W E D N E S D A Y
January 6, 2021 Vol. 40, No. 23 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
2020
illagers ear of the
Our Year of COVID-19
Helpers and heroes bring us through A year like no other brings us 16 Villagers of the Year
I Marina Del Rios, one of our 2020 Villagers of the Year, has worked tirelessly to fight Covid-19 at University of Illinois Hospital.
n the unforgiving year just past, we might all have lost our path if not for the helpers and the heroes. Across 2020, Wednesday Journal sought out and told the stories of so many people doing good, taking risks, watching out during the COVID-19 pandemic. When, in November, we began to focus on our 36th annual Villager of the Year, we turned to readers for their nominations and we found a whole new group of helpers and heroes that we’d never known. So as 2021 opens with promise — and the promise of more pain — we present 16 Villagers of the Year. Each person profiled in our pages is fully worthy of recognition. Yet we’d note that each also stands in for a larger group of our neighbors who have been brave and kind, bold
and innovative. And so we have an ICU nurse at Rush Oak Park Hospital and an ER doc at UIC. But we all know of so many first responders who call Oak Park and River Forest home. We have the leaders of two nonprofits who have lived their mission and reinvented their strategies on the fly in the elemental realms of food and shelter. But every nonprofit has been strained and challenged and worked hard to meet those challenges. Each person we profile will bring to your mind someone that we have missed. We’d urge you to reach out to them, to thank them and, if appropriate, to support them with a donation. And please, share their stories at OakPark.com or in a letter to the editor. In this impossible year, we are all Villagers of the Year.
Dan Haley See VILLAGERS OF THE YEAR on page 9
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
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D200 board denounces member’s ‘Islamophobia’
Remarks were ‘unbecoming’ By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
During a special board meeting held Dec. 22, members of the District 200 school board apologized to Oak Park resident Dima Ali and formally denounced comments made by D200 board member Matt Baron that many community members said caused harm to Ali and other Muslim and non-white Oak Parkers. The controversy dates to a comment written by Ali in November under a Wednesday Journal news article about Oak Park Trustee Dan Moroney, which was posted to Facebook. In her comment, Ali called Moroney a white supremacist. Baron, who knows Moroney, contacted Wednesday Journal and urged the paper to remove the Facebook comment before submitting an opinion piece to the paper in which he compared Ali’s comment to someone leaving duffle bags in public places — code for terrorism. Ali is Muslim, a fact that Baron subsequently said he did not know at the time he wrote the piece. Baron issued a written apology roughly a week later, calling his analogy “far too intense” and “needlessly over-the-top as I sought to stir people in this community to
push back on unfair character attacks.” During brief comments made at a Dec. 3 Committee of the Whole meeting, Baron said his metaphor was “intended to provoke bystanders like those who click like or love in response to the white supremacist label,” before doubling down on what he called his “key point — let’s stop the racial identity politics.” In her remarks made during the Dec. 22 special meeting, Ali said she was disappointed by the board’s delayed response to Baron’s comments and called for his resignation. “An Islamophobic board member should not be sitting right now like this,” she said, adding that she felt the board failed its marginalized students and community members by not condemning Baron’s remarks more swiftly. “We’re not terrorists,” said Ali, who is also an Oak Park and River Forest High School parent. “We are your neighbors. … We’re your friends. In this community, we don’t drop suspicious duffel bags, we drop off bags full of donations. We drop off food, soup to any sick friend and community member.” After Ali’s remarks, D200 board President Sara Dixon Spivy read a statement on behalf of the board majority that “formally denounced” Baron’s opinion piece, adding that Baron also “failed to recognize the im-
pact and harm” of his opinion piece in his subsequent board comments. The board said Baron’s “racist and Islamophobic remarks directly conflict with this board’s belief in racial equity and inclusion,” adding that they have also “undermined ongoing efforts” made by the district to advance its mission of improving equity and inclusion, and creating a “culture of warmth” for all OPRF students and community members. The board also called Baron’s actions “conduct unbecoming of a board member,” but stopped short of calling for his resignation. Baron, a first term D200 board member elected to the board in 2017, will not seek re-election. He was present at the Dec. 22 special meeting, but remained silent while his board colleagues apologized to Ali for their sluggish response and expressed their frustration, anger and disappointment. The board’s formal statement happened roughly a month after Baron’s opinion piece was published. “Our board has a commitment to the actions that would tear away and break down institutionalized racism, which all of these little insidious things feed into, which are completely and totally unacceptable,” said member Gina Harris. “As a board member, as a member of this community, as a Black woman, as a mother
of four children who have lived in this community and gone to this school, I share your pain, and I appreciate finally being given an opportunity as a board to express our outrage because it is here and should not be denied,” said member Jackie Moore. Board members said the delayed reaction was, in part, due to legal restrictions on how government boards can meet, brought about by the Open Meetings Act, as well as complications related to the pandemic. All D200 board meetings since March have been held virtually. Board member Ralph Martire said the legal requirement delayed the board’s response “and probably extended the harm” done to Ali and other community members by Baron’s comments, but “we support your statements and we support you,” Martire told Ali. Tamer Abouzeid, with the Council on American Islamic Relations - Chicago, was also present at the Dec. 22 special meeting. “There have been harms done and we will have to take actions,” Abouzeid said, before extending an invitation for OPRF to utilize his organization’s resources to make the high school more inclusive, especially for Muslim students. “This has been the lowest month as a board member that I’ve ever experienced,” said Spivy. “We’ve had some bad times, but nothing compares to this.”
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
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t’s only fitting that 2021 begins with Harvard professor and esteemed theoretical physicist Avi Loeb causing a media stir with his insights about a cigar-shaped piece of space junk called Oumuamua that Loeb says is “the first sign of intelligent life outside Earth,” according to a Boston CBS affiliate’s reporting. The object, discovered in 2017, wasn’t an asteroid, because it didn’t leave a trail of gas or debris in its wake, Loeb argues in his upcoming book “Extraterrestrial.” “There was only one conceivable explanation: the object was a piece of advanced technology created by a distant alien civilization,” according to a description of the book by its publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Loeb’s theory makes sense to me. The universe is vast. Our own Milky Way galaxy is between 100,000 and 150,000 light years across, scientists estimate. And it’s just one among 2 trillion galaxies in the observable universe, which means there may be more galaxies out there that we just can’t see yet. The idea that we’re the only intelligent life in our galaxy, to say nothing of the observable universe, capable of inventing technologies like satellites and other equipment designed to probe the universe and that often winds up as space junk is, at this point probably Copernican. A new astronomy study published last month by Caltech physicists points to the possibility of intelligent life other than humanity in the Milky Way and concludes that most “alien civilizations that ever dotted our galaxy have probably killed themselves off already,” according to an article summarizing the study in Live Science. The study, the article states, “says where and when life is most likely to occur in the Milky Way and identifies the
May the force be with you
On Monday, a few hundred most important factor affectengineers and other employing its prevalence: intelligent ees at Google announced that creatures’ tendency toward they were forming a union, self-annihilation.” an 18th century social techThe study is in keeping with nology that, perhaps more an observation the linguist than anything, created the Noam Chomsky made in his book “Hegemony or Survival,” American Middle Class. In a in which Chomsky references report a day ago, NPR called the great biologist Ernst Mayr, the 21st century Google who said that “what we call union “a breakthrough in ‘civilizations’ … ‘inevitably labor organizing in Silicon are short-lived.’” Valley where workers have “Mayr speculates that clashed with executives over Commentary higher intelligence may not be workplace culture, diversity favored by selection,” Chomand ethics.” That’s a sentence sky writes. “The history of life on Earth, that could have been ripped from a 20th he concluded, refutes the claim that ‘it century history textbook. is better to be smart than to be stupid,’ On Tuesday, the Washington Post at least judging by biological success: reported on yet another mutation of the beetles and bacteria, for example, are coronavirus, which is up to 70 percent far more successful than primates in more transmissible than other strains these terms, and that is generally true of of the virus that are circulating. The creatures that fill a specific niche or can new strain, the paper said, could mean undergo rapid genetic change. He also an even higher number of cases. made the rather somber observation that A day earlier, the President of the ‘the average life expectancy of a species is United States tweeted that the “number about 100,000 years.’” of cases and deaths of the China Virus” Oumuamua, after all, means “scout reported by his own agency are fake. or messenger” in Hawaii — perhaps a “Fake news!” message from an ancient, extraterrestrial The tweet, of course, was overshadcivilization within our galaxy that selfowed by news that the president had annihilated light years ago. urged a Georgia elected official to “find” At some point, I guess, super smart spe- him the amount of votes need for him to cies become too smart for our own Good; flip the state from blue back to red. or perhaps the kind of intelligence that The tape added fuel to the heated we consider to be an advantage becomes, national argument over issues of voter at some point, debilitating. suppression and white mob rule, issues We confuse technological advancement many well-meaning people thought we and innovation for innovation’s sake with had dealt with in the 1960s. progress while key elements of a thriving In November, 74 million people voted social life like basic fairness, solidarity, for the incumbent president — includcompassion, love, empathy, kindness and ing nearly 3,000 people in sophisticated transparency are left behind like debris Oak Park and about 1,500 people in from a comet. sophisticated River Forest, for a share of
MICHAEL ROMAIN
roughly 9 percent and 22 percent of the vote in each town, respectively. If we think 2020 was an outlier, a blip, a missed beat in the steady drum roll of progress, we’d be wrong. The year, it seems to me, was right in line with a civilizational tendency toward selfannihilation that seems common to most advanced civilizations — whether on Earth or elsewhere. That tendency, however, doesn’t have to be endemic within us individual human beings. The civilized world may be sadistically individualistic, pathologically greedy, selfish and ruthlessly ambitious, but we as individuals don’t have to be. And as a conscious collective — aware of our commonalities — we can still put up a fight. Just like those Google employees. But we can’t innovate or invent or code our way out of this struggle. We have to do what the late, great Aloysius Leon Higginbotham, Jr. — a towering Black federal judge — urged a newly installed Justice Clarence Thomas to do in 1991, not long after Thomas assumed his seat on the Supreme Court. “This is a grave responsibility indeed,” Higginbotham wrote in a public letter to Thomas. “In order to discharge it you will need to recognize what James Baldwin called the ‘force of history’ within you. You will need to recognize that both your public life and your private life reflect this country’s history … and while much has been said about your admirable determination to overcome terrible obstacles, it is also important to remember how you arrived where you are now, because you did not get there by yourself.” To get through these dystopian times, we’re going to need to stick together.
CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
132 new Oak Park COVID-19 cases in past week
32 River Forest residents test positive in same span By JAMES KAY Staff Writer
While Oak Park and River Forest residents took the holidays off, COVID-19 didn’t. From Dec. 28 to Jan. 4, 132 Oak Parkers and 32 River Foresters tested positive for the novel coronavirus. According to the Oak Park Department
of Public Health, 2,198 Oak Park residents have had COVID-19 since it started reporting positive results on May 18. Oak Park has had 100 or more new cases of COVID-19 in nine of the last 10 weeks and is averaging 10 cases a day. River Forest is averaging 4.4 cases a day and had 10 people test positive on Dec. 30, the second highest single-day total in December. The Oak Park Department of Public Health also reported another fatality in a long-term care facility. A 79-year-old woman at Belmont Village of Oak Park died
after testing positive for COVID-19, the village announced on Jan. 4. Belmont Village of Oak Park has had seven residents die due to COVID-19 related complications since the start of the pandemic. It has also had 28 residents and 30 staff members test positive for coronavirus, according to the village. As for other long-term care facilities, Berkeley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center has had 47 residents and 15 staffers test positive for COVID-19 while 11 residents have died after contracting coronavirus.
Brookdale Oak Park has had 11 resident and 23 staff cases while two residents died of COVID-19 related complications. Oak Park Arms has had nine resident and four staff cases while having one resident die after they contracted COVID-19. Oasis of Oak Park has had 23 resident and 12 staff COVID-19 cases while 12 residents died due to COVID-19 related complications. According to Natalia Derevyanny, Cook County’s director of communications, 8,378 people in the county have died after contracting COVID-19.
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
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BIG WEEK January 6-10
Family Book Club Sunday, Jan. 10, 3 to 4 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library Bring family together with this new offering aimed at kids in elementary school and their households to learn, share and discuss important topics. This month, read Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki, available through the library as a book and an ebook through Hoopla. Join in a virtual cooking class on Jan. 10, where Cheryl Muñoz of Sugar Beet Schoolhouse will teach how to make vegetable soup and apple crumble. Or, discuss and cook at home as a family. Register/more: oppl.org/calendar
Youth Services Partnership Opportunities Apply by Jan. 15 Each year, the Oak Park Township Youth Services Department contracts with more than 20 agencies, offering more than 50 educational and recreational programs that engage young residents. Local agencies and organizations may apply for Fiscal Year 2022 if they have programs that provide after-school homework help, peer support for substance abuse, job readiness skill-building or other supportive programs for youth. Submit applications on the “Contractor” section here: oakparktownship.org/ youth-services. Questions: mtraficano@oakparktownship.org, 708-445-2727.
A Antiracist Book Group: “How “H to Be an Antiracist” We Wednesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., Zo Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library Host Hosted monthly in collaboration with the Aust Austin Branch of the Chicago Public Library, this second discussion continues on the writ writing of Ibram X. Kendi. He asks how to thin think about what an antiracist society might loo look like and how to play an active role in bui building it. Kendi weaves ethics, history, an and law and science together. How to Be an An Antiracist is an essential work for anyone wanting to go beyond aan awareness of racism to contributing to the formation of a truly just and equitable society. Available from Libby. Organized by Danielle Morales with Walk the Walk. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Information Session for Early Admission to Kindergarten/First Grade Wednesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Virtually with District 97 This presentation for parents and guardians will include the process and requirements for early admission. Register by Jan. 11: https://docs. google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzKxSwK6V7ouGT19HcLRMz2ylLUN4w wN88Cgo3L3Je2cZzJw/viewform. More on early admissions: op97.org/ teach-learn/acceleration/early-entrance
Virtual Tours of Hemingway’s Birthplace Thursdays through Sundays, 1 and 3 p.m., Google Meet. Join a knowledgeable docent on a live tour at Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace Home in Oak Park while interacting with visitor questions along the way. Up to 15 may join each live tour. $15; $5 each additional viewer. Tickets/more: hemingwaybirthplace.com/admissions
Library Buddies Tuesday, Jan. 12, 11 a.m. to Noon, Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library Stop by the virtual Children’s Services desk to chat with library team members for 10 minutes. Options include hearing a story (or children can read to the librarian!), interacting with a puppet, sharing some jokes, or show-and-tell with pets. Also, on Jan. 19 and 26. Register: oppl.org/calendar
Help Make History The Oak Park River Forest Museum is collecting stories, photos and other documentation, and using an online tool to survey how residents are living, working and surviving the COVID-19 pandemic. An exhibit and time capsule are being planned. More: 708-848-6755, oprfmuseum. org/living-history-capturing-oprf-stories-during-2020-pandemic. The museum is currently closed based on state guidelines.
Movie Music - Elvis Presley Saturday, Jan. 9, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library Join John LeGear for a musical journey into Elvis’ prime Hollywood years — 1956 through 1968 — as he sings, dances and romances actresses such as Shelley Fabares, Joan Freeman, Judy Tyler, Joan Blackman and Ann-Margret as they play his love interests. This presentation features scenes from films that capture Elvis singing his heart out. Register: oppl. org/calendar
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
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ART BEAT
The real mystery? Why this took so long to write
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beautiful science professor, a s soon as anyone who gruff chef who claims to be in asks what motivated me witness protection for trying to write a novel finds out to assassinate Fidel Castro and I was an English major, a cross-dressing businessman, that simple fact seems he uncovers a bizarre murder to be explanation enough. We spree and draws the attention all wanted to write a book back of the killer to himself and then, but in my case, it took those few people he holds dear. several decades and a detour The process of putting that as a real estate attorney to get story together was tortuous around to it. The jolt of my but fun, frustrating but reward60th birthday and the realizaing. My characters had the bad tion that time was no longer on habit of taking me off in direcmy side was finally the push I tions I didn’t expect, forcing me needed, although a conversaGuest Author to restructure my plot just to tion with my daughter sent keep up. I spoke with experts on me down the non-fiction path various topics and spent untold first (Serendipity: Seemingly hours researching history and different Random Events, Insignificant Decisions, ways to die. and Accidental Discoveries that Altered I wandered the streets of Chicago finding History) before I could focus on my first just the right environs for each scene and love -- crime fiction. pulled in some of my own favorite spaces I’ve had a special love of mystery novels to the point that the city itself becomes a since an early age, sneaking in post-bedcharacter. Since almost the beginning I’ve time reading of Sherlock Holmes and Nero had a wonderful, detailed scene set in Oak Wolfe stories by flashlight under the covPark fully envisioned, but with the third iners. It seemed a natural fit when I set down stallment of the series in the editing stage, to begin my own journey, I’d follow them I’m still waiting to find the right book to fit down the same dark alleys. The result, it in. In the meantime, friends and people Heirs Apparent and the subsequent books I’ve met can probably recognize bits and to come featuring reluctant sleuth Malcom pieces of themselves among the pages. The Winters, are my loving homage to the claspower is epic: cross me, and you’ll end up sic American detective novel and my own as a character that I joyfully kill off. modest contribution to the genre. The late nights and sessions of creative And Malcom does find trouble. Starting cursing at the page paid off when I got with only a cryptic message about an event to hold the finished product in my hands from a century ago written in the blood for the first time, a rush even seasoned of the woman he loved, he races around authors still feel. Selective amnesia about Chicago piecing together increasingly bafthe process allowed me to start it all over fling parts of the puzzle in an effort to solve again, as the second book in the series (The the crime and gain his vengeance. Together Connubial Corpse) will follow in February with the help of a brilliant and with the still untitled book number three optimistically scheduled for release by Thanksgiving. To satisfy the whispers from my publisher, I’ll add that Best Thrillers calls it “one of the year’s best thrillers” and “massively entertaining.” The Prairies Book Review says it’s “Clever, suspenseful, and full of intrigue,” while the Windy City Review opines that “The novel is great fun and will satisfy any fan of snarky contemporary noir.” Thomas Thorson has lived in Oak Park for 30 years. He still practices real estate law out of his home. “Heirs Apparent” is available as an ebook on Hoopla through the Oak Park Public Library and at The Looking Glass where a future author appearance and signing is planned when it is safe to do so. To purchase: 708-434-5515, books@thelookingglassbooks.com, 823 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.
THOMAS J. THORSON
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
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The year in education in Oak Park? Biblical
By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
This year began with promise, a Moses-like parting of the troubled waters engulfing the years-long debate over Oak Park and River Forest’s dilapidated, century-old swimming pools. Hard work by dozens of volunteers who labored on the Imagine OPRF Committee helped yield, finally, a path forward on some of the most substantial renovation and construction work in OPRF history. And then COVID-19 came and ground life everywhere to a halt, forcing elementary and high school students to learn from home and administrators in both districts to make some very difficult adjustments. Administrators at the elementary, high school and college levels had to make some very difficult financial decisions as the pandemic dealt blow after blow to their bottom lines. The pandemic threatened to completely derail the construction at OPRF, but the school board stayed the course and decided to go forward with the work, sensing a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to get something very big and very necessary done.
Meanwhile, yet another tense debate broke out among Oak Park parents and community members about when and when not to return to classrooms. The exodus from classroom to home only widened the chasm between the haves and have-nots in Oak Park, with some students retreating to pods and cutting-edge forms of remote learning while others, especially special education students and their families, struggled to tread water, with fewer resources, less individualized attention and more distractions. Administrators at District 97 and District 200 eventually made adjustments and adaptations by committee, of course (this being Oak Park). But, as with Imagine OPRF, that way seems to have worked so far. Anxious parents eager to lend their expertise have merged minds with local school administrators and staffers to think about best practices once students return to hybrid learning, likely sometime in 2021. And the tensions seem to have condensed into collective resolve. The year, however, was also met with the possible exodus of D97 Supt. Carol Kelley, who was close to landing another superintendent job in Wisconsin this summer — a nearmiss that seemed to have exacerbated some parents’ frustra-
tions about the district’s pandemic planning. Months later, in November, D200 Supt. Joylynn PruittAdams announced that she would retire, effective July 2021 — marking the end of an era at the high school, just as a new school board is poised to come into power after the April 2021 elections. Time will tell if the current board’s collective vision of deep and lasting change in the area of equity at OPRF remains intact after Pruitt-Adams is gone, or if the introduction of new members creates a rift similar to the ideological schism that’s currently roiling Concordia University in River Forest. The tension at Concordia, the last major education story Wednesday Journal covered this year, is Biblical in a quite literal sense. Many non-Lutheran students and employees at the university are afraid that their educations and employment statuses could be jeopardized by the current administration’s commitment to draw the university closer to the values and mission of the governing Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod. That’s a developing story for the upcoming year; it would relieve parents and students by being just a bit less dramatic.
Police say teen’s murder solved, Mom says otherwise Since the 2016 death of Elijah Sims, his mother has been in tug-of-war with CPD over evidence, claims By ZACH CUNNING AustinTalks
For Sharita Galloway, another holiday season has come and gone without justice for her son, Elijah Sims. Sims was a senior at Oak Park River Forest High School when he was shot in Austin on Aug. 29, 2016. Late last summer, Galloway stood before about two dozen people at a gathering marking the fourth anniversary of her son’s death. She shared the pain she feels every day because she believes his killer is still out there. “The person who shot and killed my son, they need to wake up every day like I have to do, but they need to wake up behind bars,” she said. The killer “deserves to wake up every day, miserable, like I have to wake up every day, miserable. He need to wake up every day in jail, suffering, like I have to get up every day and suffer without my son.” Last fall, the Chicago Police Department said in an email the case is classified as exceptionally cleared, which means authorities have identified a suspect, but either the suspect is dead or prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to approve charges. According to the case file, which was obtained through a Freedom of Investigation
Act filing by AustinTalks, Sims’ what the rumors on the street case was determined to be excephad been all along, Galloway tionally cleared in January 2018. added. The investigation will be re“I said, ‘Well, could you please opened if CPD learns the identitell Crime Stoppers? He told me ty of any other suspects, accord‘no.’ He said, ‘because I want to ing to the file. kill him myself.’” Galloway said the police never Galloway said she took the innotified her that they cleared her formation to the police herself, son’s case; instead, she said she but was told by detectives they learned when contacted by Aushad already been given another tinTalks. name and it fit with their eviELIJAH SIMS After finding out, Galloway dence. spent weeks last fall attempting to contact Galloway said police also told her there’s CPD and was continuously told only a su- evidence three people shot up the corner of pervisor could discuss the case with her, but Quincy and Lotus that night. a supervisor was never available. She said Detective Daquilante told her In late September, she managed to reach that CPD had flagged the suspects’ names one of the detectives, Stephen Smith, who in case they get stopped or pulled over, but, told her the case is still open, but said he Galloway said, “I just can’t believe that these people haven’t been stopped in four years.” couldn’t give her any more information. CPD declined to identify the detectives Detectives identified the offender, who died on Dec. 16, 2016 – before charges could currently assigned to the case or provide be brought, said Kellie Bartoli, a CPS anyone from the department to discuss the case. spokeswoman. Galloway said during the investigation Authorities declined to say what, if any efof her son’s death she was able to develop fort had been made to notify the family. Galloway said she was told by Detective a good relationship with Detective DaquiMatthew Daquilante, assigned to the case lante. She and Detective Smith, however, “didn’t at the time with Detective Smith, that police had identified the shooter. really have a good relationship because I But, Galloway said, word on the street didn’t feel like he cared as much, he didn’t said otherwise. She doesn’t believe the man show as much interest in the case,” Gallopolice identified is her son’s killer. way said. On the second anniversary of her son’s After Detective Daquilante was promoted, death she went door-to-door passing out fly- a new detective was assigned to the case. ers, with Crime Stoppers. That day, a man CPD declined to name the new detective. showed her a picture of the person who Galloway said she tried to get in touch with killed her son, she said. The name fit with him.
“I left a message for him to call me back two years ago, still haven’t got that call,” she said. Elena Calzada was a victim advocate at the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago in 2016 when Elijah was killed and worked with Galloway after her son’s death. Calzada, now a crisis responder for Chicago Survivors, said it’s a problem for more than just Elijah’s mother that police don’t communicate with family members, and that gives the impression they aren’t interested in solving cases. Other families tell her the police stop calling them back. “They’re tired of hearing from us” is what they tell Calzada. “Sometimes they’ll hear detectives say, ‘Well, we got other cases we have to work on’… so the family’s just feeling like their loved one was forgotten,” she said. Calzada said she’s seen family members, like Galloway, trying to share information with police about who may have killed their loved ones, but the police don’t want to listen. “I don’t call as much anymore, because I just get angry,” Galloway said. “I feel like they’re not working his case.” Authorities brushing off families brings the healing process to a standstill “because they aren’t able to get justice for their loved ones,” Calzada said. For Galloway, she hopes one day to get that justice. “My job was to protect my son and to make sure that he’s OK, and to advocate for my son. I’m going to advocate for him until justice is brought to him.”
CONTACT: austintalks.org@gmail.com
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
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Petition challenges filed against two Oak Park candidates Electoral board convenes Jan. 6 on objections to Clark, Enyia By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park resident Kevin Peppard has filed objections against the filing petitions of village trustee candidates Anthony Clark and Chibuike Enyia, questioning their eligibility to serve the village in an elected capacity after the coming April election. The objections will go before the Municipal Officers Electoral Board of the Village of Oak Park. Statute dictates board membership, which consists of Mayor Anan AbuTaleb, senior Trustee Jim Taglia and Village Clerk Vicki Scaman. The board will preside over the objection hearings, scheduled to take place virtually Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. Clark and Enyia are the only two Black men running for village trustee, leading some in the community to question Peppard’s motivation. Community group Black Residents of Oak Park, part of the Represent Oak Park coalition backing Clark and Enyia, issued a statement regarding Peppard’s objections. “The very nature of his challenges questions the validity and characters of two good Black men who are community leaders, mentors, and community providers,” the press release reads. Both candidates have publicly rejected Peppard’s claims, with Clark sending out a press release and Enyia posting a statement on Facebook. In Clark’s case, Peppard’s objecANTHONY CLARK tion states that Clark does not meet
the residency requirement for village trustee, asserting that Clark lives in west suburban Lombard and not Oak Park. To back up his claim, Peppard cited Clark’s voluntary bankruptcy paperwork, filed last April, wherein Clark listed his primary address as one in Lombard and his mailing address as a home on North Lombard Avenue in Oak Park. The objection provides Clark’s most recent tax bill, which includes residential property tax exemption. In an interview with Wednesday Journal, Clark confirmed that he purchased the Lombard property in 2016 but stated it was never his place of residence. “I have never lived there,” Clark said. He made the purchase to house a child he believed was his and the child’s mother. “With the help of my parents, I purchased the property. The young woman and the child lived at that property for years,” said Clark. “It was revealed that the child was not mine biologically.” Clark said he still views himself as the child’s father and that he paid all of the bills associated with the property, while he lived with his parents in their Oak Park home, where he said he continues to live. He told Wednesday Journal he tried to sell the Lombard property at one time but was unable to. It is now being used to help others within his family in need of a place to live. “As long as that property is in my family’s possession, we will utilize it to support loved ones who are in greater need than we are,” Clark said. In Peppard’s objection against Enyia, Peppard alleges that Enyia was charged and convicted in Iowa with a drugrelated felony over a decade ago. According to the objection, Peppard found the information on Enyia through online background check website TruthFinder.Com. Illinois election law dictates that any such person convicted of a felony offense cannot hold public office. In a statement posted on Facebook, Enyia wrote that Peppard’s allegations against him are “clearly and unequivo-
cally” “false and defamatory.” “Not only did Mr. Peppard file an objection based upon these false allegations, but he also rushed to publish these defamatory statements online knowing and acknowledging that he has been unable to confirm the status of these cases with the local authorities,” Enyia wrote. Peppard shared that he had filed CHIBUIKE ENYIA objections against Clark and Enyia in a Dec. 29 Facebook post. “I hope that Mr. Peppard will issue a formal apology and retract his statements. If not, he can expect to hear from my attorney,” said Enyia. Documents obtained by Wednesday Journal through Freedom of Information Act requests confirm that Peppard did not request to view the petition filings of any other trustee candidate besides Clark and Enyia. In an email to Wednesday Journal, Peppard stated he conducted background checks on all the candidates and that he only requested to view Clark’s and Enyia’s petition filings for address verification purposes. Peppard, who has challenged candidate petitions regularly over many years, denied his objections were racially motivated, stating in his email, “I’ve thrown numerous white people off the ballot: Carlotta Lucchesi, Daniel Lupiani, Carolyn Lang, and Dan Avers (wrote the papers), Emily Masalski (four years ago), and Les Golden several times.” Black Residents of Oak Park noted in their press release that Peppard also challenged the 2017 petitions of Peter Barber and Glenn Brewer, two Black village board incumbents who lost their reelection bids. In that same election season, Peppard also challenged at least four other candidates for either village trustee or village clerk.
April election in River Forest contested in all but one race Village clerk candidate runs unopposed By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter
With the exception of the position of village clerk, River Forest’s April elections will feature nothing but contested races. Cathy Adduci is running for a third term as village president against Patty Henek, who is currently serving as a village trustee. Four candidates are running for three open trustee seats, those of Henek, Tom Cargie and Respicio Vazquez, all of whose terms are expiring.
PATTY HENEK
Vazquez is seeking reelection, and he is joined in the race by Lisa Gillis, Ken Johnson and Johann Buis, all seeking places on the village board. The terms of Trustees Katie Brennan, Erika CATHY ADDUCI Bachner and Robert O’Connell do not expire until 2023. Jonathan Keller is running unopposed for the position of village clerk. On the library board of trustees, two positions are up for grabs in the April 6 election, as the terms of Vice President Katherine Bevan and board member Alice Calabrese-Berry are ending. Bevan is seeking reelection, and Ann Berens and Cathy Ruggeri will also run for the two open spots. For the District 90 elementary school board, four seats are open in April, as the terms of Stacey Williams, Nicole Thomp-
son, Kate Avalos and Judy Deogracias are ending. All but the latter are seeking reelection, joined by Scott Hall and Sarah Eckmann. On the River Forest Park District board,
the terms of Ross Roloff and Mark Brown are expiring this spring. Four candidates are seeking election to the board: Incumbent Brown plus residents Mike Grant, Carl Bade and Brad West.
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
George Bailey looks out for kids Helping youth makes for a more wonderful life
“With George, they know he’s going to listen, he’s going to let them finish their thoughts, he’s going to be respectful and he’s also going to be honest with them.”
By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Writer, artist, educator, musician, scholar — Oak Park resident George Bailey is many things, but for the village’s young people, he’s been their advocate, their friend and their mentor. For the last 15 years, Bailey has volunteered his time to the Oak Park Township as a member of the Youth Services Committee, trying to make sure Oak Park’s youth are set up for future success in their adult lives. “I’ve always been fortunate to be in places where older people were helping younger people,” Bailey told Wednesday Journal. “Sometimes it’s just a smile or a just a little compliment to reinforce productive behavior; you never know who you’re going to touch.” Looking out for kids has been Bailey’s priority. He even met his wife while she was working at a youth center in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. When the couple moved to Oak Park to raise their children, Bailey began a mentoring program for young Black men out of his living room with four other men, after noticing the substantial achievement gap between Black and white students. “We all felt it was important to find and help build resources where these young men could create positive relationships, moving through their lives in the public schools,” he said. Bailey worked with teachers to understand how to relate to and communicate with the boys they mentored. Some teachers viewed the rambunctious behavior exhibited by their male Black students on the playground as bullying, but Bailey knew they were just looking for an outlet to ex-
MEGAN TRAFICANO
George Bailey press themselves. “A lot of those young people didn’t have anywhere to go to expend that energy,” he said, “which contrasts with white kids who had a lot of places they could go to participate in organized activities.” A year or so after the mentoring program started, Bailey was encouraged to join the township’s Youth Services Committee by John Williams, then the youth services director. Throughout their years working together, Williams and Bailey not only forged a close friendship but implemented many programs to enhance the lives of all of Oak Park’s
youth, particularly African Americans. “I’ve seen many iterations of services there,” he recalled. After Williams retired in 2019, Bailey stuck around and has become an indefatigable source of knowledge for Williams’ successor, Megan Traficano. “I would have been lost this first year without George,” said Traficano. “He’s taught me so much.” She believes that kids relate to Bailey because he can connect with them on multiple levels, using his skills as a musician, educator and artist to communicate with them and help them communicate in return. “Sometimes kids are very in tune; they pick up really quickly on people,” said Traficano. “With George, they know he’s going to listen, he’s going to let them finish their thoughts, he’s going to be respectful and he’s also going to be honest with them.” While Bailey enjoys working with all ages, he has a particular favorite group. “Fifth-graders are the bomb,” he said. They’ve given something special back to Bailey, teaching him not be so hard on himself. He believes a lot of people could benefit from spending time with young people, who will grow up and become active members of society. “I learned a community is a lot more fruitful and productive when issues of youth are addressed.”
C R I M E
Armed man steals PlayStation A Chicago resident was the victim of an armed robbery on New Year’s Day when he went to meet a man about a PlayStation 5 gaming system. After the victim arrived at 9:50 p.m. at the prearranged meeting place in the 100 block of South Taylor Avenue, the man displayed a black handgun and took $140 in cash from the victim. Police reports describe the man as Black with hair in long dreadlocks, approximately 19 to 20 years old and 5-feet-8, with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a maroon and white colored jersey and dark pants.
Burglary ■ Someone removed tools from an unlocked vehicle in the 100 block of LeMoyne Parkway about 11 a.m., Dec. 28. Estimated loss is $800. ■ Someone entered an unlocked residential garage and removed a vehicle from
inside, using the key left in the vehicle, between 2 p.m., Dec. 26 and 11:05 a.m., Dec. 28 in the 900 block of Marion Street. River Forest police later recovered the abandoned vehicle. The loss was unknown at the time of reporting. ■ After breaking a window to gain entry, someone took various supplies from the Pamper Room nail salon, 302 Madison St., between 7:30 p.m., Dec. 31 and 8 a.m., Jan. 1. The estimated loss is $2,000. ■ Someone damaged a door while breaking into Perfection Auto Body, 811 Garfield St., then ransacked a desk inside the business around 5:40 a.m., Jan. 2. The estimated damage to the door is $150. ■ Someone broke the driver’s side window of a vehicle, then took a drill and saw from inside around 11:30 a.m., Dec. 28 in the 6600 block of North Avenue. The total estimated loss is $150.
Motor vehicle theft
An unknown man was seen removing the victim’s unattended vehicle around 2:45 p.m., Dec. 29 in the 6900 block of Roosevelt Road. Estimated loss is $9,500.
Theft ■ Someone
cut the catalytic converter from a vehicle in the 100 block of South Boulevard around 1:45 p.m., Dec. 26. Estimated loss is $1,800. ■ Someone took the front bumper and registration tag from a vehicle in the 600 block of Highland Avenue between 8 p.m., Jan. 1 and 11 a.m., Jan. 2. The estimated loss is $500. ■ A man was observed opening and taking various items out of packages delivered in the 200 block of North Ridgeland Avenue at 2:07 p.m., Jan 3. Estimated loss is $300. ■ A man took cash from a victim’s hand, then fled at 3:01 p.m., Dec. 26 in the 1100 block of South Boulevard. The total loss is estimated at $20.
Criminal property damage Someone broke the rear windshield of a vehicle in the 800 block of North Boulevard between 8 p.m. and 11:02 p.m., Jan. 2. The estimated damage is $100. These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports Dec. 25-Jan. 4 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.
Compiled by Stacey Sheridan
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Marina Del Rios
ER doc sees vaccine as going on offense vs. COVID As an emergency room physician at the University of Illinois Hospital, Oak Park resident Dr. Marina Del Rios has witnessed firsthand the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I often leave the emergency department not knowing if the patient that I left behind whether they’re even going to survive the night,” said Del Rios. “It’s hard when it’s multiples of those in one day and for multiple days in a row.” Those that don’t survive aren’t always senior citizens or people with underlying health conditions. Del Rios has seen the COVID-19 claim the lives of otherwise healthy young people. “I stopped counting the people that I know that have either gotten sick, ended up in the ICU or died,” said Del Rios. And it’s not because these patients are irresponsible, according to Del Rios; many had no option but to continue going into work without having proper protection available. On the other hand, Del Rios has also seen the effects of people who flout safety measures, believing they won’t get sick. “I’m seeing unfold all the flaws of our society,” said Del Rios, who purposely hasn’t seen her 80-year-old mother in a year for reasons of safety. What separates COVID-19 from other viruses, such as the flu, is that there is a real risk in the virus being transmitted from patients to staff, as well as hospital staff carrying the virus into their homes. COVID-19 is also unpredictable. “I’ve seen 20-year-olds that have had to end up on ventilators,” said Del Rios. Last month Del Rios became the first person in Chicago to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The experience of receiving the inaugural jab, she called, “surreal.” “A lot of things went through my mind,” Del Rios recalled. She felt honored to be there, as well as somewhat undeserving, despite dealing with the virus directly and daily, because she had not contracted it herself. Del Rios felt hopeful for the future. Understanding that Black and Brown communities have been hit inordinately hard by COVID-19, Del Rios, who is Puerto Rican, knew what her presence represented. “I felt a sense of responsibility, sitting there and showing folks that I’m willing to be one of the first and I’m not scared. I believe in science,” said Del Rios. Del Rios has volunteered to become a vaccine ambassador through the Illinois Department of Public Health to educate people on the vaccination and encourage them to get immunized. “The vaccine is a good thing,” said Del Rios. “And it means that we can play offense now against this virus, when for the longest time, we were playing defense.”
Stacey Sheridan, Staff Reporter
Cat Nickles
Cookbook author and youth philanthropist Current Oak Park and River Forest High School freshman and author of “Quarantine Cookbook,” Cat Nickles, turned her comic-inspired recipe quintet into a fundraising force that garnered national attention in 2020. When the pandemic foiled the young food-lover’s plans to
open a pop-up restaurant at the Children’s School as part of her eighthgrade capstone project, Nickles pivoted and created a cookbook to sell as a fundraiser for Beyond Hunger. She did of the not set a price for her book and hoped a YEAR “pay-what-you-can” model would help her raise $1,000. Before long Nickles’ book had generated more than $5,000 and earned an invitation to appear as a “Helping Hero” on a socially-distant broadcast of Live with Kelly and Ryan. While on the show, the young writer and illustrator discussed her recipe for 8-second s’mores and detailed her fundraising success. At the end of the segment co-host Ryan Seacrest announced Live with Kelly and Ryan and Safeguard were making a $5,000 donation to Beyond Hunger. “I thought this would just be a small project,” said Nickles. “But I have learned that small action can make a big difference.” To date Nickles’ cookbook sales have raised just shy of $19,000 for the Oak Park food pantry and she is committed to making it to $20,000 in 2021. She is expanding her recipe collection to increase donation potential and is considering the creation of a second book. In the meantime, Nickles has taken on an internship with Mama Kat’s Sweets to hone her skills and has been offering virtual cooking classes to raise additional funds for Beyond Hunger.
OAK PARK & RIVER FOREST 2020 VILLAGERS
Melissa Elsmo, Oak Park Eats
Andrea Sanchez
ICU patients ‘terrified. We have to be strong for them’ It’s been a difficult year for nurse Andrea Sanchez, who has been working in the COVID-19 subunit of Rush Oak Park Hospital’s intensive care ward since March. “Emotionally, mentally and physically, it has been hard on me,” Sanchez said. Sanchez even had to move out of her parents’ home this year to protect them from contracting the virus, while she cared for hundreds of COVID-19 patients. “It’s exhausting but these patients need you,” she said. “That’s what keeps me going.” Sanchez recalls two bright spots during the otherwise bleak year of 2020. The first was a day in March, when the hospital began rolling patients in very critical condition onto their stomachs in a process known as proning. Prior to that, those patients were being transferred to Rush University Medical Center on the Near West Side. “Proning helps the patients have a better outcome. It helps their lungs expand so they get more oxygen,” said Sanchez. The process requires the entire ICU staff. Patients, some even paralyzed, are manually rolled over and a respiratory therapist must be at the bedside. Nurses in other departments were called in to help. The other bright spot of the year was a day in August when the ICU had no new COVID-19 cases. But the lull didn’t last. In October, the hospital lost five patients to COVID-19 in
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one single day. Sanchez called that day the worst of the year. “These patients are terrified, and you just have to be strong for them.”
Stacey Sheridan, Staff Reporter
Mike Charley & Cara Pavlicek
Front line on Oak Park’s COVID response Village Manager Cara Pavlicek and former Public Health Director Mike Charley led the village of Oak Park’s COVID response efforts in 2020. While Pavlicek kept the village running, Charley juggled mitigation measures, contact tracing and issuance of health orders, written by Village Attorney Paul Stephanides. “There was a period of time that most of us were working seven days a week, way over our eighthour days,” said Charley, who left Oak Park in November to serve the village of Skokie. A key member of the village’s response team, according to Charley, is Stephanides, who writes all of the public health orders. The breakneck pace lasted months into the pandemic, with the village responding to inquiries from other taxing bodies, as well as implementing safety guidelines and communicating information to the public. Charley called the initial months “overwhelming,” but felt that he, at the end of each day, did everything in his capability to serve Oak Park residents. “Certain public health decisions aren’t always popular with everybody,” said Charley. “But they were meant to stop the spread of the virus and it’s not always easy.” Charley thanked the village board for supporting COVID-19 measures, as well as giving him and Pavlicek the authority to make decisions. “If we didn’t have the support from them,” said Charley, “we couldn’t have moved as quickly on COVID as we did.”
Stacey Sheridan, Staff Reporter
Michele Zurakowski
Imperfect but ambitious response to hunger Running a food pantry during a pandemic has been daunting and logistically challenging says Michele Zurakowski, executive director of Beyond Hunger, 848 Lake St. in Oak Park. The key to successfully navigating COVID-19, however, has been firmly rooted in Zurakowski’s expectation of imperfection. “We knew we would make mistakes,” said Zurakowski. “I led with the notion of trying new things. We knew we wouldn’t be perfect, but we would all debrief, make modifications, and try again.” Under Zurakowski’s lead-
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Those who’ve made an impact Wednesday Journal has named a Villager of the Year in Oak Park since 1985 and in River Forest since 2005. Here are the people we’ve previously recognized:
Oak Park 1985 Dan Elich, founder of
the CARE political party 1986 Keith Bergstrom, Oak Park police chief 1987 Clifford Osborn, Oak Park village president 1988 J. Neil Nielsen, Oak Park village manager 1989 John Fagan, superintendent of Oak Park Elementary School District 97 1990 Marjorie Judith Vincent, Oak Parker named Miss America that year 1991 Philip Rock, Illinois Senate president 1992 Joseph Mendrick, Oak Park police chief 1993 Allen Parker, Oak Park village manager 1994 Crime-fighting Harrison Street residents, organized to resist gang incursions from the West Side 1995 John FS Williams, director of Oak Park Township Youth Services 1996 Martin Noll, founder of Community Bank of Oak ParkRiver Forest 1997 Rev. M. Randolph Thompson, pastor and founder of Fellowship Christian, Oak Park’s first predominantly black church 1998 Kathy Lamar, active in youth concerns and outgoing District 97 school board member 1999 Susan Bridge, superintendent and principal of Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 2000 Carl Swenson, Oak Park village manager 2001 Seymour Taxman, developer of the Shops of Downtown Oak Park, River Forest Town Centers I and II, Euclid Terraces, and the Mews 2002 Nile Wendorf and Mila Tellez, community activists 2003 Robert Milstein, a rare trustee on the Oak Park village board who was not a member of the Village Manager Association party 2004 John Schiess and Alex Troyanovsky, architect and developer, respectively, on numerous projects in Oak Park 2005 Citizens for Change, group
of nine who helped shift power to a new political organization 2006 Ali ElSaffar, Oak Park Township assessor 2007 David Pope, village president, and Tom Barwin, village manager 2008 Gary Balling, park district executive director 2009 Mike Kelly, head of Park National Bank 2010 OPRF Citizens Council, fighting substance abuse 2011 Peter Traczyk, District 97 board president 2012 Collaboration for Early Childhood Care and Education 2013 Anan Abu-Taleb, Oak Park president 2014 John Phelan, D200 board president 2015 Cara Pavlicek, Oak Park village manager 2016 Monica Sheehan, community activist 2017 Anthony Clark, founder of Suburban Unity Alliance, OPRF teacher 2018 Jackie Moore, D200 board president 2019 Dr. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams, D200 superintendent
River Forest 2005 Frank Paris, River Forest
village president 2006 Charles “Chuck” Biondo, River Forest village administrator 2007 Steve Hoke, River Forest village trustee 2008 Frank Paris, River Forest village president, and Steve Hoke, River Forest village trustee 2009 Frank Limon, River Forest chief of police 2010 John Rigas, River Forest village president 2011 John Rigas, River Forest village president 2012 Al Popowits, citizen activist 2013 Catherine Adduci, River Forest president 2014 John Phelan, D200 board president 2015 Kristin Carlson Vogen, Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation president 2016 Dave Franek, former chair Historic Preservation Commission 2017 Donna Carroll, president of Dominican University 2018 Dr. Edward Condon, superintendent for River Forest School D90 2019 Dr. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams, D200 superintendent
ership in 2020 Beyond Hunger shifted its in-person shopping experience to a drive-thru/walk-up model designed to mitigate health risks while still getting healthy of the food into the hands of people who YEAR needed it most. Additionally, Beyond Hunger tripled the size of its home delivery program dedicated to providing food to people who could not otherwise get to the pantry. Creative thinking in the face of increasing need led to a collaboration with Oak Park Township. The expansion of Beyond Hunger’s delivery program was hampered by driving needs, but the township allowed the pantry to utilize its vehicles and drivers to deliver food to those in need. “Our staff and volunteers were willing to do whatever it took to make a difference in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19,” said Zurakowski. “I see this honor as a reflection of the incredible effort my team has put forth.” Though Beyond Hunger anticipates an avalanche of need in 2021, Zurakowski remains confident the community will continue to rally around people facing food insecurity.
OAK PARK & RIVER FOREST 2020 VILLAGERS
Melissa Elsmo, Oak Park Eats
Helen Kwan
Rousing neighbors to help seniors When the COVID-19 pandemic forced shut-downs in March, River Forest resident Helen Kwan’s immediate concern was the older residents in town and how they would be impacted. Would they be able to get groceries? What about prescriptions? How would they stay safe? “We need to think about the seniors,” was her first thought, and she talked to village President Cathy Adduci about how to ensure everyone’s needs were being met. Kwan, who has a master’s degree in geriatric social work and has participated in lobbying and advocacy in the healthcare arena, formed the River Forest COVID-19 Senior Taskforce, which coordinated with River Forest Township senior services. She put out word to the seniors that services were available, and she put out a call for volunteers. With the help of over 125 residents, ranging in age from 16 to 80, Kwan and her team provided grocery shopping, prescription pick-up, and later other services, such as library-book pick-up and drop-off, for seniors in town. In the beginning of the pandemic, when masks were in short supply, Kwan started the River Forest Mask Brigade. The group made and distributed over 3,000 masks for the community, including vulnerable residents in and around town. Kwan’s task force met other needs too. When a large amount of hand sanitizer was donated, she put out the word that she was looking for containers to distribute it in smaller amounts. And people donated containers. For a while, there was a shortage of alcohol swabs for diabetics and other medical needs, and when she put out the call for some, people came through. “It was a difficult time, but also a wonderful time, to see how the community stepped up,” Kwan said. “It takes a village to take care of a village.”
Maria Maxham, Staff Reporter
Rob Parks and the Noble Army
Volunteers use 3D printers to make face shields Robert Parks was sitting at home watching WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight” when he saw a segment on an engineer who used a 3D printer to make face shields for first responders. Parks, who owned a 3D printer himself, found the design online, started to experiment and ran with it. Since then, Parks and a group of 45 locals who own 3D printers have created thousands of face shields for hospitals, nursing homes and first responders. They call themselves the “Noble Army” and, at one point, were receiving over 200 requests a day for their product. “I am so proud of this group and its determination,” said Parks back in May. “We are running it like a business and we want to keep this operation going. The public has come through so beautifully where we are now in the black again.” Outside of the Noble Army’s efforts creating face shields, Parks created a 37-page Google document containing all the information it takes to start an operation similar to his so other people with 3D printers can make shields. It included the costs for creating the product, how to organize a team and find institutions who were in need of face shields. In a time when resources were scarce and first responders needed someone to look out for them, Parks and his army of 45 people were there to answer the call.
James Kay, staff reporter
Ravi Parakkat
Creator of Takeout 25 Oak Park When Ravi Parakkat, current candidate for Oak Park village trustee, crunched the numbers to help local Oak Park restaurants survive the COVID winter on the horizon he was not sure his simple formula would resonate with residents. The Takeout 25 initiative, launched in mid-November, however, inspired thousands of residents to do their part to help local eateries. The movement compels residents to spend $25 per week on carryout fare in Oak Park and the surrounding communities. Despite a few growing pains and contentious posts, the Takeout 25 Oak Park Facebook page remains largely positive and solution oriented. The page boasts more than 6,000 members who share photos of takeout fare, ask for dinner recommendations, and interact with restaurant owners. Restaurant owners have made it clear the Takeout 25 Oak Park initiative is making a difference — some establishments have been able to rehire furloughed employees while others have created special offers and discounts specifically geared toward the Takeout 25 community. Though Parakkat’s focus remains local, the Takeout 25 model is now being replicated on a national scale with similar efforts popping up from
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM California to New York. “This is totally unexpected, and I thank the WJ for this honor,” said Parakkat, “I accept this on behalf of the Takeout 25 core team and would like to dedicate this to our community which quickly rallied to support our local restaurants while inspiring other communities across America to do the same.”
Melissa Elsmo, Oak Park Eats
Colleen McNichols
Farmers Market plowed new ground in COVID year Once farmers markets were deemed essential in Illinois, Colleen McNichols, Oak Park Farmers Market manager, went to work with a team of village officials including Cameron Davis, Mindy Agnew, Cara Pavlicek, and Mike Charley to create a COVID compliant market. “In a year when nourishment was never so needed, it was my pleasure to help this team effort to support market vendors, some of whom are fifth generation farmers,” said McNichols. “We never could have pulled this off without the existing village infrastructure.” McNichols and her team of staff, volunteers, commissioners, and farmers, relocated the market over three continuous blocks to allow for proper social distancing. The market hosted 27 vendors and a single point of entrance at Lake and Scoville. Over 23 weeks, the market welcomed 60,000 inperson shoppers. More than 50 volunteers made the market a success
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in its 45th season. Commissioners Rachel Hash and tirely to COVID-19, instead of taking over other OAK PARK & popular citizen groups on Facebook. The pubRobin Schirmer donated 300 hours of their time to execute the first ever virtual market designed to RIVER FOREST lic status of the group allows each member the ability to post virus data and share articles, reach individuals most at risk for COVID-19 com2020 with Vanderberg and another member moderplications. VILLAGERS of the ating. The virtual market sold over $127,723 in local YEAR “I was hoping to form a community and disproducts with farmers and volunteers filling 2,300 seminate information that would make our loorders for nearly 500 shoppers. Additionally, under McNichol’s leadership the modified Oak Park Farmers Mar- cal community move faster.” The purpose of the group has shifted ket completed more than $14,000 in LINK sales, donated 920 pounds of perishable food to Beyond Hunger, and composted with time. The group is now more about information-sharing 690 pounds of market waste. “Having finished this challenging season intact, it is clear rather than support, accordthat villagers will never allow this market to fail,” said Mc- ing to Vanderberg. Periodically debates spark within Nichols. Melissa Elsmo, Oak Park Eats the group, such as whether or not schools should return to in-person learning and at what level. “Those sorts of debates really reveal some pretty wide divisions,” he said. Vanderberg believes the group has Josh Vanderberg received the most “Villager of the Year” become “a little bit more pragmatic” about what can be feanominations by readers in 2020 for starting the “Oak Park sibly accomplished regarding the pandemic. Coronavirus Citizen Response” Facebook group. Since the “We’ve learned over time that there’s only so much the group’s March 11 creation, it has amassed over 4,000 mem- government can do to keep us safe.” bers. Stacey Sheridan “I did not expect it to get that big,” said Vanderberg, who decided to create the group to foster fact-based discussions about the COVID-19 response efforts in Oak Park with the goal of establishing more protective health measures quickly. “The original purpose of the group was really focusing on getting the local government and our government entities to take the pandemic seriously,” said Vanderberg. It has been a tough year for business, especially small busiHe also wanted a central, virtual location dedicated en- nesses. That’s what has been on the mind of Liz Holt, execu-
Josh Vanderberg
Getting government to take the virus seriously
Liz Holt
Advocating for small business during COVID
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
tive director of the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce. The chamber has worked during the COVID-19 pandemic to expand services to the business community, albeit services that look for different than in the past. “My business is to look after other businesses,” she said. Holt helped the chamber pivot operations from in-person gatherings to events held virtually or outdoors with attendees safely distanced. The chamber increased communication with businesses to circulate important information regarding COVID-19, as well as ramped up advocacy efforts in Oak Park and River Forest. “Making sure that businesses had a voice at the table became one of our most paramount things for the year,” said Holt. “And I think we’re most proud of that.” A direct result of the chamber’s advocacy was the creation of the village of Oak Park’s business recovery taskforce which includes chamber members, village trustees, businessowners and the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation. Through public comments, the chamber provided to the Oak Park village board itemized and comprehensive support requests from the business community, including marketing plans and protection guidelines. In River Forest, village government has begun greater efforts to promote local businesses in newsletters and on their website. “They’re thinking more about what it means to be supporting their businesses and that is one good thing that has come out of COVID for River Forest,” said Holt. Holt called 2020 the most challenging year of her career. “I just really do feel an incredible responsibility to the people that I serve.”
Stacey Sheridan, Staff Reporter
Anthony Svejda
Keeps kids marching, remotely, at OPRF While many in education have gone the extra mile during the pandemic, performing arts teachers at Oak Park and River Forest High School have really stood out. Anthony Svejda, director of bands, is one of those teachers, and by doing what he loves, has created positive, memorable experiences for students in music. This summer, he carefully researched how to safely assemble 100-plus musicians for a modified fall Marching Band season outside on the grounds of OPRF. With the support of Patrick Pearson (orchestra teacher) and Drew Fredrickson (band/choir teacher) the group met twice a week and created a video performance, edited by Fredrickson. The fall semester work of curricular bands, orchestras and choirs, which includes some 400 students, culminated in the complex editing of individual student recordings (with the aid of an outside editor along with the teachers) into a virtual performance – the annual Prisms of Winter concert. To get there, motivating students and helping them work through the many variables of home life were among the biggest challenges,
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM Svejda said, who is an Oak Park resident and has taught music at OPRF OAK PARK & for 16 years. Svejda’s humorous stoRIVER FOREST ries told in class are legendary and 2020 he’s not beyond wearing something VILLAGERS funny to lighten the mood. He and of the Fredrickson took microphones and YEAR used those to engage students in a podcast-style class, too. While Svedja brought the idea of Prisms of Winter to OPRF nine years ago in answer to low attendance at concerts, the 2020 concert was a collaboration of the high school’s music department – Meredith McGuire (choir), Svejda, Pearson and Fredrickson. Since its inception, audiences have grown so much that a second night was necessary as shows were regularly selling out. Besides teaching three curricular bands and Jazz Ensemble that meets daily before period 1, Svejda also has kept extra curriculars going – Jazz Band II and Pep Band, which is working on a promotional album in lieu of playing at basketball games.
Michelle Dybal, Arts Editor
Dominique Hickman
Bringing emotional healing to young women of color Since March, Oak Park students have been learning remotely from home — a reality that has widened the gap between Oak Park’s haves and have-nots. Remote learning, in particular, has complicated the lives of the village’s low-income, disabled and minority students — which is where Dominique Hickman comes in. Hickman founded Girls on the Rise while she was a youth interventionist with Oak Park Township. Since then, the organization has become a formal program within the township and Hickman was named Girls on the Rise supervisor for Oak Park and River Forest Township Youth Services. Since Hickman founded it in 2017, Girls on the Rise has grown from an after-school group that focuses on helping Black and Brown girls develop their social and emotional skills, to a curriculum that’s embedded during the day at both Brooks and Julian middle schools. Last school year, Hickman said, she helped up to 60 Black and Brown girls navigate the drastic changes that the pandemic forced on their lives. The girls can log into a Zoom session with her, “get a snack, put their feet up, chill and just relate to each other,” she said. “I truly believe that for these girls, especially girls of color, the school environment has to be healing in order for them to learn,” Hickman said. Michael Romain, Staff Reporter
Rev. George Omwando
Keeping the parish running with short staff While helping others in need during the pandemic, Rev. George Omwando has almost singlehandedly kept St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy Parish running during 2020. The already small staff was reduced last year, after a staff member died, a musician departed, and Omwando’s associate pastor retired. With parishes consolidating, he feared
if he hired replacements, they might end up losing their jobs. “It is not right to hire a person if in one year he could lose his job,” said Omwando. In addition to taking on the responsibilities handled by staff, he has been navigating guidelines, streaming services online and working with banks to secure loans. He’s been counseling overwhelmed parishioners, who have reached out more frequently than before the pandemic. And he still finds time to help neighbors, allowing people to use the church’s address to have food delivered when their own homes are outside a restaurant’s delivery area. “As long as they tell me in advance. Otherwise, if they deliver the food and I’m hungry, I’m going to eat it,” Omwando said with a smile. He has dipped into the rectory’s food supply to feed hungry neighbors in Austin. However, he had to make some difficult decisions in the name of safety, such as limiting the number of people who can attend funerals, which he finds not easy to do. “I’ve made a lot of decisions that were not popular, but in the long run, these decisions are good.”
Stacey Sheridan
Lynda Schueler
Leading Housing Forward in new directions Housing Forward, under the leadership of Executive Director Lynda Schueler, has had to pivot hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with determination and passion, Schueler has redefined the way the nonprofit helps its clients. The overnight shelter model simply wasn’t going to work during the pandemic, so Housing Forward found empty hotel rooms in Oak Park and neighboring areas for its clients. That, in turn, led to a change in the way the organization provides services. “Hotel room space provided so many solutions,” said Schueler. “Our population is already traumatized by being homeless. The hotel rooms offer our clients their own feeling of stability. It allows them to really focus on their goals. They have a place to keep their belongings and not have to stuff them behind bushes. It allows them and us to see beyond their immediate crisis.” This new model, heavily underwritten with federal dollars from the CARES Act and much of it funneled through the village of Oak Park, resulted in the bold step of Housing Forward signing a one-year lease for all the rooms at the pandemic-shuttered Write Inn on Oak Park Avenue. “It’s a huge, huge deal,” said Schueler. And it was reinforced in August when the Housing Forward board voted to adopt the 24/7 interim housing model as its principal means of housing the homeless. “This year we have learned a lot. Like wow. A lot,” she said. “What we are doing is really making a difference.”
Maria Maxham
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
13
Boy maps lights in Oak Park So Oak Parkers can go walkin’ in a winter wonderland By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Disappointed his family missed out on seeing the Morton Arboretum’s annual Illuminations holiday light display, 10-year-old Jack Carroll took it upon himself to map out all the Christmas decorations in Oak Park. With help from dad Chris and twin brother Xander, the explorers spent hours driving around the village almost every night for two weeks to document festive neighborhoods. On their first outing, it took them about an hour to do half a mile. “We had this really bad picture map of Oak Park,” said Carroll. “I was sitting in the backseat of the car and my dad and brother were yelling out what side of the street to put dots on the map.” To make things more efficient, they streamlined their operations by calculating the percentage of decorated homes per block instead of going house by house. Carroll also recruited some friends to conquer other Oak Park neighborhoods. Carroll’s uncle then put the data into a color-coded map. “We didn’t want to go around and only find the best houses,” said Chris Carroll. “Just by putting up some lights, we wanted to applaud that effort.” Some blocks did outdo others with festive décor.
Carroll’s particular favorite is 200 South Clinton. “At almost every house, besides a few apartments, there was a pink flamingo somewhere in their holiday lights,” said Carroll, who plans to make another holiday map next year. When the cartography expedition and the map was completed, Carroll printed copies of it to share with his friends. With his dad’s help, Carroll wrote an email to Wednesday Journal in the hopes that readers would use the map to seek out the holiday lights themselves.
Jack, left, and Xander Carroll and their map
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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SERVING OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST SINCE 1976
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
NEED TO REACH US?
oakpark.com/real-estate email: buphues@wjinc.com
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Homes
Once a challenge, now an opportunity
River Forest manse back on the market for second time By LACEY SIKORA
W
Contributing Reporter
hen 914 Ashland Ave. was listed for sale in 2017, it was one of the priciest listings in River Forest, asking $3.2 million. The 1919-era Italian Renaissance estate sat on the market for almost two years before selling for $1.6 million in April 2019. At the time neighboring homes at 926 and 924 Ashland Ave. -- newly constructed homes built on the site of the former Mars Mansion -- were also sold at steep discounts from their original asking prices of $3.6 million each. The home at 926 Ashland Ave. sold for $1.944 million in June 2019, while 924 Ashland Ave. sold for $2 million in August 2019. The word on the street was that there wasn’t strong interest from buyers in large estates with large tax bills and lots of upkeep and maintenance. Fast forward a few years, and the story has changed. The pandemic has created high demand for large suburban homes with plenty of space for working from home and playing at home. Once again on the market, 914 Ashland Ave. offers an interesting glimpse into the changing market in River Forest. When it was listed in 2016, real estate agent Bob Swindahl was quoted as saying the home would require a significant financial investment for rehabilitation as the home was last updated in the 1980s. The tax bill on the house was roughly $51,000, another deterrent to its sale. After buying the house for $1.6 million in 2019, the new owners began a large-scale renovation of the home, gutting the more than 10,000-square-foot residence. Over a year later, the mechanical systems had all been updated, but the finishes, including lighting, plumbing and a kitchen, were missing when they buyers listed the house for sale for $1.8 million in early December 2020. The house was under contact within two weeks. Julie Hennessy of D’Aprile Properties, who listed the property, says of the home, “The space is raw. There’s nothing in there, but it’s going to be amazing.” Selling a home in an unfinished state presents some challenges, according to Hennessy. In general buyers prefer a movein ready home, especially at higher price points.
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
PROJECT: The present owners of 914 Ashland Ave. in River Forest (above) started an ambitious gut-rehab after buying the home in 2019. It’ll be up to new owners to complete the job. Hennessy says that it takes a certain kind of buyer to want to take on a major project. In addition, she notes that securing financing for a home in an unfinished state can be difficult. The absence of a kitchen and bathrooms presents a roadblock. “What kind of appraisal are you going to get? There are no guidelines for a house like this,” Hennessy said. “It’s not habitable, which is a big issue for banks. A cash buyer here makes the most sense.” Colleen Saleh, who with her husband Phil, has rehabilitated homes throughout River Forest through their company River Forest Development Group, notes that the blank slate of a gutted home with update mechanicals can be enticing to the right buyer. “You need to start with a design,” said Saleh. “What’s so great about this is it’s a shell. You can do anything here.” Built in the Italian Renaissance style in 1919 and located on a large corner lot, the house is surrounded by lush grounds and includes a semicircular driveway. The 2019 buyers sought to retain the home’s original attributes when possible.
“Their goal was to preserve as much as possible but to modernize the home,” Hennessy said. The grand front staircase rises above a spacious entry. A landing is flanked by window seats and includes access to a front balcony. A sun porch with heated stone floors and coffered ceilings makes a great bonus living space overlooking the back yard. The gutted kitchen includes room for an 11-foot island, and the rear of the house was reconfigured to include a new powder room and mudroom with garage access. The rooms of the second floor have been reconfigured and roughed in to accommodate a family. The primary suite includes a spacious bathroom with plans for a double entrance shower, a soaking tub, a sauna and his and hers closets. The second bedroom has a separate sitting room and an en suite bathroom roughed in, as does the third bedroom. The fourth bedroom also includes an en suite bathroom. The second floor includes a space for one of two laundry rooms in the home. The attic, formerly nanny quarters, is
ready to be bonus living space with a workfrom-home office with a full bathroom, stackable washer and dryer, and a guest suite with another full bathroom. The basement includes a recreation room with a fireplace, and an original safe and refrigerator in the storage areas. Saleh estimates that, in general, it can cost around $800,000 to $1 million to gut-rehab a house of this size and says that in its current state, midway through a remodel, a buyer might spend $600,000 to $700,000 to finish this home. Hennessy, who grew up in River Forest, says she was flooded with requests for showings. “There’s no inventory in River Forest, and this house is so well-known to people who live here and grew up here,” Hennessy said. “There’s a lot of interest.” A River Forest native herself, Saleh thought the house would sell quickly. “It’s a great location,” she said. “This has always been one of the premier locations in River Forest. The beautiful landscaping always drew people to the home.”
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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Public Notice SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
Sunday, January 10 ADDRESS
LISTING PRICE
TIME
419 Randolph St, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .615,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2 940 Bonnie Brae, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,139,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
ADDRESS CONDOS
OFFICE
OFFICE
LISTING PRICE
TIME
424 Park Ave., Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 210 S. Lombard Ave. UNIT B, Oak Park . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$224,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 424 Park Ave., Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
TOWNHOMES
River Forest School District 90
ADDRESS
OFFICE
LISTING PRICE
TIME
934 Madison St. Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 624,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
On Thursday, January 14, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., a meeting conducted by River Forest School District 90 will take place via Zoom teleconference. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who are homeschooled within the district for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are the parent of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of River Forest School District 90, you
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16
I N
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
M E M O R I A M
Adieu We bid farewell to a few of the many who left us in 2020: ■ Kathleen Callahan, 93, founding member of Alcuin Montessori ■ Alan Amato, 68, longtime member of Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association, instrumental in passing Oak Park’s landmark domestic partnership registry ■ Bob Dugal, 58, longtime disability rights advocate who was visible all around town in his motorized wheelchair ■ Tom Johnson, 69, & Leslie Ann Jones, 67, partners in the law firm they founded and in life, supporters of the arts and social justice, found murdered in their home. The case is still under investigation. ■ Barbara Mullarkey, 84, former Wednesday Journal columnist and longtime health advocate who successfully campaigned against the use of pesticides in local parks ■ Frank Muriello, 92, longtime director of the Oak Park Residence Corporation, which restored and managed blighted multifamily buildings, former village trustee, architect of the village’s highly touted Equity Assurance Program ■ Barry Greenwald, 82, former District 200 school board member, VMA activist, crisis interventionist ■ Shirley Davis Reid, 82, longtime Longfellow School second-grade teacher ■ Gloria Garofalo, 76, longtime volunteer for the Wright Preservation Trust and other local organizations ■ Marge Gockel, 86, co-founder of Oak Park Farmers Market ■ John Hubbuch, 71, longtime Wednesday Journal columnist, attorney, YMCA board member, District 97 school board member, OPRF Huskie Booster Club president ■ Louise Varnes, 84, force behind the scenes at the Oak Park Regional Housing Center for 45 years
KATHLEEN CALLAHAN
ALAN AMATO
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LESLIE ANN JONES
GLORIA GAROFALO
MARGE GOCKEL
JOHN HUBBUCH
LOUISE VARNES
SHELDON LIEBMAN
BARRY GREENWALD
VIRGINIA CASSIN
SR. MICHELLE GERMANSON
JOANNE TRAPANI
REV. THOMAS DORE
■ Sheldon Liebman, 79, reform-minded District 97 school board member, university professor, chair of the Humanities Dept. at Wright Jr. College ■ Virginia Cassin, 96, first female village clerk, longtime chair of the Hemingway Foundation, early activist in Oak Park’s integration efforts
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■ Sister Michelle Germanson, 76, president of Trinity High School, 1992-2018 ■ Joanne Trapani, 71, former Oak Park village trustee and village president, 1997-2005, first openly lesbian member of the Oak Park Village Board ■ Rev. Thomas Dore, 85, St. Giles pastor emeritus
Thank You for helping us keep our doors open!
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
VIEWPOINTS
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com
17
Wrestling with dementia p. 19
Co-creating the ‘new normal’ We’re trying to get through this with a vaccine without truly exploring our soul.
W
Mike Osterholm
e have to take off our shoes and socks and walk in the dirt of 2020. Dig into it with our toes. Feel it give a bit under our feet. You want to go back to normal? It was “normal” that got us where we are. Recently, Ed Yong wrote in The Atlantic, “As we get vaccinated, we have to decide whether to remember the people who sacrificed to keep stores open and hospitals afloat, the president who lied to us throughout 2020, and consigned our people to disaster, the families still grieving, the long-haulers still suffering, the weaknesses of the old normal, and the costs of reaching the new one.” The old normal was very different depending on where we were standing. Some of us had the luxury of intolerable tolerance. Looking but not seeing, or seeing but not feeling. Those of us with resources at our disposal have weathered the past year quite differently than those of us without. But what else is new? Will this be part of the new normal? AARP recently noted that residents of long-term-care facilities constitute less than 1 percent of the U.S. population, yet 43 percent of all COVID-19 deaths through June of last year occurred in those places, and the number has changed little since. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of Nov. 30, compared to white, non-Hispanic persons, the death rate for Native Americans is 2.6 times higher, and the death rates for Black and Latinx persons is 2.8 times higher. Will this outrageous ageism and racism be part of a new normal? If so, it won’t be so “new” after all. On this brink of a new year, to borrow from Ben Lerner, what usually feels like the only possible world is actually one among many. Even though this can always be our individual opportunity, at this moment we have a collective opportunity. No matter our age, each of us can find our own way to leave a better world to the next generations. In our last third, however, the balance shifts. Now we join with the next generations, sharing our experience, our resilience, our spirit and, perhaps, our wisdom. Intergenerational is key. We become less the doers and more the “be-ers”. This balance shift happens naturally, if we are aware and allow it to happen, if we don’t block it. How we get through this moment of opportunity is the operative question. Which reminds me of a quote from William May: “The question we need to ask about aging is how are we going to behave toward it, not what are we going to do about it.” These are words to remember as we co-create the new normal.
MARC BLESOFF
MICHAEL MADIGAN
EMANUEL “CHRIS” WELCH
Welch’s past shows he’s not to be trusted with Madigan investigation
M
ichael Madigan, who has ruled over Illinois politics with a combination of helping hand and iron fist for nearly half a century, is finally undergoing scrutiny that could end his career. After it became known that a federal indictment of top Commonwealth Edison officials for alleged bribery refers to Madigan as “Individual A,” the Illinois House formed a Special Investigating Committee to delve into his possible criminal conduct. Such formal scrutiny is long overdue. But similar scrutiny is also long overdue for Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside), who was appointed to lead that investigation. Welch has shown a willingness to play fast and loose with the truth. A dyed-in-the-wool practitioner of patronage and crony politics, he’s a natural born “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” politician. I’ve reported on Welch at length for two newspapers, and I don’t consider him an honest person. That’s an opinion backed up by a Cook County judge’s ruling, Welch’s own public admission, and a host of available evidence. Welch got his start in elective politics with key support from west-suburban power brokers, including Melrose Park Mayor Ron Serpico. Once he acquired power heading an elected board, Welch showed he was quite ready to help his friends and relished punishing his enemies. In 2004, a federal civil jury found Serpico liable for $1 million in punitive damages and the Proviso District 209 high school board liable for $140,000 in the firing of D209 janitor Gino Trombetta, who sued after being fired because of his political opposition to Serpico in Melrose Park. The school district had absolutely no legal obligation to pay Serpico’s settlement, since he was neither an elected D209 official or employee. But as D209 board president, Welch forced through a $1 million taxpayer-funded payment of his political patron’s financial obligation. A couple of years later, Welch launched a political website, Proviso Insider, which he used to attack — anonymously — political enemies and people critical of his
poor management of D209’s financial and educational affairs. It was pretty juvenile stuff, not befitting anyone who wanted to be taken seriously. His bullying worked until he made the mistake of smearing a couple of attorneys who did legal work for the school district. When the D209 board fired Burt Oldelson and Mark Sterk in 2007 over disputed legal fees, Welch turned on them. Referring to a federal investigation into another school board and a board member who was also a Melrose Park police officer, Welch suggested Mark Sterk had advised the cop on how to lie to a grand jury. “Are Burt Odelson and Mark Sterk crooks?” he asked. “Will they be indicted next?” Odelson and Sterk filed a libel/slander suit, and Welch lied about his involvement — until a forensic exam traced Welch’s posts back to a computer at his law firm. Welch managed to get the D209 board to pay some $44,000 of his legal bills, and almost managed to ram through a $400,000 settlement payment from taxpayers, until a state-appointed financial oversight board (put in place because Welch had so utterly mismanaged the district’s finances) vetoed the payment. As part of the eventual settlement he was forced to pay, Welch posted the following retraction on the Proviso Insider website: “The Subject Statements made on the Proviso Insider on July 12, 2007, July 19, 2007, August 27, 2007, and December 15, 2007 regarding Burton S. Odelson, Mark H. Sterk and Odelson & Sterk, Ltd. are hereby unconditionally and unequivocally retracted and the Proviso Insider regrets the publication of those statements on the blog which were made without factual basis.” If ever there is a biography of Welch, “Without Factual Basis” would be an apt title. Is this the sort of lawyer Democratic House leadership believes is fit to conduct an investigation into the Speaker of the Illinois House? Perhaps it’s time to hold more than just Madigan to account.
BILL DWYER One View
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
O U R
S
V I E W P O I N T S
V I E W S
Eat up. This is the moment
o, you’re done with all your giddy holiday celebrations. Wait, they weren’t that giddy? OK, but we’re betting some part of your COVID stay-at-home party involved pick-up or delivery of food from one of the great and struggling restaurants that make Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park (and the adjacent burbs in Galewood, Elmwood Park and Berwyn) so great. That was then. This is now. It is January. Short, cold days. Holiday bills to pay. Maybe a few pounds to shed. Right. Like that will happen. But this is the moment our restaurateurs have most feared. Post-holiday. Too cold for outside dining. And way too COVID-infested for indoor dining. Our conscious choice to keep ordering take-out over the next eight weeks will determine if we have a vibrant restaurant community by the time early, early spring arrives. Or, if we have let this great and happy part of our lives vanish, storefront by storefront. We are boosters of the TakeOut25 Oak Park movement. With 6,000 Facebook followers and an active, chatty and supportive community growing up in support of local dining, there is something powerful underway. This is the make or break moment. Tonight. This week. This weekend. Order in. Save our restaurants. Save the jobs of the waitstaff we all know and value. Save the flavor of these villages. And then do it again next week.
Byline leads the way It is a fine thing when great PR and a greater good line up perfectly. That was certainly the case in December when Byline Bank, still new to the area after its purchase of Community Bank, spent $15,000 on gift cards from local restaurants in our three villages. This was both real money for independent local eateries but also a great affirmation of the value they hold in these towns. For Susie Goldschmidt, the local area manager for Byline and, in her past, a restaurateur in Forest Park, to walk into 68 local spots and spend real cash was fabulous and powerful. Readers, see the editorial above to figure out what your next step needs to be.
Oak Park’s worthy spine Good for Oak Park’s village government for its 24-hour closure of Cigar Oasis, a North Avenue retailer and gathering spot, after the establishment refused to adhere to the state’s COVID-19 restrictions. According to village officials who have been watching activity at Cigar Oasis for some time, the business was allowing too many people into the retail space and it was allowing them to congregate without masks or social distancing in the lounge portion of the space. As we watch communities around Oak Park give up on enforcement of indoor dining and gathering restrictions, we commend village government for working to protect the health of its residents by taking this deadly disease seriously. Sure, everyone has “COVID fatigue.” Tough. Sure, we all feel for our local restaurants and bars. This is miserable and, for some, will be impossible to survive. But at least we are not in the hospital, on a ventilator, or dead. Government is made for these moments. Enforcement is reasonable and appreciated. Good for Oak Park.
W
Where ‘Me’ meets ‘We,’ a better country awaits
ith the Republicans’ last-gasp, illegal effort to overturn the presidential election, scheduled to fail today (Jan. 6), I thought it would be a good time (two weeks from a new administration) to revisit the “Seven Social Sins,” attributed to Mahatma Gandhi (which someone retitled, “Things That Will Destroy Us”): ■ Politics without principle ■ Pleasure without conscience ■ Wealth without work ■ Knowledge without character ■ Business without morality ■ Science without humanity ■ Religion without sacrifice “Politics without principle” certainly applies to the Republican Party, particularly in the Trump era, as does “Knowledge without character.” And the G.O.P. is dedicated to representing the interests of “Business without morality.” Gandhi’s grandson, Arun, later added an eighth sin: ■ Rights without responsibility. Sound familiar? I’ve mentioned it many times before, usually directed toward gun rights advocates, who are extremely zealous about guarding their rights but repelled by any suggestion they should accept the responsibilities that inescapably accompany those rights. Lately, I have begun to see “rights without responsibility” as the de facto motto of the Republican Party. We saw it with Mitch McConnell and the Republican Senate majority, irresponsibly refusing to allow a vote on President Barack Obama’s legitimate Supreme Court nomination nine months before the 2016 election, claiming it was too close, then doing an about-face and rushing through President Trump’s nomination just weeks before the 2020 election. Politics without principle, to be sure. We saw it in the Republicans’ four-year fealty to Donald Trump, even when he committed impeachable offenses, enabling him to get away with it. Failing to do their job of holding the president accountable is, to say the least, not responsible. We saw it in the Republicans and their base refusing to wear face masks and socially distance, claiming the “right” to resist people telling them what to do, even though it sickened and killed neighbors and loved ones in the form of spiking infections across the country. Refusing to cooperate during a pandemic is definitely not responsible. And we see it today in the Republicans’ lastditch effort to overturn a free and fair election, claiming the right to object to a vote they allege was riddled with fraud. But objecting without evidence is a right without responsibility. As the courts have ruled 60 times (often with Republican-appointed judges), no credible evidence has been presented on which to base their claims.
Rights without responsibility are not rights at all, merely an attempt to get away with whatever you can — Donald Trump’s philosophy of life, and now the Republican Party’s philosophy of governance. No surprise. The Republican Party has been the party of “Me” over “We” since 1980. The cult of personality began with Ronald Reagan and wildly accelerated with Donald Trump. The G.O.P. is the party of rugged independence. Democrats are the party of collaborative interdependence. The “Me” Party vs. the “We” Party. That’s a simplification, of course; there are exceptions on both sides. But in general, individualism is a higher priority for Republicans, whereas the community is generally more important to Democrats. Those two strains have maintained uneasy co-existence throughout this country’s history. Ideally, government protects and promotes the dignity of the individual and, at the same time, promotes and protects the common good. When the two exist in creative tension, the country is well served. When one side excludes the other, you have culture war. That’s where we are today and have been for 40 years — competition over collaboration. “We” is accused of being “SOCIALISM!!!!!” by the Republicans, while “Me” is guilty of “Unprincipled Narcissism” to the less shrill Democrats. If the Republicans won yesterday’s two senate runoff elections (we may not know the results for a few days), the reason will be that the Republican candidates succeeded in making voters in Georgia fear the specter of “We” dominating “Me.” If the Democrats won, it could mean we’re moving toward a better balance. Maybe. We still have a long way to go. The pandemic, however, proved to many Americans the need for a government that doesn’t treat “We” with contempt. In the presidential election, 80 million-plus voted for “We.” Seventy million-plus voted for “Me”. The stakes are higher than you might think. If we can’t bring “Me” and “We” into a functioning relationship, this country will continue its steep decline on many fronts. Infrastructure, public health, climate, education, economic and racial inequality, and on and on. Extreme “Me” leads inevitably to authoritarianism. Because we prevailed in the Cold War against the extreme collectivism of the Soviet Union, many Americans still have an unreasonable fear of “We”. And thanks to the antics of Trump and his enablers, 70 million-plus Americans now believe the election was stolen. I wish I knew what it would take to reach these lost souls, stuck in their separate reality, but I don’t. I’m hoping Joe Biden can work that miracle. The challenge is to move us back toward balance, where “Me” meets “We,” where rights meet responsibility. Where we can create a better country for all.
KEN
TRAINOR
V I E W P O I N T S A G I N G
W E D N E S D A Y
D I S G R A C E F U L L Y
To these I drink tonight The fog comes in on little cat feet …
Carl Sandburg
There are things that will never change, things we will carry along with us always. But as we venture into the murky future, we must find our strength by learning to leave things behind.
Brigid Gorry-Hines
IRA — but I dread doing my very simple taxes. I live in subsidized housing. The annual rent documents reduce me to tears, but I’ve lined up help for next year. In terms of other help and support, Oak Park Township and some other agencies had a large meeting several months ago, and decided to become Dementia Friendly. I’m not aware of anything new. I did note that someone talked about having colored armbands for people with dementia who are out and about. Holy Mother of Nazi Germany! I guess the intention was that the person with dementia would get help crossing the street or whatever. The township has a few activities, but I’m not sure they fit my needs. My understanding is that when I qualify for dementia help, the helper will be chosen from the same pool of people who help with housework. Which might be fine. Or not. The Wabi Sabi film festival, hosted by Marc Blesoff, has interesting movies about the accomplishments of older people and the audience seems to like them. All by myself, I’ve reached this conclusion: There are two important things you need with this condition — plenty of money and a devoted, loving and patient partner. I guess that’s true of any disease, particularly a wasting disease. I really like the following words on the subject, by, of all people, Charles Bukowski:
MARY KAY O’GRADY
I have been diagnosed with dementia. And it stinks. And it will only get worse. I’m writing this because, well, I write, and also because you might not realize my condition right away if you know me (maybe you would and I’m kidding myself). Also, there are probably a lot of older people out there like me and maybe this will help a little. Memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s, runs in my family, so I’ve been pretty serious over the years about checking myself out. I had my first work-up at Northwestern more than 10 years ago after one of my sisters died of Alzheimer’s at age 80. I was fine. I’m 80 now and I’m not fine. I switched to Rush because they have what they call an Alzheimer’s Center, and about two years ago, my test scores started going down. Recently I had what to me was a shocking lapse on a follow-up memory test. The doc and I sort of tacitly agreed not to continue the whole test. My mother came from a huge family — about 10 siblings — and several of her sisters became senile. One of them, my Aunt Agnes, who was always smiling, didn’t come to my wedding because her daughter was sure Aunt Ag would burst into random song. Had I known what I know now, I would have insisted Aunt Ag come and sit in the front pew. I love to sing, but I quit my wondrous Sounds Good Choir when it went online. I was afraid it would be too hard. I’m going to try again in January and ask for all the help I need. Cross your fingers. Technology is my enemy. As I wrote this, I was pretty sure I could name all the members of the Supreme Court if you gave me enough time, though it would take longer than usual. On review, I found that I could picture most of them and could not name a single one, even the newest undercover from The Handmaid’s Tale. And yet … And yet … I’m still pretty good at Jeopardy. I’m a political junkie, but this is one of the few things I can’t blame on Trump. However, if I had all the aides he had, I’m certain I could have run this country during the last four years about 100% better than he did. Staying organized is difficult and getting worse, so I keep trying to simplify, simplify, simplify. I have a gadget I found on Amazon that allows me to wear my phone around my neck. I empty my purse every time I come home and fill it anew when I go out again. I try to carry as little as possible on my person — sort of like what men do. I hated the pile of papers and “stuff ” on my desk in my living room, so I’ve moved the pile to another room where I can’t see it as well and try to take one thing off the pile every day and deal with it. So far, so good. I can take care of my money, but I keep things very simple — a couple of credit cards, checking and an
You Get So Alone at Times That it Just Makes Sense there’s nothing to discuss there’s nothing to remember there’s nothing to forget it’s sad and it’s not sad seems the most sensible thing a person can do is sit with drink in hand as the walls wave their goodbye smiles
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
one comes through it all with a certain amount of efficiency and bravery then leaves some accept the possibility of God to help them get through others take it straight on and to these I drink tonight.
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan, Maria Maxham Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Arts Editor Michelle Dybal Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crow, Doug Deuchler, Linda Francis, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Mark Moroney, Javier Govea, Debbie Becker Business Manager Joyce Minich Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
Growing Community Media BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer
About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@ wjinc.com.
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H O W
T O
R E A C H
U S
ADDRESS 141 S Oak Park Ave., Oak ParkIL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-5248300 EMAIL Dan@OakPark.com ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com Wednesday Journal 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 $41 within Cook County and $51 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address corrections to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Il 60302. © 2021 Growing Community Media, NFP.
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
O
Ballot objections reveal inequity
ak Park resident Kevin Peppard has filed objections against the candidacies of Anthony Clark and Chibuike Enyia for Oak Park Village Trustee in the April 6 municipal election. Over the years, Mr. Peppard has filed numerous objections against various candidates for village
offices. However, in examining these current objections, we cannot understand them simply by comparing them to his past objections, or simply asking what Peppard’s motivation is. What we must ask now is how Mr. Peppard’s objections function in this moment. We have just passed through 2020, the year of twin pandemics — racial and viral — that entwine with one another through higher levels of impact and mortality inflicted on Black communities and other communities of color. In this moment, the objections of a white man to the only two Black men running for village trustee have a particular negative resonance. And as we delve deeper, we can see more problematic aspects to the charges Peppard is leveling. He is trying to get one Black man thrown off the ballot for alleged drug charges from over a decade ago, and another thrown off for residency issues stemming from his ownership of property in another municipality. Because of cultural conditions in this country, Black men are more likely to have faced drug charges than white men who took the same actions. Because of these conditions, white men have been allowed to amass generational wealth that Black men have not, so therefore residency may not show up the same for every group. We live in a country divided by race, so when we apply supposedly color-blind criteria like residency or criminal status, these criteria affect different racial groups differently. That is the issue at play in this case — the average Black resident of Oak Park is more likely to be affected by these issues than the average white resident. An electoral board consisting of the village president, the most senior village trustee, and the village clerk will hear these objections at a hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 6. It is the role of this board to decide whether the candidates can stay on the ballot. I do not know what facts will come out in these cases, and I cannot speak to how these officials will decide them. However, I will say that if Clark and Enyia are removed from the ballot, the village of Oak Park and the upcoming municipal election will be poorer for it. And we will have yet another example of how our laws and legal processes have disproportionately negative impacts on Black male residents of this village, this state, and this nation. Jim Schwartz is an Oak Park resident, an educator, and a blogger at Entwining.org.
JIM
SCHWARTZ One View
D O O P E R ’ S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
M E M O R I E S
Those cars of yesteryear
I
knew many cars during the years 1940-61. The first car my parents bought was a 1940 Hudson, which they kept until 1946. My mother did all the driving because my father quit in 1929 after he totaled his car when he hit some ice on Michigan Avenue and crashed into the bridge abutment. In 1946 my parents bought a Plymouth, but they sold it in 1948 because my mother— a tall woman — complained that she felt cramped behind the wheel. The Studebaker era came in 1948 and lasted 10 years. We had three Studebakers during that time, and I learned to drive the 1955 model. In 1958 an Oldsmobile was purchased, and I had my first mishap. I had opened the rear door to put a package in the back seat while the car was still in the garage. I forgot to close the rear door, and when I backed out of the garage, the rear door connected with the garage door frame, thus folding the car door. This mistake cost me weeks of the salary I earned that summer working at Cannon’s Book Store, but the Olds was repaired and stayed in the family until 1963. When I graduated from college in 1961, I bought a 1956 Chevrolet station wagon, which quickly turned out to be a lemon. I took the car back to the dealership, and the owner returned the $500 I had paid for it. It helped that I knew the owner’s son. I had saved money when I was in college, so I decided to buy a new car. I bought a 1961 Cutlass, but I had it for only a year. I would have owned it longer, but the mistake I made was letting my friend Roger drive it. He made a right turn on Chicago and Oak Park with the intent of heading south, but he hit the light pole on the corner head on and seriously damaged the radiator. The radiator was repaired, but it never worked well, so I sold the car and didn’t buy another one until 1967. My uncle Gene owned a 1939 Packard, which he drove until he went into the service in 1942, and during the war his wife drove this maroon, multi-passenger car. Gene divorced in 1947, but he kept the Packard and still had it when he came to live with us in 1949. He soon bought a 1949 Buick, but he kept it for only two years, because he felt the car was not functioning correctly. This was also true for the 1951 Lincoln, the 1954 Cadillac, the 1956 Pontiac, and the 1959 Oldsmobile, which was the last car he owned before his death in 1961. Gene was an ultra-perfectionist in everything he did, and if he believed that his new car was not perfect — even after working to correct the “imperfections” — he would get rid of it. I learned many things about cars by helping Gene, but I never became a car enthusiast, so I have been happy over the years to let my mechanic do the fixing.
JOHN
STANGER
It’s who you know — not that well
“I am here to say: it’s who you know.” This was the answer a business club speaker gave to the basic blueprint of job success: Is it what you know or who you know? I was a guest at the meeting. That was in another town, decades ago. A few days later a member asked me to join the club. I really was not interested, but I was curious. I named two popular ways of grouping people and asked if they were allowed in the business club. The reply was, “Oh, no, we have ways to keep them out.” Unfortunately, I remained politely silent. I had not yet been
trained to speak up and say, “Your exclusion is un-American.” Happily, that club now is inclusive. The August 2016 issue of Forbes magazine has an article titled, “To Get A Job, Use Your Weak Ties.” Basically, it is not close friends and recent co-workers who usually are the key to landing a new job. Instead, it is people you barely know or have not seen for a long time. My experience in getting jobs, even minimum-wage work, supports this idea. Also, I have seen this happen in many different businesses where they recruit through
their current employees. My interpretation is that people who have trouble finding jobs might want to consider widening their social circles and acquaintances by trying new things. I have unexpectedly gained good jobs through volunteer work and hobby groups. In February 2016, linkedin.com posted an article that supported the same job-finding idea with a fancier title: “New Survey Reveals 85% of All Jobs are Filled Via Networking.”
Robert Sullivan Oak Park
A letter to 2021
Dear 2021, I’m so glad you’re finally here. It’s like opening a fresh can of tennis balls. Pssst Vrrak! And the smell of brand-new fills the air. I hope you’re just as happy to spend a whole year with us Oak Parkers. I promise I will be different. For starters, I’m going to eat blueberries, nuts and broccoli because slim people do, and they always seem very smart. I also promise to: Get up from the couch after an hour of drooling over Netflix. Stop watching TV shows about people dying in gruesome ways. Walk 10,000 steps a day so I can wear a swimsuit come summer. Use small plates to make food portions look bigger. Smile at slow drivers who don’t use turn signals. Smile at fast drivers who scare the living bejabbers out of me. Carry a magnifying glass to scan labels for high fructose corn syrup. Trust that all dog owners pick up. Not be a gossip unless it’s really necessary to warn good people about bad people. Stop hating haters. Listen to bird song and be grateful for the early morning wake-up call. Enjoy loud children laughing and generally having loud fun. Not scowl at iPhone users who want everyone to hear their side of the story. Not be scared of mosquitos. Not take things personally even if it’s personal. Study neurons and change how my brain works. Remember how beautiful our planet is. Believe that every person has some good in them, even if it doesn’t seem like it. Believe a leopard can change its spots and become a small and perfectly formed tabby. Not get upset if the dishwasher is filled badly. Enjoy a snoring partner. Enjoy salad. I believe in you, 2021, and I promise to do my part to make you one of the best years of my whole entire life. Your biggest fan. P.S. I might just accept myself and enjoy life to the fullest.
Val Gee
Oak Park
Send letters Ken Trainor, Wednesday Journal
141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 E-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com Please include name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
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O B I T U A R I E S
Ruth Barker, 93
Devoted to church, family and friends Ruth Alberta Barker, 93, of River Forest, died early Christmas morning, 2020. Born on March 18, 1927 in West Suburban Hospital to Gustav and Albertina Litke, she was baptized at St. John Lutheran in Forest Park and attended elementary school there, as did her future husband, in the grade ahead of her. She graduated from Proviso East High School in 1945 and began secretarial work at Hines Veterans Hospital. Jim Sr. finally caught her eye in the choir loft, and they married at St. John on Feb. 3, 1951. They moved into a bungalow in Forest Park and started their family. The family moved to River Forest in 1964. Ruth was active in the St. John Altar Guild, sewing Chrismons for the church Christmas trees. She had a robust and loyal circle of friends too. The pinochle club was her “girls club.” She shared adventures on beaches, at Cubs’ field, and at each other’s homes. In her late 70s, she found a beautiful new church home at Grace Lutheran. She supported her church, her kids, her friends, her neighbors and her husband. Ruth is survived by James W. Barker, her husband of 69 years; her sons Lloyd (Mary Kay), and James Jr. (Suzanne); her daughter, Jane (Melinda Haag); her granddaughters Melissa Bobinski (Josh), Julie Lietz (Greg), and Anne Barker; her greatgranddaughters Kherington Bobinski and Lindsey Jo Bobinski; and many nieces and nephews, neighbors and friends to whom she extended her love and kindness over the years. Private services were held at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, followed by burial in Concordia Cemetery in Forest Park. In lieu of flowers, donations to Grace Lutheran Church (graceriverforest.org) are appreciated. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
Catherine Jacobs Campbell, 70 Artist who loved music
Catherine Ann Jacobs Campbell, 70, of River Forest, died on Dec. 18, 2020. Born on Feb. 21, 1950 to Howard and Margaret Jacobs, in Rapid City, South Dakota, she went to Immaculate Conception School until fourth grade. She graduated from Rapid City High School in 1968 and then from the University of South Dakota with a speech pathology degree. Marriage took her to Chi-
cago, where she lived for 43 years. She enjoyed music and was a wonderful artist. Catherine was preceded in death by her father. Survivors include her mother, Margaret; her brother, Jim Jacobs; a niece, Josie; and many cousins. She will be missed by many. Arrangements were handled by PetersonBassi Chapels.
and aunt and friend to many. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the future, at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of River Forest or the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
Lynn McAdam Hudson, 94
Joseph Parrilli, 66
West Sub volunteer, avid tennis player
Marillyn (“Lynn”) McAdam Hudson, 94, of River Forest, died on Dec. 26, 2020. Born in Chicago on Jan. 11, 1926, she moved as a toddler with her parents Claude and Ella, and brothers Jack and Bob Knuepfer to River Forest and became a lifetime resident. Growing up she was an accomplished dancer. She graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School, attended DePauw University, where she was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority, graduating in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was married to Bob McAdam in 1950 until his death in 1994, and was married to Burt Hudson from 1998 until he died in 2012. Dedicated to service and volunteering, she was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of River Forest, where she served as an Elder and a member of the Committee for Accessibility. For decades she volunteered at West Suburban Hospital and served two separate terms as president of the WSH Auxiliary. She was a den mother for Cub Scouts and troop leader for Girl Scouts, and was involved with the Infant Welfare Society and the Economy Shop, among others. She and her husband Bob were members of the Oak Park Country Club and the River Forest Tennis Club where she played tennis into her 80s. A part-time resident of Fontana, Wisconsin for 40 years, she enjoyed travel, was a bridge player extraordinaire, loved nature, wildlife and dogs, but she was most passionate about her family and her faith. Lynn was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert C. McAdam and R. Burton Hudson. She was the mother of Rob (Sandy), Scott (Veronika) and Carol; the grandmother of Melissa (Ryan) Orr, Amanda (Andy) Huntington, Scott (Brittany), Mike, Jessica, Jennifer and Tim (Emily); great-grandmother of Madelyn, Harper, Dawson, Parker, Beckham and Chase; grand-dog of Hunter; step-great grandmother of Blair and Wells;
Survived more than most
Joseph Christopher Parrilli, 66, formerly of Oak Park, died on Dec. 30, 2020, a victim of the current scourge afflicting the world. Born on Jan. 24, 1954, he was always positive and of earthy humor, in spite of the difficulties he encountered throughout his life. Despite contracting spinal meningitis in first grade, having a cerebral hemorrhage at age 24 (shortly before this photo was taken), and then suffering a serious blood infection following hip surgery, he maintained a remarkable mental attitude. His last 40-plus years were spent in a nursing/ rehabilitation home that, for most, would be a somber place. Instead he remained a positive force who helped many through those difficult times and was likewise a source of strength for staff serving the residents. Strong in his faith, he was a model of how to love life, regardless of the obstacles or barriers encountered. It took little to satisfy Joe’s needs — visits from family members met with exuberant reactions, and a penchant for conquering various forms of word games and puzzles. He will be missed by his siblings, Dan, Michael, Elise and Allegra, who are proud of what he accomplished in his life and were always proud to call him brother. But he will
also be missed by the residents and friends he accumulated over the years at the nursing home, and the many he encountered through his church affiliation and vocational workplace. He is now at peace, whole in body for the first time in over 40 years. Joe was the son of Christopher F. Parrilli and Carol G. Duff, and the brother of Daniel J. Parrilli, Michael B. Parrilli, Elise P. Tognocchi, and Allegra G. French. A celebration of life will be held this summer (date to be determined). In lieu of flowers please send donations to https://www.ninds.nih.gov/About-NINDS/ Who-We-Are/Donate-NINDS. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
Kirke Cushing, 78 Former manager at WLS-TV
Henry Kirke Cushing II, 78, of Oak Park, died on Dec. 21, 2020. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 12, 1942, he served in the U.S. Air Force and attended the University of Arizona. He began his career in television in Tucson, Arizona at KOLDTV. From there he returned to Boston and later Columbus, Ohio (WHDH-TV, WCVBTV, Warner Cable Qube). In 1979, he moved to Chicago where he spent 22 years as the manager of Electronic News Gathering at WLS-TV. He retired in 2001. Throughout, he remained active in the Boy Scouts of America, woodworking, and by supporting many charities and local community churches. He was the kindest and most generous person everywhere he went. Kirke was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Kirke and Marjorie Estabrook Cushing; and three brothers, William H., Reed E., and Michael C. He is survived by his wife, Janet Jackson Cushing; two sons, David Jackson (Audra Alessandrone) and Henry Kirke III (Meg Holding); and two grandchildren, Jackson and Lucy. Services will be private. Arrangements were handled at Adolf Funeral Home in Willowbrook.
Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home
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Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director 203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021 New local ads this week
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CITY RENTALS
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant in the Public Health Department. This position provides a variety of responsible administrative and analytical functions; records and monitors department budget and fiscal requirements of grant-funded programs; oversight of Accounts Payable process; prepares reports and serves as a resource for computerized office applications. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications will be January 20, 2021.
DELUXE 3BR APT 5955 W HURON First Floor. Large kitchen, all electric appliances. Near West Suburban Hospital. Near all public trans. $1150/mo. Call 773-637-8677 for appt.
BUSINESS MANAGER PART TIME The River Forest Park District is seeking applications for a PT Business Manager working 20 hours a week. Starting Salary $26.45$31.26/HR. A full Job Description can be reviewed at www.rfparks. com/job-opportunities PART TIME HELP WANTED SPOTLESS CARWASH at 7343 Roosevelt and 7802 Madison St in Forest Park is in need of an attendant. We are looking for someone who likes to be outside and is friendly and likes people. The duties are to meet and greet customers, spray their wheels and perimeter of the car with soap, wipe the windshield with the sponge on a handle to prep a car before entering the automatic bay. Make change, sell tokens, automatic and self serve wash instructions, keep the lot, equipment room, and perimeter clean, and empty garbage cans. Pay is $11.00 per hour. The hours an attendant is on duty are 9-5 on weekdays 9-4 on Saturday and Sunday. If you can fit any of these hours on a part time basis we can work with you. Please come to 7343 Roosevelt Rd. in Forest Park to pick up anapplication. 708-771-2945. Thank you
SUBURBAN RENTALS FOREST PARK 2BR 2nd floor, 5 large rooms, 2 bedroom w/ 1 car garage. Stove, refrig & water included. Walk to transportation. No Pets. Tenant pays own heat & electric. 1 mo. security. $1100. Avail. now. 630-279-8111 OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/ OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR 2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223
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OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. *1116 sq. ft. suite *569 sq. ft. with patio OAK PARK–1053 Lake St. *Entire 3rd Floor, 1275 sq. ft. OAK PARK– 6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. *3 and 5 room office suites Strand& & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011
WANTED TO BUY WANTED VINTAGE FISHING WANTED Vintage wooden fishing lures, vintage lure boxes, empty or full, vintage tackle boxes, vintage fishing rods and reels, minnow buckets, even vintage hooks, sinkers EVERYTHING. Email CJ cnewton@seologic.com
ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed
ELECTRICAL
A&A ELECTRIC
Let an American Veteran do your work
We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.
708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area
PETS While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home
cat calls
Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986
Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home )PVTF TJUUJOH t 1MBOU DBSF Bonded References
524-1030
FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.
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
New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
SUBURBAN RENTALS
SUBURBAN RENTALS
M&M
property management, inc.
708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.
Apartment listings updated daily at:
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
Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience
FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.
708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000
PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost
708.749.0011
PLASTERING
HAULING
McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.
Ask for John
BASEMENT CLEANING
Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404
HAUL AWAY
JUNK
Clean out your basement, garage or attic. Ask for John
❆ ❄ ❅ ❆ ❄ ❅ ❆ ❄ ❅ ❆ ❅ ❆ ❄ ❆
HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT
773-637-0692
773-637-0692
Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.
HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING
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
REFINISHING 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
Attention! Home-improvement pros!
Advertise in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342
Let the sun shine in... Public Notice: Your right to know PublicNoticeIllinois.com
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: Y20005443 on December 14, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of ARISE LIFESTYLE & FITNESS with the business located at: 1135 HANNAH AVE 2, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: IYIOLA ADEBAJO 1135 HANNAH AVE 2 FOREST PARK, IL 60130, USA Published Forest Park Review 12/23, 12/30/2020, 1/6/2021
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals from qualified consultants 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 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 for the following: Village of Oak Park Drinking Water Reservoir Cleaning and Inspections Bid Number: 21-105 Proposal 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 January 6, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC The Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District #97 will receive sealed audio visual equipment and the installation of said equipment bids at the Administrative Office located at 260 Madison Street – Oak Park, IL, 60302, until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. At this time sealed responses will be publicly opened and read via a virtual Zoom meeting. Copies of specifications may be secured at the Oak Park Elementary School District #97 District Office, 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 but only able to be picked up by emailing Michael Arensdorff ( marensdorff@op97.org) to schedule a time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cut-off date for picking up scope of services is 4:00 pm, Friday, January 15, 2021. Responses mailed or delivered shall be marked to the attention of:
P
Oak Park School District 97 Attn. Mr. Michael Arensdorff 260 Madison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60302 The front of the envelope should be clearly marked “Audio Visual Bids - Beye and Whittier Elementary Schools”. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Mr. Michael Arensdorff at (708) 5243015 or marensdorff@op97.org . Faxed or electronically submitted bids will not be accepted. Any faxed or electronically submitted bid will disqualify vendors. Responses Due Date: Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 4:00 P.M. Only those responses complying with the provision and specification of the response will be considered. The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities, qualification or irregularities and/or reject any or all responses, when in its opinion, such action will serve the best interest of the Board of Education of Oak Park Elementary School District 97. Sheryl Marinier Board Secretary Published in Wednesday Journal 1/6/2021
Starting a New Business in 2021?
Call the experts before you place your legal ad! Publish your assumed name legal notice in • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark • Austin Weekly News Call Mary Ellen for details: 708/613-3342
PB
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
CLASSIFIED
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 467-9066 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
Let the sun shine in...
Public Notice: Your right to know
In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com
Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2006-3, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3 Plaintiff, -v.CHARLES T. GRANT, JUANITA J. GRANT, THE PRAIRIE PLACE AT 6436 ROOSEVELT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 2019CH14912 6436 ROOSEVELT RD, 413 OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 5, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 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 6436 ROOSEVELT RD, 413, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-18-428-0431030, Property Index No. 16-18-428043-1054 The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse. 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. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-19-11626 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2019CH14912 TJSC#: 40-2378 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 # 2019CH14912 I3162077
local employees... REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
happy employees!
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. Wednesday Journal Forest Park Review Riverside Brookfield Landmark
Hire Local. Place an ad on Wednesday Classified’s Local Online Job Board. Go to RiverForest.com/classified today!
Contact Mary Ellen Nelligan for more information. (708) 613-3342 • maryellen@RiverForest.com
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Wednesday Journal, January 6, 2021
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