WednesdayJournal_041525 by Wednesday Journal

You know you want a dog —

Animal Care League needs help no

Oak Park shelter is overcapacity with 65 pups available

By LEAH SCHROEDER Contributing Reporter

With 65 dogs on site and an ideal capacity of 41, the Animal Care League in Oak is operating at more than 50% over capacity.

Adoptions fell 30 percent in April du probably to economic uncertainty, accord ing to Renee Harlor, executive director of the shelter. Harlor said she has seen an increase in community members tappin into pet food and other supplies of the leagu e.

“We’ re seeing an increase in that, with rising costs of things,” she said. As far tions, “people either can’t care for aren’t able to add another expense to their already maxed out lives,” she said.

While the shelter typically operates right at capacity, and never under capacity, Harlor said this is the highest capacity she’s seen since starting at the Animal Care last October.

If you’d like to learn more about ly expanded ACL here are two upcoming opportunities.

NBC5 ready to identify gunman in 1975 murder of Momo, Oak Park’s most notorious mob boss

By BILL DWYER Contributing Reporter

Nearly 50 years after for mer Chicago mob boss Sam “Momo” Giancana was found murdered execution style in the basement of his home in southwest Oak Park, veteran television crime reporter Chuck Goudie says he’s ready to name the person who pulled the trigger.

Late on June 19, 1975, Giancana was shot seven times while cooking a meal of sausage, peppers and white beans. He was shot once in the back of the head, once under the chin and five times in the face with .22 caliber long rounds. Two months later, on August 19, a 22 cal. High Standard Model M-101 pistol with a

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Remembering Mary Anne Brown

Longtime leader of Hephzibah Children’s Association dies after illness

On Sunday after noon, May 11, came word that Mary Anne Brown had died. She led Hephzibah Children’s Association, the pioneering Oak Park nonprofit focused on the needs of all children, for 40 years. She retired in 2017.

Her husband, Max Brown, posted news of her death on Facebook and by midday Monday there were 323 comments.

Here are details on funeral arrangements: Visitation will be Friday, May 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Salerno’s Galewood Chapel, 1857 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Mary 17 at 10 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 7600 Lake St., River Forest

The Journal will have a full obituary for Mary Anne Brown soon but right now here is a column I wrote when she retired.

Afew years ago, I was talking to Mary Anne Brown, the Hephzibah Children’s Association executive director. There was a story in the news — a failed adoption and a media firestorm over a mom sending her child back to Moscow on a oneway ticket.

We talked into the late after noon. As Mary Anne urged less judgment and more empathy, her young wards in the agency’s group home on North Boulevard began wandering in from school or day care or some such activity. More than one came into her office to share some news, to make a connection.

started at He phzibah. The mid-1970s. A for mer nun, now married, she and her husband had just moved to Oak Park. Ar med with her degree in psychology, she applied to be executive director of Hephzibah, by that point nearly 80 years old. She remembered that the agency was down to a single program, after-school daycare, that the annual budget was $100,000 and that the future was seen as fragile. After several interviews with the board, including one where her husband was called in, she was offered the position at a lower salary than the male candidate. And perhaps, she said, she was offered the job because she would take the lower salary.

HALEY

That was the floor. And in the 40 years that followed, Brown, her colleagues, her board, a raft of partners and donors, both private and public, and hundreds volunteers, have wrangled and cajoled the state and federal ver nment into supporting thousands of children, most of them local, in every way that ids and families need support Mary Anne talks with enthusiasm about Hephzibah’s ograms, the newest being an shoot of Head Start, which the agency rescued two years back when its local providers failed. While Head Start in Oak Park now serves 60 children, the new infant Head Start has 12 little ones receiving care and family visits.

“This is why it is still so exciting,” she says.

WEDNESD AY

of Oak Park and River Forest

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I remember a young boy who, like each of the 26 kids in the group home, had come to Hephzibah after pretty much unspeakable trauma and abandonment. He told Mary Anne his worries and she brought him in close and said to him, “You’re right. Your life hasn’t been fair. But what are you going to do about it? Are you going to go forward or be stuck?”

That was enough. Of f he went with something to think about and a loving, secure place to do that thinking

Got the word over the weekend that Mary Anne Brown is going to be retiring from Hephzibah this summer after 40 years. We talked Monday by phone.

The conversation started when she

Working with District 97 schools, Hephzibah now has day care in all the schools, serving 600 kids. There are almost 100 kids in foster care locally. The state trusts Hephzibah with 26 of the most troubled kids from across Illinois in its group home. There’s the summer learning program for its kids hosted at Dominican University and the Camp HepSIBah which gathers up siblings spread across foster and adoptive homes for a week back together at camp each summer

Local shop owners provide new shoes and clothes for each child who arrives at the group home, a local photographer shoots a portrait of each new arrival so their picture hangs on the wall in the hallway, “just like

Mary Anne Brown and children from the Hephzibah a er-school daycare program posing for the annual agency holiday card.

at home,” says Brown.

It’s a lot of work becoming an icon. But Mary Anne Brown has earned it. These days Hephzibah has a budget of $9 million and the staff numbers 150. The Hephzibah board is due to start a national search for her replacement shortly. And Brown, 72, says her “planful stepping away” comes at the right time. She is ready for the “new jour ney” of retirement though it seems plain she will not go too far.

“I love Hephzibah. I feel privileged to have worked with these kids,” she says

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Buchanan resigns from Oak Park Village Board

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Dr. Susan Buchanan resigned from Oak Park’s Village Board of Trustees Friday morning.

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Buchanan had served as a village trustee since earning election in 2019 and established a reputation for herself as one of the strongest voices among village leadership advocating for making Oak Park more environmentall sustainable. The announcement comes just days after the swore in two new members May 6 board meeting

The new board will enter it first regular meeting Tuesd May 13 with 6 members.

Buchanan told Wednesd Journal that she decided to r from the board after reck with several months of “burn out.”

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Buchanan said she is proud of what she and her colleagues accomplished over the last six years, and she hopes that her successor will share her passion for environmental justice.

“I think it’s been building up for a couple of months,” she said. “I used to find going to board meetings really engaging, but I’ve just started to feel really burned out.”

Buchanan said that both of her parents passed away recently, and that those losses had taken a great toll on her.

“I spent several intensive years taking care of my parents and then they both died within seven months, I think it affected my bandwidth,” she said. “My dad’s death was unexpected, so it’s been really hard. It affected me in a big way.”

She said she was inspired to run for village trustee during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term, after hearing Hillary Clinton say in an interview that the country needed more woman with “thick skin” to run for local office.

“I was very enthusiastic about politics and playing my role to keep Trumpism from spreading,” she said. “Over the years, and this may have to do with losing my parents, I feel like my skin isn’t quite as thick anymore. I don’t want to be in the public eye right now; I don’t want to read my name in the paper. I just feel like I’m not emotionally equipped right now to hear from people in the village about my decisions at the board table.”

Buchanan works at UI Health as a professor and as associate director of its Occupational and Environmental Medicine residency program. In her practice she evaluates the

“I think I served on the board at a time here faced some incredible political incidents and forces,” she said. “I my successor to be a staunch sustainability advocate, that’s my I’ve always promoted provalues, increasing the approach to equity at the village, affordable housing and police reform, so I hope my replacement will be a ter of those things as well.”

llage President Vicki Scaman said that Buchanan’s decision came prise, but that she respected olleague’s decision to do what she felt was best for her wellbeing

“I consider Susan a close friend, I greatly appreciate what she has brought to the board table the last six years and have enjoyed working with her tremendously,” she said. “It is a little shocking to have this situation immediately after a swearing in like this, that’s the part I’m still processing. But mostly you know we care about each other as human beings and when it’s someone’s time to move on we defer to supporting that person in their decision.”

Scaman said she won’t hurry through the process of appointing Buchanan’s successor, and that it’s important to her that all the sitting trustees get to provide feedback and that the person who takes over Buchanan’s seat has similar legislative priorities.

“Last time, I did an actual application process and put some real effort into listening to what the community was voting for when they voted for the trustee that had resigned, and so in this case I will reflect upon that with Susan and the gap that she might be leaving from the community’s perspective.”

As she looks to take time away from the public eye, Buchanan’s final thoughts dwelled on a favorite topic in recent Oak Park politics – leaf bagging.

“I want to leave the residents of Oak Park with a scientific equation, which is ‘leaves + oxygen = dirt,” she said. “Leaves don’t need to go in bags, they’ll turn into dirt if you leave them alone in the corner of your yard.”

SUSAN BUCHANAN

Parakkat, Robinson honored at nal village board meeting

New Oak Park trustees are sworn in as the village honors departing trustees

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Departing Oak Park trustees Lucia Robinson and Ravi Parakkat received commendation from their colleagues, as the village board transitioned to its new configuration Tuesd ay

T he Oak Park Board of Trustees adheres closely to tradition when it comes to the first sessions with a new board, making sure to honor the contributions of departing trustees as newly elected and reelected officials are swor n in. Parakkat did not r un for reelection; instead, he mounted an unsuccessful campaign to be elected village president. Robinson lost her bid for reelection.

The two thanked their colleagues and loved ones for their support and spoke to what they were most proud of about their times on board.

Parakkat remarked that he never would

have seen himself working in local government when he first immigrated to the United States as a young man.

“When I first came to this country so many years ago, I never thought for a minute that I would ever be in local politics,” he said. “Oak Park has been so generous and kind to me and my family and we found a true sense of belonging here.”

Parakkat said he was proud of his record as a trustee.

“I have served with integrity and transparency, and I have really voted my conscience at every opportunity I got and tried to explain the rationale of my vote at every instance as well for the community at large,” he said. “These years have re presented a lot of learning, and I have grown as a person during this process. I have gotten to work with a lot of incredible people in this community, both leaders and community members alike.”

He added: “There have been so many

of these great moments, and I cannot list them all, but these opportunities combined with what I was able to do through my service with Takeout 25. [A COVID initiative to encourage restaurant takeout.] It has been a f ascinating and gratifying journey for me the last four years. That combination has given me a lot of satisfaction and connected me back with my original reason for joining politics, which is to serve people.”

Robinson thanked both the community

and her family for supporting her as she worked to lead her hometown’s municipal government.

“To the community overall, serving as one of your elected officials has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” she said. “My children, you inspire me, motivate and challenge me every day to be a better person and that includes my role as a leader in this community. As second-generation Oak Parkers, we have both grown up here and been molded by Oak Park’s values. We know in very deep-rooted ways the potential this community has to live up to its commitments, and you each have helped me make at least some of those commitments a reality over the last four years.”

Newly elected trustees Jenna Leving Jacobson and James Taglia were sworn in at the meeting, as were reelected Village Clerk Christina Waters, Trustee Chibuike Enyia and Village President Vicki Scaman.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished is a community through COVID-19 and a successful migrant response to support a vibrant growing community that continues to strive to be racially and socioeconomically verse for all generations,” Scaman said. “I am further honored to have been reelected to serve as your village president for a second term. Thank you for your trust in me to lead during these very trying times.”

The board will return to its re gular legislative work at its May 13 meeting.

Village President Vicki Scaman presents outgoing trustees Lu the council chamber.

TODD BANNOR

Newly elected Trustee Jenna Leving Jacobson takes the oath of o ce at Oak Park Village Hall on May 6.

Getting real at River Forest Village Hall

Roosevelt students gain insight into River Forest police, re, and village board

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Standing in the middle of the River Forest police department detention cell area, the group of Roosevelt Middle School students wore collective looks probably a lot like suspected criminals do when they arrive in the same place for booking.

It just got real.

Over here was a temporary holding cell with grates like you see in the movies. Around the corner were permanent cells with thick blue doors, each with a cot and a stainless-steel toilet. On a counter was an oblong computer called a fingerprinting station, which relays fingerprints to the FBI to find out if a suspect has any other warrants Heavy stuff for middle schoolers, to be sure. But you know what?

On some level, it was awesome, too, for the members of Roosevelt’s Student Leadership Clubs.

The clubs, ranging from fifth to eighth grade, toured the River Forest village hall May 6 and got a firsthand look at the police and fire departments and participated in a mock village board meeting with none other than Village President Cathy Adduci and other leaders like Village Administrator Matt Walsh.

“The coolest thing I saw was probably the

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interview room or the booking room,” said Margaret, a Roosevelt eighth grader. “I feel like you see all these things on TV and in the movies and you’re like, ‘There’s no way that’s what it looks like.’ But it does

“It was cool to see like where it all goes on, and when I hear about a story now, I can picture where it is and what it looks like.”

Megan Drake is the police department’s school resource officer, and she said the student questions were varied.

“They asked quite a bit,” Drake said. “They had a lot of interest in any of the ‘Wanted’ bulletins. The cameras are always a big hit for them, they are very interested in the fact that we can see a lot of the town.”

There was a bit of excitement, too. As River Forest Deputy Fire Chief Dave Bochenek showed that same group of sixth and eighth graders around his department’s area, suddenly there was a long tone and a voice that said a carbon monoxide detector had activated somewhere in the village. Moments later, a fire truck with a team of firefighters bolted out of the garage, sirens blaring.

Once again, it got real. Fast.

The factoids were just as interesting. One student asked how often the fire department gets called out. Bochenek said about 3,000 times per year, or roughly 8.2 calls per day.

The Student Leadership Clubs are new to Roosevelt this school year and are the brainchild of principal Tina Steketee, in her first year. Last fall, students from all grade levels were invited to join the clubs to identify ways to contribute to a positive environment for every student.

The students in turn did research and

River Forest Deputy Fire Chief Dave Bochenek explains the ner points of the re station’s garage to Roosevelt Middle School students and teachers, May 6. Moments later, the re truck departed to respond to a carbon monoxide alarm in the village.

created proposals they pitched to Steketee over the winter. The improvements, like a new student-created weekly communication broadcast from the seventh and eighth graders, launched this spring.

“The Roosevelt student leaders made wonderful improvements to our school environment this year,” Steketee said. “I am thrilled that they were able to learn more about civic leadership in today’s visit to River Forest village hall.

A fascinating exercise was the mock board meeting, where Adduci selected six student “trustees” – thus creating a quorum – to debate key village issues, like the addition of a pedestrian crosswalk on the east side of the intersection of Lake Street and Park Avenue; purchase of a new fire truck (cost: $1.6 million); and a Washington Boulevard improvement project (cost: $1.7 million). Another student served as the village “clerk,” while

another addressed the mock board during the public comment portion of the agenda.

“The hope is that you walk away and say, ‘I know what goes on with gover nment in River Forest,’” Adduci told the combined group of about 60 students

The takeaways for members of the Student Leadership Clubs are many, according to teacher Colleen Pariso, who facilitates the eighth-grade club.

“They’re learning about taking responsibility for the school community, and kind of thinking of ways they can improve the school community and working together to do that,” Pariso said, “along with looking for what can they leave as a legacy.”

Added Nicole Pellegrini, who facilitates the seventh-grade club: “Being here today, they were able to maybe think about how what they’re doing as middle schoolers can impact our society as they get older.”

GREGG VOSS

nate to have a team that will work extra, stay longer, work extra days to make sure that the animals all get the proper care,” Harlor said.

On May 17 there will be a speed dating event where you can meet with a series of adoptable dogs. It begins at noon at the shelter and signup is required. Staf f will be on hand to help make connections.

The first ACL Open House of the summer will be on June 21.

The Animal Care League is at 1013 Garfield St. in Oak Park

Because of the Animal Care League staf f’s willingness to step up in the wake of unprecedented times, Harlor said, the dogs and their care have not been affected by the high capacity of the shelter.

“The strain is on us. We absorb the challenge by having higher payroll and hired staf f and things like that,” Harlor said.

“It’s a lot on the team… but they do it, and they do it happily because they know it helps the animals.”

The shelter is still able to accommodate all of the dogs and allocate them their own space while operating over capacity, but the decline in adoptions has placed a strain on the team of Animal Care League employees and the shelter’s finances.

To compensate for the surplus of adoptable dogs, employees have been picking up extra shifts and working longer hours while the Animal Care League continues looking to fill three additional positions.

But the team has taken on these responsibilities without hesitation, Harlor said. And she can “tell you for certain” that they are motivated by their love for animals.

“Even though we are over capacity, and

To guide her team out of this time of stress, Harlor has turned to the local community in hopes of becoming a “household name.”

By offering free courses about pet ownership, offering shelter tours and hosting events, Harlor hopes to spread the word about all of the “g reat do gs available.”

Harlor said she wants the community to know that Animal Care League is more than just an adoption center; they are a “resource for the community.”

“We’ re just looking to be part of the community,” Harlor said. “I still think we have a dog for everyone.”

ANIMAL CARE LEAGUE

Oak Park’s police oversight under review by consultant

Oak Park’s Citizen Police Oversight Committee is being studied by a specialized rm

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park’s Citizen Police Oversight Committee is being studied by a consultant looking to provide the village with recommendations on how it might moder nize the committee.

The staf f of Pivot Consulting Group held an information session at Village Hall last Thursday evening as it looked to absorb community feedback to help shape its re port on how the village’s police oversight committee can be organized to best suit Oak Park’s needs. Pivot, a Spokane, Washington-based group, is run by for mer high-ranking leaders at the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement and specializes in reviewing

communities’ use of civilian committees for law enforcement agency oversight.

Last November, Oak Pa rk’s village board approved $100,000 to fund the consultant group’s study. The group has already submitted a re port describing best practices in the oversight field to Kira Tchang, the village staf f liaison to the Citizen Police Oversight Committee.

Citizen Police Oversight Committee Chair Kevin Barnhart said he hopes the consultant’s re port will yield suggestions that give the body more influence over police policy.

“Overall, we’re looking towards the step of the role of CPOC evolving in this community and standards changing so that we’re not doing something from 35 years ago,” Barnhart said. “It’s the updating of our processes and procedures so they have a little more board teeth and are a little more ing rained.”

Oak Park’s Citizen Police Oversight Committee is considerably older than most of its peer organizations around the country. While the group was founded in Oak Park in 1991, many communities have launched

their civilian oversight boards in the years following the 2020 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police and the nationwide protests that followed.

Oak Park’s committee reviews police investigations of citizen complaints, with the department’s investigations usually being led by either a commander or by the department’s internal af fairs team. The committee can either vote to ag ree or disag ree with the police investigation and action taken, but the committee’s vote is not binding. Police Chief Shatonya Johnson would have to choose to act on the ruling.

The committee is set to provide its next semi-annual re port to the village board at May 20’s board meeting, according to village record s.

During last week’s education session, Pivot’s Brian Corr gave a presentation on the history of civilian police oversight in the United States, and the different models of oversight work that communities rely on.

“The ultimate thing is Oak Park is looking at its civilian oversight, how it’s working, what’s been effective, what might need to change,” Corr said. “What are police of-

ficers, community members, board members, trustees, what are all these different sets of constituents looking for and ultimately how do we support making policing more effective in Oak Park and really promote community safety.”

The main models of police oversight are “the review model,” “the investigation model” and “the audit model,” Corr said.

The review model is what Oak Park currently uses, and is the most common style of oversight committee in the U.S. The investigation model requires full-time staf f to conduct completely independent investig ations of complaints. Committees that operate with the audit model focus more on analyzing patterns than reviewing independent complaints.

During the session, the consultants surveyed attendees on several topics including what they think Oak Park should prioritize if the village chooses to reform the oversight process.

Pivot staf f expect to submit their final re port reviewing the Citizen Police Oversight Committee to the village board before the end of June.

OPRF rolls out new tech safety measures

Raptor Emergenc y Management System is coming this summer

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School will roll out a new app-based safety component this summer to make it easier for teachers and staff to initiate a schoolwide lockdown or shelter in place if the need arises

The Emergency Management System from Houston-based Raptor Technologies will be introduced for summer school with an official introduction to all faculty and staff next fall, according to Kristen Devitt, director of campus safety.

Devitt said the district has, for several years, been using Raptor’s VisitorSafe visitor management system, a program used during the school day where anyone from outside of OPRF must sign in at the entrance and receive a visitor pass, thus tracking who is in the building at any time.

But the emergency management system is another step, according to Devitt.

“What that does is everybody will be able to install an app on their phones and it accesses kind of a panic button,” she said. “Any faculty and staf f can download the app and initiate a lockdown or hold or shelter in place if necessary.”

With the app download and appropriate sign-in credentials, the Raptor system will be able to identify where a teacher is located in the event of an actual emergency, and what that teacher’s student roster is.

“It helps us keep track of our drills and requirements and has a limited mode of communication, so our administrators can

talk to each other,” Devitt said. ‘It’s pretty easy to use.”

That’s not all. District 200 is also implementing Raptor StudentSafe, essentially a records management system for the district’s behavioral threat management team. Devitt said StudentSafe is being used on a limited basis until full training can be completed by the district’s behavioral threat assessment and management team in June.

According to Raptor’s website, StudentSafe “aids schools in managing student well-being.” For example, if a student shows any type of concerning behaviors where they might be a threat to themselves or someone else, StudentSafe immediately escalates that concern into an assessment or an investigation.

“We’ve been building out StudentSafe for our student for ms for the last month or so,” Devitt said. “It’s being used for some case management. StudentSafe holds us accountable to make sure we’re following our own protocols and doing violence prevention.”

The bundled cost to the district for the two new Raptor technologies is $6,536, according to Tony Arbogast, district assistant superintendent for finance. The cost is not reduced through OPRF’s Tri-District Consortium Agreement with districts 90 and 97, the elementary schools in River Forest and Oak Park. District 97 confirmed it began using the Raptor Emergency Management System and Raptor VisitorSafe last fall. District 90 does not use Raptor products. It utilizes Visitor Aware by Singlewire Software for visitor management, and CrisisGo for emergency communications.

Eric Hackl, district director of technology, added that OPRF is also using web filtering and alerts from Austin, Texas-based Lightspeed Systems

In that scenario, if a student posts a document with concerning content, such as a

New board members get their sea legs

After a rather contentious April 1 election, the Oak Park and River Forest High School board of education welcomed new members Josh Gertz and Kathleen Odell to their ranks at its committee of the whole meeting May 8. That meeting included an hourlong closed session.

“It was fun,” Gertz said. “I enjoyed it. I mean, we had a good discussion. I didn’t feel lost. I felt like I knew what I was doing. I think we evaluated a lot of policies and asked great questions.”

Odell, an economics professor and associate provost at Dominican University, agreed

“It was a great meeting,” Odell said. “I enjoyed it.”

Among the discussion topics was the Tri-District Consortium agreement with districts 90 and 97, which covers Zoom video conferencing licenses for the moment, but could add other components later in order to drive down overall costs for all. For example, Tony Arbogast, assistant superintendent of business services, said District 200 enjoys over 10% savings on Zoom due to the consortium.

Another topic that resulted in more robust discussion was a geothermal piping excavation project which is impacting the OPRF football field. The piping needs to cross several utilities in the mall area just west of the school, including the ComEd

suggestion they would hurt themselves or others, it would get flagged, Hackl said, with an email delivered to the dean immediately for follow-up. If the content is deemed an

transmission line that carries 138,000 volts of power. In discussions with ComEd, it was found the district’s geothermal piping and the transmission line are at the same elevation or height in the ground

The solution, Arbogast said, involves digging deeper in the ground to allow the geothermal piping to go under the transmission line with the required safety clearance of three feet between the utilities. The cost of the change to the overall project, to start June 2, is $117,648, which will be covered through the Project 2 contingency budget. The board will need to approve the project at its May 22 regular meeting

“It doesn’t sit well with me that there is nobody accountable,” Gertz said.

Incumbent board member Fred Arkin, also voted in on April 1, was more pointed. “I find this frustrating … $117,000 out of the contingency of Project 2?” he said. “I just don’t like the way this has been managed.”

Nevertheless, board vice president Tim Brandhorst thought Gertz and Odell did well in their maiden voyage

“I think both Kathleen and Josh are really welcome additions, and already we can tell they are going to be strong and active and hardworking board members,” Brandhorst said.

imminent threat, Lightspeed would contact OPRF immediately.

“We’re not relying on one piece,” Hackl said. “There are several components."

D200 is seeking a new assistant superintendent for Student Learning

Fiorenza to leave OPRF after six years for reasons not made public

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 has a key decision in front of it, with the resignation of Dr. Laurie Fiorenza, assistant superintendent for student lear ning.

The resignation is effect June 30, and the search for re placement has be gun, accord ing to Superintendent Dr. Gr Johnson. The position closed for applications May 5.

“Certainly, some big shoes to fill, and it’s an incredibly important position in our district,” Johnson said. “We do have a number of applicants, and exactly who we are going to interview hasn’t been set.”

Further insight came from an email Fiorenza shared with all faculty and staf f on April 11.

“As I transition into the next chapter of my life, I remain appreciative of all I’ve lear ned here and the work we’ve done together,” she wrote. “Thank you for the support, collaboration, and shared commitment to students I wish you all continued success.”

Among Fiorenza’s accomplishments was guiding the district’s academic approach through the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson said.

“She was hired before COVID, and then a few months later she was in the middle of that,” he said. “I think it’s fair to say she was a key member of the schoolwide ef fort and find a way to get through those months (and) years.”

“She’s done a lot to develop colle ge (and) career pathways, rking with division heads on curriculum development, the job responsibilities, and they are core to what we do.”

Johnson said the district will likely interview fewer than 10 candidates, adding, “We’ re hopeful to find many quality candidates and make a hard choice. For a lot of reasons, OPRF is a destination institution and so we’re looking forward to being faced with that hard choice.”

What’s not been made public is why Fiorenza resigned. She declined an interview request with the Wednesday Journal through district communications. Her resignation letter said, “As I transition to new opportunities, I appreciate my time in the district and the important work being done here. I will ensure a smooth transition and assist in any way I can to support the handof f of my responsibilities.”

Fiorenza’s resignation letter also noted that she was “grateful for the opportunities over the past six years to learn and grow as a leader alongside dedicated colleagues. My time here has been fo rmative, and I appreciate the experiences shaping my professional journey.”

Another accomplishment was the junior class’s performance on the SAT exam in 2023-24, according to the annual Illinois Report Card 2023-24 released in October. The SAT is an admission test accepted by all U.S. colleges and is intended to determine a student’s level of colle ge readiness in the academic subjects of English/language arts and math.

About 37.5% of students scored at Level 4 in ELA, which exceeds proficiency, up from 27.8% in 2023. Almost 20% (19.3%) scored at Level 4 in Math, compared with 17.5% in 2023. Over 10% of students (10.3%) were at Level 1 in ELA, the lowest level that indicates students partially meet standards, while 21.4% were at Level 1 in Math, down from 27.3% in 2023.

The district was rated as Commendable, with an overall index score of 90.36. Exemplary schools are those that rank in the top 10% of the state, while Commendable schools rank in the next 67%. OPRF scored 89.53 in 2022-23.

LAURIE FIORENZA

Treats and eats at Gringo & Blondie Taqueria

New owners kick it up a notch

TBy RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

he name Gringo & Blondie is a nod to the American Mexican cross-border fiesta that is the restaurant’s menu. Now that new owners have taken up the banner at 7514 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, the offerings have expanded and modernized, keeping quality at the core.

When Frank Georgacopoulos and his three partners bought the Restaurant Row staple last year, it was a homecoming of sorts for him.

“I grew up in Elmwood Park and went to high school around the corner,” Georgacopoulos said. “We fell in love with the vibe, with the colors, the feel, the food.”

The partners didn’t need to change much. The brightly colored dining room closely matches the food’s playful spice and rich flavors. They did transition from counter ordering to a fast casual approach. Waiters now serve diners at their table and strive to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Everyone gets an “hola” as they enter.

“We give you what we call five-star ser-

vice. The way it should be, a little bit more personal,” he said. “We only wanted to enhance a new age, Mexican type of cantina. We added tamales. We added a pork and a chicken and then we also added, because it was requested, a ground beef taco, which is a surprising hit. And then there’s chicken tinga.”

Another add to the menu started off as a limited time offering but was so popular that it now has a whole section on its own: birria. This rising star of Mexican food was first served in Tijuana, based on stewed meat recipes from Jalisco. In 2016 this tender, stewed meat, folded with cheese inside a tortilla and served with a brothbased dipping sauce, became an internet sensation. Here you can get it five different

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Owner Frank Georgacopoulos with churros and horchata bites

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Chicken cemita

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Gringo & Blondie, 7514 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park

GIANCANA

from page 1

homemade silencer was found on Cook County forest preserve property across the street from 125 Thatcher Avenue in Rive r Fo rest.

Much has been published about the hit, why it happened and who may have d it. There even was a musical written and staged by the local Open Door Repertor Company in 2014. It was titled, No Witness

But for almost half a c entur y, no name has been definit ively tied to the killing T he last time Goudie o pined on the c ase, on June 19, 2015, he expressed scant hope of closure. In an ABC7 piece he wrote that it “apparently will not be solved.” Wi th prime suspects Butch Blasi “and everyone else who had a hand in the hit also d ead, the likelihood of j ustice ever c oming in the c ase of S am Giancana seems slim,” he wrote.

Th at was then. This is now. In a twopa rt NBC5 Investi gates series entitled “Who Killed Momo?” wh ich airs We d nesday, May 14 and T hursd ay, May 15 at 10 p. m ., Goudie, who move d to NBC5 earlier this year, will name Giancana’s killer.

On We d nesd ay night Goudie will “reveal new info rm ation linked to the Gianc ana murder, a ccompanied by never- before-seen police photo gr aphs.”

He will also review the list of leadin g suspects in the killing and the li ke ly motive for whacking Giancana.

On Thursday Goudie will trace the history of the .22 caliber gun used to kill Giancana. (According to the FBI, it had been purchased back in 1965 in Florida at a phony gun store, along with a second gun used in another mid-1970s mob killing.)

Viewers will hear from for mer mobster Frank Calabrese Jr., who’s not been shy about talking to the media, and from the newly appointed special agent in charge of the FBI Chicago office, Doug DePodesta.

It ’s fair to wonder whether the promi sed drama will be a ge nuine b ombshell “wow” moment, or merely a Geraldo Rive ra style much ado about nothing fizzle, ala the much b allyhooed “A l Capone’s Vaults” episode in April 1986.

Older readers might recall that the only thing that turned out to be explosive about Rive ra ’s re po rt ing was the c ontrolled d etonation used to blast open the brick wall that had b een built to seal of f

a room in the b asement of Capone’s onetime headquarters in the old L exington Hotel in Chicag o.

It turned out to be as empty as Rive ra ’s re po rt ing.

Goudie, though, is no j ournalistic ca rnival ba rker. While he has his own flai r for the dramatic, he has a track record of backing it up with solid re po rt ing. He’s won a national Emmy, an Edward R. Murrow Award for C ontinuous Televisio n News Re po rt ing and numerous local Emmys and Peter Lisagor Awards for exemplary jour nalism.

A ashy gurehead

Giancana was named boss of the Chicago mob in 1957, succeeding Tony Accardo, who, while just 51, was under pressure from the IRS, which wasn’t buying Accardo’s alibi that he made his plush living on the salary of a beer salesman. Accardo lived in River Forest.

Giancana ran the daily operations of the Chicago syndicate until 1966, from a booth in the Armory Lounge on Roosevelt Road in Forest Park, a mile west of his home. But while Accardo stepped away from the daily operations of the syndicate, he remained the power behind the throne

on the floor, re por tedly in a circle around the mouth, suggesting somebody wanted to message about talking out of school.

A second possible motive was that Accardo had become increasingly upset with Giancana’s refusal to share the earnings from his gambling interests in Mexico and Central America.

While motive and the identity of the killer remain in dispute, what isn’ t disputed is that Giancana would have only let someone he trusted inside his home that night, and re very few people he trusted.

Blasi? Spilotro? English? … Accardo?

’s Daily Mail said in a 2018 article that Frank C alabrese Jr., son of brutal Chinatown crew b oss, alabrese Sr., told the paper that he and the FBI “‘know who did it, and it was somebody nobody would ever suspect — but he refuses to tell.”

Goudie previously re ported that Gianphew had told re porters that A nthony Spilotro was give n the assignment to kill Giancana. Spilotro, who Giancana re por tedly li ke d and backed, owned a house j ust three blocks from Giancana’s, and was re por tedly a re g ular visitor.

Like the similarly high profile Frank Nitti before him in the late 1940s, who was answerable to Paul “The Waiter” Ricca, Giancana was the nominal mob leader, with Accardo and Ricca retaining ultimate power behind the scenes

Momo’s reign be g an tottering in 1965, after he was jailed for a year for refusing to testify before a Senate committee. Less than a year later, he was sacked; Accardo and others had become weary of him g enerating unwanted news headlines. He was re placed by another Oak Park resident and for mer 42 Gang member, Sam “Teets” Battaglia

Giancana retreated to Mexico, where he ran several lucrative g ambling operations. However, the Mexican gover nment deported him back to the US in 1974, and he returned to his spacious brick bungalow at the corner of Wenonah Avenue and Fillmore Street in Oak Park

Murder motive uncertain

While it’s not known exactly why Giancana was killed, he was scheduled to appear before Senator Frank Church’s committee looking into the mob’s connection to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

His killer shot him in the mouth as he lay

Frank C alabrese Jr.’s uncle, hitman Nick C alabrese, re por tedly told the FBI that Accardo was pa rt of the hit, and that Angelo La Pietra disposed of the g un. C alabrese Jr., was more explicit, telling WG N-TV ’s Ben Bradley in 2019 that hi s father told him Accardo did the murder, using a g un equipped with a silencer the elder Calabrese had manufactured

But de-classified FBI re ports from m id1975 note that Blasi and f ellow Oak Pa rk mobster Chuckie English “continue to be in re g ular c ontact with” Giancana and we re his only confidants.

An FBI field re po rt stated that j ust two weeks before the murder, Blasi had tr avelled to Houston to visit Giancana in the hospital where he was recove ring from “extenuating circumstances” from g all bladder surgery

More cruciall y, FBI re ports have Blasi , who was pu rp or tedly an FBI infor mant, as the last person seen with Giancana the night of his murder. Caretaker Joe DiPe rsio re por tedly left Blasi and Giancana alone in the b asement around 11:20 p. m. W hen he returned around 30 minutes later to check on Giancana, he found him lying in a massive pool of blood

Sam Giancana with his wife, Angelina, and his daughter, Antoinette

e One Lake burger

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

Reader L aura Milewski wrote in with a suggestion for her favo rite dish, asking whether a b elove d burg er would q ualify for this serie s. Yes! is the answe r. Any food that i nspires love, appreciation, p assion is welcome whether it ’s high-faluti n’ or down-home.

What gets Milewski and her family’s stomachs growling is the pub burger at One Lake Brewing, One Lake St. in Oak Park

“It’s a great flavor to it,” Milewski said. “I also appreciate eating it here. This is one of my favorite spots in town. But the burger itself – it’s got all the right flavors. It’s very balanced.”

“That burger has not really changed since we opened almost six years ago,” said

Shawn Stevens, co-owner of One La Brewing. “It’s been our most popular seller from the beginning. And we just try and complement the menu around it.”

Line cook Michael Hasegawa and the burger share the same start date taurant. When first asked, Hasega know what to showcase about wh this version of an American standard special, but he quickly warmed to the task.

“Burgers are gonna be beef on a he said. “But we do use Slagel Far which is a local fa good quality beef, no hor mones. T hey grow the beef, but they also grow the feed for the beef. We g et the patties once a week. T hey’re never froz en, they’re fresh and the bread is also a local product.”

A standard order gets two 4 oz patties, though Milewski orders a Beyond Meat patty for hers. Her husband orders and enjoys the beef version.

What else cozies up between the buns? Not commercial ketchup. One Lake’s chefs make theirs in house

“Tomato jam. Yeah, well, it is kind of a fancy ketchup,” Hase gawa said. “We take onions, caramelize those good. We add in roasted red bell peppers and crushed tomatoes and let that cook. It kind of thickens up a bit and then blend it.”

Other standard ingredients get upgrades too: house-made aioli, local white cheddar, arugula, fried shallots and pickles from Opportunity Knocks (a local nonprofit that makes pickles as a part of its work to enrich and empower people with intellectual and developmental dif ferences).

“I personally make a lot of modifications to my food. I’m one of those people,” Milewski said. “With this burger, there’s not really a whole lot I need to change about it. It’s that good and I don’t say that about a lot of items.”

Her one modification is an egg that puts this burger over the top.

“Yeah, I love the added egg. The egg just kind of tops it of f perfectly. It’s juicy. It kind of falls out of the burger. It’s messy like a burger should be.”

Milewski says she and her family come to the restaurant sometimes twice a week.

“It’s not only the burg er; it’s ambiance,” she said. “It’s a local place. I like to support local.”

If you have a favorite dish that you’d like to see featured, drop us a line at eats@oakparkeats.com.

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Laura Milewski and her egg-topped burger

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Line cook Michael Hasegawa

Uncertain federal supp for historic preservatio impacts Wright buildings

Oak Parker Barbara Gordon, head of Wright Conser vanc y, details cuts

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Frank Lloyd Wright building preservationists are already feeling the effects of sweeping personnel and funding changes from the federal government.

And Barbara Gordon, an Oak Parker who leads the Chicago-based Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy, is sounding the alarm.

Some of the funding opportunities and staffing support from key government agencies that historic Wright sites across the country have come to rely on for help have disappeared. As President Donald

Trump’s administration has drastically reshaped federal departments with la building closures and progr future of historic preservation ported by agencies like the National Service, the National Endowment Humanities and the Institute and Library Services is uncertain.

The administration has cut more than $1 billion from the park service’s alone, according to the National Preservation Association.

Wright, whose design career lasted more than seven decades before his death, is considered one of the world’s most influential architects as he pioneered the prairie style of architecture. He designed more than 1,100 buildings, many of which are open to the public as museums today.

Unity Temple

His le gacy is felt stronger nowhere more than Oak Park, where his home and studio sits near the intersection of Chicago

Avenue and Forest Avenue and functions as one of the village’s most popular attractions alongside the Wright-designed Unity Temple on Lake Street. There are nearly 30 Wright-designed structures in Oak Park, according to the Explore Oak Park and Beyond tourism bureau.

Gordon is executive director of the Wright Conservancy, an organization dedicated to supporting the preservation of Wright-designed buildings around the world. Gordon said many of the recent improvements made to iconic Wright buildings that are open to the public have been made possible by federal support.

“Nearly $200 million has been cut from the historic preservation fund, that really slashes core funding,” Gordon said. “That jeopardizes programs like the Save America’s Treasure grants, which has really supported a lot of buildings.”

“Those kind of things support that structural, stabilization work.”

Eight Wright buildings in the United States, including Oak Park’s Unity Temple, are designated UNESCO heritage sites. Gordon said federal support for landmarks with that status looks to be dwindling alongside staffing for the program at the National Park Service.

“We’ve seen that the National Park Service is a bureau that’s getting decimated,” she said. “There’s like two people left in the office of international af fairs. It’s going to

get consolidated into other parts of the National Park Service. So what happens with new nominations, what happens with our reporting relationships with our broader international cultural community? These are big things that we don’t have answers to.” Federal cuts are also anticipated to have ripple effects to preservation ef for ts done by statewide and local agencies, impacting privately owned Wright structures as well as the buildings ke pt open to the public, Gordon said.

“Those funding cuts are going to weaken those offices in every state,” she said.

“Those are really important to keep, so then that’s really scary.”

Budget cuts in Los Angeles’ city government announced earlier this month threaten to shutter the Wright-designed Hollyhock House museum.

Closer to home, the JJ Walser House in neighboring Austin is considered one of the most “endangered” historic landmarks in Illinois. Since its longtime owner died in 2019, the West Side home has gone into foreclosure and is the subject of a City of Chicago complaint over the buildings poor condition, brought on by years of deferred maintenance.

Helping preserve Wright’s structures and other architectural landmarks should remain a federal priority, Gordon said.

“It’s about telling the full American story,” she said.

TODD BANNOR

Construction of the new Pete’s Fresh Market on Madison Street in Oak Park nally begins to show results.

Behold: Walls!

HOME&GARDEN

The north and the south of it

Wright Plus blends homes in north and south Oak Park for the rst time since 1997

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

Wright Plus, the housewalk centered on showcasing the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries, returns to Oak Park this Saturday, May 17. This year, the walk is returning to south Oak Park for the first time since 1997.

Christine Trevino, a digital communication manager with the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, says that by showcasing both the north and south sides of Oak Park, “We can show guests and visitors how vibrant the village is.”

On the north side of town, four homes in close proximity showcase Wright’s work as well as of that of other significant architects

The Vernon W. and Mary Skif f House was designed by Nimmons & Fellows in 1909. The Skif f family moved to Oak Park from Iowa. Skif f’s son and son-in-l aw were founders of the Jewel Tea Company, which later became known as the Jewel grocery chain. Architects George Nimmons and William Fellows also designed the company headquarters in Chicago as well as the

Sears, Roebuck Company complex on Chicago’s West Side. Legend has it that Skif f interviewed a young Frank Lloyd Wright to design his home but was unimpressed and turned to Nimmons & Fellow for the strength of their designs which incorporated brick, limestone and steel beams. Across the street from the Skif f house is the William E. and Winifred Martin House. Designed in 1903 by Frank Lloyd Wright for the president of the Martin and Martin Stove Polish Company, the home is one of nine buildings Wright worked on for the Martin family. Wright later designed a home for William’s brother Darwin Martin and the headquarters for his company, the Larkin Company, in Buffalo, New York

Vernon W. and Mar y Ski House (Nimmons and Fellows, 1909)

FRANK LLOY D WRIGHT TRUST/JAMES CAULFIELD

William E. and Winifred Martin House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1903)

HOME & GARDEN 2025

from page 19

Just a block away is the housewalk’s second Wright-designed home on the north side of Oak Park: the Harry and Louisa Goodrich House, designed in 1896. Wright remodeled the house in 1908. The current owners have completed a painstaking restoration of the home, which gar nered them a village Historic Preservation Award in 2015.

Trevino says of the house, “The homeowners are dedicated Wright stewards. In 2023, they won a Wright Spirit Award from the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. “People often ask what it takes to live in a Wright-designed home. This house is a great example of that kind of historic preservation.”

The final home on the north side of town is the E.E. and Ina Andrews House, which is new to Wright Plus. The home was designed by Charles E. White Jr. in 1905 in a style influenced by the Prairie style. Trevino says of White, “He joined Wright’s studio in his late twenties and worked on Unity Temple before breaking of f to form his own studio. It’s very cool to see one of the first homes he designed after leaving Wright’s studio. White

ended up designing 48 buildings in Oak Park including the Oak Park Post Office and the Cheney Mansion.”

On the south side of Oak Park is a Wright design making its Wright Plus debut.

The George and Lucy Smith II House, designed by Wright in 1898, has been recently restored. Trevino says of the home, “It’s a very exciting house to see. It’s been completely reimagined but in a way that’s so honest and true to the character of the house.”

FRANK LLOY D WRIGHT TRUST/JAMES CAULFIELD

Harry C. and Louisa Goodrich House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1896)

E.E. and Ina Andrews House (Charles E. White Jr., 1905)

HOME & GARDEN 2025

Next door, the Sanford S. and Grace Vaughan House is also new to Wright Plus. It was designed by E. E. Roberts in 1898. After a basement fire, the home has been newly restored. Trevino says, “We have two really great examples of restoration right next to each other. It’s very exciting.”

Also new to the housewalk is the John and Annie Shapcott/John and Margaret Coumbe House. Designed by E.E. Roberts in 1905, the home was a gift from John and Anna Shapcott to their daughter Margaret when she married John Coumbe.

Trevino says that Coumbe was a builder who built the house himself. The Shapcotts ended up moving in with their daughter

and son-in-law and sharing the home. Last but not least is the George Smith I House. The home was on the last Wright Plus in south Oak Park in 1997. Trevino says the long-term homeowners ran an interior design business. “This house is a real showpiece. It’s an amazing Queen Anne style house,” she says.

On the day of the walk, entrance to Unity Temple will be included for ticket holders for the first time in recent years. Trevino says visiting Wright’s Home and Studio, which is also included as part of the ticket, and Unity Temple makes a nice bridge between the

north and south sides of Oak Park Shuttle service is also available to ticket holders.

Trevino says this year’s Wright Plus is unlike other years that focus on one distinct neighborhood. She says, “I feel like it’s a bit different. It’s really an all-encompassing look at the village.”

While tickets to Wright Plus are sold out for this year’s walk, a limited stash of 60 tickets will be released the day of the walk at 8 a.m. at the Home & Studio, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park.

For those planning ahead, tickets for the 2026 walk will be for sale in early 2026.

FRANK LLOY D WRIGHT TRUST/JAMES CAULFIELD

George W. and Lucy Smith I House (1894)

Sanford S. and Grace Vaughan House (E.E. Roberts, 1898)

John and Annie Shapcott/ John and Margaret Coumbe House (E.E. Roberts, 1905)

George W. and Lucy Smith II House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1898)

COMMUNIT Y by DESIGN

R Titus Designs Studio in Oak Park’s Hemingway District

By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter

When Robin Schwadron opened up a design studio on Oak Park Avenue in 2023, the veteran interior designer thought a street-level storefront might be a good place to meet with clients, but she wasn’t sure how the bonus of being front and center in the community would play out. After more than a year in her space at 143 S. Oak Park Ave. she is forging connections and spreading her message of design and community beyond the steps of her clients’ homes through R Titus Designs. Originally, Schwadron thought her shop would be a great way to work with her interior design clients. With clients throughout the Midwest and the East Coast, Schwadron often travels for projects, but for those who are more local, a visit to a design studio can provide vital hands-on experiences. Schwadron notes that clients can come into the studio to

see samples of cabinetry, hardware, wallpaper and fabrics, all in one place. The studio also provides a gathering space where architects and contractors can meet with the designer and clients when homes are under construction.

The colorful combination of store and studio in the heart of Oak Park features a welcoming window that offers glimpses of designer pillows, accessories and art, which draw in passersby. Schwadron found that events in her studio were a great way to connect with design enthusiasts, people needing a small decorative item for their homes, homeowners who want to learn about updating their homes or people who simply want to socialize in a pretty space. Over the past year and a half, Schwadron has hosted numerous First Friday events in the shop. During these events, held on the first Friday of the month, Schwadron highlights the work of local artists, and guests can mingle, have a refreshment and snack and view the items in the shop.

Other events are aimed at helping guests with a partic-

ular design issue. A recent night centered on wallpaper choices, and a lampshade making class is planned for this summer. Schwadron and her team also plan other fun nights that center on socializing – like a mahjong evening in the studio this spring.

As she’s jumped into the community that she and her husband call home, Schwadron has also joined forces with local Realtors. She has hosted events for the ATM team, an arm of local Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and the Dalton Home Collective has hosted a client appreciation event in studio.

HOME & GARDEN 2025

Schwadron notes that the studio has been a boon in that it allows her to connect with so many more people than she would be able to if she was tucked away in an off-street office. Heading into summer, she is looking forward to taking part in the Hemingway District’s Hemingway Birthday celebration in July and to bringing more people into the studio for design and home-focused events. Those interested in learning more about her event schedule and design business can visit: www.rtitusdesigns. com to sign up for a mailing list with notifications about events

Name Address City, State ZIP Phone

AT HOME: R Titus Designs’ showroom blends design services with retail.

And how are

you?

Mary Anne Brown’s legacy

In villages blessed with astounding nonprofit leaders, most of them women, Mary Anne Brown stood out. We mourn her death this week.

For 40-plus years Brown built and led Hephzibah Children’s Association, an agency fully focused on kids. She was hired there in the mid1970s. Hephzibah, almost 80 years old at that point, was shrinking. With a budget of only $100,000 and a single after-school daycare program as its offering, Brown started building.

When she retired in 2017, Hephzibah had a budget of $9 million and had a full boat of services it provided. In addition to the vastly expanded child care it of fered, largely in partnership with District 97, Hephzibah had taken on a failed local Head Start program.

At its core, though, was the group home it ran on North Boulevard, which was home to 26 children from across the state who were among the most grievous victims of abuse and abandonment in Illinois. Hephzibah piled on services and small touches of a home to help these kids heal and, with hope, move forward.

Under Brown, Hephzibah also added a strong foster care and adoption program that helped place many children, a good number of them with Oak Park families.

Mary Anne Brown was a force. You don’t gar ner that many state grants and such generous support from corporate Chicago without putting yourself and your organization forward. She was also a hands-on nurturer of small people who needed to be loved, seen and connected

She will long be remembered for the institution she built and the people she touched

anks to Susan Buchanan

Susan Buchanan resigned last week from Oak Park’s village board. She was midway through her second term. In an interview with the Journal’s Brendan Heffer nan, she was wonderfully candid about her decision.

Six years in and her life had become more complex, harder. After years in which she provided intensive care for both of her parents, her mom and then her dad died within months. Her father’s death came unexpectedly.

“It’s been really hard. It affected me in a big way,” she said.

The result has been a growing sense of bur nout, said Dr. Buchanan. And so she chose to step away.

Good for her

Susan Buchanan has been a very good member of this board. She has brought strong focus to issues of sustainability and public health — her medical specialty. Also though, she has been a steady progressive voice while being a good listener. In part, she told the Jour nal, she stepped away because “I feel like my skin isn’t quite as thick anymore.” That’s a caution for all of us, whether we are opining on Facebook or the editorial page of the local paper.

Our elected officials are real people, making their way through complicated lives in our service.

We all need to respect that.

When someone asks, “How are you?” I’m conflicted. I don’t say that, but I am. I usually reply with some version of “Well enough, all things considered,” but I would rather tell the truth — if I think the other person can handle the truth.

I prefer the “varnished truth,” as the Irish like to say, because the cold, hard truth isn’t the whole truth either. It’s difficult to tell “the whole truth and nothing but the truth” because we are imperfect beings in an imperfect world, and truth is nuanced and complicated, even though the simpler the truth, the more it “rings true.” Professional liars like Donald Trump take advantage of this when they package their falsehoods, so you have to be careful because truth is notoriously “slippery.”

praise the good more than criticize the not-so-good, though the balance is sometimes of f.

People have a hard time coming to terms with truth. Some think it’s only the truth if it’s as dark as a Eugene O’Neill play. Others promise that the truth will “set us free,” but sometimes it devastates before liberating us

Often we’re counseled to tell “our truth,” which, though sincere, is highly idiosyncratic, and not everyone’s truth is useful. “Approximately true” is about as close as many of us get to “the whole truth.”

But all of that is far afield from “How are you?” a question that sets off various voices in my head, which I have to contend with. I’m hesitant to say I “battle” them because they all have some claim to “truth.”

One voice says, “My life is inadequate.” Another says, “My life is perfectly adequate,” which is to say “good enough,” damning with faint praise.

Another voice says, “My life could be better,” and sometimes “a lot better.”

Yet another says, “You are lucky to have a life,” and sometimes “such a wonderful life.”

Perhaps you’re f amiliar with voices like these.

Since the Restoration of King Donald, when someone asks, “How are you?” I usually answer, “Surprisingly well, given the circumstances.” Everyone these days knows what “the circumstances” means

But there’s a lot I’m not saying. It’s a mix of glad and sad. Here’s what I really want to say:

“I am doing my best, though my best is frequently not good enough. I know that life is inherently good, regardless of circumstances, and my presence in it is no small miracle. I take it for granted much less than I used to. I try to

“I can’t complain really. I won the lottery — when, where and to whom I was born. This nook and cranny in the planet is blessed with natural beauty, which mostly eclipses life’s uglier side, the man-made part I’m lucky to live in the place where I grew up, which I half-chose and half-surrendered to. The geography of my youth is planted thick with dandelion-fluff memories that wave to me like friendly ghosts as I pass Last week it was the courtyard at Ascension School where May crownings were held in my childhood. My memories include moments when all was right with the world, and every time I took an important step forward or started a new chapter, the sun shined unnaturally bright. But I also remember the times I struggled. How can I not be thankful for the suffering through, which brought me to this moment?

“Whenever I feel my life is insuf ficient, I take a long walk through this landscape and am filled with wonder that I have a life, the trillion-to-one shot of being born at all.

“I live in a community that (for all its imperfections) is, and was, peopled with those who have taught me what it means to be human, in the fullest sense of that word

“I’m making slow progress on living a fuller life. Sometimes I feel discouraged, but mostly I’m enjoying the journey despite the hard times that inevitably accompany it. I remain a connoisseur of sunny days, but I’m working on giving the cloudy days their due. I’m thankful for all the help provided by caring people in my life and I’m trying to be that for others, especially, but not limited to, those I care deeply about as they pursue their own jour neys — or at least not getting in their way.

“I’m fretful about the future, relatively at peace with the past, and determined to give the present the attention it deserves. I’m learning to accept that this is my inadequate/good enough/ wonderful life, but I’m tired of playing it safe.

“If I had it to do over again, I would try to do better. So I’ll just have to do better from here on out.”

I will never say all that, of course, if you ask me how I am, so you don’t need to cross the street when you see me coming.

But it’s the truth, approximately. And lightly varnished

KEN TRAINOR

SHRUB TO WN by Marc Stopeck

Honor our veterans on Memorial Day

Please join us on Monday, May 26 at the “Peace Triumphant” monument in Oak Park’s Scoville Park at 11 a.m. for our annual traditional Memorial Day ceremony, dignified and reflective This Memorial Day marks the 80th anniversary of V-E Day, the end of World War II in Europe. Remarks will remember the service and sacrifices of those who made this happen, including our women. More broadly, the ceremony will recognize and honor all of our veterans, especially those who lost their lives in service to our country.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon and Village President Vicki Scaman have been asked to give welcoming remarks. Officers from the Oak Park Police Honor Guard will post the Colors and offer a rifle salute. The History Singers will lead us in patriotic singing and our bugler will play Taps as wreaths are laid. Our pastor will deliver an invocation and benediction.

Brian Flora Oak Park

WEDNESD AY

of Oak Park and River Forest

Viewpoints Guidelines

e goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have su cient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it o en is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it.

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Healthy Minds Matter YOUR BEST LIFE with Lisa Capone

May is Mental Health Awareness

Month—a time to shed light on an important but often overlooked topic: the mental well-being of older adults. Many seniors face unique emotional challenges, including loneliness, grief, changes in health, or the stress of transitioning to a new lifestyle.

Here are some simple, effective ways seniors can support their mental health every day:

Stay Connected: Reach out to family, friends, or neighbors regularly. Even a short conversation can lift your mood.

Keep Moving: Gentle exercises like walking, stretching, or chair yoga can boost your energy and reduce stress.

Try Something New: Learning a hobby, craft, or game helps keep your mind sharp and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Stick to a Routine: Daily structure provides a sense of stability and purpose.

Get Outside: Fresh air and sunshine can naturally improve your mood.

Rest Well: Good sleep supports emotional balance and clear thinking.

Mental health matters at every age. This May, take small steps each day to care for your mind—you deserve it.

Visit Cantata.org for more senior living advice or call (708) 387-1030.

What they’re aiming for

One of my peeves is the use in public discourse of absurd logic. It’s made worse by confident, forceful presentation, as if that can cover it up.

EDMUND MCDEVIT T

One View

Recently, I watched Christopher Rufo, a “conservative activist,” on PBS NewsHour. He is, as was described, a key actor in the Trump administration’s attack on major universities. No matter that he was corrected multiple times by Amna Navaz, he persistently wrenched and tortured both history and the intent of laws, never mind the concepts of academic freedom and free speech, to justify his/their agenda-driven attack.

He cleverly used nonsense lo gic, making what he was saying sound legitimate. It wasn’t

Some conservatives, including relatives of mine, have asser ted for years that colleges and universities are liberal bastions, banning alternative viewpoints and failing to allow or hire speakers and faculty who do not adhere to what they perceive to be “liberal” ideas.

Let’s be clear. Opening up history to include what and who have been excluded in the past is not a liberal idea. Literature that critiques assumptions, ideas, orthodoxy, and behavior is not “liberal.” Teaching that calls anything and everything into question is not “liberal.” Questioning beliefs that have few, perhaps no, facts supporting them is not “liberal.”

And if your daughter or son come home from colle ge and announce that the indoctrination to which you subjected them is BS, no matter which side of the spectrum your BS came from, it means they’ve begun to think critically, possibly for the first time.

If your version of conservatism rejects fact-based and science-based information, the problem is not colleges and universities. The problem is you.

This brings us back to Mr. Rufo. His “side” of things, at least as expressed that night, is based on a series of glaring red herrings. The Red Herring fallacy brings irrelevant, though formidable-sounding, details to an argument, seemingly making its premise (if any) substantial. Most often, however, red her rings are used to obscure another fallacy: the fallacy of “be gging the question,” a main characteristic of which is starting with a conclusion rather than a premise or premises, gathering information to support the conclusion, then using the conclusion itself as evidence. This is also known as circular reasoning. Pulling the curtains back from Mr. Rufo’s blather shines light on his actual starting point: that universities are liberal and everyone knows it.

The Project 2025 team — of which Mr. Rufo is a pa rt — has a long-held series of agendas that are based in evangelical religion and far right-wing ideolo gy. They’ve been looking for ways to impose their be-

XIV, pope and con

The new pope chose the name Leo XIV, coming on the scene while we are burdened and blighted by the “second coming” of King Louis XIV in the person of Donald Trump, who yearns to have total kingly power. Trump hasn’t said, at least not yet, “I am the state,” as Louis XIV is supposed to have said. But every move he makes points in that direction. Pope Leo XIV, on the other hand, offers himself as a servant/leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. By contrast, “Louis XIV 2.0” will, if he has his way, command ultimate power over

the 340 million citizens of these United States. There can be no argument about who is the greater of the two.

I’m not Roman Catholic, but I am a committed Christian. Looking ahead, it’s very obvious who it is I look to for ethical, responsible leadership in these troubled times. Can there be any doubt about which of the two truly deserves our trust?

If you do have any doubt, it sure ain’ Louie.

Fred Reklau Oak Pa

liefs, no matter how wacky, on our country for decades. It does not matter to them if they use “reasons” for their actions that are purely matters of convenience, means to an end. In their circle, “the ends justify the means” is an article of faith.

A perfect example is using “antisemitism” as their cudgel of choice against the Ivy League schools, longtime bêtes noires for them. T hese people have no interest in antisemitism as such. It’s merely a cur rent tool. They no more care about antisemitism than they do about the actual reasons for poverty or the lingering effects of slavery.

Mr. Rufo, the “activist,” is a fraud, and a dangerous one. His hardened ideology ar mors him against the actual damage he will do if he’s allowed to do it. What he wants to impose is not remotely close to what mainstream Americans would consider responsible governance.

And keep that in mind: what Project 2025 is attempting is far from what mainstream America would want if the truth of it were known. This is why the “uprising” of ordinary people is so important: it holds the bright lights on the trolls in control of the federal government and makes them at least pause. Continuing to shine that light will ultimately make them stop.

It might even wake up the old, paralyzed Democrats in Congress.

Edmund McDevitt, a longtime Ri ver Forest resident, writes a blog, “Art Can Save Us and Many Unrelated Ideas.”

Tom Cofsky’s District 200 board legacy

In his departing comments at the May 1 meeting, District 200 Board President Tom Cofsky whitewashed his and the board’s actions and spun his legacy, omitting relevant information. (1) Here’s what he left out:

As a member of the 2013 Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) tasked with addressing the ballooning $130 million fund balance and as a 12-year member of the board, Cofsky played a pivotal role in shifting the balance of power over capital spending away from the district’s 50,024 registered voters where it rightfully belongs and unethically placing it in the hands of the seven board members. (2) Cofsky could have pushed the FAC to recommend that all unauthorized tax dollars in the fund balance, more than $110 million, be retur ned to taxpayers, but he didn’t. Instead, the FAC recommended that $20 million be retur ned, giving the board control over the rest of the money to spend without voter approval. (3 & 4)

Equally important, the FAC didn’t recommend that the board reset the levy, lowering it to the level it should be without the compounding overtaxation of nearly a decade. And Cofsky made no effort to reset the levy during his years on the board. As a result, the levy remains artificially high, which is why D200 doesn’t need to “tax to the max” and still sees significant levy surpluses/

overtaxation, $10 million this year alone. (5)

In short, D200 continues to aggressively overtax residents Compounding the overtaxation, D200 has been pocketing a $3.8 million Property Tax Relief Grant annually since fiscal 2020, money intended to ease the tax burden on residents. (6)

MONIC A SHEEHAN

One View

Voter referendums serve as important checks on the facility wants of a taxing body and influential, special-interest groups. Cofsky voted twice to take away taxpayers’ rights to vote on borrowing for major capital projects. In 2015, voters petitioned the board’s non-referendum bonds on the ballot, prompting the board to withdraw the loophole funding issuance. (7)

Disregarding voter rejection of the 2016 advisory referendum, the board used another loophole in 2023 to fund a different pool project; this loophole blocked voters from petitioning Project 2’s borrowing on the ballot. Debt certificates are intended for a school’s short-ter m emergency use, not as a loophole to bypass voters to fund a controversial project. (8) In the 2021 SEOPCO D200 candidate forum, Cofsky assured voters that Project 2’s funding would go to referendum. That did not happen. (9)

Stunningly, none of the $170 million spent

Keep truth alive

Ellie Alldredge Bell wrote the following poem for her writing group in Madison, Wisconsin. She taught for 34 years in Oak Park District 97 and also taught other teachers as part of the Illinois Writing Project. She retired in 2003.

Disappearing

Keep truth alive

Tell your story of the capture while sleeping in your home, Or in your sacred, holy place, Or in the fortress where you learn and do research, Or outside your car as your children sit in the back seat,

Tell of being bullied

Tell of your fear

Tell of their disrespect

Tell of their othering you

Tell of detention

Tell of detainment

Do not disappear.

Speak the truth.

on major capital improvements during Cofsky’s board tenure was voter approved. Board service should be applauded except when it morphs into a disservice to the community. Rather than learning from the 2005 board’s unethical action, Cofsky and others used it as a template to seek and exploit other loopholes. Cofsky’s D200 legacy includes trampling on voters’ rights, unaccountability to the community on spending, and long-term, sustained overtaxation.

Monica Sheehan is a 24-year Oak Park resident and former news reporter. She has been following and independently investigating District 200 and the pool story since 2014.

Sources: (1) 5/1/25 D200 Board Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ZJz44BWh6eY

(2) Cook County Board of Elections Registered Voters in D200: https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/ elections/results-and-election-data/electiondata/registration-statistics (3) 12/19/14 Wednesday Jour nal news story: “Oak Park’s D200 board approves second-year levy freeze” https://www oakpark.com/2014/12/19/oak-parks-d200-board-

As you march — as you write or paint or draw

Hold high your sign: Love Trumps Hate Sing chants. Pound drums.

Clap hands. Stomp feet.

Do not go silent. Do not disappear. Quiet not your story

Your writings

Your music

Your art

Your voice

Quieting truth

Ensures we disappear.

Do not, my friends, disappear.

Ellie Alldredge

Bell Oak Park

approves-second-year-levy-freeze/ (4) History of the District 200 Fund Balance:

https://www.oprfhs.org/about/businessoffice/fund-balance-background

(5) 10/24/24 D200 Board Meeting: Proposed Tax Levy: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/oprfhs/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DA5G6S4252EA (6) $3.8 million Property Tax Relief Grant, listed as “State Sources - PTGR in EBF” in Five-Year Financial Projections (p.7): https://go.boarddocs.com/ il/oprfhs/Board.nsf/files/ BVASZV74FE2E/$file/20201119%20BRD%20 Tentative%20Levy%20Presentation%2C%20 revised%2011-12-20.pdf

(7) Wednesday Jour nal 1/20/16 news story: “D200 board votes to withdraw pool bonds” https://www.oakpark.com/2016/01/20/d200board-votes-to-withdraw-pool-bonds/ (8) Wednesday Jour nal 4/28/23 news story: “OPRF unanimously decides financing for its Project 2” https://www oakpark.com/2023/04/28/ oprf-unanimously-decides-financing-for-itsproject-2/ (9) 2021 SEOPCO D200 Candidate Forum Tape 1 (46:32): https://www.facebook. com/100010784557172/videos/49547315355910 2/?idorvanity=1685772731638787

DAVID WICK

12 years of park progress from page 25

and the Community Mental Health Board.

The focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) remains strong and will not waiver! And the park district is regularly recognized as one of the premier park districts in the nation. People outside of Oak Park know about this park district, and they try to emulate many of our practices

I would like to think that in the past 12 years I had a hand in some of this and more. We had our challenging moments for sure. But we also had so many wins that it really has become a normal occurrence — and we love every one. I want to thank all of the board members who I have served with over time. You are all fantastic representatives for this community. And I appreciate each one of you. I also want to give a huge shout-out to Jan Arnold and her amazing team. The employees of PDOP are so good at what they do. It is amazing watching them work. And Jan really is the best of the best in regard to executive directors.

It has been an honor serving you all as a commissioner. Thank you for the opportunity!

David Wick of Oak Park just completed his third and final term as park commissioner.

Celebrating excellence at OPRF

The Oak Park and River Forest High School Scholarship Foundation’s Donor Reception was once again a moving celebration of student achievement and the incredible community support that makes it all possible. This year, the foundation proudly awarded 98 scholarships totaling $287,900 — an increase of over $65,000 from the previous year. The event brought together students, parents, faculty, staff, donors, and board members to honor a shared commitment to educational opportunity and success

The evening’s highlights included James Keleher, president of the Scholarship Foundation introducing several new scholarships, each reflecting the values and generosity of those who made them possible:

■ The Dr. Robert and Dorothy Brewer Scholarship reco gnizes a graduate who uplifts others and approaches both academics and life with respect, joy, and hard work.

■ The Lois Goldstein Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a beloved math teacher and lifelong environmental advocate.

■ The Andrew Hagins Memorial Scholarship celebrates an OPRF varsity baseball player remembered for humility, leadership, and integrity.

■ The Jean A. Follett Performing Arts Scholarship supports students passionate about the performing arts, whether on stage or behind the scenes.

■ The Seabury Foundation First Generation to Colle ge Scholarship empowers students whose parents did not attend colle ge, honoring the courage to forge a new path. Additionally, the longstanding Charles N. “Laddie” Follett, Robert Follett, Garth Follett, and Dwight Follett Memorial Scholarships were expanded this year to support two students each, thanks to the enduring generosity of the Follett Educational Foundation.

This year’s celebration also marked another exciting milestone — the launch of the Scholarship Foundation’s newly redesigned website, created by Carolyn Schiffner of CMS Design, a longstanding partner of the foundation.

Each scholarship awarded is more than just financial support — it is a vote of confidence in the dreams, talents, and futures of our students.

2025 scholarship recipients:

“LLKA” Scholarship in Honor of Andrew Cheeks: Kemaria Freeman

Andrew Hagins Memorial Scholarship: George Holland

Ann R. Monaco Music Scholarship: Jude Peterson

Anne P. Beker meier Scholarship: Joseph Egan

Applause! Performing Arts Scholarship: Clara Frantzen

Ariel Follett O’Hara ‘55 Family Scholarship: Kemaria Freeman

Barbara Amsden Braun Donohue Scholarship: Vincent Czarnkowski

Brenda Schnede Grusecki Legacy Scholarship: Beatrice Sjostrom

Carl R. Krafft - Speech/Dance/TV Scholarships: Anna Bullock

Carl R. Krafft Fine Arts Scholarships: Ruby Drexler, Inidgo

Field, Olive Merrill

Carl R. Krafft music Scholarships: Emily Churchouse

Carol Shields Memorial Scholarship: Alexander Gossett

Catherine Deam Memorial Scholarship: Sophia Lynn

Charles N. “Laddie” Follett Memorial Scholarship: Nora Meraz, Zoie Segbawu

Chris Colin Piecha Memorial Scholarship: Miriam Goyette

Class of 1940 Writing Award: Alana Gerona

Don Deia “Heart of the Plate” Scholarship: Sofia Ayala

Dr. Alexander M. Schmidt Memorial Scholarship: Lyla Gerona

Dr. Bert Beverly Memorial Scholarship: Scott River

Dr. Gerald L. Clay Scholarship: Isiah Thomas

Dr. Robert and Dorothy Brewer Scholarship: Mayan Alwaeli

Dwight Follett Memorial Scholarship: Alexander Gossett, Caroline Vietzen

Follett Educational Foundation Take the First Step Scholarships, in Memory of Alison E. O’Hara, JD, OPRF ‘81; “Take the First Step”: Simon Bade-Nguyen, Iris Keane,Mia Mendoza

Follett Educational Foundation Take the First Step Scholarships, in Memory of Alison E. O’Hara, JD, OPRF ‘81; Scholarship Vocational Studies: Jasmine Ford, Mark Marcondes

Garden Club of Oak Park and River Forest Scholarship: Helena Booth, Connor Czer niawski, Blake Mcclarin

Garth Follett Memorial Scholarship: Isabel Stickney, Duke Walsh

Gary F. Olson Scholarship: Cooper Janning

Georg Ann Zussman-Amato Memorial Scholarship for Women in Science: Jessica Li

Gerald L. Greer History Scholarship: Charlotte Ainsworth, Calum Macadam,

Hotchkiss Memorial Scholarship: Sofia Ayala, Anna Ruess, Sasha Sieck

Ishma Stewart Memorial Scholarship: Amelia Porterfield

Jack Tavolacci Memorial Scholarship: Sonja Emerson

Jean A. Follett

Performing Arts Scholarship: Jude Peterson

Josh Davis Memorial Scholarship: Blake Mcclarin

Kate Long Marchetti Scholarship: Deshon Press, Amaree Smith

Lois Goldstein Memorial Scholarship Fund: Jessica Li

Louise Hay Math Scholarship: Rachel Kralik, Jessica Li,

Jane Pearson, Rachel Sang, Paloma Turner

Lt. Patrick J. Luby Memorial Scholarship: Daniella HornaBaxter, Genevieve Simkowski

Michael A. Campbell Memorial Scholarship: Kaleiyah Henderson, Jude Peterson

Miller, Cooke, Wood Theatre Scholarship: William Cote

Nell Behr Aquatics Scholarship: Meredith Steinman

Oak Park Bank Scholarship: Andrew Garcia

Offer man Excellence in English Scholarship: Blaire Brown

OPRFHS Retirees - Dooper Scholarship: Isabel Stickney , Duke Walsh

OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation Directors Scholarship: Quincy Chen-Marusich, Emerson Nunes

OPUS Alumni Association Scholarship: Clara Frantzen

Peter Quinn Swimming & Diving Award: Will Keyes, Jane Pearson

R.J. Mike Nielsen Scholarship: Lauren Gullo

Richard Daniel Memorial Scholarship (Orchestra): Ivy Loentz

Robert Follett Memorial Scholarship: Jessica Li, Jasmine Shirley

Robert Gauger Memorial Scholarship: Nora Butterly

Roberta L. Raymond Mathematics Scholarship: Sadie Collins, Brenden Lowenthal-Wojcik, Isiah Thomas

Roberta L. Raymond Scholarship: Caleb Bowman

Seabury Foundation First Generation to Colle ge Scholarship: Sofia Contreras, Jaela May, Jasmine Shirley

Seabury Foundation Scholarship: Sadie Collins, John D’Agostino, Isiah Thomas, Caroline Vietzen

Smith/Gor man Smith Model UN Scholarships: Ava Fisher

Terri Race Educational Technology: Kenneth Lugo, Lily Zinthefer

Thomas Ferguson Memorial Scholarship: Bennett Parker

Thomas O. Miyata Scholarship: Rute Fikadu, Brenden Lowenthal-Wojcik, Amarie Pillado, Zoie Segbawu, Andre Stanton,

Tony Trofimuk Scholarship: Anna Breuer

Tuesday Night Hoops - Stephen A. Henry Scholarship: Zoie Segbawu

Virginia Moe Award Scholarship: Connor Czerniawski, Willa Schaffer Memorial Scholarship: Iris Keane

Christine Baissac

OPRF High School Scholarship Foundation

SPORTS

OPRF so ball honors 2005 state title team

But Huskies lose to Downers Grove North

By MELVIN TATE

Contributing Reporter

On May 9 at Ridgeland Common, Oak Park and River Forest High School celebrated the 20th anniversary of the softball program’s first state championship. Led by coach Mel Kolbusz, the Huskies finished 35-6 and won the IHSA Class AA title, defeating Machesney Park Harlem in the quarterfinals 5-3, Lake Park 4-1 in the semifinals, then Moline 4-1 in an 11-inning classic. Jessica Rigas was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament and was also named to the AllTournament team along with Stephanie Bernthal, Erika Rosenwinkel, Seana Stillson, and Kealan Waldron.

Other players on the 2005 team were Annie Demas, Alyson uler, Me an Kiefer

Nightengale, Samantha Pehlke, Mattie Prodanovic, Holly Roadruck, Ann Schraufnagel, Leone Schwestka, A.J. Snow, Katherin Ziegler, Mary Frances Zinni, and Mia Zinni Kolbusz’s assistant coaches were John Allen, Leah Carlin, Jim Dagostino, and Gary Miller.

T he 2005 team was honored in a preg ame ceremony before the current Huskies’ West Suburban Silver g ame against Downers Grove North. Kolbusz, who ad dressed the crowd during the ceremon said the seeds of the state championshi were planted the year before, when Lock port rallied from a 6-0 deficit to defeat OPRF 8-6 in the AA title game.

e 2005 OPRF High School Class AA so ball championship team was honored before the current Huskies’ game against Dow ners Grove North, May 9.

“When I put the [second-place] medals around our players [in 2004],” Kolbusz said, “they ren’t disappointed, they ren’ hampionship] get away and vowed if they eturned to the state finals, they were not

ent OPRF coach J.P. Coughlin was thrilled with the large crowd, who showed ppreciation for those players and were able to make the ceremony. He also said his players appreciate the ements of the 2005 team.

rs really appreciate history, excited about this,” said Coughlin, who added there are plans to honor the 2016 and 2017 Class 4A championship teams in the next two years. “It was their oses to each [2005] player. I know if we’ve always had athletes about the past, and these girls want to be like them.”

OPRF (20-8, 5-4 in WSC Silver) planned to cap a special day with a victory against conference leader DGN. But the Trojans (13-10, 7-1) spoiled the party with a 10-3 defeat of the Huskies. Samantha Lehnherr damage for DGN, going 4-for-4 RBI, including a two-run homer and two-run double.

“[DGN] was simply better than us tonight,” oughlin said. “We hit some balls

hard, but they were outs.”

Carolyn Rainey started in the circle for OPRF and went 5.1 innings, allowing 10 runs [two unearned] on 11 hits with four walks and three strikeouts

“She started the year as our third starter with the plan of one inning at a time,” Coughlin said. “Since Anna [Topel] went down, Carolyn has done a really nice job. Today wasn’t her best day, but she’s out there competing.”

Elyssa Hasapis and Leia Hammerschmidt each had two hits for the Huskies, who recently received a boost with the return of Topel to the lineup. Coughlin hopes to get her pitching again soon.

“Hopefully, we start to ease Anna back,” he said. “She’s a good player and we’re going to need her for the playoffs.”

On May 12, OPRF looked to bounce back at York. Maura Carmody’s two-out, two-run single in the top of the seventh tied the game. But Sara Steinecker hit a solo homer in the bottom half off Arielle Spurlock to give the Dukes a 5-4 walk-off victory.

The Huskies have their final three WSC Silver contests this week: at Lyons Township (May 14), home versus Glenbard West (May 15), and at Proviso West (May 19).

COURTESY OF MARK REGAN

OPRF shortstop Elyssa Hasapis res to rst during a West Suburban Silver so ball game versus visiting Downers Grove North. e Huskies fell 10-3.

OPRF’s Gossett is heading to the Show-Me state

Will play college basketball at Missouri-St. Louis

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

After a long, arduous recruiting process, Oak Park and River Forest High School boys basketball senior Alex Gossett announced on May 7 that he will play collegiately at the University of Missouri St. Louis.

“I chose UMSL because they are giving me the best opportunity to succeed,” Gossett told Wednesday Journal. “They are an amazing program, have an amazing staf f, and have a long history of success. All of that, as well as my parents, led me to my decision.”

OPRF badminton doubles its pleasure

Gossett described the recruiting process as “rough.” He said several schools wanted him to reclassify to the Class of 2026, while others overlooked him. But he stuck with the process, which ultimately led to finding a school that would allow him to have success on and off the court.

“I was picky about where I was going,” Gossett said. “UMSL has a solid business program and an amazing basketball program, so it all worked out.”

UMSL is a NCAA Division II institution which plays in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. This season, the Tritons went 21-12 and reached the Sweet Sixteen of the Division II national tournament, losing to La

gional final.

In his final season at OPRF, Gossett averaged 20 points and seven rebounds for the Huskies, surpassing the 1,000-point mark for his career. He also excelled in the classroom with a 4.7 gradepoint average.

As he prepares to move on to UMSL, he has fond memories of his time at OPRF

“I’ll miss how accepting everyone is,” said Gossett, who plans to major in business or finance. “It got to the point where I know a lot of people and feel comfortable having conversations with almost everyone. I’ll miss how easy it was to in

Huskies advance both doubles teams to state nals

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

At the Glenbrook South Sectional, May 8, the Oak Park and River Forest High School badminton team qualified both of its doubles entries for the IHSA state finals. The Huskies finished third in the team standings with eight points.

“It’s pretty nice,” said OPRF coach Paul Wright. “It’s great we got both entries downstate.”

Seniors Alice Cadwell and Anika Gupta finished second. Following a first-round bye, they defeated a team from Payton Prep 21-10, 21-10 in the quarterfinals, then knocked of f a team from Glenbrook South 21-13, 24-22 in the semifinals. In the title match, Cadwell and Gupta were defeated by Glenbrook South’s Deana Chin and Rayya Patel 15-21, 13-21.

“ [Ca dwell and Gupta] pl ayed hard and f ast,” Wright said. “They walked i nto a Glenbrook S outh team (in the final) that you c ould tell pl ayed to g ether for a long time.”

OPRF’s other doubles entry, juniors Stella Ludwig and Olive Te pher, also qualified. But they had to navigate a tougher road

to do so. Ludwig and Te pher won its firstround match over Mather (21-9, 21-16), but lost in the quarterfinals to Maine West (1921, 18-21), which meant they’d have to win three matches in the consolation brack in order to get to the third-place match and secure their spot in the state finals.

That’s exactly what Ludwig and Te pher did, defeating teams from Whitney Young (21-17, 21-15), Lake Forest (21-18, 21-18), and Maine West (21-11, 21-14), in that order. the third-place match, the duo lost to Grace Carlson and Jasmine Mehta of Glenbrook South 15-21, 5-21. However, Ludwig and Te her advance to state by being among the top four sectional placers.

“[Ludwig and Te pher] came up with a game plan and executed it really well [in the rematch with Maine West],” Wright said. “They were super-ecstatic as juniors to get downstate; they’re great high school friends, not just badminton players.”

(Le to right) OPRF High School’s Olive Tepher, Stella Ludwig, Alice Cadwell, and Anika Gupta quali ed in doubles for the IHSA state nals at the Glenbrook South Sectional, May 7.

West in a consolation match, 14-21, 8-21.

“Ada had a phenomenal first game against [Haravon],” Wright said. “It was great to see her compete.”

Seniors Ada Klein and Wes Wong competed in singles for OPRF at the sectional. Following a bye, Klein defeated Michelle Yee of Whitney Young 21-6, 21-9. But she lost in the quarterfinals to top-seeded Kate Haravon of Glenbrook South, 18-21, 9-21, and then fell to Ana Paunilian of Maine

Wong lost her first-round match to Isabella Adams of Lake Forest 10-21, 8-21, then lost 16-21, 17-21 in the first consolation round to Payton Prep’s Inika Bansal.

“Wes battled all day and did the best she could,” Wright said.

Wright says OPRF’s goal for the state finals is to be playing on Saturday. He feels

Cadwell and Gupta have a chance to do so, depending on the draw.

“Hopefully, Anika and Alice will have a bit of an easier path,” Wright said. “They’ll probably play a three seed instead of a two. It all depends on how the rankings come out. Our goal is always to get to Saturday; it’s a much different tournament with a lot less kids and it’s more focused. Getting there is a great step for our program.” The IHSA state finals take place May 1617 at DeKalb High School.

ALEX GOSSET T

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC., MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-WF1, Plaintiff, -v.-

ERICA TWYMAN; PRESCOTT SQUARE TOWNHOME ASSOCIATION, Defendants. 17 CH 05787 11448 PRESCOTT LANE, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 11/14/2024, an agent of Auction.com, LLC will conduct the auction in person at 12:00 PM on June 4, 2025 located at 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate.

Commonly known as 11448 PRESCOTT LANE, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154

Property Index No. 15-30-204010-0000

The real estate is improved with a Multi-Family. The judgment amount was $523,431.11 Sale Terms: 20% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to Auction. com, LLC, No third party checks will be accepted. All registered bidders need to provide a photo ID in order to bid. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. (relief fee not required) The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g)(l) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSES-

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CALENDAR NUMBER� 10�25�Z

HEARING DATE� June 4, 2025

SION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701 (C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC (312) 346-9088 please refer to file number 2006140IL. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400 Chicago, IL 60602 - 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com. Attorney File No. 20-06140IL Case Number: 17 CH 05787 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.

I3265352

PUBLIC NOTICES

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-6699777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

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: M25000461 on April 30, 2025

Under the Assumed Business Name of SHANA’S NAME BANNERS with the business located at: 2500 S. 12TH AVE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: SHANA LYNN EVERAGE 2500 S. 12TH AVE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155, USA.

Published in Forest Park Review May 7, 14, 21, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILD

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of Laura Cadden to change the name of Minor Child Case Number 20254000863

There will be a court date on a Request to change the name of the minor child from: Aisha Omar to the new name of: Aisha Mairead Cadden-Ocampi.

The court date will be held:

On June 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Maywood Courthouse, 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Illinois 60153 in Courtroom # 0111

Published in Forest Park Review May 7, 14, 21, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, located at 201 N. Scoville will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation Meeting which will take place remotely via video/telephone conference on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 11:00am. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2024-2025 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 Oak Park & River Forest High. School District 200, you are urged to attend. If you would like to join the meeting, please contact Shdata Redmond at sredmond@oprfhs.org or call (708) 434-3121 to request the Zoom Link information.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 7, 14, 2025

TIME� 7�00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING� Room 201 �Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION� The Zoning Board of Appeals (“Board”) will conduct a public hearing on a special use permit application filed by the Applicant, Hezekiah Early Learning Center LLC, to operate a day care center pursuant to Section 8.3 �Table 8�1� Use Matrix) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance at the property located at 404 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Numbers 16�07�223�022�0000 (“Subject Property”) in the NC Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District.

A copy of the application and

applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8�30 a.m. and 5�00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@ oak-park.us before 5�00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, May 14, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CALENDAR NUMBER: 08-25-Z

HEARING DATE: June 4, 2025

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicants, Matthew and Alyson Schoenfeld, seeking a variance from Section 4.3 (Table 4-1: Residential Districts Dimensional Standards) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to construct a one-story rear addition to the existing residence that would continue a nonconforming building line of 2.89 feet along the corner side lot line of Erie Street where a nine (9‘) foot setback is required at the property commonly known as 233 N Lombard Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-08-114-011-0000

(“Subject Property”), in the R-2 Single-family Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

CALENDAR NUMBER� 09�25�Z

HEARING DATE� June 4, 2023

TIME� 7�00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING� Room 201 �Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION� The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, Mosaic Counseling & Wellness, LLC, seeking a variance from Section 8.3 �Table 8�1� Use Matrix), which prohibits medical offices from being located within the first 50 feet of the street lot line at grade level or on the ground floor of any building within the DT�1 and DT�2 Sub-Districts of Downtown.

Mosaic Counseling & Wellness, LLC, providing counseling and psychiatric medical care, plans to operate on the ground floor within 50 feet of the South Boulevard street line at the property commonly known as 810 South Boulevard, Oak Park,

Published in Wednesday

IL Property index Number 16�07� 129�036�0004 in the DT�2 SubDistrict of Downtown.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8�30 a.m. and 5�00 p.m.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

CALENDAR NUMBER� 07�25�Z

HEARING DATE� June 4, 2025

TIME� 7�00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits

LOCATION OF HEARING� Room 201 �Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302

APPLICATION� The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, John Schiess, seeking variances from the following sections of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to construct an attached garage addition to the north side of the singlefamily residence and an addition to the south side of the singlefamily residence at the property commonly known as 224 Marion Court, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16�07�114�002� 0000 �“Subject Property”), in the R�2 Single-family Zoning District.

1. Article 4.3 �Table 4�1� Residential Districts Dimensional Standards) requires that the principal building shall be setback not less than six �6’) feet from the interior lot line to the north; whereas the proposal shows a one �1’) foot setback to the north lot line; and 2. Article 4.3 �Table 4�1� Residential Districts Dimensional Standards) requires that the principal building shall be setback not less

than six �6’) feet from the interior lot line to the south; whereas the proposal shows a three �3’) foot setback to the south lot line; and 3. Article 4.3 �Table 4�1� Residential Districts Dimensional Standards) requires that the maximum building coverage for the lot shall not exceed 879.4 square feet �35%�; whereas the proposed principal building coverage is 1,413.62 square feet �56%�.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a crossexamination form or by emailing Zoning@oak-park.us before 5�00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

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

Your News. Your Community.

Farmers’ Market

Oak Park Farmers’ Market serves up fresh produce and a slice of Americana

On its rst Saturday the market had one farmer

TMay 17, kicking of f a summer-long celebration of its 50th season. Throughout the summer, the market will feature special events to continue the celebration.

For many marketgoers, it’s hard to imagine the village without a far mers’ market. It is not just a place to buy flowers, fresh produce, cheeses and breads, but a place to meet up with neighbors and friends, buy freshly made donuts and coffee, and enjoy the far mers’ market bluegrass band.

“It’s a gathering spot that people look forward to. It makes Saturday morning special,”

Today, one can find far mers’ markets in Chicago and many suburbs. But back in 1975, far mers’ markets in urban areas were a new concept. At the time, villagers Marge Gockel and Carla Lind talked about bringing a market to Oak Park and drove to Ann Arbor, Michig an, to check out a market there. When they returned, they broached the idea to Sara Bode, then head of the village’s Mall Commission and later village president, who encouraged them to approach the village for permission.

CONGRATULATIONS

What’s spe cial about this year’s Farmers’ Market?

Lots of things on its 50th season

Watch for special events at this year’s Far mers’ Market to celebrate its 50th season. What would the Oak Park Far mers’ Market be without its lineup of fun activities such as a pie bakeof f, a corn roast, stone soup and other special events?

This year, look for some additional special events as well. And to g enerate more awareness, there will be 50th season banners lining the street near the market, as well as commemorative merchandise for sale, including tote bags, t-shirts, mugs and aprons

Here is a list of the events planned so far:

May 17 & May 23: Go Green Days

Kick off the market with a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

May 31: Electri cation Expo

Learn about electrification and how it helps the environment, led by the village’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience.

August 9: Corn Roast

Taste the sweetest, freshest roasted corn right at the market. Bring cash to buy an ear or two!

September 6: Pie Bake- o

Create your best pie featuring market ing redients. Sign up to compete as a baker, apply to be a judge by sharing your passion and qualifications in two paragraphs or less at far mersmarket@oak-park.us, or just come to watch the judging!

Oc tober 25: Stone Soup

Warm up with free soup made from farmers’ donations and shop the final market of the season.

For the latest updates, visit the Far mers’ Market website.

Youth judge Elora Cianciolo checks out the pies during the Oak Park Farmers’ Market Pie Bake O

Farmers’ Market helps you go green

And it’s fun to talk to vendors

By SUSAN MONTGOMERY Contributing Reporter

It starts with selecting seasonal produce to put on your table. The fruits and ve getables that you buy at the far mers’ market have been harvested a few days before they go to market and the storage and transport time is far shorter than the produce that is delivered to the local grocery store. Hence, they are fresher and full of vitamins and minerals.

Eating produce that is seasonably available also reduces the need for produce to be shipped from faraway climates

“The more we can depend on locally grown food, the smaller our carbon footprint is,” said Carla Lind, who co-founded the market in 1975 with Oak Park resident Marge Gockel. “The quality of freshly grown fruits and ve getables that have not been stored for months is far better for all of us.”

Far mers’ markets also provide shoppers a chance to chat with the vendors, many of

whom live only a few hours away. You can lear n about their farming practices.

“My farm model is based on sustainability. It is all organic,” said Holden Wilson, owner of Old Gaffer’s Garden based in Berwyn. Wilson grows his produce in plots in Berwyn, Riverside and parts of Oak Park “I think knowing where our food comes from is important. I do think everyone should not only cook for themselves, but grow something in a ga rden, if possible, to appreciate the process of growing food.”

Old Gaffer’s Farm is “no till, no dig.” Wilson explained that traditionally a far mer will re-plow the soil which, over time, is not good for the soil. “I try to disturb the soil as little as possible so that all of the good micronutrients that are in the soil are not disturbed. I add compost and mulch on top of the soil.”

Unlike far mers’ markets in other communities, Oak Park’s Far mers’ Market is run through the village government. Many others are nonprofit organizations, said Jack Carmody, village far mers’ market coordinator.

The village is committed to promoting sustainability and has recently hired a new director of sustainability. This offers the far mers’ market an opportunity to partner

Holden Wilson walks his garden housed on a Riverside property — it is one of four that make up Old Ga er’s Garden.

with the village sustainability department to offer education sessions at the market.

In late May or early June, the village’s Sustainability Department will offer an educational program at the market. Check the Far mers’ Market website for event details. Another less visible factor re garding sustainability is that the food comes from far ms in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. This close proximity reduces driving time to transport produce, thus reducing overall emissions. Transportation is a

major factor in increasing temperatures that are affecting climate change. Secondly, markets are often walkable for many residents. That too cuts down on the need to drive.

By supporting a far mers’ market, you are supporting local ag riculture. The pandemic reinforced the need for strong community food resources. It also benefits your health and fosters a sense of community. Take the kids and let them share in the decision-making process.

LINK Program helps market expand access to fresh produce

Gives access to low-income residents

By SUSAN MONTGOMERY Contributing Reporter

One goal of the Oak Park Far mers’ Market is to make healthy re gionally produced foods accessible to lower-income residents.

One way it achieves this is by encouraging eligible far mers’ market vendors to accept SNAP and LINK cards. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) was for merly known as Food Stamps. The program, which in Illinois is known

as LINK, provides financial assistance for food purchases. LINK is a credit card that can be used at eligible vendors, including at grocery stores

Individuals can apply for these benefits through the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) on the Illinois.gov website or by submitting a paper application. Eligibility is based on household size and income

“The Oak Park Far mers’ Market really serves a broad area that includes Berwyn, Austin, and Forest Park,” said Jack Carmody, market manager. “Some of these areas have lower-income residents who may have a harder time trying to access fresh produce in their own neighborhoods. We are trying to

serve a large group of people by making sure we have a diverse selection at our market.”

Back in 2010, then Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, an Oak Park native, came to the Oak Park Far mers’ Market to sign a bill that would make it easier for far mers’ markets to accept LINK cards. The following year, the Oak Park Far mers’ Market began accepting LINK cards.

“Any of the produce can be purchased using the LINK card,” Carmody said. “All of our vendors who have eligible produce acce pt LINK. Now, we partner with an experimental station that partners with the LINK Match Station where, if you spend $25 at the market, you g et additional cou-

pons to spend.”

Carmody began his job as far mers’ market coordinator in 2023. A native of the Philadelphia area, he volunteered at far mers’ markets across Philadelphia while growing up, and he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science de gree in dietetics and nutrition. Working to enhance food access to residents in underserved communities was always important to him.

When the opportunity arose to accept a job working with far mers’ markets, he saw the opportunity to work toward expanding access to fresh produce for lowincome residents so that they could have healthy food as well.

FARMERS’ MARKET

50 seasons

from page B1

After receiving approval from the village, the two women worked to establish a Farmers’ Market Commission the following year and then looked for a suitable location. That tur ned out to be North Boulevard.

“We put to gether a committee that included John and Carol Walton, Sue Sandvoss and others,” recalls Lind. “We decided from the beginning that for the farmers’ market to be official and to have longevity, it had to be under the auspices of the village gover nment. That is why we drafted an ordinance for the village to establish the market.”

At that time, with no other far mers’ markets in the re gion, the biggest challenge was getting the growers. Lind and Gockel wrote to the Farm Bureau and all sorts of growers’ organizations to recruit far mers. When the market opened that year, it had one far mer.

“He had a really good selection of produce,” recalls Lind. “That first day, the market was not well attended. Then the more people began hearing about it, the more customers we got and the more vendors began to participate. As the season went on, more produce became available to sell.”

But by the end of that first summer, the market had 19 far mers, who sold everything from asparagus and flowers to tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, sweet corn and apples.

Steve Owens, a far mer who was interviewed in a village documentary on YouTube, said he did not make much money selling produce in the early years of the Oak Park Far mers’ Market. But over time,

Farmers’ Market • 50 seasons

he gained a foothold and re peat customers who saw the value in knowing where their food was grown.

The Far mers’ Market Commission worked to promote the market in Oak Park and River Forest, through ads in local papers, holding trivia contests, selling t-shirts, and designing shopping bags with the market’s logo on them.

Before long, the market outg rew its original location on North Boulevard and found a new, larger location at its current site, the Pilgrim Cong re gational Church parking lot at the northwest corner of Lake Street and Elmwood Avenue.

It did not take long for the market to become a cherished community tradition.

“From the consumer side, nothing beats getting fresh produce,” Gockel said in the YouTube video. “At the same time, shoppers are supporting small far mers, most of them from family-owned farms.”

To ensure quality produce was being sold, the Far mers’ Market Commission worked to make sure that all far mers were selling produce grown on their own farms. But then came the Great Cauliflower Caper, which made the Chicago news one summer. It happened early in the season, when a far mer brought a caulifl ower that was so big that market staf f thought it surely was not grown by the seller himself. Market staf f drove to the far mer’s property to see if the cauliflower had actually come from the far mer’s garden. But they found no evidence of caulifl ower even grown on the property. The case went to court and after several hours of trial, it was settled out of cour t.

The incident underscored the importance of providing customers with truly fresh, home-grown produce. The opportunity to buy fresh produce from far mers within driving distance of Oak Park is the essence of the far mers’ market. Yet there

is something intangible that the market offers: community.

During the 1970s, village leaders were concerned about maintaining Oak Park as a viable and strong community that was a good place to live This occurred just as the village was working to promote the positive aspects of the community, such as its historic architecture and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio as a tourist destination.

“The market added to the feeling of community of Oak Park and to a sense of belonging,” Lind recalls. “When I returned to live in Oak Park after 25 years away, I never imagined the far mers’ market would be

as large and vibrant as it has become. It is wonderful to see how it has flourished. It is a gathering place.”

Indeed, community is at the heart of the far mers’ market, concurs Frank Lipo, executive director of the Oak Park and River Forest History Museum.

“The Oak Park Far mers’ Market brings people together from all parts of our lives in an outdoor setting,” he says. “You see people passing out political materials or promoting the latest cause at tables on the outskirts of the market. There is a band playing. You can buy donuts and a cup of coffee and listen to the bluegrass band. It’s a slice of Americana.”

Farmers’ Market has a new logo

New logo debuts on t-shir ts, tote bags and more

By JILL O’MAHONY STEWART Contributing Reporter

After 26 years, the Oak Park Farmers’ Market has a new logo. The logo, from Oak Park-born designer Judith Mayer, was selected by the Far mers’ Market Commission and features a farm scene inspired by the Frank Lloyd Wright design aesthetic.

According to the artist, “I created a logo that puts a stylish twist on the Prairie style, emphasizing artisanship and simplicity like a Frank Lloyd Wright design, while still feeling contemporary.

“It employs diagonals for energy, a monoline for sleekness, rounded ends for a touch of softness and hand-drawn lettering to fit the words perfectly in a rectangular block. The logomark and the logotype components can be used in many different configurations for flexibility.”

The new logo will debut on T-shirts, tote bags, and stickers available for sale at the market starting June 25.

The old Oak Park Farmers’ Market logo

For 26 years, the market used the same logo. It was designed by Charlotte Lyons, a textile artist and teacher who now lives in Vermont. She lived in Oak Park from 1983 to 1997 with her daughters Erin, Maggie and Mo.

She now lives in a country village in southern Vermont. “I design playful embroidery panels for stitchers and teach textile arts through in-person and online

e current logo for Oak Park Farmers’ Market

workshops,” she said. “My newest design is called ‘Oak Park’ featuring yet another pink house, a recur ring nod to our beloved pink Victorian on South Taylor.”

When asked what inspired her to create the familiar market design, she said, “We loved the Far mers’ Market! Donuts, music, friends, food! All the visual imagery!

“The [old now retiring logo] is actually the second one I designed for the market. The first was in 1994 – a colorful paper cutting of ve getables, flowers and fruit. At the time I was designing and printing shirts for schools as fundraisers, beginning with my ‘Beye School, So Cool’ shirt that I created when my children went there. I still remember that first Far mers’ Market pitch to the committee at Village Hall and how nervous I was. The second and current design was also a paper cutting I did in my home studio. It was and still is such a favorite for me.”

In addition to the Far mers’ Market and Beye School designs, Lyons also screenprinted shirts for Hatch, Holmes, Mann, Longfellow, CAST productions, Orchesis, Day in Our Village and small businesses.

Reflecting on her time in Oak Park, Lyons said, “We are so grateful for our time in Oak Park. Absolutely cherished as the magic years in our family story! … [I’m] excited to see the new design and to visit the village ag ain sometime.”

Reach Charlotte Lyons through her website, Instagram and Etsy sites. Her website includes her newsletter.

https://housewrenstudio.com instagram.com/housewrenstudio etsy.com/shop/charlottelyons

Celebrating 50 Seasons of Fresh!

The Oak Park Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 50th season in 2025!

Congratulations to everyone who’s made the Market a community favorite — vendors, volunteers, musicians, and of course our loyal shoppers. Here’s to ﬁve decades of farm-fresh goodness and local pride!

And a special thanks to our founders Marge Gockel and Carla Lund and all the loyal and dedicated commissioners who preceded us.

Oak Park Farmers’ Market Commission:

Jessica Green, Chair

Kelsey Di Pirro

Marcia Diverde

Summer Fields-Hayda

Charlotte Lacey

Woody Meachum

Britta Monson

Macaire Ament O’Connell

Jill Stewart

Oak Park Farmers’ Market Village Sta :

Jack Carmody, Farmers’ Market Manager

Sara Semelka, Health Education Manager

An old Oak Park Farmers’ Market logo

Bluegrass band creates a lively, welcoming soundtrack for the Farmers’ Market

Up to 30 musicians now join the band

By SUSAN MONTGOMERY Contributing Reporter

There’s nothing like walking into the Oak Park Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning and hearing the sounds of a banjo, fiddle, accordion player, and a harmonica to put you in a good mood. Almost since the market’s founding, there has been some form of music to accompany marketgoers’ shopping experience.

Early on, a group of local residents, including Dave Or r, Rick King, and Sheldon Liebman, dubbed the Walter Mitty Jazz Band, performed near the entrance to the market after it relocated to the Pilgrim Church parking lot, recalls Carla Lind, a co-founder of the market.

Some years later, Rich Har ris, owner of Guitar Fun, put up a sandwich board near the entrance to the market to advertise his music school a few blocks away. He also invited a few of the school’s guitar teachers, including Mike Casey, to come over and play traditional American music, including fiddle tunes and country music.

In 1980, Geof f Tillotson was looking for a fiddle teacher. “I played banjo and wanted to pl ay fiddle in addition,” Tillotson recalls. “Someone gave me the name of Mike Casey, who taught at Guitar Fun. I started taking lessons from him, and I mentioned I played banjo. He encouraged me to bring it to the far mers’ market. We played at the next far mers’ market and he said, ‘I’ll be darned. You really can play the banjo.’”

FILE/JENNIFER PURRENHAGE

Farmers’ Market band

FILE

Oak Park Farmers’ Market Band members Ellen Clough, Ron Baiman and Ben Stark playing at Pilgrim Congregational Church in 2019.

FILE/JENNIFER PURRENHAGE

Frank Vozak plays the guitar on during the Oak Park Farmers’ Market.

EARLY DAYS: A snapshot from the market in

he music has always focused on traditional American ich might include bluegrass or country tunes. It asual, down-home atmosphere to the market. On en Saturday, you’ll find the musicians gathered end of an alley just north of the church, under a shade tree ve as early as 7 a.m., to greet the earliest shoppers ho amble down the alley to buy a freshly made donut and ee at the church. The church puts out tables and market goers to sip their coffee, eat their and enjoy the music.

here are always parents with strollers and toddlers in ho stop for a moment to listen to the music. The little ones are especially captivated and often sway back and to the music.

Tillotson has been performing at the market ever since. The band has grown in size, often with up to 30 musicians at a time, seated near the area where Pilgrim Church sells donuts and coffee on market day. The band’s participants have included a coal miner, physicians, lawyers, professors, journalists and a host of other professionals. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience.

“Rich Har ris and Mike Casey felt it was important to welcome people into the band,” says Tillotson. “So if someone wanted to play, they were welcome to sit in with us.”

“On a beautiful fall day last October, a gentleman came up to me and said he had been listening to our playing throughout his years of growing up in Oak Park. He said, ‘I want to thank you for continuing this tradition.’ I thanked him, but emphasized it really was the effort of all of keep the band going. We have talented musicians and we have something unique that is going on.”

Tillotson proudly remembers welcoming into the band some young people who were budding musicians and have now gone on to professional careers.

For Tillotson, as well as many musicians who have other day jobs, performing in the bluegrass band satisfies their hunger to perform with a group of individuals who like to make music.

“Performing in the band is a highlight of my week,” Tillotson says. “No matter how exhausting my week might be, performing at the far mers’ market will always make it better. The market and the band help lift everyone’s spirits. Sharing that with others has been a real joy.”

ke Casey, right, jamming with the Oak Park Farmers Market musi cians.

Charlie “Galway” Meyerson on h is ute.

PROVIDED

Howie Anderson and granddaughter on the harmonica.

PROVIDED

1980’s.

Get involved? Become a Friend of the Farmers’ Market

Volunteers crucial to success of the market

By SUSAN MONTGOMERY Contributing Reporter

Since the Oak Park Far mers’ Market’s inception, volunteers have been critical to its success.

Early on, volunteers were needed to help draft an ordinance to create the market and to write the rules and contracts with far mers.

“We started a Friends of the Far mers’ Market where volunteers sold the bags and t-shirts with the market logo and staffed a table at the market from the very beginning,” recalled Carla Lind, a co-founder of the market with the late Marge Gockel.

“We had the market manager on hand, and we always had someone there to check in people,” she added. “The volunteers were great for publicity, as the more in-

volvement we had, the more they would reach out to their contacts to encourage them to come to the market.”

Today, the market volunteers still arrive at the crack of dawn to help with setting up the market as far mers begin to arrive, and to help with cleaning up at the end of the day.

“We have a dedicated group of volunteers who are vital to the market,” said Jack Carmody, far mers’ market coordinator. “In addition to helping the market connect with the community, they assist customers who may have accessibility issues and can help them with their shopping.”

The volunteers also staf f a booth at the entrance to the market, where they answer questions, sell market merchandise, and offer directions on where to find certain vendors. Volunteer typically work twohour shifts.

Anyone interested in information about becoming a Friend of the Market may email far mersmarket@oak-park.us.

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