NORTH KENILWORTH AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 BID GROUP 1 – EXCAVATION, SITE UTILITIES, STRUCTURAL STEEL, CONCRETE Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. prevailing time on Wednesday December 20, 2017 at the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Administrative offices, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302, and will be publicly opened and read at 2:30 p.m. prevailing time on that date. Bids shall be submitted in an opaque sealed envelope clearly marked: Oak Park Elementary School District 97 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 Attention: Bulley & Andrews Project: HOLMES ELEMENTARY ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS BID PACKAGE 1 Scope of work for Bid Package 1 generally includes, but is not limited to: Site utilities, concrete, structural steel, and excavation. All bids must be submitted in accordance with the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project. Bid security in the form of a bid bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the base bid amount shall be submitted with the bid. Should a bid bond be submitted, the bond shall be payable to the Board of Education, Oak Park Elementary School District 97, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302. All documents and information required by the bidding instructions contained in the Bidding Documents for the project shall be submitted with the bid. Incomplete, late or non-conforming bids may not be accepted. No bids shall be withdrawn, cancelled or modified after the time for opening of bids without the Board’s consent for a period of ninety (90) days after the scheduled time of bid opening. The Bidding Documents for the project (which include the bidding instructions for the project and other related documents) will be available Monday December 4th, 2017 and may be purchased from Springer Blueprint Services – 1640 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60643 – 773-238-6340. The Bidding Documents are available for viewing/download online without cost or purchase at the Bulley & Andrews, LLC FTP Site, https://ftp.bulley. com, username: Holmes, password: bulley1891. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids or parts thereof, or waive any irregularities or informalities, and to make an award that in the Board’s sole opinion is in the best interest of the District. The site will be available for visits by appointment to be coordinated with Bulley & Andrews, LLC. Interested parties may inspect the existing conditions. Schedule an appointment with Jason Stonchus of Bulley & Andrews in advance if you wish to visit the sites. All bidders must comply with applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing wages by all Contractors working on public works. If during the time period of work, the prevailing wage rates change, the contractor shall be responsible for additional costs without any change to the contract amount. All bidders must comply with the Illinois Statutory requirements regarding labor, including Equal Employment Opportunity Laws. For additional information on the project, contact Jason Stonchus of Bulley & Andrews, LLC at jstonchus@bulley.com or 773-645-2024. Future Bid Package 2 - Masonry, MEP, Interior Finishes, is expected to be available on or around January 15th, 2018: with a bid opening date of January 31st, 2018; Dated: 12/06/2017 Jason Stonchus Bulley & Andrews, LLC Published in Wednesday Journal 12/6, 12/13, 12/20/2017

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Village of Oak Park’s Draft Program Year 2016 Comprehensive Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (Draft CAPER) will be available during business hours for an extended public review and comment (due to a delayed Village Board meeting), continuing today through December 28, 2017, at the Oak Park Village Hall (Development Customer Services Department) 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302; at all three public library branches in Oak Park; and on the Village’s website. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking persons, as needed. As a recipient of federal funding under the Community Development Block Grant and Emergency Solutions Grant, the Village is required to submit annual performance reports to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Any comments concerning the Draft CAPER should be submitted in writing to Mark Dwyer, Grants Supervisor, at the Village Hall address listed above, or by calling 708.358.5416, by 5 p.m., December 28, 2017. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/20/2017

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: D17152852 on December 1, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of CARICATURE BY DONNA with the business located at: 1526 N. HARLEM AVE., RIVER FOREST, IL 60305. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: DONNA RUTH THOMAS 1526 N. HARLEM AVE. RIVER FOREST, IL 60305 Published in Wednesday Journal 12/6, 12/13, 12/20/2017

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: D17152924 on December 7, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of REALTY DIGIT with the business located at: 2431 HIGHLAND AVENUE, BERWYN, IL 60402. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CARL GONZALEZ 2431 HIGHLAND AVENUE BERWYN, IL 60402 Published in Wednesday Journal 12/13, 12/20, 12/27/2017

Happy Holidays from Wednesday Classified!

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR WAMU MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-OA5 TRUST Plaintiff, -v.ROBERT S. GOLDFINE, JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, STATE OF ILLINOIS Defendants 14 CH 0005062 906 COLUMBIAN 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 April 11, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 4, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 906 COLUMBIAN AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-06-227-011. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building

and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-13908. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-15-13908 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 0005062 TJSC#: 37-10551 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. I3069294

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, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-13-22714. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-13-22714 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 14 CH 000292 TJSC#: 37-10526 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. I3069029

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF VIRGINIA J. DOLAN, UNITED STATES OF A M E R I C A – D E PA R T M E N T OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, CARY ROSENTHAL, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR VIRGINIA J. DOLAN (DECEASED), VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Defendants 17 CH 008579 1172 SOUTH RIDGELAND AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 22, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 10, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1172 SOUTH RIDGELAND AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-324-0120000. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act,

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-1 Plaintiff, -v.ELIZABETH L. PURNELL, KENNETH PURNELL JR. A/K/A KENNETH PURNELL, STATE OF ILLINOIS, CITY OF CHICAGO Defendants 14 CH 000292 110 S. HUMPHREY 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 November 2, 2015, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 4, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 110 S. HUMPHREY AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-305-0030000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-02659. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-02659 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 008579 TJSC#: 37-10667 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. I3069613

-v.TAISHA L. FOSTER, NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 17 CH 008084 611 N HUMPHREY AVE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 18, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 26, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 611 N HUMPHREY AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-319-0290000. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay

the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-17-07208. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE, IL 60527 (630) 794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-17-07208 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 17 CH 008084 TJSC#: 37-9724 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. I3070374

ALMAGUER, IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 16 CH 9664 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 Friday, January 5, 2018 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-17-109-019-0000. Commonly known as 330 Maple Lane, Hillside, IL 60162. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455 W16-0502. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I3068959

Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1716 NORTH BROADWAY STREET, Melrose Park, IL 60160 Property Index No. 15-03-113-0230000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $210,630.00. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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, contact The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL 60015, (847) 2911717 For information call between the hours of 1pm–3pm. Please refer to file number 15-076701.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 15-076701 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 15 CH 15961 TJSC#: 37-9518 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. I3067544

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact The sales clerk, SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL 60015, (847) 2911717 For information call between the hours of 1pm–3pm. Please refer to file number 17-083365. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. SHAPIRO KREISMAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn, IL 60015 (847) 291-1717 E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 17-083365 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 17 CH 8279 TJSC#: 37-8913 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. I3067509

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff,

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC; Plaintiff, vs. FERNANDO FAVELA; LORETTA ALMAGUER; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF FERNANDO FAVELA, IF ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF LORETTA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P. Plaintiff, -v.ADINA PELLEGRINI A/K/A ADINA M. PELLEGRINI A/K/A ADINA M. SHUE, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., STATE OF ILLINOIS Defendants 15 CH 15961 1716 NORTH BROADWAY STREET Melrose Park, IL 60160 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 16, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 17, 2018, at The

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC Plaintiff, -v.HARRY L. JONES A/K/A HARRY LEE JONES, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Defendants 17 CH 8279 225 RICE AVENUE Bellwood, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 27, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 16, 2018, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 225 RICE AVENUE, Bellwood, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-09-115-0020000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $113,798.82. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. 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.

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

SWIMMING Bright future from page 60 championships. “A team to look out for is Oak Park. I really like the development of their swimmers. If they work hard and come together as a team, they have some very talented young kids. Their potential is very high.” While LTHS and Hinsdale Central are the prohibitive favorites to duke it out for the conference championship, the Huskies are a formidable third squad with considerable upside. “The West Suburban Conference will continue to be a hotbed for high quality swimming and diving,” Lundgren said. “Lyons Township and Hinsdale Central are favored to compete for the state title. With those teams in our league, winning conference is a tall order.” OPRF offered hints of its potential with a strong performance at the Fenwick Sectional last season. The Huskies qualified the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays and seven spots in the individual events for the IHSA State Meet. Sure, they lost state qualifiers J.P. Ungaretti and Thomas Wolfe to graduation but that’s the norm for any program. Those

Photos by Renee Rotatori

OPRF teammates Connor Sorg, left, and Ben Guerrero at a recent dual meet against Riverside-Brookfield. (Above) Sophomore Will Raidt is an excellent swimmer in the 100 backstroke and 200 freestyle events. losses are recouped with a very good group of returners, including junior J.P. Rotatori, sophomore Will Raidt and junior Alex Pedraza, Rotatori qualified for state by placing first in the 100-yard freestyle (47.62 seconds) and fourth in the 200-yard freestyle (1 minute, 43.31 seconds) at the Fenwick Sectional last year. Raidt also qualified for state at Fenwick with a winning time of 51.98 in the 100-yard backstroke and a runner-up finish in the 200-yard freestyle, 1:41.67.

“All three boys work very hard. They are versatile swimmers who bring a tremendous amount of competitiveness and firepower to our team,” Lundgren said. “We are young this year and have several key freshmen who will make significant contributions as well.” There are six freshmen and 11 underclassmen overall on the varsity roster. Lundgren cited freshmen Ben Guerrero, Frank Tirone and Diego Pareja as swimmers to watch.

Evan Burnham, Braydon Graves, Matthew Louis, Finn McMullen, Owen Osga, Max Razzino, Robert Schweig, Connor Sorg and William Vejcik round out the team. “Overall, our team is young and versatile,” he said. “The youth is an opportunity to establish strong team norms and add to a positive team culture. We have been fortunate to have quality people come out for the team. More often than not, good people make good swimmers.” Along with plenty of talent, there is a comfort level among the swimmers that has expedited team chemistry and success. “Several of the boys swim club together and really get along well with each other,” Lundgren said. “Their light-hearted but hard-working approach to training makes for a positive environment for all the other boys. All the boys seem to be enjoying themselves.” With four dual meets and two invitationals already in the books, the Huskies are on an extended break. OPRF resumes action in January with conference meets at home against Glenbard West (Jan. 8) and Hinsdale Central (Jan. 12). Both start at 5 p.m. In terms of objectives, Lundgren simply wants each swimmer to reach the best of his ability in and out of the pool. “The goal is always to provide people with an opportunity to grow as a person and athlete,” he said. “Beyond that, we want to get as many athletes to achieve personal bests. If that’s good enough to win sectionals and get some boys to score individually or on a relay at the state meet, well then, the season has been a success.”

Fenwick beats Brother Rice at buzzer

AJ Nixon is offensive hero with clutch trey BY MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

AJ Nixon’s buzzer-beating 3-point basket, assisted by his younger brother, Damari, lifted the Friars to a 61-58 win at Brother Rice on Friday in Chicago. Senior forward Michael O’Laughlin led Fenwick in scoring with 16 points. The Friars, who have won four straight games and 30 straight in the Chicago Catholic League over the last three years, improved to 7-3 and 3-0 in the CCL. The Friars’ next game will be at home against Mount Carmel on Friday, December 22. Tip-off

is at 7 p.m. During Christmas break, Fenwick will compete in the prestigious Proviso West Holiday Tournament. For complete tournament coverage during the Holidays, visit www. oakpark.com. On the girls’ side, The Friars’ six-game winning streak was snapped by Montini on Saturday in the finals of the Marian Catholic Invite. In the semifinals, Fenwick upset Marian Catholic 52-43 as seniors McKenzie Blaze (23 points) and Kate Moore (17 points) led the way. Blaze and Moore each earned All-Tournament recognition. Fenwick (8-6) will compete in the Dundee-Crown Tournament (Dec. 26-30). Photo by Ian McLeod

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

S P O R T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Fenwick boys swimming brimming with optimism Return of Hutchinson, Lynch and Bartecki bodes well for Friars By MARTY FARMER Sports Editor

Although the Fenwick High School boys swimming team has had mixed results so far this season, expectations remain high. “Our goal is to score points at the state meet,” Fenwick coach Luke McGuire said. “Hopefully, we can get some relays back on Saturday (finals round at state meet) this season. We are a fairly young team, but the younger guys are pushing the older guys to try harder.” Fenwick, which finished last season 7-4, lost dual meets against Sandburg and crosstown rival OPRF this year. On the bright side, the Friars have won a pair of triangular meets at home and placed fifth in the Red Division of the Barrington Relays. In the triangular meets, Fenwick (279) topped St. Viator (139) and St. Rita (108) on Dec. 1. Notable swims included the 200-yard medley relay by senior Tommy Bartecki, sophomore Dan Badja, junior Dan Lynch, and junior Liam Hutchinson. The quartet recorded a time of 1 minute, 40.94 seconds to finish first. Hutchinson won the 200yard freestyle (1:46.89) and 500-yard freestyle (4:48.49), while Lynch placed first in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:02.82). Freshman Connor McCarthy touched the wall at 57.46 to win the 100-yard butterfly. The Friars won all three relays at that triangular.

Fenwick (240) also beat Benet (183) and St. Patrick (129) in their other triangular on Dec. 12. Top returners for the Friars this season include Hutchinson (two-time state medalist), Lynch and Bartecki. Hutchinson, a junior, placed eighth in the 500-yard freestyle (4:31.55) and ninth in the 200 free (1:41.16) at last year’s IHSA State Meet.

Photos by Don Bartecki

(Above) The Friars’ Tommy Bartecki is a returning state qualifier in the 100-yard backstroke. (Left) Dan Lynch is an accomplished swimmer in the 100-yard breaststroke. (Below) Junior Liam Hutchinson is a twotime state medalist.

“I’m hoping to compete for a top-three spot in both the 200 free and 500 free this year [at state],” Hutchinson said. “My hopes for the team this year are to win our sectional and send a handful of guys to the

state meet at Evanston.” Hutchinson, who has been swimming since age 5, is one of the Friars’ leaders, partly based on his work ethic. “For me it’s all about going to practice every day and putting in the hard work,” he said. “If you’ve done all that, you know at the end of the season you’re going to get those times you want.” Hutchinson also benefitted from attend-

ing the USA Swimming National Select Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado this fall. Lynch is a returning state qualifier in the 100-yard breaststroke. He won the 100 breast at the Fenwick Sectional last year with a time of 59.25. Bartecki qualified for state in the 100-yard backstroke last year. “I hope we continue to work hard and improve our relays as we approach state,” Bartecki said. “Hopefully, we can break a few of the existing relay records. I hope to break the 100-back record which I’m only a second away from.” Fenwick, which edged OPRF 290-275 to win its sectional in 2017, also sent all three relay teams to state. The Friars finished third in the Metro Catholic Aquatics Conference standings and 32nd at state last season. This season, the Friars have several promising underclassmen on the roster as well. Primarily a breaststroker, Badja is very versatile and could help the Friars in various events. McGuire mentioned freshmen Connor McCarthy (200-yard individual medley, 100-yard butterfly), Pete Buinauskas (100-yard backstroke, 200 IM), and Will Gurski (100 breast, 200 IM) as swimmers to watch. Fellow frosh Caden Gierstorf, Logan Maue, Todd Hutchinson and Brian Moore could also contribute this season. In the MCAC, Fenwick should contend for the league title, along with Marmion and St. Ignatius. The Friars take part in the HomewoodFlossmoor Pentathlon on Wednesday, Dec. 27 (10 a.m.). They close out 2017 with a home dual meet against Rockford Boylan (Time TBD).

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OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

Huskies wreak havoc against Glenbard West Unbeaten OPRF relies on defensive system as staple of program’s success

OPRF’s Sid Allgood (12) is one of several excellent defenders on the team. He provides pressure on the ball and solid perimeter defense.

BY MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

“Huskie Havoc” is the term used by the Oak Park and River Forest High School boys basketball team to describe its defensive intensity during games. The style of play is designed to apply as much pressure as possible on opponents. When the Huskies’ defense is at its best, a lot of turnovers are created which often lead to a faster tempo and easier scoring opportunities. Friday night at OPRF, the Huskies’ strong defensive effort in the first half against Glenbard West - holding the Hilltoppers to two baskets and creating 15 turnovers - set the tone in a 63-55 West Suburban Silver conference victory. The win improved the Huskies to 7-0 (2-0 in conference) as they start a 13-day break between games. “Our practices were much more spirited this week,” OPRF coach Matt Maloney said. “One of our points of emphasis every single day was defensive rebounding and I thought we did a tremendous job keeping (Glenbard West) off the glass. We did a nice job in neutralizing their size and physicality. Our number one goal was to limit them to eight offensive rebounds, and they had just five when we pulled our starters late in the game.” Unlike the previous conference game (57-50 win over Lyons Township) in which OPRF came out flat, the Huskies displayed plenty of energy from the opening tip. “It was a good game,” said junior guard Chase Robinson, who had 12 points and five rebounds. “Everybody was ready to play and it was a good win for us.” OPRF led 14-5 after the first quarter and 26-12 at halftime as Glenbard West had just two baskets and eight free throws made during the first 16 minutes. “Our half-court defense was tremendous in the first half,” Maloney said. “We turned them over a lot with our presses and tried to do the same thing in the third quarter, but we got a little sloppy and had to pull back and play solid man-to-man again. “We did a lot of fouling in the second half and put their stud (6-foot-5 junior forward Evan Taylor) on the line often. He didn’t miss a free throw. You can’t foul a Division I player like that often and give him easy points from the line.” Taylor had a game-high 16 points to lead Glenbard West (4-4, 1-2). Caden Phillips added 10 points for the Hilltoppers. Junior forward Anthony Roberts led OPRF with 14 points and junior guard Dashon Enoch added 12 points. Robinson, who transferred to OPRF from Marist before the school year started, appears to be blending in well with his teammates. “I feel like I’ve adjusted well,” he said. “I know most of these guys from AAU. It’s easy playing with them. They welcomed me with open arms and so far it’s been fun.”

ALEXA ROGALS/ Staff Photographer

As solid as the Huskies looked defensively, there were a few shaky moments on offense during the first half, especially in half-court sets. “We seemed to be a little more assertive in the second half offensively,” Maloney said. “We attacked the rim and stopped settling for long twos and threes like we did in the first.” The margin of victory would have been greater if the Huskies had hit a few more free throws late. “Unfortunately, the starters had a few misses down the stretch,” Maloney said. “You’ve got to hit free throws in order to seal games at the end.” OPRF now takes a break from game action as the team studies for semester final exams next week. The Huskies’ next game will not be until December 28, when they face Lockport in a first-round game at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament. There is sure to be some rust shown by OPRF in that game, but Maloney isn’t too worried. “That’s always a concern,” said Maloney, whose team is seeded third at Pontiac. “But we have finals next week and academics is a priority. We make sure our guys do what they’re supposed to do in the classroom. “The good thing is that we get to rest a bit and we should be healthy. It also gives us time to polish some things and put in new stuff that teams are going to see.” He added, “I do feel we got better as a team this week than we were last week. We improved on areas we were weak, but there’s still some things that we need to work on, especially on the offensive side of the ball.” Robinson is also looking forward to playing at Pontiac for the first time. “I’m really excited for Pontiac. In fact, the

entire team is,” he said. “I feel that we’re ready. We’ve been practicing hard. We can’t

wait to go down there and play and show people what OPRF is all about.”

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Wednesday Journal, December 20, 2017

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SPORTS

Huskies wreak havoc against Glenbard West 59

Fenwick boys swimming brimming with optimism 58

OPRF junior J.P. Rotatori qualified for the state meet last season in the 100-yard freestyle and 200-yard Freestyle.

“Overall, our team is young and versatile.”

Photo by Don Bartecki

OPRF swimmers are rising Young talent has Huskies buoyed about the future

By MARTY FARMER

Sports Editor

hile the Oak Park and River Forest High School boys basketball team has been grabbing headlines this winter, there’s another undefeated team on the OPRF campus. The boys swimming team is off to a terrific start, highlighted by a

112.5-72.5 win over crosstown rival Fenwick. “It’s always notable when OPRF squares off against Fenwick,” OPRF coach Clyde Lundgren said. “We managed to beat them this year, which makes it that much sweeter. It’s always a fun meet.” OPRF continued its impressive work by winning the 10-team field at the Downers Grove South Invite over the weekend. The Huskies scored 449 points, followed by Stagg

PICKLEBALL

CLYDE LUNDGREN OPRF coach

(417), Riverside-Brookfield (299), Glenbard North/East Coop (210) and Lake Park (199) The Huskies’ auspicious start is not surprising to people who follow the team. Swimming under the radar is no longer an option. “We should compete with Hinsdale Central for the West Suburban Silver title,” said Lyons Township coach Scott Walker, who has guided the Lions to two straight state See SWIMMING on page 57

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