AustinWeeklyNews_111925 by Wednesday Journal

BUILD’s 8th annual art show celebrates young creatives

Exhibition features works by West Side youth from nonpro t

By JESSICA MORD Staf

The Austin-based violence pr and youth development organization BUILD held its eighth annual youth art show on Nov. 15 boldt Park, where fice. A convening of ty artists, BUILD the show celebrated the creatives, especially adolescent

“We create an art space that adds a lot of self-confidence are in the community,” Daniel BUILD’s manager of nications, told Austin Weekly News. At the art show tin resident Azarria Eggleston — Coordinator of Brand it’s art studio and maker — displayed earrings and collages that she created alongside the

See ART SHOW on pa ge 6

North Lawndale residents light a bon re in protest

Community-led event highlights frustrations over rising taxes

By HECTOR CERVANTES Contributing Reporter

Residents of North Lawndale bur ned their tax bills in a symbolic gesture Saturday as they gathered at the parking lot of Harmony Community Church to protest their soaring property taxes. Participants repeated the phrase “light the way to fair ness” as they called for transparency, predictability and reform in Illinois’s property tax system. They then were invited to toss their tax bills into a bonfire.

The community-led demonstration was an opportunity where homeowners, renters and business owners also discussed how their tax bills

See BONFIRE on pa ge 9

National Museum of Mexican Art | 1852 W. 19th Street

November 20 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or 1:30–3:30 p.m.

LUNCH & COMMUNITY

December 12 | 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

WALKING & WELLNESS CLUB

Kehrein Center for the Arts | 5628 W. Washington Boulevard

Salvation Army Freedom Center | 825 N. Christiana Avenue Fridays | 8:30–10:00 a.m.

e connection between prison and declining health discussed

Relationship of particular concern in Austin, which has a high incarceration rate

By ZOË TAKAKI Contributing Reporter

Law enforcement, medical experts, faith leaders, for merly incarcerated person, and reentry advocates gathered Thursday, Nov. 13 in the Malcolm X Colle ge Conference Center Theater to discuss the connection between incarceration and declining health outcomes.

Poor health care provided while in prison, the lasting ne gative effects of incarceration, and increased bar riers for accessing health care all make it more likely for a person who is incarcerated, or for mally incarcerated, to experience health problems, participants said.

Illinois state prisons have been reported as providing poor health care for incarcerated people, having recently ended a 10-year contract with the health care company Wexford Health Services. The company has been the target of criticism and

preventable deaths and malnutrition.

Austin has been known to have a high rate of incarceration, with parts of Chicago’s west side having nearly 70% of men between ages 18 and 54 being li kely to have been subject to the criminal justice system

Prison environments also often contribute to the onset or worsening of serious health conditions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, mental health challenges and substance use disorders.

Nathanael Cole, who produced the documentary film “Stolen Youth” – which follows exoneree Troshawn McCoy and was screened after the panel – discussed how some prisons, including the one Troshawn McCoy was in, serve food to inmates that is labeled “not for human consumption.”

“They are feeding humans something that should not be fed to humans. That is one of the reasons why we have inmates who are ill beyond what they came in with,” he said. “If they feel li ke you’re in a cage, you’re an animal. So you’re going to be treated as an animal.”

Mental health issues for the person jailed as well as his family were also addressed.

Donald Dew, president/CEO of Habilitative Systems Inc., discussed how incarceration can impact a person’s family’s mental health, leading to a chain reaction that can lead to generational trauma.

“Think about what that mother goes through, think about what that dad goes through… think of what happens in terms of anxiety or depression,” said Dew. “Think about the effect incarceration has on the children. In many cases for the child, it’s their first experience of adversity… It is traumatic for that child to see their parent being arrested, being put in handcuffs and going of f to jail and not see that parent back home for years at a time.”

Craig T. Carrington, who has worked in both the legal and health professions, said he would like to see no disparity amongst people imprisoned and those who are not when it comes to health care

When asked about the Illinois Department of Corrections switching its health care provider from Wexford to Centurion, which has also received criticism involving their care, Carrington said, “I have hope if the right people are involved in this process.”

AU STIN WEEKLY news

Interim Executive Direc tor Max Reinsdorf

Sta Repor ter Jessica Mordacq

Contributing Editor Donna Greene

Senior Audience Manager Stacy Coleman

Fellow Vanessa Lopez

Reporting Partners Block Club Chicago

Columnists Aisha Oliver

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls

Marketing & Adver tising Associate Emma Cullnan

Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Operations Associate Susan Babin

Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Senior Advisor Dan Haley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Eric Weinheimer

Treasurer Nile Wendorf

Deb Abrahamson, Mary Cahillane, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson

Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson

HOW TO REACH US PO Box 6670, River Forest, IL 6035

PHONE (773) 626-6332

CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE www.AustinWeeklyNews.com

Austin

ZO Ë TA K AKI

Equal Hope ghts breast cancer disparity on West Side

The organization provides free health resources and education across Chicago

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Two days a week, John Tate picks a Chicagoland neighborhood and, all day, talks with locals at food pantries and grocery stores, bus and train stops and clinics to share information about free breast cancer and reproductive cancer services and resources.

Since 2022, Tate has been a community health worker for Equal Hope, an organization that started nearly 20 years ago to address the disparity in breast cancer deaths between Black and white women in Chicago — a gap that’s glaring on the West Side.

According to the Chicago Health Atlas, West Garfield Park has the second-highest female breast cancer mortality rate in the city, following Fuller Park on the South Side, with over 41 of every 100,000 women dying from the cancer. In North Lawndale, that number is 33.5, and in Austin its nearly 26. In nearby Humboldt Park and Belmont Cragin, and even the Loop, the number is half that, with 12-to-14 of every 100,000 women dying from breast cancer.

According to Equal Hope, Chicago was No. 1 in the nation in 2017 in reducing breast cancer deaths from 62% to 32% for Black women.

Prior to that decrease, “that disparity was greater than any other city in the United States,” said Dr. Paris Thomas, Equal Hope’s CEO. “We go where the disparities are,” she added of which neighborhoods Equal Hope focuses their outreach and education effor ts on.

Equal Hope was for merly the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force. Founded in 2008, the taskforce identified access to high-quality mammography and treatment as the leading causes for the disparity in breast cancer deaths. According to Thomas, the taskforce developed the nation’s first statewide mammography project: the Chicago Breast Cancer Quality Consortium. The project analyzed the quality of mammography in Chicagoland facilities, identifying which were excelling and which could improve.

The Chicago Breast Cancer Quality Consortium catapulted Equal Hope past its research arm, into additional focuses on policy work and direct services.

Tate focuses on Equal Hope’s direct services arm of outreach and education as one of seven Equal Hope community health workers that covers the entire Chicagoland area, including 10 zip codes on the West Side. On most Tuesdays and Thursdays, he travels to a neighborhood to educate residents about the services that Equal Hope can connect them to, like those for cervical, mammograms, Covid and HPV vaccines, blood pressure and diabetes checks.

“They may not sign up for a screening or engage with our program that first time, but they get to know our program and our team. Our team keeps showing up, and you keep seeing us,” Thomas said. “That’s how health access works. It takes multiple times for some people to get engaged.”

Community health workers also help people find a primary care doctor, or serve as the go-between for patients and their physicians, and help provide free trans-

portation to get to appointments. They also re gularly connect with clients.

“I’m checking in with you monthly, seeing how you’re doing, what’s going on. ‘Do you need transportation? How did your appointment go?’” Tate said. “If they see that the support is there, nine times out of ten, they’ll catch on and try to take care of themselves because they know that they got a service behind them that’s not going to break their bank.”

Equal Hope doesn’t just educate people about breast and cervical cancer, among other health disparities, but makes it more accessible to address these conditions.

“Most of our clients are making under $20,000 a year. Getting to the clinic is probably not something that they would put in their top-ten list, but if we can assist them, we can help them get their health a little bit better,” Tate said.

Along with the reduced death rate in 2017 for women with breast cancer in Chicago, Tate said he’s heard positive feedback from clients.

“I’ve seen testimonies of women whose lives have been saved because of a community health worker at an event saying, ‘Hey, have you had your cervical or mammogram screening?’ And the majority of Afro-American and Brown women have not. They don’t know anything about it.”

Equal Hope on the West Side

Tate also works on the Wellness West Project, where Equal Hope connects clients with health care services, clinics, mental health facilities and social services on the West Side. Through Wellness West, Tate checks in with over 80 West Siders a month, or about 15 a week, connecting clients to services or simply having a casual conversation about the status of their health.

“It came about because they noticed the gap in health care on the West Side of Chicago. T hey noticed that people were dying at an alarming rate,” Tate said of Wellness West.

When Tate first started canvassing the Austin community, he said “people thought I was a joke.” But they eventually bought into his advocacy work, and he saw the disparity in those who had less access to, and education about, health care

“Most individuals in the Black and Brown community, if they’re not hurting,

they’re not going to go see a PCP,” Tate said. He himself didn’t have a re gular primary care physician until his 40s. “But if I would have gone when I was 21 to do the annual checkups, I would’ve known health is wealth.”

As a result, many people on the West Side have gone without services that could improve their health or prevent health complications later in life

“I believe that on the West Side, there’s an uptick in those diseases,” like breast and cervical cancer, Tate added. “I talk to a lot of young people and middle-aged women who haven’t had an HPV vaccination.”

T homas said it “has been proven through research that cervical cancer can be eradicated if everyone g ets the HPV vaccine.”

Equal Hope’s role as a convener could help prevent cervical cancer in years to come — and was likely a factor in the decrease in breast cancer deaths among Black women in Chicago around 2017.

“We alarmed the bells here in Chicago to say that this was an issue,” T homas said of the disparity in breast cancer deaths. “I think everyone started to pay attention and make changes.”

“I think education is a key factor,” Tate ag reed. “Beating the pavement in the communities and talking with the people, we can shorten the gap on a lot of diseases that our Black and Brown women have.”

Now, at a time when the federal government is cutting of f access to healthcare for vulnerable populations, Thomas said, “Our initial mission is to eradicate disparities. But we can’t do that if people can’t even access health care or feed themselves

We’re trying to remove barriers to ensure that people can access these things.”

Equal Hope is currently based near the Medical District at 300 S. Ashland Ave., but the group is moving into the Sankofa Wellness Village in West Garfield Park once it opens.

“We g et a chance to actually greet and meet the individuals in that area,” Tate said. “I’m just looking forward to the years to come to continue providing these services and educating our people on the West Side, South Side, all over the City of Chicago,” he added. “I want everybody to get screened. I want everybody to get healthy.”

Local couple to hold annual anksgiving meal event

Restaurant owners host food distribution, ask for monetar y contributions

By DEBORAH BAYLISS Contributing Reporter

A West Side couple will again host their annual Thanksgiving Day meal event at their restaurant and are asking for monetary donations to help purchase the necessary items.

“We don’t want anyone in our community to go without a hot meal on Thanksgiving,” said Margaret Mojica, co-owner with her husband, William, of the Artist Room Cafe/Kingdom Business Builders, 5125 Madison St., Chicago.

Prior to the U.S. go ment reopening and the sumption of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) payments expected this month, the Mojicas anticipating a larger tur than last year. This still happen, they said, as families get back on track.

This year marks the 12th straight year the Mojicas hosted the event. Last year’s event served about 100 people.

mains a significant concern.

A Purdue University report indicates that 14% of U.S. households reported food insecurity on average between January and October, up from 12.5% in 2024. The increase is attributed to persistently high grocery costs and U.S. wages failing to keep pace with inflation.

“Honestly, it’s heartbreaking,” Margaret Mojica said. “Parents shouldn’t have to worry about whether they can feed their children, especially during the holidays. That’s why this Thanksgiving meal is so important to us. It’s one small way we can help ease that burden and remind people they’re not alone.”

The Mojicas consider themselves blessed

CHRIST RESURRECTION MB CHURCH

Free 20th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Date: ursday, November 27, 2025

Time: 10:00a.m – 2:00p.m

Where: 5458-60 W Division St, Chicago

And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, come, for all things are now ready. Luke 14:17

Volunteers from William and Margaret Mohica’s anksgiving Day meal, held for the last 12 years at their Artist Room Cafe on Chicago’s West Side.

“No matter what’s happening around us, good or bad, we’ve always kept this tradition going,” Margaret Mojica said.

According to internal data compiled by Bank of America, in 2025 nearly a quarter of all households are estimated to live paycheck to paycheck. Although the data shows some increase in these households year-over-year the pace of growth has slowed nearly 3 times from 2024 levels.

The analysis points out the number of lower-income households (especially Millennials and Gen X) living paycheck to paycheck continues to rise while there is almost no increase in the number of higher- and middle-income households.

In 2025, food insecurity in the U.S. re-

to be able to give back to their community in this way.

“Even with any adversity we may face as a family, we find ourselves extremely blessed,” William Mojica said. “And as so, we are fortunate enough to be a blessing to others and in doing so we are able to set an example for our children on how we as humans should treat each other.”

Because the need is growing, the Mojicas are asking for donations to help keep their Thanksgiving meal tradition going. Anyone who would like to support can make a donation at this link https://pay.artistroomcafe.com/Donate.

Sponsoring by: 1st Lady Prophetess Alice Pomerlee

5458-60 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60651 (708) 280-3358 • crmbc5458@gmail.com

Pastor: Apostle Robert E Pomerlee

Help set the table for change

The expression, “putting food on the table”, has taken on a deeper meaning this holiday season. Our food pantry is facing an unexpected challenge. e food bank that supplies the majority of our food has put us on notice: We will not receive the usual volume of holiday food supplies this year, due to federal cuts in funding.

We’re all neighbors here. at’s how it’s been since we started out 10 years ago in a local church basement. It wasn’t long before we became an independent, 501(c)3 non-pro t organization. And when the church went out of business, the sale of the church property was donated to the pantry. at assured the launch of the pantry, helping to pay for the 7,000 square foot former factory building we

now occupy.

e Share Food Share Love food pantry is a place where everyone can truly “make a di erence”. Our two-fold mission is to help reduce hunger in our area and the causes of that hunger. We have set out to do this by “connecting the four corners of community”. Bringing together all who are shareholders in a shared cause: Neighbors in need, volunteers, donors, and strategic partners.

Back in 2015, our small food pantry was visited by 860 neighbors. Last year, the pantry was visited nearly 5,000 times. Along the way, we’ve learned that setting the table for community driven change really is possible, when enough of us come together to upli all of us.

PROVIDED BY WILLIAM AND MARGARET MOJICA

Sponsored Content

ART SHOW

Showing their results from page 1

students she teaches.

In her role at BUILD, Eggleston helps young people, mostly high schoolers, make a business out of anything they can create with their hands — from laser-cut and

3D-printed objects to clothes and candles. BUILD helps organize popup shows and markets where students can sell these goods, which were also featured in the Nov. 15 art show.

Eggleston first started creating art at BUILD in a work-study program while attending Austin’s Christ the King Jesuit Colle ge Prep. She then joined BUILD’s visual arts academy program, where she would come to BUILD’s Austin campus a few days a week after school to make art. The Austin

campus is at Har rison Street and Laramie.

Eggleston said she already liked painting and collaging as a high schooler, and BUILD gave her the resources and space to further express herself and explore her passions. Another appeal of BUILD’s art programs was their accessibility. Eggleston said other art centers or studios had long re gistration processes.

“I can just come and ask to use machines. There’s not a lot of red tape here. A lot of kids get discouraged when there’s a lot of red tape or they have to fill out stuf f,” Eggleston said.

Now, as someone who’s helping lead BUILD’s art programs, Eggleston said she enjoys giving young people the same opportunities she wanted at their age.

“I want my kids to be comfortable enough to ask if they want to come use a machine. It shows to me that they’re interested, and it keeps them from being on the streets as well,” Eggleston said. She added that her students’ continued curiosity about, and participation in, BUILD’s art programs speaks for itself.

“They don’t really say it directly to me. It’s just based on actions over the course of the program, how comfortable they are coming to me with personal things or how they act towards me if I have to give them some feedback,” Eggleston said.

“We create a safe space to be comfortable in your own skin, have self-expression and where people are going to help your craft and allow you to be an individual,” Pere z said. “I think that’s one of the reasons why

a lot of the young people come back — because they feel like they’re safe here.”

BUILD’s art programs are part of its enrichment department, which also offers access to a garden, woodshop and gym.

BUILD organizes field trips for local elementary schoolers to come experience its enrichment department. That includes inviting students whose schools don’t have a robust art program to come to BUILD on certain days to use the nonprofit’s visual arts space.

But BUILD’s artistic resources aren’t just for the youth. During the school day, the nonprofit’s art studio is open to the public for free.

Eggleston said, “If adults want to learn a new skill in the maker’s lab, or if they already have a skill, they can also come and use our machines and resources.”

CO RRECTI ON

A story in the Nov. 5 issue of Austin Weekly News about the Austin Community Food Co-op incorrectly stated the co-op’s timeline, affiliation to Austin Coming Together and benefits of being an owner. The co-op launched in 2017, before ACT’s Austin Eats initiative. Owners can elect and serve on the co-op’s board of directors and potentially collect dividends if the store becomes profitable We apologize for the er rors. To find out more, visit www. austincommunityfoodco-op.com.

TODD BANNOR

Browsing at BUILD Chicago’s 8th annual Youth Art Show at e Gra Gallery on Nov. 15.

TODD BANNOR

BUILD Chicago Interim Executive Director Bradly Johnson peruses the work of young creatives.

West Sub earns F grade in Leapfrog ratings

Hospital lacked sta to complete survey, says CEO

By DAN HALEY Interim Editor

West Suburban Medical Center was one of three hospitals in the Chicago metro area to receive an F in the twice-annual Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade ratings announced earlier this month. Weiss Memorial, West Sub’s nowshuttered sister hospital that’s also owned by Resilience Health, was given an F too.

Significantly, West Sub did not complete the Leapfrog survey, which measures patient outcomes across nearly 30 categories, from infections to patient rights and staffing. Dr. Manoj Prasad, West Sub’s CEO, told the Tribune that gathering the data for the assessment was too time consuming as the hospital faces staffing shortages.

Leapfrog said that it uses other data sources to grade hospitals in addition to the infor ma-

tion provided by hospitals in the survey.

Across the nation, only 23 hospitals received overall F grades in the current Leapfrog rating. In this area, Loretto Hospital in Austin received a B, while Rush Oak Park Hospital earned a C. Resilience Health was for med in 2023 to purchase both Weiss and West Sub from Pipeline, a California-based provider. Both hospitals are considered safety net institutions based on the percentage of their patients covered by Medicare or Medicaid. In August, the federal government terminated Weiss Memorial’s connection to Medicare and Medicaid, effectively closing of f financial reimbursements to Resilience. The hospital was closed shortly thereafter.

At a press conference over the summer, Prasad acknowledged that West Sub was in dire financial condition and decided how it paid bills based on the amount of money received on any given day.

Johnson helps distribute food at Aspire

Mayor Brandon Johnson helped distribute food Saturday at the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, one ofnine emergency distribution events across the city hosted by the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

The mayor also signed an executive or-

der directing more city resources to nonprofits and food pantries. SNAP benefits are expected to resume this week. At the Austin event, hundreds ofprepacked boxes were distributed to people who came by foot or vehicle.

Photos by Serena Pomerantz

Energy scammers really don’t like it when we give away their secrets and give you the power to stop them. Be on the lookout for new scams involving 3rd-party banking apps.

ComEd will never call or visit your home or business to:

• Sell you energy

• Ask for your account number

• Ask for immediate payment

• Ask for personal information

• Ask for payment via QR code or cryptocurrency

People putting their tax bill in the bon re and discussing how their taxes will a

BONFIRE

Fiery

protest from page 1

are impacting them and the community.

NBC 5 reported that Cook County property tax bills, delayed for months due to a complex, years-long technology upgrade, are now expected to be mailed with a Dec. 15 due date. This has left residents frustrated over the postponed second installment.

Pamela Bell, a North Lawndale resident and member of the North Lawndale Homeowners Association, shared her journey to homeownership, taking over a lot her parents had cared for with a garden for over 40 years. After becoming a homeowner in 2023, she was shocked to face an unexpectedly high property tax bill of $4,700, far above what she anticipated based on other neighborhood homes. She contacted the tax office seeking an explanation for the steep increase.

“I had a home that my parents tried to purchase. Unfortunately, I was not prepared for the high taxes. What I didn’t understand was how a property could go from paying zero taxes to $4,700 in taxes. I couldn’t believe it. I had done research and found out that the homes in my neighborhood were not expensive,” Bell said.

Alderman Monique Scott acknowledged that rising Cook County property taxes are causing real fear and strain for families in

the 24th Ward, especially in a community already impacted by long-term disinvestment. She emphasized that these increases aren’t just numbers on paper, they affect residents’ ability to pay bills, keep their homes and care for their families.

“The accountability and transparency in how Cook County collect and spends property taxes is a concern. We need alternatives that don’t overburden our residents, including fair revenue strategies that don’t fall on struggling families in places like North Lawndale,” Scott said.

Scott said she is committed to pushing for fair taxation so residents aren’t overburdened and their money funds services that actually support them. She said that the community is entitled to a system that treats them fairly

“We’re trying to rebuild. This is about adding, not subtracting. We’re working to bring people back and re populate our community, but that can’t happen when property taxes are so high that they affect all of us. I looked at my own bill, and it’s a 100% increase,” Scott said.

Shangwé Parker explained that as a member of United Power for Action and Justice and president of the North Lawndale Homeowners Association, he also manages properties for a major af fordable housing developer across the Midwest.

He highlighted how sharply rising property taxes makes it difficult to maintain af fordable housing and provide residents with needed services. He stressed the need to fix the system so af fordable housing re-

mains viable, noting that even successful tax appeals often recover only a fraction of the excessive tax increases.

He said: “From a homeowner perspective, as we fight to build 1,000 homes here in North Lawndale, we’re one of the neighborhoods that’s been affected the most. This isn’t just me talking — read the data. How do we continue to talk about equity, giving equity back to folks, when we’re pricing them out?”

Rob Johnson said he was attending on behalf of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago, which represents about 240 commercial office buildings downtown and more than 200 businesses that keep them running.

He noted that the association’s members support about 65,000 jobs and contribute roughly $1.5 billion in property taxes. Johnson emphasized the connection between commercial and residential taxpayers and called for common-sense reform, adding that many residents are seeing steep increases this year, with average residential bills up nearly 17% citywide.

“No one wants to invest in a market where property taxes can increase 3% one year, 70% the next year, 40% the next year and 10% the year after that. No one can budget like that. Businesses can’t budget like that. I can’t budget like that. Residents can’t budget like that,” Johnson said. “When that happens, people invest elsewhere.”

Johanna Thompson, a teacher, small business owner and member of the Lawn-

dale Homeowners Association, shared her perspective on property taxes.

She recalled growing up in California in the 1970s when Proposition 13 was passed to address rapidly rising property taxes, which had tripled in just a few years. Thompson emphasized that predictability is key; she said homeowners need a system that allows them to plan for tax increases, similar to California’s model, where property taxes are based on the purchase price of a home and capped at limited annual increases

“We want fair ness in this system. We don’t mind paying our taxes, but you cannot gouge us and you cannot surprise us. Stop that. We are here tonight to ceremoniously burn some paper,” Thompson said.

Dr. James Brooks, CEO of Lawndale Christian Health Center and senior pastor of Harmony Community Church, emphasized that representation goes beyond having elected officials at the city, county, state and federal levels. True representation, he said, means having the ability to influence how residents are taxed.

“Our aim is to make the system fair, transparent and predictable. That’s all we’re asking for,” Brooks said.

Parker urged attendees to continue the conversation and collaborate with their allies who are committed to making the necessary changes in the state.

“I don’t want us to lose focus, especially as we fight inflation and worry about the people in our communities who are being affected, people who look like you and me,” Parker said.

PHOTO S BY HECTO R CERVANTES

Your right to know... In print • Online

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION CONSUMERS CREDIT UNION

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE WAMU MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-PR4 TRUST, Plaintiff, -v.-

ANTONIO P. LOPEZ A/K/A ANTONIO PEREZ, Defendants. 23 CH 5221 1819 N. LAWNDALE, CHICAGO, IL 60647

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 4/30/2025, an agent of Auction.com, LLC will conduct the Online Only auction at www. auction.com, with the bidding window opening on December 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM CDT and closing on 12/10/2025 at 10:00 AM subject to extension, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate. Commonly known as 1819 N. LAWNDALE, CHICAGO, IL 60647 Property Index No. 13-35-313019-0000

The real estate is improved with a Multi-Family. The judgment amount was $289,304.34

Sale Terms: Full Sale Terms are available on the property page at www.auction.com by entering 1819 N. LAWNDALE into the search bar. If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, the winning bidder must pay the full bid amount within twenty-four (24) hours of the auction’s end. All payments must be certified funds. No third-party checks will be accepted. All bidders will need to register at www.auction.com prior to placing a bid. 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)(l) 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

E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel LLC. (312) 357-1125 please refer to file number 23-01326. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602 - 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 23-01326 Case Number: 23 CH 5221 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. I3275698

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC Plaintiff, -v.-

SHEILA A. LUSS, FELICIA A. LUSS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICASECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Defendants 2024CH07539 329 N MENARD AVE 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 May 6, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 3, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 329 N MENARD AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60644

Property Index No. 16-08-403002-0000

The real estate is improved with a residence.

revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, 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. 14-24-04897

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2024CH07539

TJSC#: 45-2653

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 # 2024CH07539

I3275757

Plaintiff, -v.-

GUSTAVO ECHEVARRIA, YARITZA CONDE, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF RELIANT TRUST, SERIES DEIV, CITY OF CHICAGO

Defendants 24 CH 08726

535 N AVERS AVE. 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 May 16, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 3, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 535 N AVERS AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60624

Property Index No. 16-11-121007-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $146,205.16.

Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 601 E. William St., DECATUR, IL, 62523 (217) 422-1719. Please refer to file number 2022275. 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. HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC 601 E. William St. DECATUR IL, 62523 217-422-1719

Fax #: 217-422-1754

E-Mail: CookPleadings@hsbattys. com

Attorney File No. 2022275

Attorney Code. 40387

Case Number: 24 CH 08726

TJSC#: 45-2687

Case # 24 CH 08726 I3275904

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE

ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST

Plaintiff, -v.-

ROBERTA CARTER, UNITED STATES OF AMERICASECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

AUTHORITY, CAN DO RLJV LLC Defendants 2021CH04798 1431 N LONG AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60651

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 29, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 8, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1431 N LONG AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60651

Property Index No. 16-04-112008-0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 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).

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. 14-21-03222

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2021CH04798

TJSC#: 45-2716

Case # 2021CH04798 I3276259

NOTICE INVITATION TO BID TO METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO

Sealed proposals, endorsed as above, will be submitted back to the District via an electronic upload to the Bonfire Portal only, from the date of the Invitation to Bid, up to 11:00 A.M. (Chicago time), on the bid opening date, and will be opened publicly as described in the Invitation to Bid by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management or designee at 11:00 AM on the stated bid opening date below for:

CONTRACT 25-730-21

HVAC IMPROVEMENTS AT THE EGAN & KIRIE WATER RECLAMATION PLANTS

Estimated Cost Group A:

$18,280,000.00

Bid Deposit Group A:

$486,000.00

Estimated Cost Group B:

$4,210,000.00

Bid Deposit Group B: $114,000.00

Total: $22,490,000.00

Total: $600,000.00

Voluntary Pre-Bid Walk-Through will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 8:00 A.M. CT at the Egan Water Reclamation Plant, 550 S. Meacham Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193. Voluntary Technical Pre-Bid Conference: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 10:30 am CT via ZOOM Link.

Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance Revised Appendix D, Appendix V, and the Multi-Project Labor Agreement are required on this Contract Bid Opening: January 27, 2026. ******************************** The above is an abbreviated version of the Notice- Invitation to Bid. A full version which includes a brief description of the project and/or service can be found on the District’s website, www. mwrd.org; the path is as follows: Doing Business > Procurement and Materials Management > Contract Announcements.

Specifications, proposal forms and/or plans may be obtained from the Department of Procurement and Materials Management by downloading online from the District’s website at www.mwrd.org (Doing Business > Procurement & Materials Management > Contract Announcements). No fee is required for the Contract Documents. Any questions regarding the downloading of the Contract Document should be directed to the following email: contractdesk@mwrd.org or call 312-751-6643.

All Contracts for the Construction of Public Works are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1-et.seq.), where it is stated in the Invitation to Bid Page.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals if deemed in the public’s best interest.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago By Darlene A. LoCascio Director of Procurement and Materials Management

Published in Austin Weekly News November 19, 2025

Submit events and see full calendar at austinweeklynews.com/events