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Vol. 36, No. 47

November 24, 2021

Complaints follow new LTHS grading policy PAGE 9 High school boys basketball set to tip off PAGE 199

YOUR LOCA L GU IDE T O

INSIDE

North Riverside red-light camera future in jeopardy Will be removed for planned Harlem-Cermak improvement; village must reapply to replace them By BOB UPHUES Editor

From the start of 2015 when they first went live through mid-2020, the two red-light cameras at the intersection of Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road in North Riverside have brought the village roughly $13 million in revenue – an average of about $2.2 million per year -- which it has used to help pay its annual police and fire pension obligation. But the clock is ticking on that critical revenue stream, the village’s administrator revealed publicly for the first time earlier this month, and it very possibly could be lost forever. “It’s coming,” Scarpiniti told elected officials during a meeting of the village board’s administrative committee earlier in November. “It’s just a matter of when it’s going to hit.” The “it” Scarpiniti was referring to is a major reconfiguration of the Harlem Avenue/ Cermak Road intersection that has been on the See RED-LIGHT CAMERA on page 16

A BE TTER W See ORLD

Riverside trustees pave the way for cannabis dispensary Village selling property to unlock deal for shop at 2704 Harlem Ave. By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside trustees voted unanimously on Nov. 18 to approve selling property the village owns at 2710 Harlem Ave. in order to unlock a deal to bring an adult-use cannabis dispensary to the property immediately to the north at 2704 Harlem Ave. The village will sell the narrow commercial parcel at 2710 Harlem Ave., which

formerly housed a dry cleaning business, to Dr. Milad Nourahmadi, who owns the properties on either side of that parcel. Nourahmadi has long been interested in acquiring the vacant village-owned parcel for parking for the strip mall at 2720 Harlem Ave., which Nourahmadi also owns and houses his Shining Smiles dental practice and other businesses. The village has been reluctant to sell absent a plan that would include a retail sales

tax-producing business. Nourahmadi now appears to have met that bar. Nourahmadi’s plans to sell the property at 2704 Harlem Ave., which now houses a COVID-19 testing center, to Mint IL LLC, which intends to remodel the existing building and operate a dispensary there. The tentative closing date for that sale is Feb. 4, 2022, according to Riverside Village See CANNABIS on page 17

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The Landmark, November 24, 2021

I N

M E M O R I A M

Brookfielder who excelled as P.A. announcer was outgoing, giving

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Kosey Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Property transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Longtime voice of Steinmetz High also announced RBHS baseball games By BOB UPHUES Editor

Mark Farina loved a full elevator. As the doors closed, he would announce in his signature fashion to his captive audience, “I bet you’re wondering why I called all of you together for this meeting.” Born with a knack for extemporaneous speaking and an infectious outgoing personality, Farina connected with people in both small and big ways, whether it was complimenting a child to their parent at the grocery store or whipping up excitement as a public address announcer at high school sporting events. “One of the reasons I married him was that he was so good with other people,” said Farina’s wife, Diane. “I felt like he was an ambassador from God to the people.” Farina died Nov. 15, 2021 of complications from COVID-19. He was 61 years old. He grew up on the North Side of Chicago, the son of Louis Farina, who served as 36th Ward alderman, and Rose Farina, who was director of noontime events at The Richard J. Daley Center. Farina attended Steinmetz High School, where at the age of 15 he saw a shortcoming – the school had no sports P.A. announcer – and ended up behind the microphone. He would remain Steinmetz’s P.A. announcer for more than four decades. He would add more announcing credits to his resume, calling numerous Chicago Public Schools games, including championship games at Soldier Field, Wrigley Field and the United Center. After moving to Brookfield in 2012 in order for their son, Louis, to attend Riverside-Brookfield High School’s special education program, Farina soon volunteered his services as a P.A. announcer to call RBHS baseball games, which he did for many years. He also served as a co-host in 2016 at the Night of Champions, a year-end award program honoring high school athletes at schools covered by the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark and its sister newspaper, Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest. “I gave Mark a few notes about some award-winning athletes and a show script the day of the show,” said Marty Farmer, former sports editor for the Landmark. “He absorbed all that information quickly and did a wonderful job as a co-host. His knowledge of IHSA sports, particularly the RB area, was evident and he also added a great sense of humor and story-telling ability to Night of Champions.” The same year Farina began calling games as a teenager at Steinmetz he also joined the Kiwanis Club, becoming the governor of the Illinois-Iowa District by the age of 17, according to Diane Farina. He would remain a loyal and active Kiwanian throughout his life. “He’s always been a volunteer at heart,” Diane said. “He just always felt the need to give back.” Farina was deep down an author at heart, said his wife. In 2016, he published the book “Casey and the Flying Fortress” chronicling the wartime experiences of Diane’s father, Casimir “Casey” Paulinski, a B-17 bomber co-pilot who was shot down over Germany in December 1943 and spent the rest of the war as a German POW.

In the story “Brookfield looks to acquire tax-delinquent properties” which appeared in the Nov. 17 edition of the Landmark, one of the parcels the village is seeking to acquire

FILE

Mark Farina Diane and Mark could not have been more different – he an outgoing North Side guy who worked for the city of Chicago and she a shy South Sider who worked at Michael Reese Hospital before taking a job at Children’s Memorial Hospital. A colleague there set the two up on a blind date “and the rest is history,” Diane said. The couple lived in Chicago and were parishioners at St. Giles Church in Oak Park, where Mark Farina became known as a ringer at the parish men’s club’s annual sports trivia night. “Everyone wanted him on their team,” Diane said. Dominic Scianna, who was the best man at Mark and Diane’s wedding and delivered a eulogy at Farina’s funeral on Nov. 19, said he was at first a little intimidated by Farina’s “big booming voice when the two first met while attending Columbia College. They would later be longtime softball teammates, with Scianna calling Farina “the softball team’s court jester, keeping us in stitches with his raw and spontaneous sense of humor.” While life’s circumstances separated teammates physically from one another through the years, the teammates made it a point of gathering each year around Christmas, Scianna said. “It was important for us to never miss that cherished time together,” Scianna said. As Farina’s health deteriorated in the days before his death, Scianna would keep their friends informed on Farina’s condition. “In our friend’s hour of need, we came together as never before,” Scianna said. “It was Mark’s final gift to us.” Diane Farina said her husband was devoted to their son, Louis, taking him on road trips this year to Tennessee, Texas and Michigan. He also was devoted to his dogs, Bandit, Biscuit and Bella.

C O R R E C T I O N

through the Cook County No-Cash Bid Program was misidentified. The property identified by the village as 8844 Burlington Ave. is a parcel of unimproved land it seeks to ac-

quire next to an apartment building bearing that address. The taxes are delinquent on the vacant land, not the parcel were the building stands. The Landmark regrets the error.

Editor Bob Uphues Equity Editor/Ombudsman Michael Romain Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@rblandmark.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $36 within Cook County and $46 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2021 Growing Community Media NFP.

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

North Riverside Library dedicates new book sale room Initiative honors late longtime trustee Kay Subaitis By BOB UPHUES Editor

About two dozen family members, friends and colleagues of the late Kay Subaitis gathered at the North Riverside Public Library recently to cut the ribbon on the new Kay’s Book Sale Room honoring her devotion to the library district, which she served as a trustee for 30 years, before retiring in 2015. Subaitis, who was one of the North Riverside Library District’s founding trustees and whose efforts helped get a new library funded and constructed in 1999, died in October 2020. The library spent roughly $14,000 – half coming from a grant from the Friends of the North Riverside Public Library – to convert the former storage closet into a permanent book sale room/reading retreat. A Morris chair and table the library had acquired through an earlier grant from Riverside Township and a decorative fireplace donated by Subaitis’ family give the small room a cozy home library feeling. The room’s wood bookshelves, simply labeled for CDs/DVDs, fiction, non-fiction, children and teens, had been saved from the building that housed the old library. The books for sale have either been donated to the library or culled from the collection. Unless they’re labeled otherwise, everything on the shelves costs $1. Paperbacks are four

for $1. Books for sale previously were piled on two tables near the circulation desk. The new room is also an appropriate location, said Library Director Natalie Starosta, because it was also the place where the Friends of the Library would sort books. “We decided to take that and turn it into a useful space everybody could enjoy,” Starosta said.

Grants for infrastructure, electronic devices and more In addition to the build-out of Kay’s Book Sale Room, the North Riverside Public Library has been awarded other grants that are helping to pay for other improvements inside and outside the building. The library just completed laying new concrete sidewalks outside the building’s main entrance courtesy of a $50,000 library construction grant through the state of Illinois. That grant will also fund repaving the library’s 22-year-old asphalt parking lot next spring. New carpeting for the library’s lower level has been installed with a $25,000 library construction grant obtained through the state and new angled bookshelves will be installed in the library’s adult fiction section after Riverside Township awarded the library a a $4,120 grant last week. “The bottom bookshelves in adult fiction will be angled so you can see the [book] spines better and you can actually tell what’s on that lower shelf to make them more accessible to people who might have difficulties reading them down there,” Starosta said. Finally, the library just received notice it

BOB UPHUES/Editor

North Riverside Public Library Director Natalie Starosta shows off the new Book Sale Room dedicated in honor of the late Kay Subaitis, a longtime, original member of the library district’s board of trustees who died in 2020. had been awarded an Expanding Digital Inclusion grant for $29,775 from the Illinois State Library that will go toward the purchase of electronic devices that patrons can borrow at no cost. Starosta said the library intends to purchase 10 tablets including AWE bilingual learning tablets, five laptop computers, four web cam-

eras, four microphones and five new internet hotspots. “We put our first order in [Nov. 17] for laptops,” said Starosta, who added she may wait until Black Friday to see what kind of deals she can find on other devices, since the grant funds are reimbursed to the library district upon proof of purchase.

Riverside board OKs $1.1 million for new water meters Replacing all residential, commercial meters over next three years By BOB UPHUES Editor

Riverside home and commercial property owners can expect to have the water meters inside their buildings replaced sometime during the next three years after village trustees on Nov. 18 approved spending $1.1 million to purchase new meters from Kamstrup, a Denmarkbased manufacturer of utility meters. Installations will begin in May 2022, said Public Works Director Dan Tabb. The village is aiming to replace about 1,000 water meters per year through 2024. “The process and order of installation will be developed over the coming months,” Tabb said. “Once the 2022 replacements have been identified, the property owners will be con-

tacted for scheduling.” Kamstrup was one of four meter manufacturers submitting proposals to the village, and from an initial capital outlay they were the most expensive, according to a summary of the proposals included in the packet for the Nov. 18 meeting of the Riverside Village Board. However, Tabb told trustees that Kamstrup’s proposal would be the most cost-effective over the long haul, because of the company’s 20year full replacement warranty on meters up to 1-inch, which account for nearly all of the water meters in Riverside, and on the batteries that power them. Kamstrup’s meters have an integral transmitter as well, meaning no exterior transmitter needs to be installed, cutting installation costs in half, Tabb said. The meters also have what Tabb described as “an integrated, ultrasonic acoustic leak detector capable of detecting service line and main line leaks located within the system.” According to Tabb, Kamstrup was the only manufacturer employing that technology and that early leak detection will reduce the

amount of water that goes unmetered due to leaks or main breaks. In recent years, according to Tabb, about 16 to 18 percent of the water it purchases through the village of McCook goes unmetered – and therefore unpaid by water customers. Tabb estimated that the village loses about $210,000 annually in unmetered water. One leak detected “only by chance” in 2021, said Tabb, resulted in a loss of 600,000 gallons of water over a 17-hour period. “This leak could have been found sooner if the Kamstrup meter had been installed at the time of the break,” Tabb wrote in a memo to trustees for their Nov. 18 meeting. Some of that is due to leaks, but much also has to do with the existing water meters, most of which were installed around 2004 as part of the village’s first digital-read water meter system. Those meters, whose mechanical parts wear out over time, have been under-registering water use, which results in the village underbilling water customers. The new Kamstrup meters will have no moving parts internally.

Because of meter failures that started cropping up 2012, the village has had to replace a number of them since that time. While the village intends to charge water customers for the new meters, those who have had to replace meters over the past decade will have the cost of the new meter pro-rated depending on when those replacement meters were installed. As residents pay for the installation of the new meters, the village’s initial capital investment will be repaid. A new five-eighths inch Kamstrup meter, which is most typical for a single-family home, will cost customers $293. If a water customer had its old water meter replaced within one year of the Kamstrup installation, the village will pay 100 percent of the cost of the Kamstrup meter. If an old meter has been replaced between nine and 10 years ago, the village will pay 10 percent of the cost of the new Kamstrup meter. Disabled veterans and those customers who can demonstrate financial hardship can qualify for installation of a new water meter at no cost to them.

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

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The Landmark, November 24, 2021

R E P O R T S

Alleged drunk driver snaps utility pole in crash Brookfield police charged a 26-year-old Tolleson, Arizona, man with driving under the influence of alcohol and several other traffic offenses after plowing his 2014 Chrysler 300 into a wooden utility pole at the intersection of Prairie and Windemere avenues on Nov. 20 at 11:30 p.m. Neither the driver nor his 24-year-old male passenger was seriously injured in the crash, according to police, though the crash deployed the vehicle’s air bags and broke the pole near its base, causing it to lean dangerously. A witness told police he heard tires screeching and then observed the vehicle lose control while turning left onto Windemere from southbound Prairie Avenue. The passenger reportedly told police they had been driving from “the bars down the street.” After failing field sobriety tests, the driver was taken into custody. Police reported recovering a half empty bottle of cognac from the center console and that the driver’s blood alcohol content was .164, which is more than twice the legal limit of .08. ■ A 33-year-old Brookfield man was charged with drunken driving, speeding and damage to village property after he allegedly drove his 2014 Kia through a stop sign while southbound on Maple Avenue at Eight Corners and continued southbound at a high rate

of speed until the vehicle left the roadway south of Burlington Avenue and across the parkway and front lawns of several properties in the 3900 block of Maple Avenue, finally coming to rest against the front steps of a home. An officer on patrol reportedly saw the vehicle drive through the stop sign. The Kia was traveling so fast, police said, the officer did not attempt to pursue it. When the officer crossed the railroad tracks, he observed the vehicle pressed up against the steps of a home after having left the roadway.

Ruse burglary North Riverside police responded to a residence on 9th Avenue on the afternoon of Nov. 15 after the homeowner, who is a senior citizen, called to say she had been the victim of a ruse burglary. The victim told police that at about 3:30 p.m. two men knocked at her back door and told her they were working with construction crews in the area and needed to check her electrical outlets for power. One of the men escorted her to the living room where he started moving furniture around, looking for outlets, while the other did not enter the living room. After about 20 minutes, the man reportedly presented

$100 to her and requested $100 for the service. The man then stepped outside while the woman found her purse only to discover $250 was missing from a bank envelope. By the time she realized the scam, both men were gone.

‘Sugar Mama’ actually a con artist A 23-year-old Brookfield man went to police on Nov. 18 after reportedly getting scammed out of $200 by someone posing as a “Sugar Mama” on the social media website Instagram. The victim told police he received an Instagram friend request from “Sugar Mama” informing him she would send him $3,000 if he sent her $20. “Sugar Mama” related there were fees associated with the transaction, so the total amount the victim needed to send her was $200. According to police, the victim sent “Sugar Mama” $200 but has not received any money in return. The victim has messaged “Sugar Mama’ demanding his money back and accusing her of running a scam, to which “Sugar Mama” reportedly insisted it was not a scam. Police advised the victim that he was certainly being scammed and not to send “Sugar Mama” any more money.

Burglary to vehicle North Riverside police responded to the 7900 block of 26th Street on Nov. 17 at about 7:35 p.m. after a woman called to report that two windows of her vehicle, which was parked in an angled spot on Keystone Avenue, had been smashed out and items taken from the interior. The victim stated she had left a Louis Vuitton purse in plain view on the back seat. The victim told police that before they arrived she found the purse, missing a wallet containing credit cards and cash, in the parking lot of a nearby business. Police observed the rear windshield and driver’s side windows smashed, the front windshield cracked and a large brick on the back seat. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Nov. 1521, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

— Compiled by Bob Uphues

By Linda Sokol Francis. E.A.

MORE ON ESTATE PLANNING FOR REAL ESTATE OWNERS

t’s always better to make gifts when assets “low end” of their values, rather than at the “high end”. In essence, if a real estate owner had a property worth $15,000,000 that is than now worth $11,580,000, he could give the entire property away within the amount of his or her exemption amount. On the other hand, if the gift was made when the property was worth $15,000,000, the $3,420,000 in excess of the exemption amount would be taxed at 40%. In this example, if the gift is made at the high end, $1,368,000 of gift tax would be due. Present Conditions Create a “Perfect Storm” Allowing Real Estate Owners to Plan Currently, COVID-19 has had a negative impact on the commercial real estate market. Owners of hotels have seen significant declines in revenues - shelter-athome orders significantly reduced travel,

and social distancing required in order to reopen keeps hotels well below cpacity. Owners of shopping centers have seen revenues decline as well first, because their properties were closed; second, because during the closure many tenants became insolvent; third, because of the general hurt on the spending public, it it unlikely that traffic and purchases will rebound for many years. Owners of office space likely saw rent defaults as businesses became insolvent, and as people have learned they can successfully work from home it is unclear that the commercial office market will ever rebound in full. Owners of apartment buildings have not recieved full rents as tenants who are out of work cannot pay their rent on a current basis. For these reasons, real estate owners are at a “low end” when it comes to valuing properties that they want to gift.

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COVID-19 cases tick up in local schools

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Increase in positive cases reflects wider trend in communities

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

As elementary school children begin to get vaccinated against COVID-19, there has been an upsurge in cases this month in some local school districts. LaGrange-Brookfield School District 102, which serves the southwest section of Brookfield, reported 33 COVID-19 cases among students in the first two weeks of November. The first two weeks of November were the first weeks of the school year in which a double-digit number of positive COVID tests were reported in the district. Riverside Elementary School District 96 has also seen cases rise in recent weeks. Six cases, including one staff member, were reported in District 96 in the week ending Nov. 19 while eight cases, including one staff member, were reported in District 96 for the week ending Nov. 12. Thirty-four percent of the 38 COVID cases reported in District 96 this school year have been reported in the past two weeks. “We do not have a specific outbreak nor particular situation that might have caused this,” said District 96 Superintendent Martha Ryan-Toye in an email. “We would guess

that this is reflective of an increase in indoor activities and perhaps more families gathering as the holidays approach. We encourage everyone to continue to implement important COVID safety protocols.” Numbers have remained fairly steady in Brookfield-LaGrange Park District 95. Three cases among students at Brook Park School were reported in the week ending Nov. 20 while no new cases were reported at S.E. Gross Middle School. Twenty-three cases have been reported at Brook Park since school began in August while eight students at Gross have tested positive thus far this school year. At Lyons Township High School seven students and two staff members tested positive for COVID in the week ending Nov. 18. The seven students testing positive last week was the highest weekly positive case count of the school year at LTHS. COVID-19 cases were also up this month compared to October at Riverside-Brookfield High School. As of Nov. 23, the school had reported 10 total cases (six students, four staff) in November compared to two students and one staff in all of October. The November total at RBHS is still far below the numbers the school reported in September, when there were 10 students and three staff testing positive.

RBHS also is reporting that almost 76 percent of students have provided proof of vaccination, while 95.3 percent of staff have provided proof of vaccination. Case counts at Lyons-Brookfield School District 103, and Komarek School were not immediately available.

Cases up in villages generally The uptick in positive COVID-19 case counts in schools reflects what’s being seen in the wider community. Case counts in both Riverside and North Riverside were in double digits for the weeklong period ending on the morning of Nov. 23. There were 15 new case reported in Riverside and 11 in North Riverside. In Brookfield, there were 28 new cases for the past week, down slightly from 31 the week before. Those are the highest weekly totals in each village since mid-September. The Cook County Medical Examiner also reported an additional local fatality from COVID-19 on Nov. 15 in Brookfield, a 61-year-old man. He is the 16th village resident to die from COVID-19. Both Riverside and North Riverside have had at least four people die from the disease, the Landmark has found. Bob Uphues contributed to this report.

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The Landmark, November 24, 2021

BOB UPHUES/Editor

Despite looking from the outside like it’s ready to roll at 7201 24th St. in North Riverside, Amazon Fresh is not expected to open its doors until at least late February or early March 2022.

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Amazon Fresh to open North Riverside store in early 2022

Company reportedly still in early stages of hiring for new location By BOB UPHUES Editor

Amazon Fresh, the new, high-tech grocery store under construction at 7401 24th St. in the North Riverside Plaza shopping center since late 2020, will not open this year, North Riverside Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti confirmed to the Landmark last week. Scarpiniti said she recently had talked to the person who manages the store, who told her that the plan was now to open Amazon Fresh in either late February or early March 2022. “He said they were having issues with hiring labor, trying to get enough people hired, in addition to stocking the shelves because of supply chain demands, it sounds like,” Scarpiniti said. Until recently, Amazon had declined to even reveal that it was building one of its new-concept stores in the space that long housed Jewel-Osco, which closed its doors in 2020. But, Scarpiniti said the store finally has submitted documents to the village confirming the store’s identity as an Amazon Fresh market. “They’ve sent in a preliminary liquor license to confirm they’re Amazon Fresh and the water bill is already set up as Amazon Fresh,” Scarpiniti said.

While the store’s manager may have told Scarpiniti that Amazon was having trouble hiring, the company’s hiring efforts have not been exactly robust up to now. The only position advertised for the store on the company’s website is for a position known as a “zone lead,” which appears to be a mid-level supervisory job. “[The manager] said they don’t even have first-line supervisors in place yet,” Scarpiniti said. “They’re still working on the management team.” The company apparently is now including the North Riverside location in a group of stores they plan to open around the spring of 2022, said Scarpiniti, and have decided to focus right now on the two new Amazon Fresh stores that opened this month in Westmont and Morton Grove. Like those two stores, the North Riverside location will also feature Amazon Fresh’s state-of-the-art checkout technology called “Just Walk Out,” which allows customers to skip the traditional checkout line by scanning an in-store QR code using an Amazon app they can download to their smartphones. When customers add items to their cart, the cost is automatically tallied by in-cart cameras. When a customer is ready to check out, they can scan the QR code again, and the app will automatically charge the amount to the customer’s credit or debit card. With the opening of the Morton Grove store on Nov. 11, Amazon Fresh now has six stores in Illinois. The others are located in Schaumburg, Naperville, Bloomingdale and Oak Lawn.

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

Growing pains accompany new grading system at LTHS

Equity-focused system calculates grades only by exam performance By BOB SKOLNIK

some who need to make some changes to how they teach their courses in order for it to work Contributing Reporter better.” While the system doesn’t factor in things A new grading system at Lyons Township High School designed to establish consis- like class participation, it does allow students tency and promote equity has not proven to retake the summative assessments, somepopular with many parents and students at times an unlimited number of times, until they are satisfied with their grade. the school. Administrators say the multiple retakes are The system, which was put into effect last year, bases grades solely on so-called “sum- encouraged because what is important is that mative assessments,” which are typical exams a student masters the material being taught, not when they master it. given periodically throughout the semester. In practice, some say that students get There is no credit or points given for homework, class participation and other so-called caught up in a vicious cycle of retakes, focusing on past material and “soft behaviors,” which some instead of what the class is argue result in implicit bias. currently studying, falling be“The gist in the shift in gradhind and ending up having to ing was to make sure grades retake more assessments in measure learning as opposed the future. to behavior,” said Scott Eggerd“Students get behind in ing, the director of curricutheir current class material lum and instruction at LTHS, because they’re studying for which serves the southern half these retakes, so it puts them of Brookfield. “So, they don’t even further behind and a vimeasure attendance or whethcious cycle is created,” Slezak er you wore the right clothes said. for P.E. or got punished for beOn Nov. 8 the Lion, the LTHS ing late, that kind of stuff. We SCOTT EGGERDING student newspaper, published wanted to make sure that stuLTHS director of an editorial, headlined “Graddents’ grades reflected whether curriculum and instruction ing system causes endless cythey had or hadn’t learned the cle of retakes,” and called for outcomes of the course.” changes to allow homework The new grading system has resulted in negative impacts for students and quizzes count toward a student’s grade. said Elizabeth and Braden Slezak, who criti- The editorial said that making a grade entirecized the new grading policy during the pub- ly dependent on summative assessments has increased student stress. lic comment period of the Nov. 15 meeting of Eggerding acknowledged that endless cythe LTHS school board. The Slezaks said they were asked to speak out by a number of other cles of retakes has been a problem since the new grading system has been implemented. parents and students. “For some students that has resulted in “Almost all of the parents we spoke with said that it’s hard for their kids to keep pace them not doing homework and trying mulin their classes,” said Elizabeth Slezak. “They tiple retakes to see if they can get a higher leave too much learning to do right before the grade, and that’s not the intent of the system,” exams. Because the homework and quizzes do Eggerding said. Having a consistent grading policy across not count, many kids simply don’t do the work and falsely believe they can make it up at the teachers was a major goal. In the past, grading policy was left to individual teachers last minute.” Elizabeth Slezak said the new grading sys- and some students complained that different teachers teaching the same class often had tem just doesn’t work in practice. “While conceptually a student should know very different grading practices. they need to learn and prep over time to suc“We didn’t necessarily have a consistent ceed in these summatives, many don’t have grade book even in the same course prior to the maturity or discipline to keep up with the making the change,” Eggerding said. foundational work and find themselves strugBy stressing summative assessments, ofgling to understand the concepts,” Elizabeth ten chapter tests and the like, the goal was to Slezak said. “This is a time for them to estab- measure how well a student has mastered the lish good study habits, which this new system material which should be the sole factor in deis failing to do.” termining a grade, school administrators say. Eggerding said teachers’ opinions about the “We want students to demonstrate the new grading system vary. learning,” Eggerding said. “It’s all over the place,” Eggerding said. It doesn’t matter so much when a student “We have some teachers who really love it, we masters the material taught in a class, just have some teachers who really hate it, we have that they do, said Karen Raino, the division

“We didn’t necessarily have a consistent grade book even in the same course prior to making the change.”

chair of the Language Arts Division in a 16-minute long video explaining the rationale for the new grading system on the LTHS website. “We want to grade to reflect the quality of the work, not the timing of the work,” Raino said. “Penalizing for late work creates inaccurate grades. By allowing students to turn in work late we shift the focus on the importance of learning rather than the behavior of timeliness.” Promoting equity and eliminating implicit bias is also a main goal of the new grading system. “Our grading practices reduce the influence of behavior such as how compliant or outspoken a student is, and the influence of implicit bias based upon factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, or disability,” said Melissa Moore, the chairperson of the special education division, who is also featured in the online video. “They also reduce inequities due to external variables, like socioeconomic factors, access to outside resources and support available in the home environment.” The new grading policy eliminates any “extra credit” work. “Offering extra credit is not equitable because it doesn’t consider a student’s home situation or other factors,” Raino said in the video. “Since extra credit is optional and beyond the scope of the course content, typically students with greater resources are often beneficiaries of the points, which pad their grades, leaving other less-resourced students without that benefit.” Cara Ferrell, the mother of two LTHS students, also spoke out against the new grading system at the Nov. 15 school board meeting. She said that a self-paced summer school chemistry class just did not work with her 15-year-old son. “I’m absolutely positive my situation is not unique,” Farrell said. Farrell said that since homework does not affect a student’s grade, many don’t do their homework and are unprepared for the summative tests. “I’ve never seen a greater lack of motivation among high school students, never,” Farrell said. The Slezaks called upon the school administration to make changes to the grading immediately. Eggerding acknowledged that some changes may be necessary, but he cautioned that since last year was so unusual due to hybrid learning, the school has limited evidence of the impact of the grading system. “I think we definitely need to make some tweaks to it,” Eggerding said. “The students getting stuck in that cycle of retakes and not doing work is something we’d like to try to solve.”

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The Landmark, November 24, 2021

BIG WEEK Nov. 24-Dec. 1

CLARENCE GOODMAN

‘Cool Yule’ concert at LSF Brookfield Library

Brookfield Public Library, 3541 Park Ave., invites you to get into the holiday spirit by attending an in-person concert of live music “Cool Yule” by local entertainer Clarence Goodman on Monday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. Register to attend the concert by calling 708-4856917, ext. 130 or visiting online at brookfield.evanced. info/signup.

COURTESY CZS/BROOKFIELD ZOO

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

LTHS South Campus indoor track open mornings

Enjoy the festive season at Brookfield Zoo’s 40th Annual Holiday Magic festival of lights, which kicks off Nov. 26-28 and continues through the end of the year on the following dates: Dec. 1-5, 8-12, 15-19 and 26-31 from 3 to 9 p.m. each day. Walk through the 600-foot tunnel of lights, pose for photos in the new illuminated gingerbread house or luminous 20-foot orb. The West Mall will be a new Sea of Lights measuring 1-mile long. A 41-foot-tall tree “dancing” to choreographed music will be just inside the North Gate. Several animal areas will be open, with dolphin shows at 4 and 6 p.m. Restaurants and gift shops will also be open. All visitors must purchase reserved-time admission (available in 20-minute increments) and parking tickets prior to arrival. Visit CZS.org/ OnlineTicketing to buy tickets. Visit CZS.org/Events for more information.

And more Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, 2447 Desplaines Ave. in North Riverside, invites you to send troops and local veterans a taste of home for the holidays by participating in their Christmas Stockings for Soldiers & Veterans drive through Dec. 17. Stop in at the funeral home Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and pick up a free stocking to take home, decorate and stuff with Christmas cheer. Bring the filled stocking back for delivery to troops abroad and veterans at home. Call 708-447-2500. ■

Visit Santa Claus in the lower level center court of North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, through Christmas Eve on the following dates: Nov. 26-27 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Dec. 1-17 from noon to 7 p.m.; Dec. 18-23 from noon to 8 p.m.; and Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visits are free, photo packages available for purchase. Riverside Arts Center, 32 E. Quincy St., presents the exhibition “Portable Memorials and Abject Objects” featuring the work of Rebecca Keller in the Freeark Gallery through Nov. 27. Gallery hours are Thurs.-Sat. ■

■

1-5 p.m. Visit riversideartscenter.com for more. Riverside Arts Center presents “Porcelain Utopia: Mid-Century Lustron Homes in Illinois and Beyond,” an exhibit of photographs by Dirk Fletcher in the lobby of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, through Dec. 31. Free. Open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., invites you to its monthly Spice Club via Zoom on Nov. 27 at 1:30 p.m. Kids ages 4-up can choose either in-person or Zoom ■

■

Hate jogging in the cold? Beginning Nov. 29 through March 25, the Lyons Township High School South Campus Fieldhouse indoor track, 4900 S. Willow Springs Road in Western Springs, will be open to the public from 6 to 7 a.m. on days LTHS is in session. There is no admission charge or fee to use the track. Please bring an ID and be prepared to sign in. attendance for ABCs and 123s on Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m.; Story Safari on Dec. 1 at 10:30 a.m.; and Builders Club (Zoom only) on Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. Register for programs at northriversidelibrary.org/ events-new. Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Park Ave., invites kids to the virtual program 3D Printing: Kids’ Edition on Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. Learn to use Tinkercard to make amazing 3D prints via Zoom. Visit brookfield.evanced.info/signup to register for programs. Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, presents ■

■

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

Home is where the Heart is!

Let us all be Thankful for this beautiful community in which we live.

Happy Thanksgiving! Santa’s Mailbox ready for your letters

Celebrating 35 years as Your Neighborhood Realtor!

Riverside Parks and Recreation invites kids to write letters to Santa and place them in a special mailbox that’s been located on the east side of the historic water tower, 10 Pine Ave. in downtown Riverside. Letters received by Dec. 18 will get a note back from Santa, direct from the North Pole.

Local toy drives under way

Karen Arndt - Broker - 708-447-9907 - info@karenarndt.realtor

If you are looking to brighten a child’s holiday this year, there are a couple of options for you to donate toys that will be delivered to children in the area in time for Christmas. North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cermak Road, hosts a Holiday Toy Drive to benefit the Children’s Center of Cicero-Berwyn through Dec. 12. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Customer Service Desk located in the center court and get a free movie pass to Classic Cinemas in North Riverside. Meanwhile, the North Riverside Public Library, 2400 Desplaines Ave., is collecting new unwrapped and unopened toys that will be donated to Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve charity that distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy gifts for Christmas. You may drop off toys at the library through Dec. 10. Developing Sound Financial Skills, a virtual program presented by Consumer Credit Counseling of Northern Illinois on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. URL sent after registering. For kids there’s Mini-Movers Storytime in the Community Room on Nov. 29 at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; and Preschool/Kindergarten Storytime on Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and After School DIY on Dec. 1 at 3:30 p.m. Registration required. Visit riversidelibrary.libcal.com/calendar to

register for programs. Riverside Chess Club, open to anyone age 5 through adult, meets in person each Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Room 30 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. Players of all levels welcome. Children under 7 require caregiver over 13. Email sean@riversidechessclub.org for more info. ■

The Brookfield Elks Lodge, 9022 31st St., hosts bingo the second Sunday of every month. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games start at 2 p.m. with cash payouts. Next bingo night is Dec. 12. ■

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The Landmark, November 24, 2021

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John P. Carroll Jr. is deputy chief-of-staff for the Illinois Attorney General

Riverside Township Democratic committeeman, encouraged Carroll to apply for the vacancy. With Morrissey the only Democrat on the Unity Party slate formed to run for township office in 2021, the township board was committed to choosing a Democrat to replace him. By BOB SKOLNIK Zalewski said that while he encouraged CarContributing Reporter roll to apply to fill the vacancy, he didn’t play any direct role in his selection. An attorney from Riverside who has a “It was not my decision,” Zalewski said. “I high-profile job in state government has been encouraged other people to apply. I thought it appointed to fill a vacancy on the Riverside was really good that we had an open process.” Township board. Carroll said that while he has experience On Nov. 16 the Township board voted 4-0 working with the Illinois General Assembly to appoint John P. Carroll Jr. to serve out the and Cook County Board on policy issues, he is term of Thomas Morrissey, who was elected in looking forward to participating in local govApril and resigned his position on the board ernment on the township board. earlier in October after being “I felt that I could really help appointed as a Cook County Cirthe community by bringing my cuit Court associate judge. experience to something that afCarroll, 50, serves as a deputy fects the people of the commuchief-of-staff for Illinois Attornity,” Carroll said. “This kind ney General Kwame Raoul. In of government really has, can his job he focuses on criminal have, more dramatic effects. I justice policy. saw it as a really awesome opPrior to joining the Attorney portunity to help out my comGeneral’s Office, Carroll spent munity.” nearly 19 years working as an Carroll grew up in the Edgeassistant Cook County state’s brook neighborhood on the attorney. He spent 12 years as Northwest Side of Chicago, but JOHN P. CARROLL JR. a prosecutor on hundreds of his mother, Mary, grew up in Riverside Township trustee bench trials and approximately Riverside. Carroll’s grandpar40 jury trials. He then served for ents, John and Margaret Corsinine years as the executive assisglia, lived on Lawton Road. tant state’s attorney, serving as a “I spent, I don’t know, damn senior attorney in the state’s atnear half of my youth at grandtorney’s legislative unit where ma and grandpa’s house over on Lawton,” Carhe oversaw the state’s attorney’s legislative roll said. agenda. Carroll graduated from John Carroll UniCarroll was chosen to serve on the township versity (Carroll is not related to the John Carboard from a field of eight people who applied roll the university is named after) which is loto fill the vacancy. cated in suburban Cleveland. After graduating “We had some very good candidates but he from college with a bachelor’s degree in psywas a standout,” said Riverside Township Suchology, Carroll served for a year in the Jesuit pervisor Vera Wilt. Volunteer Corps and then went to law school All eight applicants were interviewed by at Loyola University. other members of the township board. Wilt One day Carroll would like to become a said that Carroll stood out. judge. He has applied to be appointed to the “He certainly has the credentials that are Cook County bench a few times, including this valuable to the township,” Wilt said. “He year when Morrissey was appointed. knows all the right people. With his experience “I am very open with the fact that it has been we just thought he would be a tremendous asa lifelong dream of mine to become a judge,” set to the board.” The other applicants were former Riverside Carroll said. “But as you can see, I am not the village trustee Kevin Smith, former Riverside only one.” Carroll said he seriously considered runvillage board candidate Kelly Navarro, former ning for judge in the 4th Judicial Subcircuit in Riverside-Brookfield High School District 208 school board member Gina Sierra, Riverside next year’s election, but he decided that now attorney Maria Enriquez, Riverside resident was not the right time. “The reality of it is that running for judge Otto Miller, North Riverside resident Kara is a financial commitment,” said Carroll, who Kalnitz and Riverside resident Jacob Palka. Carroll moved to Riverside nearly four has two young children, ages 8 and 6. The time years ago. Two years ago, he began the process and the resources necessary just sort of preof seeking the endorsement of the Riverside clude my ability to run a successful judicial Community Caucus as a Riverside trustee campaign.” Carroll said that he is committed to serving candidate before withdrawing prior to the vote out the term to which he was appointed which endorsing a slate. State Rep. Mike Zalewski, who serves as the runs until May of 2025.

“This kind of government really has, can have, more dramatic effects.”

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

Dear Readers, We continue to be humbled by the outpouring of support our communities are providing to sustain our local nonprofit journalism. One of the things we have consistently celebrated, in both our for profit and nonprofit ownership models, is the richness, innovation and positivity of local nonprofit organizations Growing Community Media was proud to join in 2019. This week we publish our 20th -- give or take a year -- Season of Giving section. Again this year we are partnering with the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation and are joined by Byline Bank to highlight local nonprofits doing such good work across the Greater West Side and making each of our communities a better place to live. We highlight the work of our fellow local nonprofits to encourage and focus your support for their efforts. Season of Giving exemplifies the contribution our extremely local journalism makes to the fabric of our communities. You won’t find coverage like it anywhere else. And it makes our communities stronger, better places to live. So this Season of Giving, please give local. And please consider supporting the journalism that highlights and supports the important work of our local nonprofit organizations. With thanks for your ongoing support, Dan Haley Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media

www.rblandmark.com/donate or make your check payable to Growing Community Media at 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

with Geoffrey Baer

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The Landmark, November 24, 2021

P R O P E R T Y

T R A N S F E R S

Renovated North Riverside home sells for $415,000 The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Clerk from September 2021. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the clerk’s office.

Brookfield ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

SELLER

3845 McCormick Ave. 4008 Oak Ave. 3334 Park Ave. 3122 Harrison Ave. 3307 Maple Ave. 3232 Maple Ave. 4537 Maple Ave. 3625 Park Ave. 3604 Maple Ave. 3326 Oak Ave. 3106 Vernon Ave. 4330 DuBois Blvd. 9519 Henrietta Ave. 4609 Grove Ave. 4304 Blanchan Ave. 4226 Grove Ave. 4126 Grove Ave. 3110 Raymond Ave. 3529 Sunnyside Ave. 3615 Forest Ave. 3425 Vernon Ave. 4136 Elm Ave. 9015 Fairview Ave. 9105 Roach Ave. 3126 Park Ave. 3235 Maple Ave. 9101 Sheridan Ave. 4309 Blanchan Ave. 3831 Grove Ave. 3817 Madison Ave. 4118 Park Ave. 3218 Oak Ave. 3129 Raymond Ave. 4321 Madison Ave.

$365,000 $210,000 $257,500 $255,000 $325,000 $263,500 $500,000 $315,000 $349,000 $280,000 $292,500 $305,000 $255,000 $537,500 $325,000 $385,000 $345,000 $200,000 $290,000 $730,000 $250,000 $284,000 $330,000 $294,000 $230,000 $380,000 $474,500 $370,000 $165,000 $305,000 Unknown $300,000 $160,000 $440,000

7/23/2021 8/10/2021 6/08/2021 8/13/2021 8/10/2021 7/27/2021 9/02/2021 8/15/2021 8/18/2021 9/03/2021 6/04/2021 9/08/2021 8/26/2021 9/01/2021 9/10/2021 9/07/2021 6/24/2021 9/07/2021 9/09/2021 8/02/2021 8/22/2021 8/16/2021 9/01/2021 8/26/2021 9/08/2021 8/04/2021 6/22/2021 8/06/2021 9/17/2021 9/01/2021 8/30/2021 6/23/2021 9/13/2021 9/22/2021

Hernandez Jr, Andres Ferguson, Michael P Dancik, Anton F Jr Cordin, Nichole Prince, Aubrey Nichols, Anne M Bachinski, Michael TR Ryan, Bernadette B Krugg, William J Tabor, Emily C Paparo, Anthony III Silliman, Kent Ullrich, Rose Vu, Kelvin Loc TR Gogonea, Axente Harold, Lavon M Scatchell, Alyssa Yarka, Nobert J Jr Lohmeier, Justin Nemic, Stephen E Widlack, Jeffery A III Krogh, Michelle L Meklin, Vadim Wenz, Matthew O ChicagoTitle LandTrust CoTR 8002354024 Stahlecker, Helmuth A III TR Lucas, Jennifer C Gaughan, Megan K Extr O’Brien, Christopher D Davis, Michael B Cook County Clerk Chicago Title Land Trust Co TR 9098 Siegel, Raymond Greene, Michael

3108 Vernon Ave. 9435 Jefferson Ave. 8520 Brookfield Ave. 4545 Deyo Ave. 4240 DuBois Blvd. 4141 Madison Ave. 3731 Morton Ave.

$180,000 $285,000 $237,500 $290,000 $365,000 $373,000 $242,000

9/11/2021 9/24/2021 9/28/2021 9/15/2021 8/05/2021 9/21/2021 9/08/2021

Miller, Judith L TR Shore, Mary F 8520 Brookfield LLC Hills, Brian W Serenda, Joelle T Szalko, David Bouray, Ryan

BUYER Jordan, Jessika Almaguer, Brandon Perez, Geynar I Saldana, Dagoberto Burke, Noel Moran-Rudd, Logan P Psenicka, Deborah E Walter, Michael Perez, Daniel Abbott, Colin Castle, Katelyn B Arellan-Rodriguez, Daniel D Martin, Elizabeth Oseguera, Hector M Pav, Stephanie L Slechta Mata, Evan Hill, Jeremy Noble, Amber M Stalionis, Alexandra Laura Williams, Tamara Garcia, Andres Main, Collin Thomas Barrera, Abel Bono, Jose A Suhajda, Samuel D Tobin, Matthew Bennett Hennington, Boyett J IV Cardona, Cecilia Dudic, Radivoj Sieradzki, Ashley Cheap Real Estate LLC Van Der Molen, Paul W Safe & Sound Investments LLC St Pauls Evan Luth Ch of Brookfield Illinois McCabe, Michael Tijerina, Nancy C Squared Investments LLC Detloff, Cieana S Boyd, Daniel Sweitzer, Daniel Nicolai, Allison

2432 Park Ave., North Riverside

North Riverside ADDRESS

PRICE

SALE DATE

2333 Hainsworth Ave. 2934 Desplaines Ave. 2947 Lincoln Ave. 2228 Westover Ave. 2432 Park Ave. 2316 12th Ave. 2424 Park Ave. 2500 8th Ave. 2300 11th Ave. 8109 26th St. 2417 8th Ave. 8023 Edgewater Rd.

$275,000 $206,000 $212,000 $265,000 $415,000 $335,000 $300,000 $375,000 $290,000 $275,000 $278,500 $180,000

7/19/2021 5/17/2021 7/13/2021 7/30/2021 8/31/2021 09/22/2021 9/14/2021 9/22/2021 9/13/2021 8/25/2021 9/23/2021 9/10/2021

744 Arlington Rd. 321 Desplaines Ave. 371 Nuttall Rd. 380 Shenstone Rd. 413 Addison Rd. 114 Lincoln Ave. 355 N. Delaplaine Rd. 280 E. Burlington St. 177 Gage Rd. 177 Woodside Rd. 180 Lawton Rd. 100 Pine Ave. 198 Herrick Rd. 251 E. Burlington St.

$716,500 $590,000 $365,000 $530,000 $500,000 $97,000 $675,000 $325,000 $757,000 $725,000 $750,000 $120,000 $785,000 $165,000

8/18/2021 8/06/2021 8/23/2021 9/01/2021 9/07/2021 8/16/2021 9/15/2021 9/09/2021 9/07/2021 9/20/2021 9/17/2021 8/30/2021 9/27/2021 9/15/2021

SELLER Padilla-Munoz, Arturo Lema, Angelica Gestes, Sonia Haley, Connie Delaney, Donald C 09/17/2021 Gallardo Andres Nakalamic, Aleksandar Norris, Mariellen TR Nunez, Rosio Bramwell, Tina TR 491 Milhassi, Marcelo Milushev, Georgi S

BUYER Rivera, Eddie J Carmody, Michael M El Jamal, Seth Pisarczyk, Sonia Wallace, Timothy G Gilbert Andrew W Acevedo, Claudio IsraelVillanueva De Alba Jr, Ernesto Martinez, Jose M Garcia Sanchez, Juan H Martinez, Bryan Kraus, Robert G

Riverside Rynn, Stephen J De Morales, Merlene Avila TR Peterson, Jon D Meganiello, Andrew Novellano, Daniel T Estelle A CappsTrust Gangware, Frank R Yetter, Christopher Ross II Zahler, Timothy G Lendman, Paul Milleker, William N Lopez, Susanna Schwartz, Norbert F TR Chicago Title Land Trust Co TR 870150

Novellano, Daniel T Larson, Darren Perez, Sonia Cheesman, Benjamin Pernoud, Mark A Andrade, Salustia Victorino, Eubert M Lutcavish, Katelyn A Lumell, Michael Shaw, Stephanie Lendman, Lauren 3048 Harlem LLC Dettmer, Brian Rodriguez, Jaime

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

Vehicle crash in North Riverside tied to I-290 shooting

One person was transported to the hospital following an apparent “expressway shooting” near Interstate 290 and the eastbound Desplaines Avenue exit ramp in Forest Park on Monday night, according to the Illinois State Police.

The incident was reported at 8:18 p.m., an Illinois State Police spokesperson said, and ended with the driver of one vehicle transported to the hospital with “serious injuries due to gunfire.” According to Forest Park Police

Chief Ken Gross, officers pursued a vehicle southbound on Desplaines Avenue for about two miles before the vehicle crashed just outside of Bar-Tini Lounge in the 2400 block of Desplaines Avenue in North Riverside.

After the crash, police rendered medical aid to a person in the vehicle who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. That person was later transported to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. No further update on their condi-

REDLIGHT CAMERA Millions at stake from page 1 drawing board for years and which the Illinois Department of Transportation has included in its 2022-27 Highway Improvement Program. IDOT appears poised to move forward with the project soon, according to a recent letter from the agency to North Riverside Mayor Joseph Mengoni, which was obtained by the Landmark through a Freedom of Information request. The Sept. 17 letter included the preliminary plans and special provisions for the project along with a sentence indicating work would be starting sooner rather than later. “Current engineering efforts are targeted to enable a contract letting in the early years of the [2022-27 Highway Improvement Program] contingent upon plan readiness and funding,” wrote Jose Rios, project engineer for IDOT Region One, which includes the Chicago area. Scarpiniti told elected officials at their Nov. 8 administrative committee meeting that she expected the work to be scheduled for 2023 or 2024 at the latest. The village has directed its lobbyist to argue on behalf of the village to help them retain the cameras once the project is complete, said Scarpiniti. “There is some theories out there that this is part of the governor’s attempt to rid the state of red-light cameras,” Scarpiniti told trustees on Nov. 8. “It does appear [they may be] targeting non-home rule communities versus home rule communities like Berwyn or Cicero. “Unless we can prove the improvement they’re making isn’t enough [to make the intersection safer] and we can keep the redlight cameras, there’s a very good possibility we are going to lose them permanently.” The Sept. 17 letter from IDOT asked Mengoni to provide comments on the plan by Oct. 15. According to Scarpiniti, the village has not yet provided that comment, a move that may be a delaying tactic as village officials figure out how to soften the blow of potentially losing revenue from the red-light cameras. “We have asked for an extension to provide that feedback,” Scarpiniti told the Landmark in an email. “I should be preparing a response in the next few weeks.” Documents obtained by the Landmark through its Freedom of Information request

FILE

The two red-light cameras at Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road in North Riverside brought in about $13 million to the village between 2015 and 2020, money the village has used to help pay its annual police and fire pension obligations. revealed that at least some village officials knew about the possible loss of the red-light cameras at Harlem and Cermak as far back as 2015, right after they were installed. On Feb. 2, 2015, less than a month after the two cameras went live, then-Village Administrator Guy Belmonte and Village Engineer John Fitzgerald met with four IDOT officials at the Village Commons to talk about the intersection reconfiguration plan. A written summary of that meeting, provided to the village by IDOT, outlined the scope of the project and the village’s responsibilities with respect to paying for some traffic signal improvements, in particular the ones at Harlem Avenue and 23rd Street,

where there are entrances to the North Riverside Plaza and Cermak Plaza. Those are referred to as “private benefit signals” for which IDOT has agreements with the owners of the two shopping centers to split the costs for maintenance and energy. IDOT informed the village that it no longer enters into private agreements and would require North Riverside to enter into an agreement with IDOT to share the costs for ongoing maintenance and energy costs. The cost for replacing the signals, however, would fall solely on the village. At the time, IDOT estimated replacing the 23rd Street signals at between $375,000 and $400,000. IDOT told the village it could seek its own

tion was available. A number of shell casings were recovered from the Desplaines Avenue exit ramp, Gross said. The incident is being investigated by the Illinois State Police. — Andy Viano

agreement with the owner of the North Riverside Plaza to split future costs, an arrangement the village voiced concerns about. The 2015 meeting summary also expressly mentions that the village’s red-light cameras would be taken down during construction “and will require reinvestigation to determine if they should be installed.” Scarpiniti, who was the village’s finance director in 2015, said she was unaware of the meeting that February with IDOT and only learned of the potential loss of the red-light cameras in June 2020, when she was acting village administrator. On June 10, 2020, the village received a letter from IDOT notifying North Riverside it was in the process of finalizing preliminary engineering and environmental studies for the Harlem-Cermak project. “This will serve as a letter of intent between the village and the department confirming your concurrence with the proposed improvement plan and the cost participation responsibilities for the subject project,” the letter stated. The June 2020 letter reiterated the scope of the work, the change in IDOT’s policy regarding private benefit signals and the removal of the red-light cameras once construction began. The letter went a little further than the 2015 meeting summary in suggesting the redlight camera removal might be permanent. “Given that one of the goals of the proposed improvements is to address safety issues, the [red-light] camera systems may not be needed after the project is implemented,” the June 2020 letter stated. “The village may request at the completion of the project, reinstallation of the [red-light] camera systems. If approved by the department, the village will have to follow the requirements in place at the time of the project completion.” Hubert Hermanek Jr., who was North Riverside mayor in 2020, provided IDOT in August 2020 with a handwritten response to the project, disagreeing with its scope and proposed benefits. “We do not support this proposed improvement as it will cause unnecessary issues with the surrounding business properties without a greater public benefit,” Hermanek wrote. But that does not appear to have slowed IDOT in pursuing the project, which among other things would remove the triangular turn-lane islands at each corner of Harlem and Cermak, add dual left-turn lanes at all four approaches, make the intersection more handicapped-accessible and replace traffic signals with countdown signals.

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

Woman reported missing from Brookfield located downstate

A 73-year-old Brookfield woman reported missing by her daughter on the afternoon of Nov. 21 was found unharmed in her vehicle on the side of a highway near Decatur in central Illinois late that night, police have reported. Brookfield detectives began trying to trace the woman’s location after police were notified of the situation at about 2:35 p.m. on Nov. 21. The woman’s daughter told police she had not been able to get hold of her mother, who suffers from dementia, and a neighbor

confirmed the woman’s car was not parked where it typically was. A computer check of the vehicle’s license plate indicated it had been run by a police officer in Grant Park, a village in Kankakee County, at 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 21 at a truck stop where the woman was attempting to pump gas. The woman was described as “disoriented,” but a police officer reported that she did not appear in need of any immediate medical

attention and that he’d last seen her driving north from the scene. Brookfield police issued a Silver Search Alert to all police agencies while detectives attempted to find security camera video and tollway transponder data to track the woman’s whereabouts. According to Police Chief Michael Kuruvilla, it appears the woman left her home sometime on the afternoon of Nov. 20 and had been on the road since that time. After leav-

CANNABIS

3Fifteen Cannabis, which merged the two largest dispensary chains in Michigan. According to Grown In, that combined company operates 27 cannabis dispensaries in Michigan. SkyMint also has two indoor cannabis cultivation operations with a third in the works for 2022 and a 1,000-acre outdoor cannabis farm. Mint IL LLC was one of the companies awarded one of the 75 dispensary licenses in Illinois that were up for grabs in a September 2021 lottery. The action taken by the village board on Nov. 18 will result in village selling 2710 Harlem Ave. to Nourahmadi for $230,000, which is roughly the amount the village has expended to acquire, demolish and remediate the former dry cleaners site, minus the amount the village has collected through a 1-percent business district sales tax it imposed on that stretch of Harlem Avenue in 2017. Selling the 2710 Harlem Ave. property will also place it back on the property tax rolls,

and the introduction of an adult-use cannabis dispensary will result in the village collecting the 1-percent state sales tax on all cannabis retail sales, plus the village’s 1-percent non-home rule sales tax, the 1-percent business district sales tax and the village’s 3-percent cannabis retailer occupation tax. The non-home rule sales tax revenue goes to fund road improvement projects, while the business district sales tax must be used only for infrastructure or redevelopment incentives within the business district, which stretches from Berkeley Road to the alley south of the Citgo gas station. The rest of the sales tax revenue can be used to fund general village operations. Village officials say they’re not sure what impact retail cannabis sales will have on village revenues, but it is predicted to be sizable. “I think this will be one of the best economic drivers we’ll have in our village,” said Village President Joseph Ballerine during a phone interview following the Nov. 18 vote. “I’m very optimistic this will be a big impact for the village.” The closest cannabis dispensary to Riverside is in Oak Park, where officials estimate they’ll collect $375,000 in 2021 from the 3-percent cannabis sales taxes alone by the end of the year. That figure does not include the state or any additional local taxes that would be imposed on cannabis sales. France also announced prior to the village board’s vote on the property sale that plans are already in the works to improve the alley that runs behind the three commercial properties and to create some sort of barrier on Berkeley Road to keep traffic in and out of the dispensary away from the residential neighborhood to the west. “We want to ensure there’s no cut-through traffic over on Berkeley,” said Frances, who described a potential solution as a “bumpout” that would block westbound traffic at the alley. In 2020 in response to neighbor complaints of cut-through traffic, Riverside made Berkeley Road a one-way street allowing eastbound traffic only. Do not enter signs were also erected at the east end of Berkeley Road at Harlem Avenue. Weather could delay construction of any traffic barriers until spring, said Frances, but with the dispensary also needing to be renovated, she didn’t think there would be much or any lag between the time the dis-

Tied to Michigan-based chain from page 1 Manager Jessica Frances. A call to Nourahmadi seeking additional comment was not returned. Mint IL LLC lists its office address as 3816 Harlem Ave. in Lyons, which is actually a Cricket Wireless store. According to a corporate registry filing on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website, the managers of Mint IL LLC are Omar Fakhouri of Troy, Michigan; Joey Kejbou of Rochester Hills, Michigan; and Reinaldo Ramos Jr. of Chicago. According to the online cannabis industry news website Grown In, Fakhouri is the owner of Michigan-based SkyMint, which they describe as “the largest chain of cannabis dispensaries in [Michigan].” In September, Grown In reported that SkyMint had purchased a company called

BOB UPHUES/Editor

2704 Harlem Ave., Riverside

ing Kankakee County, police say the woman drove north, approaching the Wisconsin border. But eventually a police officer reported finding the woman, unharmed but disoriented, inside the car at about 11 p.m. on Nov. 21 off a highway near Decatur. Emergency medical personnel transported the woman to a local hospital and the woman has since been reunited with the family, said Kuruvilla. — Bob Uphues

Harlem Avenue Business District 1 includes the properties at 2704, 2710 and 2720 Harlem Ave. as well as the Citgo gas station south of Longcommon Road. The village board imposed a 1-percent tax on retail sales within that district in 2017 to create a fund that can be used to foster future redevelopment. pensary opens and the traffic barrier is built. Ballerine added that the village could erect a temporary barrier if it had to. While the construction of a traffic barrier on Berkeley Road is not part of the 2022 budget, the village could reimburse the general fund for the expense through the 1-percent sales tax levied on retail sales within the Harlem Avenue Business District 1.

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

THE LANDMARK VIEW

The difference a vaccine makes

ant an illustration of just how effective COVID-19 vaccines are in protecting against the spread of the disease? Let’s look at some numbers. There’s been a bit of a spike in new cases since the end of summer, similar in a way to what we experienced in the fall of 2020. As the weather pushed more and more people indoors, COVID-19 made a comeback, and it appears to be doing so again. The difference is that now a growing percentage of the population, including children as young as 5, are eligible to be vaccinated. So while the numbers of new cases have risen, they pale in comparison to last fall’s deadly second wave. For the week ending on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 23, the three villages the Landmark covers — Brookfield, Riverside and North Riverside — reported a total of 54 new cases of COVID-19. In 2020, for the week ending on the morning of Nov. 24, the three village’s recorded 208 new cases. During the three-week stretch between Nov. 3 and Nov. 24 of 2020, the three communities recorded 621 total new cases of COVID-19. Between Nov. 2 and Nov. 23, 2021 the three towns recorded a combined 130 new cases. Last year we all — well, the vast majority of us anyway — celebrated Thanksgiving in very isolated family groups. This year, due to the vaccines more and more families will be celebrating together, a welcome change from a year ago. We wish all of you a happy, safe Thanksgiving and encourage those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so, not only for themselves but for the ones they love.

Making the grade

We reported today on some complaints coming from students and parents at Lyons Township High School regarding a change made a year ago in the way grades are calculated. The change — which assesses mastery of material on regular tests — was done to even the playing field by subtracting subjective measures like class participation and doing away with things like extra credit and docking points for not doing homework. It has resulted in some unintended consequences, like kids thinking not being graded on homework frees them from having to do it. While students are able to retake tests until they’re satisfied with their grades, some are finding themselves in a cycle of frantically trying to bolster grades on old material while falling behind on mastering the new. So this is a work in progress and school administrators say they recognize that and may need to make some tweaks. We’d encourage parents and students to not simply reject this new policy, just because they are have some trouble adjusting to it. Over time, study and work habits will change and the value of mastering material over gaming grades by coaxing points out of a raised hand and extra credit will show itself. We think this is a worthwhile change, but we understand it’s going to take some getting used to. School leaders should respond appropriately but not reject the new policy simply to appease those who find change uncomfortable.

Opinion KOSEY CORNER

RBHS senior marching Macy’s parade on Thanksgiving

ere comes Santa Claus and here comes Claire Harrison in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A senior at Riverside-Brookfield High School, Harrison will be one of 250 young people chosen to be a member of the Macy’s Great American Marching Band that will be featured in the Thanksgiving Day parade down Broadway in New York City. She was chosen after she submitted an online audition of her playing the piccolo. She learned about the audition through a drum camp she had attended. The Macy’s Band was formed in 1924 and each year features more than 200 musicians. It also now includes 25 flag performers and nine dancers. Musicians come from all over and this year keep your eyes peeled for a young lady from our local high school. When I caught up with Claire on Nov. 21, she was already in New York enjoying her new friends, experiences and the fun of it all. It was hard to have much of a conversation with all that was going on around her. She said along with rehearsals and preparing for

the parade she has enjoyed the free time the trip has allotted to her. Free time is not something Claire Harrison has much of. Aside from being a busy senior student, she is editor of the school newspaper, The Clarion, president of the Model UN organization at the school, a drum major, Tri-M, a member of the National Honor Society and I’m sure there are others that I have missed. If it all isn’t enough, she is one of two student representatives to the Riverside Brookfield High School District 208 Board of Education. Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV is a tradition in many households while the turkey is roasting. I know there is football, but wait until after the parade this year. This year we will give it more attention as we try to get a look at our local girl Claire Harrison. Remember she is playing the piccolo. We know Claire will have a happy Thanksgiving as will her family in Brookfield and LaGrange Park. So I wish all you out there a Happy Thanksgiving and, remember, it’s stuffing if it’s in the bird and dressing if it is on the side. Cranberries from the can or cooked whole?

JOANNE KOSEY

OBITUARIES

Richard J. Kos, 76

Cynthia J. Krause, 74

Retired Illinois Bell engineer

English professor

Richard J. Kos, 76, of Riverside and formerly of North Riverside, died Nov. 17, 2021 in Riverside. Mr. Kos was born May 1, 1945 in Chicago, IL and passed away November 17, 2021 in Riverside, IL. He was an engineer for Illinois Bell telephone company in Naperville. RICHARD J. KOS He was the husband of Linda (nee Tonetti) and the uncle of James, Steven, Kevin and Brian Kos. Services have been held. Entombment was at Woodlawn Mausoleum, Forest Park. Kuratko-Nosek Funeral Home, North Riverside, handled arrangements. Online condolences may be offered KuratkoNosek.com.

Cynthia J. Krause (nee Hall), 74, of Riverside, died Nov. 20, 2021. Ms. Krause was born July 22, 1947 in Chicago, and was an English professor at the college level. She was the wife of the late Francis Krause; the mother of Andy Krause, Jenny (Joe) Wichmanowksi and Michael Krause; the grandmother of Mia, Zoey and Benjamin; the sister of WarCYNTHIA J. KRAUSE ren (Nancy) Hall, Geoff (Melinda) Hall, Mary Pat (Jack) Sampsell, the late Gerry Hall, late Lynn Egan and the late Jean Paladino’ and an aunt to many nieces and nephews. Services have been held. Interment was at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at Kuratko-Nosek. com.

Sports

@RBLandmark

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

Versatile Bulldogs look to build on summer success Six key returnees give RBHS boys hoops solid footing in 2021-22

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The Riverside-Brookfield High School boys basketball team enjoyed a great 11-2 spring season limited by COVID restrictions and just kept on playing. And winning. “We played a ton in the summer,” RBHS coach Mike Reingruber said. “We played a really competitive schedule in all of the big events and beat some really good teams and competed really well with teams considered in the top 10, 15 also.” The Bulldogs carry that momentum and experience into this season behind six key returnees -- 2021 All-Metro Suburban Conference seniors J.P. Hanley and Joevonn McCottry, seniors Joe Gilhooley, Cory Baker and Brady Vaia and sophomore Will Gonzalez. “We have a bunch of guys that can pass, dribble and shoot. We have versatile guys who can do a bunch of things, and they share the ball well,” Reingruber said. A varsity starter since the second half of sophomore year, Hanley averaged 16 points and six rebounds per game in the spring and shot 46 percent from three-point range. Hanley is the last of five brothers to play in the program since 2006. “He’s a tremendous shooter. He’s added the versatility of getting to the basket,” Reingruber said. “[Also] he’s become a pretty good defender. All-around he brings it in pretty much every facet.” McCottry (13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists per game), Baker (10 points) and Gilhooley (8 points, 5 rebounds, 40 percent 3-point shooting) added to the scoring depth along with Vaia (4 points, 3 assists) and Gonzalez (3 points). Other team members are seniors C. Victor Juister, Edward Melidis and Damahrion Mur-

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

RBHS senior Joevonn McCottry (left), a Metro Suburban all-conference player, drives past a defender during a practice session at Riverside-Brookfield High School on Nov. 19. rell and juniors Arius Alijosius, Rex Dockendorf, Hunter Ferguson, Aidan Hernandez, Moses Soto and Marques Turner Jr. “We have a lot of scoring options. We tell guys we have to go with the hot hand,” Reingruber said. “If we’re all cooking at once, that’s even better. That’s a really good thing about

this team. They’re unselfish and get guys the ball.” RBHS has won conference 18 of the last 20 seasons. Both spring losses came in overtime, including to Timothy Christian with the Metro Suburban Conference title at stake.

Reingruber said the Bulldogs will have to overcome their lack of overall size, particularly to control defensive rebounds. “There’s a bunch of depth in the conference. I think it will be really challenging and we hope to be part of that hunt at the end,” Reingruber said.

High school gymnasts ready to spring back into action RBHS, LTHS look to build on spring 2021 successes

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

For Riverside-Brookfield High School senior girls gymnast Nora Ford, not having an IHSA state series last season has made her all the more determined. “I know her goal is to make it to section-

als this year,” RBHS coach Karyn Domzalski said. “She’s really put all of her effort into gymnastics and acted as a team leader with a great work ethic.” RBHS and Lyons Township High School are enthusiastic to begin complete seasons with the Hinsdale South Invitational on Nov. 24.

In their COVID-shortened season with seven meets, the Bulldogs scored as high as 128.55 points and finished third at the season-ending Upstate Eight Conference Meet (125.55). LTHS ended with a 131.55 – a season high by more than six points in its five meets – in finishing fifth at the West Suburban Confer-

ence Silver Division Meet and fifth overall. New LTHS head coach Brittany (Glowa) Milovanovic is a 2005 LTHS graduate who competed for the Lions as well as new junior varsity head and assistant coaches Maggie McCarter and Katie Gildea and returning See GYMNASTICS on page 20

S P O R T S

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

RBHS, LTHS wrestlers set to face off on the mat Teams meet Nov. 24 in LaGrange for season opener

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School wrestling coach Nick Curby anticipates the annual season opener at Lyons Township High School for multiple reasons. Their dual meet the Wednesday before Thanksgiving in LaGrange also is the annual Alumni Night first organized by LTHS coach Griff Powell more than a decade ago. Curby is a 1998 Lyons Township graduate. “Many times I see the same group of guys but every year there might be one, two guys I hadn’t seen in a long time that make it back,” Curby said. “I like my wrestlers to see that, a program that’s rich in tradition. We keep building the program to where we want it to be. They see what a fun wrestling environment can really be like.” With no IHSA state series this past ab-

North en route to a 14-3 record. breviated spring season, RBHS Schodrof and junior Cooper seniors Mateo Costello and King are the Lions’ captains. Brock Hoyd are the lone returnOther key returnees are seniors ees to have competed at a state Ben Zeman, Quinn Riordan, Luka meet – Costello in 2020 (0-1 at 113 Tomich and Daniel Lee and jupounds) and Hoyd in 2019 (0-2 at niors Jackson Garelli and Calum 120) in Class 2A. The Illinois Wrestling Coaches Rogers. Lineup newcomers inand Officials Association orgaclude senior Willy Takash and nized a 2021 state tournament in sophomore Gunnar Garelli. June with an IHSA-like format. “I think this team has a lot of PATRICK JESSE IWCOA Class 2A state qualifipotential to improve throughout ers included RBHS’ Costello (126), the season,” Powell said. senior Liam Cote (182) and juniors QuintaviAlso back for the Bulldogs are seniors Daeus Murrell (113) and Bill Martin (160). shawn Jackson, Michael Racanelli and Ethan LTHS’ IWCOA Class 3A sectional qualifiers Randt. Jackson and Hoyd were one sectional included seniors Cooper Schodrof (160) and victory from 2020 state. Patrick Jesse (106) and junior Ricky Cava“[Our success] depends on the younger liere (220). guys filling in some of the holes. We have The Lions enjoyed a great team spring, high expectations and are thinking they have sharing the West Suburban Conference Silver good potential,” Curby said. title with Glenbard West and Downers Grove Curby became involved with LTHS’ Alum-

ni Night when coaching Plainfield East and has continued since coming to RBHS. The event contributes fundraising for the Jake Curby Memorial Scholarship, which honors the LTHS senior wrestler who best exemplifies the wrestling and personal character of Jake, Nick’s brother and 2002 LTHS graduate who was fifth at state his senior year. Jake died in 2010. Halfway during the dual, competition halts to acknowledge the LTHS alumni lined up along the mats. “We usually have 75-plus alumni. We’ve had guys literally from the 1960s teams and when [former head coach and current assistant Mark King] started in 1972, 73,” Powell said. “For our kids, they see a lot of the history on the wall, on the record boards in our gym. They get to see these guys come back and recognize their talents and obviously how LT wrestling meant something to them.”

Johnson leads deep LTHS boys hoops into new season Akron recruit led Lions in points, rebounds, assists in spring

By BILL STONE

“He’s skilled enough to score on his own but usually doesn’t try to force things. He’s going to try and find the open guy and make the right play,” Sloan said. “He’s an excellent passer and has good vision. And he can be really disruptive on the defensive end, because he’s quick and has good hands and really good instincts.” Seniors Will Carroll (6-4 forward), Billy Bach (6-4 wing), Owen McManaman (6-2 wing) and Elliot Russell (6-4 forward) are returning key contributors. Russell (72 points) and Carroll (57 points) were fourth and seventh in points, McManaman (15) and Carroll (12) were third and fifth in assists and Carroll, Russell and Bach were among four players between third and sixth in rebounds with 43, 40 and 37, respec-

tively. Senior guards Aidan Sullivan and Cullen McManaman also return. Eight juniors are newcomers – wings Nik Polonowski and Connor Carroll, guards Jackson Niego, Louis Kaminski and forwards Graham Smith, Carter Reid, Matthew Desimone and Chris Franko. The Lions have good size and depth and should be able to score. Defensive consistency will make them that much more formidable. “We’re going to have games where we shoot it well and maybe games where we don’t. If we have a consistent defensive effort and make it difficult for other teams to score, I think that’ll give us the chance to compete in every game,” Sloan said.

Grusecki and Quinn Kahle and and get the girls excited and sophomore Annabel Krueger bonding more after COVID.” also return. New hopefuls inA fourth-year varsity gymclude freshmen Lia Christiannast, Ford qualified for the 2020 sen, a Level 8 club all-arounder, IHSA sectionals for RBHS in Irma Bernal-Orihuela, Ana all-around. Ford and junior allBurke and Reese Phelan. arounder Sarah Lindenberg “This year, we’re working with were .125 points shy of advancsome of the old and some of the ing on floor exercise and vault, new on varsity,” Domzalski said. respectively. “It’ll be a unique year but I’m At the UEC Meet in March, ANNMARIE HOLMES hoping one of our better years Ford was fifth on floor and 10th because we feel our level increason vault. Ford and Lindenberg es every year.” finished 7-8 in all-around. LTHS junior Annmarie Holmes qualified Senior Leah Kowalski, juniors Claudia

for 2020 sectionals in all-around and floor. Senior Aniko Kittridge advanced on vault. At the WSC Silver Meet in March, Holmes was ninth in all-around and tied for 10th on vault, and sophomore Emily Tucker was ninth on uneven parallel bars. Other expected contributors include seniors Tiana Bojic and Elise O’Gorman, junior Natalie Aubert, sophomores Calli Avants, Leyla Ochoa and Gabi Sanchez and freshman Emmy Bertucci. “I would love to see us go to sectionals as a team,” Milovanovic said. “We really want to strive for that improvement throughout the program.”

from their 11-6 spring season, including senior guard and Akron recruit Tavari Johnson. At the West Suburban Conference Even with a COVID-shortened tournament, the Lions went 1-1 Lyons Township High School in pool play, losing to eventual boys basketball season in the champion Glenbard West, and spring and no IHSA state tournabeat Proviso East and Hinsdale ment, the Lions still developed a South to win their consolation strong chemistry and work ethic. group. “We had five or six [graduThe 6-foot Johnson led the Liated] seniors that played a lot, TAVARI JOHNSON ons in points (252/14.8 average), but we’ve got a pretty good group rebounds (59/3.5), three-pointers of juniors that got playing time,” LTHS coach Tom Sloan said. “Ever since (34), assists (61/3.6), steals (34) and blocked then, they’ve been working out together and shots (11). Sloan said Johnson’s dynamic and versabringing the younger guys along, including tile skills should make the lineup better as them in any offseason activities.” The Lions return five key contributors a whole. Contributing Reporter

GYMNASTICS

Targeting sectionals from page 19 varsity assistant Liz (Peters) Pawelko. “All three of us are new to coaching [high school)], but we’ve all been through the program. And all three of us had different [LTHS] head coaches,” Milovanovic said. “I love [returning]. It definitely brings back a lot of fond memories. I’m really hoping to strengthen the program as a whole

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

Growing Community Media

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BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

HELP WANTED

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

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

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

Seasonal Farmers’ Market Manager The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Manager in the Health Department. This position manages the Oak Park Farmer’s Market including the vendors that sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This is a part-time seasonal position with work from January-mid November and work required on Saturday’s from May through October. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking to hire a School Psychologist for a part-time position for grades PreK-4th starting in December 2021. To qualify, candidates must have a valid Illinois Professional Education License with endorsement in School Psychology (PreK-4). A Master’s Degree is preferred as well as 5 years of successful educational experience in both general and special education; and at least five years of successful experience in evaluating students, collaborating, and problem-solving with school and District teams. The right candidate will facilitate MTSS meetings, including individual and grade-level planning meetings. Integrate D90 practices around equity and inclusivity into daily work and relationships with students, families and colleagues. Duties include: Completing appropriate psychoeducational assessments for children who have or are suspected of having a disability. Identifying and assessing the learning, development, and adjustment characteristics and needs of individuals and groups, as well as, the environmental factors that affect learning and adjustment. Using assessment data about the student and his/ her environment(s) in developing appropriate interventions and programs. Responding to parent and teacher requests for evaluations in accordance with Illinois law and maintaining compliance in accordance with Illinois special education law. Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90.org

PART TIME DRIVER ASAP

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

Village of Brookfield

Attention Police Records Specialists! This role must:

• Perform specialized/complex administrative duties

• Be the subject matter expert for Police records management • Complete requests for information

• Support all Police Department staff

• Comply with laws, rules, policies, and procedures • Visit the careers page for a full description!

• Police Records Supervisor ($51,287 to $66,673 per year) Review the full description and apply on the Village of Brookfield careers page.

Village of Brookfield

Be a role model to children in the community! If you are at your best when interacting with people, are safety minded and you aim to make a difference in the lives of kids; please take the next step and apply to this part-time role in the Police Department: • Crossing Guard ($18 per hour) Review the full description and apply on the Village of Brookfield careers page.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

Starting a New Business? Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark

Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for details:

773-626-6332

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OakPark.com | AustinWeeklyNews.com | RBLandmark.com | ForestParkReview.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG MARKETPLACE

RENTALS & REAL ESTATE

WANTED TO BUY

SUBURBAN RENTALS

CARS WANTED

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

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

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

STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR

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

Best Selection & Service

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

ITEMS FOR SALE

APARTMENT FOR RENT:

PIANO FOR SALE

1BR, 7444 Franklin Ave/ Forest Park

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

Call 312-339-2370

· Apt 1SW in architecturally significant 8-unit building; · Heated garage parking & storage on ground level included

CEMETARY PLOTS

· Distinctive feature: 22’x8’ balcony w/ SW exposure for soft afternoon sunlite overlooking pkway & mature trees

FOUR PLOTS AT FOREST HOME CEMETERY IN FOREST PARK Located in Garden of the Chapel section. Lot 120-B, section 61, spaces 1,2,3,4. Bronze ﬂush type markers only, per the contract. $600.00 or best offer. DMCK2740@ATT.NET

· In-Kitchen breakfast area · Radiant flr heat & thermostat; AC unit; laundry same flr · 10 min walk to CTA Green Line, River Forest Metra, Jewel/ Starbucks, Whole Fds, Walgreens, Oak Pk & Forest Pk downtown shops & dining

CLASSICS WANTED

Restored or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles HOME SERVICES Domestic / Import Cars: HAULING ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL

Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, A&A ELECTRIC Ceiling Fans Let an American Veteran do your work Mustang & Mopars Installed We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

Collector James

630-201-8122

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

FIREWOOD

FIREWOOD UNLIMITED

Fast Delivery MIXED HARDWOODS CBH & MIX 100% OAK CHERRY OR HICKORY 100% BIRCH Seasoned 2 years Stacking Available

847-888-9999 Order online:

www. suregreen landscape.com

Credit Cards Accepted

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

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

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

708-296-2060

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

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

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

773-637-0692 Ask for John

BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404

LANDSCAPING BRUCE LAWN SERVICE Fall Yard Clean-Up Slit Seeding Bush Trimming Fall Leaf Clean-Up Senior Discount Snow Removal

brucelawns.com

708-243-0571

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

$1,200/mo; $1,200 deposit; $50 credit chk; gas/elec: tentant no smoking; available: immediate; pets: cat

Email: 7444franklin@gmail.com for details & photos.

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

PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.

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

708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed

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

PLUMBING Supreme Plumbing & Sewer Services Installation: kitchens, baths, showers •Sewer Systems Piping Clogged drains •Water heaters

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Quality workmanship & service 20+ years’ experience Locally owned & operated

SUBURBAN RENTALS DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 2BR APT

2BR, 1BTH apartment for rent. Hardwood floors. Renovated and freshly painted. Small, vintage building. No smoking. No pets. Parking included.

Free Estimates!

708-657-4226

johnlavin530@gmail.com

CICERO 3724 S 53RD CT

708-955-7844 License #PR-1234

WOODWORK Terry's

Woodwork Restoration On-site refinishing of wood

and fiberglass since 1977. Includes doors, woodwork, windows, staircases and new woodwork etc. All work done by hand. NO sanders. Your unfinished project my specialty! References available. Contact Terry Seamans at 630-379-7148 or terryseamans@yahoo.com

Reach the people making the decisions. Place an ad in GCM Classified! Call 773/626-6332

A beautiful 2 ﬂat in South Cicero off 35th st. Features include 3 bedrooms, central air, garage parking. Modern appliances include dishwasher. Utilities separate. $1,700 per month plus security. Lease with option to buy possible. 708-383-8223 or 773-676-6805

1BDR FOREST PARK APT

Forest Pk Apt- 2nd ﬂr, 1bdr, 1ba, lg eat-in kitchen, lg livingroom, parking, coin laundry in basement, includes heat, cooking gas and water. close to I290/Blue Line, shops, Loyola Med and Rush- Oak Park Hospital. no smoking-no pets $1100/ mo. 708-262-2444 or 708-598-8898. View by appt only.

ROOMS FOR RENT

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

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

CITY RENTALS AUSTIN RENAISSANCE APARTMENTS

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

Town Center Realty Group LLC

The Landmark, November 24, 2021

CLASSIFIED 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: YY2100806 on November 1, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of CFC SERVICES with the business located at: 424 MARENGO AVENUE APT. 1W, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CELESTE ADRENA FRAZIER 424 MARENGO AVENUE, APT. 1W FOREST PARK, IL 60130, USA. Published in Forest Park Review November 10,17, 24 2021

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: Y21008136 on November 9, 2021. Under the Assumed Business Name of SUTTON PROPERTIES with the business located at: 1140 S DUNLOP AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: SUTTON FAMILY PROTECTION TRUST NO. 2 5585 ADA DR SE, ADA, MI 49301, USA Published in Forest Park Review November 17, 24, December 1, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Riverside School District 96 will properly dispose of all temporary student ﬁles from 2015 on January 15, 2022. Permanent student records are retained for 60 years. A parent/guardian has the right to copy any student record prior to destruction. To request a copy of your student record, email Nancy Schuenemann at the District 96 Administrative Ofﬁces at schuenemann@district96.org no later than December 29, 2021. A nominal copying fee may be charged. Published in RB Landmark November 24, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING Riverside Township hereby gives notice of a Special Meeting to determine the Levy and set dates for hearing, if needed, and adoption on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, 27 Riverside Road, Room #4 Riverside, IL, 60546 at 6:30 p.m. Vera A. Wilt Supervisor Published in RB Landmark November 24, 2021

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2021 for the following: Village of Oak Park Stone & Sand Materials Bid Number: 22-103 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours. Published in Wednesday Journal November 24, 2021

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: Y21008160 on November 12, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of JNO ENTERPRISES with the business located at: 136 S. CUYLER AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: JONATHAN L. DARNALL 136 S. CUYLER AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA. Published in Wednesday Journal November 24, December 1, 8 2021

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: Y21008171 on November 12, 2021 Under the Assumed Business Name of HALL’S HANDYMAN SERVICE with the business located at: 409 S. 7TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CLYDE HALL 409 S. 7TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153, USA Published in Wednesday Journal November 24, December 1, 8 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice is hereby given to all persons concerned that on the 16th day of November, 2021, the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the Village of River Forest, Illinois, voted to amend its Rules and Regulations. Printed copies of the Rules and Regulations, as amended,may be obtained from the Ofﬁce of the Village Clerk, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois. The Rules shall be effective as of December 4, 2021, or 10 days from the date of publication of this notice, whichever date is later. Published in Wednesday Journal November 24, 2021

Illinois Classiﬁed Advertising Network WANTED TO BUY FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit www.RefrigerantFinders.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. LORNA J. RANKER; CHARLES K. RANKER; CITIZENS BANK NA; Defendants, 18 CH 2459 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-17-327-034-0000. Commonly known as 1185 S. LOMBARD AVE., OAK PARK, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Mr. Ira T. Nevel at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Law Offices of Ira T. Nevel, 175 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312) 357-1125. 18-04613 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3180215

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FFMLT TRUST 2005-FF11, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005FF11 Plaintiff, -v.BRIAN HOLLOWAY Defendants 19 CH 00561 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 23, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on December 9, 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 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-302-0150000 The real estate is improved with a yellow vinyl siding, one story single family home, detached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 2005452IL_615522 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 19 CH 00561 TJSC#: 41-2313 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 # 19 CH 00561 I3180795

S W NE

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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The Landmark, November 24, 2021

5:30 to 9pm in Historic Downtown Riverside

Santa will Arrive at the Water Tower Centennial Plaza between 5:30 and 6 pm for the Christmas Tree Lighting! All are invited to stroll through our downtown business district where many merchants will feature treats and special events. This year’s scaled-back event will be primarily outdoors.

Event Sponsor

www.RiversideChamber.us A Special Thanks to the following donors... Riverside Junior Woman’s Club

Visit us at www.atproperties.com/agents/Burlington to view all of our properties and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates on the local real estate market.

A Special Advertising Section

OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

Community Foundation present

Season of

Giving Your Local Guide to a Better World

November 24, 2021

Season of Giving presented by

Special Advertising Section

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

Community Foundation We envision a racially just and equitable society as the full inclusion of all people into a society in which everyone can participate, thrive and prosper. In an equitable society, everyone, regardless of the circumstance of birth or upbringing, is treated justly and fairly by its institutions and systems. We ask for your support to make this vision a reality.

Visit oprfcf.org to learn more.

Season of Giving presented by

Special Advertising Section

November 24, 2021

Celebrating the Greater West Side

t has been a wonderful thing over these past few years to watch as Black Friday now has to compete for mindshare and, even a slice of the family dollar, with Giving Tuesday. A day singled out for each one of us to take stock of the needs of neighbors as they are addressed through the generous work of so many local agencies and nonprofits. It has added the “giving” back into Thanksgiving, as we recognize this autumn into winter season as the moment to widen the lens from the hearth and home to the shared community. Again this year, Growing Community Media returns with our annual Season of Giving campaign. We work with nonprofits across the Greater West Side – from Garfield Park to Oak Park, from Maywood to Riverside – to gather up listings for each agency making plain their mission and their need. And most of them also tell a more personal story of how that work meets the real lives of those they help. The goal is simple. Offer our readers in all these neighborhoods a single place to turn as the generosity of the holidays, and, maybe, the end of the year tax season, opens wallets and hearts. This year we also tell several stories, thanks

to our reporter Lacey Sikora, about how nonprofits have pivoted during COVID to meet needs that changed in an instant as this pandemic settled over us. About the tentative joy as theaters and symphonies, kids’ play museums and kids’ performance venues have reopened, precautions and joys blending. We also make the case in interviews with leaders from Austin to Bellwood about why we are truly one community, the Greater West Side. Celebrating our diversity, honoring our histories but uniting as a vibrant and challenged community of interest and concern. Our thanks to our longtime partners on this project at the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation. Their work inspires us. Increasingly inspires us. And thanks also to Byline Bank, at our side on this project as they were recently on our Eats guide. Much appreciated.

DAN HALEY

Inside ■

Regathering: The pandemic isn’t over, but organizations relish face-to-face page B5 ■

Two local groups bring climate action home page B9 ■

Bursting the Bubble: Being a part of the Greater West Side page B11 ■

The Covid moments that remade local nonprofits page B14 ■

Dan Haley

The Joyful Giving Catalog page B29

Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media

Editor Lacey Sikora Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Digital Publishing and Technology Manager Briana Higgins Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

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Supporting the Human/Animal Bond

n response to COVID-19, the Animal Care League formed its Pets & People Support Program to ensure that pets and people can stay together despite financial and physical hardships. The Program provides a range of support and safety net services including pet food and supplies and assistance with vaccinations and other veterinary care. The Pets & People Support Program has been a great help to local seniors like Vaughn from Bellwood, who is a proud cat dad of three. Vaughn loves to play chess and boasts about how instead of knocking the pieces off of the board (as most cats would do) his cats sit and watch as if they are learning the game. Vaughn’s cats found him. Two kittens appeared in his yard and he took them in and cared for them. About a year later, a cat who he believed may have been the mother of his two cats also showed up in his yard. Vaughn of course took her in as well. That was eight years ago, and today all three cats are happy and healthy and valued as a part of the family.

Unleash Generosity November 30, 2021 The Pets & People Support Program is happy to be able to support bonds like these. To date, the Pets & People Support program has supplied over 400 pet food and supply packages containing 6,000 lbs. of pet food to seniors or those with financial hardship. The program has also helped over 20 families with veterinary care, training resources and/or assistance with monthly pet fees. ACL will continue to grow this important program in order to ensure that pets and people can stay together.

Animal Care League • 708-848-8155 • animalcareleague.org

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Regathering: The pandemic isn’t over, but organizations relish face-to-face

From arts to kids play, non-profits have found a way

in the theater with live events. The pace has really accelerated.” He says the last weeks of October they hosted three By LACEY SIKORA events, including a school Contributing Reporter orchestra partnership beIt’s safe to say that no not-for-profit made it tween its Catalyst Circle through the Covid-19 pandemic unscathed. Rock School and Ravinia. He Months of closures, testing, quarantining notes, “The stage was full of and masking took their toll on everyone. kids, some of them performing on stage for the For organizations which rely first time. Parents, on face-to-face interactions, the community members pandemic was more than chaland people from Ravinlenging. While the pandemic is ia were there.” not over, vaccines and changes in It feels good to be back. practices are allowing many loHe sums up, “Despite all the cal groups to bring back some elvirtual events, there’s nothing ement of in-person interactions like being back in person. It’s as 2021 closes. like a warm hug.” Ed Siderewicz of Austin’s KehHe acknowledges that not evrein Center for the Arts says the erybody is ready to attend inpandemic forced the center to LOIS BAUMANN person events yet, and says Kehmake some quick changes. Faced Maywood Fine Arts rein honors and respects that and with the potential of no in-perexecutive director makes options available for those son events, they quickly moved patrons as well. Events and schedto upgrade their theater to allow for live streaming of events. Having that ca- ules can be seen at www.kehreincenter.com. Like Kehrein, Maywood Fine Arts pivoted pability for the past year allowed Kehrein to to virtual performances during 2020 and into continue to reach its audience. Today, Siderewicz says, “The gas pedal 2021. Executive Director Lois Baumann says just hit the floor about two or three months of that period, “We became great at filmmakago. October was an incredibly busy month ing. This was our second year turning our

Diamon Jones (above) on the cello, and Brian Ray (left) on the violin from Catalyst Circle Rock playing for the Sistema Ravinia Orchestra at the Kehrein Center for the Arts.

PHOTO BY LYNNE PETERS

Pumpkin Patch performance into a movie. of the board of directors, says “We had to shut down and lay everyone off. It was a reThis year, it showed at the Lake Theater.” In spite of the success of virtual shows, ally hard thing to do.” By the end of summer 2020, it was apparshe says, ‘We’re really glad that theaters have ent that the children’s museum opened up. As long as protocols would have to remain closed allow, we’ll be performing Sleepfor the immediate future. Nery ing Beauty in April at Trinity says, “We had to pivot and figure (High School) in person.” out how to protect our finances Whether in person or virso that we could reopen.” tual, says Baumann, “We work The not-for-profit made immagic at Maywood Fine Arts. provements such as redoing an We make sure that every day is outdoor garden space and reenchanting.” paving parking pads and walkShe adds that experienced ways. They also upgraded techstudents are excited to get back nology and reorganized their on stage, and new students are leadership structure. thrilled to be on the stage for the Nery and board Vice Presifirst time. dent Sara Yount, said that finanJULIANNE NERY Another perk that didn’t stop? cial donations and the support Wonder Works president of the The preparations. Baumann of community stakeholders board of directors says, “Our children are happy to were invaluable in helping Wonbe in costumes and makeup. We der Works reopen in June 2021. didn’t stop any of that. We’re Operations are still influjust scrambling to get masks to enced by the pandemic. Staffing match the costumes.” is a challenge, and keeping up with reduced Like Maywood Fine Arts, Oak Park’s Won- capacity, safety measures, and reduced hours der Works has a young clientele, and the means that the building is only open five pandemic was particularly hard on the playSee REGATHERING on page B7 based organization. Julianne Nery, president

“They’ve never played with anyone before. It’s so wonderful to provide that opportunity for kids to start socializing.”

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aint Angela school has brought sports back to their scholars! Due to Covid restrictions, most social activities were put on pause in school and community environments. Social development in children and young teens is a crucial building block, and sports allow for scholars to become active citizens in their community. Saint Angela is proud to have initiated sports once again to assist in this development. Saint Angela athletes started playing in the fall with a soccer program, coached by an alumni and current board member. Currently, their scholars are enjoying basketball and cheerleading. These sports teach their scholars the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Reinstating sports has also allowed for parents to become more involved within the school. From cheering in the stands, to helping with carpooling, or assisting with coaching, they show scholars the importance of the community within their school. These interactions are crucial to the social development of the scholars at Saint Angela, and have inspired school pride and community among them.

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REGATHERING

Zoom has its virtues from page B5 days a week for two sessions per day and for rentals for groups. Still, Nery notes that the new nature play space and the outdoor area for STEAM activities are big draws, and it is all worth it to see children in the space again. She says, “It is such a thrill to be there and see the kids’ faces. Some of these kids are young enough that they hadn’t really been out in a setting with other kids like this. They’ve never played with anyone before. It’s so wonderful to provide that opportunity for kids to start socializing.” For Berwyn’s 16th Street Theater, the past year has been one of transition. Founder Ann Filmer stepped down this fall, and Interim Artistic Director Jean Gottlieb says the theater is still operating in a virtual format. While the theater is hoping to be able to present live events later in 2022, she says that they are keeping open the idea of continuing to do digital shows as some people prefer that option. She thinks the ability to have this option is a bright spot that came out of the pandemic, saying, “I like the virtual theater, it is one thing good that came out of the pandemic. It opens up our little theater to people everywhere.” The Symphony of Oak Park’s Music Di-

“I like the virtual theater, it is one thing good that came out of the pandemic. It opens up our little theater to people everywhere.” JEAN GOTTLIEB

Berwyn’s 16th Street Theater interim artistic director

rector Jay Friedman says the group recently hosted its first in-person concert since the pandemic began. In fact, he says, “We have our normal five concert series coming up.”

November 24, 2021

Returning to in-person is imment is back in-person. Payton portant he says, noting that “A lot says, “The first live audience of orchestras went out of busimusic program was held on Oct. ness in the pandemic. There’s 4 and you could feel the excitenot enough culture in the world ment in the ballroom.” as it is. It’s more important now The Nineteenth Century Club than ever.” is taking precautions such as After providing virtual chamlimiting capacity, masks and distancing, but Payton says, “It ber concerts to keep their audihas been amazing to see memence engaged last year, Friedman bers come face-to-face, or masknotes that it is good to be back to ERIN PAYTON normal, almost. Concert attend- Oak Park’s Nineteenth Century to-mask, for the first time in months. The community aspect ees are masked, and socially disCharitable Association of our organization is what has executive director tanced. They almost must prokept us going for 130 years, and vide proof of vaccination. He says the musicians are so happy to you can see it best when members are gathbe back in person for rehearsals and per- ered together.” formances, and he adds, “Eighteen months is a long time not to pursue your creative hobby.” Like other organizations Oak Park’s Nineteenth Century Charitable Association was forced to cancel months of events, as well as events that community partners such as Future Philanthropists and the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust hold in the club. The entire 2020-21 season went online, including the gala. Executive Director Erin Payton notes that Zoom had some pluses and reports the group, “Started getting attendees not only from the Oak Park and River Forest area, but from as far away as California, Florida, New Zealand and Ireland.” PROVIDED The group’s regular Monday lunch transiJay Friedman, music director of the tioned to at-home events with catered meals to-go. This fall, Monday lunch and enrich- Symphony of Oak Park

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Free Black History Bicycle Tour: Stories of Triumphs & Tragedies

t is a truism that history is all around us. So Oak Park River Forest Museum created a free Black History Bike Tour this year so everyone can learn about the stories of African American life in Oak Park, from 1905 to 2020. Located at 129 Lake St., OPRF Museum has some of these stories currently on display through 2022 in its exhibit “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing” and many others in Suburban Promised Land: The Emerging Black Community in Oak Park, Illinois, 1880-1980, an illustrated, 170-page book published by The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest and available in local libraries and at OPRF Museum. While museum exhibits and books are fantastic places to learn history, experiencing history where it happens, right in front of homes, schools, and other sites, makes the stories come alive. For instance, the powerful story of suffering and triumph of the Jefferson family, whose home on Cuyler across from Longfellow Park was firebombed in 1914. They resisted this hate crime and daughter Faith Jefferson grad-

uated from OPRF High School in 1923. “There is a powerful connection with the past when you stand right where history happened,” said Frank Lipo, Executive Director of OPRF Museum. “Our exhibits, programs, and other activities shed light on important stories and the people who walked the streets before us. And bike tours and walking tours put us right into the story and are a key part of our story-telling.” The free tour booklet is always available as a pdf at oprfmuseum.org so that bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians can access it from their computer, phone or other device. The bike tour was unveiled during the first official Oak Park Juneteenth celebration on June 19, 2021. But this important history should not be experienced just once a year. Now it is available 24/7.

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Hephzibah to their core

A Gift of Cookies & Helping Kids

former Hephzibah resident once said, “Once a Hephzibah kid, always a Hephzibah kid.” No one exemplifies that more than Peter Murphy and Melissa Smith, who started their journey with Hephzibah as children and just celebrated their 25th anniversary as staff. Peter was a member of Hephzibah’s first forever family when Oak Parkers Dennis and Bunny Murphy adopted him and his three siblings. Now he invests in the lives of children living at Hephzibah Home, a therapeutic home for severely abused and neglected children. Peter is thought of warmly by Hephzibah Home residents. One former resident reminisced, “He always played basketball with my brother and me. We tried to do pull-ups on his arms.” “…And that is why I love my job,” Peter responded. Peter is well regarded by his colleagues. “Peter is the heart and soul of Hephzibah. He really understands what kids need at any given moment,” says Assistant Director of Group Homes Debbie Pontrelli. “His sense of humor is one of his greatest attributes.”

Melissa Smith--once a child in their after school and summer camp programs is now the programs’ assistant director--is also appreciated by her colleagues. “Melissa has a great spirit and a kind heart,” says Day Care Office Manager Annette Anderson. “She doesn’t mind rolling up her sleeves. She’s such a good person.” Melissa loves her job. “I like the creative part of working with the kids and staff. They are rejuvenating,” she says. “I enjoy watching the staff grow.” Peter and Melissa are just a couple examples of home-grown Oak Park staff who invest in the lives of Hephzibah children and families. For more stories about Hephzibah, check out their blog at www.hephzibahhome.org/blog.

Hephzibah • www.hephzibahhome.org

THROUGH DECEMBER MBER 7

DONATE A TEM WISH LIST ITEM

We are currently collecting gifts for children living at Hephzibah Home, in our foster homes, and for families receiving our services. You can find our wish list at hephzibahhome.org.

ary DiSomma—mother of four, committed philanthropist and cookbook author—is passionate about baking cookies. Last year she shared 130 of her favorite cookie recipes with the publication of A Gift of Cookies: Recipes to Share with Family and Friends. Because she’s as passionate about helping children as she is about baking, DiSomma is donating 100% of the proceeds from sales of the book to charity – including Hephzibah. DiSomma loves cookies because they bring back fond memories of the warmth and comfort of childhood. “Unfortunately, not every child gets to experience that,” says the Hephzibah benefactor and friend. “I was adopted at birth and raised by a loving family, but I know how important it is for children to have a place where they can feel safe, loved and cared for.” Not satisfied with merely donating funds, Mary is an ambassador for Hephzibah, speaking honestly and openly about her care for their work and the children and families they serve. Her advocacy has brought national media attention to Hephzibah and its mission.

Heartfelt philanthropists and caring community members, Mary with her husband Bill were recognized with Hephzibah’s Heart of Gold Award last year. The award is presented each year to honor those who have enhanced the wellbeing of disadvantaged children. “We are grateful for her passion and partnership, and the children at Hephzibah Home are very grateful for her delicious cookie recipes.”

Hephzibah • www.hephzibahhome.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 31

MATCH MATCHED GIVING Give online by December 31 and your gift will be matched by generous benefactors through our annual Hephzibah Holiday Challenge. Double your gift today at hephzibahhome.org. hephzibahhome.org

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Two local groups bring climate action home One Earth Collective and Seven Generations Ahead By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

ith climate change making headlines, two local organizations are working to bring climate action to the neighborhoods we live in. Seven Generations Ahead and One Earth Collective are active in Oak Park, River Forest, Austin, Chicago and beyond. Gary Cuneen founded Seven Generations Ahead 20 years ago and says the organization’s mission has always been to address global environmental issues on a local level. He says, “The climate crisis is our first and foremost concern.” Fresh off a trip to climate summit COP26 in Glasgow with local high school students, Cuneen says one arm of bringing climate action into communities is to work with students to engage them in the mission. While Cuneen says the climate crisis needs to become more of a priority for decision-makers, he emphasizes that change is needed on all levels of society from the individual, to the municipal, to state government to national government and beyond. On the individual level, sustainable local food, clean water conditions, plant-based food movements and composting are small steps that can add up to make a difference. SGA works on sustainability measures with many Chicago-area municipalities and organizations. In Oak Park and River Forest, SGA collaborates with school districts and the Park District of Oak Park. In addressing energy use, Cuneen says it’s important for institutions like these to look for cleaner energy and explore solar energy and procurement. SGA is currently working

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One Earth Collective, Young Filmmakers Workshops: Live action, grades 3-5, River Forest

with the village of Broadview to support its efforts to create a solar corridor in an industrial area and has a project in Waukegan to provide solar energy to low- and moderateincome communities. Cuneen says it’s important to realize that sustainability doesn’t have geographic boundaries. As climate change threats make headlines and more people are in agreement that action is needed, Cuneen says the next step is to facilitate mainstream institutions to do more. Ana Garcia Doyle, founding member of One Earth Collective, started the organization as a film festival in 2012 to bring attention to the climate crisis, and says the group now focuses on generating awareness of climate issues and getting people excited enough to take action to combat the climate crisis. While the film festival continues to be a way to educate and create interest in the movement, she says community partnerships bring the fight to the local level year-round. A partnership with BUILD Chicago in Austin is one example. Garcia Doyle says combining BUILD’s focus on antiviolence and gang prevention with a farm on the West Side where kids can feed chickens and participate in programming featuring locally grown food is a way to bring sustainable practices to a new generation. OEC also works with local high schools and colleges, as well as museums like the Museum of Science and Industry and the Shedd Aquarium. Garcia Doyle says, “We’ll work with anybody.” She says, “Our film festival and youth projects are all tools to help us educate and give people concrete things to do. We want people to act. After our films, we have discussions, and PROVIDED then we always end with an action It’s Our Future youth delegates from Seven Generation Ahead met with Uili Lousi component -- something people can do (3rd from left), a representative from the Kingdom of Tonga, to discuss the impact of to take their interest another step.” the climate crisis on Pacific Island nations, at the climate summit COP26 in Glasgow. The One Earth Young Filmmak-

BUILD Chicago in Austin

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ers Contest has evolved into a national competition with local roots. Young people can send important environmental messages through short videos that inspire change or action. With workshops in River Forest and Chicago in December and a Young Filmmakers Online Academy, OEC aims to reach a new generation of activists. Garcia Doyle says, “We use film and youth programming because it’s a version of storytelling. If you connect with a story, you can feel the connections to your own life. We already have so much data on climate change. If people feel emotion, that’s what makes them take action. We need to get heads, hearts and hands engaged.”

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Bursting the Bubble: Being a part of the Greater West Side From Garfield Park to Proviso, a shared community

By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

ocal not-for-profits may have their offices or headquarters in one town, but typically serve people from a greater geographic area. The communities of Oak Park, Austin, Maywood, Berwyn, Forest Park, Garfield Park and River Forest collectively form the Greater West Side, and work done by one organization based in one community can have wide-reaching impact throughout the area. While working in his previous role as the executive director of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, Rob Breymaier says he coined the term Greater West Side. He points out that OPRHC was uniquely situated to make connections between communities because it had programs in all of the communities. He says, “In Austin we were supporting block clubs and community development efforts and building the Austin Ascending program. In Oak Park we had our longstanding programs to sustain diversity, integration, inclusion, and equity in the community. In Proviso Township we were working to save folks from foreclosure and provide folks with new homes and down payment assistance.” He says, “We could see that the communities had a lot in common and that the people across the Greater West Side had much to offer one another. We could also see that none of the communities could succeed on its own. That the com-

FILE

Tierra Collins, left, makes a cookie with Mia Richardson during a holiday party at New Moms in 2019.

“What we do within each of our communities impacts what happens and what is felt in every other community. It is what Dr. King referred to as the interrelated structure of reality.” REESHEDA GRAHAM WASHINGTON Sweet Rest

munities are interconnected. At that time, faith leaders connected, it is also made up of individual communities, each were also working to bridge the communities and we allied of which has a unique set of needs. In order to meet those ourselves with them in the hopes of amplifying what each needs in the best way possible, she says Beyond Hunger increasingly relies on its client advisory council. group was working toward.” The client advisory council is made up of program particiReesheda Graham Washington says the Greater West Side has been an important part of her developing enterprise pants who have experienced hunger or food insecurity. Rather Sweet Rest, which provides education to white women re- than volunteers or staff members dictating what needs to be done, Beyond Hunger is able to use a client pergarding the negative impact of white supremacy spective to determine how to best meet the needs and uses funds from subscriptions to a monthly newsletter to provide sabbaticals to Black women. in a particular community. While the organization serves women across the Traditionally, a large percentage of clients country, she says that through funding from the hailed from Austin, and Beyond Hunger recently Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation began sharing space with New Moms in Austin Sweet Rest has been able to provide sabbaticals to to better serve the needs of clients in the neighsix women from the Greater West Side. borhood. Zurakowski says that in Austin, there is Graham Washington notes the Greater West a significant aging population that is in need of Side connects all within its boundaries because, home delivery. our communities, our lives, our issues and our Beyond Hunger has also seen a recent increase passions are interconnected. She says, “What we MICHELE ZURAKOWSKI in need from Berwyn, with many immigrants Beyond Hunger do within each of our communities impacts what there unable to qualify for federal relief during chief executive officer happens and what is felt in every other communiCovid. Zurakowski says that work in Berwyn has ty. It is what Dr. King referred to as the interrelated to be more targeted to meet clients where they are. structure of reality.” If they are afraid to give out personal information or come to Beyond Hunger is another example of the connected nature a regular location to pick up food, Beyond Hunger can work of the Greater West Side, says Chief Executive Officer Mi- on privately funded, targeted ways to get people food so that chele Zurakowski. While the main office and food bank are they don’t feel jeopardized. located in Oak Park, and many volunteers reside in Oak Park New Moms has been serving young mothers who experior River Forest, Beyond Hunger provides food and nutrition ence poverty and homelessness from its Greater West Side education to residents of the Greater West Side. See GREATER WEST SIDE on page B12 Zurakowski says that while the Greater West Side is inter-

B12

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y advocate was an angel delivered to me in my most dire, darkest hours. I have experienced abuse for many years and haven’t felt alive until now. Thank you!” Isabel, a mother of 2 children, was referred to Sarah’s Inn by her local police department. When a Sarah’s Inn Advocate first met the family, they were in crisis. Isabel’s partner had been physically abusing her for several months and had begun abusing her son. This Sarah’s Inn’s Advocate called local shelters and was able to get Isabel and her children to a safe place. As Isabel started to get settled into a safe environment, Sarah’s Inn supported her with individual and group counseling, and helped Isabel find more permanent, safe housing. With financial assistance for rent and other basic needs through Sarah’s Inn, Isabel and her children now live in their own apartment. Sarah’s Inn also provided a Thanksgiving meal basket, holiday gifts for Isabel’s children, and other support needed throughout their journey of starting a life that’s free of

abuse. Even during these unprecedented times, Isabel was determined to continue living a productive, safe and healthy life with her children. Isabel and her children are now stable and thriving. She has a full-time job at a school district, and is enrolled in further education. Isabel and her children are excelling in school and life.

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GREATER WEST SIDE District histories from page B11 headquarters in Austin and its newer Oak Park location. Bright Endeavors, the social enterprise for New Moms through which young moms 24 years old and under can find work experience, is located in Garfield Park. Jenna Hammond, its director of development & communications says, “We started our program in the West Side of Chicago because that is where we saw the greatest JENNA HAMMOND need, and our approach to expand to the New Moms director of development & communications Greater West Side has continued to follow this same logic. To the extent that we can re- portunity for the families they serve to thrive move barriers, like city boundaries, so that in the future. families can find consistent and high-qualBreymaier, says that there continues to ity support in their community, no matter be a lot of work to do, noting, “As I see it what side of the line they reside, now, the project is ongoing and the better.” requires a lot more effort. In Hammond stresses the concept particular, it requires couraof the Greater West Side includes geous conversations that examacknowledging the truth that it is ine both the disparities and the not just certain communities that commonalities that exist across experience poverty, pointing out the Greater West Side. But, that there are families in every most importantly, if we could community in the Greater West get more people to recognize Side who are experiencing the the Greater West Side as one stress of poverty. community. I think that She says that while the would be a positive first differences in neighborstep in building a coalihood culture can be sometion of residents that can thing to celebrate, the build equity together.” differences in access to opHe believes the concept portunity is something that of the Greater West Side needs to be addressed. is more important than To that point, she says, ever, saying, “It would “Each of these neighborbe a great framework for hoods has their own rocreating a broader comROB BREYMAIER bust history and culture. munity of opportunity Former Oak Park Regional We also know that in the and equity. That is ultiHousing Center executive director world we live in today, these mately up to the grassneighborhoods have not exroots leaders today. And perienced equitable investit needs to be done with ment, creating real disparan emphasis on listening from those who have been heard the least ity in infrastructure and opportunity.” She says that New Moms is committed to up to this point. I’d be elated to see others challenging this inequity and working to pro- build up the Greater West Side and succeed mote community investment and create op- in ways I never imagined.”

“It [concept of Greater West Side] would be a great framework for creating a broader community of opportunity and equity.”

New Moms location on Chicago Avenue in Oak Park.

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Thrive expands resources for community mental health

ope, Resilience, and Recovery form the heart of Thrive’s work – more now than ever before. Since the beginning of the pandemic, demand for accessible mental health services have skyrocketed. Thrive has strived to meet this increased need by expanding both our services and our staff. By implementing teletherapy options, access to services has significantly increased leading to fewer missed appointments. Additionally, we grew our clinical team this year by eight therapists. We are particularly proud of the growth within our Youth Program. Further, we grew our internship program, welcoming 10 emerging professionals to our team. With our larger staff, we have enrolled an average of 50 new clients per month in services this year. Altogether, more clinicians are seeing more clients than ever before. Looking to the future, we are excited to continue developing our programs to improve access to mental health services.

In the coming year we are implementing three new group therapy options. Additionally, our Suicide Awareness & Prevention Program expanded to Fenwick High School this fall. Finally, we are thrilled to continue building our Crisis Program as we work to respond to all mental health crises within Oak Park and River Forest. A client recently told us, “Thank you for all your help. Your support has helped keep me out of the hospital and has given me hope.” If you or a loved one are struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you.

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Julia and Anthony learn support is The Day Nursery Difference

nthony, a four-year-old with a curious mind and lots of energy, and his mom, Julia, recently moved to our community. Julia was busy balancing school, work, and motherhood. A neighbor recommended The Day Nursery. During the enrollment process, Julia shared that Anthony’s previous program reported that he engaged in disruptive and inappropriate behaviors in the classroom. She was concerned about how Anthony might react to a new school. The Day Nursery arranged for staff to connect with the family before Anthony’s first day of school. It did not take long for Anthony’s teachers to understand that his disruptive behaviors came from frustration when Anthony felt people did not understand what he was saying. Using a team approach, Day Nursery staff, Julia, and Anthony developed strategies that helped Anthony self-regulate his emotions in the classroom and at home. The Day Nursery supported Julia through a referral to Anthony’s pediatrician for further speech evaluation. As a result, Anthony was able

Two of Anthony’s classmates.

to receive speech therapy sessions while in the classroom during his school day. The Day Nursery provided additional support for Anthony’s mom by connecting Julia with other Day Nursery families who shared similar interests, which offered opportunities for socialization outside of school. A few short months later, they are thriving. Anthony is now successfully communicating his needs and is happy. Julia has built a network of support in her journey as a parent and advocate for her son. That’s The Day Nursery Difference.

The Day Nursery • 708-383-8211 • thedaynursery.org

95% of Day Nursery children transition into Kindergarten with the skills for school success. 1139 Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302

Quality early childhood education all children IS social equity. 708.383.8211 - Fax: for 708.383.0692 YourEmail: gift today creates the foundation for tomorrow's adults. info@thedaynursery.org - www.thedaynursery.org thedaynursery.org/donate/

A United Way Community Partner/NAEYC Accredited

1139 Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302 • 708.383.8211 Email: info@thedaynursery.org • www.thedaynursery.org

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November 24, 2021

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The Covid moments that remade local nonprofits Needs only grew. But how to deliver the care? By LACEY SIKORA

Contributing Reporter

ike the rest of the world, local not-for-profits were hit hard by Covid. Unlike the rest of the world, these organizations couldn’t simply close up shop. Due to the essential nature of their work, they had to keep their doors open and find new and innovative ways to serve a population that was more in need than ever. Here a few leaders detail how the pandemic has affected their missions.

Merry Beth Sheets Executive Director of Hephzibah in Oak Park Sheets says that Covid’s impact has been profound on the organization and the children and families it serves. “It didn’t cause us to rethink our mission, we just dove deeper. When schools and daycares close, our families needed us more than ever before. We serve essential workers. We pivoted from being an after-school program to a full day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. program.” She notes that Hephzibah’s residential program also suffered. Children in the group home could no longer go to school, so the staff became responsible for supervising and instruction during school hours. For Sheets, the impact of Covid was immediate. “We realized that we couldn’t shut down. Our group home kids needed us more; our foster care children needed us more; our intact families needed us more.” Keeping children and families safe while giving them the supports they needed took on an urgent role. While Hephzibah weathered 2020 with federal PPE loans, Sheets emphasizes, “We serve kids 11 and under. In many, many ways, Covid is not over.”

Because of local quarantine protocols, children can’t attend school or after school programming on a regular basis. Daycare protocols mean the program has been cut from 60 children to 30. Revenue has been cut in half, but expenses have stayed the same. A lot of support that was there in 2020 is not there in 2021, and Sheets says that Covid has emphasized the importance of Hephzibah for the community, saying “We provided support for thousands of kids and hundreds of families. Covid just highlighted the need for that support.”

Malcolm Crawford Executive Director of the Austin African American Business Networking Association

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Beyond Hunger volunteers during a drive-thru distribution.

For Crawford the impact of Covid was personal and professional. During the pandemic’s first month, he lost his cousin to the disease. He says, “I’ve always known that when Americans get a cold, African Americans die. Time has shown that our community has been disproportionately affected by Covid-19.” From the perspective of the AAABNA, he says that Covid was immediately a life-changing phenomenon. He says, “Our organization prides itself on monthly person-to-per-

son, interactive meetings.” While Zoom offered an alternative, he says, “It completely derailed our energy and opportunities to connect.”

Athena Williams Executive Director of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center Williams says that because the onset of the pandemic coincided with her taking the reins at OPRHC, the initial shut down allowed her time to evaluate the current state of OPRHC and where it was headed. She says, “I was allotted the time, a fraction of time, to begin to see the next chapter for OPRHC. I say fraction of time, because once the shroud of Covid had peeled back, and we were able to peek through, we began to see the daunting effects that were taking place in the housing industry. OPRHC was able to swiftly step up and be present for the renters we have served all of these years.” Williams says that because of the nature of the work at OPRHC, they kept working with clients, saying, “We never closed our doors. We did not lay off any employees.” See NONPROFITS on page B16

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OL SCHOLA

At Oak Park and River Forest High School, the 2021-2022 school year has been one of Moving Forward as students head back to in-person learning. Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school year is one of promise – and as always, the OPRFHS Alumni Association and OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation are ready to help today’s students realize their goals and dreams, during their time as high school students and into college. Together our organizations are dedicated to the common goal of student success: helping students pursue their passions, attain new skills, and open themselves up to new experiences that support their aspirations for college attendance and career readiness. We turn to our community each year to help us fulfill our mission to increase both the number of awards and scholarships offered and to provide more four-year renewable scholarships that can assist our students beyond their first year of college. We ask you to consider donating and investing in the lives of our community’s students as they move forward this year, continuing to strive for "those things that are best" – in high school and beyond.

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The OPRFHS Alumni Association looks forward to helping dozens of our students expand their horizons in the summer of 2022, accessing once-in-a-lifetime cultural and academic programs through the annual Bobbie L. Raymond Summer Enrichment Grants. These grants allow students to explore and advance their interests and knowledge while preparing them for higher education and future career opportunities.

Since 1924, OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation scholarships continue to be a bright light for our graduating students, helping decrease the financial barriers to college. This past year, 268 graduating seniors applied for 67 available scholarships. We are currently finalizing the 2022 scholarships that will be offered to this year’s graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, initiative, and leadership.

Donate online: scholarships4oprfhs.org/scholarships Your contribution can be directed to the Scholarship Foundation, the Alumni Association, or split to be shared by both organizations.

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NONPROFITS from page B14

Mike Powell Beat the Street Chicago Mike Powell says the organization, which offers wrestling and enrichment programs to give Chicago youth the skills they need for success in life, says the organization was profoundly impacted by Covid, as were the kids they serve. “I think the moment that most stands out was when we realized that the kids we had grown to love, who we had watched develop as young women and men, had no hope of getting on a wrestling mat for the foreseeable future. The mat is our classroom, where life’s greatest lessons are taught and it’s most important values are learned. To think of our kids, many of whom were in apartments by themselves during the day for months on end, had lost meaningful contact with their role models and the sport that was their vehicle to a better life, was as heart wrenching as just about anything an organization like our can go through.” He says that throughout the pandemic knowing that the despair, loneliness, anxiety, and anger the kids felt was really the challenge.

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Michele Zurakowski Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Hunger Zurakowski says Covid was an immediate game changer for the food pantry’s operations. Instead of being a community hub, where clients could receive nutrition education and “shop” for foods, the food pantry became a drive-through. Clients were afraid to come out in person, and some stopped coming. Zurakowski says the organization’s use of client advisory councils made up of program participants allowed them to keep a finger on the pulse of the rapidly changing needs in the communities they serve. Circumstances surrounding Covid created a change in the typical client base. In fiscal year 2019, 75% of Beyond Hunger’s clients identified as Black; 12% as Latinx; 8% as white; 3.5% as other racial groups and 1.5% as multi-racial. In fiscal year 2021, 42% identify as Black, 40%; as Latinx, 13% as white; 3% as other racial groups and 2% as multi-racial. Zurakowski says that during the pandemic, Beyond Hunger had fewer clients from Austin, and outreach showed there were three reasons for that: people were afraid to go out because of Covid; SNAP benefits had increased so much, they didn’t need the food pantry anymore; and there was misinformation about what food pantries were still open. Beyond Hunger saw more clients from Berwyn during Covid. Zurakowski notes that Berwyn has a large immigrant population which was not eligible for federal benefits.

FILE

David Bradley, Beyond Hunger’s distribution supervisor, loads a turkey into a car during drive-thru distribution. She says, “Covid showed all the disparities that exist. For us, it’s showing us that different communities have different needs.” At the end of the day, she says there is still great need noting “85% of households we serve have seniors, people with disabilities, children or veterans. These are always the vulnerable populations.” For Zurakowski, while Covid highlighted

the need, the federal relief programs also highlighted a solution. She says, “For me the big story is that the federal government can change people; it can take them out of poverty. A food pantry can’t do this -- we’re a Band-Aid, but the government can.” She says, “As a society, we can end hunger if we want to. There is a path forward, and we saw it.”

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Connor is one step closer

onnor is 18 years old. He first went to Youth Outreach Services when he was 14 and diagnosed with depression. Upon beginning his therapy, he said “I want to be a happier, more mentallystable person.” Connor recently took up a new hobby of skateboarding. He shared that his hobbies help to lighten his mood and give him a “natural high” instead of turning towards alcohol. When Connor feels down or is frustrated, he tries to talk to his stepdad or friends. He likes to vent, to cope with his issues. However, his Youth Outreach Services’ counselor has really helped him to look at a problem from different perspectives. It gives him strength and confidence to tackle tough times head on. “Everyone should have someone who they trust that they can vent to. For me, that is Youth Outreach Services.” After recently getting his high school diploma, he’s now interested in going into a career in IT. He enjoys making videos on YouTube and wants to use those skills to launch his next chapter. “I really

wanted to come to YOS to learn how to be a responsible young adult. You have to be brave and self-driven to achieve your goals.” With every step he takes, he is ONE STEP closer to achieving his goals. We can all be a part of his support system to help him get there. To learn more about how to help youth like Connor and others, head over to YOS.ORG or email info@yos.org.

Youth Outreach Services • 773-777-7112 • www.yos.org

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UCP Seguin paralympics athlete to represent USA in Brazil

occia is much more than a game to Natalie, it’s her passion. It has allowed her to make friends all over the world. Boccia has empowered Natalie to be her best and feel a sense of accomplishment. Boccia has allowed Natalie to live a life without limits. In October, Natalie competed with her teammates at USA Boccia’s National Tournament in Kansas. At this prestigious meet, Natalie won Silver with her pairs partner Joey. It was at this tournament that Natalie was chosen to represent Team USA at the BISFed America Regional Championships in Brazil. Natalie and Sabrina, her sports assistant and UCP Seguin Recreation Specialist, will head to Såo Paulo in December. This is not Natalie’s first experience with international competition, however. In 2018, Natalie competed for Team USA at the BISFed Regional Open in Buenos Aires, Argentina. As Natalie says, “It was a great opportunity to be part of Team USA. I learned a totally different game there and got lots of experience. I am excited to represent Team USA and travel to Brazil.”

Natalie joined UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago in 2015 and lives in Oak Park with her partner Bill and two other roommates. When Natalie is not at the UCP Seguin Oak Park CHOICE program, she comes to the Carr Center twice a week where she is employed as an artist, creating ceramic pieces sold at Seguin Gardens & Gifts. Together, you and UCP Seguin are providing life without limits for people with disabilities like Natalie.

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago • 708-863-3803 • ucpseguin.org

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ucpseguin.org UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago 332 Harrison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60304

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Chevy finds growth and success with BUILD

heveris first came to BUILD in 2013, already fighting and skipping school in fifth grade. He started by joining a few activities after school, and over time BUILD mentors connected with him, surrounded him with encouragement and activities from art to sports, and his natural leadership qualities quickly bloomed. At 16 in high school, Chevy joined BUILD’s “My Brother’s Keeper” leadership program, learning from mentor Jeremy Mercado how to support others, and recruiting more of his own friends to BUILD programs. “I want to be a mentor so I can help others in my community,” said Chevy, “especially younger people.” 2021 marks Chevy’s eighth year with BUILD. In that time he has found strong role models, and stayed on his own positive path. He started working culinary jobs, and soon secured a job as an assistant kitchen manager in a busy restaurant, all while finishing high school. He graduated from Michele Clark High School this past spring, and with enough savings to buy a car and move into his own apartment. Chevy credits BUILD with “putting [him]

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Read and Support your community news source. Partner with us. Donate at GrowingCommunityMedia.org on a better life path and keeping [him] going, even through some dark times.” He wants to run his own restaurant someday, and so far, he’s shown he can do anything he puts his mind to. As one of his mentors Mark Thornton puts it, “Our passion for our youth growth and success works. Chevy is an excellent example and we are so proud of him.”

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

BUILD • 773-227-2880 • www.BuildChicago.org

Attitude of Gratitude Grateful we can make a difference together.

96% of youth reported stronger healthy conflict resolution skills. 82% of youth with prior court involvement did not recidivate. (Illinois average: 40%)

100% of youth were promoted to the next grade.

YOU can do something gun violence and gangs. YOU can help Chicago's must vulnerable youth survive and thrive. YOU can make a difference right next door in Austin and beyond.

Intervention staff helped 26 youth detach from gangs, and reconnected 7 to school.

BUILD gives youth the support and opportunity they need to build a future.

DONATE AT WWW.BUILDCHICAGO.ORG | 773-227-2880

97% of youth avoided gang involvement and addictive substances. 95% of youth who had been either suspended or expelled from schools reported a decrease in further disciplinary actions.

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Byline Bank Strives to be Engrained in Oak Park Community

n 2021 Byline Bank answered the call for support from nonprofit and community organizations, small businesses, and economic development associations in the Oak Park-River Forest area. The community bank, which is Illinois’ leading Small Business Administration lender, donated more than $50,000 in sponsorships to over 25 local nonprofit organizations, charitable groups and youth clubs in Oak Park and River Forest. Bolstering its monetary contributions, Byline employees also gave over 200 volunteer hours to local organizations. “We believe supporting our community means not only giving money, but being generous with our time and resources. Our employees are as rooted in the neighborhood as the local businesses and organizations we work with,” said Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank Oak Park River Forest Market President. “Byline Bank is honored to stand by organizations across diverse areas of service, all of which do vital work and make Oak Park a more connected, vibrant and equitable community.” Byline Bank supported local organizations include those working in the fields of food insecurity, educational resources, schools and learning centers, arts, animal welfare, at-risk children and infants, gender equality, health care, and communities in crisis. Some of the specific initiatives include: • Reducing food insecurity: Byline is actively involved with Beyond Hunger, a nonprofit organization that provides hunger-relief programming and services, providing Community Development grants for operations needs and sponsorship of the annual fall benefit concerts. Goldschmidt also sits on the Beyond Hunger Board of Directors. In addition, Byline is a sponsor of the Suburban Unity Alliance Community Fridge located at the Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church.

Byliners, Maggie Kenny and Susie Goldschmidt, Infant Welfare Circle 2 members, Wendy Planek and Mary Deziel

Kim Goldschmid and Susie Goldschmidt, Oak Park River Forest, Rotary fund raiser at Oak Park Farmers Market

• Promoting equality: Support for organizations such as Women’s Global Education Project and Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association Awards help our communities thrive and grow. • Caring and education for families, children and infants, and adults with special needs: Organizations such as Opportunity Knocks, Age Options, Infant Welfare, Sarah’s Inn, Hephzibah, Oak Leyden, A Place to Belong, The Learning Center, A House in Austin and many more local organizations have partnered with Byline Bank to serve the community. Outside of these more traditional avenues of contribution, Byline also gives back by featuring local businesses and organizations on local advertising via the Lake Theater Marquee, in local publications, and on social media and its website – extending their reach to new potential patrons. Building thriving communities is at the heart of everything Byline Bank does for the community. “Our mission is to help the greater Oak Park community learn, grow and prosper by working shoulder-by-shoulder with these critical organizations. We want to make a difference,” added Goldschmidt.

Denise Warren, Oak Park and River Forest Branch Manager, Paula Jones. Susie Goldschmidt and Shanea Collins

Kim Goldschmidt, Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank, Gary Cuneen. Founder & Exec Director Seven Generations Ahead

Anthony Clark, Suburban Unity Alliance Director, Rev Dr Marti Scott, Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church, Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank and supporters

Ravi Parakkat, OP Village Trustee and founder of Take Out 25 NFP, Eileen H Lynch Director of Operations, Senator Don Harmon’s Office, Susie Goldschmidt, Byline Bank, and Michelle Zurakowski, Exceutive Director of Beyond Hunger

Downtown Oak Park | 1001 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60301 | 708-660-1000 | bylinebank.com/locations/downtown-oak-park/

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Sculptor Lorado Taft's Black Hawk Statue near Oregon, Illinois. Photo: Colin Hinkle/WTTW

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L’Arche gives residents a sense of belonging

’Arche Chicago operates three family-sized residential homes where adults with intellectual disabilities live together with staff members who support and assist them. The effect is an environment where each person with disabilities thrives through person-directed, often 1:1 customized support that is tailored to each person’s individual needs and desires. But even more, L’Arche creates an environment where each person, staff and resident, experiences a profound sense of belonging and meaning. Live-in staff member Katie describes it this way: “‘Being present’ is difficult to describe. I didn’t learn to be present in a classroom or online seminar. Instead, sharing presence was revealed to me in a particular way at L’Arche. It’s where I leaned into the ways of the human heart. I learned about the communion of human hearts through receiving a resident’s blessing at the end of our nightly routines or chatting through our joys and griefs while being careful not to nick my housemate’s face with a razor during a morning shave. Presence in L’Arche meant that I could

November 24, 2021

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Community Relations Orchestra of The Year! Now in our 90th season!

Katie and Elisha enjoying a summer trip together.

trust others to hold my limitations with gentleness and extend that same grace without resentment. Presence meant that we could hold our celebrations and sorrows in the same breath and see each other with breathtaking dignity.” Come and see the profound gift of presence at L’Arche Chicago; reach out today to get started and see our community in action at hello@larchechicago.org.

L’Arche Chicago • 708-660-1600 • larchechicago.org

With your support, we will continue to bring beautiful and inspiring concerts to the community All concerts held on Sunday afternoons at 4 pm . For more information, or to order tickets go to SymphonyOPRF. SymphonyOPRF.org org

708 218 2648 • thesymphonyoprf@gmail.com

Creating Joyful Relationships For over 20 years, L’Arche Chicago has provided high quality care in community-integrated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in the Oak Park and River Forest area. As our society seems increasingly fearful of difference, L’Arche offers a counter story: that the differences so often keeping people apart can become the substance of joyful and transformative relationships.

Make an impact today: larchechicago.org/donate

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Hemingway Foundation helps advance the dreams of young writers

NURTURE THE

he Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is committed to nurturing the creative spirit. “Support for the arts always tends to fluctuate,” Executive Director Keith Strom says, ”and with today’s emphasis on STEMrelated career paths, we think it is essential to continue to support and inspire those with artistic talents through our ongoing programming and student scholarships.” In 2020, Allen White was attending Oak Park River Forest High School for his junior year when he decided to enter the Foundation’s essay contest. White had previously written short stories, poetry and screen plays but never considered entering a contest until a school counselor encouraged him to give it a try. His essay, entitled “Diet Chicago”, looked at the restaurant and street life of Oak Park and its similarities with Chicago. In recognition of his work, White was selected as that year’s foundation scholarship recipient, receiving a $1000 scholarship award and a mentorship for his senior year with the Foundation’s writer-in-residence, Laura Young. White

CREATIVE SPIRIT OF THE NEXT GENERATION YOUR GIFT SUPPORTS: • OPRF Hemingway Scholarship Fund • Teacher Development • Student Mentorship • Young Writers Programming Donate @

hemingwaybirthplace.com

dreamed of going to the University of Southern California to major in screenwriting since he was in seventh grade. During his mentorship with Young, they worked on the creative writing admission essay helping secure a spot at White’s dream school. “I would not have made it this far,” White wrote to the foundation, “had I not received the extensive help on my common app essay that Ms. Young gave last fall. I truly and sincerely thank you for your help.”

The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park • 708-445-3071 • www.hemingwaybirthplace.com Sponsored Content

is as easy as 1•2•3!

Order Chef Woody’s Holiday Meal  Contactless Pickup on December 23  Each 3-course meal feeds two people  Give yourself a holiday off from cooking!

Attend a Monday Program Be it Art, Literature, Music, Science or Social Science, our weekly programs (1:15pm start) in our ballroom will quench your creative thirst. Open to the Public!

Donate Help us continue or mission of strengthening our community through learning, giving, and sharing our landmark building.

Menus, Upcoming Programs and Donation Opportunities are available at www.nineteenthcentury.org or 708-386-2729 x 3

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association’s pop-up pantry urges neighbors to help neighbors

ince 2020, The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association’s Community Outreach Committee has partnered with a vibrant new pop-up pantry in our neighboring Austin community. The pantry, located at Third Unitarian Church (Fulton and Mayfield in Chicago), started in June 2020 in response to the needs of immediate neighbors during the COVID19 pandemic. It’s a collaborative effort of Third Unitarian and Praise Temple of Restoration International, with support from the Central Austin Neighborhood Association (CANA), Stopgap Chicago, and other local organizations who have contributed guidance, volunteers, and supplies. Nineteenth Century members have generously provided donations of needed supplies - including paper goods, hygiene products, diapers, and canned goods - on numerous occasions to help the pantry get through the summer and fall when cash donations were waning. Members drop off the items at the Nineteenth Century Club, and Community Outreach Committee

members work together to transport the items to the pantry. “It’s exciting to be part of such a grassroots and collaborative effort, making an impact in our community,” said Linda Bonner, Third Unitarian Church Board CoPresident and member of the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association. “It’s about neighbors coming together to help neighbors, and I love being part of it”, said Mr. Beasley, Austin resident. The Central Austin pop-up pantry embodies the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association’s mission of strengthening its community through learning, giving, and sharing its landmark building. To learn more about membership at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, attend the organization’s upcoming Monday programs, or to make a donation, please visit www. nineteenthcentury.org or call 708-386-2729 x 3.

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association • 708-386-2729 • www.nineteenthcentury.org

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A Housing Forward Client’s Journey Home

ynthia was already having a challenging year due to a knee replacement surgery. When she was still recovering, a fire broke out in her apartment and left her without a home. Although family members welcomed her, there were often too many stairs to climb. Cynthia began moving from place to place—and grew depressed. After reaching out to the Red Cross, she was referred to Housing Forward. Their outreach team immediately identified her living situation as very unstable. More health challenges, including diabetes and the need for another surgery made her an excellent fit for the medical respite services at Housing Forward’s Sojourner House. Following her second surgery, she had the support of her case manager, medical team visits, and access to healthy food. “The people here are amazing,” shared Cynthia. “They gave me help when I needed it, and they looked in on me to make sure I wasn’t feeling down.” Cynthia has since recuperated and is now living in her own apartment — on

the first floor. She wants to tell her story to help others who might be in a housing crisis. “This is a new chapter for me,” she says, “but I really don’t know what my living situation would be if not for the staff. I’m so blessed to have been a part of this program.” To help the men, women, and families struggling with homelessness, please give generously at housingforward.org/give.

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Beyond Hunger feeds families in trying times

ver the past few months more people are stopping by Beyond Hunger in distress. Some have gotten behind on their bills and are in crisis. Others are worried about having enough food on their table this holiday season. Since 1979 families have been relying on Beyond Hunger to get help when they need it. Mothers, like Sharon, are grateful for the support: “Beyond Hunger has helped us a lot. With my daughter being

sick and the cost of medicine and food just keeps increasing, we’ve needed the groceries to help us get by.” A gift today will ensure we’re able to meet any surge in need that comes our way this winter. Your generosity will offer immediate hunger relief for mothers like Sharon and make an impact for future generations. Visit GoBeyondHunger.org to learn more.

Beyond Hunger • (708) 386-1324 • www.gobeyondhunger.org

November 24, 2021

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New Moms works for Jylisa and her family

ylisa was pregnant and experiencing homelessness when she moved into her apartment at New Moms’ Transformation Center. She was immediately paired with a personal coach who helped her prepare for the birth of her baby. Coaches at New Moms are allies of resilient families, supporting young moms with resources they need to navigate parenthood, adolescence, and achieve their goals for the future. In January, Jylisa gave birth to her daughter Ja’nylahh after an emergency C-section. After recovering, her coach helped enroll her in our Job Training program. New Moms’ fully paid, 16- week Job Training program blends classroom and on-the-job training at our social enterprise candle company, Bright Endeavors. Our team creates positive environments of learning and employment practice for young moms. Jylisa began as a production assistant in March and was promoted to team lead because of her leadership skills. Jylisa also graduated on time from high school during her time at New Moms and will be attending Malcom X College to pursue nursing. “[New Moms] gave me a boost of

confidence.” Jylisa said. “It’s like you’re working for them, but they’re also working for you. They value your opinion. They make sure you’re okay, physically and mentally.” Jylisa’s story is a great example of what young families can accomplish when they have reliable support. Join New Moms in this essential work and support young moms as they build the foundations of well-being for their families and communities!

New Moms • www.newmoms.org

The Foundations of an Art Practice

t the tail end of celebrating its centennial year in 2021, the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) has re-established its figure drawing, painting and sculpting sessions that take place on Sunday mornings from 10am-1pm and Tuesday evenings, 6:309:30pm. Figure drawing is the building block of artistic expression for many artists. And OPAL has recently reopened these sessions to anyone looking for an opportunity to establish or develop their own artistic practice in a comfortable local setting. These sessions are self guided and offer beginners to advanced artists the opportunity to practice fundamental skills and expand their techniques in a variety of media to discover one’s individual artistic style. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned artist, these sessions offer a live model from which to draw, paint or sculpt. Mike Vest has been a part of this OPAL tradition for almost 10 years. Mike facilitates the Tuesday evening sessions and says it is an important part of his artistic and social life. “There is a place for every level of artist here. Beginners to advanced students work

side by side with no pressure from each other or imposed sense of competition. The artists that attend are outgoing, friendly and supportive of each other’s practice and skill level.” And students can become the facilitators, as in the case with Phyllis Frick. Phyllis began attending the figure drawing sessions almost 6 years ago. As a student she says she was able to establish the confidence and skills she wanted to achieve in her own work. “It was scary at first, to draw with a group of strangers and artists that had more skills than I did. But everyone was so nice and there was no pressure or judgment from other artists. I have been able to use my figure drawing skills and apply them to the Mixed Media class I attend, and visa versa. I love the multi-disciplinary approach this has allowed me to take my work in”, says Phyllis.

Oak Park Art League • 708-386-9853 • director@oakparkartleague.org

Lisa Rock in

12.12.21

events.dom.edu

Re-live the unforgettable Christmas music of The Carpenters in this fun and heart-warming show. With hits like “Merry Christmas Darling” and the jazzy “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” it’s a joyful holiday concert for the whole family. SUNDAY, December 12, 2021 | 7:30 p.m. Tickets starting at $20 BOX OFFICE (708) 488-5000 • events.dom.edu 7900 West Division Street • River Forest, IL 60305 • FREE PARKING

Masks and proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test will be required at entry.

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Joyful Giving

The Joyful Giving catalog begins on page B29. Learn about local organizations working to improve our communities, and how you can contribute.

You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

Serving Bellwood, Berkeley, Broadview, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park, Stone Park, Northlake and Westchester

Donate online at www.vfpress.news/make-a-donation/ Make checks payable to: Village Free Press 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park IL 60302

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Wonderful holiday season Wishing you a

Don Harmon

Camille Lilly

Senate President

6941 W. North Avenue Oak Park, IL 60302 708-848-2002 harmon@senatedem.illlinois.gov

Representative

SE NATE PRE SIDE NT

DEMOCRAT • ILLINOIS

6937 W. North Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302 (773) 473-7300 staterepcamilleylilly@gmail.com

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Community journalism fosters small ‘d’ democracy

ightly, there is an adversarial relationship between a local publisher and elected officials. Shouldn’t be rude or disrespectful. One side or both are failing if the relationship becomes intensely, negatively personal. But there ought to be some tension there as elected and appointed leaders go about their work and reporters and editors do the work of holding officials accountable. In our experience at Growing Community Media, there’s usually room for mutual admiration when everyone involved has reasonable confidence in why they are doing the work while also leaving their egos at the door. Doesn’t always happen but insecure egotists are the exception. The evidence is so clear that towns and neighborhoods thrive when there is strong community journalism at work. The debates are more compelling when they get aired openly. More people vote when they’re following the local news and have a sense of what elected officials are about. Spending is constrained and government projects go more smoothly when the press is actively observing.

To prove our point, we asked a batch of now former electeds their thoughts on how their communities benefitted from having independent journalism in their towns. Here are a few of the responses we received. Ben Sells Former president of Riverside “As an elected official, you need honest, independent journalism to hold your work up to you, providing you a perspective from outside your own. Journalism is critical to good government because it provides a broader context that is sometimes missed in the push for new initiatives.” Simone Boutet Former Oak Park village trustee “As a former elected official, I am passionate about maintaining a healthy democracy. Independent

local media play a critical role in this by keeping citizens informed so they can participate in their government. Informed citizens are essential to a healthy democracy.” Sean Blaylock Former Forest Park school board member “An increased awareness of my community created motivation and inspiration on how to serve the residents of my village.” John Scully Former Riverside village trustee “The RB Landmark provides coverage of local news that keeps all of us informed about what is happening in Riverside from questioning local board decisions to providing items of local activities in the neighborhood.”

Tom Weitzel Retired Riverside police chief “When I served as chief for the Riverside Police Department, the Landmark always reported through the lens of what I would classify as accountability journalism. A community newspapers’ mission is to hold elected and appointed city and village leaders accountable for their departments, actions, and responses to the community. Additionally, I have always felt that the Landmark had its pulse on the community and what was published in its newspaper reflected the values, priorities, and accountability that the citizens wanted demonstrated by their appointed and elected officials. The Landmark has always set the agenda for the public policy debate.”

Growing Community Media • 708-524-8300 • www.growingcommunitymedia.org

Oak Avenue Barber, 150 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park (708) 948-7404

Congratulations to Oak Avenue Barber on their opening! oakavebarber.com

Among the Celebrants: Adam Doe, Adam Doe State Farm; David Bores, Vintage Home Restoration; Todd Bannor, Bannor & Bannor; Aaron Silc, Sarah Silc, and Izak, Oak Avenue Barber; Dr. Mary Ann Bender, Weil Foot & Ankle Clinic; Sam Yousif, Fuller Health Group; Darien Marion Burton, D.M.Burton; Laura Best, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices; Cam Davis, Village of Oak Park; Liz Holt & Mark Walden, OPRF Chamber of Commerce. Photos by Mark Swinnie of D.M. Burton

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November 24, 2021

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Ensuring a future for our One Earth

We have the power to build a sustainable future for all When we work together, we can create the world we want to see: Clean water. Clean air. Healthy food.

Learn more and join us: oneearthfilmfest.org/members. Save the date for One Earth Film Fest: March 4-13, 2022.

Protect Our Democracy Support Local News “When a local newspaper vanishes, research shows, it tends to correspond with lower voter turnout, increased polarization, and a general erosion of civic engagement. Misinformation proliferates. City budgets balloon, along with corruption and dysfunction.” - McKay Coppins “The Men Who Are Killing America’s Newspapers” The Atlantic, November 2021

www.growingcommunitymedia.org/donate

he headlines are overwhelming: a deadly pandemic. Systemic injustices. Environmental destruction. While the bad news keeps coming, One Earth has two major reasons for hope: “youth leaders, and the collective power that we have to change our world.” This fall, One Earth partnered with Seven Generations Ahead to send a group of young people to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, where they met with delegates and other youth activists. Since returning home, they’ve continued mobilizing for change. One Earth offers other environmental leadership programs for youth, including the national Young Filmmakers Contest, the Austin Grown youth agriculture and mentoring program, and the Pilsen-based HEALTH program, in collaboration with Chicago Botanic Garden. They also harness the power of people of all ages. Each spring, the One Earth Film Festival engages thousands through the best environmental documentary films, lively discussions, and action

opportunities. They say, “we ground our work at the intersection of environmental and racial justice, centering the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color filmmakers and activists. In 2022, we look forward to welcoming back Chicagoland audiences, as well as expanding our national and international community.” One Earth Collective (formerly Green Community Connections) was founded over 12 years ago in Oak Park & River Forest. While they continue to provide change-making programs at home, they have expanded their reach to inspire more people to connect, speak out, and work together to build a sustainable future for all. Learn more at oneearthcollective.org.

One Earth Collective • 708-824-6201 • www.oneearthcollective.org

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Everything you need for a better world: • More Art

• More Food

• More Compassion

• More Health

• More Education

• More Housing

• More Equity

• More Peace

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

Austin Coming Together Austin Coming Together (ACT)’s mission is to facilitate the collective impact of 50+ members and hundreds of partners to improve the quality of life in Chicago’s Austin community. Since 2010, we’ve been connecting residents to services, attracting investments for the community, and building capacity for policy change. Recently, the pandemic made long-standing challenges even worse. But we mobilized resources to address growing needs, from food, laptop, or PPE distributions and vaccine access, to advocacy for racial equity. Learn how Austin is leading eﬀorts to move forward together, and how you can support, at AustinComingTogether.org/AustinCares.

Beyond Hunger Over the course of the pandemic, meeting the emergency food needs of our community hasn’t been simple. We now serve people safely with a drive thru food pantry, a scaled-down socially distant food pantry inside First United Church, an off-site pop-up “Despensa” serving vulnerable immigrant families, and a vastly expanded Home Delivery program for older adults and people with disabilities. For over 40 years Beyond Hunger has been creating solutions to end hunger at every stage of life - we know it takes all of us. With your support we can make sure no one goes hungry this winter. Every $1 donated can feed a neighbor for an entire day. To donate, visit GoBeyondHunger.org or send checks payable to Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301.

The Collaboration for Early Childhood

The Collaboration for Early Childhood embraces the vision that all children should arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, and ready to learn. In 2022, we will turn twenty, and we invite you to help us celebrate this two-decade-long community effort to ensure that every child thrives. This year, we safely administered over 700 hearing and vision screenings to young children, granted 1,099 professional development hours to early childhood educators with a focus on mindfulness and trauma informed practices, and gave 65 baby bundles to new and prenatal moms and parents in our community. To learn more about our impact, or to make a donation, please visit us at www.collab4kids. org and follow us on social media.

BUILD Since 1969, BUILD has helped Chicago’s most vulnerable youth escape gangs and violence to become positive leaders in their communities. These young people face enormous obstacles and trauma, so we surround them with the counseling, mentoring, training, and opportunities they need to build a future and succeed. We engage youth at every stage, with specialized teams dedicated to street violence interventions, gang detachments, creative after-school programming, academic school and college support, mental health care, community violence crisis response, and enrichment activities ranging from art and music to sports, podcasting, engineering and gardening. Potential doesn’t discriminate, neither should opportunity. Join us in BUILDing a better future. Visit www.buildchicago.org.Celebrating

Seniors Coalition

Concordia University Chicago Founded in 1864, Concordia University Chicago has equipped students to serve and lead with integrity and compassion. Concordia-Chicago is a Christ-centered Lutheran university where truth, freedom, and vocation form students for lives of influence and service for the common good. Historically a college for teachers, we now offer more than 100 areas of study through traditional, blended or online classes. Students can earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree through one of four colleges: the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Health, Science & Technology, and the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities. To learn more, please visit CUChicago.edu or CUChicago.edu/GiveNow to support our students.

D97 PTO Council This year, all ten D97 PTOs in partnership with PTOC’s Diversity Council, DIVCO, an organization focused on driving equity imperatives within schools, have committed to becoming communities of care. This initiative has driven the creation of “angel funds” for each school community to serve their financially vulnerable students and families with school supplies, field trip money, snacks, graduation yearbooks and gowns, spirit wear, books, tutoring and more. In order to fulfil this need, PTOs depend on tax deductible donations from community members like you. Donate to your neighborhood school and give all Oak Park public school students an opportunity to thrive regardless of income. • Julian: julianpto.org/Donate-to-the-PTO. php • Brooks: sites.google.com/view/ brooksptooakparkdonations/home • Longfellow: lpto.betterworld.org/donate • Lincoln: paypal.com/paypalme/ ptolincoln?locale.x=en_US • Holmes: mightycause.com/story/3e623g • Irving: washington-irving-pto-2.square. site/#uDWtwZ • Whittier: whittierpto.membershiptoolkit. com/ • Beye Please send a check to the school c/o of Beye PTO • Mann: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_ button_id=EYUYPNXB3ZWVU • Hatch: hatchpto.org/

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Impacting Lives of Faith and Education

r. Rosa J. Young was an advocate for the education of rural AfricanAmerican children. Her legacy is as an educator and church planter for Christ and His Church, founding and developing Lutheran elementary schools and congregations in Alabama. Dr. Young led a life of service and enabled others to do the same. She taught more than 2,000 students, impacting their lives with her faith and belief in the importance of education. Many of her students entered

into ministry or became parochial school teachers, spreading the importance of faith and education to many others with their fidelity to her vision. She was awarded an honorary doctorate by Concordia Theological Seminary in May 1961. She was both the first woman and the first African-American to be honored Dr. Rosa Young counseling young women who were teaching students at Alabama Luther College, 1961. Photo from lcms.org.

in this way by the Lutheran Church. Concordia University Chicago invites you to join them in endowing The Dr. Rosa J. Young Opportunity Scholarship. This fund will support African-American students at CUC who intend to enter church vocations in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Matching funds will be available to double your gifts to CUC up to a total of $275,000. To learn more about the scholarship match, call the Foundation Office at 866-448-3867 or give at CUChicago.edu/ GiveNow. To learn more about Dr. Young, visit the Concordia Historical Institute online at www.lcms.org/thefirstrosa.

A Most Merry and Blessed Christmas! God’s greatest gift to us is the gift of Himself, in His Son, Jesus Christ. A tiny baby nestled in the manger, with His arms reaching out to embrace the world – through Him, we find comfort in His promise of salvation. In all things, we are reminded that Jesus came to us as a gift and we are privileged to share that gift with others.

Dr. Rosa Young. Photo from lcms.org.

Concordia University • 708-771-8300 www.cuchicago.edu

Giving Tuesday CUChicago.edu/GiveNow

7400 Augusta St. River Forest, IL 60305

(708) 771-8300

CUChicago.edu

Learn more. Give more.

Joyful Giving OakPark.com | AustinWeeklyNews.com ForestParkReview.com | RBLandmark.com

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The Joyful Giving Catalog The Day Nursery

Since 1912, The Day Nursery has provided exceptional early childhood education in an environment that welcomes all children, enhances individual strengths, and fosters the academic, social-emotional, and physical development that leads to school readiness. You can help lay the foundation today for successful adults tomorrow. To learn more about us and to donate, visit www.thedaynursery.org 1139 Randolph St, Oak Park, IL 60302 708.383.8211 - Fax: 708.383.0692 Email: info@thedaynursery.org - www.thedaynursery.org

Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park A United Way Community Partner/NAEYC Accredited

The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is a non-profit 501(c)(3) literary arts and educational foundation dedicated to thoughtful reading and writing. The foundation offers a wide variety of programming, all open to the public, to nurture and encourage creative expression for students and for people of all ages. Through tours and exhibits at Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace museum, the foundation fosters an understanding of his life and work, his Oak Park origins and his impact on world literature. Your gift supports creative outlets for people of all ages through professional teacher development, local author and performing artist programs, inter-generational engagement, a writer-in-residence program, as well as student writing workshops, mentorships, and scholarships. For more information about us or to donate online go to hemingwaybirthplace.com or mail us at: Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, P.O. Box 2222, Oak Park, IL 603032222.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust Inspiring tomorrow’s architects today, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust continues the long road to recovery, steadfast in our mission to preserve an Oak Park treasure. Through the stewardship of the Home & Studio, the Trust provides a source of community pride and inspiration. While enhancing the vitality of Oak Park and the western suburbs of Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy is upheld through the Trust’s educational programming. Enduring the global pandemic, we are thrilled for the opportunity to welcome back in-person education programs and tours. To learn more or donate, go to flwright.org 951 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302.

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

Growing Community Media Growing Community Media connects citizens through community journalism rooted deep in our neighborhoods, based in facts, and reflective of voices not always heard. Through Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, Growing Community Media reports local news and tells compelling local stories across a variety of platforms. We believe that high quality community journalism preserves and strengthens the fabric of our democracy. Independent community journalism holds local governments and institutions to account. It connects neighbors. It is the credible information source when social media goes haywire, and it allows a community to debate and celebrate. Support local news and protect our democracy at growingcommunitymedia.org/ donate.

l u f y o J e Th ing Giv alog Cat

The Ripple Effect of Representation

ntil recently, I had no reason to hope or plan for my future. I came to the U.S. as an infant with my mother, who was fleeing a violent relationship. When I was five, I experienced abuse at the hands of someone I knew. We got law enforcement involved, but he fled before he could be arrested. I became increasingly anxious and depressed. In high school, I began looking for ways to become a legal resident which led me to Pro Bono Network and the U Visa process. Recounting my experiences as a child for the legal filings was difficult, but I had people like my pro bono attorney, Patti, advocating for me and I kept going. What surprised me most was the ripple effect of representation on everyone around me. After my mother and I received U Visas and became legal residents, we saw family in Mexico for the first time in 20 years, including my grandfather who passed from COVID in January 2021. I was able to go to college, start a career and give back to my community. Connecting with extended

family, learning critical life skills, building a life for myself, and making long-term goals would not have been possible without the care and consideration shown by PBN. I hope my story can encourage support, volunteerism, or give hope to others. I know if it wasn’t for PBN I would not be where I am or who I am today.

Pro Bono Network • 708-665-3359 • www.pro-bono-network.org Sponsored Content

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory delights community with Annual Plant Sale

or over 35 years, the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory in partnership with the Park District of Oak Park has offered one of the most anticipated and abundant plant sales in this area. From the first “Herb and Scented Plant Sale” in 1989 until today, the Annual Plant Sale has provided carefully grown plants while raising funds in support of the historic Oak Park Conservatory. Each year, thousands of plants are grown in the Conservatory greenhouses using healthy soil and integrated pest management (IPM) practices, providing healthy, sustainable plant products. From hearty vegetables and popular herbs to a unique array of colorful annuals, there is something to delight gardeners old and new. Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory volunteers make this community event possible. They begin in the early days of fall by selecting the plants, then starting seeds in winter and nurturing the seedlings into plants. In the days leading up to the Plant

Sale, dozens of volunteers give their time and energy to pull orders and make the Plant Sale days run smoothly. Community support of the Plant Sale helps The Friends provide quality educational programs, volunteer opportunities, community events, and other support for the historic Oak Park Conservatory. The 2022 Plant Sale will open to the public on April 18. To learn more, visit fopcon.org.

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory • 708-725-2460 • fopcon.org

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Giving for a Better Tomorrow

ver the course of the past two years, the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation has taken a hard and honest look at philanthropy and its ability to address systemic racial inequities. We understand that our work, from grant-making to our investment portfolio to how we operate overall, must intentionally, comprehensively address the racial disparities that exist in order for all members of our community to thrive and prosper. This journey has led the Foundation to evaluate and assess all its policies, practices, and work. Our mission is focused on uniting community members and mobilizing resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents of Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities. Through strategic investments, strengthened partnerships, leadership and advocacy, we are redoubling our efforts to make sure that we are doing our best to ensure everyone has the opportunity they deserve in order to

live a fulfilling life. This starts with learning and listening, and building trust within our community, to deeply and fully understand the many barriers and disparities that exist right here in

“Our mission is focused on uniting community members and mobilizing resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents”. our towns. Ultimately what we want to know is, what keeps a family up at night? In the months ahead, the Foundation will be meeting with community members throughout the West Cook County region to

learn more about the challenges we face. This assessment will be of great value not just for the Foundation and nonprofit sector, but for local government, schools and the community at large. Together we will identify holistic solutions – including philanthropic resources – which will offer greater benefit to our community’s most vulnerable residents, and will address the socioeconomic and racial disparities of our region. At the end of the year, as we reminisce with family and friends, and make plans for a bright future, so too will the Foundation reflect on all the things we’ve learned along the way and our hopes for a better tomorrow. As a community foundation, we are responsible to do more for the benefit of those who call west Cook County home. Our capacity to do good together is greater than we can imagine. Please join us on this journey. Tony Martinez, Jr., president and CEO of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation (photo by Carrie Summy)

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation • 708-848-1560 • www.oprfcf.org

The Joyful Giving Catalog Hephzibah Children’s Association

Historical Society Forest Park

Hephzibah is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and struggling families. Oak Park’s oldest social service agency, Hephzibah is the only program in Illinois designated to care for the most severe cases of abuse and neglect of young children ages 3-11. Hephzibah Home provides comprehensive, therapeutic care for traumatized young children. Our Family Based Program supports more than 100 foster care children and stabilizes 150 families in crisis. Our Day Care Program delivers quality, affordable day care and summer camp programming for elementary school children in Oak Park. Make a diﬀerence with us at hephzibahhome.org.

Joyful Giving

The Historical Society of Forest Park was founded in 1975 to collect, preserve and share the rich heritage of Forest Park. Through history we explore the past to understand the present and shape the future. The historical society offers several virtual tours on our website including Forest Park Amusement Park, Bloomer Girls, Veteran History, Haymarket Marty’s Monument in Forest Home, Cemetery Symbolism and others. In addition, there are several programs including a Garden Walk, Prohibition Event, History Hangouts, bicycle tours and weekly lookbacks to bring history to the community throughout the year. Visit ForestParkHistory.org to learn more about the events, programs or to donate

Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest We are the community’s story tellers who make history relevant in tangible ways that positively impact today’s residents. We operate Oak Park River Forest Museum in an 1898 Oak Park Landmark at Lake and Lombard next to Stevenson Park. We invested $1 million in private funds to create a welcoming space in a former firehouse. Exhibits include “Open House: The Legacy of Fair Housing.” We are not supported by tax dollars and a gift of any amount funds our 2022 activities, our research center, and knowledgeable staff. Learn more and donate at oprfmuseum.org or 708-848-6755.

Housing Forward Housing Forward is passionately focused on one vision – ending homelessness. We believe in bold, comprehensive approaches to prevent homelessness whenever possible, to respond to housing crises, and to stabilize individuals and families through permanent housing. We offer wraparound services including case management, housing, outreach, employment, and emergency assistance. Last year, we served nearly 2,000 adults and families. Our new Interim Housing Program provides clients a path to permanent housing; Interim Housing sites include units dedicated to medical respite. Housing Forward also has programs that specifically address the housing needs of families, youth, and veterans. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit housingforward.org, email development@ housingforward.org, or call 708-338-1724.

Learn more. Give more. You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

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Frank Lloyd Wright Trust engages and inspires youth in any environment

n response to the immense challenges faced throughout 2020 and 2021, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust is proud of the educational efforts made in these extraordinary times. To maintain safety, the Education Department produced new virtual program options for schools and families. Educators designed and implemented a virtual after-school club, engaging youth in weekly design challenges with the goal of designing a home of the future by the end of the fiveweek session. As one parent expressed, “This was amazing! He looked forward to every class and threw himself headfirst into all the homework assignments often spending hours upon hours, thinking, talking about and planning his projects. He is already asking for another class.” Virtual programming also allowed the Trust to maintain its longstanding partnership with Oak Park’s District 97, offering prerecorded tours and live virtual workshops to the fourth graders in the district. While the programs differed in format from those in previous years, teachers were pleased. “I was so happy

November 24, 2021

Home for the Holidays Neighborhood Open House Join us for a free tour of the Home and Studio on Saturday, November 27th, 9 to 11 am. Reservations required at flwright.org/holidays

with the way everything went. Our virtual workshop was perfect, and the kids really got into the material and the work. In fact, I gave them 20 minutes after the presentation was over to continue working on their blueprints because they were so wrapped up in the designing.” Beginning with 2021 summer camp, programming returned in-person offerings with in-depth, site-specific lessons connecting architecture to sound and music. Trust educators are now facilitating both virtual and increasingly frequent in-person tours and workshops to K-12 student groups.

SHOP LOCAL Our museum shop at 951 Chicago Avenue is open daily, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Come select the perfect Oak Park gift – or keep it for yourself!

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust • 312-994-4000 • www.flwright.org Sponsored Content

Supporting digital equity during the pandemic

hanks to the gracious generosity of the T. Kendall Hunt Family Foundation, Oak Park library cardholders have gained access to double the number of mobile hotspots and Chromebooks to borrow and use anywhere. Using the foundation’s gift, the library purchased more devices for checkout that in turn gave more Oak Park patrons free access to the Internet — important when due to the pandemic tech inventory was often in short supply and nearly all public spaces offering free WiFi remained closed due to COVID-19. The first Oak Park cardholder to borrow a library laptop and hotspot for offsite use during COVID-19 was a Housing Forward client. At self-service pickup, he told library staff he had relied on public computer access before the pandemic. Another Oak Park cardholder received her mobile hotspot by U.S.P.S. mail at her Oak Park address (as librarians worked behind the scenes to fulfill requests when buildings were closed to the public). She later emailed the library to share her thanks and the fact that she and her daughter “are so relieved to have an Internet signal that is not constantly interrupted by

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Empowering every voice

in our community her dad who is also working from home!” To learn more about how you can support your neighbors through gifts that help our community keep learning and stay connected during difficult times, visit oppl.org/give.

Oak Park Public Library • www.oppl.org

oppl.org/give

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The Joyful Giving Catalog IWS Children’s Clinic Help us care for the whole child and create greater health equity! At the OPRF Infant Welfare Society and IWS Children’s Clinic, we serve publicly insured/uninsured children and their whole health needs: sick visits, critical vaccines including COVID-19, behavioral health services, and dental care, including for children with special needs. We treat more than 3,400 area children each year, including Oak Park, Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero and beyond. Support the whole health needs of children in our community today! $25 provides a mental health screening, $50 provides two vaccines, $100 provides a preventive dental cleaning. Visit childrenscliniciws.org/donate or call 708-406-8661.

L’Arche Chicago L’Arche Chicago provides high quality care in community-integrated homes for adults with intellectual disabilities in the OPRF area. Our mission is lived through daily life shared in mutuality: afternoon walks to the park, doctor’s appointments, and dinner parties. Moreover, L’Arche is committed to life together in a way that welcomes difference. As our society seems increasingly fearful of difference, L’Arche offers a counter story: that the differences so often keeping people apart can become the substance of joyful and transformative relationships. Make a needed local impact through our people and mission at https://lc.app. neoncrm.com/np/clients/lc/donation.jsp

Maywood Youth Mentoring Program Organized in 1993 as a 501c3, the Maywood Youth Mentoring Program has served hundreds of middle to high-school youth providing a variety of programs, workshops, field trips, and experiences designed to increase academic potential and instill cultural pride. Since 2008, the program has hosted free monthly youth breakfasts with topics ranging from anger management and conflict resolution, etiquette, police/community interactions, sexual health, drug and alcohol avoidance, and academic excellence. Youths practice critical thinking skills to encourage positive life choices. Volunteer mentors interact with youths, providing positive role models for college and career choices. Funds are needed to continuously provide free services and incentives for participation. To volunteer, or to donate, visit us at maywoodyouthmentoring.org, or contact Barbara Cole, founder/CEO at 708-344-3577.

Nehemiah Community Project (NCP) Since 2017, the Nehemiah Community Project (NCP) has provided an array of services in the Maywood Proviso Township community. Community violence, scare resources and unemployment have a particularly negative impact on residents. NCP addresses the mental health/well-being and other service needs of youth and young adult men, providing tools to help them move forward in their lives. Programs include: •

En-Game: Men’s support group to problem-solve, receive aﬃrmation and deal with life’s challenges.

•

T.A.C.T.(Trauma Awareness Capacity Training): Provides awareness, coping skills and resources for those who have experienced trauma.

Learn more at thenehemiahcommunityproject.org.

Joyful Giving

New Moms

New Moms’ mission is to strengthen families by partnering with young moms as they progress toward housing stability, economic mobility, and family well-being. We believe in the strength, skills, and potential of all families and envision a future where all young moms and their children thrive! Coaches in our housing, job training, and family support programs partner with moms, 24 and under, to decrease stress, build social connections, and set and track personalized goals. Together with their coach, moms build the foundations of long-term well-being for their families and communities. Join us in this essential work! Visit newmoms.org/donate.

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association

Oak Park Art League Celebrating its centennial in 2021, the Oak Park Art League (OPAL) is one of the longest, continually running non-profit arts organizations in Illinois. OPAL is a vibrant cultural center where the invitation and challenge to use art as a medium for personal and community growth is made available to people of all ages. Since 1921, OPAL has brought arts education, appreciation, exhibitions, and the spirit of artistic inquiry to the surrounding community. OPAL is committed to meaningful outreach to the population that makes up our greater community through partnerships and on-site arts programming & collaborations with other non-profit organizations. For more information about membership, volunteering, or to make a donation, please contact Executive Director, Jill Kramer Goldstein at 708-386-9853 or director@ oakparkartleague.org. The Oak Park Art League is located at 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302.

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

Since 1975 Oak Park Festival Theatre, the Midwest’s oldest professional outdoor classical theatre, has brought the magic of the classics right to your backyard. Whether performing under the stars in beautiful Austin Gardens as we do each summer or at any of the many local venues where we partner with local philanthropic agencies (such as Housing Forward, Oak Park Housing Authority or Nineteenth Century Charitable Association), Festival Theatre breathes fresh air into timeless texts for Oak Park and beyond. With ticket prices kept friendly for every budget and free admission for all under 13, we rely on the generosity of our audiences to continue our dynamic community dialogue. Donations can be made on-line at oakparkfestival.com/donate or mailed to us: Oak Park Festival Theatre, P.O. Box 4114, Oak Park, IL 60303.

Learn more. Give more. You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

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Play is key at Wonder Works

lay has long been recognized as purposeful and essential for children to learn and develop strong social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. For 30 years, these principles have guided Wonder Works’ innovative approach to early childhood education in music, math, science, the arts, and literacy. They understand the importance of early education and are uniquely placed to meet this need for the children of Oak Park and its surrounding communities. In an era where social distance and isolation have been commonplace throughout the pandemic and electronic toys and screen time inhibit imaginative play; the opportunities for quality play experiences have been greatly reduced. Imagine the joy of a group of 60 children from a local day care coming to Wonder Works for their very first field trip in more than 18 months! Toddlers explored and played in their Farm to Market exhibit by sorting and matching the fruits and vegetables by colors, sizes and shapes. Preschoolers took those same fruits and vegetables steps further by creating scenarios and engaging in imaginative play with their friends, while learning about sharing,

counting and cooperation. These special field trip experiences and museum visits are also extended to families in financial need, free or at a very reduced-cost, through their Community Partner Program. Help Wonder Works continue to provide a safe and welcoming space to play and learn: donate online at www.wonder-works.,org and know Wonder Works’ mission to spark curiosity and creativity in ALL young children through positive, play-based learning experiences will continue.

Wonder Works • 708-383-4815 • wonder-works.org

The Joyful Giving Catalog Oak Park Public Library Give to empower every voice in our community. Invest in Oak Park’s future. The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation manages eight endowment funds for the Oak Park Public Library. Monetary donations are tax deductible. Giving supports work dedicated to literacy, education, diversity, inclusion, equity, health, safety, and affordability. Your generosity connects people and community, educates global citizens, and sustains, shares, and respects Oak Park’s community’s resources. Choose the fund that means the most to you at oppl.org/give. Or contact Executive Director David J. Seleb at davids@oppl.org and 708-697-6911.

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Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) For more than four decades, the Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) has been an advocate for fair housing. Our mission is to achieve vibrant communities and promote intentional and stable residential integration throughout Oak Park. The OPRHC is the only non-profit in Oak Park and the Greater Westside Region that encourages pro-integrative housing options. Our work is at the heart of why Oak Park is such a wonderful, diverse, and vibrant community, welcoming to everyone. Support our work with a donation at oprhc. org/donate. To learn more about the OPRHC call 708.848.7150, inforequest@ liveinoakpark.com, 1041 South Blvd, Oak Park, IL 60302.

Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation

The mission of the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation is to unite community members and mobilize resources to advance a racially just society and equitable outcomes for residents of Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding communities. We envision a racially just and equitable society as the full inclusion of all people into a society in which everyone can participate, thrive and prosper. In an equitable society, everyone, regardless of the circumstance of birth or upbringing, is treated justly and fairly by its institutions and systems. Visit oprfcf.org to learn more about our services to donors, scholars, and nonprofits.

One Earth Collective One Earth curates vibrant environmental programming that inspires action, facilitates learning, promotes justice, and fosters equity and inclusion to create resilient communities and a healthier planet. We focus our work in 3 areas - One Earth Film Festival, One Earth Youth Voices, and One Earth Local. One Earth Film Fest’s 11th season will take place March 4-13, 2022. We’re excited to welcome Chicagoland audiences back live, in addition to our virtual screenings. Join us for captivating films, engaging discussion, impactful action opportunities and community-building. Memberships start at $25. Learn more and donate at oneearthfilmfest.org/give.

Learn more. Give more. You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

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Our story is a community story

n April 2017, a series of local conversations highlighted the continued need to address racism in our village, and a multiracial group of community members came together to brainstorm ways of engaging people who are white in deeper levels of education. After months of planning, we landed on small groups in affinity spaces as an effective method for holding difficult conversations. We ran a Race Conscious Dialogues pilot and have been running cohorts every season since, in the capacity of a nonprofit organization. Our discussions, readings and activities are framed around unpacking and understanding Whiteness – our own racial identities, the historical and current harm being caused by Whiteness, and guided discovery of how we show up and work collectively to eradicate racism. FIFTY cohorts have been completed as of today and registration is ongoing. While our focus is working with those who are

Warriors discover life without boundaries at Opportunity Knocks

white, cohorts are offered periodically for persons of color through our partners. Affinity spaces allow for deep inner work, vulnerable dialogue, and are a highly valuable experience, but they are not the end game in our journey towards justice and healing. RCD participants are highly encouraged to support existing equity efforts and community-building opportunities in the area. Thank you for your donation, and most importantly, your participation. Learn more at raceconsciousdialogues. org/donate.

pportunity Knocks (OK) exists to support young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, whom they endearingly dub as Warriors. This past year, they have seen their Warriors “flourish in every way imaginable.” Talib Walton is one such Warrior. Pre-COVID, Talib was quiet and reserved at OK. While he made friends easily, he was modest when sharing his thoughts and joining conversations. After the pandemic began, OK switched to a virtual program platform and began to see a new side of Talib emerge. Registering for 3 hours of virtual programming a day, their staff marveled at how vocal Talib became in this new setting. Asking questions and voicing his thoughts became Talib’s new way! This positive trend of becoming more vocal and seeking new experiences continued as OK re-introduced in-person programming. Talib began to “schedule his whole day around OK Programs,” according to his father, James Walton. In addition to programs, Talib joined their

Race Conscious Dialogues • raceconsciousdialogues@GMAIL.COM • www.raceconsciousdialogues.org

Walk-to-Run Club despite previously expressing an indifference to exercise. Most recently, Talib has joined the Knockout Enterprise team as a caterer and pickle-maker. Talib’s growth over the past year is just one wonderful example of OK’s mission in action. Consider a donation this season so that Opportunity Knocks can continue to meet the needs of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is support from the community that grants Warriors the opportunity to discover and amplify their voices and explore the experience of life without boundaries.

Opportunity Knocks • 708-771-6159 • www.opportunityknocksnow.org

The Joyful Giving Catalog Opportunity Knocks

PeopleCare,Inc.

Opportunity Knocks was established in 2009 to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they live, work, learn, grow and connect within their community. OK offers a person-centered and highly-flexible curriculum, enabling participants to be equal architects in the development of program content. As we solidify our post-pandemic offerings, we look forward to continuing the residential component of the OK mission and other future endeavors. We are 95% privately funded and rely on the generous support of the community. Your gift is integral in moving our mission forward by offering unique opportunities for these young adults. Visit opportunityknocksnow.org.

PeopleCare,Inc., is a local nonprofit that provides free transportation, friendly visitors, telephone reassurance, subsidized taxi voucher program, weekly group grocery shopping, and referrals for seniors in Riverside, North Riverside, Brookfield, Lyons, and LaGrange Park. We are passionately committed to our original vision that “no older person in the last third of life will feel abandoned and will be able to live out their life in the most productive way.” We are the safety net for those with no family close by and who no longer drive. To donate, learn more, or volunteer visit www.peoplecareinc.org or call 708-442-1223

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PING! PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) makes equitable access to instrumental music possible for students in need in grades 4 through 12 in Oak Park and River Forest public schools. PING! provides band and orchestra instruments as well as music enrichment through workshops; mentoring; and scholarships for music camps, trips, and instruction. Studies show that there are academic and social benefits to participating in a music program. To give our youngest students the best start, PING! is offering music lessons to our 4th and 5th graders, a program implemented during the pandemic to keep them engaged.

Pro Bono Network We believe access to justice should not depend upon your ability to afford an attorney. There are simply not enough legal aid lawyers to help people in dire need of civil legal aid. These include issues of safety from an abuser, adequate housing, critical care documents, and more. Pro Bono Network has enabled 400+ attorneys to give more than 25,000 hours of free legal assistance to over 4,500 clients whose lives were meaningfully changed. Let’s together transform lives by increasing access to legal representation. To get involved or donate, visit pro-bononetwork.org. Your support will make an impact on the lives of many!

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit our website at pingoprf.org. Have an instrument to donate? Send us an email at info@pingoprf.org.

Learn more. Give more.

You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

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PING! (Providing Instruments for the Next Generation) Brings Positive Experiences to Youth

Empowered by The RFPL Foundation, Amy engages her community

ids thrive when they have something they can work toward and achieve, something positive in their lives. For Kai, an Oak Park 5th grader, that is mastering new skills on his viola. “It’s something that he’s good at,” said Kai’s mom, Emily. “There are other areas at school where he struggles a little bit, … so it gives him a lot of confidence. Being able to participate in something that he excels at is really nice.” When the time arrived to choose an instrument at D97 last fall, Emily wasn’t sure if it was an option because of cost, but then she learned about PING!, the nonprofit that provides band and orchestra instruments along with musical enrichment opportunities to students in need in Oak Park and River Forest public schools. Kai received his viola from PING! along with the chance to take private lessons. These lessons – offered for the first time to elementary students to keep them engaged in music while learning was virtual – helped Kai soar. This fall, his D97 string teacher noticed how advanced Kai is and recommended he move up to the next level viola instruction book. PING! provided the book to assist in Kai’s musical

development. Kai said the book looks hard, and playing “can be difficult at times,” but making music on his viola makes him feel happy. “It’s a good way to express emotion,” he said. “It’s fun to play. It’s like a form of artwork.” PING! does much more than provide first instruments and bring equity to music classrooms. The nonprofit meets students’ needs as they grow on their musical journeys – from lessons to mentoring, from summer music camps to trips, from instrument upgrades to second instruments. Supporting PING! is supporting positive experiences. Donate today: www.pingoprf.org/

donate.

PING! • 708-524-3001 ext. 2995 • www.pingoprf.org

my Grossman’s work engaging infants and children with reading and a love of learning became even more challenging with the pandemic. As Manager of Children’s Services at River Forest Public Library (RFPL), Amy is responsible for programs and services normally provided from the RFPL building, which typically sees over 98,000 Amy Grossman, RFPL Manager of Children’s patron visits a year. The answer for Amy Services reads with young patrons during Story and her colleagues was to use RFPL’s Anne Time in the Anne T. Smedinghoff Memorial T. Smedinghoff Memorial Garden more. Garden at the Library. Amy says, “June through September, we had nearly 2,000 children and care-givers The RFPL Foundation supports the attend 43 programs and activities in Garden with grants to fund maintenance, the Garden. We offered story times, art beautification and by sponsoring special activities, a storyteller performance and community events like The Dooley 7 interactive book displays. People were Band concert. Foundation grants have anxious to get out of their houses and also funded an update to the Children’s connect safely here.” Room, a new self-checkout machine and innovative special programs. The Amy’s colleagues in Adult & Teen Foundation helps ensure the vitality of the Services also took greater advantage Library for future generations and takes of space beyond the building, holding some pressure off taxpayers. programs such as yoga classes, Coffee Mondays, Teen Tasters, and the wildly Your gift to the RFPL Foundation popular Dooley Band concert outside. helps Amy and her colleagues serve our Local residents regularly used the Garden community delivering engaging programs for visits with friends, reading, and even and services for all ages. Please learn more for working utilizing RFPL free WIFI. and donate at RFPLFoundation.org.

River Forest Public Library Foundation • www.rfplfoundation.org

The Joyful Giving Catalog The Quinn Center of St. Eulalia Eleven years after its founding, the Quinn Center stands by its mission to build an inclusive culture of justice, health, and peace in Proviso Township. We inspire, educate, and empower through relationship building while confronting intersecting social problems and filling resource gaps to address social determinants of health. Today, year-round programming is available for over 1,000 community members at low or no cost. From youth enrichment to hunger ministry to senior social activities, we offer something for the whole family and work to create a safe space where neighbors can find connection and belonging. Learn more at quinncenter.org.

Race Conscious Dialogues

River Forest Public Library Foundation

RACE CONSCIOUS DIALOGUES The Race Conscious Dialogues are designed The Race Conscious Dialogues are designed for people who are white to deepen their awareness of identity, power and privilege,and then develop tools for anti-racism work. The foundational workshop series consists of 4 sessions, 3 hours each, with light readings to be done in preparation. This volunteer-based nonprofit was intentionally created for our community of Oak Park and surrounding areas. All discussions, readings and activities are framed around unpacking and understanding Whiteness – our own racial identities, the historical and current harm being caused by Whiteness, and guided discovery of how we show up and work collectively to eradicate racism. We invite your participation!

RFPL Foundation helps ensure the on-going vitality of the River Forest Public Library. Your gift will help preserve our historic building and continue our high-quality services and programs while preparing for future needs. Grants from the Foundation have enabled RFPL to refresh the Children’s Room and Teen space, maintain and beautify the Memorial Garden, offer community events like The Dooleys Band concert, explore the feasibility of creating additional indoor space for meetings and programs, expand self-checkout service and more. Your help ensures our Library continues to live at the heart and soul of our community.

Sarah’s Inn

Sarah’s Inn is a community-based organization whose mission is to improve the lives of those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. Based in Forest Park, we offer services in three areas of program focus: Intervention for families affected by domestic violence that includes Advocacy and Counseling; Prevention education for youth to prevent future relationship violence; and Training and Education for professional first-responders, prospective volunteers and interns, and community-based groups. Intervention services are confidential, bilingual (English/ Spanish) and offered free of charge to survivors and their children. Learn more and donate at sarahsinn.org.

Please donate at rfplfoundation.org.

Donations are appreciated as well raceconsciousdialogues.org/donate.

Learn more. Give more. You can also visit OakPark.com and go to our Season of Giving page.

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The Quinn Center strengthens minds and its community

he Quinn Center’s Summer Enrichment Program continues to serve as a beacon of hope, offering the most affordable, full-day program for youth and teenagers in the Proviso area. As a result of the pandemic, many of their students were almost a full year behind on academic and behavioral benchmarks, especially in core subjects. Months of remote learning left them craving socialization, extracurriculars, and personal attention--all of which they received when their in-person camp resumed this summer. Through activities like science experiments, basketball clinics, and fine arts classes, nearly 100 kids gained skills for healthy bodies, minds, and souls. The program also serves a critical role in stimulating the local economy by generating dozens of teen and teacher employment opportunities. One of their Teen Camp Counselors shared that: “I am excited to wake up and come to work at Quinn because it doesn’t feel like work. I could be at home doing nothing or out in the streets. This program has helped lift me out of feeling trapped with mental problems. It’s easier to

SisterHouse

talk to people and I feel more expressive and positive.” The Quinn Center has become a second home for this young woman and many others who feel like outsiders or lack support systems at home. In the words of a community partner, “Trust in the Quinn Center is palpable… the staff knows and loves the people of this neighborhood and this love is reciprocated. The Quinn Center has successfully knit bonds where there were none.”

The Quinn Center of St. Eulalia • 708-397-6111 • www.quinncenter.org Sponsored Content

The Joyful Giving Catalog

Way Back Inn offers a second chance at life

efore I knew it, I had gambled my family’s “Thanks to the estate away. I was panicked Way Back Inn and suicidal. I believed my Family Program, wife was going to throw me out of the house, that my my family rallied brother was going to kill around me, me, that everyone in my becoming pillars family was going to hate me, and that I was going to for my new life in prison. recovery.” Since I have been in treatment at the Way Back Inn, my wife did not leave me. She is supporting me. Thanks to the WBI Family Program, my family rallied around me, becoming pillars for my new life in recovery. My court case is civil, so I will remain a free man. I am on a payment restitution plan and I have not gambled. I’ve been in treatment now for 4 months. In the Way Back Inn Gambling Outpatient Program, we support and encourage one another. I am still working and my business is thriving. I am in the process of paying everything back. I have gone from hopeless, despondent, and

fearful to living a life filled with self-esteem and hope for the future. I am forever grateful for all of the help that me and so many people receive at the Way Back Inn to have a second chance at life.

The Way Back Inn • 708-345-8422 • www.thewaybackinn.org

Founded in 1982 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, SisterHouse educates and empowers women to lead sober and fulfilling lives by providing a safe and structured spiritual living community. Each successful and resilient woman is reaching towards her full potential by growing in self-awareness, self-respect and forgiveness, learning to embrace self and others, while building healthy relationships. She learns not only how to maintain sobriety, internalizing the 12 steps and building a support system, but also how to thrive in life. Each SisterHouse woman secures quality employment and stable housing. She makes plans for her future and acquires the skills, knowledge, and abilities to realize her dreams. For more information or to donate go to sisterhousechicago.org.

St. Angela School St. Angela School has walked with the families of Chicago’s west side for one hundred years—walked with a deep commitment to enriching the lives, and the futures, of their children. We have a rich and varied history – and a future of great promise. We provide our children with a safe and loving environment and challenging academics; we help them explore paths that lead to meaningful and rewarding careers; and we teach them, above all, to believe in themselves. As we prepare for our next hundred years, we’re proud to reaﬃrm our commitment to love and serve all those who choose to be part of our community. Learn more about St. Angela School at saintangela.org or call us at (773) 626-2655.

The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Awarded “Community Relations Orchestra of the Year” in 2021, The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest, under the leadership of award-winning conductor Jay Friedman, continues to bring extraordinary and accessible concerts to our community. Ticket sales provide less than half the funds needed for the Symphony’s performances. Your gift keeps the orchestra going strong and allows us to maintain affordable ticket prices, including free admission for all students through college. Please help us continue and strengthen our 90-year tradition of bringing beautiful and inspiring music to Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and neighboring communities. Make your end-of-year tax-deductible donation at SymphonyOPRF.org, or: P.O. Box 3564, Oak Park, IL 60303-3564.

Thrive Counseling Center Thrive Counseling Center has provided mental health services for over 120 years. Our mission is to build healthy minds, families, and communities by empowering people to attain mental and emotional well-being. Hope, resilience, and recovery form the heart of our programs and services. Thrive’s services for youth and adults include: • Individual therapy • Group therapy • Psychiatry and medication management • 24/7 Crisis intervention • Case management • Suicide awareness and prevention training

Sweet Rest Since its 2017 inception, Sweet Rest has provided various forms of sabbaticals for Black Women throughout the country. Moreover, Sweet Rest is working to grow into a social investment that creates sustainability for Black Women entrepreneurs, while contributing to the greater good of providing rest and magnifying the need and capacity of wanderlust for Black Women and other women of color. To support this initiative and to give the gift of sweet rest, please visit Sweetrest.net.

• Thrive Talks We are open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday from 9am2pm. To learn more or donate, please visit thrivecc.org or call 708-383-7500.

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The Joyful Giving Catalog UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago UCP Seguin believes that all people, regardless of ability, deserve to achieve their potential, advance their independence and act as full members of the community. So we stop at nothing to provide life skills training, assistive technology, meaningful employment and a place to call home for people with disabilities, as well as specialized foster care for children. Our goal: life without limits for people with disabilities. Make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Donate online at ucpseguin.org or send gifts to UCP Seguin, 332 Harrison Street, Oak Park IL 60304.

Welcome to Fatherhood Welcome to Fatherhood Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization created by Dr. Raheem Young and Sir Royce Briales. Our goal is to help fathers of all ages cope with the pressures and stresses of fatherhood. We formed Welcome to Fatherhood to provide all dads with a forum to discuss the ups and downs of their parenting journey with other men. Welcome to Fatherhood’s mission is to strengthen the family unit by empowering fathers and educating them on the importance of positive, active, and engaged paternal role models. For more information on Welcome to Fatherhood, please visit our website at wtfatherhood.org.

Wonder Works

Way Back Inn Since 1974, Way Back Inn has successfully provided long-term residential and outpatient treatment for men and women in Oak Park and surrounding communities who are trying to overcome substance and gambling use disorders. Our mission is to rebuild lives damaged by addiction in a personalized healing environment, where men and women’s lives are transformed and relationships are healed. Our recovery program focuses on the integration of the body, mind, and spirit. For more information or to make a donation, go to: www.waybackinn.org or call us at 708345-8422.

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

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For nearly 20 years, children in Oak Park and our surrounding communities have been learning through PLAY in the safe, enriching environment of Wonder Works Children’s Museum. We put great care into creating a child-sized environment, for children birth to 8, designed to spark curiosity, creativity and learning in the areas of science, math, literacy and the arts. Your donations support free and reduced-price admissions for families in financial need, exhibit improvements, one-of-a-kind programs and so much more! Please join us along our exciting path to learning. Visit www.wonder-works.org and donatetoday to support the power of PLAY!

Youth Outreach Services Youth Outreach Services supports youth ages 12 to 21 and their families, by providing free programs that offer therapeutic interventions, life skills development, and mentorship to improve their safety and well-being. For more than 60 years, YOS has offered community-based behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, after school mentoring, family therapy, crisis intervention, case management, foster care, transitional living and housing services, in-school prevention curricula, and juvenile justice programs. Help youth get one step closer to reaching their goals, by donating at www.yos.org/ donate or text @ONESTEPCLOSER to 52014. To help a youth in need right now, call 773777-7112.

OPRF Infant Welfare Society expands resources to ‘care for the whole child’

nsuring the health and well-being of children in need has been the undeterred mission of the OPRF Infant Welfare Society through one public health crisis after another. We care for the whole child through integrated medical, dental and behavioral health care at the IWS Children’s Clinic. On October 19, 2021, a coalition of the nation’s top pediatric experts declared that “the mental health crisis in children is now a national emergency.” Concerns have been steadily rising over past decades; however, the Covid-19 pandemic and racial inequities have led to unprecedented levels of stress in children and adolescents. The children we care for live in underserved communities with families facing a range of challenges and traumas. In response, we routinely screen our children for signs of distress, which are not always easily apparent in a medical or dental visit. Once a concern is identified, we rapidly mobilize resources, ranging from hospitalization, therapy, psychiatry, or referrals to local social service agencies. Our providers and social workers learn about the family’s

needs and dynamics, and ensure the child is connected with support systems to improve their mental health. In early 2022, we will move into a new IWS Children’s Clinic at 28 Madison in Oak Park. This nearly 15,000 square foot building will increase our capacity for our core services and expand our definition of caring for the whole child. If you know someone who could benefit from our services, wish to learn more or to support, please visit www.oprfiws.org or call 708-848-0528.

OPRF Infant Welfare Society • 708-848-0528 • www.oprfiws.org Sponsored Content

The impact of local history

ounded in 1975, the Historical Society of Forest Park is dedicated to preserving the history of the town and the ancestors of this area. Once known as Noyesville, Oak Ridge and Village of Harlem, the land was also home to peoples from the Kickapoo, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Potawatomi, Myaamia and Ochethi Sakowin people. As European settlers arrived, the Indian Removal Act enabled the French-Indian trader, Leon Bourassa and his Potawatomi wife, Mnetoqua, to purchase the land including the area along the Des Plaines River where burial mounds were and people would pilgrimage to even through the Civil War era, which is now known as Forest Home Cemetery. After arriving from Prussia, Ferdinand Haase purchased the property and converted the land to the modern cemetery as it stands today. The descendants of Haase had excavated the graves in 1900, collected the artifacts which were later given to the Forest Park Library. A memorial marker was placed in section 27 of the cemetery in 1941 marking the trail head to honor and remember the people of these tribes. The artifacts were repatriated in 2019.

Forest Park Historical Society annual garden walk event raises funds and friends for the preservation of local history. Hailey Rodden (left) and Donna Kruse, the 2021 “Best in Show” winners. Courtesy Alexis Ellers

There are many stories from the past that come from this area, often quiet, diverse, voices that are brought to light by the preservation and legacy of historical records. Stories of the Forest Park Amusement Park, Harlem Racetrack, Checkerboard Airfield, Haymarket, prohibition, veterans, businesses and intertwined in the legacy of this area. Through the donations, memberships, programs and events the Historical Society of Forest Park is enabled to preserve the stories of the past to help understand the present and prepare for the future.

The Historical Society of Forest Park • forestparkhistory1975@gmail.com • www.forestparkhistory.org

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Committed to Oak Park and River Forest Byline Bank is privileged to be a part of the Oak Park River Forest community for more than 20 years, and in 2021 local Byline staff dedicated more than 200 volunteer hours to local non-profit organizations. We take our role of participating and investing in our local communities very seriously and we’re committed to helping the local communities where we live and work to grow and thrive—today and in the future. To learn more about our commitment to Oak Park and River Forest, visit bylinebank.com/oprf