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Vol. 35 No. 36

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West Side artists author children’s coloring book

September 8, 2021

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Also serving Garfield Park

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A ‘fairy house’ built at Galewood park, page 6

Proposed second Galewood Starbucks clears final hurdle

The coffee shop needed to get approval to construct a drivethru at the proposed site at 2001 N. Harlem Ave. By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

The Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals recently approved the drive-thru for what will be the second Galewood Starbucks at 2001 N. Harlem Ave., clearing the way for its construction. The coffee shop will be located roughly a mile north of the Starbucks at 7112 W. North Ave., currently the only Starbucks location not just in Galewood, but anywhere on the West Side. The project required the Chicago City Council to approve zoning changes for the two lots the Starbucks will occupy and for the Zoning Board to approve the drive-thru. The city council approved the zoning change on April 21, but the drive-thru didn’t go before the zoning board until Aug. 20. The Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) wanted the Starbucks abutting Harlem Avenue, while the coffee chain and project developer Capri Development favored keeping the building further from the sidewalk. See STARBUCKS on page 5

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

Attendees pray with Sherita Galloway on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021, during a tree dedication ceremony for Elijah Sims at Rehm Park in Oak Park

Now a tree grows for Elijah Sims Murdered in 2016, Sims remembered with tree, plaque at Rehm Park

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

On the night of Aug. 30, Sharita Galloway sat underneath the canopy of a tree in Rehm Park in Oak Park. It’s the eve of what would’ve been her son’s 22nd birthday, and Galloway, who was anchored by her rollator walker, found herself surrounded by friends, family, neighbors and local leaders. Galloway’s son, Elijah Sims, was shot

on Aug. 29, 2016, while standing outside with friends in nearby Austin on Chicago’s West Side. Sims, who was just shy of turning 17 and a student at Oak Park and River Forest High School, died a day later. In the years following his death, community members, elected officials and activists have joined Galloway and her family at candlelight vigils, prayer services and balloon releases to keep Sims’ spirit alive. And now, a tree at Rehm Park bears Sims’ name with a plaque placed at the base of

S W E N LASH! F

the trunk, a new remembrance. The park is at East Avenue and Garfield. “I can only speak for myself,” said Galloway into a small megaphone. “I’m not doing anymore balloon releases.” Galloway and her friend, Barbara Dolan, explained to the crowd that the tree dedicated to Sims served as a living memorial. The two recently teamed up and inquired about the Park District of Oak Park’s memorial tree and bench program. See SIMS on page 9

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Austin Weekly News, September 8, 2021

West Side Lives Keara Beal, on how her West Side school prepped her for success By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

Keara Beal, 33, recently opened her own design store in west suburban Maywood. The Austin native, who attended Ella Flagg Young, 1434 N. Parkside in Austin, recalled how the school helped prepare her for entrepreneurship.

On her new business “I do customized t-shirts, I bling out shoes, anything that you bring in here asking me to customize.” Beal said in addition to customizing, she sells her own items and is open to allowing other business owners the space to sell their products in her store. “They pay me a monthly rate and they can have a shelf,” she said. “We’ll have a designer here,

another designer here, another designer here. So, it’s not just about me.”

On her formative training that prepared her to work for herself In eighth grade I was in an entrepreneurship program and I worked at Soldier Field. IL had a job then, as well. And they were doing a popup entrepreneurship program, where we had to sell stuff. I go to high school [she had by then transferred to Proviso East in Maywood] and I was. In a program my junior and senior year that taught me how to own my own business. I’ve always known I wanted to own my own business. I knew this was my calling. I just had to trust myself and put myself out there. For more information on Beal’s store, Krafty Keys, call (708) 3821352, email kraftykeysLLC@gmail. com or visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/keeks.beal.

CONTACT: michael@austinweeklynews.com

MICHAEL ROMAIN/Editor

Keara Beal, who attended Ella Flagg Young in Austin.

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Austin Weekly News, September 8, 2021

AUSTIN WEEKLY

news

Equity Editor/Ombudsman/Editor Michael Romain Senior Editor Bob Uphues 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 Sales & Marketing Representavies Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Photo by IGOR STUDENKOV

Alexie Young, North Lawndale resident Alexie Young, shows her new children’s book.

Black artists create coloring book about local landmarks

West Side artist Alexi Young collaborated with artists Jay Simon and Kent Jones on “Elvin Explores North Lawndale” By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

North Lawndale resident Alexie Young, the creative director of the nonprofit Art West, worked with artists Jay Simon and Kent Jones to create a children’s coloring book about a young anthropomorphic elephant visiting five community landmarks. “Elvin Explores North Lawndale” debuted during the Aug. 28 North Lawndale Reads Back to School Lit Fest, which was held in front of the Stone Temple Baptist Church, 3622 W. Douglas Blvd. As the name suggests, the festival was organized by North Lawndale Reads and Ald. Michael Scott (24th). Young printed about 100 copies of the book to give away. She said that she hopes that the book inspires kids and their parents to explore the community and challenge the narrative that North Lawndale doesn’t have any cultural assets. Young is currently trying to distribute the books though area schools and she said she’s willing to work with area nonprofits

and organizations to get the books into more hands and raise money to print more copies. She also hopes to create more children’s books on more destinations in North Lawndale and other West Side neighborhoods. Young is a director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Exhibit Center, a historic exhibit space in the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation’s Legacy Apartments at 1558 S. Hamlin Ave., which chronicles King’s work in Chicago. In 2019, she founded Art West, a nonprofit organization designed to support West Side art galleries and cultural institutions. Art West officially opened its own gallery last year in East Garfield Park at 750 S. California Ave. With the coloring book, Young said, she wants to create something that will allow North Lawndale parents to talk to their kids about what their community has to offer. Young said that the effort took on a new urgency during the riots that erupted last summer in the wake of the murder of Jacob Blake. “We weren’t sure what was going to hap-

pen with the riots and the civil unrest, and we wanted to capture the assets that are dear to us,” she said. Young said that the book’s narrator is an elephant — a nod to the company’s clothing brand — and the name Elvin was a nod to Elvin Tibideaux, a character from the “Cosby Show.” “We wanted to capture the 1990s nostalgia,” she added. The book features Elvin visiting the Stone Temple Church, the MLK Exhibit Center and the Art West gallery, as well as the Douglass branch library, 3353 W. 13th St, and the Firehouse Arts Center, 211 S. Hamlin Ave. To encourage families to visit those places, the book has addresses for all five locations. The book also has a word search of North Lawndale streets and a spot where kids can draw their favorite North Lawndale location. “It’s really cool to see the children excited about the book, but adults are excited about it, too” she said. “We had adults who wanted to get as many copies as they could.”

CONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com

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Austin Weekly News, September 8, 2021

City warns West Side food pantry for mask violation

Pantry’s founder, however, said they want to keep folks safe, but when people are eating and drinking, masks come off By PASCAL SABINO Block Club Chicago

A West Side food pantry received a city warning for not complying with the recent mask mandate, but an organizer said the pantry was written up after an event where attendees were taking precautions but were spotted leaving without masks. Eat or be Eaten received a “notice to correct” Aug. 20, the day the citywide mask requirement went into effect. The Austin organization was among 13 businesses across the city given warnings for not enforcing masks among patrons since Aug. 20, according to the city’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. The violation happened during a private wedding at the charity’s headquarters, 5433-5435 W. North Ave., which doubles as an “affordable event venue for formal events and for community gatherings,” founder Natalie Williams said. “Some guests were leaving to the car. The police noticed we were having an event and they came by. The officer was concerned about us being there as an event space,” Williams said. Officers were cordial when they wrote up Eat or be Eaten, Williams said, so she was not upset by the situation. “I’m not frustrated because I know it’s coming from an attempt to keep the community safe,” Williams said. “It’s really hard living in a pandemic, and I’m pretty sure they are doing the best they can do.” Williams was unaware the mask mandate had taken effect that day, she said. But given the community services Eat or be Eaten provides, she was already being “extra cautious” to make sure guests at her events wear masks. Masks were provided at the door, staff and entertainers were required to wear masks and most guests were wearing masks when they weren’t eating and drinking, Williams said. “It’s a thin line because it’s hard to take

GOOGLE MAPS

Eat or be Eaten is a West Side nonprofit that operates a food pantry and hosts private events. a picture from out of context. If you see somebody without a mask, you don’t know if they were just smoking a cigarette or if they had just put a drink down. It’s difficult to assess,” she said. Most people who come for the food pantry, the organization’s aid programs and private events are happy to comply with the mask rules, Williams said. Only rarely has she had to confront people who refuse to wear a mask, she said. “Most of the people, especially those

coming in looking for assistance, they’re not looking to put themselves or others in danger. People have been really respectful of that,” she said. Williams said she doesn’t feel like her business was singled out and chalks it up to different enforcement strategies being rolled out in different areas of the city. “It’s like going to different high schools with different principals where the uniform might be enforced different,” Williams said. “With Lollapalooza and the

Kanye concert, none of these people had on masks. But I got a warning. So yeah, I’m salty in that aspect of the bigger scope of things. … But it’s hard to get all on one page. Chicago’s huge. “ Subscribe to Block Club Chicago, an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.

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Austin Weekly News, September 8, 2021

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STARBUCKS

Given the green light from page 1 The final layout presented during the Aug. 20 meeting was closer to the latter, with the building set further back and plants installed to create a buffer between the sidewalk and the parking lot. Capri Development owner Mathew Cairo said that once the drive-thru clears the zoning board, he expects to be able to start construction “pretty much immediately” and finish construction within 150 days. Oak Park-based Capri Development is a commercial developer that works with retail clients. The company built the plaza that includes the current Galewood Starbucks. Cairo previously said that Starbucks wanted the location based on the traffic studies. During his April 21 virtual community meeting, Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th), whose ward includes both locations, said that he supports the Harlem/Armitage Starbucks, noting that it might reduce drive-thru traffic at the North Avenue Starbucks location. The alderman also said that now that he has “a good point of contact” with Starbucks, he is trying to get it to open locations elsewhere in the 29th Ward. He submitted the letter supporting the project to the zoning board. Cairo previously said that Starbucks wanted the Harlem Avenue location to be similar to its existing Portage Park location at 4155 N. Cicero Ave., with indoor seating, a patio with outdoor seating and a drive-thru wrapping around the building. That location is set back from the sidewalk. At the time, Cairo argued that, since the city approved the Portage Park location’s drive-thru, it made no sense for it to

GOOGLE EARTH

The site for the second Galewood Starbucks at 2001 N. Harlem Ave. in Chicago. deny the Harlem Avenue application. Paul Kolpak, the attorney for the project, told the zoning board that the final layout was the result of a “collaboration between DPD and Starbucks.” Dean Klein, Starbuck’s director of store development for the Midwest region, told the zoning board that the location would have 20 to 25 employees. Judith Alexander, the head of the North Avenue District organization, previously indicated that she supported the

Harlem/Armitage Starbucks, because it would relieve the traffic back-ups at the North Avenue Starbucks during rush hour — something she reiterated in an interview following the Aug. 20 meeting. “I hope it takes the drive-thru pressure off of North Avenue,” she said. “Sometimes, they’re backed up a couple of blocks. The traffic is just a mess.”

CONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com


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Austin Weekly News, September 8, 2021

‘Fairy houses’ in West Side parks celebrate conservation Rutherford-Sayre Park, Columbus Park and Garfield Park among 20 parks that received small wooden fairy houses designed and built by young people

By IGOR STUDENKOV

the fall. At Rutherford-Sayre, youth built the Faerie Chocolatier Ltd, “a chocolate factory Galewood’s Rutherford-Sayre Park, 6871 run by fairies.” The young designers were W. Belden Ave., was one of 20 parks that re- inspired by the nearby Mars Chocolate’s ceived small wooden fairy houses designed North American plant, 2019 N. Oak Park and built by kids in nearby Ave., and the Milwaukee Discommunities, with the help trict West Metra Line, which of the Chicago Park District bisects the park. and the nonprofit Nature “These natural areas are Conservancy of Illinois. sanctuaries of calm and reThe houses were a way to laxation in the bustle of the celebrate 20 years of collabonation’s third-largest city, ration between the park disand the volunteers who care trict and Nature Conservanfor them provide a priceless cy, which have been working service by engaging with together to reduce flooding their communities this way,” FORREST CORTES on park land by planting nasaid Forrest Cortes, director Director of community engagement tive plants whose roots quickof community engagement ly and efficiently absorb rain at The Nature Conservancy in Illinois. “Nature not only water. nurtures; it also connects There are currently 73 natural areas in Chicago parks. The southwest- people in a very fundamental way.” The 20 fairy houses were all built in natuern, Galewood half of Rutherford-Sayre ral areas of the city. Aside from RuthorfordPark got that treatment a few years ago. Sayre’s, West Side locations include ColumThe fairy houses went up at the start of summer and are expected to be removed in bus Park, 500 S. Central Ave. and Garfield Contributing Reporter

“These natural areas are sanctuaries of calm and relaxation in the bustle of the nation’s third-largest city.”

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Photo by IGOR STUDENKOV

The Galewood fairy house at Rutherford-Sayre Park. Park, 300 N. Central Park Ave. Tom Drebenstedt is a member of Rutherford-Sayre’s Park Advisory Council and a steward of the park’s natural area. He said that flooding is an ongoing issue for the homes around the park and he liked the “natural solution” the plants provided. ““It was a great way of engaging kids in the neighborhood,” he said of the fairy house. “We really made them think about what makes our park special to them.” When Rutherford-Sayre’s natural area was chosen to get the fairy house, the council reached out to its extended network. “Two members of the Park Advisory Council, as well as someone who’s a tracker, brought their kids to a meeting,” Drebenstedt recalled. “We were given pieces of wood from the park district and when we had the kids out there, we talked to them about things they think about when

they’re in the park. We asked them what they see and smell.” The kids talked about the Metra trains running through the park and the Mars plant, which led to the chocolate factory idea. Drebenstedt said kids worked on the project under the advisory council’s supervision from May 1 through June 1. The fairy houses were officially unveiled on June 25. Drebenstedt said that the fairy house got a good response from the community. “A lot more people are using the parks,” he said. “We asked them, ‘Have you seen the fairy house?’ and they say, ‘Yeah, it’s great.’” For more information about the fairy houses, visit https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/20fairyhouses.

CONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com

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Austin Weekly News, September 8, 2021

I

My successful summer is now almost gone

can’t believe that summer has come and is almost gone! For once in my life, procrastination was not my first name. I am proud I actually accomplished some of the multitude of tasks that were on my to-do list. Especially when it came to my secondstory deck. I have been dreaming of a hanging chair. And when I found one I fell in love with, I was willing to drive to Madison, Wisconsin to get it. Because I found it on Facebook marketplace, I would send the seller a text every hour on the hour letting her know of my progress. Nothing is worse than getting somewhere that far out and have somebody tell you they sold it to someone else. Especially because it’s such a long drive. I also spent a ton of time out on my deck this year. I spent more time outdoors on it this year than I did in the 20 years prior. I even bought a waterfall. I have always professed that the sound of waterfalls reminded me of running toilets, but I actually like the one I got. And it has been soothing to my soul. I did get my garden planted. Best of all, I actually have a watermelon that grew and is almost ready to cut. I can’t wait to try it. My ongoing battle with the rats who were trying to live under my garage seems to have me winning. The metal grating I purchased was supposed to be used to protect a tree. But it is lightweight enough for me to be able to cut it with decent scissors. And the rats cannot chew through it. So between

laying it along the side of my garage and putting it inside the alley rat hole I found, I think I have won the battle. The war will be another story! I did manage to paint my front security door. There’s nothing worse than a steel door that is allowed to rust and deteriorate. That thing cost a small fortune when I bought it 20 years ago. I should have done it last year, but I did the basement door and the back door. So the front door had to get done. I used an angle grinder to take off the loose paint, and then spray-painted the decorative wroughtiron work. I’ll finish up by using a can of paint, applying it with a brush. That thick coating should last at least another five years. I put a bunch of decorations out on the siding to my deck. There are special clips that basically fit in between the siding so that you don’t have to put a hole in it. I’ve already declared that I don’t want to spend more than two hours closing my deck down for the winter. I’m actually going to use a timer when I start because in my mind I pre-thought everything I need to bubble-wrap and store. The majority of things can then stay outdoors in a couple of outdoor bins. Anything that I think might get damaged by the cold, I will bring indoors. I hope your summer was as marvelous as mine was. I cannot focus on all the shootings because it is just so depressing. So I have to do all I can to practice normalcy for my mental health.

ARLENE JONES

“ Ihope your summer was as marvelous as mine was.”

AUSTIN WEEKLY NEWS Mail your letter to the editor to: Austin Weekly News, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 or email michael@austinweeklynews.com

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Austin Weekly News, September 8, 2021

Tech center planned for Ogden Corridor The Lawndale Redefined project was selected to redevelop a vacant patch of land along the Ogden Avenue business district on the West Side By PASCAL SABINO Block Club Chicago

A vacant swath of land on the West Side will be developed into a community arts and tech center, an affordable housing project and a grocery store with a rooftop bistro. The $31.4 million plan is part of the latest round of Invest South/West, which is aimed at spurring development in communities of color that have been neglected historically. The Lawndale Redefined project — planned by GRE Ventures, Imagine Development and 548 Development — was selected from a pool of six teams competing to redevelop vacant land at 3400 W. Ogden Ave. in the neighborhood’s historic business district. “We want our development to be the starting point, the catalyst for future development that is going to happen across the Ogden corridor,” said Cornelius Griggs, president and CEO of lead developer GRE Ventures. The project will be anchored by the Center for Urban Brainstorming and Education. The center, known as the Cube, will be a “multi-functional technology center” offering arts and technology programs and training for Lawndale residents, Griggs said. The Cube will offer trainings on emerging tech fields like artificial intelligence, 5G, virtual reality, augmented reality, cryptocurrency and blockchain, Griggs said. The developers are partnering with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and City Colleges of Chicago to build programs for the tech center, he said. “We’re providing them with skills, tools and training that they will need to help them prepare for future job opportunities,” Griggs said. The Cube and the adjacent outdoor plaza are designed to host community events, art shows and screenings for residents. The public art plaza, called the Square, will be a “gateway into the development” aimed at drawing people in. “It will be a trail that tells the history and tells the story of North Lawndale through art. …Things that occurred in

PROVIDED

A rendering of Lawndale Redefined shows the residential tower, the community plaza, and the Cube.

North Lawndale that helped that community become what it is today and where we want to see it in the future,” Griggs said. The development will include a residential tower with 48 rental units of affordable housing as well as 12 marketrate units. The tower will have a mix of floorplans from one to four bedrooms. On top of the residential tower will be a landscaped green roof with a garden overlooking the Ogden corridor and the other features of the Lawndale Redefined development, Griggs said. The affordable units will also boost the feasibility of the project by bringing in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to fund the project, Griggs said. Lawndale Redefined will also build four townhomes for purchase in hopes of attracting additional investors to build more houses in the area, Griggs said. “We firmly believe it’s important for residents of North Lawndale to be able to have the opportunity to purchase their own homes,” Griggs said. “That’s where wealth is generated, specifically through homeownership. My parents, their biggest asset is their home. That is what we’re trying to create.” The project will fill the void in opportunities for leisure and dining by bringing a sit-down restaurant with an outdoor terrace, Griggs said. “We wanted to bring some liveliness to the area and offer some affordable eating and dining options to the community,” he said. A small grocery store at the development will bring residents healthy, affordable food. Much of Lawndale is considered to be a food desert, an area PROVIDED where there are few places to buy fresh The Cube will be a tech and art center based at the Lawndale Redefined food. Attracting more grocery stores is a key goal of the North Lawndale Qualdevelopment.

ity of Life Plan, a blueprint of strategies for improving local conditions like health, safety and education. Tentatively called the Ogden Market, the grocery store will be operated by former Bears wide receiver David Terrell. The developers are planning a series of community meetings to gather resident feedback for their plans. The first meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18 at the 3400 W. Ogden Ave. site. “There are so many things that this community needs. This development offers a bevy of those things,” said Ald. Michael Scott (24th). The Lawndale Redefined project comes alongside several other investments into the neighborhood, including the Ogden Commons health center. The city’s planning department is also working with two finalists who competed to develop the Ogden lots “to get another two of those in the ground,” Scott said. City officials are working to identify other vacant areas along Ogden where the runner-up projects can be built. One of those projects is the Tapestry, a food hall and affordable housing complex planned by Lawndale Christian Development Corporation and NHP Foundation. The food hall would create opportunities for local food vendors, restaurants and entrepreneurs of color. The project would also include retail storefronts and a co-working space to offer support and technical assistance to local businesses. The other project that may be built on Ogden is the Proxima Management Hotel. The hotel would include a community plaza and space for retailers and restaurants. “Pretty soon you’ll be able to walk up and down Ogden and get what you need, similar to what it was 45 or 50 years ago. That’s what I’m most proud of,” Scott 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, September 8, 2021

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PHOTOS BY ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

IL State Rep. Camille Lilly speaks to attendees about the dedication on Aug. 30, 2021, during a tree dedication ceremony for Elijah Sims at Rehm Park in Oak Park.

Attendees gather around and listen while holding roses on Aug. 30, during a tree dedication ceremony for Elijah Sims

SIMS

Remembered from page 1 “Elijah deserves something more meaningful than a balloon that goes up to the sky and then falls back to earth,” said Dolan, adding the long tradition is not eco-friendly. “We get used to seeing balloon releases because they’re spectacular. They’re beautiful. We like the idea of sending prayers to heaven, but unfortunately, balloon releases are not good for our planet.” “We found this one,” said Dolan, pointing to the tree tucked by the park’s soccer field, behind a fence that outlines the pool. “Part of the idea was that King [Sims’ younger brother] would be able to come here whenever he wanted and climb this tree and think about his brother.” During the dedication ceremony, Dolan gave guests red roses. Galloway asked them to place 22 roses on each side of the tree in honor of Sims and her godson, Timothy Murphy, who was also shot and killed just over a week ago. There was a moment of silence, followed by prayer and a call-and-response from the Rev. Ira Acree, pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church in Austin and a founder of the Leaders Network, a social justice organization. Other guest speakers, including state Rep. La Shawn Ford and a friend of Galloway’s from a support group, offered reflection, while state Rep. Camille Lilly led the group and sang “This Little Light of Mine.” “Each person that I have here today are individuals that were there for me when I first lost my son on Day 1,” Galloway said. “They came to my house without hesitation, without even knowing me.” After the event ended, Galloway stayed under Sims’ tree. As the crowd dispersed, some of the attendees – most of whom were family friends – lingered, waiting for their chance to greet Galloway. Galloway said “everything” has been difficult since Sims’ death, and she has one message to share with those who are willing to listen. “Stop the violence,” she said, reaching out to hug a close friend who emerged from the crowd. “Learn to communicate better.”

CONTACT: amanda@oakpark.com

Rev. Ira Acree (above) speaks and leaves a rose on during a tree dedication ceremony for Elijah Sims at Rehm Park in Oak Park


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Austin Weekly News, September 8, 2021

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Residential Supervisor - full time and part time - Signing Bonus

We are currently seeking candidates to work in our residential Group Homes program. You will provide physically and emotionally nurturing care to children who have trauma histories in a structured therapeutic environment that provides consistency and predictability in a community-based setting. We have a several part time and full time shifts available including, overnight, mornings, afternoons/evenings and weekend shifts. Shifts include: • Full time weekdays -4-10 hours shifts: Noon-10:00 pm and every third weekend • Full time overnights - Saturday-Tuesday 9:00pm-7:00 am • Part time weekends - flexible, but includes morning & evening shifts on Saturdays & Sundays • Part time: Friday and Saturday, noon-10pm and Sunday, 7:00am-noon Flexibility to work additional shifts if needed, is desired. Requirements include: • Bachelor’s degree • Must be at least 21 years old • Experience working with special needs children • Experience writing Medicaid notes a plus • Valid IL drivers license • Sensitivity and responsiveness to the cultural differences in the staff and client populations

We are currently seeking supervisor candidates to work in our residential Group Homes program. You will provide supervision to the staff and physically and emotionally nurturing care to children with trauma history in a structured therapeutic environment that provides consistency and predictability in a community-based setting. We have a several part time and full time shifts available including, overnight, mornings, afternoons/ evenings and weekend shifts. Shifts include: • Full time overnight – Wed-Saturday 9:00pm-7:00am • Part time – weekends Friday, Saturday, Sunday days • Part time – various days/times Flexibility to work additional shifts if needed, is desired. Requirements include: • Bachelor’s degree • Must be at least 21 years old • Supervisory experience • Experience working with special needs children • Experience writing Medicaid notes a plus • Valid IL driver’s license • Sensitivity and responsiveness to the cultural differences in the staff and client populations

Contact MJ Joyce at mjjoyce@hephzibahhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer Hephzibah Children’s Association is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. We value, advocate for and support an inclusive, respectful, multicultural, environment for employees and the clients we serve.

HIRING BONUS!

Part Time Positions Available for 2021-22 school year After-School Recreation / Day Care Worker Youth Development Specialist

On site at Oak Park public schools The Day Care Program of Hephzibah Children’s Association is accepting applications for nurturing individuals to provide care and supervision of 5-11-year-old children in the After School Day Care program on site at Oak Park public schools. The days and hours are Mon – Fri from 2:30-6:00 PM and 2:00-6:00 PM on Wednesdays. Plan and supervise arts and crafts, indoor & outdoor play, games, sports, homework help and more. Requirements include: -previous experience working with children -6 semester hours in education, recreation, social work or related college courses desired Program starts mid-August and runs through the 2021-22 school year. Contact MJ Joyce at mjjoyce@hephzibahhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply

HIRING BONUS!

HEPHZIBAH DAY CARE PROGRAM SITE SUPERVISOR Hephzibah Children’s Association offers after school day care on site at each of the Oak Park elementary schools.

The Day Care Program is accepting applications for a Site Supervisor for the 2021-2022 school year to provide supervision to childcare staff as well as care and supervision of 5-11-year-old children. Regular days and hours are Monday through Friday from 2:30 - 6:00 PM, Wednesday 1:30 – 6:00 PM. Additional hours on school closing days, in coordination with the school district calendar. May work other hours during school holidays and for staff meetings. Associate degree in child development or early childhood education, or the equivalent in child development or education desired. Previous experience working with children required. Program starts mid-August and runs through the school year. Contact MJ Joyce at: mjjoyce@hephzibahhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply

BUDGET & REVENUE ANALYST The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst in the Finance 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; grants, 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. First review of applications August 27, 2021.

AustinWeeklyNews.com

HELP WANTED PARKING ENFORCMENT 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. PART TIME DRIVER ASAP Local company looking for part time driver/warehouse. Must be drug free & have valid IL DL. Must be able to lift 75lb. $13/hr Email resume to HR@sievertelectric.com

PART TIME HELP WANTED SPOTLESS CARWASH at 7343 Roosevelt and 7802 Madison St in Forest Park is in need of an attendant. We are looking for someone who likes to be outside and is friendly and likes people. The duties are to meet and greet customers, make change, sell tokens, automatic and self serve wash instructions, keep the lot, equipment room, and perimeter clean, and empty garbage cans. Pay is $11.00 per hour. The hours an attendant is on duty are 9 – 11 and 12 – 5 on weekdays, 9 – 11:30 and 12 – 4 on Saturday and Sunday. If you can fit any of these hours on a part time basis we can work with you. Please come to 7343 Roosevelt Rd. in Forest Park to pick up anapplication. 708-771-2945. Thank you

SUBURBAN RENTALS BERWYN: 2 BR

Gorgeous Apt w/ granite kitchen countr top. All appls. HT/WTR inc. Security cams. $1200 + $1500 sec. Close to Shpng Mall

708-699-8916

Attention HomeImprovement Pros! Reach the people making the decisions. Place an ad in Austin Classified!

Call 773/626-6332

SUBURBAN RENTALS

SUBURBAN RENTALS

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. CITY RENTALS

CITY RENTALS

AUSTIN RENAISSANCE APARTMENTS

A HUD subsidized affordable Apartment property announces the opening of its waiting list for both One and Two Bedroom Apartments! Resident rent is approximately 30% of gross household income, some restrictions apply. Our property is located on Washington Blvd in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Apartments offered with an occupancy of one to four persons. Properties feature modern kitchens, include appliances, and offer onsite maintenance. Austin Renaissance will accept requests for application packages by U.S. Mail postmarked no later than , September 15, 2021. Send or email a written request for an application package that includes your name, mailing address. Daytime telephone number, Email address, and the number of persons in your household to: Town Center Realty Group LLC, PO Box 64, Huntley IL 60142-0064 or Email requests to mrpaul.tcrg@gmail.com Application packages available by mail or email delivery only. No walk-ins accepted.

Town Center Realty Group LLC

APARTMENT FOR RENT

AUSTIN/OAK PARK 3BR

Austin/Oak Park: Bright and spacious, 3-bedroom apartment w/ huge living room and dining room, appliances included. Rent $1175.00 plus utilities. Close to transportation and parks. Call 312-852-2814

GARAGE/YARD SALES Oak Park

GARAGE SALE 930 N KENILWORTH (ALLEY SIDE) SAT 9/11 8AM TO 2PM

Toys, books, sports equipment and household items

ITEMS FOR SALE MUST SELL CANTILEVER PATIO UMBRELLA - TOO BIG FOR OUR PATIO Tan “Sunnyglade Deluxe” 10x13 ft Umbrella. Includes 4: square, base plate wgt.by “Best Choice Products” $200 CALL (708) 488-8122

OFFICE SPACE 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

ROOMS FOR RENT Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt. 312-212-1212

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT OAK PARK THERAPY OFFICE Oak Park: Free wifi; flexible leasing, and offices nicely furnished right down to the Kleenex. Secure building & friendly colleagues, often giving referrals to other office mates. Shared Waiting room, Conference room & option to join Peer Supervision Group. Ideal for new practice or 2nd location. 708-383-0729

AUTOS FOR SALE 1994 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD

Full power, very low miles. Garage kept. Needs minor repair. Minor rust. 5.7L 350. Must sell. $3850 obo.

Call or text 708-606-6640

PIANO FOR SALE

Chickering 1938 grand piano, 5’4”. Good condition. Refurbished and restrung in the past. Buyer must move. Reasonable at $1000.

Call 312-339-2370

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

Call the Experts! (773) 626-6332


Austin Weekly News, September 8, 2021

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY

CEMENT

CEMENT

MAGANA

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

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS Restored or Restored or Unrestored Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Cars & 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.

708-522-3400 Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars

Call Uncle Gary

“QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720 '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

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.

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

LANDSCAPING

PLASTERING

BRUCE LAWN SERVICE

McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

Spring Clean-Up Aerating, Slit Seeding Bush Trimming, Lawn Maintenance brucelawns.com

708-243-0571

HANDYMAN

HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-637-0692 Ask for John

ELECTRICAL

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING

Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

708.749.0011

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

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

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

PLUMBING Supreme Plumbing & Sewer Services Installation of kitchens, bathrooms, sinks, showers Sewer Systems

Piping & re-piping Clogged drains Water heaters

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Quality workmanship & service 20+ years’ experience • Locally owned & operated

Free Estimates!

708-955-7844

1850 S. 61st St #106 Cicero, IL 60632

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-6699777. Austin Weekly News

johnlavin530@gmail.com License #PR-1234

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc. Collector James

630-201-8122

11

Hire Local. Place an ad on AWN’s Local Online Job Board Visit AustinWeeklyNews.com/classified today! Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information. (773) 626-6332 • maryellen@austinweeklynews.com


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Austin Weekly News, September 8, 2021

West Suburban Cares for You! West Suburban Hospital is a Center of Excellence in multiple medical specialties, and we are known for being there when you need us most. Our Primary Stroke Center is certified by The Joint Commission. We not only respond to your emergency needs, but also we are dedicated to your overall patient recovery and well-being.

"West Suburban Hospital has delivered quality health care in this community for over 100 years. And I am impressed with the service they have provided to my community of Oak Park. Don’t you think you should entrust your care to a proven winner!" - Dulcie Hill, Oak Park Resident

VILLAGE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY VILLAGE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY SOCI A L JUS T I C E E LE M E NT AR Y CH O OL VILLAGE LEADERSHIP SAC ADEMY For more information about clinical services at West Suburban Medical Center, visit www.westsuburbanmc.com

SOCIAL J U STIC E E L E ME NTAR Y S CH O O L

S OCIALLEADERSHIP JUSTICE ELEMENTAR Y S C H OOL VILLAGE AC ADEMY

VILLAGE LEADERSHIP S OCI A L J UST I C E ELACADEMY EM EN T A R Y SC H O O L S O C IA L J U STICE ELEMENT ARY SC HOOL

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ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Apply today at www.vlacademy.o rg Prepari ng Tomorrow ’s W orl d L e ade r s T oday. ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Ap p l y t oday at www.vlacademy .org th Tomor A ppl y tWor o day . val a P repar ing r ow’s ld Leat adw e rw s w Tod y .c a d e m y . o r g

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r epaar mo r r o w ’s W or l d Leorg a d e r s T od a y . Ap p ly Pt od yinagt To www.vla cademy.


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