Oak Park police say they still following new leads in the case of and Leslie Ann Jones
It’s been fi was stunned ing crimes in the village
On April 13, 2020, belo attorneys and philanthropists Tom Johnson and Leslie Jones to death in their home on enue in the that both husband and wife had been stabbed community was left to mourn two individuals remembered as beacons of light advocating fair housing, suppo opportunities for local artists.
Police cumstances as “suspicious” but maintained that the murders a targeted, isolated incident. Officials said Oak
control of Oak Park train station
But destination of unhoused individuals who had been there is a mystery; ac tion is criticized by Housing Forward
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
Metra police resumed operational control of the Oak ommuter train station at 1115 North Blvd. as of April 1, in response to trespassing within the station by unhoused individuals.
According to a Metra Police Department spokespermany as 20 unhoused people at one time were facility, which generated complaints from riders about trespassing, litter, smoking and drug use.
Metra police are now re gularly patrolling the station, ich is also the location of the CTA’s Green Line Harlem/Lake stop.
“Metra previously had an ag reement with Oak Park to maintain and secure the facility,” the spokesperson said. “That ag reement had expired but continued while
Ann Jones and omas Johnson
BUILD pledges resilience and resistance vs. Tr
At fundraiser, West Side nonpro t CEO says millions in funding at risk due to ‘chaos and fucker y’
By DAN HALEY Interim Editor
At a major fundraising gala, April 11, Adam Alonso, CEO of BUILD, a nonprofit working with children and teens on the West Side, opened his remarks saying it would be “tone deaf” not to talk about the impact of Trump administration initiatives on organizations such as his. Alonso said $4.5 million in annual federal funding is now at risk and that amount represents some 20% of BUILD’s annual budget. But in strong language he pledged that BUILD, 5100 W. Harrison St., would continue all of its programs to assist young people in Austin and across the West Side. He said the nonprofit will not step back from its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
BUILD has long focused on a message of growing resilience among its young clients, but on Friday he added resistance to the mantra of the organization going forward. In his boldest comments on an evening filled with inspiration and courageous speeches by young BUILD clients, Alonso described the federal administration’s actions as “chaos and fuckery” to a very approving audience.
Alonso, a long-time Oak Park resident, told the crowd how BUILD would respond to all this uncertainty. “By becoming structurally indispensable to Chicago. Through our resilience and resistance,” he said. The resistance, he said, takes the form of “inspiring hope and offering opportunities so youth facing systemic obstacles can achieve positive futures.”
He went on to define BUILD’s resistance as its Donna Dudley Peace League, a summer softball program that brings together different gang factions, police and community members to play softball through the summer. It also takes shape in the group’s ongoing marches to end gun violence. “We do not accept that gun violence is normal.
We resist it every day through our work with young people, through community events and through our marches,” he said.
The organization was founded in 1969 but its presence has been notably elevated under Alonso’s leadership and with the expansion and construction two years ago of its headquarters at Harrison and Laramie in Austin. The expansive campus includes a 62,000-square-foot building and urban garden. Its mentoring program served 2,752 young people in 2024 and nearly 4,800 youth and their families were involved in other BUILD programs last year
Two young people who have benefited from BUILD mentorships spoke at the event. Andrea Weathersby, 21, talked about her focus on criminal justice training in a colle ge that the organization guided her admission to. She also gave credit to a 15th District Chicago police official who has mentored her over several years. Tyshawn Weisinger, 19, talked about the impact of BUILD’s outreach in helping him steady his life after an encounter with the criminal justice system. With BUILD’s help, he has had his record expunged and is now a student at Harold Washington Colle ge.
Roderick Hudson has been on the BUILD staf f for 8 months. Alonso introduced him saying, “He may be newer to BUILD, but he’s doing our oldest work with our longest-running team: street violence intervention with
street-involved youth. You need a unique combination of experience, courage, skill and personality to do this work well.”
Hudson described his affinity for working with children but also acknowledged his criminal record, his two gunshot wounds ending his dream of playing football, and his strong desire to work at BUILD in a neighborhood where he lived.
The evening also honored one corporation and one couple for their partnerships and investments in BUILD. McDonald’s Corporation was reco gnized for its ongoing support through employment and education opportunities.
Paul and Leah Beckwith received the Lifetime BUILDer Award for their active support of the organization over many years. They were described as lead investors in BUILD’s capital campaign which resulted in its new building. In his remarks, Beckwith talked about BUILD’s focus on creating purpose for young people And through his involvement in BUILD, he said, the organization had also given him purpose
More than 550 people attended the event which was held at The Geraghty, an event venue on the city’s near southwest side.
Editor’s note: The Beckwiths are donors to Growing Community Media, publisher of Wednesday Jour nal. Paul Beckwith serves on GCM’s development committee.
WEDNESD AY
of Oak Park and River Forest
Interim Executive Director Max Reinsdorf
Digital Manager Stac y Coleman
Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan
Sta Repor ter Brendan He ernan
Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor
Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora
Contributing Editor Donna Greene
Columnists Marc Bleso , Jack Crowe, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger
Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck
Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead
Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea
Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza
Marketing & Adver tising Associate Ben Stumpe
Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls
Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Operations Associate Susan Babin
Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
Senior Advisor Dan Haley
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair Eric Weinheimer | Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Mary Cahillane, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson
60302
TODD BANNOR
Lifetime BUILDer Award winners Leah & Paul Beckwith at BUILD Chicago’s 2025 Gala at e Geraghty on April 11.
River Forest wants ‘nuisance structures’ at Lake and Lathrop demolished
Developer, village will be back in cour t, May 2
By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter
In the most recent Cook County Circuit Court activity involving the stalled development at Lake Street and Lathrop Avenue, River Forest officials filed a briefing earlier this month defending the village’s stance that structures on the partially built site be removed.
In the briefing, officials reiterated their argument that the “incomplete, dangerous nuisance structures” on the site should be removed “as soon as possible” by Wintrust Bank, the property owner.
“Restoring the site to a vacant lot with
grass will help prepare it for future development,” officials said in the village’s April 4 e-newsletter. “The village’s priority for this property continues to be to attract an appropriate and viable development that will provide many community benefits.”
Lake Lathrop Par tners LLC, developer of the stalled project to construct a mixed-use building on the southwest corner of Lake and Lathrop, will have the opportunity to file a response to the village’s filing before a hearing May 2, at which the matter is expected to be addressed.
Village Administrator Matt Walsh said officials are still waiting to find out if Lake Lathrop Par tners will appeal a ruling in February by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Joel Chupack granting the village’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed in July by the developers against the village that
claimed River Forest had acted illegally in its denial of a new building permit to restart the development.
The now failed four-story development was to contain 22 condominium units with 14,000 square feet of retail space. The project had been on the drawing board since before the village board approved Lake Lathrop’s proposal in 2016.
River Forest pulled the plug on the development over a year ago, but Lake Lathrop officials in May countered by applying for a new building permit for the development. This too was denied by the village.
In September 2023 officials re pealed the building permit for Sedgwick Properties, an authorized agent acting on behalf of Lake Lathrop Par tners LLC, and issued a stop work order. They said those steps were taken because Sedgwick failed to meet the
requirements and conditions of the village’s 18-month building permit, which was originally issued in February 2022.
The long-delayed project had been on life support since April 2023, when Beverly Bank and Trust, a Wintrust-affiliated bank that was financing the development, filed suit against Sedgwick Properties in Cook County court, looking to claw back $4.2 million from the $20 million line of credit it issued in 2022. In the lawsuit, the lender has re por tedly cited several provisions in its loan ag reement with Sedgwick affiliates that were violated, including that the contract required the borrower to stay in compliance with local re gulations and to stick to a tighter construction timeline.
The foreclosure case between Wintrust Bank and Lake Lathrop Par tners LLC remains ongoing.
River Forest OKs local grocery store tax to replace state tax
Recreation upgrades at Prior y Park earn village suppor t
By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter
Splash pads and grocery store receipts had the attention of River Forest officials at the April 14 village board meeting
Following a presentation by Mike Sletten, executive director of the River Forest Park
District, about the proposed renovation of Priory Park, officials gave their support for staff members to continue working with park district officials on the planned development process for the project.
Officials also voted unanimously to implement a municipal grocery retailers’ occupation tax and a municipal grocery service occupation tax.
During his presentation, Sletten explained the key elements to the renovation of the park at 7354 Division St. would be the
addition of a splash pad, expansion of the existing center and construction of a picnic shelter. The estimated cost of the project is $800,000, for which Sletten said park district officials have allocated capital improvement funds. The renovation plan has been developed over a four-year period.
He said officials expect to start the project in mid-August with a completion date in December.
The grand opening would be held on Memorial Day 2026.
The 1,700 square foot splash pad is designed for children up to eight years old although it will be available to all age groups. There will be a combination of above ground features and spray jets out of the ground. The current plan has 18 features on the splash pad which will be located to the east of the Priory Center. The surface will be stamped and colored concrete. A fourfoot-wide concrete sidewalk goes around the perimeter of the splash pad.
A 700 square foot addition on the south side of the center would increase the center footprint to 1,000 square feet. The addition will provide the park with a program room that will be used as a summer camp
and program site. The new program room will not be available to splash pad users although the center’s restrooms still will be available to the public. The exterior of the addition will match the current building and the roof will be architectural shingles. There will be no changes to the restrooms although Sletten seemed rece ptive to a suggestion that benches be placed in the restrooms to accommodate children changing out of wet swimsuits.
In addition, a 10-foot-by-10-foot picnic shelter with a picnic table is planned, along with additional picnic tables and benches around the splash pad and a new drinking fountain that will provide the option of filling water bottles and dog bowls.
The next step in the process is to conduct a pre-filing conference with the village’s Development Review Board at a future date.
The 1% grocery tax, which will take ef fect Jan. 1, 2026, is designed to replace revenue that the village stood to lose when Illinois officials eliminated the state’s 1% grocery tax in August 2024. That action also takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.
In a memo to officials, Matt Walsh, village See GROCERY TAX on pa ge 6
Oak Park librar y reac federal funding cu
Public library is primarily suppor ted by property taxes, but cuts may a ect how it acquires materials
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
The Oak Park Public Library expects to begin feeling the burden of federal library and museum funding cuts
Several states, including Illinois, received notification that federal grants supporting library initiatives would be terminated after President Donald Trump signed an executive order gutting the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars to libraries across the country annually. Two statewide programs supported by federal grants that benefit the Oak Park library system are under threat, according to library spokesperson Jodi Kolo
“This unprecedented, unlawful slashing of federal funding to libraries is happening right now — with federal grants being cancelled state by state, and with no word on how many more will be targeted,” she said in a prepared statement. “At this time, a specific financial effect on Oak Park is still to be determined.”
Oak Park’s public library system is a member of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System program, which manages the interlibrary delivery programs in norther n Illinois, and relies on SWAN Catalog services. Both organizations are threatened by the cuts, according to Kolo
“Losing IMLS funding will significantly impact Illinois libraries, having serious consequences for the communities and people who rely on them,” she said in a statement. “We cannot be the library we are now without continued collaboration and critical support. Because essential Oak Park library services — such as the library’s catalog, resource sharing, and delivery — are managed by partner organizations that depend on federal and state funding. While Oak Park library’s operating budget is 96% funded by local property taxes, these state and federally funded organizations are crucial for meeting the library needs of the Oak Park
community.”
Illinois received $5.7 million in IMLS funding in 2024, the 6th most of the country. A large port were used to support RAILS and the Heartland Library System, similar interlibrary deli parts of the state
The loan programs create efficiencies tha save the state millions per rector Monica Harris told the Times this week.
“These are huge cost-savings through ef ficiencies that are built told the newspaper. “We’ money that’s just going into a hole
There are multiple lawsuits ing the executive order, IMLS’ director and put the staff on administrative lea led by the Chicago-based Association and another is led generals from 21 states, including both actions argue that the Trump administration doesn’t have the legal right to dissolve the institution, which was founded by Congress nearly 30 years ago.
“Libraries play an important role in our democracy, from preserving history to providing access to government information, advancing literacy and civic eng agement, and of fering access to a variety of perspectives,” Cindy Hohl, American Library Association president, said in a statement.
“These values are worth defending. We will not allow extremists to threaten our democracy by eliminating programs at IMLS and harming the children and communities who rely on libraries and the services and opportunities they provide.”
Oak Park library leaders are calling on Oak Parkers to call U.S. Re presentatives and ask them to protect the IMLS.
“We’ re asking our community to stand up for libraries everywhere because the federal government is moving to cut of f its modest but effective support for libraries, from withdrawal of funding for broadband to the elimination of the only source of federal funding for our nation’s 125,000 libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services,” Kolo said. “Why stand up? Because libraries are uniquely the connective
in our local communities.”
Two Troop 20 Boy Scouts earn prestigious Eagle Scout honor
Troop based at Ascension Catholic Church in Oak Park
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
Owen Huffman wasn’t even sure he wanted to go into Boy Scouts at the end of fifth grade.
He’s now an Eagle Scout.
Conversely, his Troop 20 counterpart, Jonathan Simmons, always wanted to achieve that honor, from his first days as a Boy Scout back in June 2018.
He earned it as well.
It’s those kinds of stories that make Arnie Rothenbaum proud.
“A kid who ends up becoming an Eagle Scout was driven at an early age and it’s inherent in their culture and who they are,” said Rothenbaum, assistant scoutmaster for Troop 20, out of Ascension Catholic Church in Oak Park.
Becoming an Eagle Scout isn’t easy, and Rothenbaum should know – his sons Isaac (2007) and Nathan (2012) were so honored. He said only about 6% of all scouts ever have achieved that status, which translates to about 2 million Eagles over more than a century.
In addition to working their way up through the scouting ranks over their years of scouting, Huffman and Simmons had to earn 21 merit badges and complete a final, and permanent, project.
Huffman, a senior at St. Ignatius High School, built a gaga ball pit for Ascension School, his K-8 alma mater. Simmons, a senior at Maine West High School, attended Holmes
GROCERY TAX
from page 4
administrator, and Rosey McAdams, finance director, explained the state’s action allows municipalities to adopt a local ordinance to maintain the grocery tax revenue. They said the grocery tax is a “significant source of revenue for village operations,”
Elementary and Brooks Middle School in Oak Park before moving to Des Plaines prio to his freshman year. His project was building a shed to store cleanup supplies for Plaines nonprofit Clean Up – Give Back.
Sounds easy?
Wrong. Way, way wrong
The two scouts were essentially projec managers, determining the course of ev aspect of their respective efforts, from materials acquisition to budget, and directing teams of younger scouts and parent volunteers that did the actual final build.
“It just really opened my eyes to other ple’s time and viewpoint,” Simmons said. “I got me to work with other people and communicate with them. How to approach each step you’re going to take.”
For example, Clean Up – Give Back cleans up after mass gatherings, and takes recyclable material and provides it to larger firms to create composite material that are used to make park benches. Simmons knew he wanted to make his shed out of these composites
But in his research, he learned that one type of composite was more durable – and expensive – than another. Composites are also more costly and heavier than wood
That’s not all. He and his mom, Debbie, acquired a plan for a shed and he had to have the composite and some wood parts specially cut. That ultimately went into an instruction manual that the scout and volunteer teams used for assembly. But before that could happen, he had to coordinate transportation for his team. The ultimate build took about six hours over two days. The shed is used to house trash bags, plastic gloves, reflective vests, trash grabbers and buckets
noting River Forest is home to a Jewel-Osco store and a Whole Foods Market.
“Over the past 12 months, River Forest has received approximately $1,283,404 in grocery tax revenue,” Walsh and McAdams said.
“This figure re presents approximately 6.1 percent of the village’s general fund revenues that fund daily village operations and services. Forgoing the grocery tax would have a significant negative impact on the general fund and its future projections.
Gaga ball is a game played in an octagonal pit with wooden sides that are two-feet tall, so Huffman, too, had to plan out every minute detail in addition to procuring materials and researching guidelines
“The biggest (factor) was that it needed to be portable for Ascension, so the wood had to be lighter weight,” Huffman said. “I had to find a way to make this easily come apart and be easily reassembled by a teacher.”
He, too, had to coordinate manpower, giving older scouts and a few volunteer adults the bigger tasks, and more manageable tasks for the youngsters. There was a job for everyone, whether it was sanding or painting
What did he learn about project management, which included generation of a final report that was around 30 pages?
“I learned that it definitely isn’t the easiest thing to do,” he said. “There is always
There are no sources of revenue available to replace the loss of grocery tax income other than significant increases to our property taxes, which is not recommended.”
In response to questions from Trustee Erika Bachner, Walsh and McAdams said convenience stores in the village will charge the grocery tax on food items and the larger grocery stores will not charge the grocery tax on non-food items such as school supplies.
something that might go wrong and you have to adjust on the fly. If you trust the people around you and respect the people around you, it makes it easier to get things done.”
All Eagle Scouts seem to have bright futures, and Huffman and Simmons are no exception.
“Saying I’m an Eagle Scout, people will rely on me,” said Simmons, who will head of f to Weber State in Utah in the fall, adding another benefit will be “pre paredness, in the sense of how being in scouts has molded me, and also connections.”
Ditto for Huffman, who is in the final stages of collegiate decision-making
“I certainly hope it is looked upon positively and shows a sense of my leadership skills I’ve gained throughout scouting,” he said. “I hope that it helps me professionally.”
Eliminating the grocery tax had municipal leaders led by the Illinois Municipal League complaining that it would hurt local budg ets. State leaders were not giving anything up with the change because the tax only went to local gover nments. The option for municipalities to add their own tax was a compromise. Illinois will join 37 other states that don’ t have a state grocery tax. It was the only state among the 10 most populated with a gr ocery tax.
TODD BANNOR
Eagle Scout Candidates Owen Ho man and Jonathan Simmons at Troop 20 meeting at Field Center on March 31.
River Forest chocolatier joins Triton College Wall of Fame
College’s alum says classes at school inspired her
By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter
River Forest’s own version of Willy Wonka, River Forest Chocolates’ owner Donna Fantetti Slepicka, has been selected to join the Triton Colle ge Wall of Fame, an annual reco gnition the school bestows on alumni.
Today she is surrounded by her signature English toffee, sea salt caramels, and trendy Dubai bars. But, long before she started her sweet entrepreneurial journey, Slepicka graduated from Triton with a de gree in accounting and marketing. For years she worked in that capacity. Occasionally she would return to Triton’s campus to take adult education classes.
again to Triton to help her navigate chang
“Every time my life had to turn, I back to Triton to learn, to get a certificat Slepicka said. “It’s a great resource. I think we don’t use it enough.”
Later, when her daughter was prepa to select a college, Slepicka thought Triton might be a good fit for her
“I thought the best way to find out was to just go and take a class self,” said Slepicka. “A time I used to make a lot of bread, I thought I’d take a bread class.”
“Remember when microwaves were all the rage?” Slepicka said. “My mom and I took a microwave cooking class – how to make your whole meal in the microwave.”
As her career progressed, she looked
As fate would have it, the bread class was full. She signed up instead for chocolate making. with instructor and chef Uzma Sharif.
“She’d teach you everything from crystallization to the different chocolates to handling chocolate tempering, chocolate molding, chocolates. We made centers, caramels. It was a great class from beginning to end. She talked to you about proper packaging, how it has to be food grade. She taught everything, which was pretty amazing. And it gave me the inspiration to do this,” said Slepicka.
At first, Slepicka gave her homework away. As she progressed in her craft, friends started asking her to make treats for parties and events.
After completing her education in chocolate, Slepicka decided to open a shop. For nearly 15 years, River Forest Chocolates has been making life a bit sweeter for everyone who comes in the door for chocolate, ice cream, coffee, candy and more. Most of the items sold are made in the shop’s kitchen. The whole operation moved to its current location, 7769 Lake St. in River Forest, seven years ago.
“She started on one path and then another opened up,” said Triton’s Director of Business Services Tina Lilly. “It speaks to her dedication. Triton gives students a foundation to build confidence, so they can decide what is best for them.”
‘Tis the season
Address: 7769 Lake St, River Forest Website: river forestchocolates.com
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Each year the college celebrates student success stories. In 2025 in addition to Slepicka, three other alumni honorees were inducted onto the Wall of Fame: Michele Fiore, a Milwaukee radio and TV journalist; Al Lechowski, HVAC contractor and dealer in Norridge and Harwood Heights; and Nicholas Steker, Franklin Park Fire Department Battalion Chief and Westchester Trustee
“It’s a great way to reco gnize and celebrate our distinguish alumni who’ve gone on and made significant contributions in their professions and their community,” Lilly said. “And not just honor them, but foster a sense of pride with our alumni, friends, and our students.”
“I’m honored to be considered,” Slepicka said. “I do this because I love what I do. I never had any anticipation of being nominated And then when they said you have it, I was speechless. I’m flattered and humbled.”
For more Oak Park Eats, see Risé SandersWeir’s ‘Dish About a Dish’ on page 18.
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR River Forest Chocol ates ow ner and Triton honoree Donna Fantetti Slepicka with her son KJ Slepicka.
Lake Stre et’s most invisible building gets sold. But nothing changes
Old Illinois Bell building, once lled with operators but now a data center, has a Do not expect much to change. AT&T recently announced it had completed a structured sale/leaseback of that space, and do z ens of others like it across the country, with real estate developer Reign Capital.
The spokesperson said that 714 Lake St “serves primarily as a central office housing network infrastructure that manages local voice and data communication services fo our customers. Technological advancements have significantly reduced the amount of
Chicago Edge Soccer Club Season 25/26 Tryouts
Join in the fun with one of Chicago’s largest youth soccer clubs based in Oak Park/River Forest, for boys and girls aged 6 - 18. New player tryouts run throughout April.
OPRF alum McMullen reaches Major Leagues ... as announcer
2016 OPRF grad’s rst year as radio voice of Marlins at age 27
By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
Oak Park and River Forest High School alum Jack McMullen has long been a student of baseball, going back to his playing days with the Huskies and continuing throughout college and, after a long journey, to Major League Baseball. Not as a player, but as an announcer. He is in his first season as play-by-play voice for the Miami Marlins Radio Network, and he could not be more thrilled about that.
“It’s amazing,” McMullen said. “It’s honestly a dream come true. When I realized I probably wasn’t going to pitch at this level, I said, “OK, how are we going to figure out a way?” I had that eureka moment when I was 14 or 15 years old, and we understood there were other avenues to make baseball your life. I found the one that suited me. It’s been beyond my wildest dreams; I’m riding a high right now.”
A 2016 graduate, McMullen, who did intern work for Wednesday Journal Sports, was a key player for OPRF’s baseball team that finished third in the IHSA Class 4A state tournament. A left-handed pitcher, he went 3-0 with a 2.84 earned run average as the Huskies finished with a 30-8 record
“I learned how to think baseball [at OPRF],” McMullen said. “From a personal perspective, it gave me some of my best friends in the world, and I’m still in communication with a lot of them. In terms of the actual baseball process, I lear ned how to think through the game.
“The pitching coach for OPRF, Tim Dennehy, I really don’t think I’m here without him,” he added. “He is one of the best pitching minds I’ve ever met, and the fact that I met him when I was 15, learning the art of pitching and the art of baseball, I owe a lot to Tim Dennehy.”
Still the Huskies’ pitching coach, Dennehy remembers McMullen as a player who was studious and keenly interested in the game
“We had a pretty strong relationship,” he said. “He was just the nicest kid in the world. Jack was unbelievable for that team; he was amazing. His two-seam fastball was hands down one of the best pitches I’ve seen at OPRF in the last 14 years. That thing moved a foot off the plate, so it was running away from righties and in on lefties, had plenty of sink. He had command of all his pitches; his accuracy was elite, Greg Maddux-like. It was unreal.”
Although he was a successful player in high school, McMullen, who was heavily involved with OPRF’s student-run television program, Newscene, as both an anchor and on the production crew, focused on becoming a broadcaster
“I could either pursue playing baseball at the (NCAA) Division III level and not keep the dream alive but have fun
playing,” said McMullen, who graduated from Syracuse University, “or pivot and try to make it to the big leagues in a different capacity. I realized that was the route I should be going, and so far, so good.”
He enrolled at Syracuse’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, which is one of the top journalism schools in the country. His first baseball broadcasting experience came in the summer of 2018, when he called games for the Brewster Whitecaps, a team in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where top college baseball players spend the offseason. The following year, he landed his first professional gig with the Auburn Doubledays, a short-season Class A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.
McMullen also served as sports director for WJPZ radio, Syracuse’s student-run radio station and spent over a year as WAER-FM sports director. At both stations (as well as with ACC Network Extra), he was a pl ay-by-play announcer for several Syracuse sports, including football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s lacrosse.
Upon graduation from Syracuse in 2020, he became a broadcasting and media assistant with the Fort Wayne TinCaps (Class High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres). He also worked play-by-play for Ball State University’s women’s basketball team for the ESPN Plus and Learfield IMG College networks
In 2021, McMullen started Just Baseball Media, a podcast network which discusses baseball topics. The following year, he became the radio voice of the Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a position he held for three years.
When the Marlins’ radio job became available this past offseason, McMullen jumped to apply.
“It’s not like the job was posted on a site like Indeed.com,” he said. “You see there’s an opening and you pursue that. You email a bunch of people and try to get as many leads as you can, and stay true to the communication process. If they like you, they’ll call you. It’s a unique process, but it worked out really well for me.”
There are very few play-by-play announcers under the age of 30 who work for a major pro sports league, and McMullen says it’s an awesome feeling.
“It feels great,” he said. “It’s a real blessing to be in this position at my age. You set the goal of being a MLB announcer and hope it happens before the age of 30, and for it to actually happen at 27, I’m so thankful.”
McMullen also appreciates the support he has gotten from not only his family, but several friends in the community
“The outpouring of support has been unbeli evable,” he said. “When it was announced in February that I had the job, I heard from many people in Oak Park I hadn’t heard from in eight years. It put a smile on my face; it’s such a supportive community. I’m so lucky to have grown up in Oak Park.”
Interview with the announce r
Q: How did colle ge influence your decision to pursue this career?
McMullen: I initially showed up to Syracuse wanting to do talk radio because I watched my uncle, Matt Spieg el, host at 670 T he Score throughout my childhood. I interned with WGN after my freshman year of colle ge and sat in the back of the Cubs and White Sox TV booths for an entire summer watching Len Kasper, Hawk Har relson and Jason Benetti do their thing. I realized making the ballpark my “office” would be the coolest thing in the world.
Q: Who are your role models? Do you pattern your announcing style after them?
McMullen: My favorite baseball announcers growing up and listening to now are Jason Benetti (Detroit), Jon Miller (San Francisco), Jon Sciambi (Cubs), Dan Shulman (Toronto), and Tom McCarthy (Philadelphia). I’ve pulled good things that announcers do from a bunch of different people, but I wouldn’t say I directly “pattern” myself after anyone. I like to think I have my own unique approach to calling a game.
Q: What advice would you give to students about pursuing their dreams?
McMullen: If you have something that you love to do, pursue it and leave absolutely zero stone unturned. I entered an industry that has a very low “success” rate, but I can confidently say I’ve done everything in my power to pursue my dreams within it. I sacrificed plenty of F riday and Saturday nights, but I know I’ve gotten a lot better at this, and it resulted in me landing in Miami And the biggest thing: be a good person. It takes minimal ef fort to be nice to everyone, and life is more f un for everyone that way.
MIAMI MARLINS RADIO NET WORK
TRAIN STATION
a new one was being discussed.
“In response to concerns from our riders about issues inside the station, primarily trespassing, Metra decided it would take over maintenance and security effect April 1. Starting on that day, to address those issues, our police launched a highvisibility operational plan aimed mation sharing, positive eng agement commuters, and fostering a safer, more welcoming environment for all.”
As far as where the unhoused were moved, the spokesperson said, “We of fered to connect persons who were homeless with social services, but we did not track where they may have gone.”
The new action was criticized by Housing Forward, an agency that helps the unhoused and which was not notified in advance of the changes.
T he agency’s spokesperson noted that those displaced now “face significant new challenges. People may be ticketed or arrested for trespassing, burdened with fines they cannot pay, or end up in hospitals or the court system,” the spokesperson said. “This criminalization approach to homelessness is ultimately more costly to taxpayers.”
Park Metra and CTA Green Line train station at the North Blvd. entrance
reconnect with two of them.”
According to a statement on the village website, Oak Park police vacated its substation within the facility March 31, as requested by Metra, and moved that space to the Holley Court Parking Garage at 1125 Ontario St.
In addition to operational control, the statement said, Metra is implementing facility upgrades like increased lighting and security cameras and improved signage. The village will keep maintaining the public right-of-way outside the station.
The spokesperson added: “It’s also a lesshumane approach than addressing people’s basic needs from the outset. Existing medical and behavioral health issues are likely to be exacerbated, and any trust our outreach staf f has spent weeks or months building can be quickly undone if we lose contact with people.”
In mid-2023, a group of unhoused people set up a camp on North Boulevard under the ramp of the Oak Park Metra station.
“The village of Oak Park remains committed to working closely with Metra during this transition period to ensure that residents and commuters are infor med, safe, and well-served,” the statement said. “A collaborative approach will be maintained to facilitate a smooth handover and to address any public inquiries re garding the changes.”
Since Metra police assumed operational control of the station, “we have received consistent, overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly re garding our openness to listen to and address Metra rider concerns,” the spokesperson said.
According to Dan Yopchick, the village’s chief communications officer, when that camp was broken up, Housing Forward helped those people secure housing.
The Housing Forward spokesperson said Friday, “There is no way to know exactly where these individuals have gone, and most don’t have phones, which makes it nearly impossible to reach them. Many will be forced into other public spaces, including on public transit, or into the neighborhood. Some may be temporarily staying with friends or family. Prior to April 1, more than 25 people were consistently using the Oak Park Metra station to stay sheltered. Since then, we have only been able to
T here are several ways commuters can contact Metra re garding any issues at the Oak Park station, including its emerg ency number, (312) 322-2800. Riders can also download the free Metra COPS app to discreetly re port safety and security concerns. For details go to metra.com/ metra-police
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, Housing Forward’s Support Center is open Monday through Friday at 1851 S. 9th Av enue in Maywood. For additional resources and ways to get help, visit housingforward.org/find-help
Murder and attempted murder cases progress
People accused of violent acts in Oak Park, including the killing of Detective Allan Reddins, will appear in cour t in the coming weeks
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Several high-profile cases related to violence in Oak Park have been progressing through the Cook County court system.
According to county records, several people awaiting charges stemming from Oak Park murder and attempted murder investigations will appear in court in the coming weeks as their cases progress towards trial.
Jerell Thomas
The fatal shooting of Oak Park Police Department Detective Allan Reddins shocked the Oak Park community last fall.
Reddins was killed in downtown Oak Park while responding to re ports of an armed person at an Oak Park bank the morning of Nov. 29, 2024. Investigators believe that a Chicago man Jerell Thomas, 37, was responsible for the detective’s murder.
Thomas now faces 56 total felony charges including first-de gree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder in connection with the killing as Cook County prosecutors seek life-imprisonment for him.
Thomas had re por tedly stolen the gun from a family member a few days earlier. Reddins was the first Oak Park police officer to die in the line of duty since 1938.
Thomas received a cour t-ordered psychological evaluation a little over one month after his arrest. Past mental health treatment records for Thomas were also subpoenaed as part of the case, according to Cook County court records.
Oak Park officials described Thomas at the time of his arrest as “a habitual criminal.”
He was convicted of two counts of aggravated battery against two Chicago police officers in connection with a 2019 incident. He was let out under supervised release after he plead guilty in 2022, given credit for
957 days served in county custody.
He’d also been arrested in connection with several violent domestic incidents, including one in Oak Park in 2007.
Thomas will appear before Judge Timothy Joseph Joyce on May 6 for a status conference at the Cook County Criminal Division Court Building in Chicago.
Lisa Wolfe
Police arrested Lisa Wolfe, a 65-year-old Oak Park woman, on charges of attempted murder, domestic battery and aggravated battery on October 25, 2024 in connection with an incident that occurred roughly a month earlier, according to Oak Park police.
On Sept. 23, 2024, Wolfe re por tedly called 911 and said that she’d been attacked in her apar tment and that “someone had been stabbed.” When Oak Park police arrived on the scene, Wolfe alle gedly confessed to stabbing the victim with a kitchen knife, according to police re ports included in her Cook County case file.
As the victim was being taken out on a stretcher, Wolfe re por tedly yelled “I hope you die,” according to the police re port
The victim had previously been charged with domestic battery against Wolfe on multiple occasions, but the charges were dropped shortly after each of the cases were filed, according to Cook County records.
Wolfe is out on supervised release and will next appear before Judge Eulalia “Evie” De La Rosa at the Maywood Courthouse on April 30.
Andres Adan
Andres Adan of south suburban Harvey is facing three counts of attempted murder and several additional weapons and fleeing charges for alle gedly shooting at a River Forest police officer after leading law enforcement from four agencies on a chase through the western suburbs.
Riverside police re ported they pulled Adan over for a traffic offense and noticed that he had a gun before Adan sped away.
According to authorities, a Forest Park police officer saw the car and attempted to
The village is moving forward with $2.5 million in alley upgrades. Is your alley on the map?
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
The village of Oak Park will re build 12 alleys this year, accordin to Oak Park Village Engineer Bill McKenna.
The alleys scheduled for wo are scattered throughout the vil lage. Five of them are located in the blocks between Madison Street and Jackson Boulevard, according to map of the planned work provide by the village
The village board approved mor than $2.5 million for this year’s proj ect last month, according to boar documents
In total, the project will update the pavement in 17 alley segments across the village. Some alleys ar T-shaped and comprise multiple alley segments, McKenna said.
Updating the village’s alley’s is core goal for the Public Works Department and is enshrined in the village’s capital improvements budget for at least the next five year McKenna said.
“This is a pretty standard projec for the village,” McKenna said.
It takes about three weeks to re build each alley from scratch. McKenna hopes to have this season work done by the end of July
The village only began support ing maintenance of its alleyways in 2002. Since then, it’s been working at updating the worst alley’s yearby-year. Oak Park has over 600 alleys, most of which were built in the 1930s, McKenna said.
Alley improvement project location map.
zero on the index meaning it’s basically rubble. McKenna said the Oak Park alleys getting worked on this summer all score around 40.
“There was kind of a long backlog of work that needed to be done prior to 2002,” he said. “Generally, every year we’re inspecting alleys around the village and prioritizing them based on pavement condition.”
The village uses the Pavement Condition Index system to evaluate its alleys’ conditions, with a 100 on the index meaning that the pavement is in perfect condition and a
“They’re in pretty bad shape,” he said.
“After those scores we start looking at other factors like drainage so we can evaluate them appropriately.”
The village still has a way to go before it moder nized all its alleyways, most of which are now nearly a century old, McKenna said.
“We still have 10 to 15 years left of alley replacements,” he said.
Jay Friedman music director and conductor
Susan Krout soprano
Eifert bass-baritone
Sarah Ponder mezzo-soprano Ace Gangoso tenor
Godon piano/organ
e Met from Tibet resurfaces
Joe Berton was just another dedicated teacher at Percy Julian Middle School 40 years back. And then he became involved in the grand and lovely April Fool’s hoax that brought the world Sidd Finch, a for mer Tibetan monk who could hurl a baseball 168 mph.
T he story, headlined “The Curious Case of Sidd Finch,” was penned by the le g endary George Plimpton. It was published that April 1, 1985 in Sports Illustrated. In the story, Finch arrived to wonderment in the Mets spring training camp. And that is the hook for the 2025 revival of this tall tale. Just after this year’s April Fool’s Day, Berton, aka Sidd, arrived to his first Mets home g ame at Citi Field. He got the whole Mets jersey-and-apress-conference treatment, according to
Joe Berton as himself in 2000, and as Sidd Finch in 1985
the New York Post.
T he backstory was that Finch, full name Siddhartha Finch, learned to throw so hard while chasing snow leopards away from yak herds at the monastery. Not surprisingly he was also expert at playing the French horn. And he pitched wearing just one shoe
In reality, Berton was an art teacher at Percy Julian. He had a friend who was a photo grapher assigned to shoot the images for the story and he thought the lanky Berton had just the right look for Siddhartha Finch. And the easy fun of the Sidd Finch sa ga just rolls on.
— Dan Haley
e image on Sidd Finch’s “baseball card” was the one Sports Illustrated used to open its April 1, 1985 article. Sidd Finch was in reality Joe Berton, then a teacher at Percy Julian Junior High in Oak Park
MURDER CASES
from page 11
make a traffic stop near Des Plaines Avenue and Madison Street but he continued to flee, now leading officers from Riverside, Forest Park, River Forest and Oak Pak in the chase. Adan eventually crashed into a building at 344 Lathrop Ave. at about 3:07 a.m. He took shelter inside the building, according to authorities.
Adan allegedly fired a handgun at a River Forest police officer from inside the building, before surrendering, according to authorities.
He will appear before Judge John W. Wilson May 19.
Manuel Martinez-Mendoza
Manuel Martinez-Mendoza, 30, was ar rested June 23, 2024 by Oak Park police for alle gedly stabbing another man in the neck.
He currently faces two aggravated battery charges and one attempted murder charge, according to Cook County records. He will appear before Judge De La Rosa for a status hearing at the Maywood Courthouse April 21.
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Oak Park librar y hosts ‘disinformation workshop’ this week
The class will take place in the Veterans Room of the Oak Park Public Library’s Main Branch the evening of April 21
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
As some major tech companies roll back their content moderation staffs, a local interfaith group is sponsoring a free course about how to combat online disinformation.
The class is called “Countering Disinformation in Digital Spaces” and will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Veterans Room on the second floor of the Oak Park Public Library’s Main Branch on Lake Street. The event is being put on by the Oak Park inter-faith organization Congregations Networking for Social Justice, and the class will be led by Oak Parker Lisa Hoelscher, a veteran schoolteacher and education technology professional.
The class will look to teach residents about different types of online disinformation, how to identify them, how to fact check disinformation and what makes people susceptible to believing online hearsay, according to Cong re gations Networking for Social Justice.
As some tech companies deemphasize content moderation and factchecking, the group hopes to empower residents to do it themselves.
“Social media companies have a history of decision-making that serves their bottom line regardless of the societal cost,” the group wrote “Their role in facilitating episodes of violence in Myanmar and Sri Lanka through the spread of disinformation is well documented as is their role in helping disinformation spread before the 2016 election in the U.S.”
MIT study found that 80% of people generally support fact checking being built-in to social media platforms, and that its presence can reduce the spread of false information by 25%.
“Content moderation is not enough! Lear n how to combat disinformation at our event. It’s about time we stepped up our game!”
The local event comes after Meta, the
parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced that it would be cutting ties with thousands of third-party content moderation staffers around the world as it seeks to end fact checking on its apps in an effort to “dramatically reduce the amount of censorship on our platforms,” as founder Mark Zuckerberg announced in January.
One of President Donald Trump’s first actions after taking office earlier this year was to sign an executive order targeting gover nment involvement in social media fact checking
“The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, an amendment essential to the success of our Republic, enshrines the right of the American people to speak freely
in the public square without gover nment interference,” the order reads. “Over the last 4 years, the previous administration trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans’ speech on online platforms, often by exerting substantial coercive pressure on third parties, such as social media companies, to moderate, deplatform, or otherwise suppress speech that the federal gover nment did not approve. Under the guise of combatting ‘misinformation,’ ‘disinformation,’ and ‘malinformation,’ the federal gover nment infringed on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens across the United States in a manner that advanced the gover nment’s preferred narrative about significant matters of public debate. Gover nment censorship of speech is intolerable in a free society.”
A 2024 MIT study found that 80% of people generally support fact checking being built-in to social media platforms, and that its presence can reduce the spread of false information by 25%.
CRIME
Middle school student threatened
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Police were contacted to make a re port about an incident where an Oak Park middle school student threatened another student with a knife, but the school is handling the matter.
According to Oak Park School District 97 spokesperson Amanda Siegfried Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, 325 S. Kenilworth Ave., went under “hold” protocol when during a verbal confrontation between students “a staff member observed the student in the hallway and discovered that they were in possession of a knife.”
“Hold” protocol is the lowest level of emergency response practiced by the district, and requires students and staf f to clear the hallways until given an “all clear.”
Last Thursday’s hold lasted about 15 minutes, Siegfried said.
“The staff member was able to confiscate the knife and, with the assistance of others, safely isolate the situation to the school library,” she said. “The student involved was secured and is being addressed in accordance with district policies and procedures. We are deeply grateful to our staff for their swift response, ensuring the safety of all students and staff. Please know that the well-being of our students is our top priority, and we will continue to uphold a safe and supportive environment at Brooks.”
Police were not called during the hold protocol, but did make a report about the incident.
“OPPD’s only involvement was taking a report from a parent whose child was threatened by the student who had the knife,” Oak Park spokesperson Dan Yopchick said. “Police were not called and infor med of the “Hold”. The school and District 97 are handling the matter internally.”
District 97 did not release more infor mation about the incident out of respect for the privacy of the students involved.
Domestic battery arrests
Oak Park police arrested several individuals on domestic battery charges last week, according to police activity reports.
A 54-year-old man was arrested in the early morning hours of April 10 in connection with a domestic incident in the 300 block of
Wisconsin Avenue.
Police arrested a 30-year-old man shortly before 3 a.m. April 14 on charges of domestic battery in connection with an incident in the 400 block of Euclid Avenue
At 8:41 p.m. on April 6, police arrested a 52-year-old Oak Park man on charges of domestic battery stemming from an incident that happened in the 500 block of Scoville Avenue.
Aggravated unlawful use of weapon investigation
Oak Park officers responded to a call of two people with guns in the 500 block of Forest Avenue Saturday, April 12 While on scene, officers stopped two subjects exiting a building, but later released both of them, according to a police activity re port.
Investigators recovered a Glock .45 pistol and a .300 Blackout rifle from the building. The investigation is still pending, according to police.
Theft
Oak Park police investigated several incidents of theft in the village in which the total loss eclipsed $1,000, according to police
Last week, police investigated an incident in which an unknown suspect stole a catalytic converter from the victim’s silver 2024 Toyota Highlander, which had been parked in the 200 block of Maple Avenue. The total estimated loss is $1,500, according to police.
Police also investigated a burglary at a home in the 100 block of South Taylor Avenue in which an unknown suspect broke into a garage and stole a bicycle and several power tools. The total loss is estimated at $1,500, according to police.
These items were obtained from Oak Park Police Department re ports dated April 6-April 15 and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed a description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.
Celebrate the upcoming 50th Season of the Oak Park Farmers’ Market!
Place an ad in this special section!
Wednesday Journal is planning a special section featuring stories of the market’s history, vendors, musicians, donuts, volunteers from Pilgrim Church, and local nonprofits. This section will be in the Wednesday Journal on May 14 with extra copies passed out to Farmers’ Market attendees throughout the whole season.
Ad Reservation Deadline: Friday, May 2
Ad Materials Due: Wednesday, May 7
Publication Date: Wednesday, May 14
MURDER CASE
Still unsolved
from page 1
Park police would call on resources from outside the department to solve the case. Since then, Oak Park police have been mostly silent on the status of the investigation.
Oak Park police addressed the case in correspondence with Wednesday Journal for the first time in five years this week, saying that detectives are still following new leads in an ef fort to find those responsible for the brutal murders
“OPPD is still following up on investigative leads as late as December 2024,” according to Dan Yopchick, Oak Park spokesperson. “Phone record s, FBI lab submissions and anonymous crime tips are still being verified. T he FBI and Illinois State Police have been involved in various parts of the investigation. The case officer has retired but the case has been reassigned for continued investigation and is ongoing,” he said.
“As you may know, DOJ policy the FBI from speaking on investi that may or may not be ongoing,” the agency’s Chicago office of public team said in a statement. “Our remains poised to assist law enforce ment partners when we receive a request. Should our partners develop info that suggests a federal crime was ted, we remain poised to provide al investigative resources.”
The memory of Johnson and Jones is still strong in Oak Park, where they raised their four sons and two godsons and li for many years.
“My brothers and I are beyond for the support we’ve received from our family’s neighbors and close friends in Oak Park,” said eldest son Ben Johnson in 2020. “My parents always said that Oak a unique place and seeing how the members of this village have come together to help our family during this horrendous time just serves as another example of the deep sense of caring and unwavering positivity of this community. We’ve never been more proud to call ourselves Oak Parkers.”
March 10, 1:15 pm
Longtime friend and neighbor Rita McLennon first met the couple volunteeroundation, a non-profit providing free legal services
CelebratingMusicofWomen
Tatyana Stepanova and Sara Su Jones present a concert featuring women composers, introduced by WFMT’s Dennis Moore.
April 21, 1:15 pm
Gustave Caillebotte:
Painting His World
March 17, 1:15 pm
Dr. Gloria Groom will give us a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges in putting together this exhibition
TheOriginal “A Star is Born” Kathleen Rooney shares the story of silent film star Colleen Moore, whose fairy castle is in Chicago!
March 24, 1:15 pm
Suffrage Song: The Haunted History of Gender, Race, and Voting Rights in
Chicago’s African-American StudioPhotographers
With author and illustrator Caitlin Cass
All programs are open to the public. Building is fully accessible. Donations to help support programs are appreciated.
All programs are open to the public. Building is fully accessible. Donations to help support programs are appreciated.
A three-course lunch is offered at noon. Lunch reservations required by Wednesday prior; contact the office.
A three-course lunch is offered at noon. Lunch reservations required by Wednesday prior; contact the office.
for impoverished people. She maintained a close personal and professional relationship with both of them over the next few decades. Johnson worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation for years before founding a firm of his own, which Jones would eventually become a partner of, leaving her position as an ethics lecturer at Northwester n’s School of Law.
McLennon was one of more than 600 people to attend the virtual memorial service for the couple the family held in April 2020, as loved ones mourned the losses while the planet navigated the chaotic first months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like many who knew them, McLennon remembers Jones and Johnson for their brilliance as attorneys, their generosity and their friendship.
sion for both Hephzibah and creating new space for ar tistic expression, the Art Heals fund was established. The Art Heals fund is designed to support Hephzibah’s art therapy program, which helps children express and understand emotions through art.”
In addition to serving on the board of Hephzibah, Jones was president of the Oak Park Area Arts Council.
Both graduates of Harvard Law School, the couple worked on deeply influential and sometimes controversial cases and collaborated closely with some of Chicago’s top officials over the course of their careers.
Johnson served as chief counsel to the mayoral campaigns of Harold Washington, Tim Evans and current U.S. Re presentative Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
Dr Amy Mooney examines how photographers helped develop a collective racial consciousness.
Sunday Program - May 4, 1:15 pm
Evolution of Human Language, Aesthetics and Free Will
555 555 5555
March 31, 1:15 pm
Jim Walters has written and co authored papers relating to evolutionary psychology.
TheMarginalizationofAfrican BeautythroughHistory
May 19, 1:15 pm
Best of Broadway
Karen J Anderson shifts the narrative about beauty and how African American women are seen in art, history, and modern media.
Devin DeSantis and Jacquelyne Jones, accompanied by JoAnn Daugherty on piano, bring Broadway musicals to life.
Programs are livestreamed and can be viewed on our website. Previous programs can also be seen on our website: nineteenthcentury.org
Programs are live streamed and can be viewed on our website. Previous programs can also be seen on our website: nineteenthcentury.org
“They were both amazing, philosophical, spiritual, intellectual people,” McLennon said last week. “I think about them every day.”
After their deaths, Jones and Johnson were honored with the “Art Heals” memorial fund at Oak Park’s Hephzibah Children’s Association. The fund supports the organization’s ar t therapy program.
“After their tragic passing, the community collectively mourned their loss, as those of us at Hephzibah did,” the organization wrote describing the fund. “Leslie was a Hephzibah board member for many years, and they both were champions for the arts. To continue to honor their le gacy and pas-
“I think Tom may have been the most decent person I’ve come to know,” Garcia told Wednesday Journal in 2020. “Tom was someone you could lean on during difficult times.”
“He helped us understand how the inequity in society plays out in the criminal justice system as well,” said Garcia.
Johnson spent nearly 30 years as a hearing officer for the Chicago Police Board, serving as a judge in hundreds of disciplinary cases, including cases connected to several fatal officer involved shootings.
As time passes, Oak Park is still waiting for answers on what led to the deaths of two of its most respected community members.
Residents gather outside the home of Leslie Ann Jones and omas Johnson in 2020, during a candlelight vigil.
Gulf War vet killed in Oak Park carjacking was ‘the best of us’
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Freddie Rogers met Corey Gates when they were both high school freshman on Chicago’s West Side
Nearly 40 years after they graduated and decided to enlist in the U.S. Ar my together, Rogers considered himself lucky to still be Gates’ close friend, and that he felt like he could always count on him.
“We’d kick back and do what older men do, have a cocktail or maybe a cigar, but Corey never changed,” Rogers said. “He always remained that positive, uplifting person. He never really had bad words to say about anybody. And truth be told, nobody really had anything bad to say about Corey. Corey was Corey, and he was arguably the best out of all of us, to me.”
He thought that they would get to spend many more years in each other’s lives.
Rogers spoke with Gates for the last time shortly before the 54-year-old South Holland man was shot and killed during an attempted carjacking in the 600 block of South Boulevard in Oak Park during the early morning
hours of April 4.
“I literally just yelled out so loud it reverberated through the house,” Rogers said. “It to my soul. Because this is a man who loved and respected one and everyone respected and loved him. And it’s unfortunate that this heinous incident happened to him out of all people
Gates is the first person killed in an Oak Park homicide sinc last November’s fatal shooting of Oak Park detective Allan Oak Park police beli sleeping in his vehicle w including 20-year-old Chicago McGee, tried to hijack his to police re ports associated with the case. Police believe McGee is responsible for the fatal shooting and arrested him on charges of first-degree murder.
“All I had was murdered... and it’s devastating,” the victim’s twin sister Cathleen Gates told television station ABC7. “It’s going to be devastating that he’s gone. He ain’t here no more because of some bums.”
More arrests in connection with Gates’ murder may be com-
“OPPD is continuing to investe the involvement of others and will take appropriate action as necessary,” Oak Park spokesperson Dan Yopchick said. ve others were detained in onnection with the killing, but harges have only been brought against McGee so far.
McGee had been out on supertwo months awaiting trial ug trafficking charges stemming est on Chicago Avenue in Chicahe was arrested for Gates’ murder. een convicted of a “prior violent felony” as a minor in 2020, according to Cook County court documents.
Police believe McGee also received a gunshot wound during the attempted carjacking, although Gates was not armed, according to police
McGee was denied pretrial release and will next appear before Judge John Hock at the Maywood Courthouse again in the coming weeks.
Rogers said the killing has stunned his group of friends.
“It’s senseless, completely senseless, there’s no feasible reason that Corey shouldn’t be with us right now,” he said. “A couple more buddies of ours came by my house because they knew how tight Corey and I were and they were tight with Corey as well. And we just sat down in my man cave and we were just silent. We just couldn’t believe this happened to him out of all people.”
“As we got older, never in a million years did I think that I would have to endure this, of all things.”
He has many memories to cherish of Gates, as their friendship lasted through wartime military service and countless other stages of life. Those memories include the first cigars they shared together after their 1988 high school graduation, which they paired with non-alcoholic beers, he said.
Rogers said despite the grief, he is proud to have been Gates’ friend.
“There’s nothing in this world that we wouldn’t do for each other,” he said. “It’s really just a tragic loss.”
Sweet spring with NRebozo’s squash blossom mole
Usually, we cover the news of food and restaura in the area. In this new series, we are going slow down and savor vors that make our mouths ter. Each month we will featu a single dish that a reader lo I’ll sit down with that re and the chef or owner of the restaurant and talk about wh makes the recipe special.
Our inaugural dish is a mole at NRebozo, 7403 Madison St. in Forest Park. Oak Parker Lynette Hoag is a re gular diner at the restaurant and always looks forward to seeing which of Chef Paco’s mole creations are on the menu. One of her favorites is a spring sensation: squash blossom mole. She orders it with cheese enchiladas, though you can also get them filled with meat.
“It has a little spice, little bit of smoke. No heat. It’s a tiny bit sweet,” Hoag said. “It pairs perfectly with the cheese. It’s a little butter nut squash-y. I always like the texture of his moles. I would say it’s very smooth.” It’s one of Chef Paco’s favorites as well.
ve 40 moles. Every we serve six. This one is special. I love it. It’s the zucchini flower, flor de calabaza,” said Chef Paco. flower is yellow. This y it’s the color.” does it take to make this dish?
“In Mexico, people love zucchini flower. Here it’s hard because the flower is only for a couple of months. The zucchini flower in the United States, very expensive.” said owner and chef Paco Lope z.
Each year when the flowers hit the market, Chef Paco grabs them up to feature the dish as long as he can. Creating the mole takes up to eight hours.
“Also in this is onions, cilantro, lime and the secret is the chili guajillo,” Chef Paco said.
“The chili guajillo is the nice touch. It’s smoky. With the zucchini flower those together is working perfect. Because if you put another chili, it’s spicy. The idea is balance. Not super spicy, not super sweet,” he said.
I’ve never seen anything close to these moles. I can’t imagine getting squash blossom mole anyplace else. This is fresh, silky.”
The goal for Chef Paco is, “…when you taste, close your eyes and say, ‘Oh my God, this is so delicious.’”
Those ingredients are sauteed with garlic and tomatoes, then they all go into a blender. And then back on the stove to simmer.
“I go to a lot of Spanish or Mexican restaurants.” Hoag said. “They have one kind of mole, just the traditional chocolate mole
The mole options cycle through the seasons, so squash blossom mole will only be on the menu for a few weeks. The others currently available are pumpkin, broccoli, chocolate, habanero and peanut.
If you have a favorite dish that you’d like to see featured, drop us a line at eats@ oakparkeats.com.
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Chef Paco and diner Ly nette Hoag
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Squash blossom mole at NRebozo.
April 13
10:30 am April 17
7:30 pm April 18
7:30 pm April 20
10:30 am April 19 7:30 pm
Holy Week and Easter Grace Episcopal Church
Easter Egg Hunt 12 pm
Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 13th • Services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 am
Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 17th • 6:30 pm
Good Friday
Friday, April 18th • 7:30 am • Spoken Eucharist with the Rev. Canon Dr. Alonzo Prui
12:00 pm • Stations of the Cross
7:30 pm • Choral Eucharist
Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil
Saturday, April 19th • 7:30 pm
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 20th • Services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 am
Easter Egg hunts following the 9:30 am and 11:00 am services
SEE GOD’S
GOODNES S THIS EASTER
at Euclid Ave nue UMC of Oak Park
Palm Sunday, April 13th
Family Egg Hunt 9:45 AM
Worship Service 10:30 AM
Holy Thursday, April 17th
Last Supper Prayer Service 7:00 PM
Good Friday, April 18th
The Seven Last Words of Jesus Service 7:00 PM
Easter Sunday, April 20th
Sunrise Blessing ( in the Ellen Cutter Garden ) 6:00 AM Resurrection Worship 10:30 am Family Egg Hunt 11:45 am
Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church is a safe and inclusive congregation which follows the call to address the harm that injustice has caused and is causing. Find us on Washington St. at South Euclid Ave. in Oak Park, Illinois, or euclidavenueumc.org
Rev. Blade, Preaching; Dr. Pothier Music Dir ector Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church is a safe and inclusive congregation which follows the call to address the harm that injustice has caused and is causing. Find us on Washington St. at South Euclid Ave. in Oak Park, Illinois, or euclidavenueumc.org
STEP IN TO EASTER
Holy Week and Easter Sunday 2025
ASCENSION and ST. EDMUND PARISH
PALM SUNDAY
Saturday, April 12
Sunday, April 13
5:00 PM Palm Sunday Mass St. Edmund
8:00 AM Palm Sunday Mass Ascension
9:15 AM Palm Sunday Mass St. Edmund
10:30 AM Palm Sunday Mass Ascension
5:00 PM Palm Sunday Mass St. Edmund
HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 17
7:30 PM Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper Ascension
11:45 PM Night Prayer Ascension
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 18
9:00 AM Morning Prayer St. Edmund
12:00 PM Family Prayers around the Cross St. Edmund
3:00 PM Taizé Prayer around the Cross Ascension
7:30 PM Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Ascension
HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 19
9:00 AM Morning Prayer St. Edmund
11:00 AM Blessing of Easter Food St., Edmund, Murphy Hall
8:00 PM Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter St. Edmund
EASTER SUNDAY. APRIL 20
8:00 AM Easter Sunday Mass Ascension
9:15 AM Easter Sunday Mass St. Edmund
10:30 AM Easter Sunday Mass Ascension
11:00 AM Easter Sunday Mass St. Edmund
NOTE: On Holy Saturday, 4:30 PM Mass at St. Giles and 5:00 PM Mass at St. Edmund will not be celebrated. On Easter Sunday, the Catholic Communities of Oak Park 5:00 PM Mass at St. Edmund will not be celebrated.
ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA-ST. LUCY and ST.GILES PARISH
PALM SUNDAY
Saturday, April 12
4:30 PM Palm Sunday Mass St. Giles Sunday, April 13
8:00 AM Palm Sunday Mass St. Giles
9:00 AM Palm Sunday Mass St. Catherine-St. Lucy
10:00 AM Easter Sunday Mass St. Giles School Gym
Family Mass Community (FMC)
10:30 AM Palm Sunday Mass St. Giles
5:00 PM Palm Sunday Mass St. Edmund
HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 17
8:30 AM Morning Prayer St. Giles
7:00 PM Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper St. Giles
11:45 PM Night Prayer St. Giles
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 18
8:30 AM Morning Prayer St. Giles
3:00 PM Celebration of the Lord’s Passion St. Giles
7:00 PM Celebration of the Lord’s Passion St. Catherine-St. Lucy
7:00 PM Living Stations of the Cross St. Giles
7:30 PM FMC Prayer Service St. Giles School Gym
HOLY SATURDAY, APRIL 19
8:30 AM Morning Prayer St. Giles
11:00 AM Blessing of Easter Food St. Giles
1:00 PM Blessing of Easter Food St. Catherine-St. Lucy
7:00 PM Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter St. Giles
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 20
6:00 AM Sunrise Mass St. Giles Courtyard
In case of inclement weather, the Sunrise Service will be held in church
8:00 AM Easter Sunday Mass St. Giles
9:00 AM Easter Sunday Mass St. Catherine-St. Lucy
10:00 AM FMC Easter Sunday Mass St. Giles School Gym
10:30 AM Easter Sunday Mass St. Giles Church
CATHOLIC COMMUNITIES OF OAK PARK AND NEIGHBORS
and St. Edmund Parish
Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish
Maundy Thursday April 17 at 8:25 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Good Friday April 18
Journey to the Cross 9 a.m.
Interactive worship geared toward families, but all are welcome!
Good Friday Worship 12 and 7 p.m.
Easter Vigil April 19 at 7 p.m.
Easter Sunday April 20 at 8:30 and 11 a.m.
ForestParkBaptistChurch
Glorifying God, encouraging everyone to know and follow Jesus wholeheartedly! We LOVE our community, so we are praying for everyone in our community. God cares and he answers prayers. Please let us know how we can pray for you and your family! Either scan the
april 17 | 6:00 pM
Maundy Thursday Service
Holy Weekat First Baptist CHurCHoF oak park
aturday, april 19 | 11:00 aM
820 Ontario Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302
Easter Egg Hunt
unday, april 20 | 9:00 aM
Easter Breakfast
RSVP by using the QR code below)
unday, april 20 | 10:00 aM
Easter Sunday Worship
tHursday, april 17 | 6:00 pM Maundy Thursday Service saturday 19 | 11:00 aM s 20 | 9:00 aM
708/848-4070 | contact@fbcoakpark.org www.fbcoakpark.org , M Easter Egg Hunt , M Easter Breakfast , pril M
s 20 | 10:00 aM Easter Sunday Worship
First United Methodist Church of Oak Park
324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 www.firstumcoakpark.org
Worship in-person or online
Sunday, April 13, 2025� Palm Sunday
10 am Worship Service which will conclude with the stripping of our altar, in preparation for our Good Friday rememberance.
Friday, April 18, 2025� Good Friday
7 pm Worship Service featuring “A Service of Darkness: Seven Choral Meditations on the Last Words of Christ, Adapted from the Ancient Tenebrae for Mixed Voices” by Dale Wood. This will be a musical remembrance, accompanied by our historic Skinner organ, of the seven last words Jesus uttered from the cross. This event is open to the public with a free-will offering.
Sunday, April 20, 2025 � Easter Sunday
7 am Sunrise Service in the Memorial Garden outside. In the event of rain, service will be held in the Chapel (ring doorbell at Tower for entry).
8 �9�30 am Pot-luck breakfast
10 am Worship Service. Easter Celebration of Resurrection with an Easter Egg Hunt for children following worship.
SERVICES
Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC
Palm Sunday, April 13, 10:30 am in the Sanctuary
Contemplative Healing, April 16, 6:30 pm in the Chapel
Good Friday, April 18, 7 pm in the Chapel
Potluck and Egg Hunt, April 20, 9:30 am in Fellowship Hall
Resurrection Sunday Service, April 20, 10:30 am in the Sanctuary
460 Lake Street Oak Park, IL 60302
Oak Park Climate Action Network’s latest open house highlights sustainability
The goal is to inspire others to make big and small changes to their homes
By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter
Three Oak Park homeowners recently opened their homes to share sustainability measures that are making a difference in their lives and in the way they consume energy
The second of Oak Park Climate Action Network (OPCAN)’s spring open houses on April 6 featured OPCAN volunteers as well as industry experts, detailing what has been done in these homes – and how others might take steps to improve their energy efficiency.
Wendy Greenhouse, the organizer of the walk, said that this educational component is one of the benefits of OPCAN that she likes to tout. “Our Climate Coaches can answer questions or tell you what it’s like to install or use a product. They can offer real life experience from a neighbor,” she said.
On Gunderson Avenue, homeowner Macey Majkrzak shared her home’s green improvements. She and her husband, Lee, purchased their home in 2021 with an eye towards a sustainable renovation. The 1910, American FourSquare stucco home is finished on four levels and is now completely electric.
“We were looking for a project,” she said. “I had started doing sustainability work. Both my husband and I were motivated.”
Their house needed a new HVAC system, so they decided to dig out their basement and add a geothermal heating and cooling system with Advanced Geothermal Plumbing and Heating. The house is now heated and cooled with a geothermal system.
In the basement mechanical room, the geothermal system, as well as the water-to-water unit that fuels the radiant-
See SUSTAINABILITY on pa ge 27
STOPPING LEAKS: Joe Konopacki, President and CEO of Insight Property Services, explains the importance of
door testing to ide ntif ying leaks in a home.
LACE Y SIKOR A
bl ower
Matt Nickels of Oak Park’s Energ y Matters explains a mini split’s role in heat pump insulation at OPCAN’s green open house.
SUSTAINABILIT Y
Big things and small from
page 25
heated flooring in the basement, keeps the temperature level and comfortable year-round. Majkrzak said that the family doesn’t even need an account with Nicor anymore.
Mark Villareal with Ailey Solar spoke about considerations in putting solar panels on older homes. Ailey Solar typically provides a technical review for customers, during which they consider whether the rafters of the house need to be reinforced to support the solar panels and whether the electric system can handle the load. Villareal said that the 200-amp service is ideal for solar installations.
In the kitchen, a volunteer showed off the family’s induction stove top. Nearby, Joe Konopacki, president and CEO of Insight Property Services, demonstrated the blow test perfor med on the home’s doors to test the building’s airtightness Blow tests are essential to addressing actual sources of leaks in a home in order to target insulating where it will make the most improvement.
Village Trustee Susan Buchanan was one of OPCAN’s many volunteers at the Majkrzak home. Her own interest in sustainability drew her to OPCAN. “Everyone is on their own path to sustainability,” she said. “Everyone is learning what they can do in their homes.”
At a 1927-era brick house on Linden Avenue, a heat pump
system re placed a traditional forced-air furnace system. OPCAN volunteer and Oak Park resident Mac Robinet noted that heat pump systems are two to three times more efficient than gas-powered fur naces.
Robinet is passionate about the need for sustainability. “Over time, we’re not going to have a choice,” he predicted. “People in Oak Park shouldn’t be buying new gas furnaces. That’s going backwards.”
He practices what he preaches. Robinet has had a ground-source heat pump since 2011 and said that it has paid for itself many times over.
Matt Nickels, one of the founders of Oak Park’s Energy Matters, was on hand to discuss heat pump insulation. Matt and his brother, both OPRF and Purdue grads, started their business 11 years ago.
To gether, the brothers work on energy efficiency and heating and cooling solutions for local customers. “It’s a fun challenge for me as an engineer,” Nickels said.
Most projects are unique given the older housing stock in the area, and Nickels said Energy Matters can act as climate coaches to walk through homes and multi-unit buildings to provide assessments and recommend individual solutions
The third home on the walk was the recipient of a Green Award from the Village of Oak Park. Homeowner Derek Eder fully electrified his 1916 brick bungalow with rooftop solar, heat pump HVAC and hot water heater and electric appliances. The process is detailed in a video produced by the Village: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4NmpOUFS590.
An OPCAN volunteer explains the bene ts of induction stoves at the open house.
Representatives of Ailey Solar speak to interested homeow ners about installing solar panels in Oak Park.
A geothermal system in Macey and Lee Majkrzak’s home.
Antisemitism exists, but make accusations accurate
The national turmoil about antisemitism and Israel’s attacks on Gaza has come home to Oak Park in a series of recent events
JIM SCHWARTZ
At the end of the OPRF school board campaign, a flyer attributed to the Democratic Socialists of America, called one of the candidates, Nate Mellman, an “Israel-first Zionist fanatic,” said he is “an apartheid denialist,” and described his day job as “denying working people Social Security and disability benefits.” This flyer was antisemitic, full stop. I condemn it entirely and utterly
One View
This antisemitic flyer plays into the narrative by some that antisemitism is prevalent in Oak Park. Truthfully, any single incident of antisemitism means it is too prevalent. We shouldn’t stand for any instances of bigotry in our community
At the same time, I have a hard time with the word “prevalence” because I disagree that all of the local instances described as antisemitism actually are. Another recent event provides some examples to illustrate. In June 2024, Nate Mellman, subsequent school board candidate, filed a complaint with the Illinois State Board of Education against Oak Park and River Forest High School, alleging that the high school has “a hostile antisemitic environment for Jewish students.” A few of the many examples in the filing can give us a sense of the allegations
In one tweet described in the complaint, for mer OPRF teacher Anthony Clark condemned Israel for committing genocide, which the filing describes as antisemitic. Genocide consists of violence “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group,” according to the UN. Some Israeli officials have declared that the aim of their war is “erasing the Gaza Strip from the face of the earth.” There is reasonable evidence to make a case that any country engaged in similar behavior to Israel is engaged in genocide. As such, it is inherently not antisemitic to accuse Israel of genocide — instead, it is a valid criticism.
ADEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.
Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310
ktrainor@wjinc.com
Growing up with the Cross
pproaching Good Friday, I recall many evolving encounters with the central symbol of my faith: the Cross.
As a second grader, reciting the Prayer Before a Crucifix, which, next to a golden cross opened my Sunday Missal, I would utter these words: Look down upon me, Good and gentle Jesus … When I look at You, oh Jesus,
And see Your five wounds, I am very sad.
I was born beneath crucifixes at Loretto Hospital. I was baptized in front of Jesus on the Cross at St. Barbara’s in Brookfield. And I received First Communion at St. Mary of Celle, in Berwyn, beneath the hanging Jesus in the church on 15th Street.
My relationship with the Cross in boyhood carried a blend of awe, guilt, sor row for my sins, and gratitude that Jesus had suffered and died for us. But I was not quite sure what it all meant.
The times changed as I grew with the faith. Vatican II opened the year after I received my first host. Dad was a good conservative man, respectful but also skeptical of the ideas that came from it. Over the years in grade school and high school, I could see the Council changing how we worshipped and how we understood our roles.
My understanding of the Cross evolved. By the time I was worshiping in colle ge at a Newman Center, it had become less a reminder of my guilt and more a challenge to devote myself to a mission that would better the world. I chose to do so through community development.
I found inspiration in the writings of the Jesuit, Teilhard de Chardin. I embraced the idea that Christ’s death and resurrection signaled that each of us somehow could contribute to “Christogenesis,” Teilhard’s term for the loving evolution of our world.
In my late 30s, I became a father. Our twins were born sick, premature, one of them 3.5 pounds, red with infection, and seemingly near death. The tiny boy, con-
nected to wires and tubes in the intensive care unit, struggled. Maureen and I agonized with him. After a surgery that removed some of his intestine, he began to heal and grow.
I was so jar red by the joys and challenges of fatherhood that I felt called to focus my work in community development on the central role that the family plays in it. It was like our little boy had been born on the Cross. I took up familybased community development as the renewed focus of my policy work, and my life.
In that work, I encountered many people in distress, but nobly striving to make their lives better. To capture the suffering that comes with development, I penned a poem, “The Wine of the Cross,” that reflected on Jesus’ ordeal.
It began as follows:
Taste the wine that drips and drips
From Christ’s sweet tears and angels’ lips. Blood-red it rests on thorned tips. Taste the wine that drips and drips. A later stanza continued the liquid imagery:
Whose scream was that which soaked the night?
So bloody fierce, a drenched plight!
What father was bequeathed this fight?
Whose scream was that which soaked the night? Now retired, over 30 years after our newborns writhed in the NICU, I can enjoy a glass of wine with them and their siblings. They are smart, strong men, approaching their 36th birthdays. The guy who, as an infant, lost some of his intestine now trains as an MMA-style fighter. As a grandpa (I’m known as “Beepa”) I take care of his brother’s little girl every Friday. My relationship with the Cross continues to evolve. A couple of years ago, Maureen gave me the one that I wear today. It was found in Ukraine on the grounds of an old church. A year or so after I started wearing it,
RICH KORDESH One View
OUR VIEWS
Metra’s heavy hand
In a village rightly proud of its efforts to collaborate in solving problems, the recent move by Metra’s police unit to clear out unhoused people from the commuter train station in Oak Park was heavy-handed.
We understand the motivation of Metra to create a more welcoming space for its customers moving through the North Boulevard station to board its trains. Metra police said that up to 20 people were effectively living in the station as the winter months wore on. That led to complaints from riders about litter, smoking and drug use.
With a longtime security agreement expiring between Oak Park police and Metra — during which the village had provided security at the station while maintaining a police substation in the facility — Metra chose to use its own staff to secure the station. That’s fine. But the process wasn’t fine. Housing Forward, an outstanding nonprofit serving people who find themselves without housing for any reason, would have been a logical partner in helping people living in the station to be moved somewhere safe and with a range of services that might move them toward more permanent housing.
That is how the village handled it when it cleared out an earlier encampment of unhoused people living under the ramp to the Metra station. Housing Forward was actively involved then in working with each person to improve their situations.
Housing Forward, which is very active in Oak Park, was not happy about the situation with Metra. In an unusually terse response last Friday, an agency spokesperson said, “There is no way to know exactly where those individuals have gone, and most don’t have phones, which makes it nearly impossible to reach them. Many will be forced into other public spaces, including on public transit or into the neighborhood. Prior to April 1, more than 25 people were consistently using the Oak Park Metra station to stay sheltered Since then, we have only been able to reconnect with two of them.”
In this moment, especially, we all need to do better to treat each person we encounter with kindness and respect. On that score, Metra accomplished a narrow mission but fell short of the humanity test.
Unsolved murders
Five years after the brutal murders of Leslie Jones and Tom Johnson in their Oak Park home, there are no answers. That the deaths of two so prominent and beloved neighbors could be unsolved despite active investigation by Oak Park police, the Illinois State Police and the FBI is stunning. But it appears to be the reality that family and friends need to cope with, even as the emotions remain profound
We find some small relief that after a half decade of near radio silence, a spokesperson for the local police force finally responded to simple questions from Wednesday Journal. Yes, the case remains actively open, a new detective has been assigned to the case after a retirement, and there was a fresh lead being pursued as recently as last December
It’s not much, but it feels like a more respectful response to a community still mour ning
Everybody su ers
There’s a guy in my neighborhood who goes off on regular after noon “F*** You!” binges at the top of his lungs. Over and over and over. Chant-like. He lives in earshot. I don’t know if he’s standing at a window or in his backyard, but it goes on a while. At first I was appalled, then annoyed, then it occurred to me. He’s suffering.
A few weeks back, I had a toothache that lasted three days before undergoing a root canal. Those three days gave me an opportunity to contemplate suffering, which led to a not-so-groundbreaking insight: everybody suffers. It may be physical pain, psychic anguish or soul sickness, but suffering is universal — no matter how strong your support system or your efforts to insulate
KEN TRAINOR
Some suffer more than others, but minor or major, from discomfort to unspeakable agony, suf fering is universal. It may be the universal human experience. I wish I could say love is likewise universal, but I’m not so sure. Some are so broken they seem incapable of love. One of them is president of the United States. And he’s very good at making other people suf fer for it
We inflict suffering on others or are afflicted by it Sometimes both. Someone else may be responsible. More often it’s our own damn fault, as Jimmy Buf fet used to sing. Sometimes it’s no one’s fault. To have a body and a psyche in a physical universe is to suffer. Nobody gets out of life unscathed.
As Dread Pirate Roberts says in the film Princess Bride: “Life is suffering, Princess. Anyone who tells you different is selling something.” And a lot of people have made a lot of money selling ways to escape suffering. But that just creates its own form of suffering. And there are so many forms of suffering: loss of loved ones, regrets, real or imagined villains who brought you to your current predicament. Some suffer outwardly, some stoically. Some are so stoic they aren’t even aware they’re suffering. Some suffer so loudly, you can’t help wondering why.
We all reside somewhere along the suffering spectrum, which likely inspired the adage, “Be kind Everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” Life isn’t only suffering, fortunately, but everyone suffers from something.
F*** You guy may be “more sinned against than sinning,” as Shakespeare put it in King Lear. For some, the great battle is their own body chemistry, which makes those of us less afflicted relatively lucky, but that doesn’t mean we should dismiss or deny our own suffering. It’s what we have in common.
A mindfulness meditation leader, Vinnie Ferraro, says there are two kinds of suffering: one kind leads to more suffering and one leads to less suffering.
When some suffer, their first thought is payback. Israelis, for instance, suffered greatly from the Oct. 7, 2023 assault by Hamas. But their gover nment’s wildly disproportionate retaliation led to much greater suffering — for the people of Gaza, obviously, but also for the people of Israel who likely feel no safer for the effort
The other path is empathy and compassion. When we suffer, we know we’re not alone. We recognize that suffering is our common bond. That kind of suffering can lead to less suffering. But if we address only the symptoms and not the cause, suffering continues.
Bishop Desmond Tutu said it’s one thing to pull drowning people out of the river. But someone also needs to go upriver to find out why they’re falling in — and prevent that from happening
The opioid crisis emerged from a desire to relieve chronic physical suffering — but without thinking through the consequences of addiction (and the greed of those who exploited the situation to amass obscene fortunes). And we still don’t fully comprehend the suffering that is causing our epidemic of “deaths of despair.”
Suffering in this society has become insufferable. Some suffering “builds character,” but it also makes us vulnerable — and that creates an opportunity to suffer in a way that leads to less suffering.
What have you suffered? The worst suffering I ever experienced was one night of loneliness long ago that was so intense I wasn’t sure I would survive it. I lear ned a lesson about the depth of mental anguish — and the power of friends who helped me get through it by opening their door and welcoming me in, unannounced
Religion attempts to address the problem of suffering. The story of Buddhism, for instance, begins with a pampered prince who leaves the family compound and witnesses suffering for the first time in the people he encounters, which sparks compassion, and a great insight: that desire is at the root of our suffering, that we need to let go of our less healthy attachments, and we must learn to embrace life’s imper manence.
The story of Christianity, meanwhile, ends with the horrific suffering of crucifixion, leading to a wildly improbable happy ending, but the cross is the climax for many because human beings don’t readily identify with rising from the dead. They do, however, identify with suffering, and they identify with the God-Man Jesus who, through his suffering becomes, in the end, fully human.
And through our own suffering — if it leads us to universal compassion for those who universally suffer — we too have an opportunity to become more fully human.
Forward and REAL
Recent discussions surrounding the Make REAL, Not Spare Change campaign have raised questions about Housing Forward’s involvement and stance.
Housing Forward’s mission is to transition people from housing crisis to housing stability. We prevent homelessness whenever possible, respond to housing crises when they do occur, and provide a pathway to stability through housing and supportive services
The Make REAL change campaign is an initiative of the village of Oak Park to reduce panhandling. The Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce serves as the fiscal agent for any funds collected by the campaign. Housing Forward does not have decision-making power or control over how and to whom the funds collected through this campaign are distributed. That will be decided by the village of Oak Park. If you have questions about the campaign, we recommend reaching out to Vanessa Matheny with the village (vmatheny@oak-park.us).
As a human-focused organization, we recognize that individuals in need, whether housed or unhoused, will do what they need to in order to survive. If you feel compelled to respond to someone requesting money, a meal, or a transportation card, that is your right.
The reality is that many people in the village of Oak Park face housing insecurity that is not visible. It is estimated that 42% of renters in Oak Park are considered costburdened, meaning more than 30% of their income goes toward housing costs For these
Some advice for future parking
I read with great amusement Patrick Curran’s letter complaining about his $33 parking ticket during a recent “quick” trip to the library [A wasteland of fees and fines, Viewpoints, April 9]. Imagine knowingly parking at a metered space, knowingly choosing not to pay the meter, getting a ticket, and being so incensed by this experience as to swear off visiting Oak Park for good!
In the hopes that cooler heads prevail, I wanted to provide two valuable pieces of information for Mr. Curran:
1) The library has its own parking garage and the first two hours are free! Perfect for
“a quick five- to eight-minute stop,” and 2) Since Mr. Curran threatened to take his business to Forest Park where it is “appreciated,” just be sure to bring a roll of quarters because Forest Park also charges for street parking in its business district. It’s possible maybe they don’t ticket as aggressively, but do you really want to take the chance? If you have to boycott Forest Park, too, you risk spending more money on gas just to get a decent bite to eat than you saved with all those parking meters you didn’t feel like paying.
Steven Brown Oak Park
Sorry to see you go (elsewhere)
Dear Mr. Curran,
individuals, a job loss or financial crisis could quickly result in housing insecurity or housing loss
Last year, through our street outreach program, we connected more than 200 people, i.e. people who might otherwise be sleeping in their cars, on a friend’s couch, or on the street, with a safe place to sleep. We continue to provide financial assistance, emergency over night shelter, interim housing for those awaiting a full-time residence, and permanent supportive housing to many Oak Park residents. Unfortunately, however, the demand for services and shelter beds far exceeds available resources.
To reduce and ultimately end homelessness, we must address the root causes— a lack of affordable housing, rising inflation, the challenges of earning a living wage, and continuing systemic inequalities We will continue to connect with the unhoused population, both visible and invisible, and offer food, hygiene supplies, and services to those who may need it — without shame, conditions, or judgment.
If you are looking for ways to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, please consider volunteering your time or providing a meal for guests staying at Housing Forward’s Emergency Overnight Shelter, or Interim Housing Program.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, we have more information and resources on our website, www.housingforward.org.
Libby Foster Director of Communications Housing Forward
I am sorry your jour ney to the Oak Park Public Library ended with you getting a $33 ticket for parking without paying the nominal fee of approximately $2 [A wasteland of fees and fines, Viewpoints, April 9]. I’m sorry the meter ticketer couldn’t discern your intent of being gone for only a few minutes to save money by borrowing a book instead of buying one. I’m sorry you took a gamble
on not being ticketed and lost. I’m not sure it would be much different in Forest Park or River Forest, but as you said you’ll be supporting those municipalities instead, perhaps your support will come in the form of more parking fines in those towns since you thought it was OK to skip paying in Oak Park.
Joan Slanina Oak Park
Clean Energy Open Houses: the wrap
The second of Oak Park Climate Action Network’s 2025 Clean Energy Open Houses, on April 6, welcomed 50 folks to tour the green upgrades in three typical Oak Park houses. Visitors lear ned from homeowners and contractors about weatherization, heat pumps, rooftop solar ar rays, and induction stoves and other electric appliances, as well as costs, financial of fsets, savings, and more. The event was made possible by the generosity of the homeowners, the ef for ts of more than a dozen volunteers, and the cooperation of the contractors, to whom we’re sincerely grateful.
Missed the Clean Energy Open Houses? Check out the video tours from both events at The Electric Home Sh ow on YouTube, and stay current on future home tours and other events by joining
OPCAN’s mailing list at https://opcan. org/join-us and following us on social media.
Got questions about home energy efficiency upgrades, electrifying HVAC and appliances, electric vehicles, or other ways to reduce your personal climateheating emissions? Check out OPCAN’s free Climate Coaches program, of fered in partnership with the village of Oak Park, at https://opcan.org/climate-coaches It’s one more opportunity to learn from the personal experience of neighbors who have already undertaken upgrades to make their homes healthier and more sustainable while saving money. Whether you rent or own a house or condo, you can take action. Let OPCAN show you how. Wendy Greenhouse Oak Park Climate Action Network
anks for Hands O ! coverage
Thank you for your excellent coverage of the Hands Off! protest in Oak Park [Anti-Trump protesters pack downtown Oak Park, News, April 9]. Also kudos to the photographer who took the photos
On the way to Oak Park, we saw a couple walking with their signs, so we picked them up and gave them a ride to Oak Park. Tur ns out they were 20-year Berwyn residents who chose to come to Oak Park because the Berwyn event was put together last minute
As participants from Indivisible, we could have gone to the Lisle or Berwyn protests but chose to go to Oak Park because my sister, Sharon Simek, lives in Oak Park. My other sister and brother-inlaw Karen Ann and Robert Schramek came from Brookfield to join us
My husband, James Spera, and 28-year-old disabled son, Shawn, and I came from Oak Brook to protest against the Trump administration’s horrible planned cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and especially Medicaid that will be devastating to our most vulnerable citizens. I have been advocating against these cuts to our Illinois Congress members through the Arc of Illinois and Ancor, which is representing disability agencies.
I met another mother, Sandy, from Oak Park, there with her disabled son, who were also protesting the Medicaid cuts. I met a special education teacher who was protesting for her students
ALICE PALACH-SPERA
One View
tions. The American citizens want Hands Off Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Our Jobs, Our Wallets, Our Bodies, Fair Elections, Personal Data, Public Lands, Veteran Services, Cancer Research, NATO, Consumer Protections, Clean Air, Clean Energy, School Libraries, Free Speech, LGBTQ, Rights, Immigrants, Courts, and more.
Display ing their signs (from le ) Robert and Karen Ann Schramek of Brook eld, Shaw n Spera of Oak Brook, formerly of Brook eld, and Sharon Simek of Oak Park chant “Hands O ” at the protest.
A special education teacher protests to protect Medicaid for her students
My sister’s neighbor, Betsy Davis of Oak Park, who walks with a cane, arrived at the Oak Park Hands Off! rally after having taken the Green Line el to downtown Chicago to the Hands Off! protest at the Daley Center.
There were people of all ages, races, and genders — some with canes, walkers, and wheelchairs — protesting against the Trump administration’s policies and haphazard ac-
Oak Park residents Betsy Davis (le ) and Sharon Simek march to protect their Social Security and Medicare.
People are outraged and upset around the country and the world and, unfortunately, I don’t think the Chicago and national media are giving it enough coverage. I don’t think Senator Cory Booker with his 25-plus hour speech to the Senate received enough attention either. The media is just focusing on Trump’s tariffs and is not addressing what’s happening around the country and the world. You said yourself in your story, there were more than 1,000 protests nationally. There were even some inter nationally. We haven’t heard the media ask Trump and his administration about this yet and what he has to say in response to the American citizens Trump is out playing golf while climatechange tornados and floods are sweeping through our country and people are furious with his administration’s actions, using Elon Musk and DOGE to dismantle the Department of Education and numerous government agencies without studying the rationale and reasoning behind these jobs and agencies. What happened to checks and balances in our democracy? Trump is just slapping all these executive orders on the country with disre gard for the Le gislative and Judicial Branches. Our country is becoming an authoritarian gover nment if it’s not already. On behalf of the Spera, Schramek, and Simek families, Alice Palach-Spera, Shawn’s mother and advocate, is an Oak Brook, former Brookfield resident.
WEDNESD AY
JOURNAL
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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CO UNTE RING DISINFORMATI
Countering disinformation
As a member of the Working Committee for Cong re gations Networking for Social Justice (CNSJ), I am happy to share an upcoming event that we are sponsoring: “Countering Disinformation in Digital Spaces.” The workshop will be presented by Lisa Hoelscher in the Veterans Room of the Oak Park Main Library on Monday, April 21, 6:308:00 p.m.
As you may know, CNSJ recently co-sponsored a very well-attended Braver Angels workshop titled, “Disagreeing Better.”
The topic of disinformation, and how to reco gnize it, seemed like a natural next step for further exploration.
I have attached the pdf, which includes a QR code to the actual Eventbrite re gistration where you can find more details about the event. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about this event or about CNSJ in general.
We were very pleased with recent Wednesday Journal coverage of the Hands Of f! Rally that CNSJ co-sponsored. People seem eager to get more involved! I look forward to hearing from you.
e SAVE Act does just the opposite
On April 10, Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States, issued the following statement in response to the passage of the SAVE (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) Act in the U.S. House of Re presentatives:
“Today is a dark day in politics. The passage of the SAVE Act in the U.S. House is a direct attack on the fundamental right to vote and a dangerous ste p backward for our democracy
Willa Shultz Congre
gations Networking for Social Justice (CNSJ)
Criticism of Trustee Gillis was inaccurate
Congratulations to River Forest Trustee Lisa Gillis who will be sworn in next month to serve her second term on the village board. She is a trustee who serves with integrity, diligence and independence, volunteering her time to make sure our village is safe, clean, financially secure and will continue to be the beautiful community we many times take for granted.
Therefore, I was astounded when I read a letter published in Wednesday Journal asking for her resignation. I agree with Trustee Gillis’ statement that term limits can have a ne gative effect in the future on who will volunteer to serve on the village board. We could very well end up with people being pushed into serving, even though they may not feel ready to serve yet, if ever, because ter m limits force openings. Think of trustees Bachner, Brennan and O’Connell who are in the middle of their second terms. In a future scenario, some or all may desire to run for a third term and even though they’ re doing a great job and residents want them to stay, they will be finished. Trustee Vasquez is doing a great job on the board and he’s running for his third term. We are for tunate to have him, but he would already be finished. Most confusing is the way the author goes back and forth singling out Trustee Gillis, then including some board members, with accusations of incompetence, having delusions of grandeur, etc. Then circles back to Trustee Gillis, referencing her votes with a tone of derision. Some before she was elected to her first term in 2021. The author de-
scribes Trustee Gillis casting TIF votes with “gusto” when she wasn’t on the board. The Madison Street TIF was created 2016 and North Avenue TIF was created 2018, both well before her time. The reference to the Lake and Ashland vote “without reservation”? Many first votes on Madison and Ashland or Lake and Lathrop were cast before Trustee Gillis joined the board.
Those bar riers at Clinton/Nor th and Bonnie Brae/ North were approved 2022 by Trustees Bachner, Brennan, O’Connell, Johnson, Vasquez, Gillis. While Trustee Gillis’ vote was “enthusiastic,” the Yes votes of the other 5 are ignored.
Finally, the board voted unanimously to support the ZBA decision to not change codes. Approved by: Bachner, Brennan, O’Connell, Johnson, Vasquez, Gillis. When casting her vote, Trustee Gillis said, “There is no reason for the village board to go against the recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals.” She then encouraged residents to try to move on from the “not in my back yard” mentality. Otherwise, nothing will ever be built in this village. Amen to that, Trustee Gillis! Again, the other 5 YES votes are ignored.
The mean-spiritedness of the author is not who we are as a Village. Trustee Gillis deserves our respect and support and I know she will serve us well the next four years as she has during her first four years.
Janet Saeger River Forest
“The SAVE Act is based on misinformation and fearmongering rather than facts, as there is no evidence of widespread noncitizen voter re gistration or voting in state and federal elections. Instead, the SAVE Act will create new barriers to voter re gistration by requiring submission of documentary proof of citizenship materials in-person every time a voter updates their re gistration, which particularly harms rural voters, voters of color, married women who have changed their last names, and other voters who have been historically marginalized and who already face obstacles in accessing the ballot box.
“The League of Women Voters of the United States strongly opposes this legislation, which now moves to the Senate. We call on senators to do their job to protect American voters and reject this dangerous bill. The freedom to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, and we will not stand by while politicians push antivoter laws that weaken access to the ballot.
“We will continue to fight to protect the voting rights of all eligible Americans and ensure that every voice is heard in our elections. The League is committed to working with our partners and legal advocates to pursue all avenues in fighting back against this harmful law. We will use every tool at our disposal to defend voters from unjust restrictions and uphold the integrity of our electoral system and democracy.”*
Please contact senators Tammy Duckworth, Dick Durbin, Chuck Schumer and John Thune at 202-224-3121 to object to this eg re gious act and its threat to democracy
* A Dangerous Step Backward for Our Democracy: League of Women Voters Responds to Passage of the SAVE Act in the U.S. House Jane Hastings President, League of Women Voters of OP-RF
Led by Lisa Hoelscher,
JIM SCHWARTZ
What’s
antisemitism and what
isn’t?
OPRF’
posted the phrases “From the Ri Will Be Free” and “Free Palestine” on posters and online calling curr to use these phrases to call for the freedom of Palestinians without causing harm to Israelis or other people But there find more persuasi Clar number of media companies and their associations with and executi clear these organizations as being exclusive and stoke the stereotype that people ha of media and other co
it as genuinely antisemitic.
I definitely don’t dispute how the Jewish members of our community feel. There is justification to those feelings — antisemitic statements exist in this community, as in most other American communities, and we should continue to call those out.
But I also believe that we must be clear-eyed. The claim
RICH KORDESH
e Cross he bears now from page 28
from page 28 Cognitive decline can steal the past, but it doesn’t have to steal the future. Pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline, Circle of Friends® is a unique, evidence-based program for building brain fitness. It was developed by Belmont Village in collaboration with the nation’s top universities and healthcare institutions — and it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.
Russia invaded. When I gaze on the Orthodox Cross that now hangs
Judith Barbosa, 74
O wned Scarlett Boutique in Oak Park
dith “Judi” Price Barbosa, 74, died peacefully in San Antonio, Texas, during the ly mor ning hours of Jan. 3, 2025, surrounded family and loved ones, after a yearslong battle with multiple sclerosis.
Born on May 28, 1950, in Oakdale, Pennsylvania, she was the second youngest to Lula Dalton and ing up, she was known as a tenacious athlete and competire tennis and golf. She was also an avid reader and a
An extremely determined and optimistic person, she earned a bachelor’s de gree from the University of Pittsburgh, followed by a master’s de gree from Governors State University. After relocating to the Chicago metro area, she entered the retail and beauty industries, where she thrived. She opened a showroom at the Chicago Apparel Center, opened a clothing boutique in Oak Park, named Scarlett, and later worked as an independent beauty consultant for Mary Kay.
Her lively sense of style and relentlessly cheery attitude were bolstered by her deep faith. Later in life, she moved to San Antonio, Texas, to be closer to her grandchildren. The warm weather also helped ease her MS symptoms.
A loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend, and proud soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., she faced the challenges of multiple sclerosis with grace, inspiring everyone with her positivity and resilience.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert David and Lula Price and her siblings, Ethel Yvonne Venable (Richard Ewing Venable), Albert Dennis Price, and Gloria Price.
She is survived by her sons, R. Evan (Brittany) Barbosa and Grant Barbosa; her grandchildren, Chandler, Reese, and Davis Barbosa; her brother, Kenneth (Donna) Price; her sister-in-law, Ruth Price; her for mer husband, Raymond Barbosa; as well as many nieces, ne phews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles,
and countless friends.
A celebration of life will be held on April 26, at 1 p.m. at The Red Door Meeting Space in Broadview.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an organization dedicated to finding a cure and supporting those affected by MS.
Donna McKune, 85
A force of nature
Donna J. McKune, 85, of Forest Park, for merly of Oak Park, died in her home on April 13, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was a force of nature, literally, taking great pride in her immaculate ve getable and flower garden, which she tended with obsession, and her backyard was a haven for every variety of bird. She was also eng aged with her neighbors and friends, and advocated for her community, most recently and notably through her commitment to keeping gambling machines out of Forest Park. She never missed an opportunity to participate in ef for ts to make things better. Sometimes with family and sometimes solo, she enjoyed road trips across the country, crossword puzzles, and games. Her strong and independent nature followed her well into her final days. Her grandchildren will always cherish the “game closet” and hours spent playing mancala on her living room floor. Her children and grandchildren know best that she is likely reading this obituary to ensure that all grammar is cor rect — just like she taught us.
Donna was the loving mother of three sons, grandmother of six, and greatgrandmother of three. She is survived by her three sons: Paul (Barbara Hersh) McKune, Patrick (Julie) McKune, and Michael (Kelly Anchors) McKune; her grandchildren, Marhysa (Joshua) Ott, Erinn (JJ) Donohue, Joseph McKune, Veronica (Rachel) McKune, Max McKune, and Charlie McKune; her great-grandchildren Braden McKune, Willow Ott, and Brynn Donohue; her siblings, Barbara (the late Sam) Vaccaro, John (Nancy), and Nick (Marianne); and many nieces, nephews,
great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Marg aret Fabbrini, and her sisters, Dolores Vine and Mary Fabbrini. Visitation was held on Tuesday, April 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:30 at Zimmer manHarnett Funeral Home, 7319 Madison St., Forest Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Forest Park Arts Alliance www.forestparkarts.org are appreciated.
Betty G ehring, 96 Violinist, music instructor
Betty B. Gehring, 96, of Oak Park, for merly of Valparaiso, Indiana, died on Feb. 11, 2025 in Oak Park. Bor n on April 20, 1928 in Scranton, Iowa to the late Thomas and Dexter Bur ns, she was an accomplished violinist w aduated from Oberlin College and C Music in Oberlin, Ohio, where she met her life love, Philip Gehring. They were married on Aug. 26, 1951 in her hometown of Clear Lake, Iowa. The following year, they both began graduate studies at Syracuse University, where she earned her master’s degree in music.
They both taught at Valparaiso University for many years and Betty also taught private violin lessons and played in several symphony orchestras. She was a member of a quartet that played at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan as well as inter nationally.
Roy Lundin, 89 Longtime Unity Temple member
Roy Charles Lundin, 89, died peacefully at LaGrange Hospital on March 29, 2025, sur roundby his family Bor n in Chicago on May 29, 1935, he ew up on Chicago’s South Side, going to White Sox els in the park.
After moving to Evanston as a teenager, he graduated from Evanston Township High School and attended Northwester n University, where he met and married the love of his life, Shirley, a mar riage that lasted 69 years. He graduated from George Williams Colle ge with a degree that focused on group dynamics. His career started with the YMCA, but before long his path took him to personnel work for Kraft-General Foods. The family moved with him as his career developed, until they finally settled back in the Chicago area in Oak Park After retirement, Roy and Shirley continued consultant work with various organizations and enjoyed life, going on adventures exploring all corners of the Earth. Socializing, eating and listening to music were favorite pastimes Roy loved to laugh and had perfect timing on his witty remarks
After retirement, they moved to Oak Park in 2009 to be closer to family. She was a member of First United Church of Oak Park
Betty is survived by her children, Kristin (Walter Miller) Gehring, Thomas Gehring, and Martin (Ruth) Gehring; her grandchildren, Gehring Miller, Ilse Miller, Mahala (Marla Devault) Miller, Tatiana Gehring, William Gehring, and Allison Gehring.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Philip and her granddaughters, Larisa and Alexandra “Shura” Gehring.
A memorial service will be held for Betty and her granddaughter Shura at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 26 at First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St
A Unitarian Universalist, he humbly lived by the UU principles. He believed strongly in our responsibility to make the world a better place, and took advantage of every opportunity to advance equity for all. He connected with many people at Unity Temple through various leadership roles and as a cong re gant, and made many dear friends.
Roy leaves behind his wife, Shirley; his children, Michael, Laura and Bethel; seven grandchildren, their spouses and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy Martin and Marie Bridget Lundin (Bennett) and his sister Joan Kelley (Lundin).
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on June 29, 2025 at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St., Oak Park.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Beyond Hunger Oak Park, 848 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301 https://www gobeyondhunger.org or National Public Radio – WBEZ, 848 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. IL 60511, https://www.wbez.org.
Scott Roman, 66
Caring mail carrier
Scott Roman, 66, a lifelong resident rk, lost his battle to cancer on March 29, 2025.
n on Jan. 15, 1959, he attended Hatch School and aduated from OPRF in 1977. A mail carrier in the village for decades, he was appreciated by residents, co-workers and neighbors. His kind and caring attitude led to him being involved in AA counseling, serving in the Judson Baptist Church men’s ministry, prayer meetings and Sunday School. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Carol Roman.
A Celebration of his life will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 4 at Judson Baptist Church, 1252 N. Austin, Oak Park in their fellowship hall, lower level. Parking is available in the church parking lot across from the church, plus street parking.
Sloan Watson, 54 A sunny optimist
Sloan Angeline Watson, 54, of Oak Park, died unexpectedly on April 9, 2025. Born to Chris and Kenneth Moryl on June 26, 1970, she was raised in LaPorte, Indiana, and graduated from University of Dayton where she studied Communications.
After meeting her husband, Tom, serendipitously on the el, they married shortly thereafter and welcomed Lainie, Lily and Owen, settling in Oak Park and raising thei family in a home they lovingly restored. She was known for her pigg yback rides, frequent excursions to Maple Park, and spontaneous trips to the beach to capture summer’s waning days. As the kids grew, she was often found decked out in OPRF High School swag and cheering from the bleachers.
As vice president of Marketing at Bulley & Andrews construction firm for 25 years,
she was thrilled that Oak Park’s main public library was both widely used and built by the company for which she worked
An avid reader, traveler, and Kelly Corrigan listener, she had a passion for decorating, thrift store shopping, and loved dogs. She was an inherent optimist who loved the quote, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year,” and she lived it
She never forgot a birthday, was unconditionally supportive during happy and challenging times, and frequently mailed a note to remind you how special you are. She immediately volunteered if someone needed help and always genuinely reflected, “I was grateful to have had the opportunity.” She was among the kindest and most thoughtful of humans
In addition to her husband, Tom, Sloan is survived by their children and her adored dog, Indy. She is also survived by her mother, four sisters, her brother, Tom’s extended family, nieces, nephews, godchildren, countless dear friends and for mer colleagues. She was preceded in death by her father, Ken.
In Sloan’s memory please enjoy a cold beer, any treat made with caramel, and consider offering a kind act for someone and a smile. She would be thrilled
Visitation will be held at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cer mak Road, Westchester on Thursday, April 17 from 3 until the funeral service and words of remembrance at 7 p.m.
Memorials to Hephzibah Home, 946 North Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60301 in Sloan’s memory are deeply appreciated
Arrangements were handled by Peter B. Kennedy & Co. Funeral Directors.
Anne Cochrane, 89
Former docent at the Smithsonian
Anne Cochrane, 89, of Oak Brook, for merly of Oak Park, died on April 13, 2025. Bor n on May 27, 1935, she was proud to be a docent at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History while living in Washington, DC. he was a female business owner in the , a rarity at that time. While living in ed at Logos Bookstore and Alioto’s Gift Shop. In her spare time she ed needlepoint, knitting, gardening
Hannah Voigt Memorial Service
Hannah Voigt, 87, of Oak Park, died at home on March 7, 2025, surrounded by family. She ear ned her B.S. in Music Education at SUNY Potsdam, and her M.M. in Piano and Music
Literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. While in graduate school, she did summer study in Fontainebleau, France with Nadia Boulanger and Jean and Robert Casadesus.
Upon graduating from Eastman, she taught in the school’s preparatory department. In the summer of 1962, while playing cocktail piano at the Aspen Music Festival, she met graphic designer Harry Voigt. They married in 1963 and settled in Oak Park.
That year, she joined the Chicago Symphony Chorus as a soprano, and was tapped by famed conductor Margaret Hillis to teach sight-singing to her fellow choristers. She taught music in Oak Park public schools until the birth of her daughter, Laura, in 1964. By then, she had started her private piano teaching studio. They welcomed a son, Derek, in 1966.
and cooking and especially loved spoiling her grandchildren. Her greatest devotion was to her family, who will miss her tremendously.
Anne was the wife of the late John; the mother of Kristine (Jim Angio) Cochrane and Susanna (Casey) Decker; the grandmother of Hannah (Sam) Shapiro, Jacob (Thea) Decker and Johnny Decker; the great-grandmother of Oliva, Robbie and Oliver; the sister of Ingrid (late Bill) Peek and Jurgen Petzold; sister-in-law of the late Mary Barbara (late Paul) Bickell; aunt of John Bickell, Barbara (Peter) Manson, Jessi (Jens) Beckman and Nicholas Petzold; and the great-aunt of Isabel, Andrew and Johann.
A service is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Anne’s urn will be interred next to her husband in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.
Arrangements were handled by ConboyWestchester Funeral Home
In the 1970s, she and baritone Robert Smith inaugurated the Unity Temple Concert Series. During her many years in Oak Park, she accompanied community choirs and performed solo and collaborative recitals, including on WFMT with fellow pianist Barbara Ekholm. She was the organist at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church for 50 years.
She influenced many, notably through her involvement in the Chicago Area Music Teachers Association (CAMTA). In 2021, she was named the CAMTA music teacher of the year. She gave presentations, mentored new piano instructors, and was chair of the annual Achievement in Music (AIM) program for so many years they lost count. Most of her students took the AIM exams, many saying it gave them confidence, discipline, and a deeper understanding of and love for music.
She will be remembered for her generous and loving heart, her intelligence, curiosity, optimism, sense of humor, tireless work ethic, fighting spirit, and ability to inspire others to be their best selves and enjoy life to the fullest.
A memorial service will be held for Hannah Voigt at 1 p.m. this Saturday, April 19 at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St. in Oak Park.
WEDNESD AY
of Oak Park and River Forest
To run an obituary :
Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, or fax: 708/524-0447 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.
SPORTS
Fenwick legend back to lead girls water polo
Friars are in rebuilding mode under Jack Wagner
By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
With 10 state championships, the Fenwick High School girls water polo program has long held a high standard of excellence. And the man most responsible for the Friars’ success, Jack Wagner, has returned this season as head coach after a four-year absence.
“I’m very happy to be back with the program and with Fenwick itself,” said Wagner, who previously served from 1993-1998 and 2000-2020. “I look forward to us having a brighter future.”
Fenwick junior goalie Re gan McDonald, one of just three returning players from last year, is excited to have Wagner around.
“It’s going great,” she said. “All the girls understand his passion and drive, and everyone’s lear ned a lot so far.”
But the debut of Wagner’s third tour of duty has resulted in just two victories in 13 matches this year. Among the reasons for the uncharacteristically poor season for the Friars is the lack of numbers, according to Wagner.
“We only have 11 players on the roster, for both [varsity and junior-varsity] teams,” he said. “It’s been difficult for us to figure out what our goals are. Right now, we’re still trying to get to know the team, and hopefully make them a little bit better.”
Wagner adds that he’s getting along well with his players and they’ve gotten a lot of work done despite the low numbers.
“I have nothing but positive feelings about it. We get better every day,” he said.
“We were all surprised, but also really honored,” said McDonald of Wagner re placing Elizabeth Timmons, one
PROVIDED
Fenw ick girls water polo coach Jack Wagner a er posting his 600th career victor y during the 2019 season.
“We’ re going to start our age-group club again, starting the first week of June,” Wagner said. “We’ re going to have sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders learning to play water polo and hopefully play at Fenwick. We’ll also have a high school club again.”
Wagner says good feeder programs are the main reason for success with high school sports programs, and he believes the re-establishment of similar programs will help Fenwick build things up
“The success we had before was largely due to a strong age-group and club program,” Wagner said. “We were able to get kids in [that] we wouldn’t had been able to before Unfortunately, a lot of our competitors got smarter and started their own clubs, and kids we’d been getting from the outlying areas, they weren’ t coming anymore.”
While Wagner admits he’s not a patient man, he realizes bringing the Friars back to their lofty standards will take some time.
“It’s going to be a slow process,” he said. “But I’m not going anywhere and I’m looking forward to the challenge to building [the program] back to where it used to be. The patience part has never been part of my reper toire, but slowly and surely it’s becoming one, and in a way it’s a really good thing because it’s giving me another tool as coach to look at situations differently. I’m teaching grass-roots at the bottom and working my way back up.”
As for this season, McDonald feels a turnaround is dependent on the Friars becoming more comfortable with Wagner’s system.
“We need to get adjusted to his playing style and get comfortable with keeping our pace and energy up against other teams, especially on offense,” she said. “On defense, we need to work on communication.”
wick to the 2022 state finals and to the sectional finals the past two seasons. She was able to have success even with fewer players, and now Wagner is determined to increase program participation.
Fenwick hosts Lane Tech, April 17. After taking part in the York Invitational, April 19, the Friars return home for a crosstown showdown with Oak Park and River Forest High, April 21.
OPRF tennis sees a sunny spring
Fenwick makes progress under new coach
By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
The Oak Park and River Forest High School varsity boys tennis team is of f to a sunny start this spring, having won its
first two dual matches and defeating Benet Academy, Evanston Township, and Fenwick in the OPRF Quad, March 29. Veteran coach John Morlidge likes how things are going.
“This is the best team I’ve had in years,” he said.
The Huskies have six returnees from last year’s team. Seniors Alex Dolipschi, Manu Rajagopal, and Eli Stein are returning state qualifiers; Dolipschi and Stein finished ninth in the state doubles com-
petition, while Rajagopal won his opening match in state singles before losing the next two matches.
OPRF’s other returnees are sophomore Nick Vizzone, junior George Barkidijia, and senior Henry Kurtz. Newcomers in-
OPRF alum shines in Southern California
Former Huskie track and eld athlete gets Big Ten weekly honor
By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
Oak Park and River Forest High School girls track and field alum Reese Garland (Class of ’23) is enjoying life in the warm California sun this spring.
Garland, a sophomore at the University of Southern California, was
named the Big Ten Conference’s Women’s Field Athlete of the Week for April 2-9. She won the women’s discus throw at the T riton Invitational on April 5 with a personal best distance of 181 feet, 11 inches It is the best mark in the Big Ten this year and also ranks 20 th in the country.
Moreover, Garland took second in the discus (178-1) at the Battle of the Beach, April 4, which is the thirdbest mark by a Big Ten woman this season. She also competed in the shot put and took fourth place with a mark of 46-7.50.
clude what Morlidge calls “an amazing freshman class”: Charlie Bruce, Zachary Glennie, Naveen Rajagopal, and Alek Rekucki.
Sophomores Matias Carlstrom-Arteaga and Nate Wellner, juniors Jackson Baker, Nicholas Balesteri, and Sebastian Hilton, and senior Lev Khoubaeva-Hummel round out the Huskies’ varsity.
Among the highlights of OPRF’s schedule are the Prospect Invitational, April 19, the Jay Kramer Invitational at Hinsdale Central, April 26, the Hersey Invitational, May 2-3, and the Naper Valley Invitational, May 9-10.
“All of our invitationals are tough,” Morlidge said.
Re garding the West Suburban Silver,
New era for Trinity soccer
Duque, Rutili share head coaching duties for the Blazers
By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
Attempting to prove that sometimes two heads are better than one, the T rinity High School varsity soccer team has two head coaches this season.
UTOR
Fabio Duque and Chris Rutili, who is also T rinity’s assistant athletic director, are sharing the duties of head coach as Alex Hurtado, the Blazers’ coach the previous three seasons, took a position in New York
“Coach Duque ag reed to come on and help coach prior to my hiring as the assistant athletic director,” Rutili said. “Seeing a need, I offered to help with the soccer program. We complement each other with his vast knowledge of soccer while I bring some experience coaching at T rinity as a tennis coach the past three years. I can help with the team fitness and conditioning while Coach Duque brings that tactical knowledge and practice planning.”
T rinity has started the season with a 2-41 record. Junior forward Grace Ramel has been outstanding for the Blazer s, compilin g 16 goals this spring and sur passing the 50goal mark for her career. On the final day of the Craig Bolanos Memorial Tour nament at Ridgewood, March 22, she scored six goals in T rinity’s 10-2 victory over Maine East, which tied the top single-game performance in IHSA girls soccer history. Ramel also scored five goals in the Blazers’ 7-1 victory at Rosary, April 10.
longtime state power Hinsdale Central is the prohibitive favorite, with Morlidge hoping for a second-place finish. The Huskies host an IHSA Class 2A sectional this year, but Morlidge describes it as “brutal.”
“It will be very difficult to qualify any singles players,” he said. “My challenge will be to put the best players in the right spots in order to qualify. We’re hoping for a top-10 finish at state.”
Fenwick
Under first-year head coach Ron Ro gala, the Friars have a 3-1 dual-meet record, which is impressive considering there are just three returning varsity players from the previous season.
“Early-season successes have come in our singles’ play with [freshman Michael] Doherty at first singles and [sophomore]
JP Bordeaux-Walsh at second singles,” said Ro gala, who re placed longtime coach Gerard Sullivan upon Sullivan’s retirement. “We’ re still working on our doubles pairings.”
Fenwick’s returnees are juniors Scott Holliday and Cooper Jones and senior Brian Bardsley. Besides Doherty, the Friars’ newcomers include several players who’ve had success on the frosh-soph level.
“[Sophomore] Ryan Hiller was a [Chicago Catholic League] finalist at first singles,” Ro gala said. “We also had conference champions at second and third doubles [juniors Mack Hamilton and Ryan Brennan,
Ramel is one of 11 returning varsity players, including junior midfielder Natalie Linares, who is back after suffering a season-ending knee injury last year; junior goalkeeper Maggie Stumbris; senior forward Clara Bucio; and senior defenders Amaya Castaneda and Maya Wilbourne. Two freshmen, defender Millie Keith and forward Charlotte O’Brien, are T rinity’s top newcomers.
“We are finding our way,” Rutili said. “The goal of any team is to be playing their best by the end of the season, and we are trending toward doing that. We have a lot of talented soccer players and have no doubt we’ll be playing at our best, come the last couple of weeks of the season.”
Last season, the Blazers won their first IHSA state playof f g ame in five years, beating Kennedy 2-0 in a Class 2A re gional quarterfinal. Rutili says one of the progr am’s goals is postseason success, which he believes is impor tant for the future.
“Every team wants to be better than the last and we are no different,” he said. “We want to g et T rinity soccer on an upward trend and be better than last year. We would love to win a g ame in the state tournament at the end of the year; that is the ultimate goal and the one we will use to measure our success.”
T rinity hosts Aurora Central Catholic in a Girls Catholic Athletic Conference g ame at Ralph “Babe” Serpico Memorial Field in Melrose Park, April 16, at 4:30 p.m.
Marshall Waysok and Bonaparte Mendoza respectively]. We’re hopeful they’ll do well at the higher level.”
Juniors Kevin Johnson and Alexander Vanaria complete Fenwick’s varsity roster Among schedule highlights are a nonconference match at Chicago University High, April 24, and the Crystal Lake Invitational, May 10. The Catholic League meet is May 16, and Ro gala sees defending champion Loyola Academy, Marmion Academy, and St. Ignatius as the top contenders.
“The key to success this season is to improve our doubles play,” Ro gala said. “We are working hard in practice on skills and strate gy. We’re hoping to play well at [Class 1A] sectionals and advance as many players as possible.”
PAU L NICKOLE Y/CONTRIB
OPRF Alumni discus thrower Reese Garland at the West Suburban Silver Meet in 2023.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
WINTRUST MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF BARRINGTON BANK & TRUST COMPANY, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.ARMANI GRIFFIN
Defendants
24 CH 04949
2501 SOUTH 18TH AVENUE
BROADVIEW, IL 60155
NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 10, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 13, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 2501 SOUTH 18TH AVENUE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155
Property Index No. 15-22-124015-0000
The real estate is improved with a single family residence.
Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition.
The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.
MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.
MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC
One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088
E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com
Attorney File No. 23-16277IL Attorney Code. 61256
Case Number: 24 CH 04949
TJSC#: 45-520
NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Case # 24 CH 04949 I3263630
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Plaintiff, -v.-
JOSE G. ROMERO, GEMA A. ROMERO, BYLINE BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO COMMUNITY BANK OF OAK PARK RIVER FOREST, CROWN ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC, LVNV FUNDING, LLC
Defendants 2023 CH 02946 812 HUGH MUIR LN MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 10, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 13, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 812 HUGH MUIR LN, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-02-322016-0000
The real estate is improved with a single family residence.
The judgment amount was $183,864.65. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
TJSC#: 45-910
The Judicial Sales Corporation.
No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.
The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition.
The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.
The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.
For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ
SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810, CHICAGO, IL, 60601 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 22-087686. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.
CHAD LEWIS
ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ
SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC
205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810 CHICAGO IL, 60601 561-241-6901
E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM
Attorney File No. 22-087686
Attorney ARDC No. 6306439
Attorney Code. 65582 Case Number: 2023 CH 02946
Notice of Public Meeting
Proviso Township High School (PTHS) District 209, located at 8601 N. Roosevelt Rd, Forest Park, IL, will hold a “timely and meaningful consultation” virtual public meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private or parochial schools or are homeschooled within the district for the 2025-2026 school year.
NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Case # 2023 CH 02946 I3264296
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
Attention: Parents of Homeschooled Students
On Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 9:00am, Forest Park Schools District 91 will conduct a meeting at the Administration Office, 424 DesPlaines Avenue, Forest Park. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities and/or students that are eligible to receive Title 1 services who attend private schools and/or home schools within the district boundaries for the 2025-2026 school year. If you are the parent of a homeschooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and/or is eligible to receive Title 1 services and you reside within the boundaries of Forest Park Schools District 91, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact David Mekhiel, Director of Student Services, at (708) 366- 5700 ext 3306.
Published in Forest Park Review April 16, 23, 2025
Riverside Township Budget and Appropriation Ordinance and Public Hearing
Notice is hereby given to the legal voters of Riverside Township that the Township Board has drafted a Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the 2025 - 2026 fiscal year. Copies of said Budget and Ordinance are available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, in the Township Office at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546. A Public Hearing on the Budget and Ordinance will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6:45 pm in Room 4 of the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL.
Jay Reyes Clerk, Riverside Township April 8, 2025
Parents of homeschooled students residing within the boundaries of PTHS District 209 who have been or may be identified with a disability are encouraged to attend. This meeting is being conducted in compliance with Illinois State Board of Education regulations. To receive a Microsoft TEAMS invitation to participate in the meeting, please email rfleming@ pths209.org. For questions or additional information, please contact: Ms. Ramonda Fleming, Ed.S District Coordinator (708) 497-4650
Published in Forest Park Review April 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 2025
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION
DOCKET NUMBER� PC 25�02 �Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment)
HEARING DATE� May 1, 2025
TIME� 7�00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the agenda permits
LOCATION OF HEARING� Room 201 � Council Chambers, Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street Oak Park, Illinois 60302
PETITIONER� Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302
REQUEST� The Petitioner, Village of Oak Park, seeks a text amendment to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance as follows: 1.� Amending Article 8 �“Uses”) � Table 8�1 (“Use Matrix”) by adding “Place of Worship � Dual Use” as a special use in all zoning districts, except the OS � Open Space District and H � Hospital District. 2.� Amending Article 8 �“Uses”), Section 8.4 �“Principal Use Standards”), subsection M. (“Place of Worship”) by adding, “…and Place of Worship � Dual Use” to the heading and adding subsubsection 2., as follows: “Places of worship – dual use shall allow, through special use approval, an existing Place of Worship the
ability to allocate unused areas within said Place of Worship for R�7 multiple family residential use or for general office use, as defined within this Ordinance. a. The sanctuary or the area of worship must continue to be used by the congregation. b. No additions shall be allowed to expand any proposed residential or office use. c. Provided the remaining sanctuary or area of worship is abandoned, the property shall become subject to the Adaptive Reuse provisions of this Ordinance.”
A copy of the proposed text amendment is on file and available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 9�00 a.m. and 5�00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.
ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302
Published in RBLandmark April 16 2025 Published in Wednesday Journal, April 16, 2025
Submit events and see full calendar at oakpark.com/events
