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Vol. 34 No. 53
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West Side clergy blast Franklin Graham,
December 30, 2020
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West Side pols on the vaccine, PAGE 5
Police want more time to give detained phone call
Police and Mayor Lightfoot’s office rejected plan to require police give detainees a phone call within an hour, but aldermen want accountability By JUSTIN LAURENCE & PASCAL SABINO Block Club Chicago
Aldermen and police officials locked heads Monday during a debate over an ordinance that would require police ensure detained people can make a call within an hour of being arrested. The measure would require the Police Department to provide detained people with a phone call one hour after arriving at a police station. Although the ordinance allows for exceptions in extraordinary circumstances, police officers would have to document the reason for delay. At the request of Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th), the Committee on Public Safety held a hearing on the ordinance Monday without taking a vote on the proposal. Hairston remains at odds with Mayor Lori Lightfoot over the ordinance, as Lightfoot is proposing an alternative that critics say waters down the effort. Lightfoot’s administration argues Hairston’s proposal would leave the city vulnerable to lawsuits for failing to adhere to the new, stricter standard. But supporters of the proposal say asking police to document why a phone call was delayed is not an outrageous request. Details of Lightfoot’s alternative proposal See POLICE PHONE CALL on page 8
THE YEAR IN PHOTOS: 2020
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
LOTS OF MARCHES AND MASKS: This year was marked by a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and historic protests, including one from Oak Park to Austin over the summer. See more of the year in photos on pages 6 and 7.
Legler library quietly reopens
The West Side’s new regional library open now, but with COVID restrictions By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter
After more than a year of renovations, West Garfield Park’s Legler Regional Library, 115 S. Pulaski Rd., reopened on Dec. 21, without much fanfare. The renovations were meant to make the West Garfield library a full-fledged
West Side regional hub, similar to the North Side’s Sulzer Regional Library and the South Side’s Woodson Regional Library. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the library’s new amenities – such as the new Maker Lab, most YOUmedia teen services equipment and the new auditorium - will be unavailable to the public until the pandemic subsides.
Still, the Chicago Public Library system ultimately decided that opening Legler, even at limited capacity, would benefit the community. Patrons can check out books and other materials and use library computers, and the library staff plans to hold virtual events starting next year. See LEGLER LIBRARY on page 3
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Austin Weekly News, December 30, 2020
So close to the end of this gruesome year. And so close to reaching our ‘stretch goal’ in fundraising Our readers are generous and we are grateful. Since November began, we have been posting fundraising matches and more fundraising matches. Each time our readers have met that challenge. Last week, since we ran out of matches (maybe we’re not supposed to tell you that) we set one final goal of raising another $10,000 to help fund our independent newsroom for 2021. As of Monday morning, Dec. 28 we are half-way to that new goal. We’d like to get there, we’d like to beat it by the time 2020 finally gives up the ghost at midnight on New Year’s Eve. If you’re able, we’d appreciate your help. If you have already joined us as a member then our deep thanks. We love what we do across our seven neighborhoods from the West Side to the near west suburbs. We have plans to do more and better in the new year. Be part of it. With gratitude, Dan Haley Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media
To donate, visit www.growingcommunitymedia.com/donate
Austin Weekly News, December 30, 2020
AUSTIN WEEKLY
news Editor Michael Romain
Senior Editor Bob Uphues Contributing Reporters Bonni McKeown, Igor Studenkov Reporting Partners Block Club, Austin Talks Columnist Arlene Jones Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead IGOR STUDENKOVContributing Reporter
BACK WHERE IT BELONGS: “Knowledge and Wonder” by Kerry James Marshall is back inside of Legler after the facility underwent extensive renovations.
LEGLER LIBRARY
Reopened after renovations from page 1 Artist Kerry James Marshall’s “Knowledge and Wonder,” a painting the city contemplated selling to pay for the renovations before the public backlash forced it to reverse course, is back on display on the library’s second floor. The library system is still trying to decide whether to hold an official opening at a later date. For now, the staff is hopeful that, as the community finds out about the reopening, they will take advantage of what Legler has to offer. When Legler closed for renovations, it was scheduled to open sometime this year, although no firm date was set. Renovation work continued throughout the pandemic. During the Oct. 28 city budget hearing, acting library Commissioner Mary Ellen Messner mentioned that Legler was expected to reopen in “mid-November.” In a Nov. 20 interview, Chicago Public Library system spokesperson Patrick Malloy said that the city’s estimate was optimistic, and that there was “absolutely no chance of anything happening before December.” There were two factors affecting the opening date, he explained at the time. The library system wasn’t sure how long it would take for the remaining renovations to wrap up and they didn’t want to reopen a branch while COVID-19 positivity rates were rising. Over the next few weeks, the library system continued to weigh its options. According to city of Chicago data, the city’s positivity rate has been declining since Dec. 12. In a Dec. 23 interview, Molloy said that the decision came fairly quickly. Messner ultimately decided that the community would benefit from having the library open in time for the winter holidays.
According to Legler staff, the library quietly reopened on Dec. 21. An announcement went up on CPL website on Dec. 23, touting both the library reopening and the fact that it’s been 100 years since Legler originally opened on Oct. 9, 1920. “Through the years, Legler Regional has been a social and educational hub for Westside residents,” the announcement stated. “This renovation encourages the lifelong learning at the core of Chicago Public Library’s values. While the neighborhood around the library has drastically changed in many ways in the past hundred years, Legler staff have always strived to meet the needs of the community.” Legler opened with the standard systemwide COVID-19 precautions. Seating is limited, multiple hand sanitizer stations have been added throughout the building, and Plexiglas protects staff at the new checkout desk and the service desks. In the expanded computer lab, which occupies the former auditorium space on the second floor, only one-third of the computers has been turned on, to allow for social distancing. The expanded children’s section has more books, but the toys are off-limits. In the YOUmedia teen area, the video game area in the north end is closed, and teens can’t use the recording studio, the vinyl cutter, the hot pressing machine or the 3-D printer.
Teens can check out materials and hang out, but the capacity is limited to four. And while normally, teens would be able to check out laptops using their library cards, they now can only use them inside the YOUmedia space. What was to be Legler’s most unique feature – the artist in residence space on the first floor – is closed altogether. So is the new auditorium in the basement, the Maker Space on the second floor, the wellness room on the first floor and the new meeting rooms. Sharonda Washington, Legler’s head library clerk, said that the library hasn’t seen many patrons, “probably because they don’t know we’re open yet.” But she said that, even with the COVID-19 restrictions, the branch has much to offer. “It feels good [to reopen],” Washington reflected. “I’m happy with the renovations. It’s new and exciting. I’m sure once more people start to come in and see, they will like it, too.” Legler Regional Library is currently open at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday through Saturday; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For the most up-to-date information on Legler hours and online events, visit https:// www.chipublib.org/locations/42/.
CONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com
Designer Debbie Becker Sales & Marketing Representavies Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner ≈ Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich ≈ GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson , Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer ≈ HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 773-626-6332 FAX 708-467-9066 CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com ONLINE www.AustinWeeklyNews.com TWITTER @AustinWeeklyChi Austin Weekly News is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. It is distributed free of charge at locations across Austin and Garfield Park. Our hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advertising rates are available by calling our office. Printed entirely on recycled paper. © 2020 Growing Community Media NFP.
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Austin Weekly News, December 30, 2020
Transitional youth housing facility planned for West Side
North Lawndale Christian Legal Center seeking to build 28-dorm transitional housing facility for men ages 18 to 24 By IGOR STUDENKOV Austin Weekly News
A West Side nonprofit is working to rehab and expand the former Lady of the Lourdes parish school building located at 1449 S. Keeler Ave. in North Lawndale into a 28dorm transitional housing facility. Cliff Nellis, the director of the Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC), 1530 S. Hamlin Ave., explained to the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals on Dec. 18 that the proposed facility will help young men ages 18 to 24 who are released from prison receive the support they need to need to get jobs and certifications. “Most of … our emerging adults are either living in crowded housing, couch-surfing among friends or girlfriends sometimes, or are just homeless, straight-up homeless,” he said. “And having a safe place to go home to at night, while they’re working toward meaningful employment, career options, makes all the difference in the world.” The youth will come from the pool of the legal center’s existing clients. The organization will also move its offices into the new building, which, according to its staff, will make it easier for them to provide mental health support and other wraparound services for the residents. Their plan required a special use permit and several zoning variations, which the zoning board unanimously approved later during the meeting. The legal center was founded in 2010 by the Lawndale Community Church, 3827 W. Ogden Ave., in order to provide legal services for North Lawndale young people who have been arrested, as well as to provide support for them after they leave prison. The organization has worked with the
Screenshot
NEW HOUSING: A slideshow with plans for a proposed 28-dorm transitional housing facility for men was presented during the Dec. 18 zoning meeting. Circuit Court of Cook County and nonprofit organizations to set up the Restorative Justice Community Court, which works with young people accused of nonviolent crimes, so that they take responsibility for their actions and “repair harm” their actions caused without having to go to prison. Lady of the Lourdes parish was shut down by the Catholic Church of Chicago in 2004.
“The” Friendship BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Dr. Reginald E. Bachus, Pastor
5200 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60644 773-378-6600
fbcchicago.org • facebook.com/friendshipbcchicago SUNDAY SCHEDULE 8:30AM 1st Sunday Communion 8:30AM Morning Worship Service 9:30AM Sunday Church School 11:00AM Mid-Morning Worship Service MIDWEEK SERVICES (Wednesday) 12:00PM Noon Bible Study 6:00PM Bible Study 7:00PM Prayer Meeting
Although Pentecostal Church of Holiness took over the parish church at 1444 S. Keeler Ave., the 1449 S. Keeler Ave. building, which was last used as a daycare, has been empty since then. Nellis told the zoning board that it took several years for the legal center to raise the funds to acquire and rehabilitate the building. Steve Friedland, the legal center’s attorney, said the organization plans to add a new wing to the north side of the building, as well new mechanical equipment on the roof, “to make it a modern building.” Both he and Nellis said that there aren’t many affordable housing options geared specifically toward youth. The Night Ministry youth homeless services organization operates the Phoenix Hall, a long-term housing facility for homeless students who attend the North Lawndale College Prep High School, 1616 S Spaulding Ave. Nellis said that the youth will be living in the facility anywhere between two and four years. During their stay, the youth will get mental health services, training in financial management and education in a range
of life skills. The building will have floor supervisors and security, and youth will have a 10:00 p.m. curfew on weekdays and an 11:00 p.m. curfew on weekends. “[Our staff is] also making sure [the residents] are demonstrating maturity and progress, that they’ll make the most of this opportunity,” Niellis added. “We know it works. We’ve seen young people thrive in this program.” Richard Townsell, the executive director of the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation, another nonprofit founded by the Lawndale Community Church, told the zoning board that his organization works to provide quality affordable housing in North Lawndale. He said he welcomes the project because it also provides affordable housing and because it would increase job opportunities in the community. “This will be an awesome opportunity for the young men in our neighborhood,” he said. “Contractors are always saying - can we hire people from the neighborhood? Stable housing is a pillar, and we wholehearted believe that these young men need an opportunity. So we’re in support of it.”
CONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com
Austin Weekly News, December 30, 2020
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Blacks shouldn’t fear COVID vaccine, elected officials say West Side politicians confront anxiety, skepticism around new vaccine By SUZANNE McBRIDE AustinTalks
Several West Side elected officials are urging Black Chicagoans to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they can. During a virtual press conference held Sunday, Congressman Danny Davis, city Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Alds. Emma Mitts (37th) and Jason Ervin (28th), and Cook County Commissioners Dennis Deer and Donna Miller said it’s imperative African Americans be willing to get the twodose vaccine. “Everyone should be taking the vaccine. We want to save life,” said Mitts, who acknowledged the distrust many in minority communities have of the medical establishment, in part due to the infamous Tuskegee experiment. Deer, who serves as chairman of the Cook County Board’s Health and Hospitals Committee, said some people have told him they aren’t going to get the vaccine because of Tuskegee. “This ain’t that,” said Deer, who along with other officials emphasized the safety of the
Conyears-Ervin said when she saw the COVID-19 vaccine, which was approved in record time. “This is not Tuskegee; this is about video of Davis getting vaccinated, she was envious and wanted to run to Washington, you, your children and their generation.” Quoting Socrates, he said if you always do D.C., to get her dose. Conyears-Ervin said her family – which includes husband Ald. what you’ve always done, Ervin and their 4-yearthen you’re going to alold daughter – will take ways get what you’ve althe vaccine as soon as ways gotten. “We can’t possible. do the same thing that She misses sitting we’ve always done.” down at the dinner table Deer said he was with her mother, who delighted to see Conhas medical challenges, gressman Davis get the and looks forward to vaccination earlier this when her young daughmonth and hopes that ter’s Head Start teacher encourages others to doesn’t have to tell the get the vaccine as soon Provided children they can’t as they can. share toys, touch each “I have had it in- LEADING BY EXAMPLE: Congressman other or play together. jected into my body, Danny K. Davis takes the COVID-19 And she won’t miss and I guarantee that if hearing her daughter I thought it would in vaccine on Dec. 20 in Washington, D.C. say: “Why can’t I see any way harm myself or any other people, I would never ever rec- my granny, why can’t I hug my granny?” Speaking directly to her fellow Black Chiommend it,” said Davis who was vaccinated cagoans, Conyears-Ervin said this pandemic Dec. 20 in Washington, D.C. Davis said he was pleased Mayor Lori must end. “The vaccination is here to help Lightfoot chose The Loretto Hospital to us. … This is the time to trust science.” Miller also stressed the importance of be the site of the first vaccination given in Chicago. He said availability of the vaccine trusting science. Miller, who worked for decomes at such an important time: “The real cades in the pharmaceutical industry, said when she started her career 25 years ago, joy of Christmas is this vaccine.”
S W NE
AIDS was raging and there weren’t effective treatments. Now, the disease has been nearly eradicated, she said. “That’s what science can do.” The question shouldn’t be whether someone should get vaccinated but why it has taken so long for drugs and other vaccines to come to market before now, she said. Miller noted her husband, a doctor, is on the front lines and will be getting the vaccine next week. She’ll be monitoring him and waiting for her own vaccination, “as a person who trusts science.” Deer said if Chicagoans have questions about the vaccine, they should “call any of our offices. … We have to make sure you get vaccinated.” Nearly 200,000 cases have been reported in Chicago since the pandemic began in spring 2020, and more than 4,000 people have died in the city from COVID-19, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. In the 60644 and 60651 ZIP codes, there have been 209 deaths and more than 8,600 cases reported from March 1 through Dec. 19. Ervin said “everyone knows someone who’s lost someone to this dreaded disease.” He lost a cousin, and some families have lost many relatives, he added. He urged West Siders to get vaccinated, so that “we can go back to some degree of normalcy.”
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Austin Weekly News, December 30, 2020
2020 The year in photos
PANDEMIC PROTESTS: This year, the pages of Austin Weekly News were populated by images of marchers in masks, as the fallout from the murder of George Floyd rocked the nation and the West Side just as a historic pandemic roiled on.
Photos by ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
Austin Weekly News, December 30, 2020
2020 The year in photos
Photos by ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
LIFE GOES ON: In addition to the protests and the pandemic, the West Side also confronted rioting in the fallout from Floyd’s murder. But despite the historic confluence of events, life on the West Side went on.
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Austin Weekly News, December 30, 2020
West Side clergy call out Franklin Graham
Chicago ministers blast Graham for not condemning church desecrations by white supremacists By AUSTIN TALKS Publishing partner
Chicago ministers have joined clergy from across the country in calling out Rev. Franklin Graham for not condemning the actions of the Proud Boys against historical black churches. Clergy said Graham is long overdue to speak out against the incidents; the most recent happened in Washington, D.C., earlier this month, when the Proud Boys destroyed Black Lives Matter banners at two historical black churches. Faith leaders will gather in Washington, D.C., next month during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend to tout the urgency of their message of healing and reconciliation. Their action will happen as the nation gets ready to inaugurate Joe Biden, the 46th president, on Jan. 20. Rev. Ira Acree, of Greater St. John Bible Church, said he and a growing contingency of faith leaders have been organizing since Thanksgiving a movement that is calling upon clergy to commit to calling the country to healing and reconciliation. “While we plan to come to come to Washington for the inauguration … it will not be to participate in a celebration but to engage in invocation. We believe that it will take responsible and courageous people of faith to save the soul of America,” Acree said in a statement. “It is imperative that we begin to hold faith leaders accountable when they act recklessly. That’s also why we are calling upon Rev. Franklin Graham to condemn the recent deplorable actions of the Proud Boys against the historical black churches. Since he’s been so adamant and vocal about religious freedom, why won’t he exercise his freedom and express some righteous indignation regarding the despicable acts committed by these cowards?” Acree said. Rev. Marshall Hatch, senior pastor of the New Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, said, “Franklin Graham must repent or be repudiated for his support of racism and white supremacy. The immorality of his support for hate groups like the Proud Boys is a disgrace to his father’s (Billy Graham) memory.” Faith leaders have started a petition to join interfaith leaders in a covenant of faith for healing and reconciliation. You can access the petition at: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/covenant-forhealing-and-reconciliation.
CONTACT: igorst3@hotmail.com
POLICE PHONE CALL Aldermen want accountability from page 1 emerged on Dec. 14, but the full language has yet to be introduced at City Council. Hairston’s ordinance is backed by the Cook County Public Defender’s Office; legal groups, including the National Lawyers Guild; civil rights advocates like First Defense Legal Aid; and more than 200,000 other individuals and organizations that signed an open letter asking for Lightfoot’s support. On Dec. 14, Hairston said she’d fight Lightfoot’s attempts to amend her ordinance. “I will continue to resist the law department and the Police Department’s efforts to try to make it convenient for them,” she said. “This is progressive. Anything else is not progressive.” The ordinance mirrors state law that requires officers provide detainees with the opportunity to call an attorney or family member within a “reasonable” amount of time. Although the state law defines “reasonable” as generally within one hour, it does not require the one-hour timeframe to be followed. That vagueness of the time requirement makes it difficult to enforce, experts told Block Club last week. Despite the state law, people are often detained for hours or days without getting a call, and they’re interrogated without being able to speak to an attorney, said Craig Futterman, a clinical professor of law at the University of Chicago who spoke at the Dec. 14 hearing. This practice is known as “incommunicado” detention. California allows for three hours, and other large jurisdictions like New York City and Philadelphia have a similar “reasonable” standard, city officials said Monday. “Any time you put in place a hard hour requirement, or time limit, it creates an opportunity for litigation against the city,” said Jeff Levine, of the city’s law department. “I don’t want to buy into a dichotomy of having the discussion be between people who are seeking to avert bad treatment versus those who promote it, but rather trying to collectively arrive at a result here
that promotes reasonable, appropriate, prompt rights, coupled with a uniform standard that is capable of being applied.” Levine cautioned committee members to carefully choose their words during the hearing because the city is subject to a lawsuit on the issue. Two plaintiffs in the suit — Futterman and Peter Parry of the Cook County Public Defender’s Officer — were speaking during the hearing. Randall Darlin, the Police Department’s deputy chief of operations, said the department would prefer to be measured on the “reasonable” standard. People may make a call only after being booked and processed, but that can be delayed if there were mass arrests, such as during protests, or if the person requires medical attention, Darlin said. The arresting officer must conduct a thorough search of the person, or may need to file extensive paperwork on the arrest, also potentially causing delay, Darlin said. Darlin declined to suggest what timeframe requirement work for the department — saying that decision would need to be data-driven — frustrating Ald. Jason Ervin (28th). “Let me be real clear here: Give me a time or otherwise I’m going to go with an hour,” Ervin said. “You guys have got to come up with something. You can’t keep dragging this thing out.” Ald. Chris Taliaferro (28th), a former police officer and chair of the committee, confirmed the administration is consid-
ering mandating a three-hour timeframe, but the amended language has yet to be introduced to City Council. The vagueness of the time requirement has real consequences, Futterman said. Withholding a phone call to an attorney can lead to a suspect giving a false confession, he said. “Everyone in this council knows the financial cost, as well as the human costs, of false confessions in Chicago. We’ve seen approximately $50 million paid out every year as a result of police abuse, and the most significant ones, the highest price tags … have been in the area in which people have been wrongfully convicted as a result of” false confession, he said. Delaying a phone call can affect families, as well, Futterman said. “It’s also not just about a lawyer, it’s also about family. It’s about people who are desperate, who have kids, who need to make arrangements for a child to be picked up … let family know where they’re at,” he said. Taliaferro said he agreed it’s “unconscionable” that someone could sit in custody without making a phone call, but he knows it’s “very difficult” to process and book someone within an hour. “The question becomes whether one hour would be unduly burdensome … setting ourselves up for failure” and further lawsuit settlements.
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Austin Weekly News, December 30, 2020
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P
erfect vision is 20/20. They say that hindsight is 20/20. But in reality, looking back at this year of 2020, it has not been perfect, but it has been a vision, even if a horrific one! Perhaps one of the first things about this year that should have given us fair warning was the initial emphasis on not writing the date as mm/dd/yy. We were warned that people could forge dates. Either postdate or predate something. In reality, 2020 has been a year that nobody really wants to recall and the majority of us can’t wait for it to come to an end. Covid-19 literally almost brought the world to a standstill this year. Intermingled amongst the stories about the
2020, go to hell!
virus, we had the murder of George Floyd. We had riots that tore apart areas of this city, including downtown and Michigan Avenue. We had a homegrown police superintendent in Eddie Johnson who was always visible only to have the current mayor replace him with the out-of-state, invisible and pretty much worthless David Brown. We’ve had the public schools close, so that learning has now been placed in the hands of parents, many who proved how ill-equipped they were to handle the situation. We had a young 6-year-old girl allegedly sexually molested over the internet by an older teen male relative, and the outrage regarding it died down as quickly as the act did!
ARLENE JONES
We’ve had a major uptick in carjacking by children in the 11- to 15-year age group. And because they’re juveniles, their actions are being given the lightest of punishments. Even though these same individuals have held guns on people. They’ve fired bullets. They’ve handed out death sentences while the majority of politicians in the city, especially the Black ones, have been mute. Why even the two reverends who were so quick to defend the car thieves who were stealing cars up in the far northern suburbs, which led to one of their cohorts being shot in the head, have not been front and center about the number of young black children committing this carnage. Not surprising. They stick their heads out only if Black folks can be victims, but have nothing to say when we are perpetrators. The mayor of the city has proven without a doubt that she is a one-termer. The riots
showed how ill-prepared she was to know and run the city. Chicago has always been a city of neighborhoods. And you have to know the peculiarities about each one in order to deal with the situation. Limelight Lori was believing all those memes people had put up about her regarding the coronavirus. But when push came to shove, both her bark and bite were ignored. Her latest misstep is having lied to us about when she saw the tape regarding the naked woman whose house was erroneously raided. When finally confronted with facts, she admitted she lied. I think she expected us not to remember that she fired Eddie Johnson for lying (which was regarding something in his personal life) while she lied to us in her official capacity as mayor. The year 2020 is waning. All I can say is 2020, go to hell!
9 things to know about the vaccine
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ow that there is an authorized and recommended vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in the United States, here are 9 things you need to know about the vaccines, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority. The CDC has developed a new tool – v-safe – as an additional layer of safety monitoring to increase the ability to rapidly detect any safety issues with the vaccines. V-safe is a new smartphone-based, aftervaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines will help protect you from getting COVID-19. In a study of more than 43,000 participants who were followed for two months, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was 95% effective in preventing symptomatic lab-confirmed COVID-19 in persons without evidence of previous coronavirus infection. Also, based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases, experts believe that getting a COVID-19
L E T T E R S
T O
Letters to the editor should include the author’s first and last name, town of residence and phone number for authorization purposes only. Austin Weekly News will not publish phone numbers. All letters are subject to editing for space and content purposes and typically will be printed in the order
vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. Two doses are needed. You need both doses of the currently available COVID-19 vaccine. A second shot three to four weeks after your first shot – depending on which vaccine you get – is needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer against this serious disease. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get a second shot. Right now, CDC recommends the vaccine be offered to healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities, like nursing homes. Because the current supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States is limited, CDC recommends that initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccine be offered to healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents. Essential workers and those 75 and older are to be vaccinated next. There is currently a limited supply of the vaccine in the United States, but supply will
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they are received. While AWN does not impose a word limit, we encourage comments be held to 300 words. Letters to the editor can be received by e-mail at michael@austinweeklynews. com, or by mail to Austin Weekly News, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302.
increase in the weeks and months to come. The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as large enough quantities are available. Once vaccine is widely available, the plan is to have several thousand vaccination providers offering COVID-19 vaccines in doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals and federally qualified health centers. After your vaccination, you may have some side effects. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection. The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Common side effects include discomfort on the arm where you got the shot; pain and swelling throughout the rest of your body; fever, chills, tiredness; and headache. If you have pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. Side effects were more commonly reported after the second dose than after the first dose, and were less common in people older than 55. Cost is not an obstacle to getting vaccinated. Vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers may be able to charge administration fees for giving the shot. Vaccination providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient’s public or private insurance company,
or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund. The first vaccine is being used under emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Many other vaccines are still being developed and tested. COVID-19 vaccines are one of many important tools to help us stop this pandemic. It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. We need to continue wearing masks over the nose and mouth; wash our hands frequently; practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others; and avoid crowds and indoor gatherings for the time being. There is light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. But we must continue to stay safe until more and more of us receive the vaccine. Be sure to do your research from reliable sources of information, and stay safe!
LA SHAWN K. FORD
— State Rep. La Shawn Ford represents the Austin community in the Illinois House. CONTACT: michael@austinweeklynews.com
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Austin Weekly News, December 30, 2020
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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Health Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications will be January 20, 2021.
PART TIME HELP WANTED
BUSINESS MANAGER PART TIME The River Forest Park District is seeking applications for a PT Business Manager working 20 hours a week. Starting Salary $26.45$31.26/HR. A full Job Description can be reviewed at www.rfparks. com/job-opportunities
SUBURBAN RENTALS
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, spray their wheels and perimeter of the car with soap, wipe the windshield with the sponge on a handle to prep a car before entering the automatic bay. 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 9-5 on weekdays, 9-4 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
Apartment listings updated daily at:
FIREWOOD
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ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed
WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead or plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
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ELECTRICAL
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email us: classifieds @ AustinWeeklyNews.com
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PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of MELODY JACKSON, Petitioner and JOHN W. JACKSON JR., Respondent, Case No. 2105 D 430340. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before January 22, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Austin Weekly News 12/23, 12/30/2020, 1/6/2021
Selling your home by owner? Make it stand out! Advertise here. Call 708-613-3342 to place your ad.
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20005307 on December 4, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of TRINKETS with the business located at: 401 N LAWLER, CHICAGO, IL 60644. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: LAVERN HERRON 401 N LAWLER, CHICAGO, IL 60644, USA. Published in Austin Weekly News 12/16, 12/23, 12/30/2020
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE PLASTERING
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP TRUST 2006-HE1 Plaintiff, -v.JERMAINE BEARD, CITY OF CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF WATER, HARRIS N.A., CITY OF CHICAGO, NHS REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 09518 1049 S. MAYFIELD AVENUE 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 January 16, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 14, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1049 S. MAYFIELD AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60644 Property Index No. 16-17-407-0160000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $250,909.08. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 111928. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw. com Attorney File No. 111928 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 18 CH 09518 TJSC#: 40-368 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 # 18 CH 09518 I3155750
OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ROSIE L. WILLIAMS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ROSIE L. WILLIAMS (DECEASED) Defendants 2019CH11669 5442 W KAMERLING 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 November 12, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on January 13, 2021, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 5442 W KAMERLING AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60651 Property Index No. 16-04-117-0280000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. 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
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION AMERICAN ADVISORS GROUP Plaintiff, -v.A B WILLIAMS, UNITED STATES
Austin Weekly News, December 30, 2020
(773) 626-6332 | FAX: (708) 467-9066 | E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@AUSTINWEEKLYNEWS.COM
Public Notice: Your right to know
CLASSIFIEDS
local happy employees... employees!
• In print • Online • Available 24 /7/365 AustinWeekly News.com PublicNotice Illinois.com REAL ESTATE FOR SALE 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) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-08710 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH11669 TJSC#: 40-2442 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 # 2019CH11669 I3161385
Hire Local. Place an ad on AWN’s Local Online Job Board. Go to AustinWeeklyNews.com/classified today!
Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information. (773) 626-6332 • maryellen@austinweeklynews.com
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Austin Weekly News, December 30, 2020
Welcome 2021! RibFest Every Day! Mickey’s is the place!
Mickey’s Rib Special
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Full Slab Dinner
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includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread
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Italian Beef Sandwich w/ Fries $ .49
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Wednesday
Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $10.99
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1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger
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Happy New Year!
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