Issuu

■

A Chicagoland fashion staple to close

PAGE 6

FREE Vol. 36 No. 11

March 16, 2022

■

Also serving Garfield Park

■

austinweeklynews.com

@AustinWeeklyNews

@austinweeklynews

@AustinWeeklyChi

Hampton House nearing landmark status, page 4

New COPA chief, faith leaders discuss police accountability

Andrea Kersten told members of The Leaders Network that she’s committed to increasing transparency By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ AustinTalks

Andrea Kersten, the newly confirmed chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), says she’s committed to increasing transparency and improving the timeliness of COPA’s investigations. “There are two very strong themes that come across clearly when we talk to impacted parties in the communities that we serve, and the police department, frankly,” Kersten said at this month’s meeting of the Leaders Network. Those two things are “the timeliness of our investigations as well as increased transparency.” On average, it takes COPA 18 months to complete a police misconduct investigation. In comparison, the Independent Police Review Authority, COPA’s predecessor agency, took an average of 30 months. But there is still room for improvement, Kersten said. “We need to continue to create the kind of operational efficiencies that will allow us to reduce our caseload so that we can deliver justice in a quick and timely manner but, of course, without ever eroding investigative integrity,” she said. Leaders Network President David Cherry agreed that timeliness of COPA’s investigations is a priority for his group and asked what would be a reasonable standard. Kersten said she would like to lower the average to six months, and she wants an even shorter timeframe for cases that can be resolved faster. The Chicago City Council confirmed Kersten as COPA’s new leader last month after her nomination was initially rejected because several alderpersons were upset about how the agency had disclosed information about Chicago Police Officer Ella French after she was killed in the line of duty. See COPA on page 11

Endangered

House of Prayer Church of God in Christ, Tom Harris

The Central Park Theater in North Lawndale retains most original details from its construction in 1917. See story on page 3.

West Sub about to be sold again Pipeline Health finds buyer that specializes in healthcare turnarounds By STACEY SHERIDAN Wednesday Journal

West Suburban Medical Center is changing ownership once again. Pipeline Health announced March 10 its plans to sell the Oak Park hospital to the Michigan-based healthcare management group Resilience Healthcare. The acquisition, worth $92 million, also includes Weiss Memorial Hospital in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Resilience Healthcare is led by Manoj Prasad, “a health executive with over two decades in healthcare turnaround,”

according to a statement released by Pipeline announcing the impending sale. “This is a wonderful opportunity to serve the patients and communities of Oak Park and residents of the West Side as well as Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood and beyond. We’re excited to secure state approval and get to work,” Prasad said in a statement released by Pipeline. Wednesday Journal has reached out to Pipeline for comment, as well as to former Oak Park mayor Anan Abu-Taleb, See WEST SUB on page 8

FREDRICK R.

CHI.GOV/REALSTORIES

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

Supermarket coming to West Side giving away groceries The Black-owned North Lawndale Produce Meat & Produce Market is giving away groceries until it opens By PASCAL SABINO Block Club Chicago

A West Side businessman is giving away groceries to residents in a food desert as he works to open a full-service grocery store. Al Person plans to open North Lawndale Fresh Meat & Produce Market at 628 S. Pulaski Road in the coming weeks. It will be Lawndale’s only Black-owned grocery store. But due to the dire scarcity in places to buy food, Person partnered with local nonprofits to hold food distributions as he awaits city approval to open. “We figured in between that time, we might as well get some use out of it,” Person said. “People are saying, ‘Wow, this is what you’ll be carrying when you open? We’ll definitely be shopping here.’” Residents can pick up fresh produce and meat at the food giveaways, which start at 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 628 S. Pulaski Road. Many residents have to travel miles to get to a grocery store, and many people don’t trust the quality of the food of other local supermarkets, Person said. He organized the giveaways so residents would have a trusted and community-oriented place to get quality food until more options emerge, he said. “We’re giving them the same stuff that they would pay good money for. We’re giving them the sense that this is the type of things the store will have when it opens,” Person said. The food donations come from nonprofits Sinai Chicago, HoJo Family Assistance and Stop The Violence #1, as well as from Person’s restaurant, 3Kings Jerk.

PROVIDED

The storefront of the North Lawndale Fresh Meat & Produce Market, set to open in early 2022. The giveaways essentially work as a free grocery store: Residents can pick whatever items they’d like from aisles full of fruits, veggies, meat, seafood and poultry. Giving people a choice in what kinds of food they get allows them to feel dignified as they benefit from the program and ensures the foods they get are items they enjoy eating, Person said. “It reduces waste. Often when organizations give away boxes of food, people don’t always eat that kind of food. People are only going to pick up what they need or what they want,” Person said. So far, the giveaways have served 300 to 500 families each day.

“MY PARENTS GOT ME VACCINATED BECAUSE THEY WANTED TO PROTECT ME.” —BRYNN, AGE 6

PROTECT THEIR CHILDHOOD. GET THEM VACCINATED TODAY.

Visit Chicago.gov/ChildVax

Like much of the West Side, North Lawndale is considered by many to be a food desert, an area where residents must travel miles to buy to fresh food. Lawndale has only one grocery store, a Freshway Market at 3240 W. Roosevelt Road. In surrounding neighborhoods Austin and West Garfield Park, supermarket chains like Save A Lot and Aldi have closed suddenly within the past year, worsening the food scarcity for West Siders. The best way to ensure the community has necessities like food is for locals to own the businesses that provide those goods and services, Person said. When Lawndale Meat & Produce Market opens in about six weeks, Person intends to source at least 85 percent of the food from Black farmers and Black-owned businesses. “In this particular time, Black people especially, we need our own stores. We need to be able to feed ourselves,” Person said. The food distributions follow the legacy of the Black Panther Party, which organized free breakfast programs, grocery giveaways and free medical clinics for Black communities that were neglected by corporations and the government, Person said. “We tell people, ‘Only take what you need.’ We have a lot of people who are sick and suffering. … This program is for the single moms, the seniors, the working class and the sick and suffering,” Person said. Subscribe to Block Club Chicago, an independent, 501(c) (3), journalist-run newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.

CONTACT: pascal@blockclubchi.org

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

West Side theater listed among city’s most endangered places Central Park Theater in North Lawndale among Preservation Chicago’s 8 most endagnered buildings and destinations

news

Equity Editor/Ombudsman/Editor Michael Romain Senior Editor Bob Uphues Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins Community Narrative Reporter Samantha Callender

By JOE WARD & PASCAL SABINO Block Club Chicago

Downtown high rises, public housing complexes, lakefront attractions and a historic West Side theater are on this year’s list of the most endangered spots in Chicago. Preservation Chicago has released this year’s “most endangered list,” which includes eight entries instead of the usual seven. The list debuted in 2003 and is updated yearly, showing which portions of Chicago’s built environment are most threatened by redevelopment or through neglect. This year’s list includes multiple clusters of buildings, including public housing sites, a stretch of Midcentury Modern buildings in West Ridge and a trio of structures in Old Town. “The threats to our historic built environment are all across Chicago, but we have hope for our city that these places can be reused, repurposed and protected, making them a cornerstone to grow communities sensitively and holistically,” Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, said in a statement. The Central Park Theater, 3535 W. Roosevelt Rd., was once a West Side hub for music, performing arts and film. But today, the historically significant building survives only due to the preservation efforts of the House of Prayer Church of God in Christ, which bought the deteriorating theater in 1971. Under the leadership of founding pastor Lincoln Scott, the theater found new life as a community hub and place of worship. The House of Prayer congregation poured their resources into saving the building, which otherwise would have been torn down, said Robert Marshall, the church’s current pastor. “We restored it and kept the building up. We didn’t want the building to just be torn down and go to waste. The pastors who came before me, they put [in] so much effort. They spent their own money. They put their houses up for mortgage renovate the building,” Marshall said.

AUSTIN WEEKLY

Contributing Reporter Igor Studenkov Reporting Partners Block Club, Austin Talks Columnist Arlene Jones Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago

The Moody Church in Old Town on March 8, 2022.

Preservation Chicago’s full list: ■ Century

and the Consumers buildings, 202 and 220 N. State. St., Loop ■ Francis Cabrini Homes, Near North ■ North DuSable Lake Shore Drive, 111 N. Lake Shore Drive, Downtown Chicago ■ Peterson Avenue Midcentury Modern District, Peterson Avenue between Pulaski Road and Oakley Avenue, Rogers Park and Pullman ■ Promontory Point, Hyde Park ■ St. Martin de Tours has stood, 5848 S. Princeton Ave., Englewood ■ Central Park Theater, 3535 W. Roosevelt Rd., North Lawndale Their efforts have left the interior details of the building almost entirely intact despite issues with water damage, roofing and tuckpointing. The theater was designed to be a marvel to visitors when built in 1917 by developers Balaban & Katz and architecture firm Rapp & Rapp. The building has a Mediterranean reviv-

AUSTIN WEEKLYNEWS

al-style façade with an auditorium that is a mix of French baroque, neoclassical and Renaissance revival architecture. For decades, the theater was a fixture for the Jewish community in Lawndale as well as the Black residents who established themselves in the neighborhood during the Great Migration. After it was bought by House of Prayer, it became a gathering place for worship and after-school programs, and it was a world-renown venue for gospel performers, including Shirley Caesar and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Restoration of the theater has been marred by financial limitations of the church and maintenance challenges that caused the building to be shut down by the city. “If we don’t do something soon, the way the weather is in Chicago, it’ll start deteriorating. First the outside, then the roof will give away. Then the cold will create cracks on the inside,” Marshall said. The committee is seeking a Chicago Landmark designation for the theater, and its members are aiming to raise $100,000 in emergency stabilization funds to address building code issues. Supporters can donate to the restoration efforts via GoFundMe.

CONTACT: pascal@blockclubchi.org

Mail your letter to the editor to: Austin Weekly News 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

Sales & Marketing Representavies Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson , Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 773-626-6332 FAX 708-467-9066 CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE www.AustinWeeklyNews.com TWITTER @AustinWeeklyChi Austin Weekly News is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. It is distributed free of charge at locations across Austin and Garfield Park. Our hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advertising rates are available by calling our office. Printed entirely on recycled paper. © 2022 Growing Community Media NFP.

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

Fred Hampton’s childhood home closer to landmark status

On March 11, the Maywood Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to advance the historic landmark process By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

CROSSING AUSTIN BOULEVARD: This story is part of an ongoing series of articles that Austin Weekly News publishes about issues, events, people, places and things that take place west of Austin Boulevard, but that nonetheless resonate to the east of it, as well.

The childhood home of Fred Hampton, which is located at 804 S. 17th Ave. in Maywood, is closer to becoming a historic landmark. Hampton, the famous leader of the Illinois Black Panther Party, was assassinated by law enforcement officials inside of his West Side apartment on Dec. 4, 1969. During a meeting on March 11, the Maywood Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to move the historic landmark nomination process forward to a public hearing next month. During the meeting, Tom Kus, the commission’s chairman, said the public hearing would take place during a Board of Trustees meeting. The first village board meeting in April is a Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. on April 5. Kus added that the public notices will be sent to all adjacent property owners and notice of the public hearing will need to be published in a newspaper 15 days before the hearing takes place. Kus said the ultimate decision on whether or not to landmark the Hampton House will be the village board’s to make, but Kus indicated that the commission will likely recommend the board vote in favor of the petition. If the village board approves the landmark nomination, the Hampton House will be the village’s 26th historic landmark, Kus said.

FILE

Fred Hampton Jr. in front of his father’s boyhood home at 804. S. 17th Ave. in Maywood in 2018. During the meeting, a spokesperson for the Hampton family said that the family may also move to get the Hampton House listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On its web page, the commission explains that a building or site that’s determined to

“The” Friendship BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Dr. Reginald E. Bachus, Pastor 5200 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60644 773-378-6600 fbcchicago.org facebook.com/friendshipbcchicago JOIN US FOR ONLINE SERVICES • FACEBOOK @FriendshipBCChicago • YOUTUBE @The Friendship Baptist Church of Chicago

Sundays - 9:30 AM Sunday School • 11:00 AM Worship Service

Wednesdays - 6:00 PM Bible Study

have landmark status “contributes to the value of its community and raises awareness of its cultural history. Once a building or site has been landmarked, the Maywood Historic Preservation Commission must review requests for its alteration or demolition, and grant a Certificate of Appropriateness before any major changes to the property that require a building permit are made.” Local landmarks also get several benefits, including the opportunity for a property tax freeze and various financial incentives, such as income tax credits for historically appropriate renovations, the commission added. The historic landmark status has been a long-standing goal for Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., Hampton’s son and leader of the Black Panther Party Cubs, an offshoot of the Black Panther Party. In addition to an online petition that was created to garner support for the landmark status, Congressmen Bobby Rush and Danny K. Davis both offered their support for landmark status late last year. Hampton Jr. is working to turn his fa-

ther’s childhood home into a museum. So far, he’s made the home a community gathering space, installing a Little Free Library, a community refrigerator stocked with free food and a memorial bench on its grounds, among other features. After the commission meeting, Hampton Jr. expressed satisfaction with how the landmark process has been moving so far. “We appreciate all of the people’s support,” the Black Panther Party Cub chairman told community activist Randall McFarland, who live-streamed the commission meeting on Facebook. “This is historical,” McFarland said. “This is the beginning of the process. What we just witnessed and what you all are witnessing is historical.” The commission vote took place nearly four years after the Hampton House was nearly lost to a foreclosure auction. The foreclosure action was avoided after community members rallied in support of Hampton Jr.’s efforts to save the house.

CONTACT: michael@austinweeklynews.com

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

Applications for up to $30K in housing relief to open in April Prospective applicants need to demonstrate pandemicrelated financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020 By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

Starting in April, homeowners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and at risk of foreclosure will be able to apply for up to $30,000 in free assistance through the Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) program, Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) officials announced in February. “My administration worked more quickly than any other state in the country to distribute over $1 billion to prevent renters and homeowners from losing their housing in the pandemic, and this next phase will provide hundreds of millions more in 2022,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in the IHDA release. “Come April, residents struggling to keep a roof over their heads will be able to access up to $30,000 in mortgage relief,” Pritzker said. “This funding marks another step forward in our work to ensure all our residents have what they need for themselves and their families.” Government officials said the U.S. Department of the Treasury “requires this assistance be used as a ‘last resort,’ there-

fore struggling homeowners are federally required to seek other relief options prior to being eligible to apply for assistance through ILHAF in April. “Potential applicants must demonstrate they have either communicated with their mortgage provider about their inability to pay or sought counseling with a HUD-approved counseling organization. “Interested homeowners are strongly encouraged to attend an information session hosted by IHDA or one of our housing partners. The session schedule is posted online at illinoishousinghelp.org, for those without access to a computer or the internet, please contact the ILHAF hotline at 1-866-IL-HELP (866-454-3571).” The ILHAF program is funded through money made available by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, officials said. To qualify for the ILHAF assistance, Illinois homeowners “must have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic after Jan. 21, 2020 (including a hardship that began before Jan. 21, 2020, but continued after that date),” officials said. “They also must currently own and occupy their home in Illinois as their primary residence, be at least 30 days late on their monthly housing payments and have a household income at or below 150% of the area median income.” For more information and updates on the program, visit illinoishousinghelp.org.

CONTACT: michael@austinweeklynews.com

Deadline to renew expired driver’s license extended to July 31 Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recently announced that the expiration date for driver’s licenses, learner’s permits and state IDs will be extended to July 31. “The previous extension was set to end on March 31, 2022,” officials said. “As a result, expired driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits will remain valid until July 31, 2022, so customers do not need to rush into Driver Services facilities, especially during inclement weather. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits.” Secretary of State officials added that the office has “expanded online renewals for expired driver’s licenses and ID cards and continues to mail letters to eligible

customers. The letter provides driver’s license and ID card holders with a unique PIN needed to renew online instead of visiting a facility and waiting in line.” Customers can call (217) 785-1424 to confirm their eligibility for online renewal or to obtain their PIN, officials said, adding that White is still encouraging people to conduct other business online at ilsos. gov. In other reminders, White’s office said his office is also extending the expiration dates of Restricted Driving Permits (RDPs) to July 31, for those that expired on or after Dec. 1, 2021 through July 30. In addition, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, White’s office said.

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

After 73 years, the Mister Shop to close, ending a retail era

The Mister Shop spent 47 years inside of North Riverside Park Mall in suburban North Riverside By BOB UPHUES Riverside-Brookfield Landmark

versity of Illinois and worked as a certified public accountant for a time. It wasn’t for him. “I didn’t like accounting. It was too boring,” Kurtz said. Kurtz said he was at the Riverside location when the family decided to make the move to the brand-new North Riverside Park Mall in order “to expand a little bit.” A Chicago Tribune ad from Sept. 19, 1975 announced the moving sale. “Everything must be sold down to the bare walls!” the ad said. The inventory included $165 Petrocelli suits on sale for $79.99, leisure suits (polyester casual suit combos unique to the mid-1970s) on sale for $69.99 and slacks for $8.99. Kurtz, 66, still wears a suit to work, as do many of his male employees, illustrating the fashion sense that has made the store tick. It was a place where the well-dressed man went to buy suits, dress shirts and silk ties. “I like what everybody likes about working here,” said Tony West, aka “Mr. West,” who for the last four years has worked as a salesman and manages The Mister Shop’s social media. “It’s the clothes, it’s the fashion, it’s the shoes, it’s the coats.”

BOB UPHUES/Senior Editor

Randy Kurtz, the owner of The Mister Shop, inside of his North Riverside Park Mall store.

“No one’s left, ever,” Kurtz said. “You can’t get another store to say that.” The Mister Shop’s longest-tenured employee was a man named “Doc” who worked for The Mister Shop for more than 50 years. “He came with the store that my parents The Mister Shop is a retail unicorn. A bona bought in 1953 in Riverside,” Kurtz said. “We fide mom-and-pop retail men’s clothing store, just had a guy retire at 47 years, Jeff.” it started out as a suburban main street storeWest confirmed the loyalty Kurtz shows to front, made the move to a regional shopping employees. mall where it faced intense competition from “We have that deal where when you come national big-box retailers and then adapted in you have a lifetime contract,” and continued to thrive as shopWest said. “He’s the kind of guy pers fled bricks-and mortar where you’ll never get fired, shopping for the ease of internet you’ll never get sent home. You clicks. But, after a 73-year run – 47 of can work for him forever as long them at the North Riverside Park as you’re willing.” Mall – The Mister Shop is selling Employees may stay for a off its inventory as owner Randy long time, but North Riverside Kurtz closes the doors to retire Park Mall has changed dramatifrom the business his family cally since the day The Mister started in Oak Park. Shop moved in alongside anchor “I’m going to see my grandchilstores like Montgomery Ward, dren grow up instead of missCarson Pirie Scott and J.C. Pening my children growing up,” ney along with dozens of clothsaid Kurtz last week during an ing stores that would come and interview on The Mister Shop’s go through the decades that folsales floor on the first day of the lowed. store’s blowout retirement sale. The Mister Shop is one of the BOB UPHUES/Senior Editor very few of the 100-plus original “I’ll go to all the Bulls games, and all the White Sox games. I The Mister Shop, a venerable clothing store inside of North Riverside tenants still in business at North missed most of them. I haven’t Riverside Park Mall. Apart from Park Mall, is closing after seven decades in business. been to a Sox game in 10 years. J.C. Penney, the only other tenBulls games I kept going, but I ant that can trace its roots back get to go to more.” West was a customer long before he was an to the 1970s is Spencer’s. For many years, the company was known employee. In fact, he said, he was a competi“Who knew that we’d outlast Carson’s and as The Mister Shops, plural. Kurtz’s father tor at one time. Back in the day, West worked Sears and Montgomery Ward’s?” Kurtz said. and uncle opened the original location in 1948 at the Bon-Ton Store in downtown Oak Park What’s been the key? According to Kurtz, close to Marshall Field’s on Lake Street near on Lake Street, not too far from The Mister it’s been the store’s ability to adapt as busiHarlem Avenue in Oak Park, but they added Shop. ness trends and clientele changed. another at 3242 Harlem Ave. in Riverside in “[Kurtz] begged me for about a year to come “I put in furs. I knew suits were going to go 1953. Later they would open a third location work here, and I finally gave in,” said West, down 40 years ago, I could predict it,” Kurtz at Harlem Avenue and Irving Park Road. who also owns a small pest control business said. “I put in teams’ jackets and sold 500 of Randy Kurtz wasn’t necessarily destined to he operates a couple days a week. “I gave in them. I expanded our shoe department. I have be part of the family business. Although he thinking I’d help him out for about a year and a jean department, I have a leather departbegan helping out in Oak Park, sweeping the it turned into four.” ment. I made into more than mostly suits. The store employs 14 people, and they tend Forty years ago people would wear a suit sidewalk in front of the store as a 9-year0-old, he earned an accounting degree at the Uni- to be long-timers. even to a sale.”

The Mister Shop has even weathered a move inside the mall itself. For four decades, The Mister Shop sat in something of a prime spot on the lower level near the center court. About seven years ago, the store moved to its present location closer to Round One. The store’s lease was expiring and the mall’s owners wanted that prime space for the Swedish clothier H&M. “My lease was up and H&M could take six stores,” Kurtz said. “I didn’t want to. The middle of the mall’s better. The center is where everybody comes. If you come in from this side or that side you probably won’t make it to both ends.” Despite all the challenges, Kurtz seems to thrive on the interaction with his employees and customers, some of whom came bearing gifts last week as word filtered out regarding his retirement. “You get to meet all of these lovely people and all the lovely employees I’ve had over the years,” Kurtz said. Kurtz has three daughters, but none is interested taking over the shop. According to a press release, Kurtz’s wife discouraged them from doing so due to the demands of the retail business. “My wife was right,” he said. “While our friends were out on weekends, she and I worked 300 Saturdays in a row and every holiday. Even when the store was closed, there’s work to be done, ordering inventory, planning advertising and promotions and more.” The Mister Shop’s official retirement sale ran through March 13, but the store will remain open during its normal hours until the remaining inventory is sold. Kurtz will decide later whether to continue the company’s online arm, TheMrShop.com. “Longevity was the name of the game, and it broke his heart to have to want to give up, but you really have to think about what’s best,” West said of his boss. “We’ve thought about the people and consumers for 73 years. Now it’s time to start thinking about yourself.”

CONTACT: michael@austinweeklynews.com

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

The evolution of praise dancing

everal years ago, I wrote a column about praise dancing. At that time, I saw it as little more than a talentless addition to a religious service that simply served to entertain the predominantly male members who sit in the pulpit. Young, lithe, mostly female dancers, sway, gyrate, leap and kick to music. I received a lot of emails from readers expressing their opinions in favor of praise dancing. Some people wrote a couple of lines while others wrote entire paragraphs. A few wrote several pages. I am grateful for all the feedback, but I am still not a fan of it. However, praise dancing’s popularity has grown so much that it is now considered a staple of church services and I respect them for it. Religious services have changed a lot over the years. I remember when women wearing pants to church was a big issue. Now nobody takes notice. That is how a religious service evolves. What was once the unusual becomes

the norm. Recently on Facebook, a video was posted of two sisters performing a popular TikTok dance in front of their mother’s open casket. At the end of the performance, they giggle. Initial reactions from people included a lot of folks being shocked. And a controversy ensued. Since that video was posted last year, several more have surfaced. The latest involved a trio of females, performing what is now called a TikTok dance for the camera. If dance has become a part of church services, why can’t the same thing be said of funeral services? All I had to do was think about the funeral services held in New Orleans. They feature an entire parade. Jazz musicians play while others strut about. The funeral service is not somber but more a celebration of the

ARLENE JONES

person’s life. The latest video I watched was accompanied by a note that said the girls’ performance was one of the deceased’s favorites. As I watched their choreographed movements in front of the casket, with what appears to be a funeral director standing watch kitty-corner to the casket, I was neither shocked nor surprised. I don’t even find it controversial. At some point, dance is going to be part of religious ceremonies and a funeral is no different from a regular service. So I’m accepting of this latest form of funeral culture. I will add it to the tradition of folks who pour alcohol onto the ground for the deceased, as well as those who spell out the deceased’s name using quarters. Then you have cemeteries filled with pinwheels, balloons and all sorts of tributes to the departed, which add a festive atmosphere. Funeral traditions come from activities that make people feel good about the service since the funeral is for the living.

“Religious services have changed a lot over the years. I remember when women wearing pants to church was a big issue.”

BOBBY SIMMONS FORMER NBA PLAYER

CHI.GOV/REALSTORIES

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

WEST SUB

Getting new owner from page 1 who serves as chairman of West Suburban’s governing board. Search engine queries turned up no results for a Resilience Healthcare website. The two healthcare companies are applying for a change of ownership through the Illinois Health Facilities and Review Board. If the change of ownership is approved, New Jersey-based businessman Rathnakar R. Patlola, a financial partner in Resilience, will be investing in the acquisition and operations, according to Pipeline. Pending the authorization of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, Resilience Healthcare will procure both hospitals and their campus properties. “Both parties are interested in a smooth and seamless transition,” said Pipeline CEO Andrei Soran in the statement. “All hospital operations will continue as usual with quality, compassionate care delivered to all patients served.” Prasad’s LinkedIn page states he is presently CEO of XPERTEASE and has been since Jan. 2017. He listed his responsibilities as focusing on “financial, clinical, cultural and operational transformation of

FILE

West Suburban Hospital Medical Center hospitals and group practices globally” and “bringing jeopardized hospitals back into regulatory compliance.” “My career turning around hospitals and health care organizations has been based on collaborations with and alignment of the medical staff, nurses, support staff and staff

RibFest Every Day! Mickey’s is the place!

Mickey’s Rib Special 1/2 Slab Dinner Full Slab Dinner B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS

$13.49

$19.79

includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 11am - 9pm Daily

3 Vienna Hot Dogs w/ Fries $ .49

Italian Beef Sandwich w/ Fries $ .99

Wednesday

Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $11.99

Every day Special!

Gyros with fries $8.99

1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger

Big Mickey! $ .49

on the front lines at hospitals,” Prasad was quoted as saying in the Pipeline statement. “I listen to them and to our patients and community partners and they see I am willing to roll up my sleeves and work side-byside with them. We get aligned on the common goals of providing our patients high

quality and affordable care and turning around a treasured community asset.” Prassad is reportedly moving to the Chicago area and plans to work full-time shoring up the financial positions of both hospitals to make them more sustainable, so the hospitals can continue to provide critical healthcare services to patients. West Suburban and Weiss have been under Pipeline’s ownership since 2017. Pipeline founder and board member Nick Orzano is quoted in the statement saying, “We have been struggling to make these hospitals successful. Manoj approached us to take on the challenge, and we believe he is an excellent fit, with a proven track record of success, for the communities we serve.” More than 80 percent of West Suburban’s patients are residents of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, according to Pipeline, which described the community as “at-risk.” Approximately 76 percent of West Suburban patients are Black. Wednesday Journal reported last month that the Accreditation Council for Graduate Education had withdrawn the accreditation of West Suburban’s internal medicine residency program. It was also reported that West Suburban’s family medicine residency program is on probationary accreditation and has been since October of last year. Prior to that, ACGME records show that program was placed on continued accreditation “with warning” on May 29, 2020.

CONTACT: stacey@oakpark.com

Circle Rock

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

Teaching Minds and Touching Hearts

Teaching Minds and TouchingAfter-school Hearts scholar

High quality education rooted in love, values and family located in the heart of HighAustin quality

education rooted in love, values and family located Proud in the heart of campus partner Austin with Circle uality Ministries rootedUrban and Rock ues and Church cated Proud art ofcampus partner with Circle on-campus in Urban Ministries performing and Rock arts center Church

New

New NEW on-campus

orchestra, athletic teams, and clubs

performing on-campus arts center performing The deadline for applications After-school to be included in Catalyst Circle arts center scholar Rock Charter School’s 2020-2021 orchestra, lottery is Monday March 23, 2020. athletic teams, The Catalyst Circle Rock lottery and clubs is held at the school at 9:00 am The Catalyst Circle Rock on March 25, 2020 and is open lottery will be held at the to the public.

school at 9:00 a.m. on March 17, 2022 and is open to the public. The deadline for applications

to be included in Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School’s 2020-2021 lottery is Monday March 23, 2020. The Catalyst Circle Rock lottery is held at the school at 9:00 am on March 25, 2020 and is open to the public. Apply now at:

catalystschools.org

5608 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60644 | 773-945-5025

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

What Austin wants

Residents identify key businesses they’d like to see come to the area, with a grocery store being top-of-mind By SAMANTHA CALLENDER & IGOR STUDENKOV Community Narrative Reporter & Contributing Reporter

Initiatives like Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Invest South/West seek to help revitalize the business community in Austin. But as developers and social service groups create proposals to win funds to bring their project to Austin, some Austin community members feel as though they aren’t being asked what it is they truly would like to see in their community. Austin Weekly News interviewed 15 Austin residents both in person and online to see what exactly it is they would love to see come to Austin amid the spate of Invest South/ West-related redevelopment projects. Fanya Berry reiterated what AWN has been hearing from residents during community meetings over the years: she would like to see more sit-down restaurants. She would also like to see more mental health service providers and organizations that help mothers. “I’d like to see a parenting center, especially around prenatal care and helping with births,” she said. Tamecia Davis said she would be interest-

ed in a local dance studio for her children. “I would like to see some kids dance studios, so parents don’t always have to go so far for places of that nature,” she said. Tasha Fuqua Shields would like to see something similar. She suggested more programming at Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St. “Get Austin Town Hall back going strong with cheer, football and dance/gymnastics for the kids in the community,” she said. Jenola Duncan said she would like more local sit-down restaurants, mentioning IHOP and Olive Garden as examples. She lives near the intersection of North and Central avenues. Duncan added that she would like to see a Starbucks closer to her home than the Galewood Starbucks at 7112 W. North Ave. Duncan added she also wants to see “a grocery store – a real grocery store,” such as Jewel-Osco. She said she shouldn’t have to travel outside the community just to get fresh produce. That sentiment was shared by residents Dorothy Williams and Stephani Falasha Masego, who also spoke about the lack of

Every Weekend Starting February 5th, 2022 We invite you to shop locally in Chicagos' Austin neighborhood. Fresh Produce, meat, baked goods and more.

PHOTO BY ERIC ALLIX ROGERS

Austin Town Hall grocery store options in Austin. The last grocery store in Austin, the Savea-Lot grocery store at 5555 W. North Ave., closed in December 2020 and a replacement store has yet to come. Forty Acres Fresh Market, which recently won a $2.5 million grant under the Chicago Recovery Plan, is looking to bring a brickand-mortar grocery store to the former Sal-

vation Army location at 5713 W. Chicago Ave. by 2023. Until then, Forty Acres has been hosting a community farmer’s market at the location on the weekends in an effort to provide residents with fresh produce, meats and other food items until their full-scale opening next year.

CONTACT: samantha@austinweeklynews.com

5713 W. Chicago Ave. Saturdays 9AM - 3PM Sundays 10AM - 3PM

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

COPA

New leader, new day? from page 1 Rev. Ira Acree praised Kersten at last week’s virtual meeting. “She has demonstrated tremendous courage, even at the sake of her career being threatened and her reputation being sullied,” he said. Kersten signed the report that held former police officer Robert Rialmo accountable for the shooting deaths of two Austin residents, 55-year-old Bettie Jones and 19-year-old Quintonio LeGrier, Acree said. Rialmo and his partner were called to a two-flat in the 4700 block of West Erie Street on Dec. 26, 2015, after reports of a domestic disturbance between LeGrier and his father. LeGrier was in the midst of a mental health episode, and his father had barricaded himself in his bedroom while the younger LeGrier, wielding a baseball bat, tried to enter. LeGrier’s father called Jones, who lived downstairs, and asked her to open the front door for police when they arrived. LeGrier came charging down the stairs with the bat and swung at Rialmo, who ducked then opened fire, killing both LeGrier and Jones, the Sun-Times reported. COPA was responsible for investigating the incident and recommended Rialmo’s discharge from the Chicago Police Department in what became a highly visible case. Then-Supt. Eddie Johnson objected to COPA’s recommendation, leading to the case being reviewed by the Chicago Police Board. Rialmo was fired in October 2019. An Illinois appellate court on Friday rejected Rialmo’s latest attempt to rejoin the Chicago Police Department, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “Frankly, transparency is why COPA exists, or rather the need for transparency,” Kersten said. Starting this year, COPA will have a unit with staff dedicated solely to handling issues of transparency, including providing access to public information in a timely manner in compliance with local laws and policies. This includes releasing videos of police misconduct, processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and releasing body-worn camera footage. Kersten noted that since its creation in 2017, COPA has made improvements in areas that were highly criticized, including its independence and the quality of its investigations. COPA has worked to ensure “the quality and caliber” of the staff performing police misconduct investigations with integrity and quality, Kersten said. “We have seen incredible gains with respect to our investigations and our recommendations standing up to scrutiny,” she said. “Whether that’s scrutiny of process when it goes before the Police Board to try to terminate an officer, scrutiny of the media, scrutiny of impacted parties, scrutiny of the police department itself.” She also emphasized COPA’s responsibility to perform its investigations consistently, fairly and with deep understanding of the

laws, directives and orders of the Chicago Police Department that govern officer conduct. “I have the distinct privilege of getting to … decide what we want to focus on next as an agency,” Kersten said. “And in approaching that decision I’ve really tried to listen and understand what is still needed from us as an agency.” Faith leaders welcomed Kersten’s words and emphasized the need to further advance police reform in Chicago. “Andrea, I want to say to you this is a golden opportunity for you once and for all, for Chicago to have finally a police oversight board to have independence from the toxicity of City Hall,” Acree said. “Now, we know and we believe that you will hold police accountable.” Pastors Cy Fields and Marshall E. Hatch shared their concerns about the limitations imposed on COPA as a police oversight agency, specifically regarding off-duty police conduct. They pointed to an NPR story about some Chicago Police officers being affiliated with the far-right organization Oath Keepers and questioned COPA’s role in investigating these cases. Kersten said COPA’s jurisdiction is limited to specific types of individual complaints; COPA does not have the authority to investigate violations of general operational procedures of the Chicago Police Department, such as an affiliation with the Oath Keepers group. These type of complaints fall under the police department’s Bureau of Internal Affairs. “We have seen a glaring inadequacy of the oversight of the police department in the limitations of what your agency can do,” Hatch said. He said these limitations cause a great gap in holding the Chicago’s Police Department accountable, particularly given its racist history and disproportionate surveillance on Black and Brown communities in Chicago. “We are addressing specific allegations of police misconduct. What we cannot address as an agency alone is police culture,” Kersten said. She noted there is a dedicated unit in COPA that provides feedback to the department about policies that could prevent instances of police misconduct from occurring. “I share your sentiment. COPA is not the beginning nor the end of police reform. We are part of the process,” Kersten said. Faith leaders stressed that Kersten has a responsibility in her new role as chief administrator. “This organization will also hold you accountable as you hold the men in blue accountable,” Acree said. Also at the meeting, Michelle Collins, a former community development banker and West Side resident, shared an update on efforts to open a West Side credit union. Austin residents are being asked to complete an online survey about what kind of products and services they would use. The survey is available through March 25, and up to five participants could receive a $50 gift card for completing the survey.

CONTACT: austintalks.org@gmail.com

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

Let's build community!

Read and Support Your Local News Source.

Partner with us. Donate at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

Growing Community Media NFP is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED ACCOUNTANT CLERK

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture. 2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays. 3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers. 4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management. 5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software. 6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system. 7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review. 8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning. 9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs. 10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data. 11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training. 12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling. 13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions. Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures. 2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports. 3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies. 4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems. 5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations. 6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner. 7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis. Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android. Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology. Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down. Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant. Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts. Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment. Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages. Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others. Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance. Work overtime as operations require. Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking. Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment. Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Account Clerk II. This position which performs a variety of accounting clerical duties involving financial record keeping and/or transactions including accounts payable and receivable and to provide a variety of accounting support to the Development Customer Services Department. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Public Health Nurse in the Health Department. This position will provide professional public health nursing services including health education and promotion which includes disseminating information, making referrals, and counseling as well as managing caseloads, and performing a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled with first review of apps 2/2/22.

POLICE RECORDS CLERK

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs.

SANITARIAN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sanitarian in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak- park.us/jobs.

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Service Officer in the Police Department. This position will perform a variety of public service, customer service and law enforcement related duties and responsibilities that do not require the services of a sworn police officer; and to perform a variety of administrative duties. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

HELP WANTED

SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET MANAGER

BUDGET AND REVENUE ANALYST

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Manager in the Health Department. This position manages the Oak Park Farmer’s Market including the vendors that sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This is a part-time seasonal position with work from Januarymid November and work required on Saturday’s from May through October. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

JANITORIAL

Part-time. 5 days per week. Evening hours 5-9. $14-16/hr to start. Job located in Morton Grove, IL. Must have own transportation. Call Larry for more information. 773-636-2505

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER VIGILANZ CORP. CHICAGO, IL

Responsible for developing and implementing real-time, clinical decision-support software for some of the most prestigious hospitals in the US. Requires bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of experience or master’s degree plus 2 years of experience in software development. Review job duties online and apply to employment @vigilanzcorp.com

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will Serve the public with professional administrative and analytical duties in the areas of budget preparation, purchasing, payroll, data analysis and process improvement. Provides, prepares and maintains records, and financial and statistical reports and analysis which assist in the Village’s ability to improve business processes and gain efficiencies through better use of technology. Budget duties include assisting in the development, analysis and application of performance measures with regard to Village services and resources; preparing, modifying, tracking and monitoring Village expenses and transfers; and conducting budget-related research and analysis. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

ROOMS FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft. OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

HOME SERVICES T&M Deep Cleaning Service 32 Years of Experience We go where other cleaning services don't. We get behind and underneath furniture & appliances. Residential/Commercial HONEST • RELIABLE • THOROUGH • EFFICIENT INSURED • EXTERIOR HOUSEWASHING AVAIL.

630-400-3744 ORGANICFARMTOM@YAHOO.COM

COVID-19 EPIDEMIOLOGIST

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Covid-19 Epidemiologist in the Public Health Department. This position will serve as a subject matter expert on communicable diseases of public health concern, including COVID-19. This position will work on the surveillance and investigation of infectious diseases and other public health threats; rapid response to disease outbreaks including assisting the community’s emergency preparedness and response team. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled.

Illinois Classiﬁed Advertising Network FARM EQUIPMENT

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online Available 24/7/365

EARN $15,000 - $40,000 OVER 5 YEARS #1 Hunting Lease Company In America Customize your contract Call Base Camp Leasing (888) 871-1982

WANTED TO BUY FREON WANTED: We buy old refrigerants: R11, R12, R113 & more! Quick, local pickup & dropoff available. Call 312-500-8266, visit www. RefrigerantFinders.com

AustinWeekly News.com PublicNotice Illinois.com

Starting a New Business? Publish your Assumed Name legal notice in Austin Weekly News.

Call the Experts! (773) 626-6332

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

WANTED TO BUY

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS Restored or Restored or Unrestored Unrestored Cars Motorcycles Cars & & Vintage Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Import Cars: Cars:

Mercedes, Corvette, Mercedes,Porsche, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, MuscleCars, Cars, Ferrari’s,Jaguars, Jaguars, Muscle Mustang && Mopars Mopars Mustang Top $$ Etc. $$$$Top $$allallmakes, makes, Etc.

Collector James Collector James 630-201-8122 630-201-8122

CLASSICS WANTED WANTED TO BUY Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Cars:

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

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette,

CEMENT CEMENT Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars,

$$ Top $$ MAGANA Collector James Mustang & Mopars

all makes, Etc.

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N

630-201-8122

“QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR AMERIQUEST MORTGAGE SECURITIES INC. ASSET BACKED PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES ARSI 2006-M3; Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ROLAND E. WESLEY AKA ROLAND WESLEY; CARLTON WESLEY; CAROL WESLEY; LINDA WESLEY; SHARON WESLEY; CARY ROSENTHAL AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF ROLAND E. WESLEY AKA ROLAND WESLEY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 13584 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, April 11, 2022 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-03-419-048-0000. Commonly known as 4215 West Walton Street, Chicago, IL 60651. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W19-1009 ADC INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3188776

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2019-D Plaintiff, -v.DIEGO A LOPEZ, JR A/K/A DIEGO A LOPEZ A/K/A DIEGO LOPEZ A/K/A DIEGO ANGEL LOPEZ, EVELYN M COCOM A/K/A EVELYN COCOM A/K/A EVELYN M LOPEZ A/K/A ELELYN M LOPEZ, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST AS TRUSTEE FOR PNPMS TRUST I Defendants 21 CH 03317 3956 WEST ERIE STREET CHICAGO, IL 60624 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 5, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 6, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 3956 WEST ERIE STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60624 Property Index No. 16-11-108-0400000 The real estate is improved with a brown brick, single family home with a detached two car garage. 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 resi-

dential 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. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 21-07426IL_688296 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 21 CH 03317 TJSC#: 42-166 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 # 21 CH 03317 I3188297

ger, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-12398 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2020CH02930 TJSC#: 41-3440 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 # 2020CH02930 I3189652

'5,9(:$<6 )281'$7,216 3$7,26 67(36 &85% *877(56 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

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.

Starting a New Business?

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

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

Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for details: 773/626-6332

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF LESSIE POWELL, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, JOHN LYDON, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR LESSIE POWELL (DECEASED) Defendants 2020CH02930 4827 W OHIO STREET CHICAGO, IL 60644 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 16, 2021, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on April 18, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 4827 W OHIO STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60644 Property Index No. 16-09-221-0120000 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, 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. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is lon-

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online Available 24/7/365

AustinWeekly News.com PublicNotice Illinois.com

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

Garage Sales Community Events Handy Man Services Used Car Sales Real Estate Office Space for Rent Help Wanted Business Opportunities Professional Services Arts & Antiques Buying & Selling Lost & Found Musical Instruction Estate Sales and much, much more... in print

online

e-mail: classifieds@austinweeklynews.com deadline: 9:30am monday 9:00am - 5:00pm monday-friday To place an ad, call

773.626.6332 austinweeklynews.com

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022

SHELTER PET & FASHION ICON Amazing stories start in shelters and rescues. Adopt today to start yours. TOAST 325K+ Instagram Followers

Austin Weekly News, March 16, 2022