Wednesday Journal 121819 by Wednesday Journal

W E D N E S D A Y

December 18, 2019 Vol. 39, No. 20 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

OPRF swimmers defeat LTHS Page 51

D97 votes to take TIF funds, sparking debate By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Michelle Gervais said that she canvassed door to door during past District 97 referendum campaigns and has never voted against a tax hike for the schools in her 17 years of living in south Oak Park. “I’ve never once complained about paying taxes,” she said during a Dec. 10 public hearing on the district’s 2019 tax levy. “But I really feel if you take the full levy amount here, you’ll cause some real resentment among voters and I think I’ll be a little resentful, too, and I’m one of your biggest fans.” Gervais was one of nearly a dozen Oak Park residents who urged board members not to take the full $5.3 million in revenue the school district stands to gain with the expiration of the Madison Street and Downtown TIF districts — a move she and others argued would only exacerbate the chronic problem of everincreasing property taxes in the village. Elected officials, however, argue that this is the only opportunity to capture that revenue and further stabilize the school district’s financial future. Moments after the public comment, the board See D97 LEVY on page 14

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

STORYTELLER: Nathan Linsk, co-founder of the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association, visits the Oak Park River Forest Museum’s exhibit marking the 30th anniversary of the organization.

OPALGA+’s BIG GAY DECADES

Oak Park River Forest Museum honors organization in exhibit By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

To look at Oak Park’s history of inclusion of people of all sexual orientations is really to look at the history of the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association + (OPALGA+).

Without OPALGA+ championing such causes as inclusion, education and, of course, broadened civil rights legislation, Oak Park may never have become the welcoming village it’s viewed as today. “If you’re going to live in a diverse community, you have to accept differences and that’s what the gay movement was all about,” said Bob Trezevant, one of OPALGA+ founding members. “We’re different. That’s all. We do not deserve to be discriminated against because of that difference.”

The 30-year-old organization and its contributions is currently being honored at the Oak Park River Forest Museum, 129 Lake St. The exhibit, titled “Proud Oak Parkers: OPALGA+ at 30,” chronicles OPALGA+ from its inception in 1989 to the present. “It’s a classic Oak Park story of a relatively small organization that has had a very big impact on policy in the village,” said Trezevant. “And it’s significant that a See OPALGA on page 12

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Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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I N S I D E

R E P O R T

Foster dog takes first place Real Dog Moms of Chicago, an organization that plans events benefitting local shelters, awarded foster dog Sparkle first place in the “Decorate Your Dog” contest earlier this month. Sparkle’s foster mom Ann Farrell, an Oak Park Public Library staffer, began taking care of the dog in September through Starfish Animal Rescue, located in Plainfield. Formerly named Scarlett, Sparkle was removed from an abusive situation in Kentucky, where the dog had been beaten with a two-by-four. She now lives in the lap of luxury, with four different beds for her to sleep in. Sparkle is also cultivating a glamorous wardrobe; she has two hats and four pairs of shoes. The winning pup received a $50 Amazon gift card and a $50 donation to Starfish Animal Rescue.

Stacey Sheridan

Photo Ann Farrell

Sparkles the dog

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

First Oak Park cannabis license issued

With the legalization of marijuana less than a month away, Seven Point, 1132 Lake St., became the first licensed adultuse cannabis dispensary in Oak Park. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Illinois law will permit state residents, 21 years or older, to purchase and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower and up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrate. Seven Point also received a “SameSite” permit. “Same-Site” permits allow existing medical marijuana dispensaries to also begin selling adult-use cannabis when the law goes into effect next month.

Stacey Sheridan

Trustee finds high levels of carcinogen

Dr. Susan Buchanan, Oak Park village trustee and a University of Illinois Chicago researcher, oversaw testing that discovered Waukegan residents living close to Medline Industries had higher levels of the carcinogen ethylene oxide in their bloodstreams. “These figures should be seen as a powerful call to action for community members and policymakers to hold

companies accountable,” Buchanan told the Chicago Tribune. “Facilities emitting dangerous chemicals like ethylene oxide should not be located near homes, schools, businesses, parks or other areas frequently used by the public.”

Stacey Sheridan

Running in holiday shapes

Members of Best Foot Forward (BFF), a local women’s running group, have been drawing holiday pictures using their run trackers. Oak Parker Regina K., a BFF member, came up with the hashtag #drawcember, and BFF members have been running in holiday shapes, including a gingerbread house, festive bow, a snowman, a stocking, a Christmas tree and a menorah, and posting them online. BFF describes itself as “a running club in the near western suburbs of Chicago supporting women runners — from walkers to Boston-bound speedsters — in gaining confidence, making friends, and running wild!” For more information on BFF, go to runbff.com.

Maria Maxham

Baker’s helper King Lee (left) helps his sister, Jalynn Lee, decorate cookies during a toy drive and holiday party at New Moms in Oak Park on Dec. 16. For more about the event and New Moms efforts to support moms in need, see story on page 9.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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“A Xmas Cuento Remix”

Celebrate with Live Music at FitzGerald’s

Fridays, 7:30 p.m., Saturdays, 4 and 8 p.m., Sundays, 3 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m., through Dec. 29, 16th Street Theater: Celebrating Latinx culture and modern music, see a new Christmas Carol (Cuento). To Dolores, who runs a pub, Christmas is a scam. When her niece Anita faces eviction, Dolores turns her away into the cold. Can three sassy spirits turn this female Scrooge from bad to good? $25 to $32. Tickets/more: 16thstreettheater.org/. 6420 16th St., Berwyn.

Friday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m.: Hear The Redmonds Holiday Show along with Petty Union (Tom Petty tribute band) and 24/7 (Kid Rock band). $12, advance; $10, at door with a non-perishable food item. Also, Christmas with The Beatles in the SideBar. $10. Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 p.m.: At The Heavy Sounds Stax Holiday Revue, experience a holiday blast of soul and funk. $15. Also, Lovehouse’s Rockin’ Holiday Party show in the SideBar. $5. Sunday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m., SideBar: See the Anderson Holiday Jamboree, benefiting Ascend Together, of Gambia. $15. 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn

December 18 - 25

BIG WEEK

H O L I DAY H A P P E N I N G S O N H A R R I S O N A N D BE YO N D

Toys for Tots “On My Mind” Through Dec. 30, Art Gallery, Main Library: Take in the art of Oak Park painter Christine Baumbach. “Captivated by the beauty of the natural world,” Baumbach combines images on her mind, including “observations, that for some women in America, the tools of oppression come in the form of the finer things in life, things of beauty and grace.” Her works are influenced by travels to Wyoming and Colorado as well as her husband’s “exquisite bird photography.” 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Holiday Brass and Choral Concert Thursday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church: Music of the Baroque presents “joyful carols, solemn chant and jubilant works for brass” in a program with music dating from the 300s to the 17th century. $25 to $70. Tickets/more: baroque.org, 312-551-1414. 7300 Division St., River Forest.

Mondays through Saturdays, 5 to 10 p.m., Sundays, 4 to 9 p.m., through Dec. 23, Trattoria 225: For every toy donated, the restaurant will match the donation with another toy. 225 Harrison, Oak Park.

Home for the Holidays Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Downtown Oak Park: Catch the old-fashioned holiday spirit and shop locally. Horse-drawn sleigh rides - board at 106 N. Marion Hot cocoa and cookies - warming tent on Westgate, Santa roaming the streets and posing for photos (noon to 3 p.m.). Carolers perform holiday favorites (noon to 2 p.m.). Free. On Marion St. between Lake St. and North Blvd.

Member Art Exhibit and Holiday Boutique Fridays, Saturday and Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m., through Sunday, Dec. 31, Expressions Graphics: See work created at this co-op while browsing for prints, textiles and art. 29 Harrison, Oak Park.

DIY: Drop-in Beaded Snowflakes and Bracelets Fridays, 2 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 1 to 4 p.m., through Dec. 21, Bead in Hand: Create a beaded snowflake in a choice of three sizes ($6, $12, $15). And during winter break drop-ins, make snowflakes or memory-wire bracelets ($6), on select dates, Dec. 22 through Jan. 4. Info: beadinhand.com/holidayextravaganzas.html. 145 Harrison, Oak Park.

Khanike Night Monday, Dec. 23, 6 to 9 p.m., Buzz Café: There are two seatings. First, 6 to 7:15 p.m., for families and children; second, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., for teens and adults. Buzz provides latkes, salad. Guest provide singing and Freylach. $8.50 per person. Reservations: goo.gl/cjLrvw. Questions: mikebass9@ gmail.com. 905 S. Lombard Ave., Oak Park.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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ART BEAT

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins By DOUG DEUCHLER

Theater Critic

understand Hanukkahthemed shows are hard to find. That’s why it’s so great that the critically acclaimed Strawdog Theatre Company from Chicago’s North Side is presenting their delightful, seasonal family show Hershel and The Hanukkah Goblins in our community at Temple Har Photo by JESUS J. MONTERO Zion in River Forest. The lively story, with a very ani- Strawdog Theatre Company’s production of ‘Hershel And mated and charming cast of The Hanukkah Goblins’ at Temple Har Zion in River Forest. six actors, is based on a beto help the good people there and rid their loved children’s picture book by Eric Kimmel, which was the Caldecott village of this awful curse. Hershel is a sort of cunning and couraHonor winner for 1990. I attended a performance of the play at geous folk hero in this classic “outsmartStrawdog Theatre in the Northcenter neigh- ing the bad guys” story. Each of the eight borhood of Chicago, where it is also being nights of Hanukkah he lights the candles in staged. Before the show began, a young man the abandoned temple and cleverly outwits sat down in the empty seat to my left and we the not very quick-thinking goblins who attempt to stop him. had a nice chat. I asked if he knew any of Morsovillo and company really keep the the performers and he said he did. Before I realized what was happening, however, audience thrilled and delighted. Other cast this guy was standing up, loudly blowing a members include Sarah Bacinich, Brianna kazoo, and declaring some of the first lines Joy Ford, Cohen Kraus, Josh Pennington of the play. This actor was Jack Morsovillo and Zhu. I am certain that families unfamiliar with who plays the title role of Hershel. The book has been adapted into an hour- Jewish culture or customs would find this long, action-packed tale by Strawdog ensem- show absorbing and fascinating. It may be ble member Michael Dailey, with spirited helpful to understand three terms before music and lyrics by Jacob Combs. Lauren watching the play, for those unfamiliar with Katz is the director. She has staged the play these customs. Perhaps the action shows to move rapidly yet draw the audience in, what is necessary to understand, but prepclosely and warmly. The little kids in the ping may be helpful: 1. menorah: a candelabrum used during front rows were squealing with joy. The show I saw is performed in-the-round Hanukkah. 2. dreidel (sounds like “dray-del”): a fourwith the five performers, other than Hershel, playing multi-roles. They are an ener- sided spinning top with each side marked getic, talented troupe, and many musical in- with Hebrew letters, used in a game tradistruments are played. Leo Zhu is especially tionally played during Hanukkah. 3. latke: a potato pancake. There is even good on his violin. The cast employs puppetry and masks to a latke-making song in which the audience portray the creepy goblins. It’s fun and ex- acts out part of the process. Hershel & The Hanukkah Goblins is colorciting. I loved a bit in which one of the gobful and musical, full of comic bits and lively lins got its hand stuck in a pickle jar. The cast entertains an initially stingy action. Children seem to love it, and when innkeeper and his guests in exchange for I saw it, adults were really enjoying it, too. Two matinee performances of Strawdog food and shelter. Hershel of Ostropol, it seems, is a poor Theatre Company’s production will be perbut intrepid guy who has always lived by formed at Temple Har Zion, 1040 N. Harlem his wits. The setting appears to be a Jewish Ave., River Forest, this Sunday, Dec. 22, at town in Eastern Europe. Weary Hershel en- 1 p.m. and 4 p. m. Tickets are $24; $18.50 for ters a sad, dark little community where Ha- children 12 and under. Tickets: wsthz.org/ nukkah is no longer celebrated. It seems the event/Hershel#. Also playing through Dec. synagogue is controlled by a band of ruth- 29 at Strawdog Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice less goblins who forbid anyone to light the Ave. Chicago. $25; $20, kids/seniors; 10% menorah candles. Hershel quickly decides off four or more tickets. More: strawdog.org.

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A good life. Hold the drama

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dds and ends with some a bit odder than others: Remembering Nancy Staunton: There’s nothing much better than a well-turned line in an obituary. And this week, in the obit for Nancy Staunton, an Oak Park village trustee in the 1980s, her family described her as “a person who lived life without unnecessary drama.” They chalked that virtue up to having grown up in Depression years, losing her dad as a teen, and, in the Irish Catholic tradition of the time, having birthed six children in less than five years. And in a mention that reminded me precisely of my own mom and her 20-minute naps after teaching school all day at St. Giles and before making dinner for the brood, her family wrote, “and, most importantly, a person who could ‘rest their eyes’ when sleep was not an option.” Nancy Staunton moved into Oak Park’s civic life when her youngest was set to start school. She took the usual route for that era, joining the League of Women Voters, serving on boards at the Housing Center and what was then Family Service and Mental Health Center (now Thrive). With the backing of the still almost-all-powerful Village Manager Association, she was elected to the village board in 1985. That’s when I came to know her and admire her and why the summation of Nancy Staunton as a “person who lived life without unnecessary drama” rings so true. There were tough issues being decided in those years. Oak Park passed its ban on handguns. Expanded its definitions of protected classes to include

DAN HALEY

Nancy was

pretty much unflappable. Focused on good government, listening well, and never needing to be the last person who spoke on an issue.

H O W

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gays. And worked through one of those rare cases of actual corruption in the police department that was investigated by Scott Turow, the star novelist and lawyer. But Nancy was pretty much unflappable. Focused on good government, listening well, and never needing to be the last person who spoke on an issue. Quickly: Today’s page one headline – OPALGA+’s BIG GAY DECADES – is a nod to one of my favorite Wednesday Journal headlines ever. With strong pressure from OPALGA (the + came more recently), the village board had approved a then-radical Domestic Partnership Registry. Conservative Christians in town pushed the matter to a nonbinding referendum and on the night when it narrowly won approval from voters, we settled on the much larger than typical and ALL CAP headline “BIG GAY DAY.” That front page is one of many, many artifacts in the strong new exhibit on the 30th anniversary of OPALGA+ at the Oak Park River Forest Museum. Just after Christmas, Winberie’s is due to close its doors. This is a hard one for many locals who have marked family milestones, made a tradition of the Sunday brunch, or just basked in the warmth of a very steady staff, long headed by Gary Nebiola. Why are they closing? Not fully sure. Our overabundance of too-similar restaurants? The coming disruption of the full remaking of Lake Street in 2020? Rent hikes tied to tax hikes? Likely some combination.

T O

R E A C H

U S

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 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES

Mary Ellen Nelligan, 708-613-3342 maryellen@oakpark.com NEWS/FEATURES Dan Haley, 708-613-3301 dhaley@wjinc.com CALENDAR Michelle Dybal

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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 $38 per year, $65 for two years, $92 for three years. Annual out-of-county rate is $43. © 2019 Wednesday Journal, Inc.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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Local journalists step up in support of non-profit Journal By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Roughly two dozen Oak Park and River Forest journalists gathered Dec. 12 to support Wednesday Journal, Inc.’s coming switch from its long-time for-profit model to a new nonprofit called Growing Community Media. Working journalists, retired reporters, and j-school profs came to Live Café, 163 S. Oak Park Ave., to learn more about the plan and during an enthusiastic discussion offered pragmatic advice and counsel on everything from reaching potential donors, the right software to track donors and ways to better connect with readers. As 2020 arrives, the final steps will be in place to shift the assets of the 39-year-old corporation to the recently formed non-profit. Growing Community Media will take over publication of Wednesday Journal, the Oak Park-based flagship; the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark; the Forest Park Review; and the Austin Weekly News. The company sold Chicago Parent magazine to a Detroit publisher earlier this year. “I’m not positive, but we may be the first community-based legacy for-profit company to do this,” Dan Haley, publisher, told the group. “If we’re not the first, we’re right there at the starting line.” The move comes just two months after the Salt Lake City Tribune became the first large legacy for-profit daily in the country to switch to nonprofit status. There will still be revenue coming from advertising sales. Unlike the for-profit entity, however, the new nonprofit will

also work to add philanthropic donations to fund reporting positions and initiatives. Under IRS regulations none of the four weeklies will be allowed to endorse candidates — a reality that gave Oak Park resident Elizabeth Austin some pause. “As a voter, one of the most important things Wednesday Journal does is provide endorsements in local races,” said Austin, who has written for the Journal, the Chicago SunTimes and other publications and is currently a communications consultant. “I fear that that’s going to leave a hole in which either the most strident voice or the best financed voice, or God help us both, will end up taking over village government because there will be no one serving as an honest broker and making everyone come in, sit down and give their bona fides,” she said. Haley said that while the newspaper won’t be able to endorse, it will still have an opinion section and columnists who may take positions. But when it comes to local politics, he said, the newspaper will pivot toward a different mission. “I don’t think we’ve done as good a job as we need to on voter education and voter guides,” he said. “We are a little

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uneven despite our sincere efforts. Part of the mission statement of the nonprofit is that we need to be a primary convener of people, so I would look for Wednesday Journal or Austin Weekly News to be convening a lot more groups around topics in our communities.” Much of the discussion centered on more practical matters, with many of the media experts in the room offering advice on everything from increasing donor revenue to engaging audiences. “You need a good software program to track your donors,” said Tracy Dell’Angela Barber, a former journalist and the executive director of the Oak Park Education Foundation. Charlie Meyerson, the founder of Chicago Public Square, a daily e-newsletter, who moderated the Dec. 12 discussion, said he’s been helping Wednesday Journal develop a podcast. “I love the fact that you’re doing a podcast,” said Dell’Angela Barber. Haley said it is part of a more comprehensive effort to rethink how the organization engages with local audiences. “The business model [of newspaper journalism] is not the only thing that’s broken,” Haley said. “What’s also broken is the way we listen to people, talk to people and report our stories — not just with respect to different platforms and so on, although that’s certainly a factor — but also with respect to who we choose to listen to. Creating a more diverse newsroom and company are all part of the more profound and interesting challenges that we face.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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River Forest approves cannabis regulations

By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

While a number of people argued for and against River Forest allowing recreational cannabis sales during the village board’s Dec. 9 meeting, whether the board would allow it was never in question. It was more of a matter of what kind of rules trustees would impose. In the end, the trustees decided against larger distance restrictions favored by the River Forest Zoning Board of Appeals, while adding some restrictions of its own. Under the regulations that were ultimately approved, dispensaries must be located at least 100 feet from schools, churches, parks and daycare centers. The state law requires at least 1,500 feet between dispensaries. Dispensaries are also limited to commercial areas and must apply for special use permits. Finally, their operating hours are limited to no earlier than 10 a.m. and no later than 7 p.m. Effective Jan. 1, 2020, Illinois residents will be able to legally purchase recreational marijuana and smoke it in their homes. While the state law doesn’t allow municipalities to prohibit private usage, it does allow them to either ban cannabis dispensaries altogether or regulate where they may be located, how long they may operate and im-

pose a special sales tax. Village staff proposed prohibiting dispensaries within 100 feet of a “sensitive use” -- a school or a church -- mirroring the existing liquor license regulations. Staff also recommended restricting dispensaries to commercial districts as special use, which would allow the village board to consider each application on a case-by-case basis and impose certain additional conditions, if necessary. In October, the River Forest Zoning Board of Appeals recommended increasing minimum distance from sensitive to 1,000 feet, and doubling the minimum distance from other dispensaries to 3,000 feet. The ZBA also recommended restricting operating hours to between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and proposed capping the number of dispensaries allowed in the village at one. Lisa Scheiner, the village’s assistant administrator, said the ZBA’s restrictions would have made the Lake Street corridor completely off-limits. They also would have reduced the number of potential sites on North Avenue by half and removed properties along Madison Street west of Park Avenue. By adopting staff ’s distance restrictions, only the Harlem Avenue commercial corridor would be off-limits due to proximity to the medical dispensary on Lake Street in Oak Park. Resident Nate Mellman urged the board

opt out altogether, arguing that it would place strain on traffic, increase the number of police complaints and lead to loitering around dispensaries. He also argued that it would hurt property values and hurt residents’ employment prospects. Mary Ann Zeh, another resident, said that, as a pharmacist, she was worried about cannabis’ effects. “It’s a drug, and it’s not some innocuous thing,” she said. “And it’s definitely a more potent form [being sold at] the shops.” Scheiner told the board that she consulted with Police Chief James O’Shea about the impact on police calls, and they found that, in the communities that had medical dispensaries, the impact was negligible. The chief himself said that there were still impacts that may not become apparent until the legalization takes effect, specifically mentioning that he had no idea whether that would have any effect on illegal drug sales. And while he did consult with his counterparts in other states where cannabis is legal, because of the difference in laws, he felt that it wasn’t an “apples to apples” comparison. When asked to respond to concerns about loitering, Village Attorney Greg Smith told the board that state law wouldn’t allow smoking cannabis outside a dispensary. O’Shea said that residents who otherwise loiter can be charged with disorderly con-

duct if they don’t heed verbal warnings. Trustee Thomas Cargie said he had no problem with allowing dispensaries, noting that effects of drinking can be more dangerous than the effects of using cannabis, and River Forest already allows the former. He also argued that ZBA recommendations for minimum distances were too draconian and suggested going with the village staff ’s original suggestions. Trustee Katie Brennan said she was trying to balance the estimated $262,000 in sales tax revenue dispensaries would bring in with safety concerns. And she suggested including parks, playgrounds and daycare service centers added as “sensitive uses.” The staff ran through several scenarios, looking at how changing minimum distances and adding more sensitive uses would affect availability. As noted during the discussion, daycare homes for adults with disabilities are licensed by the State of Illinois and can open without village’s say-so. While an opening of a new daycare homes wouldn’t affect the dispensaries that are already there, it would have a domino effect on any dispensaries that open afterwards. Trustees agreed to add parks and daycare centers (but not daycare homes) as sensitive uses and to go with ZBA’s recommendation for operating hours. Trustees did not place a cap on the number of dispensaries that can open.

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Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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New Moms makes Christmas merry and bright

The non profit’s Christmas parties embody the spirit of giving By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

For a lot of families, it may seem unheard of to shop for every single Christmas present at just one place, but at the New Moms Christmas parties, that’s not the case. Nonprofit New Moms provides support for mothers in need, ages 16 to 24, and their children in Oak Park and Chicago’s Austin area. At all three parties this year, young mothers chose their children’s Christmas presents in a room full of donated books, toys and clothes, while volunteers babysat the kids. “All of the gifts are supplied by generous donors throughout the city of Chicago and the near suburbs,” said Jenna Hammond, New Moms development and communications director. Volunteers from Huntington Bank helped the mothers carry their haul to an area away from children’s prying eyes. Each mom gets wrapping paper, tape and gift bags, as well. Natarah Grisby, one of the young moms, got her six-month-old son new clothes, pajamas, and some bathtub toys. She also picked out a baby walker toy and a tablet that will teach him his ABCs and numbers. “Oh my gosh, we are going to have a lot of fun with it, little boy,” Grisby told her son. Those won’t be the only things waiting

under the tree Christmas morning for Grisby’s child. “I also got him some books, because he likes me to read to him before he goes to sleep,” Grisby said. The selection of available gifts was so vast, Grisby had trouble remembering everything she picked out. Moms weren’t left out either. Each mother got a bag full of gifts just for them, which Grisby said she is saving to open on Christmas morning. “We have seen an amazing outpouring of support from individuals and groups in the community,” Hammond said. “It’s been such a great mixture of individuals and families in the community, and corporate groups that have come around to make sure this is a really great success.” People’s Gas, Google and Oak Park’s Chicago Family Doulas all collected gifts for the joyful cause. “We hope to do this fundraiser every year,” said Chicago Family Doulas owner Annamarie Rodney. At each party, children and moms decorated sugar cookies and made Christmas decorations together. A certain Christmas hero also came to all three parties. “The kids go nuts when Santa walks into the room,” said Hammond. A professional photographer captured all the special moments, taking family portaits and, of course, pictures of the kids on Santa Claus’ lap. “It’s one of our favorite parts of the year because it’s just such an exciting time to see all the families come together

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

SWEET DREAMS: Tierra Collins, left, makes a cookie with Mia Richardson on Dec. 16, during a toy drive and holiday party at New Moms in Austin. and get to experience a Christmas party and time with their family” said Jenna Hammond, “So much of family time is creating these traditions, and this is a tradition that New Moms gets to support families in creating.” For Grisby, it’s particularly special. It’s her son’s very first Christmas. “Being able to walk in there and pick out things that I had already wanted for him,

and them being there, was a really great feeling,” Grisby said. “It makes you feel so humble and appreciative.” New Moms, she said, has been a blessing. “For all the moms out there, I hope they find this program. This program is a big blessing and I appreciate everything they have done for me, honestly and truly,” Grisby said. “I tell them that all the time. It means a lot.”

River Forest rec center could cost $24-$30 million

Partnership with YMCA taking a back seat, for now By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

A study to determine the feasibility of a building a new River Forest Recreational Center has concluded that it would cost between $24 million and $30 million. In the past few years, the village of River Forest, the River Forest Park District, the River Forest Community Center and a few other governing bodies have been discussing the possibility of either expanding the existing community center, at 8020 Madison St., demolishing the current structure and building a new one from scratch, or building a new center in another location entirely. The study was commissioned to give the parties involved a better sense of how much each option costs. The recreation center collaboration group, which is made up of the

officials from the entities involved, met on Nov. 18 to hear the results and discuss what to do next. At the River Forest Park District board’s Dec. 9 meeting, Executive Director Mike Sletten told commissioners that the group was inclined to support an alternative location. While the cost seems high, he said that the cost estimate assumes that every entity would get a separate slice of the building, and sharing certain facilities would reduce the number. And while the second West Cook YMCA location has been floated as a potential alternative site, Sletten said that it has been mired in delays, so the park district was taking a wait and see approach. Unlike other nearby park districts, River Forest Park District only has one indoor facility – the River Forest Depot building, which houses the district officers and two activity spaces. This means that it has to lease space for indoor activities, such as

youth basketball, at area schools and other facilities. Karen Stille, the park district’s superintendent of recreation, said that while these arrangements usually work out well, it does limit how much they can use certain facilities. Sletten told the board that the collaboration group felt that building something on the site of the current community center while still keeping the current programs running wouldn’t work logistically. “It would be difficult for them to build a building over there, and then tear down [the current building] and build the other half,” he said. And while the cost estimates were higher than what has been previously expected, Sletten told park commissioners they expect to see many opportunities to share certain spaces. The trick is figuring out the details of how it would work. “The Community Center needs a gym, the park district needs a gym -- can we work to-

gether and see how we can share these spaces?” he said. As previously reported, West Cook YMCA is looking to open a second location at the vacant former Menards store at 8311 W. North Ave. in Melrose Park. In September, Phillip Jimenez, CEO of West Cook YMCA, approached Sletten about getting the park district to help cover the costs of the project in exchange for getting to use the new facility. At the time, Sletten indicated that the YMCA wanted the park district to make a decision by the end of the year. When asked about the current status of the project, Sletten said that the YMCA’s deadline moved several times. While the current deadline is in February, he said he wasn’t sure it wouldn’t move again. At the moment, he said, the local collaboration effort takes priority. “We’re not doing multiple discussions at this point,” he said.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Pier 1 to close after 25 years on Lake Street

Everything is on sale and the property is up for lease

“The Pier 1 store location in Oak Park will close when our lease expires in spring 2020.

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

With everything in the store up to 30 percent off and men on nearby streets carrying signs advertising the giant sale, the future of Oak Park’s Pier 1, 1143 Lake St., it seemed likely that the store is closing. After weeks of speculation, Pier 1 Director of Communications Jennifer Engstrand Reeder confirmed the closure in a statement emailed Dec. 16 to Wednesday Journal: “The Pier 1 store location in Oak Park will close when our lease expires in spring 2020. As a matter of practice, we do everything we can to support our associates during this time of transition. We care about our customers in this area and have enjoyed serving them over the years. We look forward to serving them at our locations on Kingsbury Street in Lincoln Park and West Touhy Avenue in Niles, as well as online at pier1.com.” The 8,088-square-foot property is listed as available for lease in a Mid-America Real Estate brochure. “The store is having a continuous sale,”

JENNIFER ENGSTRAND Director of communications

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

PIERLESS: The Pier 1 store in the Shops of Downtown Oak Park building will close in April. said the store manager, Ishmael, who declined to give his last name. Oak Park Economic Development Corporation (OPEDC) did not have any information

prior to the issued statement from Pier 1. “Pier 1 has not specifically announced, or even told us, that the Oak Park store is closing,” said OPEDC Executive Director John

Lynch, in a Dec. 11 email. The closure, however, is not much of a surprise. On April 17, the corporation reported decreased sales for quarter four and the full fiscal year of 2019. Interim CEO Cheryl Bachelder called the results “disappointing.” The report to investors also stated the corporation planned to close more stores. “After closing 30 stores in fiscal 2019, the company is considering closing up to 45 locations in fiscal 2020 as leases expire,” the report read. Bachelder announced June 26, in a quarterly earnings call, the number of potential closures in fiscal year 2020 had risen to 57 stores. With Christmas right around the corner and the store’s inventory discounted, their sales of seasonal scented candles may rise as well.

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Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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OPRF to launch new online information source

Dashboard give public a look at progress on equity, other priorities By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

Beginning in January, anyone who wants to look more deeply into data on a range of metrics, including attendance, achievement, participation, and academic performance at Oak Park and River Forest High School will be able to visit the district’s new Interactive Dashboard. District 200 officials said the dashboard will go live on Jan. 7.

During a Committee of the Whole meeting on Dec. 10, Greg Johnson, D200’s associate superintendent, and Chris Thieme, senior director of education technology, provided a brief overview of the new data technology to school board members. “This dashboard will be updated each semester and provides for a deeper analysis of district outcomes,” they explained in a Dec. 10 memo. “A committee of teachers and administrators first identified the data points included in the dashboard last school year, and we presented their initial concepts to the board of education last December. This school year, as we have continued to develop the dashboard, we have gathered feedback from the district’s Culture Climate and Be-

havior (CCB) Committee during both the November and December meetings.” The district also launched a new Strategic Dashboard, which is on the same landing page as the Interactive Dashboard. The Strategic Dashboard allows the public to track the district’s progress on the four priorities of its five-year strategic plan. Those priorities include: Racial Equity, Transformative Education, Transformative Leadership, Facilities, Finances and Operations. “Within each of these areas, we have set a variety of goals, with specific timeframes and metrics,” according to language on the Strategic Dashboard web page. “This dashboard allows stakeholders to view the district’s progress toward each of these goals

by clicking on the Strategy tab above. On the lefthand [sic] side, you’ll see a percentage ranging from 25 to 100. This figure represents how far along the district is in accomplishing the goal.” The landing page also allows visitors to access Illinois School Report Card data, which the district will update each year after the annual report is published in October. “The ultimate goal of this framework was to increase our effective use of data to support student learning and success,” Johnson and Thieme explained in their memo. To see previews of the new landing page features, go online and visit: https://www. oprfhs.org/about/district-dashboards. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Pertussis on the rise in Oak Park and River Forest

Waning immunity contributing to the problem By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter

Local cases of pertussis, otherwise known as whooping cough, have popped up in Oak Park in higher numbers this year than any year in the previous decade. According to Michael Charley, public health director of the Oak Park Health Department, as of Dec. 16 there are 10 confirmed cases in Oak Park, which has averaged 3.1 cases per year between 2008 and 2018. Within public schools, according to Charley, District 200 has five confirmed cases (four students and one teacher) and District 97 has two confirmed cases, both students. In River Forest, District 90 has three confirmed cases of pertussis as of Dec. 16: two at Roosevelt Middle School and one at Willard School. It could not be confirmed at time of publication whether the confirmed cases in D200, D97 or D90 were in vaccinated or unvaccinated children. In Dec. 10 and Dec. 16 memos to D90 parents, the steps the district was taking to help prevent further infections were outlined, and information from the Cook County Department of Public Health was forwarded. “Please be assured that all of the district’s nurses are aware of this situation and are monitoring the situation,” read the memo. “Our nurses are following the recommended protocols of the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” The custodial staff at all D90 locations have been intensifying disinfection of classrooms, bathrooms, desks, door handles and other common areas throughout the school. Pertussis, a bacterial infection, is treat-

Stock photo

able by antibiotics, but it is highly contagious and is often misdiagnosed or, because early symptoms mimic those of the common cold, not diagnosed right away. After the initial symptoms of a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and mild cough, the illness progresses. Coughing fits can become severe, especially at night, and can bring with them the characteristic “whoop” after which the disease was named. Coughing fits can be so intense they can lead to vomiting or difficulty breathing. Pertussis is spread through coughing and sneezing, and the cough can last for weeks. Symptoms generally occur 5-10 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days, according to the Cook County Department of Public Health in a memo shared by D90. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, pertussis diagnoses have been on the rise since the early 1980s. The CDC has identified several explanations for this, including “increased awareness,

improved diagnostic tests, better reporting, more circulation of the bacteria, and waning immunity.” Additionally, according to the CDC, there is evidence that the bacteria that causes pertussis is “changing at a genetic level,” though studies suggest that the current vaccines are still effective even as the bacteria transforms. However, the currently used pertussis vaccines may be less effective than those used prior to the 1990s, which could account, in part, for pertussis cases being on the rise since the 1980s. The vaccines currently given, DTaP and Tdap, are acellular vaccines, which contain only some organic material from Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria that causes the disease. These vaccines may not provide protection as effective as DTP, a whole cell vaccine, which contains the entire inactivated B. pertussis organism. In the 1990s, according to the CDC, doctors in the United States switched from DTP, the

whole cell vaccine, to DTaP and Tdap, the acellular vaccines, because they had less major and minor side effects. But this change may have left Americans slightly less protected against the disease. According to the CDC website, “Acellular pertussis vaccines may not prevent colonization (carrying the bacteria in your body without getting sick) or spread of the bacteria.” Additionally, waning immunity to the vaccine can leave even vaccinated people less protected than they might believe. According to the Dec. 10 Cook County Department of Public Health’s memo regarding the Roosevelt Middle School student with pertussis, required vaccinations for the illness should be given at ages 2, 4, 6 and 15 months. A booster should be given between the ages of 4 and 6. However, according to the memo, “immunity begins to wane three to five years after the last shot. Protection can be completely gone by the time a child enters middle school.” The CDC confirms this, estimating that “in the first year after getting vaccinated with Tdap, it protects about seven out of 10 people who receive it. There is a decrease in effectiveness in each following year. About three or four out of 10 people are fully protected four years after getting Tdap.” For this reason, states the Cook County Department of Health, a Tdap booster is recommended for preteens at age 11 or 12. The department states that being up to date with Tdap is especially important for teens who will be around babies. Recommendations from the CDC also include Tdap for children 7-10 years old who are not fully vaccinated with DTaP, adults 65 years and older who are in close contact with young infants, and health-care workers. It is recommended that pregnant women should receive a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OPALGA

The past and present from page 1 local museum would then take on a project involving gay history.” Trezevant, a longtime member of the Historical Society which sponsors the museum, helped the museum coordinate the exhibit. As expansive as it is poignant, the exhibit is available for viewing until Feb. 29. “I did not anticipate it being as beautiful as it is,” said Rebekah Levin, the first cochair of OPALGA+, of the exhibit. “It was delightful to see.” At the time of its founding, the organization was simply called Oak Park Lesbian and Gay Association. “We wanted to be inclusive. We wanted the word lesbian to precede gay, which is why the name was chosen,” said OPALGA+ cofounder Nathan Linsk. “We wanted it to be what we called a ‘cosexual organization.’ There were always straight people on the board, who were our allies,” he said. Beyond that, the OPALGA+ board has always had a male and female co-chair. “Being a co-chair was not the big deal for me,” said Levin. “The big deal was having an organization that was identified as a lesbian and gay organization, which is all it was back

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM then, and being out. And doing it with the mindset that this was not to be a secret organization or one that flew under the radar.” Inclusivity and openness are still top priorities. The name has changed and grown slightly over the years to recognize and represent people of all orientations and also neighboring communities. Linsk is the only living co-founder left. His late partner Mel Wilson, who died in 2017, was also a co-founder. The third co-founder was Bryan Findlay, who died at 34, just three years after the founding of OPALGA+. Together, the three men founded OPALGA+ in March 1989, but sowed the seeds of the organization months before. “Somehow, we became aware that the village was going to make revisions in its human rights ordinance, and this was in 1988,” Linsk said. “They needed to add people with disabilities to the code, and so that provided an opportunity for us to go and say, ‘Well you should also add sexual orientation as a protected group.’” At that point, the village board didn’t have staggered terms and an election for an entirely new board and clerk was right around the corner. To generate support for the inclusion of sexual orientation in the human rights ordinance, Linsk, Findlay and Wilson met with every candidate. “It was Bryan’s idea to do the candidates,” Trezevant said. “They tried to convey there were lots of gay people out there and we are really organized. Well that was not the case,” Trezevant

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OUT AND PROUD: After 30 years, OPLAGA is still going strong. said with a laugh. He added, “There were lots of gay people and we were in all kinds of organizations in the western suburbs and in the city, but nothing in Oak Park.” Findlay, a Republican, created a questionnaire about lesbian and gay issues for board candidates. “We sent out the original questionnaire under the letterhead of the Chicago-Area

Republican Gay Association and that stirred up a lot of interest in the political parties,” Linsk remembered. Findlay would not have been a “Trump Republican,” Linsk was quick to note. “He was just very conservative about his views in economics,” Linsk said. To cover their bases, they met with the dominant political group, the Village Manager Association, and its opposition, Common Sense,

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

GAY OLD TIME: Museum exhibits feature OPLAGA+ founding members and showcase the group’s services to the community. on the pretense that, regardless of who won elected seats, sexual orientation would be added to the human rights ordinance. Both sides committed to adding it. “By that time, people opposed to gays and lesbians had organized, particularly from Calvary Memorial Church and other more fundamental churches in Oak Park,” Linsk said. Sexual orientation was added, months after OPALGA+ had its first official meeting at the Maze Library. “The ordinance change happened on June 5,” Trezevant remembers. “It was a big important meeting. And it’s all on tape.” Footage from the meeting can be viewed at the museum. “It’s chilling if you’ve never seen it because you hear the opposition and they came out in force,” Trezevant said. “But, so did we.” Founding members Jim Aull and Jeffrey Smith met at the hearing and were married for 30 years, until Aull’s death this past August. The couple hosted the organization’s first potluck. Potlucks still take place today. The group didn’t bask in its victory. The founding members immediately started working with other institutions, including the schools and police department, to include policies barring discrimination based on sexual orientation and to educate them on the unique issues faced by the lesbian and gay community. Not long after, Oak Park became one of the first communities to implement a domestic partnership ordinance and a registry of homosexual couples. The great strides didn’t come easily. A group called “Concerned Citizens” tried to repeal the legislation, albeit unsuccessfully. “When you’re constantly under attack, it’s stressful and you need to have a commu-

nity to work with together,” Linsk said. Levin felt similarly. “There was still at that time so much discomfort with anything to do with queer life. There was so much fear,” Levin said. She remembers the uncomfortable stares as she walked down the street, holding hands with her partner. “People would turn around a lot and look. We would hold tighter, just to reinforce each other,” Levin said. Levin remembers the fear and liberation she felt during the early days of OPALGA+. “It was very exciting, and it was a wonder-

ful time in many ways, but we also had people whose lives were on the line, who could lose their jobs, who could lose their housing, they could lose their families,” she said. The exhibit is bittersweet for many of those who were with OPALGA+ from the start. “It brings back tons of happy memories because of all the wonderful friendships that we made through the group, but it’s also very sad because those of us who were around 30 years ago, were living through the AIDS epidemic and we lost scores of friends,” Trezevant said. According to Linsk, the exhibit was so powerful that it moved some OPALGA+ members to tears. “I know that some people came and left in tears because there are pictures of people who are no longer here,” he said. “These people were my family. The ones who have passed on, it’s hard to go back and look at all that.” He wishes that those who died could have seen the exhibit, particularly Wilson, whom he loved deeply. “He would have loved it,” Linsk said. Levin and Trezevant also believe the friends OPALGA+ have lost would have been thrilled to have seen and been a part of the exhibit. The exhibit itself is a visual symbol of the progress OPALGA+ and Oak Park has made in relation to understanding different sexual orientations. “In 1989, personally and professionally, in many instances, it would be hard to imagine that change could happen,” said Trezevant. The world has changed considerably since then. “When we were creating OPALGA+ and when we were working in it, we were the vanguard. We were the ones who were pushing the envelope and taking the risks and creating new language and new understandings,” Levin said. “There is a whole generation that has come after that has really taken this to a new level; they are taking the lead and that’s a good thing.” OPALGA+ is still going strong, even after 30 years. “It’s amazing that the organization is still so vibrant and still focuses on important agendas,” Trezevant said. There is still much to be learned from, and greater appreciation to be had for, the organization’s past and the museum’s fine work in preserving it. “The kind of visibility we’ve had, the kind of credibility we’ve had – it’s a unique story,” Linsk said. “But that story disappears if it’s not told. The exhibit is a way of telling the story, so at least if someone is interested, it exists.

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Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

C R I M E

Catalytic converter theft spree in Oak Park

A string of vehicles had their catalytic converters have had their cut off in the past week. Starting Dec. 11, the catalytic converter was cut out of a River Forest resident’s vehicle parked in the 100 block of North East Avenue between 7:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. Dec. 11. The total loss was $2,200. Police then reported that two men in their 20s attempted to cut out the catalytic converter from a Chicago resident’s vehicle, which was parked in the 500 block of Adams Street, at 11:22 a.m. Dec. 12. Another vehicle had its catalytic converter stolen that same day in the 400 block of Adams Street between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. A fourth vehicle had its catalytic converter stolen, an estimated loss of $2,500, also on Dec. 12, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., in the 300 block of Superior Street.

Robbery A person wearing dark clothing a surgical mask approached a man exiting a CTA Green Line train station and forcibly removed the man’s Apple iPhone XS and Apple headphones from his coat pocket 6:52 p.m. Dec. 15. The report did not specify the Green Line station at which the incident occurred.

Motor vehicle theft

■ A vehicle was stolen between 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 in the 1200 block of North Harvey Avenue. ■ A person entered a victim’s unattended and running vehicle, which was parked in the 100 block of North Oak Park Avenue sometime between 6:49 p.m. and 6:54 p.m. on Dec. 15 and then drove away eastbound on Lake Street. ■ A man wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt with the hood up and dark pants drove off in an unlocked and unattended running vehicle 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 in the 300 block of South Harvey Avenue.

Theft

Tough decision from page 1 voted 5-2 to take the full amount in approving the district’s final levy for 2019. School board members Jung Kim and Cheree Moore voted no. Kim said she’d rather the district only take $3 million in revenue from the expiring TIF districts. The decision was perhaps the most significant test to date for a young school board that includes six members who are in their first terms and will likely be seen as a reference point in the community-wide debate about how local taxing bodies should levy taxes and budget in a fiscal environment where homeowners are growing increasingly hostile to rising property taxes. In a statement the school board released on Dec. 15, board members explained that their decision to approve the final levy “was based on the extensive research and long-term planning done with the assistance of the district’s administration, financial consultant and our Finance Oversight and Review Committee.” The district’s total levy for 2019 is about $79.8 million, with approximately $4.1 million coming from additional tax revenue generated from the expiring Downtown TIF, $1.2 million coming from the expiring Madison Street TIF and another $376,000 coming

from a vehicle parked in the 800 block of Wisconsin Avenue between 8 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 12:15 p.m. on Dec. 11 after breaking the rear driver’s side window. Total loss is $200. ■ A navy Swiss backpack containing miscellaneous chargers, credit and debit cards, a Ventra card, black and gold Apple watch bands and other sundry items was stolen from an unlocked vehicle parked in the 900 block of North Kenilworth Avenue during the early morning hours of Dec. 8. ■ Someone broke the side window of a vehicle parked in the 6700 block of North Avenue and stole 11 dry-cleaned garments out of it sometime between 6 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 5 a.m. on Dec 13. The estimated loss is $750.

broke into the Turano head-

■ Someone pried open the driver’s side window of a vehicle parked the 1100 block of Harrison Street between midnight and 7 a.m. on Dec. 11, unlocked the doors and stole a 50-inch Sony television. Estimated loss was $2,700. ■ Someone stole a member’s Mark toolbox

■ These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports Dec. 9-16 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest. Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

from new taxable property in the district, officials said. The resulting tax levy represents a 9.7 percent increase over last year’s tax levy. School district officials pointed out, however, that District 97 residents won’t see their total property tax bills going up by that amount. “Taxpayers outside of the TIF and new property will only see an average increase of 1.9 percent on their taxes due to District 97,” the district explained in an FAQ. That 1.9 percent figure represents the rate of the Consumer Price Index, which state law uses to cap property tax increases for non-home rule units of government, like school districts. Non-home rule government agencies can extend their tax levies annually by 5 percent or the CPI, whichever is less. They can also seek to capture the full value of the property where there’s been new construction or the values of properties that previously were sequestered in a TIF district. The 1.9 percent figure translates to about $90 for D97’s share of the tax bill for a home valued at $400,000. District officials explained in the FAQ that over the last five years, D97 has relied on an average of about $3 million in TIF surplus dollars to help fund its operations. With the two TIF districts gone, that revenue source will disappear, they stated. “The capturing of the tax dollars from the TIF will replace those lost revenues,” the FAQ states.

The board explained that capturing the $5.3 million in TIF revenue would allow the district to fund major capital expenses without issuing debt and incurring interest costs. “Without capturing the tax dollars from the expiring TIF districts, a large portion of these expenses would have to be paid with additional bond issuances [that] could cost the community approximately $15.8 million in interest expenses over the life of borrowing.” The board stated that capturing that new revenue would also allow the district to maintain an overall fund balance between 25 percent and 50 percent of operating cash flows, which “translates to about three to six months of expenditures.” The board added that the additional revenue would cushion the district against adverse impacts from state legislation that could be in the works, such as a property tax freeze or legislation that would make local districts responsible for a greater share of teacher pensions. During public comments on Dec. 10, however, most of the people who spoke against the board taking all of the TIF money weren’t sold by the district’s explanations, arguing that the projected cost savings aren’t worth permanently increasing the tax base by $5.3 million. They added that the district could also raise the money by referendum -- something they felt the district was wrongly trying to avoid. “It’s not right to want to avoid referen-

dum,” said Peter Prokopowicz. “You can capture new tax revenues anytime voters pass a referendum,” said Kitty Conklin, who created an online petition for residents to sign requesting tax relief from Oak Park taxing bodies. She said roughly 1,400 people had signed onto it. Ken Kirsch, a 21-year resident of Oak Park, said that the district should focus more on cutting costs rather than increasing revenues. “My corporate experience was combine, combine, combine and save expenses, because you can’t always increase your revenues,” he said. Some board members pushed back against some of the statements offered in public comment. “We’ve been trying to find efficiencies, and have found efficiencies, for a number of years,” said board member Rob Breymaier. Moore said that school board members would feel the same impact as everyone else, and that it was a decision that was in the best interest of the school district. “A lot of people talk about we’re not experienced or we don’t feel the impact,” Moore said. “We live in Oak Park. We feel the impact. We’re all in this together. We’re not from some mountaintop making these decisions.” To access the district’s FAQ, visit bit. ly/2PTs2NI. To see video of the Dec. 10 levy presentation on the levy by the D97’s financial consultant, Robert Grossi, visit youtu. be/3dXo4f6oWlA.

■A

package containing a 55-inch Samsung smart LED television was taken from an apartment lobby in the 400 block of Home Avenue at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The estimated loss of $477. ■ A person stole a delivery of a black and gold Cynebaby infant stroller between 9 p.m. Dec. 6 and 2:42 p.m. Dec. 10 from the 100 block of South Boulevard.

Burglary

■ Someone

D97 LEVY

quarters construction site in the 6500 block of Roosevelt Road, stole a Husky floor fan and attempted to steal two large spools of copper wire sometime between 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 5:35 a.m. on Dec. 9. Estimated loss is $600. ■ A person entered an Oak Park resident’s garage and ransacked the glove box of a vehicle during the overnight hours of Dec. 7-8 in the 1100 block of Wenonah Avenue. ■ Someone cut a small section of the rear window’s exterior screen to gain entry to a residence in the 400 block of North Austin Boulevard sometime between 2 and 5:50 p.m. on Dec. 13 and stole a black nylon bag, miscellaneous jewelry, cash and a passport. ■ Someone stole the cash register from LV Nails and Spa, 501 Madison St., after breaking the lock to the back door during the overnight hours of Dec. 12-13. The estimated loss was $350.

Vehicular burglary

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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Back by popular demand: peppermint stick in a pickle

the tip of a cigar, and firmly gripping the Editor’s note: Last week’s distilled version pickle, plunge the peppermint stick in deadof David Hammond’s blog generated quite a center. range of comments on Facebook. So now that Nick Kindelsperger has done some seriwe’ve whet your appetite, here’s his blog in full: iven the liberty to do so, young peo- ous research on this bizarre snack for the Chicago Tribune. In his landmark ple will make some wild study of this phenomenon, he stuff with random inwrote: gredients. When I was “It’s important to note that most in single digits, right of the people who grew up with around this time of year, I dethe dish consider it routine. About cided to experiment with the the most descriptive statement I chocolate and orange flavors could get was that they liked it, I’d tasted in Christmas canbut none put up a passionate dedies. I mixed a big spoonful of fense for or against it. Stabbing Nestle’s Quik into a glass of a pickle with a peppermint stick orange juice. was just something many of them It was not good. But you work with what you’ve learned to do as kids. Personally, got, and so some local youngs, I found it a hilarious, absurd cremostly on Chicago’s South Side, ation — a sucker punch of crunch, Local Dining have for some time been combinsalt and sugar, with nothing sane ing two easy-access food items, to balance it out. You can under& Food Blogger things you can buy at many gas stand why kids like it.” stations and convenience stores: Apparently, this special treat peppermint sticks and dill pickles. is also found in Texas and the Mississippi The peppermint stick needs to be straight, Delta, and it seems to have been borne along with no curl at the end, and it’s good to get by African Americans all the way to Chicaa sturdy one; the pickle is usually the kind go. There’s evidence this DIY snack started you see sold in single plastic bags; Van Hol- gaining favor around the 1940s. ten’s “pickle-in-a-pouch” is standard. As this creation is served in no restauPreparation is simple: you gingerly bite rants, I had to make my own at home. I’d puroff the end of the pickle, just as you might chased a sturdy peppermint stick and a Van

DAVID

HAMMOND

Photo by David Hammond

Holten’s dill pickle, bit off the end of the latter and shoved in the peppermint stick. I took a bite. I will say this: neither peppermint stick nor dill pickle won the battle waged within my mouth. Each is such an aggressive flavor that neither succeeded in being the dominant taste. It was a draw … or perhaps more like mutually assured destruction. Carolyn (always a sport) took a bite and

declared it “Truly awful.” Another bite (because … I’m a pro) and I could go no further. I gave it a chance and now need never eat it again. Still, if you’re looking for a fun, novel way to celebrate National Candy Cane Day (Dec. 26) or, belatedly, National Pickle Day (Nov. 14), you could not pick a more celebratory (or at least bizarre) food than the Peppermint-Stick-in-a-Dill-Pickle.

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Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Happy Holidays! Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

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

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

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Homes

NEED TO REACH US?

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

Quintessential Oak Park home is on DeMoney Unsung local architect’s design is a local landmark

By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

is name might not be on the tip of anyone’s tongue today, but at the turn of the last century, architect Frank. O. DeMoney was a pillar of the Oak Park community. Good friends with realtor Seward Gunderson, whose Gunderson subdivisions would populate much of South Oak Park, DeMoney

is credited with designing more than 220 homes in the village. One of those homes, now a historic landmark, showcases the DeMoney style while also telling the quintessential story of an Oak Park house. Built in 1913 for John J. Miller, the house at 337 S. Elmwood Ave. graces the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Washington Boulevard. The sturdy brick structure originally boasted a deep wrap-around porch and a sharp green

tiled roof, but decades of owners and changing tastes had left the house the worse for wear when Patrick Scanlan and his family bought the house in 2014. “This was a full gut,” Scanlan said of the home’s interior in 2004. “It was hideous.” Over the course of four years, he hired contractors to help transform much of the interior of the house, from the kitchen and bath See DEMONEY on page 18

CLASSIC: The home at 337 S. Elmwood Ave. in Oak Park was designed with Frank O. DeMoney, whose output was prolific during the first decades of the 20th century, partnering sometimes with his good friend, real estate developer Seward Gunderson. Photos courtesy of VHT

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Quintessential Oak Park home is on DeMoney 189 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-1400

HomesInTheVillage.com

Featured Listings for This Week

Oak Park $599,000 5BR, 3.2BA Marion x111

Oak Park $517,000 Multi unit Laurie x186

Oak Park $475,000 5BR, 3BA Joe x117

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

Oak Park $359,000 3BR, 2.1BA Harry X116

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

Oak Park $284,000 3BR, 1.1BA Kris x101

Oak Park $275,000 3BR, 2.1BA Elissa x192

Berwyn $219,900 4BR, 1BA Kris x101

Oak Park $217,000 2BR, 2BA Elissa x192

Forest Park $204,800 3BR, 1BA Kyra x145

Unsung local architect’s design is a local landmark

Joe Castillo, By LACEY SIKORA Erika Villegas,

Oak Park $175,000 2BR, 1BA Jane x118

is credited with designing more than 220

tiled roof, but decades of owners and chang-

One of those homes, now a historic landis name might not be on the tip of any- mark, showcases the DeMoney style while also telling the quintessential story of an Oak one’s tongue today, but at the turn of the last century, architect Frank. O. Park house. Built in 1913 for John J. Miller, the house DeMoney was a pillar of the Oak Park at 337 S. Elmwood Ave. graces the corner of community. Elmwood Avenue and Washington Boulevard. Good Joe friends with realtor Seward GunderSharon O’Mara Elissa Palermo Mary Murphy Jane McClelland Langley son, whose Gunderson subdivisions would The sturdy brick structure originally boasted populate much of South Oak Park, DeMoney a deep wrap-around porch and a sharp green

wear when Patrick Scanlan and his family bought the house in 2014. “This was a full gut,” Scanlan said of the home’s interior in 2004. “It was hideous.” Over the course of four years, he hired contractors to help transform much of the interior of the house, from the kitchenKris andSagan bathKyra Pych Linda Rooney

Managing Broker/Owner Co-Owner Contributing Reporter

Mike Becker Byrne homes in theRoz village.

Tom Byrne

Laurieing Christofano Marion Digre Karileft Chronopoulos tastes had the house the worse for

See DEMONEY on page 21

Properties of The Week

18 Ashland Ave River Forest $498,900 Multi unit Mike x120

426 S Lombard Oak Park $109,900 1BR, 1BA Mike x120

CLASSIC: The home at 337 S. Goodwin Elmwood Ave. inEdOak Park was designed with Frank O. DeMoney, whose output was prolific during the first decades of the 20th century, partnering sometimes with his good friend, real estate Patti Sprafka-Wagner Walsh developer SewardHarry Gunderson. Morgan Digre

Photos courtesy of VHT

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Season’s Greetings HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS This year, come Home for the Holidays at the Scottish Home and experience the true meaning of home and family. Our Holiday respite program includes: • a fully furnished and seasonally decorated sheltered care apartment* • delicious meals • the opportunity to participate in holiday programs such as carol singing and a trip to the Zoo Lights

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Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

DEMONEY

Sensitive remodel from page 19 rooms to the sun porch and basement. The exterior needed some love as well. The brick pillars marking off the corners of the lot were deteriorating and had to be rebuilt. The green tile roof needed repair and was painstakingly restored to be both functional and retain its original appearance. The garage’s new roof was created in a similar Spanish tile design. Like many Oak Park homes, the original features of 337 S. Elmwood Ave. were less than valued during the 1950s and 1960s. The original oak woodwork gained a few layers of paint, and the walls saw as much as 10 layers of wallpaper. Even the fireplace was redone in a 1950s style, and the white oak beadboard ceiling on the porch had been covered up. Part of Scanlan’s restoration included honoring what was original and knowing where to add new items. The beadboard ceiling of the porch was uncovered and restored, and the enclosed portion of the porch became an entertaining room with a long bar topped with soapstone. The new kitchen, designed by Oak Park contractors Von Dreele Freerksen, includes a marble-topped island, oak cabinets, farm sink and an eat-in banquet. a closet. The side-entrance The large landing has a shared bathroom to the house was originally used by the ice for the kids, and a large laundry room. An man to make deliveries directly into the updated bathroom outside the master bedkitchen. No longer needing access for ice room looks original but is delivery, Scanlan turned the brand new. A heated tile floor, side entry into a practical mudseparate shower, restored emroom. pire bathtub and surround Under the front staircase, a sound system make the room door reveals a hidden nook comfeel luxurious. plete with electricity for any An attic offers finished child looking to recreate a Harry space for a rec room or teen Potter moment under the stairs. retreat, and the finished baseA completely updated powder PATRICK SCANLAN ment sports 11-foot-high ceilroom includes onyx flooring Homeowner ings. A full bathroom with and a stained-glass window. a walk-in shower was added Scanlan says he chose the to the space as well. Scanlan onyx himself and points out points out that with two meththat many of the design touchods of egress, the basement es throughout the house are could be converted to a rental his, saying, “I work in finance, but come from an artistic family. We have an apartment. The fun doesn’t stop inside the house. eye for design.” The staircase itself sports its original Scanlan says that every shrub and plant in woodwork, with a shield cutout design, the backyard was a part of the new landwhich is echoed in the restored stained-glass scape design, and Kevin Hibbits, who dewindows on the stair landing. Upstairs, each signed the pergola at Oak Park restaurant of the four bedrooms has two windows and Maya del Sol, designed the pergola in the

“This was a full gut. It was hideous.”

Photos courtesy of VHT

VINTAGE UPDATE: Despite having to gut remodel the home’s interior, the Scanlan family honored original materials and design (top and middle) while bringing the residence up to date in terms of contemporary living, including a custom kitchen (above) that takes advantage of space once an open-air front porch overlooking Washington Boulevard. backyard. For the right person, the garage might just be the selling point. The garage is lined with beadboard paneling and wired for music and television watching. “I’m a South Sider, and we used to always watch TV in the garage,” Scanlan said. “There was never enough space in the house.”

Now, he’s hosted movie-watching parties for his kids outside and also uses the garage as a workshop. Scanlan’s restoration of the home has readied the Prairie-style landmark to survive the next century, but he’s ready to move on to something new. He has listed the home for sale with Michael Giliano of Compass Realty for $1.2 million.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

1515 KEYSTONE AVENUE, RIVER FOREST

1515KEYSTONE.INFO

1002 CLINTON AVENUE, OAK PARK

1002SOUTHCLINTONAVENUE.INFO

This double-lot country home (1515 & 1509 Keystone), nestled on a quiet

Stunning gut rehab of a classic Oak Park American foursquare by critically

cul-de-sac, is unlike anything you’ve seen in River Forest.

acclaimed Maher Development.

VICKIE FREUND

•

708.848.0200

•

$1,225,000

vfreund@atproperties.com

DANNY GLICK

•

$799,999

773.472.0200

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1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD

616 N OAK PARK AVENUE, OAK PARK

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711 FOREST AVENUE, RIVER FOREST

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One of a kind! This beautiful restored mid-century ranch is just what you

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LISA PASQUESI

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$650,000 •

lisapasquesi@atproperties.com

Stop looking, start finding® atproperties.com

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Sunday, December 22, 2019 ADDRESS

REALTY CO.

LISTING PRICE

TIME

1030 Forest Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,150,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

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KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

NEW LISTING

427 N OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK

735 AUGUSTA ST, OAK PARK

234 S KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK

932 N OAK PARK AVE, OAK PARK

1224 N KENILWORTH AVE, OAK PARK

4 br, 4 ba $739,000

4 br, 2.1 ba $729,000

5 br, 2.1 ba $650,000

4 br, 3.1 ba $549,000

4 br, 3.1 ba $515,000

Alice McMahon 708.848.5550

Kelly Fondow 708.848.5550

Cory Kohut 708.848.5550

Cara Carriveau (Busch) 708.848.5550

130 S HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK

731 HAYES AVE, OAK PARK

329 S HARVEY AVE, OAK PARK

131 S HUMPHREY AVE, OAK PARK

300 N MAPLE AVE 16, OAK PARK

5 br, 1.1 ba $499,000

5 br, 2 ba $474,500

3 br, 2 ba $449,900

4 br, 1 ba $424,500

3 br, 2.1 ba $399,900

Alice McMahon 708.848.5550

Janet Rouse 708.848.5550

Mari Hans 708.848.5550

Janet Rouse 708.848.5550

April Baker 708.848.5550

A new day in Chicago real estate

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212 MARENGO AVE 1S, FOREST PARK

1108 S SCOVILLE AVE, OAK PARK

1024 PLEASANT ST 6, OAK PARK

1170 S HUMPHREY AVE, OAK PARK

839 N LOMBARD AVE, OAK PARK

2 br, 2 ba $399,000

4 br, 2.1 ba $399,000

3 br, 2 ba $392,000

4 br, 2 ba $385,000

3 br, 1.1 ba $315,000

Alice McMahon 708.848.5550

Susan Abbott 708.848.5550

Victoria Witt 708.848.5550

Robert Hann 708.848.5550

Cory Kohut 708.848.5550

32 MARENGO AVE A, FOREST PARK

937 DUNLOP AVE, FOREST PARK

200 HOME AVE 2C, OAK PARK

911 MARENGO AVE, FOREST PARK

820 WASHINGTON BLVD 3, OAK PARK

2 br, 2.1 ba $287,500

3 br, 2 ba $264,000

2 br, 1.1 ba $199,000

2 br, 2 ba $198,000

1 br, 1 ba $132,498

Michael Dmyterko 708.848.5550

Dorothy Gillian 708.848.5550

Jeffrey O'Connor 708.848.5550

Tabitha Murphy 708.848.5550

April Baker 708.848.5550

BHHSChicago.com

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Christmas

A GUIDE TO AREA CHURCH SERVICES

Please Join Us for Holiday Services at Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation 7pm

December 21st :: Winter Solstice Celebration Christmas Eve Services :: December 24, 2019

3pm

Christmas Pageant & Worship for All Ages

7pm

Family Candlelight Service with Unity Temple Choir

10:30pm 11pm

Musical Meditation Candlelight Service with Carols and Readings

Fair Oaks Ave. & Thomas St. • Oak Park • 708-386-4920 • fairoakspres.org Revs. Ben and Hailey Braden Lynch, co-pastors

Christmas Eve Worship Services Tuesday, December 24 4:30pm Family Service Our family-oriented, candlelight service includes scripture readings, a Christmas message and carols. Music will be oﬀered by our Christmas pageant participants, youth bell choir and other special musicians. 11:00pm Candlelight Service This traditional Christmas Eve service, known as the Festival of Lessons and Carols, recounts the joyous Christmas story through scripture readings, candle lighting, and music oﬀered by the Chancel Choir, Encore Bells, a string quartet and congregational hymn singing.

Christmas Eve Giving... Christmas Eve loose plate oﬀerings will go to local Oak Park missions, New Moms and Beyond Hunger. 875 lake Street, Oak Park IL 60301 708 848 6225

4:30pm worshipers are invited to bring a pair of white socks or underwear to donate to housing FORWARD’s PADS ministry.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

JazzST. Prayer GILES

Christmas Eve Services

Friday, Dec. 20, 7:30p CHRISTMAS SEASON

LITURGICAL Live Jazz with readingsSERVICES and prayers. Join us at 7:10p CHRISTMAS EVE • Saturday, Dec. 24 for refreshments. 8:00AM - Morning Prayer 3:00PM - Faith & Family Christmas Mass 5:00PM - Faith & Family Christmas Mass 7:30PM - Family Mass Community Mass in Gym Family(Carols Service, at 7:00PM) 5:00p 10:30PM (Carols 10:00PM) Child-friendly.at Pre-service

Christmas Eve

St. Catherine of Siena— —St. Lucy Parish 2019

music by the youth at 4:45p CHRISTMAS DAY • Sunday, Dec. 25

Holiday Schedule

8:30AM, 10:30AM (No 5:00PM Mass)

Traditional Candlelight SOLEMNITY of MARY, The Mother of God NEW YEAR’S EVE Saturday, Dec. 31 Service, •9:30p

Vigil of Christmas: (Christmas Eve) Tuesday, December 24th | 8:30 AM 5:00 PM - Family Christmas Mass— (Prelude at 4:30 PM)

8:00AM, 4:30PM Pre-service music begins 9:00p

4:30 Family Friendly 7:00 Candlelight

NEW YEAR’S DAY • Sunday, Jan. 1 7:45, 9:30, 11:15AM (No 5:00PM Mass)

Please note: Services are held The of the LORD at EPIPHANY our temporary location.

Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25th, 2019 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM

4:30PM - Saturday, Jan. 7 820 Ontario, Oak Park

7:45, 9:30, 11:15AM, 5:00PM - Sunday, Jan. 8

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Weekly Confessions: Saturdays 8:30-9:00AM

all are welcome

Tuesday, December 31st | 8:30 AM 7:00 PM –(New Year’s Eve)

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Rev. Carl Morello, Pastor Rev. Edward Salmon, Resident

Wednesday, January 1, 2020 10:00 AM

St. Giles Church, 1045 N. Columbian Avenue, Oak Park, IL

On the corner of Columbian and Greenfield 708-848-4741 | goodshepherdlc.org

(Two blocks south of North Avenue - Three blocks east of Oak Park Avenue)

Return to 611 Randolph,Ph: Oak708-383-3430 Park in 2020 • Web: stgilesparish.org

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

Christmas Church Guide Wednesday Journal Forest Park Review Dec. 11 & 18, 2019 1/8 p, vertical

John 1:5 Longest Night Worship

Saturday, December 21, 7 pm. Scripture, prayer, meditation, and song for anyone seeking a quiet worship service with time for reflection.

Christmas Eve, December 24 Children’s service, 4:15 and 6 pm Lessons and carols led by the children of Grace

First United Church of Oak Park Join us in worship to welcome the savior. At Christmas and all year.

7970 Lake Street, River Forest 708-771-3668

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18

Blue Christmas

7 p.m. This vesper service held in the Chapel honors the longest night where we seek healing and grace, and are reminded that we are not alone.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

Christmas Eve candlelight services 5 p.m. Family-friendly worship with children’s Christmas pageant 8:30 p.m. Blended traditional and jazz worship

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29

“Sticky Church”

11 a.m. Worship in Centennial Hall will include breakfast and family fun time.

Holy Communion, 8 pm Candlelight Holy Communion, 10:45 pm Music begins at 10:30 pm

Christmas Day, December 25 Holy Communion, 10 am

7300 Division St.▪︎ River Forest ▪︎ 708-366-6900 ▪︎ GraceRiverForest.org

First United Church of Oak Park 848 Lake Street, Oak Park firstunitedoakpark.com facebook.com/firstunitedoakpark 708-386-5215

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

First United Methodist Church wishes you and yours a wonderful Advent and Christmas season. May you experience the presence of the holy. May you experience the joy of giving. May you be touched with wonder and love. You are welcome at any of our services. Sundays at 10:00 am. Nursery and Sunday school provided.

St. Edmund Parish

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

Sunday, December 22 The Fourth Sunday of Advent Please note that there is no Sunday 5pm liturgy this weekend.

Wednesday, December 25 The Solemnity of Christmas 4:30pm Tuesday Vigil: Family Mass Choral music and carols begin at 4pm. 10:30pm Tuesday Vigil Lessons and carols begin at 9:50pm. 9:00am 11:00am Choral music and carols begin at 10:50am. Please note that there is no evening liturgy on Christmas Day.

O Holy Night

Sunday, December 29 The Feast of the Holy Family Please note that there is no Sunday 5pm liturgy this weekend.

Christmas Eve services: • 4:00 pm Family-friendly • 7:00 pm Traditional

Wednesday, January 1, 2020 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God A holy day of obligation – the only mass of the day begins at 10:00am.

Candlelighting with Nursery provided.

First United Methodist Church 324 N Oak Park Ave. Oak Park

(street parking available)

Facebook.com/FUMCOakPark • FirstUMCOakPark.org

Sunday, January 5 Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord The full weekend mass schedule applies. Parish Christmas Concert

Sunday, January 12 8pm: Saturday, December 14 Feast of theFerris Baptism of the Lord The William Chorale performs. to hear beautiful choral music of the season. TheCome Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is the final Stay for festive libations and delicious desserts. celebrationInvite of your thefamily Christmas & friends. Season. The full This is a gift to the St. Edmund Parish community! weekend mass schedule applies

St. Edmund Parish Christmas 2019

The Catholic Parishes of River Forest and Forest Park Invite you to join us in celebrating the Birth of Our Savior Jesus St. Bernardine Church

7246 W. Harrison Street, Forest Park (708) 366-0839 - stbern.com

Christmas Eve – December 24 Family Mass at 5:00 p.m. Caroling at 10:00 p.m. High Mass at 10:30 p.m. Christmas Day Masses at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. New Year’s Day Feast of Mary, Mother of God Wednesday, January 1 Mass at 9:00 a.m.

St. Luke Church

7600 Lake Street, River Forest (708) 771-8250 - stlukeparish.org

Christmas Eve – December 24 Caroling at 3:30 p.m. Family Mass at 4:00 p.m. Mass at 6:00 p.m. Caroling at 8:30 p.m. Mass at 9:00 p.m. Christmas Day Masses at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. New Year’s Day Feast of Mary, Mother of God Wednesday, January 1 Mass at 11:00 a.m.

St. Vincent Ferrer Church 1530 Jackson Avenue, River Forest (708) 366 -7090 - svfparish.org

Christmas Eve – December 24 Mass at 4:00 p.m. Mass with Adult Choir at 10:30 p.m. Christmas Day Masses at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 a.m. New Year’s Day Feast of Mary, Mother of God Vigil Mass on December 31 at 5:00 p.m. January 1st Mass at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon

n w o s i a t h e s s u i s h ! t f o y o j Come and share the real

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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Join us during Advent and Christmas! Reconciliation Service with Sacramental Confession in Church: Monday, December 16 – 6:30 p.m.

Come home for the holidays and connect. Sunday Service is at 11:00 am.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Tuesday, December 24th at 7:00pm

Weekly Confessions:

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

305 Circle Avenue, Forest Park (708) 366-3226 www.stjohnforestpark.org

Christmas Eve Services

Saturdays 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Saturday, December 21 only, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

MASS SCHEDULE

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT: Saturday, December 21 – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, December 22 7:45, 9:30, 11:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Family Candlelight - 5:00pm Lessons & Carols - 10:00pm

Please like us on Facebook

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

Keep Christmas with us.

CHRISTMAS EVE:

Tuesday, December 24

3:00 p.m. Children’s Christmas Mass in Church 3:15 p.m. Parish Christmas Mass in Gym 5:00 p.m. Youth/Teen Mass (with Teen Choir) in Church 7:30 p.m. Family Mass Community Mass in Gym (Carols at 7:00 p.m.) 10:30 p.m. Christmas Vigil Mass in Church (Carols at 10:00 p.m.)

Christmas Day Service - 9:30am New Year’s Eve Service - 7:00pm Pastor Leonard R. Payton & Pastor Roney Riley Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary

First Congregational Church of Maywood

CHRISTMAS DAY:

Wednesday, December 25

9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

St. Giles Catholic Church

Columbian Avenue and Greenfield Street • Oak Park 708-383-3430 • www.stgilesparish.org

Ascension Catholic Church

808 S. East Avenue, Oak Park | (708) 848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com

Advent Season Schedule Advent Evening Prayer Wednesday, December 11 and 18 at 7 pm, Church Contemplative Prayer Saturday, December 14 and 21 at 8:30 am in Church

United Lutheran Church 409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland), Oak Park, Illinois www.unitedlutheranchurch.org

Christmas Eve Holy Communion at 5:00 p.m. Christmas Day Holy Communion at 10:00 a.m.

Hospitality Sunday with Refreshments, Fellowship, & Open Gym Sunday, December 15 following 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses in Gym New this Year! Carols with the Choirs Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 pm in Church. Suggested donation $15/family. Advent Reconciliation Service Monday, December 16 at 6:30 pm at St. Giles Ascension Knights of Columbus Invites You to Family Christmas Movie & Pizza Saturday, December 21 at 6 pm, Pine Room (601 Van Buren St) Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays 4:00-4:45 pm. Mass Schedule Weekdays 8:15 am | Saturday 5 pm, and Sunday 7:30, 9:00 & 11:00 am

Glad tidings for Christmas and a happy New Year!

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Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

Creating a Legacy of Giving

No other organization puts your money to work in our community like the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation. For 60 years we’ve connected individuals’ and families’ philanthropic aspirations with local organizations and initiatives, enhancing donor investments and changing lives for the better. With the networks we’ve nurtured, we make your giving go further. We have the knowledge and expertise to turn your financial gift into a lasting legacy – starting today and for years to come.

To learn more about the Foundation and explore how we can help establish a charitable fund tailored to your unique interests, giving level and personal timeline, visit oprfcf.org or call 708.848.1560.

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

Community Foundation

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Everything you need for a better world:

The Joyful Giving Catalog

• More Art

• More Food

• More Compassion

• More Health

• More Education

• More Housing

• More Equity

• More Peace

Running now through December 25

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

Beyond Hunger (formerly Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry) $1 = 3 meals, is an equation only you can make possible. With your help, Beyond Hunger has been reducing local hunger for over 40 years. Your gifts support over 13,000 local families struggling with hunger. That support provides groceries for a week plus access to vital programs and services to help people stretch limited food budgets in healthy ways. Even a little goes a long way: every $1 donated can feed a neighbor for an entire day. Join us in making sure everyone in our community can move beyond hunger. To make a donation, visit GoBeyondHunger. org or send checks payable to Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

BUILD Since 1969, BUILD has helped Chicago’s most vulnerable youth escape gangs and violence to become positive leaders in their communities. These young people face enormous obstacles and trauma, and so we surround them with the

counseling, mentoring, training, and opportunities they need to build a future and succeed. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school and college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering and gardening. Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity.

• To raise public awareness of issues affecting seniors. To generate funds to support at-risk and vulnerable elders. To volunteer to support our Celebrating Seniors Week (May 14 – May 21, 2020) or to contribute financially to our community mission, visit us at celebratingseniors.net.

Children’s Research Triangle (CRT)

Join us in BUILDing a better future. Visit and donate at buildchicago.org/

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

Celebrating Seniors Coalition

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

The Collaboration for Early Childhood

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

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

Concordia University Chicago

Check us out and support CRT at: childrensresearchtriangle.org/donate/

Cluster Tutoring

Cluster Tutoring is a nonprofit, community-based organization that provides free one-to-one tutoring to more than 100 students in grades K through 12 from Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Tutor-student pairs work together during the school year on reading, math, and other homework to prepare the student for a successful academic career. When Cluster started nearly 30 years ago, fewer than half of Chicago Public Schools graduated from high school. Now, all of Cluster’s seniors not only graduate but are accepted at colleges and other post-graduation programs. Donations go toward materials that help students learn. To learn more or to donate, visit clustertutoring.org.

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts university based in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1864, the university is located on 40 acres in River Forest, Illinois. Historically a college for teachers, it now offers more than 100 areas of study through traditional, blended or online classes. Students can earn bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees through one of four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education and the College of Graduate Studies. Professors are passionate about teaching, learning and preparing students for success in their chosen vocations. Beyond academics, Concordia offers NCAA Division III athletic teams, intramural sports, touring music groups and numerous student clubs and organization focused on service, recreation, spiritual life and more. Currently, more than 6,100 students are enrolled. To learn more, please visit CUChicago.edu or CUChicago.edu/GiveNow to support our students.

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The Joyful Giving Catalog Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is a non-profit 501(c)(3) literary arts and educational foundation dedicated to thoughtful reading and writing. The foundation offers a wide variety of programming, all open to the public, to nurture and encourage creative expression for students and for people of all ages. Through tours and exhibits at Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace museum, the foundation fosters an understanding of his life and work, his Oak Park origins and his impact on world literature. Your gift supports creative outlets for people of all ages through professional teacher development, local author and performing artist programs, inter-generational engagement, a writer-in-residence program, as well as student writing workshops, mentorships, and scholarships.

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

For more information about us or to donate online go to www.hemingwaybirthplace. com or mail us at: Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, P.O. Box 2222, Oak Park, IL 60303-2222.

Green Community Connections At this time of increasing climate urgency, One Earth Film Festival continues to grow and harness the Power of We, of our families, friends and communities, to make real change for our planet and our future. Save the date for the 9th annual Festival, March 6-15, 2020, in the Oak Park / River Forest area and beyond. Join us for quality films, engaging discussion, activities and community-building that inspire climate action, resilience and environmental justice. Protect our cities and our planet by joining One Earth and becoming part of the Power of We. Memberships start at $25 ($15 for students / seniors). Visit oneearthfilmfest.org/ members today. All donations now through #GivingTuesday will be matched 1:1, doubling the impact of your donation.

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

W. HARRISON ST. | CHICAGO, IL WWW.BUILDCHICAGO.ORG | - -

Since 1969, BUILD has helped Chicago's most vulnerable youth escape gangs and violence to become positive leaders in their communities. These young people face enormous obstacles and trauma, and so we surround them with the counseling, mentoring, training, and opportunities they need to build a future and succeed.

Grateful for this community.

A itude of Gratitude Make a difference to the youth in Austin and the greater West Side this holiday season.

We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative a er-school programming, academic school and college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering and gardening.

Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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Who Rescued Who? Family and Dog Form Lasting Bond

ak Park’s Animal Care League is committed to providing shelter, medical care, and comfort to animals in need; reducing animal overpopulation; acting as a community resource; and promoting the human/animal bond. The Schoonveld family turned to the Animal Care League two years ago when they wanted to adopt a pet, and it’s hard to tell who rescued who in this heartwarming adoption story. Tanya Schoonveld and her family of six were looking to adopt a dog and had their hearts set on a Pit Bull mix because they knew there were so many Pit Bulls in shelters who needed forever homes. After searching on-line, they thought they saw potential in one of the

Animal Care League’s dogs, and Tanya took two of her four children to the Animal Care League to meet the dog who would become theirs. All four of the Schoonveld children are autistic and have special needs, and Schoonveld says there was something about Rizzo that made her know he would be a great fit for her family. She remarks, “He was special. I totally believe in fate. It is such a blessing he came to us. All of my kids have different needs, and Rizzo meets them. He bonded with everyone and knows each kid’s subtle differences.” One of her children is soothed by gentle pressure when stressed, and Rizzo will lie on the child to comfort him. Another child takes a bus to school, and after walking

Historical Society Forest Park The Historical Society Forest Park was founded in 1975 for the purposes of “collecting and preserving the rich heritage of Forest Park.” The historical society offers tours of Haymarket Martyr’s Monument in Forest Home Cemetery every Saturday in the summer, collect oral histories of Forest Park Veterans of Military service, hosts several historical events a year and celebrates Forest Park. For more information about the Society, its events and programs, or to donate visit forestparkhistory.org or mail us: Historical Society of Forest Park, PO Box 311, Forest Park IL 60130

Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest We are the community’s story tellers and our new facility in an 1898 Oak Park Landmark at Lake and Lombard is Oak Park River Forest Museum, selected by Illinois Association of Museums as Small Museum of the Year. We invested $1 million in private funds to create a welcoming space in a former firehouse. Featured exhibits include “Open House: The Legacy of Fair

to the end of the driveway, Rizzo doesn’t leave his spot until the bus is headed off to school. Rizzo sleeps in another child’s bedroom, offering quiet support throughout the night. Schoonveld’s oldest child, who has Downs Syndrome, had several strokes in 2017 and has been homebound. Schoonveld says, “Rizzo has been her best friend since then. Rizzo’s kisses solve all problems.” At the end of the day, the Schoonvelds say they all live a better life because Rizzo is a part of it. Tanya Schoonveld notes, “He is so intuitive and so loyal. He’s very protective of the kids. He really is our emotional therapy dog.”

Housing” and “Proud Oak Parkers: OPALGA at 30.” We are not supported by tax dollars and a gift of any amount funds our 2020 schedule of programs, our research center, and our knowledgeable staff. Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755

Hephzibah Children’s Association

Rizzo at home with the Schoonvelds In 2019, we launched Sojourner House to offer medical respite for medically vulnerable individuals and interim housing for families transitioning from homelessness. Housing Forward impacts the lives of over 2000 adults and families with minor children annually. To learn more about us, to volunteer or to donate, visit housingforward.org, email giving@housingforward.org or call 708.338.1724 ext. 283.

Infant Welfare Society (IWS)

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 Housing Forward’s mission is to end homelessness by transitioning people from housing crisis to housing stability. The agency, now in its 27th year, offers a full range of services designed to reduce the length of time and impact of trauma associated with homelessness and housing instability. Our current programs include the PADS Emergency Shelter, Outreach & Engagement, Supportive Housing, Employment Readiness, and Emergency Assistance and Stabilization in two area walk-In centers (Oak Park and Maywood).

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

Intersection Christian Ministries Intersection Christian Ministries, a ministry of Judson Baptist Church, seeks to demonstrate the love of Christ by addressing the economic injustice and inequity that afflicts West Side of Chicago. As the Chicago neighborhoods plagued with the highest crime rates are the same ones beset by the

worst unemployment and poverty rates in the city, employment and job readiness training present the greatest opportunities to have an immediate and significant positive impact on our community. We offer free classes in Windows/Internet/Email, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and classes in essential job search, resume writing and interviewing skills. To volunteer or donate, call 708-613-5177, email at info@intersectioncm.com or donate at intersectioncm.com/donate/

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

Maywood Youth Mentoring Program Organized in 1993 as a 501c3, the Maywood Youth Mentoring Program has served hundreds of middle to high-school youth providing a variety of programs, workshops, field trips, and experiences designed to increase academic potential and instill cultural pride. Since 2008, the program has hosted free monthly youth breakfasts with topics ranging from anger management/and conflict resolution, etiquette, police/community interactions, sexual health, drug and alcohol

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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avoidance, and academic excellence. Youths practice critical thinking skills to encourage positive life choices. Volunteer mentors interact with youth providing positive role models for college and career choices. To volunteer, or to donate, visit us at www. maywoodyouthmentoring.org, or contact Barbara Cole, founder/CEO at 708-344-3577

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

New Moms

New Moms believes in the strength, skills, and potential of all families and communities to achieve audacious possibilities. Guided by our mission, to share the love of God by surrounding young moms and their children with everything they need to transform their lives, New Moms takes a 2-Generation approach to engagement that puts families in control of their goals and unleashes their potential. Together with families, we construct the foundations of wellbeing by strengthening brain architecture, incorporating early childhood development supports, building pathways to and preparation for education and employment, and expanding positive social networks and access to community resources. Learn more and donate at newmoms.org.

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

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

Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) For more than four decades, the Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) has been an advocate for fair housing. Our mission is to achieve vibrant communities and promote intentional and stable residential integration throughout Oak Park. The OPRHC is the only non-profit in Oak Park and the Greater Westside Region that encourages pro-integrative housing options. Our work is at the heart of why Oak Park is such a wonderful, diverse, and vibrant community, welcoming to everyone. Support our work with a donation at oprhc. org/donate/. To learn more about the OPRHC call 708-848-7150, inforequest@ liveinoakpark.com, 1041 South Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302.

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

Oak Park Public Library

generations of thoughtful and caring donors and residents have empowered the Foundation’s work to safeguard and advance the community in which we live, raise our families and work. From helping donors with legacy gift planning, to managing donor advised funds, to strengthening local non-profits, we connect.

Empower every voice in our community! When you choose to give to your local library, you invest in foundational resources, services, and spaces that support a unique quality of life in Oak Park. You support work dedicated to literacy, education, diversity, inclusion, equity, health, safety, and affordability. You also choose to help connect people and community, to educate global citizens, and to sustain, share, and respect our community’s resources. To learn more about how you can make Oak Park’s center of information, civic engagement, and local history stronger, contact Executive Director David J. Seleb (DavidS@oppl.org, 708-697-6911). Make an online donation now at oppl.org/give.

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is based on a powerful promise: to create an enduring institution where people can come together and pool their resources to meet our community’s most pressing needs — not just now, but forever. For sixty years,

Visit oprfcf.org or call Rhea Yap at 708-8481560 to start a fund, discuss your charitable estate plans, or make a donation today.

Opportunity Knocks Opportunity Knocks is dedicated to enriching life and community. We exist to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as they live, work, learn, grow and connect within their community. We use a dynamic, person-centered and community-based approach to programming that serves to engage the voice of our participants, foster interdependent connections, encourage exploration, promote holistic wellness and healthy relationships. We are 95% privately funded and rely on the generous support of the community. Your gift does matter in moving our mission forward. To volunteer or donate, visit us at www.opportunityknocksnow.org

Empower people with developmental disabilities today at oak-leyden.org/getinvolved/donate.

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

At IWS, we believe that a family’s household income shouldn’t impact their child’s health outcomes. Make a gift today, so that our specialized primary care clinic and outreach programs can serve even more local children in need.

Help Us Give The Gift Of Health www.oprfiws.org/donate

Mail checks to Infant Welfare Society, 320 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60302

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‘It really does take a village’

his fall, a librarian, Ian, from the Oak Park Public Library visited a local block party with the library’s Book Bike. There, Ian met Liz C., who had a request. Liz needed suggestions for books she could read out loud with her high school students, “most of whom are reluctant readers at best.” As she later recounted, “after talking [with Ian] for a few minutes, we parted ways. About ten minutes later, he approached me again with a full sheet of recommendations and resources oﬀered by our amazing Oak Park

The Oak Park Public Library Book Bike at Ascension Oktobertfest 2018

library system. I was so touched and encouraged by his help that I just had to share. It was so amazing not to feel so alone in my classroom—it really does take a village.” Liz’s story highlights what library service is all about: bringing materials, resources, and services to people where they live, work, and play; encouraging reading and learning in a personalized way; and recognizing that we’re all in this together. Her story also highlights the impact of giving to the library. Our Book Bike was funded by generous donations to the library’s Fallon Family Fund, an endowment fund dedicated to projects and resources for all of our community’s families and children. In 2019, we visited 94 block parties, pop-up storytimes in parks, food pantry sites, schools, and more. We are grateful for the daily opportunities we have to serve all of Oak Park, and to build community. To learn more about giving to your library, visit oppl. org/give.

12 Ways you can help Housing Forward this season. 1. Sponsor a Holiday Gift Program client. More than 150 clients need people to shop for, wrap and deliver gifts to us by Dec 18th. (Suggested price tag is $50 per person) Sign-up by calling 708.338.1724 ext. 202. 2. Organize a special holiday drive. At this time of year, we know the spirit of giving is strong. Please reach out to our staff in advance to find out what items are most needed. 708.338.1724 ext. 220. 3. Give the gift of time. Volunteer Dec. 24 or Dec. 25 at the PADS Shelter. Extended shelter hours make extra volunteers needed to provide snacks, activities, and companionship. Times slots are 12/24 from 3-6pm and 12/25 in shifts from 5amnoon. Contact Enid Johnson in advance at 708.338.1724 ext. 220 for details. 4. Shop from our Target or Amazon Wish Lists. You’ll find practical items needed by clients in Sojourner House, Supportive Housing and the PADS Shelter by typing these links into your browser: Target @tgt. gifts/HousingForward or Amazon https:// amzn.to/2md5EEj 5. Use Amazon Smile & send 2 gifts at once. Put all your Amazon shopping to work for us by visiting www.Smile.Amazon.com and selecting Housing Forward as your charitable organization. Each time you buy a gift you give us one too. We receive 0.5% of your purchase as a direct donation. 6. Stop by The Alternative Christmas Store. Rethink gift-giving by shopping to help others at First United Church of Oak Park on Dec 15, and 22nd from 10-11am and 1212:45pm in the Church Lounge, 848 Lake St. HF Holiday Help - wj quarter page.indd 1

7. Deliver holiday cookies or warm socks to clients at our Support Center. An average of 25 clients access computers, phones, laundry, case management, showers, and lockers during the week from 8am-3pm (Wed. 8-1pm) at 1851 S. 9th Ave., Maywood. Call 708.338.1724 ext. 239. 8. Hire an Employment Readiness client. Give the gift of financial stability to a Career Passport graduate by contacting Brian Reilly at breilly@housingforward.org. 9. Purchase early bird tickets to our 21st Annual Have-A-Heart Gala. Arranging to attend the gala held February 29, 2020 at the Aon Grand Ballroom on Navy Pier is a thoughtful gift. Visit the event page at www. housingforward.org/events to learn more. 10. Give the gift of volunteering all season as there are many openings still to fill. Visit our website at www. housingforward.org/get-involved to fill out a volunteer profile form or call Enid Johnson at 708.338.1724 ext. 220 to learn about ways to help interrupt homelessness. 11. Make a donation to our Coach House Campaign or end of the year Winter Appeal by emailing giving@housingforward.org. 12. Visit us Dec 21 at the Downtown Oak Park Home for the Holidays event. Enjoy cocoa & cookies 11am to 3pm on Marion St.

Thank you!

12/13/2019 12:05:21 PM

PING! Providing equitable access to instrumental music for students in grades 4 through 12 in Oak Park and River Forest public schools has been the mission of PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) for more than 20 years. In addition to loaning band and orchestra instruments to students whose families cannot afford them, PING! also provides music enrichment through workshops; mentoring; and scholarships for summer music camps, school music trips, and private instruction. Enrichment programs like these provide positive peer groups and growth opportunities for students in need. PING! relies on community support for donated instruments and financial contributions to maintain its instrument inventory and program funding. For more information or to make a donation, go to pingoprf.org. If you have an instrument to donate, send us an email at pingoprf@gmail.com..0

Pro Bono Network We believe access to justice should not depend upon your ability to afford an attorney. There are simply not enough legal aid lawyers to help people in dire need of civil legal aid. These include issues of safety from an abuser, adequate housing, critical care documents, and more. Pro Bono Network has enabled 400+ attorneys to give more than 20,500 hours of free legal assistance to over 3,700 clients whose lives were meaningfully changed. To get involved or donate, visit pro-bononetwork.org. Your support will make an impact the lives of many!

River Forest Public Library Foundation

RFPL Foundation works to enhance River Forest Public Library today and for the future through fundraising and advocacy. In 2019, the Foundation fully funded major updates in the Children’s Room to make the space more welcoming and functional. We provided support for the Summer Reading Program and contributed to the Lobby/Circulation area renovation. Since 2015, gifts have supported special programming for all ages, staff development and the Anne Smedinghoff Memorial Garden. Help ensure a bright future for River Forest Public Library with your gift. We gratefully accept cash, credit/debit, securities and bequests. Visit RFPLFoundation.org/donate.

Sarah’s Inn

For nearly 40 years, Sarah’s Inn has worked to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and break the cycle of violence for future generations. Sarah’s Inn Services and Programs include: • Free, confidential and bilingual services for victims of domestic violence • 24-hour crisis line (708)386-4225 • Advocacy, referrals, and safety planning • Counseling for adults, teens and children • Legal Advocacy • Partner Abuse Intervention • Community and professional training • School-based violence prevention • Volunteer and internship opportunities To donate, visit www.sarahsinn.org/donate. To learn more about our services, programs, upcoming trainings, events and more, visit www.sarahsinn.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SarahsinnOakPark.

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

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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UCP Seguin Builds Bridges to the Future for Oak Park Individual and Her Family

ynthia Moretti is a beautiful twentyseven year old young woman, residing in Oak Park with her supportive parents Kris and Sheri Lenzo. She enjoys life on many fronts: nuzzling up to her dog Beyoncé – and her new dog Mia, spending time with friends, joking with her family. While she has cerebral palsy, Cynthia navigates the world using a specially designed wheelchair, and eﬀectively communicates through her computer. Cynthia is also an accomplished Paralympic Boccia player, traveling throughout Illinois and across the country competing in tournaments.

Along with Cynthia, Kris and Sheri wondered what would happen when their daughter moved on from Oak Park and River Forest High School into the world of adulthood. They faced the complex process of transition, uncertain of the steps needed to secure adult services for Cynthia. Fortunately, through its Building Bridges to the Future program, UCP Seguin stepped in to help. As Sheri states, “We would not have navigated the transition without Building Bridges.” This innovative initiative oﬀers hands-on support to students with disabilities preparing to leave high school. It helped Cynthia and her family to register

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest

for the state waiting list, secure funding for adult services, and obtain basic public benefits. Cynthia now has access to homebased services, while using aﬀordable door-to-door transportation to attend day services and enrichment activities, all under the auspices of UCP Seguin. She and her parents can breathe more easily…and Cynthia can build life skills, develop new friends, and act as a full member of her community. You too can make a diﬀerence in the lives of people with disabilities. Please give online at www. ucpseguin.org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304.

• Psychiatric care and medication management

UCP Seguin participant Cynthia Moretti with her parents Sheri and Kris Lenzo.

VOCEL

Youth Outreach Services

• In-home counseling for older adults • Increased access to care for impoverished youth • 24/7 crisis intervention

Named “Community Orchestra of the Year” in 2018, The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest, under the leadership of award-winning conductor, Jay Friedman, continues to bring extraordinary and accessible concerts to our community. Ticket sales provide less than half the funds needed for the Symphony’s performances. Your gift keeps the orchestra going strong and allows us to maintain affordable ticket prices, including free admission for all students through college. Please help us continue and strengthen our 88-year tradition of bringing beautiful and inspiring music to Oak Park and River Forest. Make your end-of-year tax-deductible donation at symphonyoprf.org, or: P.O. Box 3564, Oak Park, IL 60303-3564.

Thrive Counseling Center

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

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

UCP SEGUIN OF GREATER CHICAGO 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

At VOCEL, our ultimate purpose is to help ensure every child has the foundation to learn, grow and lead. Our core program, the Child Parent Academy, is a dynamic, two-generational early learning accelerator for both children and their parents. VOCEL uses innovative early learning approaches designed for children age 0 to 3 while remaining grounded in science-based best practices in child development, attachment, and neuroscience. Through VOCEL’s programs, families are equipped with the insights, tools, and support they need to catalyze their child’s brain development in preparation for preschool and beyond. Find out more about VOCEL and donate at vocel.org.

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

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

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

Community journalism remade

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

Print. Digital. Social. Events.

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ew Moms believes in the strength, skills, and potential of all families and communities to achieve audacious possibilities. We take a 2-Generation approach to engagement that puts families in control of their goals and unleashes their potential. Working with families, we provide early childhood development supports, and help young mothers expand their positive social networks and access community resources, education and employment. Here are two examples of remarkable families we have helped:

After finding stable housing at New Moms, Kellee set her styling chair in the corner of her apartment to remind her of the dreams she had for her family. She worked with New Moms’ coaches to focus on achieving her short-term and long-term goals to make that happen. Last spring, her family moved into a three-bedroom apartment, and Kellee obtained her cosmetology license and now runs her own hair-styling business!

We’ve created a new non-profit with one purpose: to own our four respected and essential community newspapers and, then, to grow independent, sustainable journalism in our seven neighborhoods for the decades to come.

And where’s this new stream of non-profit revenue coming from? From readers and donors in our seven neighborhoods who see the essential value in independent community journalism.

Partner with us. Find out more at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

Darri and her children

Kellee

Growing Community Media

That path will surely include printing newspapers and selling all the advertising we can. But we’ll add more digital reporting, more specialized beats, video, podcasts and events.

Strengthening Families to Achieve Independence

Kellee and her children

Darri When Darri moved into New Moms’ housing with her now 5-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter, she dedicated herself to working towards leaving New Moms with stable employment and housing. Recognizing the importance of networking, Darri took any job she could find in the daycare world, at one point commuting an hour and a half across the city just to work for one hour. Through the connections she made while networking, Darri found employment at a local daycare, where the director quickly recognized her potential and put her in charge of her own classroom. Through her coaching relationship with her Family Support Specialist, she was able to connect with a landlord and move into her own three-bedroom apartment last spring. Learn more about New Moms at newmoms.org.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENING IN DISTRICT 91? Varsity Boys Basketball Team Wins Conference! Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Team Goes Undefeated! Congratulations to the Varsity Boys Basketball Team on winning the Conference Championship and the Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Team on their undefeated season. All the hard work paid off! VARSITY PLAYER NAMES

JUNIOR VARSITY PLAYER NAMES

Christopher Davis, Michael Epps, Wade Gillespie, Milo Gittings, Angel Hernandez, Curtis Horras, DaMarian Martin, NaCari McFarland, Harlem Roberts, Rajan Roberts, Amir Russell, Donavin Smith, Kevion Walker, Emmanuel Wren. Coach Michael Wilhelm

Marcellous Brown, Terrance Bryant, Melvin Coe, Jr., Darrius Dunbar, Kewonte Fabre, Navonte Fabre, Kaleb Grant, Jaylen Griffin, Emanuel Hanner, Johnathan Hayes, Brian Searay, Jr., Treyshawn Tillman Coach Steven Elfinger

S W E N

For more information about Athletics contact Forest Park Middle School at 708-366-5742 To learn more go to FPSD91.org

! H S A FL

You can get local news delivered right to your email in-box.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

Photos by Melissa Elsmo

SALMON SALAD: A menu newcomer, the salmon salad from Jim and Pete’s is a hit among patrons. (Below) Mostaccioli with Broccoli: Vegetarian diners can order pasta and broccoli Aglio e Olio at Jim and Pete’s.

78 years on the 7800 block

S We ARE LIVE ONLINE! Your Table is READY For sponsorships or advertising call 708/613-3329

Served fresh by

ince 1941, Jim and Pete’s, located at 7806 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, has been serving up old-world favorites with a modern twist. Current owner Michael Bucchianeri worked as a busboy at Jim and Pete’s as a teenager and subsequently filled every role imaginable at the restaurant before taking an ownership role in 1999. Since then Bucchianeri has been fiercely committed to honoring the legacy of the 78-yearold restaurant. Expanding on the shared vision of former owners Jim Sorce Jr. and Vito Brunetti, the enthusiastic owner completed an extensive remodel of Jim and Pete’s in 2017, making the well-appointed restaurant a stand-out on Restaurant Row in Elmwood Park. The remodeled space has a warm ambience and fine finishes including exposed brick walls and a covered multiseason patio. The resulting space Food Writer is suitable for both casual family din-

MELISSA ELSMO

ners and special occasion celebrations. “We want our guests to feel at home at Jim and Pete’s,” says Bucchianeri. “We appeal to couples looking for a date night, businesses looking to host a meeting, and people looking to host baby showers and birthday celebrations.” A reliable arsenal of traditional Italian dishes like bruschetta, chicken Parmigiano, and linguini with clam sauce keep regulars coming back to Jim and Pete’s, while specialty menu items like giant housemade rigatoni with pine nuts, spinach and ricotta, and Italian Pork Chops with peppers and potatoes make a unique splash on the thoughtful menu. Cooks in Jim and Pete’s kitchen even whip up a memorable meatloaf, while their salmon salad, a new

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

S P O N S O R E D

C O N T E N T

Photos by Melissa Elsmo

SIDE SALAD: The house salad is a perfect precursor to any Jim and Pete’s entree. The dish features fresh arugula, romaine, and iceberg lettuce topped with tomatoes, cucumber and croutons with your choice of dressing. (Below) Bruschetta: Jim and Pete’s served up a memorable bruschetta made from toasted Italian garlic bread, diced tomatoes and fresh basil.

Jim and Pete’s 7806 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

menu item, is born out of personal preferences. “I would sit at the bar eating a salmon salad and customers would keep asking me about it,” says Bucchianeri, “so I decided to put it on the menu; it’s been a hit ever since.” The hearty salad features fresh mixed greens topped with grilled salmon and garnished with red onion, tomato, olives, Fontinella cheese, fresh mozzarella and a savory Italian-style vinaigrette. Longtime servers have made all the difference at Jim and Pete’s. Some employees have worked in the restaurant for more than 15 years, and Bucchianeri is quick to point out many diners make a request to sit in a certain server’s section. “Our staff makes all the difference at Jim and Pete’s and we make a great team,” he says proudly. “The restaurant expansion

has been as wonderful for our staff as it has been for our customers.” Jim and Pete’s is a proud member of the Elmwood Park culinary community. While their expansion increased their visibility on North Avenue, Bucchianeri is quick to acknowledge all the village of Elmwood Park has done to support their local restaurants. “Skip and others from the village are regulars here and I consider them friends,” he says. “I can say their efforts have changed the restaurant landscape in Elmwood Park for the better.” Hot Holiday Tip: Jim and Pete’s offers full-service catering for onsite or offsite events in Elmwood Park and the surrounding communities. They are still booking events for the 2019 holiday season.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

Win e

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DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

VIEWPOINTS

Soul hurting Mary Kay O’Grady p. 44

Equity thoughts must lead to action

was recently asked about the thought leaders I admired in the equity field. I must admit this question caught me off guard. Although I have read books and articles that cover the subject, I’ve never really experienced equity as an academic pursuit. Some of the people who have made the greatest impression on me are not necessarily ones who would be considered equity thought leaders. There are four concepts, however, that continue to guide me in my understanding of equity: 1. The “we” 2. The personal equity journey 3. Leading with grace 4. Actions over thoughts Being grouped by the social construct of race for the purpose of marginalization has encouraged many black people like me to think of the success of the “we” over just me. It is why events like the first black U.S. president, NYC Ballet’s Marie in the Nutcracker, or a South African as Ms. Universe has meaning. I was taught by my elders the responsibility I have to advocate and work for all black people and not just myself. This has been the foundation for my awareness of the unacceptability of systems that work for some while limiting the success of others. When extending this thought to others who may have different equity challenges than my own, it helps to be reminded that it’s not always about me. This means true inclusiveness is about leaving space for the needs of others and centering their voice and not my own when the discussion is about their needs. I find that this makes it easier for me to grow in my understanding and to learn how to do better in my actions. I learned from Maya Angelou that any aspiration to live your values is a journey and not a destination. Upon being asked if she had been saved, she responded that she was put off by the finality of the question, was still working on it, and didn’t think she would be finished in her lifetime. We know more today about the components of racism, the non-binary aspects of human sexuality and the complexity of many perceived disabilities. This necessitates the need for individuals to factor this new knowledge into the ways they engage with others and to support the change of systems traditionally built to serve and advantage male, white, heterosexual, cisgendered, Christian and non-disabled people. It is not about our self-perception of “goodness”

LINDA FRANCIS

See FRANCIS on page 44

Special-use zoning needed for rec cannabis

e thank Wednesday Journal for its Nov. 27 editorial [Limiting pot sales, Our Views, Viewpoints] supporting special-use zoning for recreational cannabis stores. Our district really is at a tipping point. We’re closer to revitalization than we’ve been in decades, with many new multifamily units under construction. But we’re also in danger of looking like a vice district, with an existing gambling venue, head shop, questionable massage and tattoo parlors, etc. We need local scrutiny to stop the kind of cannabis stores that would have a negative impact and approve those that would be an asset. This also applies to Oak Park in general. Per your editorial, selling recreational marijuana is not like selling socks. It’s an intoxicant and should be regulated, like liquor. But unlike alcohol, licensing is the state’s responsibility. Special-use zoning is therefore the only way to exercise local scrutiny. No matter how strict the state’s criteria may look, we don’t know how stringently they will be applied. Nor is the state in a good position to evaluate specific store plans in terms of local considerations. The need for local scrutiny in such a new situation is undoubtedly why nearly all the communities near Oak Park have chosen special-use zoning. (The only two exceptions have restricted pot store locations to just a block or two.) We agree that clear general rules should be established, including minimum distance from locations serving children and between cannabis stores. But as is true with taverns, we also think each store should be evaluated individually for such things as ingress/ egress/impact on traffic, parking, signage, appearance,

and safety provisions. Clear rules for these evaluations will help streamline the specialuse process. We thank the village board for passing a moratorium providing time to consider them. Meanwhile, Oak Parkers eager to buy legal recreational cannabis will find it at Seven Point on Lake Street early in 2020. Brian Bobek’s Dec. 11 letter [Pot sales and zoning issues, Viewpoints] argues against special-use zoning. For reasons stated, he’s mistaken that setback rules are all Oak Park needs. His asserted status as a community member wishing to do right by Oak Park suggests that multistate companies are not similarly motivated — all the more reason for local scrutiny. And would special-use zoning really put his boutique dispensary at a competitive disadvantage? A preference for local companies could be part of the process. And if Providence Dispensaries can meet the state’s exacting capitalization requirements, it can weather the special-use process, particularly if rules are detailed and clear enough to enable a streamlined evaluation. Oak Park’s cannabis store permit moratorium was intended precisely to give notice of possible zoning status or ordinance changes to organizations like Mr. Bobek’s. He can look for towns where recreational cannabis will be a permitted use in all commercial areas, but he’ll be hard-pressed to find one anywhere near Oak Park. And competition from larger companies will be a fact of life, whether Providence Dispensaries opens here or elsewhere. Founded in 2013, North Avenue District Inc. is a 501c3 charitable organization working to revitalize North Avenue from Austin to Harlem.

NORTH AVENUE DISTRICT INC. One View

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

O U R

V I E W P O I N T S

V I E W S

Data-driven OPRF

t was always a convenient cover for institutions such as Oak Park and River Forest High School to claim that they did not have good data on discipline, on tardies, on attendance, on graduation rates, on grades, on extracurricular participation broken down by race, by economic levels, by gender, by Special Ed status. For years we were told either that the school didn’t have the capacity to gather and/or analyze such data or that we and local activists were wrong in seeking to break out performance by race. More recently, all of this data has been collected and selectively presented to the school board and maybe to the public. But until right now, this critical information has not been made readily available to the entire community in a format that was accessible and understandable. In another signal that OPRF has come to understand the path to solutions to the school’s complex challenges is to create baseline measures that report plain, and sometimes unsettling, truths about our high school. On Jan. 7, OPRF will add a Strategic Dashboard landing page to its website (oprfhs.org) that will have two components. One will allow an overview of district data and will be shared with other school districts in the state. The other, and more interesting page will be the district-specific Interactive Dashboard. It’s here that the key measures chosen over the past year by a committee of OPRF teachers and administrators will be posted and updated each semester. The school knows, basically, the indicators that tell us if we are making headway toward equity at OPRF. Now we will all be working from the same information. It is easy to conclude this is all geekery. The reality is that opening the door to this data is a profound culture shift in an institution that has previously lacked the self-confidence to shine a light on itself.

Take nothing for granted The things we take for granted. Oak Park is a racially diverse community. Oak Park is welcoming to lesbians and gays. Didn’t have to be that way. Wasn’t pre-ordained. Certainly wasn’t dictated by the marketplace. The inclusion we have come to passively celebrate in Oak Park was intentional. From the mid-1960s when Open Housing advocates moved this issue from weekly protests outside the offices of local Realtors to first-in-the-nation legislation approved by a village board beset by fierce objections by thousands of residents. From 1989 when brave and forceful local lesbians and gays planted a flag for the civil and human rights of every Oak Parker as they formed the Oak Park Lesbian and Gay Association (OPALGA). As our Stacey Sheridan reports today on the front page, the Oak Park River Forest Museum has connected again with its new exhibit on this fascinating and complex history as the evolving Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association+ marks its 30th anniversary. This exhibit in the historical society’s still new home at Lake and Lombard will run through the close of February. And it follows immediately on the heels of the powerful exhibit the museum mounted for the 50th anniversary of Open Housing in Oak Park. The exhibit reminds us that there was strong and vocal opposition when a fledgling OPALGA organized to add sexual preference to the village’s Diversity Statement. That opposition, largely local, came from fundamentalist Christian churches in town. The opposition continued as the lesbian and gay group pushed adoption of a groundbreaking Domestic Partnership Registry at village hall. In a year when expansion of the Diversity Statement to reflect racial equity led to intense debate and council chamber dramatics, we are reminded that social change is never guaranteed, that power is defended more often than it is shared. Our villages are fortunate to have a local history museum ready and able to tell our stories with passion and nuance.

The journey to Christmas

shouldn’t call people Buckinghead.” he best part of Christmas is the Note to self: Enunciate. journey to Dec. 25 with my grandThey overthink their playing. I sons, Tyler and Bryce. replaced the batteries in the toy train At the age of 6, their rapidly that circles their Christmas tree, and developing brains are going to finally got it working. After exactly one see right through Santa any time now. circuit, they pulled out their toy tools But they want the magic to last a little and pretended it was broken again and longer, so they’re not asking too many needed fixing. questions. Besides, they’re under the When they play, they spend most watchful eye of “George,” the tell-tale of their time setting up a convoluted elf, who hides in a different spot in scenario — excuse me, two convoluted their house every morning (Saturday scenarios, which they then attempt to he was hanging from the mistletoe) and reconcile. Negotiations go like this: allegedly reports back to Santa on the After a lengthy, detailed explanation Naughty-Nice behavioral scale. by one, the other says “No!!!” It’s like We talked about this. No one, we watching Congress pass a bill. That’s agreed, is ever all Nice or all Naughty. when the precarious Naughty-Nice equilibrium Some are more naughty than nice, some more nice tips in the wrong direction. than naughty, and some days we just bounce back They do better working on separate versions. A and forth. Most of the time these two are mostly month or two ago, they drew pictures for me and Nice and occasionally Naughty, but they do have created their own envelopes, heavily taped, with their days — usually when they go to war with each interesting attempts to address them. Nonetheother. We have frequent talks about doing unto othless, I received Bryce’s (the much more confusing ers as you would like them to do unto you and defiaddress) three weeks before Tyler’s, but his finally nitely not doing unto brothers what he just did unto ended up in my mailbox last week. The drawing you. It’s a fine distinction, which they have trouble grasping, especially when fists are clenched. depicted Tyler crouching underneath a rainbow They’re both thinkers, but Tyler has a way of with rain falling from clouds, and wind gusts and stopping conversations. A couple of weeks ago a shining sun, all of which pretty much captures as we watched a windstorm whiplash the trees, I his overall temperament on any given day. Lots of pointed out a large pine that sashayed and swayed rainbows with Tyler. On the drawing, he wrote, “I as if dancing. Tyler said, love Tyler.” I asked him if “Those don’t lose their something was missing and leaves like other trees.” he added a picture of me. That’s why they’re called But he wasn’t satisfied, so “evergreen,” I told him. He on a separate page he wrote replied, “And people aren’t “You” above the words “I evergreen because they die.” Love.” But Christmas is everI told him I loved the way green. Tyler wants a treehe changed to order from “I house (as does Bryce), and Love You” to “You I Love,” he wants his bedroom decobut he still wasn’t satisfied. rated like a donut factory. He took it again and when He’s fond of donuts. So I’m he handed it back, it read: giving him a copy of Homer Your Love Price and the Donut Factory I Love a book from the 1940s that It’s like a four-word poem, I grew up with. I’m giving which says so much more both of them a coffee-table than merely loving someone book on real-life treehouses because they love us. Bethat I found at Morton cause of Your Love, I Love. Arboretum, along with a I Love your unique way Photo provided note from Santa saying he of Loving Me. Through couldn’t fit a treehouse in Your Love, I learn to Love. LIFT OFF: Bryce and Tyler, to infinity and his sleigh, so this is the next beyond! Through Your Love, I am best thing. able to Love. We pass Love Bryce, meanwhile, is a on like a gene. word detective. When we finish reading, he asks for Your Love, with all its limitations, affects how definitions. I Love. Love may be immature. It may be distant. “There were a few pages I didn’t understand,” he It may be warm and nurturing. It may be incredsays. With The Night Before Christmas, he wondered ibly generous or incredibly neurotic. Your Love is about “stirring,” “nestled,” “sugar plums,” “clatinextricably tied to how I Love. ter,” “shutters,” “sash,” “breast” (of new fallen Or not. I was totally exasperated, for instance, snow), “luster” (of mid-day), “coursers,” “hurriwalking back to the car after taking them to see the cane,” “prancing,” “tarnished,” “soot,” “peddler,” Lego Train Show at Cantigny last Saturday, listen“dimples,” “droll,” and “down of a thistle.” Reading ing to Bryce sobbing over and over and over, hearta book with Bryce requires deep attention to the text. broken, “I want a Lego train! I want a Lego train!” We read another titled, Santa Claus is Coming to It was too late, he lamented, to inform Santa. Chicago, which shows lots of famous city landSomehow, despite all that, the Love remains, marks, including Buckingham Fountain. When I undiminished. pointed it out, he said, “That’s a funny name. You I’m just glad George the elf wasn’t there to see it.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S by Marc Stopeck

S H R U B T O W N

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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, Stacey Sheridan Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Linda Francis John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Tom Deja Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Client Engagement Natalie Johnson

Hephzibah is home for the holidays

ith holiday decorations and cheer abounding on Oak Park’s busiest streets, it’s easy to miss the small, twinkling lights tucked away on a quiet stretch of North Boulevard just west of Kenilworth Avenue. These lights adorn the trees in front of Hephzibah Children Association’s group home, and the tranquility outside this iconic building belies the bustling activity inside. Each year, the home’s conference room is magically transformed into Santa’s Workshop, where toys from generous donors arrive daily and are wrapped by Hephzibah staff and volunteers. Kids at the home anxiously remind the two staff members who have been entrusted with Santa’s cellphone number to “tell him I’ve been good today!” All of the kids get new pajamas on Dec. 24, and on Christmas morning they race into the home’s largest room to find piles of presents that match their holiday wish lists. Once the entire floor of the room is obscured by torn and crumpled wrapping paper, everyone is treated to a large holiday dinner. Holiday activities for kids in Hephzibah’s care aren’t limited to the confines of the home. There’s also ice skating in downtown Chicago, Cookies and Cocoa with Santa at the Nineteenth Century Club, holiday singalongs, a party at The Carleton, an elegant lunch at The Peninsula with Mrs. Claus, and a short trip up to the Metra platform to see the Christmas train, all of which help to make the season merry and bright. Hephzibah’s foster and intact families also partici-

pate in holiday festivities and benefit from donors’ generosity at this time of year. There are holiday parties with Santa, many gifts, and in some cases, donations of brand-new full winter wardrobes, from hats to boots and parkas to long johns. Of course, all of this is made possible by the unfailing support of our community. The kids’ gifts come from donors visiting Hephzibah’s online Holiday Wish List, the group home holiday meal is provided by the family of a former Hephzibah board member, and the “Angel Shopping” that supplies winter wardrobes to struggling intact families is made possible by a former Hephzibah resident who went on to become highly successful in his adult life. In addition, the many other donations that come through multiple channels, even small ones such as cash donation boxes placed at supportive local businesses, such as Careful Peach Boutique and Two Story Farmhouse, are especially indispensable to Hephzibah’s efforts to ensure that all of its children and families have a happy holiday. So as you pass by the 900 block of North Boulevard, whether in your car, on the el, on the Metra, or just on foot, keep an eye out for those twinkling lights that signal holiday cheer for Hephzibah’s children and families. Beth Cannon grew up in Oak Park and is currently a member of Hephzibah’s Oak Park Auxiliary Board. Anyone interested in donating to Hephzibah should visit the organization’s web site at: https://www.hephzibahhome.org.

BETH CANNON One View

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Wakeelah Cocroft-Aldridge Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

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

V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

FRANCIS

Grace and action from page 41 in the moment, but our journey toward becoming better people. It’s very common to let our own need to think of ourselves as “good people” get in the way of whether we are actually acting like the good people we claim to be. This is why one group can mistreat or limit another based on their own religion, sex, gender, race or ability. It’s the “me” over the “we” and the lack of introspection along the way. I was required to take a workshop titled Managing Social Dynamics over 25 years ago. The international company I worked for at the time was determined to establish a culture and climate that allowed the full range of employees to work together effectively. They were also probably tired of being sued for discrimination. We were all, at some point, sequestered from Friday night until mid-Sunday to do one thing — to think about our values and our perceptions of ourselves and to compare that to our actions. Activities were designed to help us reconcile who we thought we were with who we actually were, based on our actions and the impact we had on others. Discussions were interesting, but the internal work was the most intense. Anyone who left before Sunday would be obligated to start over again within a year; and there were quite a few folks who fell into that category. There were other trainings, but this is the one that stuck with me most because it required that we reconcile our actions and not just our thoughts. Today we talk of implicit bias and the need for courageous conversations. However, it is the actual changes in behavior that are integral to changing the climate and culture. Individual education is important for buy-in and sustained change. But I am concerned that we don’t just see the pursuit of equity as an academic endeavor. Real systemic change that can be felt by the marginalized and measured over time must be the goal, not just personal growth. It’s about the “we.” The journey is not about becoming “woke” but the process of continuously awakening. More on grace and action next month.

A G I N G

figured I’d be glued to the TV when the impeachment hearings began, but it’s worse than I thought it would be. I started watching when foreign service officers were being questioned by Democrats, and attacked by Republicans. Then things changed. I changed. I’ve come to the point where I can hardly watch any more of it. The Republicans have been having an epic pass-the-baton tantrum, which has carried over into every hearing: They’re overly animated, agitated, disgusted, and offended. They’re play-acting. The guy in the phony shirtsleeves get-up just makes me angry and sad. Angry because it’s a costume, and costumes are for theater and Halloween. And sad because he might really believe what he’s pitching. But he doesn’t scare me half as much as somebody like Lindsay Graham, who was mentored by John McCain and presumably knows better. When people who know better go to the dark side, it’s scary. Why would he do it? One reason only — duh — to be re-elected. Trump’s narcissism, which is off the charts, fuels his hate, and pervades his governing. Though the study of “malignant narcissism” is young, it’s a condition that is terrifying when it describes a leader of this country: jealous, petty, thin-skinned, punitive, hateful,

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D I S G R A C E F U L L Y

My soul hurts

cunning, and angry. Thus, a man who attacks others in the ugliest ways will do anything to avoid criticism and will strike back like a snake when he is criticized. This country means nothing to him; being Number 1 in this country means everything to him. People who support Trump think he’s on their side, whatever that means. There’s only one side and it’s in his mirror. He scares me. Whenever it comes, the end of Trump won’t be the end of what gave rise to him: the corrosive factionalism in this country and the ruinous distrust. And it won’t erase what he revealed about so many of the men and women in office, which is their craving for the power of holding office in Washington, and their elastic morality. Trump supporters, who think, perhaps rightly, that they live in an occupied country, believe that people who have money and education look down on them. Again, they’re probably right, but Trump looks down on them even more, and is more cynical. Who wouldn’t look down on people who cheer for a man who reviles foreigners, people of color,

MARY KAY O’GRADY

Study the effects of marijuana

Oversight is key to pot sales

Selling recreational cannabis isn’t like selling socks, nor is it like selling medical marijuana. In fact, it’s more like selling liquor. As a new industry in Oak Park, let’s not relinquish the opportunity to get off to a good start by leaving important decisions to the store owners. Special-use designation will help this process. Location, hours of operation, security, signage, advertising, and parking are just

In reviewing the recreational marijuana debate, we must be cognizant of the reason why we had restrictions on liquor sales in Oak Park in the first place. Regardless of how “safe” we make these facilities, a certain amount will reach our children. I myself have been asked by youngsters (not in Oak Park) to buy liquor for them. Is this activity we wish to encourage? Already, a vape store is opening near my house. The effects of vaping and marijuana use have not been properly documented due to the smear campaign that marijuana use has received over the years. No one has discussed that marijuana use may accelerate certain mental diseases, which I have heard from mental health professionals. It has been shown that Colorado benefits from the “wake and bake” set, who may be considered marijuana addicts. I am no angel. I had smoked marijuana and am happy to see it legalized. But I think it is best that we study the effects of marijuana legalization before we definitively decide to allow such stores in the village. We must remember that one of the reasons that alcohol was legalized after prohibition was that alcohol was not properly regulated, and people were dying from drinking bootleg whiskey. Shouldn’t we look at all aspects of marijuana use before deciding to allow it?

Thank you for your recent editorial supporting the view of many Oak Park citizens that the village should proceed with caution before allowing cannabis stores to open in our neighborhoods. Personally, I support the legalization of marijuana, and I am in favor of cannabis businesses opening in Oak Park — as long as the village exercises appropriate oversight. Requiring special-use permitting would allow the village to exercise that oversight.

Oak Park

Alan Hester

women who are not beautiful, etc. He admires despots and cozies up to them, hoping to join their bloody ranks. He may incite his followers, but he does not love or respect them. Of course there are also religious Trump supporters who must see how dangerous he is, but have bargained with the devil because of his anti-abortion stand (laughable considering his relationships with women) as well as his support of Israel, a place that is important so they can all get “raptured up.” I’ll follow the election, though the Democrats seem hell-bent on nominating an old person or a billionaire or a combination of both. But I’m pushing myself away from the terrifying impeachment. I read this recently in the New York Times: “The chief feature of the voters in the exhausted group is timidity. They do not get energy from conflict, the way, say, Trump does. Their instinct is to keep their heads down and just get through this craziness.” That’s where I am now. Everybody’s finding ways to cope. Dan Haley is praying. Ken Trainor is writing beautiful prose about grace (completely missing in the subject of this column). John Hubbuch is looking forward to legalized pot. I’m reading crime novels and watching reruns of Friends.

Yes to pot sales, with oversight

Deborah Kapp

a few questions we should get right from the start. Let’s have oversight by our elected representatives and village staff to assure a mutually beneficial outcome. Our residents and neighbors have waited a long time for recreational sales; it won’t hurt anyone to wait a moment longer to get it right.

Christine Baumbach

Oak Park

Trump’s ‘beautiful’ clothes The impeachment “debate” in Congress reminds me of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Every literate American knows that Trump extorted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by withholding nearly $400 million in military aid, with the goal of sabotaging Joe Biden’s campaign. Everyone knows that the two-year-long Mueller investigation revealed 10 unambiguous instances of obstruction of justice and proof that Trump’s idol, Vladimir Putin, actively interfered on Trump’s behalf in the 2016 election. The Republicans however, insist that Emperor Trump is wearing beautiful clothes.

Tom DeCoursey

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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O B I T U A R I E S

Kathleen Greco, 93

Biochemist, teacher, standardized patient Kathleen Beverly Greco (nee Humphrey), 93, died on Dec. 11, 2019 due to complications from Sjogren’s disease. She was probably the oldest person living with this autoimmune and KATHLEEN GRECO orphan disease. Born in Chicago on June 18, 1926, she attended Brown School and was valedictorian of the 1943 class of McKinley High School on Chicago’s West Side. She received her B.A. in Biology from the University of Illinois Champaign, worked as a biochemist for Western Electric, ran the hematology lab of Illinois Masonic Hospital, and worked in the lab at Oak Park Hospital. She also taught at Stetler’s Preschool in Oak Park, English and Etymology for Triton College, and fitness classes and the badminton program at the Oak Park YMCA. Her greatest contribution began in 1986, working as a standardized patient for local medical schools, molding future

physicians. She married Dr. James F. Greco in 1949 and lived in Oak Park for many years along with her children Dr. James L. Greco (Zoe) and Nancy, whom she considered her best friend. She lived in Forest Park at the Boardwalk Condominium and served on the board of managers for many years. Kathleen Greco is survived by her children, Jim and Nancy; her granddaughter, Suzanne Pollock; her nieces, Sharon Yoder and Elisa Hofmann; and her many other nieces and nephews, friends, and colleagues. Visitation was held on Dec. 16 at Peterson-Bassi Chapel. A Mass of Remembrance was celebrated at Ascension Catholic Church in Oak Park on Dec. 17, with members of the Michael Teolis Singers performing, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. The family appreciates donations in her memory to the Animal Care League of Oak Park, WFMT Classical Radio, or the Michael Teolis Singers. Arrangements were handled by Peter B. Kennedy & Co. Funeral Directors.

Patricia Ochota, 78 Oak Park Township social worker

Patricia Quinlan Ochota, 78, died peacefully on Nov. 24, 2019 on Marco Island, Florida. Born to the late Theodore and Isabelle Quinlan on March 15, 1941 in Chicago, she attended St. CathePATRICIA OCHOTA rine of Siena High School and earned a B.A. degree in Social Work from the College of St. Teresa. She married Jerome Ochota in 1964 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, and the couple settled in Oak Park, where they remained active members of the community for over 40 years. She loved people, dogs, and conversations with both. She was able to start a conversation with any individual anywhere and leave that person feeling valued. She devoted herself to helping and serving others. As a social worker with Oak Park Township, her compassion touched the lives of her clients and co-workers and her family. Whether you called her Pat, Patsy, Mom, Nana, or Aunt Patsy, you knew she

loved you and would give you her all, without concern for what she might receive in return. Upon retirement, the couple relocated to Wausau, Wisconsin to be closer to their daughter and her family. Patricia Ochota is survived by her husband, Jerome; her daughter, Suzanne O’Neill; her granddaughter, Patricia O’Neill; her sister, Suzanne Larocca; and her many nieces and nephews, including Daniel, Mary Pat, Lynn, Nancy Schmidt, Timothy, Michael Larocca, Kathy Sniegowski and Adam Zajac. She was preceded in death by her brother-inlaw, Thomas Larocca; her sister/brotherin-law Bernadette and Dennis Zajac; and her son-in-law, Charles O’Neill. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 9:45 a.m. until time of funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m., at Oak Park’s Ascension Church, 808 S. East Ave., followed by private interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to MakeA-Wish Foundation are appreciated by the family. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.

Nancy Staunton, 90 Former Oak Park village trustee

Nancy Staunton, 90, a former village trustee and constant presence in Oak Park civic life for more than 40 years, died on Nov. 24, 2019. Born Anna Jean O’Malley on Nov. 18, 1929, she was known as Nancy from an early age. NANCY STAUNTON Raised in Englewood, the youngest child of Irish immigrants, she attended St. Brendan’s church and Mercy High School. Her father died when she was a teen and her sister Sarah Margaret, who was 10 years older, played a big part in her upbringing. She remained close with Marg and her other siblings, Mary and John, all of whom have passed away. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1951 from St. Xavier College, she took a nursing position at Mercy Hospital. She also worked as a part-time courier nurse for the Santa Fe Railroad on trips between Chicago and Los Angeles. Mercy Hospital is where she met her husband of 56 years, Patrick Staunton, who had arrived from Dublin as a new physician in 1952. They married in 1957 and had their first child in 1958. Less than five years, and five more children, later, they moved to Oak Park, to a yellow stucco house on Linden Avenue, where they lived for the next 28 years. In 1967, with her oldest in third grade and her youngest about to start school, she joined the League of Women Voters and spent more than 30 years with the League, working on a number of issues, including the Board of Health Committee, the Racial Diversity Task Force, the Village Services Committee, a committee that performed an extensive study of Cook County Government, and several stints as the editor of the League’s bulletin. In 2007, she was recognized for her contributions with the Hazel Hansen Award. Later she returned to school, earning a

Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois Chicago in 1976. That led to work in health care planning, primarily with the Chicago Suburban Health Services Agency. In 1985, she was elected Oak Park village trustee. During a busy six years on the village board, she faced a number of complex issues relating to, among other things, gun control, recognition of AIDS, policies on non-discrimination, recycling, economic development, union/management disputes, and an investigation of the police department conducted by author and lawyer Scott Turow. During her first term, she voted against the re-streeting of Oak Park’s downtown, a position that put her at odds with the local newspapers, and they opposed her election in 1989. She lost on the mall issue, but easily won re-election. She served on the Institutional Review Board of Loyola University Medical Center, and the boards of the Housing Center and Family Service and Mental Health Center. She also served on the Oak Park Board of Health and helped start and staff, with others of like interest, a hospice group for the Community Nursing Service in Oak Park. She volunteered at a variety of local organizations, including the Hemingway Birthplace Home and Museum. After Nancy and Pat retired, they spent more and more time at their cottage in Coloma, Michigan. Nancy spent her last three years living in Walnut Creek, California, with her daughters Mary and Anne. Nancy is survived by her children Kevin (Maria), Mary, Anne, Brian (Liz), Jane (Max), and Tom, and her grandchildren, Jack, Kyle, Luke, Will, Van, Kevin, and Finn. Services are set for Saturday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy, 38 N. Austin Blvd., Oak Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to St. Catherine-St. Lucy School (online at https://www.givecentral.org/location/364/event/11764 or by check to the school at 27 Washington Blvd. in Oak Park) or your preferred local hospice.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

Fenwick introduces new football head coach 48

@ @OakPark

SPORTS

OPRF swimming dominates LTHS 49

OPRF upsets top-five team in state

Photo by JAMESKAY

COURT VISION: OPRF guard Josh Smith (no. 30) analyzes the floor against Hinsdale Central on Dec. 13. The Huskies ended up taking the contest 51-47.

Huskies back on track after weekend sweep By JAMES KAY Sports Editor

After beating Hinsdale Central on the road and stateranked Stevenson High School at the Derrick Rose Shootout this past weekend, OPRF’s boys basketball team may have turned a corner. Here’s how they got back on track:

Huskies upset Stevenson 55-48 OPRF started off slow against Stevenson, in the Shootout at Mt. Carmel High School, Dec. 14, and fell into a 15-2 hole early in the first quarter. But the Huskies clawed their way back and ended up going into halftime with a lead over one

of the most talented teams in the nation. Isaiah Barnes had 17 of his 21 points in the second half and Justin Cross provided 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks. The team’s proclivity for struggling in the opening minutes of games (they have trailed in six of their seven games) has given this young group experience in overcoming adversity. “You’re playing a top-five team in the state in Stevenson where you could easily fold and give up,” said head coach Matt Maloney. “I keep saying, ‘imagine in January when the inexperience wears off and the younger guys have two months of playing on varsity.’ I think we have a chance of being pretty good.” The team only had 10 practices before the start of the season and, according to Maloney, still has more to add to its defensive schemes as the group develops its on-court chem-

istry. Beating a veteran team in Stevenson with less than a day of preparation shows this team is just getting started. “This win was huge for us,” said Barnes after the win. “We needed this win since we had a slow start and to give Stevenson their first loss is really huge for us.”

Huskies outlast Red Devils 51-47 The Huskies never need extra motivation against the Red Devils, but head coach Nick Latorre provided it in the preseason when he told the Chicago Tribune that the conference is up for grabs. Maloney stashed the quote and brought it to the team’s attention during last week’s practices. With the Huskies protecting a narrow lead with 2.9 seconds left, Barnes decided to add an exclamation point to the win. OPRF ran an inbound play that freed up Barnes in See HUSKIES on page 48

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

S P O R T S

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Fenwick football coach brings modern approach Highlights from Battaglia introductory meeting By JAMES KAY Sports Editor

Sporting a fresh black and white Fenwick long-sleeve shirt, Matt Battaglia was greeted by Friar nation on Nov. 11 before being publicly introduced as the program’s next football head coach. He shook hands with members of the community in the auditorium before Athletic Director Scott Thies gave a five-minute speech going over Battaglia’s football career as a player and coach. Battaglia followed Thies with a 15-slide PowerPoint presentation. Here are the highlights from the night:

The team is going to play fast

Photo by JAMES KAY

ABSORBING CONTACT: Isaiah Barnes attempts to float in a shoot in the third quarter against the Red Devils.

HUSKIES

Conference showdown from page 47

the fast break. With no one around him, he raced up court and, after the buzzer sounded, slammed home a dunk to shut up the home crowd. “They were doing a lot of talking the whole game,” said Barnes. “They were saying stuff like, ‘This is our gym’ and ‘This is our conference.’ In the fast break, I just wanted to silence the noise. It’s not up for discussion. We’re the team to beat in the conference.” The Huskies started off slow against the Red Devils before settling in midway through the second quarter. With 5:20 left in the half, Barnes flew behind Hinsdale’s Ryan Isaacson in the post and poked the ball away. In transition, OPRF’s Justin Cross was hacked inside by three Red Devil defenders but got his own rebound before he drew a foul. He made one of two free throws to give the Huskies their first lead of the night. OPRF went into halftime with a 29-23 lead and came out in the third quarter with a 7-0 run. Hinsdale countered the Huskies with a 12-4 run of its own and tied the game late in the third. Barnes hit an up-and-under layup at the end of the third to give his team a 39-

37 lead heading into the fourth. Both teams locked each other down until the last three minutes. Kyren Gardner found teammate Josh Smith cutting inside for an easy layup at the 2-minute mark to give the Huskies a 45-39 lead. On the next play, Hinsdale’s Zach Northey quickly pushed the ball down the floor and found Charlie Sessa in the left corner. Sessa went around the defense and hit a layup to keep things interesting at 45-41. On the next three possessions, Hinsdale fouled the Huskies to put OPRF in the bonus. However, the Huskies missed three straight 1-and-1 opportunities and the Red Devils cut the lead to 45-44. Running out of time, Hinsdale fouled Cross with 30.8 seconds left to put the senior on the line. He drained both free throws then put the game away for the Huskies after hitting another pair of free throws on the next possession. “I don’t know how many free throws we missed in a row, but we missed three front ends which is essentially like going 0-6 from the line,” said Maloney. “Having [Cross] go up and calmly hitting those was huge since Hinsdale kept coming back.” Barnes and Smith each finished with 14 points while Cross and sophomore guard Demetrius Dortch dominated the Red Devils on the defensive end.

Battaglia lit up talking about the new scheme he wants to implement into the offense. He declared “[Fenwick] is going to light up the scoreboard” with similar offensive concepts that he has learned at Kent State University, where he is an offensive line coach now. At the end of the presentation, Battaglia gave everyone a taste of what the offense could look like by showing highlights from Kent State’s offense. Titled “the sizzle reel,” the footage showed a dynamic system that relied on efficiency and speed. This could benefit sophomore quarterback Kaden Cobb as he develops at the position as a junior next year. Cobb is at his best when he makes quick decisions within the pocket and sometimes struggles with turning the ball over when he is pressured and tries to extend plays. Under Battaglia, Cobb could go from being a tantalizing dual-threat prospect to establishing himself as a future college quarterback who can run modern offenses.

Preparing players for the next level Speaking of developing high school talent, Battaglia emphasized that one of his coaching strengths is preparing his players for the next level. He referenced his time as an offensive lineman at Northern Illinois University and the experience he gained as an assistant coach at Marist High School, St. Francis High School and Kent State for reasons why he knows how to navigate the

recruitment process. “I know all these little details that a lot of people take for granted,” said Battaglia. “I want to pass on this knowledge I have to your sons so they can get to the next level.”

Pettigrew’s status unknown After taking over as the interim head coach before the start of the 2019 playoffs, Titcus Pettigrew’s status as the defensive coordinator is unknown. According to Thies, Battaglia has called everyone in the program to see how they would fit in with his new system. Thies is going to let Battaglia pick his staff but spoke highly of Pettigrew as a teacher and coach (he is an assistant coach for the boys basketball team). Pettigrew said after Fenwick’s loss to Hillcrest in the second round of the IHSA 5A playoffs that he would “gladly accept” the head coaching position if he was offered it. He is well-respected by the players and handled the late season coaching change with grace. It will be interesting to see what happens with his status as Battaglia pieces together his coaching staff.

Battaglia’s official start date Battaglia has business to finish up at Kent State before he gets his hands dirty with Fenwick football. Kent State plays Utah State in the Frisco Bowl on Dec. 20. Battaglia will start working as Fenwick’s assistant athletic director on Dec. 23. He will also lead open workouts for anyone in the program on Dec. 30, Dec. 31 and Jan. 2. The times of these workouts have yet to be determined. “I still have to figure out how to get in this building and get around half the time,” Battaglia joked. “I have gotten lost so many times already.”

Friars moving forward after 2016 incident There have been rumblings about whether Fenwick would conduct an investigation into the incident that forced former head coach Gene Nudo out of a job. Thies isn’t aware of an investigation if one is happening and Fenwick’s president, the Rev. Richard Peddicord, could not be reached for comment. It appears that Fenwick is moving on from what took place in 2016.

S P O R T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

Friars stay undefeated after win vs. Blazers

Most local high school sports followers know about the rivalry between Oak ParkRiver Forest and Fenwick high schools. But the rivalry between Fenwick and Trinity is just as intense if not more, especially given both schools are in the same conference - the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Red. The latest installment of this matchup played out on the basketball court on Dec. 10 at Sister Michelle Germanson Gym in River Forest. In front of a large crowd, the Friars secured a hard-fought 41-36 victory over the host Blazers. “That’s what a rivalry is all about,” said Fenwick coach Dave Power on the intense atmosphere. “It was a fun game, and I knew it was going to be like this. We had trouble knocking down shots and were a little erratic, but when we needed it, we put the pedal to the metal.” Despite the loss, Trinity coach Kim Coleman was pleased with her team’s effort. “It was a tough one, we fought,” said Coleman. “They’re a top-15 team in the state and I thought we gave them a game. I’m proud of the way we fought, and I know how good our team can be. We’ve just got to keep working. Both the Friars (11-0) and Blazers (7-3) came out with tremendous defensive intensity, and it showed on the scoreboard. Fenwick led 9-8 after one quarter, but Trinity’s Makiyah Williams scored all seven of her team’s points in the second quarter to force a 15-15 tie at halftime. Williams continued to put the Blazers on

SHANEL ROMAIN/Contributor

GET TO THE RIM: Fenwick’s Lauren Hall (No. 1) attempts to drives past a defender in the Friars’ 41-36 win on Dec. 5. her back in the third quarter, scoring another 7 points. But Fenwick forwards Elise Heneghan and Audrey Hinrichs came alive in the post as they combined for 10 points to give the Friars a 29-27 lead heading into the fourth. “We work really well together,” said Heneghan of the chemistry with Hinrichs. “We’ve been playing with each other for so many years. If Audrey’s open, I’ll pass it to her, and vice versa.” The Fenwick defense went to a man-toman defense in the fourth quarter and kept Williams off the scoreboard. Yet, Trinity

hung in thanks to two clutch three-pointers by Maddie Miller, and the lead seesawed between the teams. A pair of Hinrichs baskets midway through the quarter gave the Friars the lead for good. With Fenwick holding a 37-36 lead, Mia Caccitolo scored a key basket with :37 remaining, then Heneghan would seal the win for the Friars with two free throws with 9.1 seconds left. “I thought we played great defense, it kept us in the game,” said Power. “This was the coldest shooting night we’ve had this year,

but I like the way our girls fought to the end. We needed a close game to see how we would respond. Our backs were against the wall, and Trinity kept pushing, but we had some nice fourth-quarter moments. It wasn’t our best game, but I think the rivalry had a lot to do with it.” Williams finished with a game-high 16 points while adding 10 rebounds, and Coleman offered the ultimate compliment to her star junior. “Makiyah’s committed to winning, she wants to win,” Coleman said. “She’s willing to do whatever it takes. With our starting point guard (Zyerra Stafford) being out, Makiyah is taking on more of the load and wants the team to be successful.” Miller finished with 9 points and Liza Montgomery added 5 points and 3 rebounds for the Blazers. Heneghan finished with a team-high 13 points and added 8 rebounds for Fenwick. Hinrichs tallied 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists and Lily Reardon and Katie Schneider each grabbed 5 rebounds for the Friars. Fenwick tacked on three more wins later in the week - a 63-33 home triumph over St, Joseph (Dec.12), followed by victories over Bloom (43-31) and Comer (62-42) at the Marian Catholic Christmas Tournament on Dec. 14. Trinity bounced back from the Fenwick loss with a 57-43 victory over visiting Resurrection - with Williams scoring 35 points, but then lost at Montini 50-33.

Melvin Tate

OPRF swimmers take down LTHS in dual meet

The Huskies boys swim team traveled to Western Springs to take on their conference foes in Lyons Township High School on Dec. 13. OPRF took care of business with a 112-73 win over the Lions. “It’s a west suburban conference meet, which means you are going up against some of the best in the state,” said OPRF coach Clyde Lundgren. “When you roll into Lyons Township on a Friday night, you know you have your work cut out for you.” OPRF’s Benjamin Guerrero won the 200 yard freestyle (1:47.35); Frank Tirone came in first in the 100 yard butterfly (54.32) and the 50 yard freestyle (21.50); and Will Raidt placed first in the 200 yard individual medley (2:00.85) and 500 yard freestyle (4:42.83). “Will Raidt continues to be super solid,” said Lundgren. “He really focused in on the 500 free and we were happy with his swim there. Frank Tirone looked good in his sprint freestyles. Ben Guerrero is like a jack of all trades where you can put him in anywhere and continues to impress me.” Another positive takeaway from the meet for OPRF came during the 400-yard freestyle relay. Guerrero, Tirone, Raidt and Diego Pareja put up a 3:11.12 which Lundgren said would have come close to the pool record at OPRF which has stood since 1998.

“[The relay team who had the school record] went on to become state champions and broke the state record,” said Lundgren. “When you start looking at times like that which put you into that category, you get really excited about the possibilities at the end of the season.” LTHS’ Quinn Collins (freshman), A.J. Vitek (sophomore), Jack Wanless (sophomore) and Aidan Foley (sophomore) are getting their first taste of being on varsity this year. The team lost Michael Walsh, who won four medals at state last year, to graduation and didn’t have Jack Thorell versus OPRF. Thorell was absent this past week participating at an event in Washington with his club team. “We have a lot of new faces which is exciting since we have had a lot of the same boys stepping up for our program,” said LTHS coach Erin Rodriguez. “This year, a lot of sophomore and juniors are going to be stepping up and it’ll be interesting to see how they take it and how they react and contribute to the team this season.” Vitek won the 100 yard backstroke (57.62 seconds) and senior Mitchell Johnson finished first in the 100 yard breaststroke (1:02.80) in the Lions’ lone wins on the day. OPRF’s next challenge comes against York on Dec. 20 at home. The meet starts at 5 p.m

James Kay

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

DASH TO THE FINISH: OPRF’s Alan Kang, competes in the 100-yard butterfly event.

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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Check First.

Religion Guide

First Congregational Church of Maywood

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

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

William S. Winston Pastor

Roman Catholic

Good Shepherd

Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)

3:30-4:00pm

Nationwide

WJYS-TV (M-F)

6:30-7:00am

Chicago, IL.

WCIU-TV (Sun.)

10:30-11:00am

Chicago, IL.

Word Network

10:30-11:00am

Nationwide

(M-F)

www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org

West Suburban Temple Har Zion

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

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

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

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

St. Giles Family Mass Community

Lutheran—ELCA

United Lutheran Church

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

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

Roman Catholic

Ascension Catholic Church

www.unitedlutheranchurch.org

708/386-1576

(708) 697-5000 LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service

St. Edmund Catholic Church

ELCA, Lutheran

Lutheran-Independent

Grace Lutheran Church

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

Grace Lutheran School

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

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

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

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park

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

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

St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park

CELEBRATING OUR 108TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Thursday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca

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

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

Dec 1-24 Advent

16-25 Posadas Navidenas 21 Solstice Yule

Christian Hispanic Christian Christian

Yule - Litha Wicca/Pagan Northern and Southern hemispheres

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

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week

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CHILDCARE WORKER The Village of Forest Park has immediate openings for before and after school program. Part-time hours are M-F 2-6 p.m. Must be at least 18 years old, have a driver’s license and pass drug screening and background check. Apply in person at Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park. 708-771-7737.

NETWORK SPECIALIST The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Network Specialist in the Information Technology Department. The ideal candidate will need to be knowledgeable and capable to apply the principles and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.Hardware and software configuration of computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing enviornments of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, IOS/ Android. Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology. Cabling and wiring, including fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down. Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant. Interested and qualified applicants can visit our website at http://www. oak-park.us/ for more details.

Cultural Events Coordinator (Chicago, IL) Plan, dvlp, & coord Kyrgyz cultural, social, religious & educational events; entertain & educate Kyrgyz American community through these events & promote links btwn Kyrgyz community living in the US & abroad; implmt the organizations cultural dvlpmt projects; coord svcs for events; monitor event activities to ensure compliance w/ applicable regulations & laws; prep staff work scheds & perform personnel functions such as selection, training & evaluation; publicize events & promote sponsorships. Bach Deg in Event Mgmt, Business Mgmt, Communications, or Arabic Language & Literature & 24 mos of full-time exp in the job or in any managerial positions reqd. Must be fluent in Kyrgyz. Mon-Fri, 40 hrs/wk; Send resume (by mail only) to Bekmurat Amirakul, Kyrgyz Community Center, 6002 N Keating Ave, Chicago, IL 60613. DRIVER PART TIME - ASAP Local Company looking for part time driver/receiving clerk. Must be drug free & have valid IL DL. Must be able to lift 75Lbs. Hrs 7am to 1pm. EOE $12/hr email resume HR@sievertelectric.com HUMAN RESOURCE COORDINATOR The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Human Resource Coordinator in the Human Resources Department. The ideal candidate will have a high level of customer service skills, Will provide routine to complex office, clerical, and administrative tasks. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled. Applications will be accepted until December 20, 2019.

TEACHER AND TEACHER AIDE MINI ME BUNCH seeks teacher and teacher aide to enhance and expand daycare serving children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Teacher must have at least AAS in Early Childhood Education. Minimum 1 year experience preferred in each position. Must love children and be outgoing, patient, ﬂexible. Contact 773-521-9499.

SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE NEW CONCEPT FOR MAYWOOD In this quiet residential neighborhood

902 S. 3RD AVENUE (2 blks W of 1st Ave & 1 blk N of Madison)

Reserve your own affordable 2 or 3 BR condo unit of 1000+ sq ft of living space being built on this historic site. You’ll benefit from a unique 12-year tax freeze and lower monthly living expenses from energy saving systems/appliances, and you can help design your own individual unit. Plans also include building 5 new townhomes onsite. For details Call 708-383-9223.

SUBURBAN RENTALS 3BR 1 BA APARTMENT Recently updated, hardwood ﬂoors throughout, ceiling fans in every room. Kitchen w/ granite countertops. Garage parking 1 space, 2 spaces outside parking. Storage in basement. Washer & dryer on property free to tenants. Award-winning schools. Close to public trans, parks & shopping. $1500/mo. Elec. Included. Tenant pays heating & cooking gas only. 1 month req’d for security. Jim 708-955-1684

SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M

property management, inc.

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

Apartment listings updated daily at:

Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.

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

CITY RENTALS APARTMENT FOR RENT 5400 W BLK GLADYS 2 bedroom apt w 1/bath 2nd ﬂoor of 2 ﬂat building in Austin area. $1200/ mo. + 1 mo. security. Avail Feb. 1. Call 773-576-5122 fredb60615@gmail.com

LOOK q

A MUST-SEE!!! 929-933 N. LEAMINGTON ST. BEAUTIFUL newly renovated Studios ($725 - $750) & 2-bdrm Apts. ($875 - $900) in quiet bldg. Appls incld; tenant pays utilities. Credit/bkgrnd check req’d. Sect. 8 Welcome! For private viewing, call 708-307-8178.

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

COMMERCIAL RETAIL SPACE RETAIL SPACE–FOR LEASE A 1600 Sq Ft. Retail Space for Lease in Strip Mall: 321 S. Harlem Ave., Forest Park, IL. 60130. Vacated. Available Now. Upgraded. Formerly a Cleaners. End space. Heavy foot/road trafﬁc area. 45-Space Parking Lot! For more details: Serious Inquiries ONLY: EMAIL: poppygator@yahoo.com CALL/TEXT: PB at: (708)250-7997

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy ofﬁces for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking. Free wiﬁ; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared waiting room; optional Conference. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays. Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net

ESTATE SALE

ELECTRICAL

Oak Park

ESTATE SALE 318 S CUYLER SAT 12/21 10AM-5PM SUN 12/22 10AM-2PM “CASH ONLY”

ITEMS FOR SALE 1999 ELIZABETH TAYLOR CLEOPATRA DOLL $70.00 Call 708-513-0087 1998-1999 HARLEY-DAVIDSON KEN & BARBIE DOLLS $80.00 for both Call 708-513-0087 CHEST OF DRAWERS & DRESSER WITH MIRROR $65.00 each. Dust proof drawers. Blonde ﬁnish. 708-848-8755 HENREDON DINING SET Henredon Aston Court carved wood oriental dining table and chairs. 4 side and 2 arm chairs. Must see! Claw foot, pedestal table. Negotiable. 773-640-3582

Ceiling Fans Installed

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • 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 • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

FLOORS

HAULING

KLIS FLOORING INC.

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

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SCANDINAVIAN TEAK WOOD BOOKCASE Adjustable shelves. 6 ft 7 in high, 4 ft wide. Must see! $175.00 negotiable. 773-640-3582

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SHEARLING COAT Brown shearling coat w/ attached hood. $149.00 708-848-8755

HANDYMAN

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

PETS While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home

cat calls

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CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

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708-488-9411

Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

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Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986

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A&A ELECTRIC

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Our 73rd Year LENOX CHINA AUTUMN PATTERN Lenox dishes, Presidential Collection, Autumn pattern, gold trimmed w/ hand-painted beads, service for 8, $125 per 5 piece place setting. Made in USA. 773-640-3582

ELECTRICAL

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524-1030

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HVAC

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Furnace repair– all makes. Inspect furnace, vacuum burner. Trouble calls, no heat or hot water.

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Greetings!

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/4, 12/11, 12/18/2019

773-202-8887 STORMSNAPS.COM ®

free local delivery

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❆ Attention! Home-improvement pros! Reach the people making decisions. Advertise in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342

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PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE IOWA JUVENILE COURT FOR DES MOINES COUNTY IN THE INTEREST OF E.S., CHILDREN No. JVJV005651 ORIGINAL NOTICE

) ) )

TO: ALL PUTATIVE FATHERS OF THE ABOVE-NAMED CHILD, BORN ON MAY 21, 2010 IN OAK PARK, ILLINOIS You are notified that there is now on file in the office of the clerk of court for Des Moines County, a petition in case number JVJV005651 which prays for a termination of your par-

ent-child relationship. For further details, contact the clerk’s ofﬁce at 319-753-8272. The State of Iowa’s attorney is Erin E. Stensvaag, Assistant County Attorney, 100 Valley Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601, (319)753-8209. You are notiﬁed that there will be a hearing on the petition to terminate parental rights before the Iowa District Court for Des Moines County, at the Courthouse in Burlington, Iowa, on January 30th, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

Note: The attorney who is expected to represent the child’s parent(s) should be promptly advised by the parent(s) of the service of this notice. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN COURT DUE TO A DISABILITY, CALL THE DISABILITY COORDINATOR AT 641684-6502. PERSONS WHO ARE HEARING OR SPEECH IMPAIRED MAY CALL RELAY IOWA TTY (1800-735-2942). DISABILITY COORDINATORS CANNOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE.

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/11, 12/18, 12/25/2019

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 19-08 - Planned Development HEARING DATE: January 9, 2020 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits. LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302 APPLICANT(S): GLPE, LLC, 1259 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60607 OWNER(S) OF RECORD: Margaret and Stephen Mudjer, 15W700 81st Street, Burr Ridge, IL 60527 SUBJECT PROPERTY ADDRESSES: 435-451 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 LEGAL DESCRIPTION: PARCEL 1: LOT 25 (EXCEPT THE WEST 51 ½ FEET) IN BLOCK 8 IN S. T. GUNDERSON AND SON’S ADDITION TO OAK PARK, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST ½ OF LOT 4 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL

MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 2: THE WEST 51 ½ FEET OF LOT 25 IN BLOCK 8 IN S. T. GUNDERSON AND SON’S ADDITION TO OAK PARK, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST ½ OF LOT 4 IN THE SUBDIVISION OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. P.I.N.s 16-18-206-001-0000 and 16-18-206-002-0000 REQUESTS: The Applicant seeks approval of a Planned Development to allow for the construction of a 48-unit apartment building with 48 first floor parking spaces within the MS-Madison Street zoning district at 5-stories tall. The Applicant is requesting zoning relief for the following; 1.) Increase in density from 24 allowed dwelling units to a notto-exceed unit count of 48 dwelling units, 2.) Increase in height from an allowed 50 feet to a not-to-exceed height of 63 feet, 3.) A reduction in the rear yard setback from a required 25 feet to a not-to-exceed Published in Wednesday Journal 12/18/2019

OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNo-

PUBLIC NOTICES

distance of 7 feet, 4.) A reduction in rear yard landscape area width from 7 feet to a width of 3 feet, and 5.) A reduction in the required number of on-site load areas to zero (0). Copies of the application and each of the applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Persons with disabilities planning to attend and needing special accommodations should contact the Village Clerk’s Office at 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, or call (708) 358-5670. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THESE PROCEEDINGS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD. David Mann, Chairperson OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION, Sitting as a Zoning Commission Oak Park, Illinois 60302

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF RIVER FOREST SPECIAL SERVICE AREA NUMBER 11

LEGAL NOTICE

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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: Y19002681 on November 26, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of JOY XOXO with the business located at: P.O. BOX 22, BERWYN, IL 60402. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JEANITA MOORE 3512 OAK PARK AVE BERWYN, IL 60402.

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PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Oak Park on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois on the following matter: Cal. No. 01-20-Z: 6000-6020 Roosevelt Road, Oak Park, Illinois 60304 Property Index Numbers 16-17-331-033-0000; 16-17-331032-0000; 16-17-331-026-0000; 16-17-331-025-0000; and 16-17331-024-0000 (“Premises”) The Applicant Ampler Development LLC (“Applicant”) seeks a special use permit to operate a drive-through facility pursuant to Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) and Section 5.4 (Table 5-12: RR District Use Restrictions by Building Type) of the (“Zoning Ordinance”) of the Village of Oak Park to permit an accessory drive-through facility for a freestanding Taco Bell restaurant located in the RR Roosevelt Road District at the Premises. In addition, the Applicant seeks the following variances from the following sections of the Zoning Ordinance: 1. Section 5.4(H)(2)(b) (Table 5-9: RR District RR-T Street Frontage Options) of which requires that a building be built out to the corner of the property and that sixty percent (60%) of the street frontage along Roosevelt Road be occupied by the building. The proposed building street frontage will be approximately eleven percent (11%); and 2. Section 5.4(I)(1) (Table 5-11: RR District Required Façade Elements) of which requires that a façade’s transparency (windows on the building façade) on the side street along Humphrey Avenue shall be twenty percent (20%). The proposed transparency will be approximately two percent (2%). All papers in connection with the above matter are on file at the Village of Oak Park and available for examination by interested parties by contacting the Zoning Administrator at 708.358.5449. The Zoning Board of Appeals may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/18/2019

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on January 13, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the River Forest Village Hall, Board Room, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, a public hearing will be held by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest to consider forming a special service area consisting of the following described property:

All interested persons affected by the formation of River Forest Special Service Area Number 11 will be given an opportunity to be heard regarding the formation of and the boundaries of Special Service Area Number 11 and may object to the formation of Special Service Area Number 11 and the levy of taxes affecting said Special Service Area Number 11.

SOUTH 1/2 OF LOT 9, ALL OF LOTS 10, 11 AND 12, AND THE VACATED ALLEY WEST OF AND ADJOINING SAID LOTS, IN BLOCK 16 IN SUBDIVISION OF BLOCKS 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15 AND 16 IN BOUGE’S ADDITION TO OAK PARK, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS;

The purpose of the formation of River Forest Special Service Area Number 11 is to fund the Village of River Forest’s extraordinary paramedic and ambulance service costs related to the property subject to Special Service Area 11 as required by the Planned Development granted in Ordinance 3714 (“Special Services”), within said Special Service Area Number 11.

PINs: 15-01-418-015-0000, 1501-418-016-0000, 15-01-418017-0000, 15-01-418-018-0000, 15-01-418-019-0000, 15-01-418020-0000 and 15-01-418-0210000; Street Location: the west side of Harlem Avenue north of Chicago Avenue in River Forest, Cook County, Illinois; Common Addresses: 800 North Harlem Avenue, 806 North Harlem Avenue, 810 North Harlem Avenue, 814 North Harlem Avenue, 818 North Harlem Avenue, 822 North Harlem Avenue and 826 North Harlem Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305.

A tax levy at a rate not to exceed $7.29 per $100.00 of equalized assessed valuation of property in Special Service Area Number 11, for each year during which the Village of River Forest is required to expend funds relative to the Special Services will be considered at the public hearing. As taxes will not be levied until such time, if any, as the Village actually expends funds for the Special Services, it is currently unknown as to the actual amount of the taxes that will be levied for the initial year, if any, for which taxes will be levied within Special Service Area Number 11; however, any such initial tax levy shall not exceed the maximum tax rate as set forth above. Said tax is to be levied upon all taxable property

within the proposed Special Service Area Number 11. At the public hearing, all persons affected by the formation of the Special Service Area Number 11, including all persons owning taxable real estate therein, will be given an opportunity to be heard. The public hearing may be adjourned by the Village President and Board of Trustees to another date without further notice, other than a motion, to be entered upon the minutes of its meeting, fixing the time and place of its adjournment and/or as otherwise required by law. If a petition signed by at least fiftyone (51%) of the electors residing within Special Service Area Number 11 and by at least fifty-one (51%) of the owners of record of the land included within the boundaries of Special Service Area Number 11 is filed with the Village Clerk, within sixty (60) days following the final adjournment of the public hearing, objecting to the creation of Special Service Area Number 11, the enlargement thereof, the levy or imposition of a tax for the provision of the Special Services to the area, or to a proposed increase in the tax rate, said Special Service Area Number 11 may not be created or enlarged, and no tax may be levied or imposed nor the rate increased. DATED this 18th day of December, 2019. Kathleen Brand-White Village Clerk Village of River Forest

Published in Wednesday Journal 12/18/2019

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certiﬁcation was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y19002756 on December 9, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of SAFE SAVINGS FOR YOU with the business located at:4003 CONGRESS STREET, BELLWOOD, IL 60104. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MELISSA FENTRESS 4003 CONGRESS STREET BELLWOOD, IL 60104. Published in Forest Park Review 12/18, 12/25/2019, 1/1/2020

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: Y19002724 on December3, 2019 Under the Assumed Business Name of KISAKIDCARE HOME DAYCARE with the business located at:1040 N AUSTIN BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: KISA ERINN MICHELLE MARX 1040 N AUSTIN BLVD OAK PARK, IL 60302. Published in Wednesday Journal 12/18, 12/25/2019, 1/1/2020

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, -v.JESSIE BRUMFIELD Defendants 12 CH 019546 1526 N. AUSTIN BLVD. 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 September 11, 2012, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 7, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1526 N. AUSTIN BLVD., OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-106-020; 16-05-106-021 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not

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

Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

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

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-12-14848 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 12 CH 019546 TJSC#: 39-7341 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any

information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 12 CH 019546 I3138921

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

(HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 17-4977. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite #1125 Chicago IL, 60606 312-541-9710 E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg.com Attorney File No. 17-4977 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2017 CH 06039 TJSC#: 39-6965 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2017 CH 06039 I3139454

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER Plaintiff, -v.ERNEST BROWN, MELENA ASHER, DANIELLE BRIDGES, ERNEST BROWN, III, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF VERA BROWN, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR VERA BROWN (DECEASED) Defendants 2018 CH 08189 1114 NORTH AUSTIN BLVD 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 March 14, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 13, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1114 NORTH AUSTIN BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-307-0300000 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each

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

POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-06406 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 08189 TJSC#: 39-7776 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2018 CH 08189 I3140280

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.AMALEK VICTOR SMITH, FELICIA C. SMITH Defendants 2017 CH 06039 439 HARLEM AVENUE FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 16, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 21, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 439 HARLEM AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-13-207-0190000 Vol. 163 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $177,615.33. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential

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Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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Wednesday Journal, December 18, 2019

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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

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

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