U.S. Bank challenges eminent domain case in county court
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park’s village board voted in January to start the “quick take” process for the bank branch at 11 Madison St with the plan of acquiring the building so it could be converted into a
abor and deliver y ser vices at the hospital ceased last summer, a ecting maternal health on West Side
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Before West Suburban Medical Center’s labor and delivery, postpartum and nursery units closed last July, doctors from PCC Community Wellness Center, who worked out of the hospital, delivered about 50 babies a month there. For years, PCC providers were est Suburban’s main delivery personnel. With West Suburban closing the rest of its patient services March 27 — and announcing a limited reopening of some primary care services last week — expectant mothers in Austin still have nowhere to deliver in their own neighborhood. The next closest hospitals with
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Oak Park renews design contracts for Chicago Avenue
Village greenlights $1.5 million more for Percy Julian streetscaping
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park planned to award millions in new contracts for work on the village’s for thcoming Percy Julian Chicago Avenue streetscaping project during an April 21 board meeting.
The village board was to approve contracts for ongoing design work on the streetscaping plan that village leaders hope will be a boost to traffic safety and economic development along Chicago Avenue in Oak Park wh ile honoring Julian’s contributions to Oak Park, the re gion and the world. T he streetscaping work will cover functional and aesthetic infrastructure improvements to the Chicago Avenue corridor between Austin Boulevard and East Avenue, where the historic Julian home sits.
The project will also work to incorporate ideas from the village’s Vision Zero traffic safety plan, widening Chicago Avenues intersections at East Avenue, Ridgeland Avenue, Lombard Avenue and Humphrey Avenue while inte grating the new design
elements.
The village planned to extend deals with two re gular village contractors, with Terra Engineering receiving $1,228,357 and architectural design firm Planning Resources Incorporated receiving $225,500 for continued work on the project, according to village documents. Both consulting firms started work on the project in early 2025.
The design work is expected to continue through 2026 into 2027, according to village documents.
The construction is expected to be completed over a two-year stretch, with the road safety improvement project generally west of Ridgeland Avenue expected to be finished in 2027 and construction on the
BY PRI logo for the Dr. Percy L. Julian Streetscape project.
streetscaping, safety improvements and underground utility work generally east of Ridgeland Avenue expected to be completed in 2028, according to village documents.
In September, Oak Park’s village board approved cost estimates that put the price tag for the project at over $5.3 million including contingencies.
The project will include artwork and installations paying tribute to Percy Julian, a key figure in the racial inte gration of Oak Park and a groundbreaking chemist whose accomplishments include first-of-its-kind soybean research that pioneered bioplastics, hormone-based medications and cortisone treatments. One of the most successful African American scientists of all time, Julian obtained over 130 chemical patents over the course of his career.
“Despite his boundary-breaking accomplishments, Dr. Percy L. Julian is largely unrecognized,” PRI said of the project in materials shared with residents. “The Dr. Percy Julian Streetscape project seeks to honor his le gacy, provide a brand and identity for the district, and facilitate economic development to build meaningful capacity around organizations of the district.”
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Percy Julian streetscape projec t location
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What’s your muse?
Dominican fashion design students will answer that question on the runway this weekend
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
The fashion runway can be a lonely place.
The designs, as buttoned down or whimsical as they may be, catch the audience’s attention, and it may collectively g asp or cheer. Or both.
T he designers, in turn, hope for that reaction.
That’s what one will witness F riday and Saturday at Dominican University’s Lund Auditorium for the school’s 2026 Fashion Show, which has a special theme: What ’s your muse?
“We have so many different styles on the runway, the students wanted to put
that question to our audience – what drives your creativity?” fashion design lecturer Antonella Fonseca said. “It’s a good thing to work with different storytelling.”
Thirteen Dominican fashion design students will show of f what they have been working all semester toward. And the designs themselves? Well, they’re both buttoned down and whimsical, among other superlatives, according to Foneseca.
One senior has a collection of streetwear interpretations of Disney princesses. Another’s muse is Chicago’s structure and buildings, while yet another is focused on the resilience of the immigrant community.
“Audiences will leave with a new experience and a new vision of what fashion is like today,” Natalie Mixon, a fashion design major, said in a Dominican press release. She describes her work as “afrofuturist” and inspired by street culture and her upbringing on Chicago’s south side.
Student Emma Mendell designs malwear and said this be bigger and better, mostly because the number of students studying fashion Dominican has grown substantiall
“It’s definitely a thing to see everybo life, Mendell said.
These students are soon to and most of them ha with the fashion industry in with some finishing inter
“They know they are doing their best, but I’m not sure they know the value of the work they are putting into it,” seca said. “I’m excited the work they are doing. I’m a cheerleader.”
The runway will open day and 4:30 p.m. and 8 Tickets are $23 for and $5 for the Dominican community. There will also be a Zoom streaming option for $8. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.dom.edu/arts-minds/ university-events/whats-your-muse
Longfellow art teacher is D97’s Educator of the Year
Jenny Raia recognized by the Oak Park Education Foundation
By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
Longfellow School art teacher Jenny Raia has loved art for as long as she can remember. When she was a child growing up in Elmhurst attending a Catholic grade school her school did not offer an art class so she gathered some classmates and friends before school and created one of her own. She has taught art at Longfellow for 22 years and her passion and dedication was reco gnized last week when Raia received the Staszak Educator of the Year award handed out annually by the Oak Park Education Foundation.
Raia was reco gnized on April 15 in the Longfellow gym in front of the entire school and on April 19 at the foundation’s annual Spring Open House held at Percy Julian Middle School. She received a $1,000 check as the winner of the award.
“It was exciting and it feels good to be reco gnized,” Raia told Wednesday Journal.
Raia said she will use the $1,000 to help pay for an art education trip she makes annually to New York City.
For a few years after graduating with a bachelor’s of fine arts in painting from Metropolitan State University of Denver Raia was a professional artist while holding down a number of other jobs, some art related and some not, and doing a lot of volunteering. An outgoing person, she wasn’t crazy about the long hours alone in a studio making art and eventually she decided to become a teacher.
“I felt like I didn’t have enough to say as an artist but I loved making things,” Raia said.
So she went back to school and got a masters de gree in teaching from Columbia Colle ge. Newly married and living in Oak Park she decided that she wanted to teach in Oak Park
“I wanted to have a family in Oak Park and I wanted to be able to walk to work,” Raia recalled.
After student teaching at Mann School and Oak Park and River Forest High School she was hired to teach art at Longellow School and that’s where she’s been past 22 years. Raia loves teaching in a community that values art. ust really grateful to be an ar t teacher and I can’ t be at a better place to be an art teacher,” Raia said.
Raia comes up with fun projects for her students at Longfellow who have art onc e She also focuses on equity and inclusion while working with kids who a wide range of artistic ability.
“It’s not just about making art projects ust creating crafts, we’re trying to e better citizens,” Raia said.
A few students spoke at the Longfellow assembly honoring Raia.
“She’s a really great teacher with an esome personality, but one thing that I ke is how helpful she is,” one girl nd it’s not just me that she helps, she answers questions from do z ens of students in do z ens of classes. She’s also always great at planning the most fun projects. She has a way turning all our classes into the best day of the week.”
A boy also praised Raia.
“You have one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever met in my life and I’m happy that you are my ar t teacher,” the boy said.
Longfellow Principal Amy Jefferson praised Raia in an interview saying that Raia is a “super creative” teacher
“She has taken on many opportunities to expand the progr am for ar t for our students, whether that’s having for mer students come back who are now artists to do murals for us or participate in lessons for us but she also has participated in the professional learning opportunities for adults as well,” Jefferson said.
As art department chairperson in District 97 Raia, who is studying for her PhD at Northern Illinois University, plans professional development for the art teachers in District 97. She treasures her colleagues
“We have 15 art teachers in District 97 and every single one of them could have gotten this award,” Raia said.
Raia loves teaching ar t.
“You don’ t show up every day to g et an accolade, you show up because it’s important and it’s your calling,” Raia said. “If you’ re an art teacher and you’ re bored at your job that’s on you.”
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Long fellow School teacher Jenny Raia (center) with Long fellow Assi stant Principal Torri Morris enters the gy mnasium to receive her Staszak Outstanding Teacher of the ard.
TODD BANNOR
Staszak Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award winner Jenny Raia (second from right) with Luke Staszak, Long fellow School Asst. Pr incipal Torri Morris, Oak Park Educaton Network Executive Director Latonia Bake r, and Long fellow Principal Amy Je erson on April 15.
Pace suburban bus overhaul calls for more o -peak, weekend service
Public meetings, outreach
expected later this year
By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter
Pace suburban bus agency’s has unveiled a new draft plan, which includes no major changes to routes for Chicago’s West Side and western suburbs but proposes more frequent service in Brookfield, North Riverside, Oak Park and Austin and a potential service reduction in Forest Park
For the past three years, the suburban bus agency has been working with Jarrett Walker + Associates public transit consulting firm on ReVision, a new system that
they hope will better reflect post-pandemic ridership needs and financial realities.
The review first began in 2024 with three potential scenarios for public review and on April 15 a revised draft plan was released that combined elements from all three and took into account the public feedback and the new legislative requirements included in the Illinois transit funding and reform bill.
Pace is expected to hold public meetings later this year.
For now, it is focusing on the first phases of the transition to the new re gional transit structure that will turn the Re gional Transportation Authority into the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. According to Pace executive director Melinda
Metzger, the plan will need to be approved by the revamped Pace board and the new NITA Board of Directors, neither of which will be seated until September.
In his presentation to the board, Daniel Costantino of Jarrett Walker + Associates gave a broad overview of the implications of the changes. The maps he presented didn’t show routes or street names, so it isn’t always clear exactly what the changes will mean for individual municipalities. But there is enough detail to indicate that major route changes will mostly fall within collar counties and Cook County suburbs further from Chicago.
Costantino told the board that one piece of feedback that was consistent across the entire re gion was that Pace needed more weekend service, especially on Sundays. Service along Cermak Road, including the section that runs through North Riverside, would be more frequent, increasing from an average of every 20-30 minutes to every 15 minutes across the board, even during the usually slower Sundays. Route 331, which serves much of downtown Brookfield, Brookfield Zoo, Hines medical campus and Triton Colle ge, would get the same kind of increase.
Route 305 primarily serves the section of Roosevelt Road between Desplaines and Cicero avenues, making stops in Austin, Oak Park and Forest Park. During the weekend, the buses run once every hour. ReVision would bump it up to once every half an hour.
In Oak Park, Route 314, which serves the section of Ridgeland Avenue south of Lake Street, currently doesn’t have any Sunday
service. ReVision would have those buses run on Sundays once every half an hour.
The map Costantino presented appears to be missing the section of Route 318 between Harlem Avenue and Forest Park Blue Line ‘el’ station, which serves the Forest Park portion of the Madison Street corridor east of Desplaines Avenue. The section of Route 318 along the portion of North Avenue that for ms Elmwood Park/River Forest border appears to be unchanged. Service along the section of Madison Street west of Desplaines Avenue, which for ms River Forest/Forest Park border, which is collectively provided by Route 303, 310 and 217, appears unchanged.
Pace spokesperson Maggie Daly Skogsbakken didn’t respond to a follow-up question re garding the potential changes to Route 318.
The map also includes a new route that will provide an express service among I-290/Eisenhower Expressway between the Forest Park Blue Line station, Oak Brook’s Oakbrook Center Mall and Yorktown Center mall in Lombard, with intermediate stops in Maywood and Hillside. While Pace board signed of f on that route in Jan. 21, it still needs to secure about $1.4 million to get it of f the ground.
Costantino told the Pace board that the more detailed version of the draft will be publicly available once Pace is ready to hold meetings and collect feedback.
“This is a plan that is basically ready at this point, and we would like to bring it to the public,” he said. “We’ re just waiting to identify what the next steps are as NITA gets set up.”
Oak Park Township postpones vote on Israel boycott question
Too many people came to cast ballots for meeting space to accommodate
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park Township had to postpone its annual meeting last night as too many people came out to vote than the meeting space could safely accommodate.
The meeting was set for 6:30 p.m. April 14 on the second floor of the Oak Park Public Library’s Dole Branch, but a line of more than 100 people stretched outside the library’s door, around the building and down Augusta Street. The township meeting drew a huge turnout, as meeting attendees would have the chance to vote on whether or not an advisory refe rendum concerning boycotts of Israel should be put on this November’s ballot in Oak Park
alternative date and location for the meeting.
“Due to the number of electors cu rently present, as well as additional individuals seeking admission, the Township is obligated to ensure that the meeting space can safely accommodate at least the number of electors present at that time within the meeting hall and those outside the meeting hall desiring to be admitted,” Township Manager Evan Michel said in statement. “The decision to recess and re locate reflects the Township’s commitment to public safety, accessibility, and compliance with state law. Township officials are actively working to identify and secure an appropriate alternative location that can safely accommodate all attendees.”
“It makes me feel good about my community that people are passiona te, that they want to come out for something like this.”
DA N FRIDBERG Oak Park resident
The township canceled the meeting shortly after it was supposed to start. Township leaders have not announced an
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Would-be voters at the annual Oak Park Township meeting a er the meeting was postponed, April 14.
The question on this year’s meeting agenda is “do you support the right of individuals and organizations, including state contractors, to boycott, divest and sanction Israel?”
The room at the library could only accommodate 58 people, the township said. A new location and date for the meeting has not yet been set, the township said on Thursday.
The same question is on the agenda for several other townships around the state. Votes on the matter re por tedly passed in the townships of Cunningham, Peoria, Kickapoo, Medina, DuPage and Normal but failed in Capital and Wheatland townships, according to progressive news blog Let’s Address Illinois.
Champaign townships also postponed its meeting due to a large turnout and Naperville Township did not vote on the matter, although it was on its agenda, according to the blog.
The petitions come as violence in the Middle East escalates and the Illinois legislature considers repealing a 2015 law banning state
pension funds from being invested in companies that divest from or boycott Israel. Meeting attendee Dan Fridberg said he learned about the township vote through his temple and said that the overwhelming attendance made him feel proud to be an Oak Parker
“I decided I would show up and see if I could listen to people talk about this, and what they’re hoping to do,” he said. “It makes me feel good about my community that people are passionate, that they want to come out for something like this. So it makes me feel good about the community, frankly. I think we have a lot more in common than we do apar t.”
OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST
GANGSTER TOUR
Upcoming dates: June 21, July 26, Sept. 20, Sept. 27, and October 11, 2026
Historian John J. Binder conducts this two-and-ahalf-hour bus tour of gangster history starting from FitzGerald’s in Berwyn (6615 Roosevelt Rd) Book tickets online at: https://fareharbor.com/chitowngangstertours/ ($40/$36 seniors and military) Questions? Please call 708-287-9118
Four years in, Honors for All make s slow headway at OPRF
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School board turns away request for equity advisory panel
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A majority ofthe school board at Oak Park and River Forest High School is not interested in creating a for mal curriculum equity advisory group that was proposed by the Committee for Equity and Excellence in Education (CEEE). But the school board does want to explore ways to increase parental and community involvement and feedback.
School board president Audrey Williams-Lee said the school board will look at ways to increase parental involvement.
Brandhorst suggested the school board do a “deep dive” on all its advisory committees at this summer ’s board retreat and consider how best to increase parental involvement. Other board members seemed to think that was a good idea.
John Duffy, a leader ofCEEE, said after the meeting that he was encouraged by the board’s desire to keep the discussion going and the progress that has been made since CEEE first for mally proposed creating a curriculum equity advisory group last fall.
this year’s white sophomores at OPRF are taking an honors class.
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At its April 16 meeting the school board discussed a for mal proposal by CEEE to create a curriculum equity advisory group to advise the school board and administration on how to advance equity in academics at the school. While school board members Jonathan Livingston and Fred Arkin supported creating the group and Kathleen Odell was sympathetic the other four members ofthe school board expressed doubts and concerns about creating another committee to advise the board.
“We’ re very impressed with the progress that’s been made,” Duffy said. “We’ re pleased that the concept is alive.”
The school’s re port also shows that Black enrollment in AP classes has significantly increased since the implementation ofthe Honors for All curriculum. 29% ofBlack members ofthe Class of2026 have taken an AP class during their junior or senior year compared to 21% ofthe Black members ofthe Class of2025. And 42% ofHispanic members ofthe Class of2026 have taken an AP class during their junior or senior year as have 56% of both the white and Asian members of the Class of 2026. What has concerned the administration, school board and equity advocates is that some students are struggling in their freshman year in the Honors for All curriculum. Although approximately 80% ofall freshmen in the Honors for All curriculum receive A’s or B’s and the pass rate is approximately 98% the pass rate for Black students is between 93 and 94%.
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“I’m a no on the curriculum committee,” said board vice-president Tim Brandhorst. “I do not support setting up a new committee.”
This year’s senior class at OPRF is the first class that went through the Honors for All freshmen curriculum in which approximately 85 percent ofthe freshman class has Honors classes in English, science and history in their freshman year. The goal ofthe Honors for All curriculum is to get more Black and Hispanic students to take Advanced Placement and Honors classes at OPRF, reduce the racial disparity in enrollment in such classes and to reduce the disparity in academic achievement between racial groups at the school.
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Brandhorst noted that curriculum is a core responsibility ofthe school and said that he didn’t feel that the school needed the help ofan outside committee on the subject.
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“We have an entire building filled with curriculum and instruction experts,” Brandhorst said.
Board member Graham Brisben said while he was fully on board with the motives behind the proposal, he wasn’t sure that a new committee is the solution.
“I’m more interested in more tutoring and instructional coaching,” Brisben said.
Odell said the need to continue to work on the disparities in academic performance at OPRF is apparent.
“I don’t really have clarity as to what to do, but I think the points raised in the ask are important,” Odell said.
Results have been mixed. Since Honors for All was implemented in 2022 the percent of sophomores enrolling in honors and AP classes has increased for all demo graphic groups. Some 35% ofBlack members ofthe OPRF Class of 2026 took an honors class as a sophomore compared to 28% ofBlack members ofthe Class of2025 according to a re port presented to the school board last fall. Some 40% ofthe Black members of this year’s sophomore class are taking an honors class. Black and Hispanic students are also taking more AP classes and the increase in AP enrollment has been higher for Black and Hispanic students than for white students.
But white students are still over re presented in honors and AP classes at OPRF compared to their 52.3% ofthe overall enrollment at the school. Some 65% ofthe white members of the class of 2026 took an honors class as a sophomore and 63% of
In the second semester ofthe 202425 school year 2.7% ofBlack freshman at OPRF received an F compared to just 0.3% of white students. And 58.2% of white freshmen at OPRF last year earned an A in the second semester compared to 63.4% ofAsian students, 35.6% ofHispanic students and 26.1% ofBlack students.
According to the 2025 Illinois School Report Card the achievement gap between white and Black students at OPRF remains vast. The gap between white and Black students in the percentage ofstudents meeting state benchmarks was 43.7 points in English Language Arts and 57.5 points in math. The 2025 white-Black achievement was lower in ELA but greater in math than in 2024 when the white-Black achievement gap was 52 points in ELA and 51 points in math.
Williams-Lee said continued improvement and increased parental involvement is important.
“I want to make sure that we are moving forward with a sense ofurgency toward the upcoming school year,” Williams-Lee said.
Stamps calls for pr ‘radical solidarity of West Sub closur Speaks to Leaders Network gathering
By BILL DWYER Contributing Reporter
Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps (D-1) is calling for West Side residents to be more proactive and less reactive in the face ofthe ongoing crisis at West Suburban Hospital.
Speaking at the monthly meeting ofthe Leadership Network, a coalition of West Side ministers, at the Columbus ParkRefectory in Austin on April 14, Stamps excoriated West Sub owner Manoj Prasad in particular and private for-profit hospitals in general. She
warned p and prepared to their rights and interests
“We must stop being angry and reactive,” Stamps said. “We must be and proacti
Stamp news on been posted at R Forrest c $7.5 million to the landlord, and he wasn’t
Cook County Comissioner Tara Stamps
WEST SUB’S FUTURE
West Suburban Medical Center future in limbo
One
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporters
campus reopens while another is repor ted to be under new management
While some “hospital and clinic-based” services have resumed at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, new management has re por tedly taken over the hospital’s River Forest campus.
Resilience Health leadership put out a statement last week saying that staf f were carrying out some clinic level patient care services at West Suburban Medical Care ’s main campus on Austin Boulevard. The hospital be g an calling patients to set up appointments last Wednesday, the spokesperson said.
Services resuming at the hospital repor tedly started with “primary care initially and then some specialist visits, along with testing services,” the hospital spokesperson said. Some staf f were brought back from furlough to support the initial reopening, the statement said.
TODD BANNOR
for the River Forest property
Prasad has challenged the eviction in County court, he told Austin Weekly News last week. Though Ramco owner RathReddy Patola is also a 40% owner of esilience Healthcare, his press representasaid last month he was not involved in the management or operations of West Subrban.
T he news of reopening comes amid escalating legal tension between Resilience and the hospital’s landlord and part-owner Ramco Holdings. The dispute between the entities reached a new level last week with Ramco reportedly looking to evict Resilience from West Sub’s River Forest Campus and install new management.
TARA STAMPS
Calls to be proactive
from page 9
Later on April 14, news broke that Prasad has sued his landlord, Ramco, over the eviction notices. Eviction notices have also been re por tedly filed against West Suburban’s main campus in Oak Park, and at Weiss Hospital in Chicago, demanding more than $24 million in total in unpaid rent.
And on April 15, Prasad unexpectedly announced that some outpatient medical services would be restarted at West Sub on that day.
T he eviction notices come some two weeks after a contentious press confer-
A five-day eviction notice was placed on an entryway to West Suburban Medical Center’s River Forest campus on Monday,
ence featuring Prasad and 8th District Illinois State Re p. La Shawn K. Ford, during which Prasad was defensive about the hospital’s most recent failures, blaming it on a nearly year-long patient tracking and billing system glitch .
However, Stamps said West Suburban’s management has ignored patient needs and rights for some time now, citing the closure of labor and delivery services She called the hospital administration’s attitude in that case “a precursor to how disrespectfully the hospital eng aged with this community.”
“The majority of babies on the West Side are delivered at West Suburban Hospital,” Stamps said. Prasad’s decision to cease delivery services, she said, “immediately threw expectant mothers into crisis.”
T he shuttering of West Sub’s Emergency Room was just the culmination, Stamps
Austin Weekly News reported last week. The notices were addressed to Resilience Health CEO Manoj from Ramco Holdings The notice alleged that there is more than $7.25 million in unpaid rent owed to Ramco
said. “Unilaterally and with no consultation whatsoever, that progr am closed,” Stamps said. “On March 27, they just kicked us down the ste ps.”
Stamps contends the core problem lies in the private for profit ownership of safety net hospitals that provide critical healthcare services. “Anything that’s privately owned, once that business isn’t profitable, they pull up sta kes,” she said. “I f it is privately owned, that means we are at the mercy of the owner. T hey only see us as consumers, they see us as a product.”
Stamps said the impact of West Sub’s closure goes beyond the absence of critical medical services, saying, “West Sub is also one of the largest employers in our community. Seven hundred people worked at West Suburban. ”
Stamps was particularly derisive regarding Prasad’s contention that he was
ABC7 reported last week that nonprofit nsight Chicago, a non-profit agency that recently took over the operations of Mercy Hospital in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, had taken over the River Forest camnsight has leased the space from Ramhired multiple doctors and support staff West Suburban and opened clinics for ancer care, primary care, rheumatology and more, the television station reported nsight Chicago officials have not responded to Austin Weekly’s request for comment. As of last week, there was also a River Forest notice placed at an entry way to the facility saying that the West Sub building at 7411 Lake St was not fit for occupancy due to there being no running water in the building. River Forest officials have not responded to requests about the status of the building.
a “servant leader” through his work at West Suburban Hospital.
“Servant leaders don’ t close doors on sick people,” she said. “That’s not the work of servant leaders. That’s the work of capitalists.”
Stamps said people on Chicago’s West Side will either stand to g ether or f all individually against forces too big for lone individuals to oppose. Whether it is state agencies allowing privately owned hospitals to be purchased by undercapitalized, heavily leveraged interests, or the federal gover nment working to eliminate social progr ams like SNAP, Stamps said the public must pay attention and demand answers before matters reach a crisis point.
“What’s happening at West Suburban is just the tip of the iceberg,” she said “Thi s calls for radical solidarity, y’all. It’s about people saying, ‘Hell no!’”
MATERNIT Y Questions on providing care
from page 1
labor and delivery services are MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village neighborhood, or Mount Sinai Hospital and Saint Anthony Hospital near Douglass Park
“It’s problematic that it takes longer to get to the hospital,” said Paul Luning, PCC’s chief medical officer and a family physician. “Patients don’t know where to go.” After West Sub’s family birthplace floor closed, PCC family doctors started delivering at St. Mary’s, and PCC midwives began working at MacNeal, which is owned by Loyola Medicine. “We love what we’re doing, but it’s terrible for women on the West Side to not have a hospital to deliver at.”
And while a little bit longer of a car or ambulance ride might be painful for someone in labor, it can be detrimental to those with more complicated births or sudden deliveries.
“When Maggie arrived, she arrived in a hurry,” said Don Harmon, president of the Illinois State Senate, of his youngest daughter who was born at West Suburban in 2000. “There are certainly circumstanc es where time matters.”
“There are situations in which an extra 15 minutes is something that is detrimental, as they’ re driving past the closed hospital that was 4 minutes away,” said Dr. Theresa Chapple, a public health professional and for mer head of Oak Pa public health department. “Those extra minutes can cost a life.”
The odds that a closer hospital can be life saving for some expectant mothers is ev higher on Chicago’s West Side.
Before Manoj Prasad, CEO of Resilience Healthcare, bought West Suburban at end of 2022, the previous owners, Pipeline Health, re ported that over 80% of the hospital’s patients were Austin residents, and nearly the same percentage of patients were Black.
“Oftentimes when we think about labor and delivery, we think about the best-case scenarios,” Chapple said. “That’s really not the experience of Black people.”
According to a National Center for Health Statistics re port, in the United States, the
WEST SUB’S FUTURE
average maternal death rate for Black women is over three times higher than it is for white women. And Black infants are over two-and-a-half-times more likely to die from premature birth or having a low birth weight, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Following six neighborhoods on Chicago’s South Side, Austin has the nexthighest rate of severe maternal morbidity hospitalizations in the city, according to the Chicago Health Atlas.
Such stark disparities are almost certainly linked to disproportionate access to prenatal care and labor and delivery services.
Before PCC midwives were told in November 2024 that they would no longer have delivery privileges at West Suburban, an expectant mother could receive obstetric care, deliver a baby, and continue postpartum care and family medicine services from PCC doctors all at the same hospital.
“We really liked having our family docs, midwives and our OBs all in the same place because we really could be supportive of each other,” Luning said. He added that having those same services under one roof provides a deeper level of trust and comfort for patients. “That can get a little daunting for a patient who’s going through something that is challenging enough as it is, just having a baby. Trying to figure out
who’s going to deliver me and do I trust them, that can be tricky.”
While some area hospitals might have the continuity of care that West Suburban once did, Chapple said many of those hospitals “are already taxed” and “one extremely complicated birth can end up costing hospitals an awful lot of money.”
She added, “Labor and delivery wards are high-liability wards for hospitals and lowreturn when it comes to financial investments.”
West Sub glory days
West Suburban was once a critically acclaimed hospital for labor and delivery, among other specialties.
In the 1970s, Dr. Allison Burdick launched the hospital’s family medicine residency program — which lost accreditation last year — to train doctors who recently graduated from medical school in the specialty, including delivering babies.
Though the Parent Child Center was created in 1980 to provide prenatal, postpartum and infant care to Austin residents, it became a nonprofit in 1992 and a Federally Qualified Health Center two years later, allowing it to expand into a network of over a dozen health centers.
“The reason West Sub was so excited about supporting the Federally Qualified
Health Center was because they were getting so many patients from Austin that didn’t have primary care,” Luning said.
Dr. Mark Loafman was founding medical director for the PCC Community Wellness Center in 1992. Around the same time, he launched a mater nal-child health fellowship to train family doctors to do C-sections.
Luning said adding that fellowship on top of the residency program seemed innovative at the time and “I really think elevated the quality of obstetrical care at West Sub,” Luning said. “No question, in the ‘90s was when West Suburban’s re putation as [having] stellar labor and delivery really arose.”
Luning graduated from West Suburban’s family medicine residency program in 1998 and said, around that time, most of the people delivering babies at West Suburban were private obstetricians and family doctors who didn’t work for PCC.
“Gradually between 2010 and 2020, we started to see fewer private groups delivering there,” Luning said. Around the Covid-19 pandemic, Luning said PCC doctors and midwives delivered most, if not all, the babies at West Suburban.
While it’s difficult to say exactly what contributed to the shift in who was delivering babies at West Suburban, Luning said a few OB groups left the hospital to practice in different municipalities, possibecause of disputes with the for-profit hospital owner at the time. He said, while some commercially insured patients left West Sub to stay with their private OB oup, “Even in 2020, there were an awful lot of commercially insured patients from Oak Park that would come to the hospital their knee surgery or to deliver,” Luning said. “It wasn’t the same proportion as it was in 1995, but [the shift] was fairly adual.”
Though Chapple came to Oak Park in 2021, she said a factor in the changing degraphics could be because of the several changes in ownership of West Suburban er the past decade.
“As that has happened, services have started to decline. Services decreased as they struggled with finances that led to the hospital’s change-of-hand so many times,” Chapple said.
Harmon ag reed: “I’m also wondering whether the for-profit hospital model actuworks,” he said. “I’m just not sure the profit motive goes well with a community hospital.”
Abandoned and in disrepair, city brings suit vs. owner of Our Lady Help of Christians
Lawsuit aims to compel current owner to x or demolish church
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
Information about the ownership of the for mer Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Austin is sparse, but two things are known for cer tain.
T he city of Chicago has brought suit against the current owner of the boarded-up church at 832 N. Leclaire Ave. and “seeks to abate dangerous and unsafe conditions at the proper ty in question.”
Second, the graffiti and broken windows that pock the church’s exterior belie the building’s profound internal and structural problems, including cracked rafters, exposed wiring, and masonry that has stress fractures
The city filed its suit April 17, 2025 in Cook County Circuit Court, against St. Mark International Christian Church, along with the California-based mortg age holder and the apparent contract buyer. The cause for the case is to be continued for jurisdiction on June 8 at the Daley Center.
“The Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) remains committed to ensuring the safety of our communities through our enforcement action,” said Nefsa’Hyatt Brown, director of public af fairs. “DOB has conducted various inspections at the St. Mark International Christian Church, resulting in enforcement actions escalating to the Department of Law in 2021 and 2026.
“DOB inspectors have documented various violations posing a hazard to the surrounding community and have ordered the building vacated and secured. Upon reinspection, our team documented that the building was open, leading to the most recent refe rral to the Department of Law. T he property is currently in active litigation”
Major internal, structural damage
According to the Archdiocese of Chicago real estate department, Our Lady Help of Christians Church was sold in March 2006 to St. Mark International Christian Church, which has locations at 400 N. 5th Ave. in Maywood and Kennesaw, GA. Multiple calls to both locations were not returned. There was also no response to an email to local church pastor Andre Thurmon, who is named in the lawsuit. No information was available from mortgage holder Ministry Par tners Investment Company, LLC in Brea, CA. Jerry Kurzac, who the lawsuit terms a trustee and contract buyer, could not be located.
Additionally, there was no response to multiple requests for information and comment from the 37th Ward Ald. Emma Mitts
But the lawsuit contends there have been dangerous and unsafe conditions at the vacant and open premises since at least September 2024. The long list includes:
■ A heating system that is missing ductwork, stripped, inoperable and has vandalized.
■ Missing and warped flooring.
■ Missing roof shingles.
■ Broken or missing plaster and damaged studding.
■ Masonry that has step or stress fractures and washed-out mortar joints.
■ Broken or missing glazing, with cracked panes.
■ Broken, missing or inoperable sashes
■ A plumbing system that is missing fixtures, stripped and inoperable, with approximately six inches of standing water in the basement.
■ A staircase with damaged decking and handrails.
■ Cracked rafters.
■ An electrical system with exposed wiring and missing fixtures that is stripped and inoperable.
■ Damaged joints
Many of the issues identified in the suit are possibly due to smoke, fire or water damage, according to the city’s lawsuit. According to the first of seven counts
West wall of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church on April 3.
indicated in the suit, the city of Chicago requests the court issue an order to either require the defendants to demolish, re pair, enclose or clean up the property under proper city permits; authorize the city to do the same, with costs paid by the defendants as a judgment against them; or appoint a receiver to correct the conditions with full powers of receivership. The city also asks the court to permit foreclosure of any city liens against the property.
The second count requests the court assess civil penalties against the defendants in the maximum amount per day from the date of service of summons in the case “until the dangerous and unsafe or uncompleted and abandoned condition is abated.”
Church’s long history
According to information gleaned from archdiocesan archives, Our Lady Help of Christians was founded as a mission of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Oak Park in the 1890s. In summer 1901, Rev. Louis A. Campbell, St. Catherine of Siena pastor, authorized construction of a church building at Iowa Street and Leamington Avenue, with then-Archbishop Patrick A. Feehan reorganizing the mission as a parish that fall. The first resident pastor was Rev. Joseph P. O’Reilly
St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church at Austin and Washington in Oak Park was closed
a year ago and is currently for sale by the archdiocese
At first, O’Reilly named the parish Our Lady of Mercy but shortly changed the name to Our Lady Help of Christians. That church building was blessed by Auxiliary Bishop Peter J. Muldoon in late 1901. A rectory was constructed in 1902, with a school that opened in 1907.
The foundation of the current church building was laid in August 1926. Cardinal George Mundelein dedicated that building just over a year later in November 1927. In 1936, the school was expanded, with ground broken for a new school in summer 1960, which included classrooms, a gymnasium and a library.
The archdiocese currently owns the school building at 819 and 831-847 N. Leamington Ave. but is attempting to sell it through Chicago-based Baum Realty Group for an asking price of $1.25 million. According to information from the Baum Realty website, the school has “a two-story classroom configuration alongside full sized, high ceiling gymnasium,” along with a 4,500-square-foot gated parking lot and a 27,500-square-foot adjacent vacant parcel.
But again, few details about that sale were for thcoming from Baum Realty.
“I am not able to provide any public comment re garding the property at this time,” said Baum Realty’s Ari Topper.
Moderator Sara Rezvi and Eve L. Ewing during A Conversation with Eve L. Ewing at Dominican University, co-sponsored by Wednesday Journal, on Ap
Eve Ewing talks equity and justice at WJ, Dominican event
Eve Ewing, a noted author and academic, spoke to an enthusiastic audience April 16 as Wednesday Journal Conversations and Dominican University’s education department hosted an event.
Ewing is a graduate of Dominican and is now an associate professor at the University of Chicago. Her most recent book, Original Sins, focuses on the idea that America’s public educa-
tion system has historically reinforced white intellectual superiority at a serious to cost Black and Native American children. She has also written for children and worked on multiple Marvel Comics projects T he conversation, held in the Lund Auditorium at Dominican, was moderated by Sara Re zvi, an associate professor of education at Dominican.
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Eve L. Ew ing signs copies of her book.
Jo au
PHOTO S BY TODD BANNOR
From classr
Oak Park natives from
By JACKIE PISANO Contributing Reporter
Growing up in Oak Park, Jaden Cone, Ben Kremer and Ralph Porter ran in similar social circles and were uates of both Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School in 2016 and Oak Park and River Forest High School in 2020.
But despite coming from the same neighborhood and school district, the three were never really close friends let alone knew one another well enough to make music together — until October 2022.
Following high school, Cone took a gap year to sa ey by working at Elmwood Park’s Alpine Food Oak Park’s Maya Del Sol before attending Berklee of Music in Boston to pursue a bachelor’s degree in musi business; Porter discovered his love for audio engineerin at SAE Institute Chicago; and Kremer passed up on the cal college route, opening his own recording studio Minded Studio in Lemont, where his family also School of Rock music school.
In mid-2022, through mutual friends, Cone, Po Kremer reconnected with one another, combining guitar skills, Kremer’s drums mastery and Por strength to form a new band — The Back Alley
One month after coming together, The Back for med their first gig in Lombard. Around the same time Porter introduced his college classmates and Chicagoland natives, Sal Defilippis and Hunter Olshefke from the band Ax and the Hatchetmen, bringing Defilippis’ guitar expertise and Olshefke’s smooth bass sounds to officially form the quintet.
Concert at Chicago’s Riviera eatre on Feb. 10. Band members (le to right) are Sal De lippis (guitar), Hunter Olshe e (bass), Ralph Porter (vocals), Jaden Cone (guitar), Ben Kremer (drums)
Described as blending the sounds of indie and alter native rock with elements of jazz and funk, Cone says The Back Alley’s music stems from all of the members’ different musical influences and favorites.
“We just released a cover of an Alabama Shakes song called ‘Always Alright’ that feels pretty rock to me,” he said. “Our new single, “Is It Me?’ kind of fits that category, too At the end of the day, I think we all just want to write and record music that makes us feel something by being vulnerable enough to express what’s going on in our lives in a song, while creating something that is enjoyable for our audience to listen to and hear live.”
Over the past three and a half years, The Back Alley has spent countless hours writing music and playing gigs across the U.S., gar nering a large fanbase along the way. In 2024, they earned national recognition through their singles “Grey Skies” and “Brand New,” and were named Best Rock Band by Chicago Reader in 2025.
As of April, the band has over 90,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, tens of thousands of views across dozens of TikTok videos and over 12,000 followers on Instagram.
“Without the early buzz those two songs saw, I don’t think we would have landed some of the shows that put us on the map,” said Cone. “Those two songs gaining a bit of traction
on Spotify and TikTok gave us the confidence and credibility we needed to pitch ourselves for the band’s early tours, such as supporting Penelope Road and Marlon Funaki, which ultimately led to us being able to return to those same markets as a headliner and pitch ourselves for future support tours. Also, thanks to those songs gaining a couple hundred thousand streams, we were able to catch the attention of our booking agent, Brandon Hughes (ROAM Artists), who has been a key player in our success throughout the last year.”
Cone says what is leading to The Back Alley’s growing success is that at each of their live shows, they not only utilize social media, but strongly value crowd engagement.
“I think we all think the opportunity to play live in front of people who have never heard us before and have their full attention for 30 to 60 minutes uninterrupted is the best chance we’re going to get at selling our band and making new fans,” he said. “It’s so important to us to be able to meet and talk to anyone at the show who wants to meet and talk to us [and] I think the energy we bring when we step on stage is what can hopefully set us apart.”
While not on the road or in the studio, Cone works at Berwyn’s historic live music venue, FitzGerald’s, as the assistant talent buyer and production manager, overseeing artist relations and hospitality; Kremer works in Lemont at both
his recording studio (which serves as The Back Alley’s main recording hub) and the family’s School of Rock location; and Porter is climbing the ladder at his family’s company, Porter Pipe & Supply Company in Addison, handling the logistics of hundreds of clients across the Midwest. Cone still lives in Oak Park, while Kremer now lives in Homer Glen near his businesses and Porter lives in Elmwood Park.
Overall, Cone says all members of The Back Alley are very passionate about what they’re trying to build with the band, and playing music and performing together has become much more than just a hobby for everyone.
“With the support of new listeners giving our music a chance, we can hopefully keep it that way,” he added. “We care very deeply about the music, the live shows and everything we’re putting out in the world, and I think our upcoming unreleased music will showcase that passion better than ever.”
The Back Alley recently released their newest single, “Is It Me?” which was accompanied by a music video shot at Alpine Food Shop. They are currently on a national spring tour, with their biggest headline show to date coming on Friday, May 1 at Lincoln Hall in Chicago. Tickets are available at thebackalleyband.com.
PROVIDED
New co ee shop draws from local favorites
Sugar Fixe pastries, Onion Roll bagels, Firecake donuts
By ADAM SIEMER Contributing Reporter
Boulevard Java has opened inside the historic Boulevard Arcade at 1033 South Boulevard, assembling some of Oak Park’s most beloved local vendors under one roof, two minutes on foot from the Oak Park Metra station. The shop held its grand opening April 23, anchored by a simple promise: the best of Oak Park, ready when you are.
At the heart of Boulevard Java is a locally-rooted philosophy. The shop draws exclusively from neighborhood vendors, keeps its format fast and grab-andgo, and is designed to serve CrossFunction Flexible Workspace members who work in the same building, Metra commuters and anyone in the Pleasant District who needs coffee and a quick bit e. “I would love to get someone’s morning started right — bagel, muffins, coffee, a nice joke,” said Meghan Luther, the shop’s lead barista and manag-
er. “If you can start it of someone’s entire day.”
Luther is the driving counter. A Seattle nati
Oak Park in 2010, she has at Sugar Fixé, Oak Park patisserie, and now splits her time managing Boulevard Java as well as Su Her coffee career stretches back 30 year rooted in a conviction that a well-made morning can set the tone
“Coffee and customer service have always been she said.
The menu commitment to erything close to home. Pastries come from Sugar Fixé — including an almond croissant with almond cream which is a staple at the Marion Street location, as well as classic donuts from Cakes such as the buttermilk old fashion, honey glazed, as well as a blueberry muffin sourced through Fire Cakes’ partnership with Lunettes Bakehouse. Bagels arri daily from The Onion Roll, a North
staple, in four varieties: jalapeño cheddar, rosemary sea salt, everything and plain, each served with its house-made smear, with plans for a rotating bagel featured monthly. “People don’t always have time to run to Sugar Fixé before the train or make it all the way up to The Onion Roll. Now they don’t have to,” Luther said. Coffee is roasted by Whirlwind, whose team came in personally to calibrate the equipment before opening, a demonstration of the true partnerships being forged between Boulevard Java and neighboring vendors.
Boulevard Java is the latest chapter in the story for CrossFunction founder J. Trent Stoner, who launched his flexible workspace inside the Arcade in 2020. The historic building was designated an Oak Park Historic Landmark in 2007 (https://www.oakpark.com/2025/01/07/10story-apar tment-building-pitched-forboulevard-arcade-pa rking-lot/) and has been home to a coffee concept before — Kri-
bi previously occupied the first-floor space, but after vacating the unit, a prolonged search for an outside operator stalled. By late 2025, Stoner decided to stop waiting and build something that reflected CrossFunction’s community and standards from the ground up. “The best of Oak Park, put together, crafted with care, and served at a pace that really complements people on the move,” he said.
The Arcade’s location on South Boulevard just east of Marion Street puts it in direct view of the Metra platform — a visibility that has already drawn commuters who spotted the lights on their way to the train, according to Luther. Mobile ordering is available through the shop’s website, and outdoor seating along South Boulevard is planned to be open through the fall for customers with more time to enjoy.
Boulevard Java is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Order ahead at boulevardjava.com.
ADAM SIEMER
ADAM SIEMER
Meghan Luther at Boulevard Java
Archambault named new St. CatherineSt. Lucy principal
‘Per fect blend of curriculum exper tise and the ability to challenge’
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
St. Catherine-St. Lucy Catholic School’ new principal is a familiar face.
Asst. Principal Kelly Archambault will officially take that position July 1, re plac ing the retiring Sharon Leamy.
“I’m beyond grateful and I have big shoes to fill, but she has been the most gracious and intelligent and effective leader I’ve ever worked for and worked under,” Archambault said of Leamy. “She’ll be doing some coaching for me, even though she’s retired.”
That’s not all. Archambault said the personnel that she knows very well from serving as assistant principal the past two school years at St. Catherine-St. Lu cy will be a big help as well.
“There is a faculty and staf f that has been here and is coming into this new transition with me,” she said. “Even though it’s a new journey and it’s exciting, with some nerves, you’ re in a much more comfortable position when you know and trust your staf f.”
According to a press release, Archambault joined St. Catherine-St. Lucy through the Big Shoulders Fund Schreiber Assistant Principal Residency program after five years at St. Gabriel School in Chicago and many years as an AP English teacher at Foreman High School.
Archambault “possesses the perfect blend of curriculum expertise and the ability to challenge and support our faculty academically, all while faithfully greeting every student with open arms each morning,” said St. Catherine-St. Lucy president Staunton Peck.
Archambault, who is a member of St. Giles Parish, said her time as assistant principal at St. Catherine-St. Lu cy helped
“Even though it’s a new journey and it’s exciting, with some ner ves, you’re in a much more comfortable position when you know and trust your sta . ”
KELLY ARCHAMBAULT
St. Catherine-St. Lucy Catholic school principal
her understand how crucial a role Leamy has, and wh at her approach has to be – a focus on value and relationship building.
“I think one of the biggest challenges for a Catholic school is continually g etting out there in the community and advocating for your school, having a healthy enrollment and being able to show f amilies that there are different models for your children,” Archambault said.
“W hy are we different? What makes us different? W hen it is a tuition-based school, you have to show p eople that, Here we are and these are the g ood thing s we ’re doing and it is a viable option fo r any family.”
CRIME
Oak Park police arrest man for attempted child sexual abuse, kidnapping
By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter
Oak Pa rk p olice ar rested a Chicag o man over the weekend on multiple f elony charges related to child sexual abuse
Police ar rested the 31-year- old in the first block of Harrison Street shortly after 10 a.m. on Friday, April 17 on charges of attempted c riminal sexual assault, k idnapping, solicitation of a child, and ag gr avated battery, according to police
T he incident re por tedly o ccu rred in the 800 block of Austin Boulevard, according to p olice. After being identified, the suspect was transported to the station, processed, and held for a d etention hearing, according to police.
BANK
Quick take moves
from page 1
forward
new standalone police station for the Oak Park Police Department. Trustees backed the plan as a less expensive alternative to constructing a new police headquarters on the green space just south of Village Hall’s parking lot.
Quick take is an expedited eminent domain process that allows some Illinois municipalities to condemn and take over properties if they demonstrate an immediate need for the land and receive approval from both the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives. The state Senate granted that approval to Oak Park’s quick take bid on Friday, April 17, according to legislative records.
The bill will now go to the Illinois House where the same process will be repeated
U.S. Bank officials have come out to oppose Oak Park leaders’ quick take plans. Bank officials have said the bank never planned to close the branch when it listed the building
Shots red incident
An Oak Park home was damaged by gunfire last week, according to police.
A round of gunfire broke through an exterior window and struck an interior wall at a home in the 600 block of North Humphrey Avenue, according to police.
The damage was discovered on April 13, but police believe the damage was caused by a shots fired incident that had been investigated nearby in Chicago on April 12, according to police.
The damage to the home is estimated at $700, according to police.
Home burglary
Oak Park police are investigating a home burglary in which thousands in cash and
for sale last year but was instead planning to lease back space inside the building from a new owner
The village offered the bank $2.3 million for the building last November before starting the condemnation process in the Cook County court system after the bank refused the offer. The village had the site appraised in April of last year, according to Cook County court records.
Bank officials vowed to “explore all legal challenges at the village’s use of eminent domain” in a message to local customers in January.
Earlier this month, attorneys for the bank filed a motion to have the village’s Cook County condemnation suit dismissed by arguing that the village is using the eminent domain process vindictively against U.S. Bank. U.S. Bank’s attorneys cited a passage from a January Wednesday Journal article about an Oak Park village board meeting which quoted Village President Vicki Scaman voicing some support for a public commentator who criticized U.S. Bank’s role in the 2008 financial crisis
“Thank you for continuing to make my ar-
items were stolen.
Burglars re por tedly broke through the rear door of an apar tment unit in the 1100 block of Chicago Avenue in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 19, according to police.
The burglars ransacked the apar tment and stole cash from the home. The total loss from the burglary is estimated at $20,000, according to police.
gument for me,” she told the commentator at the time
U.S. Bank’s attorneys argued that the brief comment revealed an improper bias from Oak Park against the bank, according to court records.
“At a minimum the court should allow discovery and conduct an evidentiary hearing because eminent domain may not be used as a pretext to expel a disfavored owner for an arbitrary, bad-faith or otherwise improper purpose,” the attorneys wrote in an April filing. “The village’s subsequent effort to secure quick take authority after filing the condemnation action further underscores the need for careful judicial scrutiny before U.S. Bank is dispossessed.”
A Cook County hearing in the case is set for Thursday, April 23, according to court records. U.S. Bank did not respond to Wednesday Journal’s request for comment.
The legal process continues at both the state and county levels as the village keeps working towards remaking 11 Madison into the future home of the police department.
Village trustees approved detailed design plans for the site last month, with the adap-
These items were obtained from Oak Park’s Police Department reports dated April 13–21 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed a description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest
tive redevelopment expected to cost Oak Park north of $67 million.
Scaman said in an interview that she’s pleased with how the process is moving forward and said the village wants to work with the bank to potentially find a new location for them in Oak Park.
“We have been moving forward consistent with our timeline to see construction in 2027,” she said. “We have been and remain ready and willing to engage U.S. Bank on potential relocation or a fair contract for the purchase of the building and we have been from the beginning. It is our anticipation that (quick take) is going to bring them back to the negotiating table. U.S. Bank can still be a good partner with the community, but as the Wednesday Journal has already noted, they have not historically been engaged with community.”
She said she’s heard some “rumblings” that the bank is already looking to lease an alternative space in the village, but she couldn’t confirm any specifics.
Oak Park’s village board is next scheduled to review design plans for the police station on June 16, according to village documents
Homes
First in Oak Park, rst in Illinois, co-housing Oak Park Commons opens
Oak Park Commons ts right in
By LACEY SIKORA Real Estate Reporter
It’s been over eight years in the making, but Oak Park Commons, Illinois’ first cohousing community, is finally open. New residents have been moving in over the past several months -- many of them part of the movement from the very beginning, and others who were drawn to the building for its unique mission.
In 2018, we covered Susan Stall and her husband Charlie Hoch (https://www.oakpa rk .com/2018/05/22/co-housing-comesto-oak-park/.) They founded the Oak Park Multi-Generational Co-Housing Group in the hopes of bringing co-housing to the village they loved.
Co-housing is an intentional community of private homes, clustered around a
See OAK PARK COMMONS on pa ge 20
email:
PHOTO S BY TODD BANNOR
GATHERING SPAC E: Oak Park Commons residents Nancy Bender, Susan Stall and Sean Taylor in the building Community Room on April 8.
TODD BANNOR Oak Park Commons two bedroom unit, main room.
Quiet Room
Kitchen area
VOLUNTEER WITH US
OAK PARK COMMONS
Growing
community from page 18
shared space. Residents have their own individual spaces and share a common space for community events and gatherings.
Oak Park resident Jonathan Shack of Altierra Builders, LLC got involved shortly after the exploratory group for med. Not only was he looking for a place to live with his wife, Heather, he quickly added his expertise to the efforts for building and design
Alongside architect Foster Dale, general contractor Altierra designed the building, and in 2022, the co-housing group purchased the lot at 839 Madison St. in Oak Park for their new build. They broke ground in 2023 on the 24-unit building.
The first residents moved into their units in December 2025. Two months later, Oak Parker Sean Taylor and his wife, Sheila Flaherty moved in. The couple first heard about Oak Park Commons when they ran into the co-housing group at the Oak Park Far mers Market, met the people behind the movement and “fell in love.”
The couple didn’t have to move far. Their old house was just across the street. They’d lived in their Oak Park home on Kenilworth since they got mar-
ried in 1981. Taylor says of the neighborhood, “It’s still home. It’s always been home.”
Unlike Taylor and Shack, Nancy Bender’s move to Oak Park Commons involved a long-distance moving van. She was living in Los Angeles when she first heard about Oak Park Commons in 2022. She was looking for a new community, and Oak Park Commons, as well as the village of Oak Park, fit the bill.
Bender, who moved into her unit in January, says that finally being able to put co-housing concepts into practice has been interesting. She says, “I’ve been on the membership and marketing committees and been in Zoom meetings with people for years. It’s been great to be in person. There’s a balance of joyful, wonderful things, and realizing what the challenges are.”
For Taylor, who has experience in the business world, the challenges are all part of the beginning of something vibrant and alive. “This reminds me as remarkably like a business start-up. We’re discovering talent and how to use it. It’s fun and exciting. Except here, I like these people consistently across the board versus how I might have felt about people in the business star t-up world,” he says.
Shack shares their excitement. As a part of the g eneral contracting team, he was intimately involved with every detail of the
planning process, but he says it’s still fulfilling to see the building finished. “Thi s is my favorite end-product that I’ve been a part of,” he says, adding “I’m my own worst critic and there’s very little that I see here that makes me think I should’ve d one it dif ferently. ”
Fo r S hack, the building is already f ulfilling i ts promise through c ommunityw ide events, brunches, meetings and encounters in the hallways. “It’s ve ry ferent from previous condos. You meet eople, and it ’s more than j ust co nversation. You know them. ”
he building is d esigned with multipl e ommunity spaces to facilitate those onnections. A large room c an seat upwards of 50 p eople for a meal, allowing esidents to bring friends and f amilies events. A separate reading room area provides a quiet spac e, and a children’s oom provides pl ay space within the view parent gathering spaces. T here’s also gy m, and a quiet room houses a small ibrary
esidents c ontribute art for the walls, dishes for the kitchen and tools for a shared tool library.
Taylor says, “A big c onc ep t here is shared resources. We ’ve g ot two residents with back grounds in l ibrary sciences. We ve a piano that residents and g uests ca n ay We have someone with a back ground in child development. ”
T he building is cu rrently o ccupied by approximately 20 residents, and there are still six units available – most of them
two- or three-bedroom units. Bender a dds that they are hoping to attract families to those units to build the dive rsity of ag e that most residents are seeking Taylor a dds, “Life c an be ve ry stressf ul, and where you c an find a suppo rtive environment, that c an be ve ry helpf ul. We are deliberately and intentionally i ntergenerational. ”
As the co-housing group settles in , they are wo rk ing to g ether to learn wh at it takes to r un and maintain the state’s first co-housing c ommunity. T hey have learned from other co-housing c ommunities across the c ountry and adopted a platfo rm c alled Mosaic to facilitate c ommunication. T hey t ry to achieve c onsensus on all decision making . Says Taylor, “For a c ommunity to thr ive, you need ener gy and input. ”
Valuing everyone’s input and everyone’s l ife skills and c ontributions are a big pa rt of the c ommunity at Oak Pa rk C ommons. Taylor sums it up, “We are a pretty neat little place. ”
Fo r those i nterested in learning more about Oak Pa rk C ommons or g etting to know their neighbors, Oak Park Commons is holding a community Grand Opening on Saturday, April 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 839 Madison St. in Oak Park. Light refreshments will be served and guests can tour the common spaces and available units, as well as meet mural artist Anna Soltys, who created two murals for the building. Architect Foster Dale will also be on hand to talk about his design.
TODD BANNOR
Oak Park Commons roo op deck
TODD BANNOR
Oak Park Commons Communit y Room
Email: ktrainor@newswellchicago.org
VIEWPOINTS
Trump Anti-Corruption Act
This act shall be known as the Donald J. Trump Presidential AntiCorruption Act:
Section 1. No person or entity, foreign or domestic, including foreign states, gover nments, or officials, shall pay, donate, give, or cause to be paid, donated, or given, transferred, or made to benefit, any money or thing of value to any President of the United States, from the date of his or her entry into office, or to any relative thereof, of the first or second degree, or to spouses thereof, or to any descendants of any of them by birth or adoption, or to any entity in which any such person has any interest whatsoever, or official or employee of such entity. And no such person, entity, or official or employee of such, shall knowingly receive such.
Section 2, Criminal Actions. Violations of Section 1 by a natural person shall be punishable by imprisonment for a minimum of one year, up to and including a maximum of 10 years, and must include a fine of at least the amount of, or value of, the thing transferred, up to a maximum of 10 times thereof Violations by any entity not a natural person, including corporations and foreign gover nments, shall be punishable by fine in the amount previously stated, and disqualification from doing new business with, or entering into new contracts with, the United States or any State or Territory thereof, or receiving anything of value from any of them, for a period of five years from the date of conviction.
Section 3, Presumptions and Exceptions. All transactions described in Section 1 and all contracts for such shall be presumed to have been corruptly made or done, and a violation of Section 1, unless the Affirmative Defense provided in Section 4 shall have been established by clear and convincing evidence.
Section 4, Affirmative Defense. It shall be an affirmative defense, if proved by clear and convincing evidence, that such an act as described in Section 1 was a fair and reasonable business transaction requiring proof of a bona fide quid pro quo, and was not made with corrupt intent to influence the person or entity receiving it with respect to any official act of the President of the United States or any official or agent of the United States under his or her authority.
Section 5, Civil Actions. The United States may bring an action against the recipient of anything described in Section 1, to recover and disgorge the amount of the violation that would effectively nullify it, and, in addition, as civil punitive damages, and in addition to any criminal fine, of triple that amount. In addition, the United States may bring an action against the recipient of any such amount bestowed during a period of one year before the entry of such President into office, for like recovery and disgorgement, and civil punitive damages.
Section 6, Private Right of Action. Any citizen of the United States shall have a right to bring the same action as described in Section 5 if, after advising the Attorney General of the United States of the violation of Section 1, or payment in the year prior to entry into office, and the United States shall not have brought any action pursuant to Section 5 within six calendar months of such advice.
Section 7, Settlements. No claim or potential claim under Sections 5
Iwrite to my fellow River Forest neighbors as the dust settles on the lengthy River Forest District 90 teacher contract negotiations.
Recently, resident Steve Goldhaber published an essay in Viewpoints titled, “Look up, River Forest,” reminding us that despite our issues, we live in a great village. Steve called on us to look up, and take in a wider perspective and appreciate the good. I concur.
That said, I have concer ns about the financial future of our River Forest schools, and I seek greater action, vigilance and community engagement to keep our schools top-notch and thriving. To call out the worries, does not denigrate the schools. Calling out the need for action bolsters the likelihood that our schools will not just survive, but soar.
Our teachers, nationwide, should be paid a worthy wage. While the job has morphed in so many ways, the underlying passion for students carries the day, and is what we all value most in our D90 schools. It would be hard to argue that the teachers are not the most important factor in student success. As the board and administration faced the fiduciary responsibilities entrusted to
them, the community also understood the need to notably increase teachers’ salaries and working conditions over the next years of this contract. My gratitude extends to so many of you for engaging in the long journey to an equitable and earnestly considered contract agreement. For the moment I believe we are OK.
I am however left with a longing to discuss the larger issues that will continue to face our district. We live in a relatively land-locked village, with little access to economic development opportunities. In short we will always increase teacher’s salaries (largest portion of the budget), but have non-commensurate ability to increase revenue to meet those salaries. Our levers include but are not limited to: restrained and thoughtful bond issuance (borrowing); constant cost reconfiguration in a timely manner; and planned thoughtful restrained tax increase (referenda). Commercial and residential development may be a revenue source, but not one the school community has championed in recent years.
Over the last 15 years, D90’s costs have grown
Partly su walking the talk Room for one more tall building?
Odds and ends with some a bit odder than others.
Go tall: Beyond the decrepit Mohr Concrete site hulking over Harlem and the Ike, some might think Oak Park has run out of sites for another tall building. Well, here’s one hiding in plain sight.
At Lake and Harlem sits what has become a one-story strip mall that is in seeming decline. Built decades back by Sy Taxman, the development was a confidence-booster for a downtown that had With The Gap, Old Navy, TGIFridays, it was sort of high end and ed that Oak Park could attract hot national chains. Never been to Wild Fork but more of a niche player than ts high visibility corner might warrant. here has been talk over the years of flattening the strip mall and building up. es sense as the four tall buildings in wn have been rental successes he only question is whether Oak Park ould build something uglier than the high rise at Harlem and South Boulevard could sponsor a competition.
Whither West Sub: Our coverage of est Sub comes at a furious pace. Has the current failed owner managed to get a clinic or two reopened? Has the guy who actually owns the hospital and its property found a back-door entry for a possible new operator by leasing space to Insight Medical on the hospital’s River Forest campus? And now it is all in court in a battle over allegedly unpaid rent.
Meanwhile, today we’re reporting on the actual impact of West Sub’s disintegration over 18 months as it closed all of its maternity services. Our Jessica Mordacq explains where women on the West Side are delivering their babies and the wider reality of the gaping Black maternal health crisis in these neighborhoods.
Forest Park and short-term rentals: Short-ter m rentals look all gauzy and wonderful in the TV ads. Though there is a current ad up with a notably creepy vibe between a stepdad and teen stepdaughter. In real life, though, these vacation-stay alter natives can have a negative impact on a quiet neighborhood
That’s the situation in Forest Park right now. Neighbors on south Lathrop Avenue keep coming back to the village council looking for relief from a person who bought a single-family home on the block and is operating it as a full-time short-ter m rental. The complaints are the typical ones. Too many people partying too hard, hogging parking and making nuisances of themselves
Forest Park officials seem inclined to look at creating an ordinance to regulate these uses. They’ll have many and various ordinances to crib from as most towns are working to get a grip on this.
Forest Park has a broader issue with its limited and diminishing stock of single-family homes. Post-real-estate-bubble in 2008, some number of those homes were purchased and repurposed as rentals. Not good.
My forecast for this column is “partly sunny.”
Talking about the we considered, by some, a waste of time. “Everybody talks about the weather,” they say, half-kidding, “but nobody does anything about it!” I get that, but I still talk about er — when it’s wor th talking about.
Around these parts, the weather is usually partly sunny, which means it also partly cloudy. Occasionally it entirely sunny. More often it’s entirely cloudy. Sometimes it’s mostly sunny or mostly cloudy, but mostly it’s a mix — partly sunnycloudy, roughly a 50/50 proposition.
TRAINOR
For some reason, however, weather forecasters almost exclusively use the term “partly cloudy.” Weather forecasting may be as useless as talking about the weather, but we are deeply attached to the daily prediction so we have a rough idea of what to expect and what coat to put on (if any). The forecasts are … fallible, but if they’re going to er r, I suppose they think, why not err on the downside and let people be pleasantly surprised? So they say “partly cloudy,” accentuating the ne gative. But that conditions us to expect the worse. Conventional wisdom advises us to “hope for the best but prepare for the worst.” But I can’t help thinking we end up overlooking the best because we’re too busy preparing for worst-case scenarios. It’s like the old water-glass riddle. Half-empty or half-full? Are you a pessimist or an optimist? The real answer is, “It’s both,” but as a society, we lean toward “either/or” instead of “both/and.” Both/ and is unifying. Either/or is polarizing. We live in a very either/or country.
en though we don’t do anything about it. Except we did do something about ather: Climate Change! Now we really do have to prepare for the worst because it’s coming. It’s definitely coming — unless, of course, we do something about climate change. Which is one really good reason to celebrate Earth Day, every day.
Speaking of doing something, when people talk about a person they admire, they often describe him\her\they as a person who “walks the walk.” What they really mean is “walks the talk.”
The phrase goes back to the 1920s: “You can’t talk the talk unless you walk the walk.”
Same with weather. Are you a “partly cloudy” or “partly sunny” person (or both)? I opt for “partly sunny” because I’d rather prepare for the best and deal with my disappointment (I’ve had a lot of practice at this). Partly sunny sounds far more hopeful. Besides, living in the northern Midwest, no one is surprised if it turns out to be cloudy (or worse).
When people in the Arizona desert hear “partly cloudy,” they probably celebrate in the streets In Ireland, the forecast is always partly sunny, partly cloudy, mostly sunny, mostly cloudy, entirely sunny, entirely cloudy, plenty of rain and plenty of sunshine. And that’s the first half-hour. In Ireland, they don’t prepare for the best or the worst. In 15 minutes it will change anyway.
Our attitude toward weather says a lot about us,
By the 1970s, that was abbreviated to “walk the talk,” which makes sense, whereas “walk the walk,” on its own, does not. It’s redundant and meaningless. “Walk the talk,” on the other hand (or on the other foot), moves talk from the realm of mere words and brings it into the realm of meaningful action. No one wants to be labeled “all talk, no action.” So to be more than mere talk, we have to walk the talk.
Martin Luther King Jr. walked the talk. So did John Lewis, Rachel Carson, Greta Thunberg, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jane Goodall, the crew of Artemis II, and anyone whose actions speak as loud as their words.
Given the powerful influence of re peated misuse on the English language, it may be too late to rescue this phrase, but I still use “walk the talk” because talk is not just talk. It is also an action and, depending on what is said and when, talk can be a courageous act.
Especially in these times.
But you have to have something worth talking about before you can “walk” it. Donald Trump walks the walk — with no forethought and nothing worth saying. That’s a forecast for catastrophe, as we’re seeing right now.
And thanks to the current catastrophe, our collective forecast for the future is pa rtly sunny, with occasional climate-change deluges, and perhaps a tornado or two leaving swaths of devastation behind, yet ultimately giving way to hopeful, cloudless skies — but only if we find a way to walk the talk this November.
And if that forecast holds true, our glass will be transformed from half-empty to half-full.
Happy Earth Day. It is a lovely planet, don’ t you think?
SHRUB TO WN by Marc Stopeck
Response to Madison-Ashland questions
Last week, Viewpoints published a letter to the editor from a resident who raised questions about the proposed MadisonAshland development. I want to take some space to address these questions
To be clear, all River Forest Village Trustees were involved in the decision to move forward with the developer, Five Thirty One Partners. While one meeting was not attended by two trustees, the entire board attended subsequent meetings where the evaluation and decision were discussed. In addition, all trustees attended site tours, and the decision to move Five Thirty One Partners forward through the application process was unanimous
Some residents have also expressed concern about the Economic Development Commission’s (EDC) role throughout this process. The EDC developed the Request for Proposals for a brokerage partner and recommended engaging Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), nationally and internationally recognized experts in the selection of qualified developers. As proposals advanced, the EDC participated in several executive session discussions during the fall of 2025, reviewing financial analyses and helping develop vetting
questions. The commission also held a public meeting on Feb. 4 of this year to discuss the proposed retail components of this development in terms of supporting the village’s economic goals. This is typical of the EDC’s role in the development process.
Finally, regarding opportunities for resident dialogue, since announcing Five Thirty One Partners as the proposed developer, the village has hosted four open houses. These were designed to allow residents the opportunity to talk directly with village staff and the proposed developer, rather than waiting for for mal meetings or hearings. Those conversations and the ongoing public comments continue to inform the village board as it prepares for a decision this summer on the proposed Madison-Ashland development project. And so the process continues. Five Thirty One Partners will submit their formal application in the coming weeks, and residents will have access to more details to help address questions and concer ns. We look forward to continuing to hear from and engage with residents
Respicio
Vazquez
River Forest trustee
WEDNESD AY
of Oak Park and River Forest
Viewpoints Guidelines
e goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have su cient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it o en is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it.
We reser ve the right to edit submissions. We do not have time to allow the writer to review changes before publication. We also do not have time to do more than super cial fact-checking, and because of our national epidemic of misinformation and conspiracy theories, when writers include statistical evidence to support their opinions, we require them to include the source of that information, such as credible websites, print publications, titles of articles and dates published, etc. Be as speci c as possible so that we and our readers have some way of assessing the credibility of your claims. Links may also be included for the online version. We follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics: seek the truth and report it and minimize harm. As a result, we will do our best not to publish pieces that espouse doubtful or debunked theories, demonstrate harmful bias, or cross the line into incivility. While we will do our best not to engage in censorship, we also do not intend to be used as a platform for misinformation. Your sources for fact-checking are a critical step in keeping the discourse honest, decent and respectful.
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Pieces can be submitted through our online form at oakpark.com or directly to Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@newswellchicago.org. For the latter, we prefer attached Word les or plain text included in the email.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
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Historic preservation’s economic impact
Wednesday Jour nal recently reported that the village approved a study to determine “whether or not red tape tied to the historic districts has had a chilling effect on development.” The study was proposed by members of the village board who believe that development should be one of Oak Park’s top priorities. [Oak Park studies impact of historic districts on local development, News, April 8]
The question to consider is: Should development proposals within historic districts face a higher level of scrutiny to deter mine whether or not they align with the guidelines set forth by Department of Interior standards? In a March 10 presentation about Historic Preservation and its influence on the village of Oak Park, urban planner Brenton Boitse noted that the overall economic impact generated by Oak Park’s success as a destination for “heritage tourism” is an estimated $1.89 billion. This economic benefit is thanks to the successful efforts of our Historic Preservation commissioners as well as volunteers and advocates who appreciate not only how preservation has made Oak Park a destination but also how it enhances our everyday lives.
As stated by Kendra Parzen of Landmarks Illinois at that meeting: “Historic preservation has benefits that are above and beyond aesthetics.”
So the answer is yes. Development proposals within historic districts should face a higher level of scrutiny before they are approved. A decision to modify these standards simply to make it easier for development projects to move forward will cause ir reversible erosion to our historic districts.
Sources:
From the March 10 Oak Park Village Board meet-
ing minutes, Presentation on the History of Historic Preservation and its Influence on the Village of Oak Park. At the direction of the Village President and Board of Trustees, staff prepared a presentation on the history of Historic Preservation (https:// oak-park.granicus.com/player/clip/2956?view id=4&redirect=true) urban planner Brenton Boitse presented his analysis of the economic impact of historic preservation using direct, indirect, and induced effects, noting that heritage tourism alone generates an estimated $1.89 billion in total economic impact for Oak Pa rk. He emphasized, howev er, that an ev en larger, often overlooked economic engine comes from local preservation related industries — architects, craftspeople, woodwork ers, glass specialists, and skilled trades — demonstrating that Oak Park has an unusually high concentration of these jobs, giving it a clear competiti ve advantage
Landmarks Illinois Advocacy Manager Kendra Parzen explained that preservation today is not about freezing places in time but about managing change in ways that respect history while supporting inclusivity, housing needs, and environmental goals. She emphasized that modern preservation focuses on everyday stories, marginalized histories, embodied carbon savings, and opportunities for adapti ve reuse that can create new housing and economic development. She stressed that preservation is not an impediment to other village goals and urged the board to treat it as an equal consideration alongside housing, zoning, and equity objectives.
Lisa Marquardt Oak Park
Long Covid and children
According to JAMA Pediatrics, an estimated 6 million American children now have Long Covid. This makes Long Covid the most common chronic disease in children, surpassing asthma. We know how to manage asthma. We have no reliable treatment for Long Covid. Covid is airborne. It lingers in the air like smoke. Without ventilation, it accumulates in classrooms, on buses, in auditoriums, and other enclosed spaces. Studies show reinfection more than doubles the risk of developing Long Covid, and children have decades of exposures ahead of them.
I understand why we have moved on. Vaccines help, though their protection against Long Covid is modest. Years of vigilance is burdensome. Wanting nor malcy is a loving impulse. But the virus is a relentless force of nature, and unless we face the reality of the situation, the numbers will keep climbing.
There are things we can do. State Rep. Camille Lilly is sponsoring legislation to improve air quality in every public school classroom in Illinois, starting with air quality monitors. Her bill has passed the House
Education Committee and is awaiting a full House vote. A companion bill is before the state Senate. Call your representatives and tell them you support legislative measures to clean air in schools
Wastewater surveillance at PMC19.com gives a snapshot of Covid levels every week. When levels are high, a mask in a classroom or on a school bus is not paranoia; it is har m reduction, no different from a bike helmet or a seatbelt.
Teaching a child to wear a mask, or wearing one yourself, feels harder than it should. It comes with real social and emotional cost, and I won’t pretend it doesn’t. But Long Covid is harder. Oak Park prides itself on trusting science and its commitment to community care. The science is alar ming, and the children in our community cannot protect themselves without our support.
We often say we value our seniors — but how often do we create opportunities to truly engage with them? Celebrating Seniors Week, taking place May 7–14, is one of the best answers to that question. With more than 35 free events across three communities, it transfor ms appreciation into action.
What I admire most is that this isn’t a ceremonial observance. It’s a living, breathing series of experiences designed to bring people together — across generations, backgrounds and interests
From health and wellness workshops aligned with the “Champion Your Health” theme, to financial- and life-planning seminars, to community meals and social events, the week offers something both practical and deeply human.
I plan to volunteer this year, but participation doesn’t require a major commitment. Simply showing up — to a pickleball event, a breakfast gathering, or a workshop — can make a meaningful impact
Our older neighbors bring wisdom, resilience and perspective that enrich our entire community. This week is an opportunity to listen, lear n and build relationships that extend far beyond a single event. Let’s move beyond appreciation and into engagement. Lear n more at celebratingseniors.net/events.
Jim Flanagan, River Forest
Don’t divide Oak Park
The recent Oak Park Township meeting on the referendum drew such a large crowd that it had to be rescheduled for a larger venue. That alone tells us something important: this is a complex and deeply felt issue. It deserves more than a one-line question.
The referendum asks whether we “support the right” to boycott Israel, which makes it sound like a simple free speech issue. Of course individuals have the right to express their views and make personal economic choices. That’s not in dispute.
But that’s not what’s actually being debated.
In Springfield, the issue is a technical state law about pension investments and contracts with for-profit companies — a complicated policy question. Reasonable people disagree about that law.
This referendum strips away that complexity and replaces it with a one-sentence question that effectively asks Oak Park to endorse a political movement. That does not belong on a township agenda.
Substantively, I believe boycotting an entire country is neither fair nor effective. Many of us have real concerns about the current Israeli gover nment, and criticism is entirely le gitimate. But we would not want the world to boycott the United States because of policies we disagree with. We would want engagement, not isolation.
And it is not political leaders who are most affected by these boycotts. It is professors, students, artists, and engineers — people who are often the most open to dialogue and change. Boycotts do little to influence gover nment policy but often isolate those working toward coexistence.
I have deep sympathy for all victims of violence, wherever they live. But broad boycotts shut down engagement and harden divisions. Oak Park should not divide itself over a complex issue it cannot meaningfully influence.
John Dempsey Oak Park
Screen sense in D97 schools
We are parents of children in Oak Park District 97 –from kindergartners to middle-schoolers – and we share a growing concer n: our children are spending too much time on screens at school and not enough time learning the way children learn best, backed by research from many sources, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and UNESCO.
That’s why we are part of Screen Sense Oak Park –screensenseoakpark.org – a community initiative calling on D97 to take a hard look at how and how much technology is used in our classrooms. In just 10 days, more than 700 local parents with children in the district have signed our petition. This concern is urgent and widespread, and it will not go away on its own.
We believe that our schools should be thoughtful and intentional about when, why, and how devices are used –and that parents deserve transparency and a meaningful voice in that process. Research consistently points to the importance of hands-on, relational learning in childhood, and we want our district to weigh that evidence seriously and make some changes. If you share our concerns, we urge you to take action:
1. Sign the petition at https://www.change.org/p/re-evaluate-screen-time-in-oak-park-district-97-schools. If both
The guys on his 16-inch softball team called my dad “Padre.” I heard it one day when I was watching his R.R. Donnelly team compete at Grant Park. Dad played left field or pitched. His company team was solid: more than once, they won the league title In this kind of softball, the pitcher lobs the ball underhand. In those days, he was allowed to fake a couple of tosses before serving up the real offering. Pump fakes were meant to keep the batter a little off-balance. During one of his games, his shortstop, admiring Dad’s technique, called from behind, “Way to pitch, Padre!” Later, I asked Dad why that guy called him that name. He told me the men on the team saw him as such a devoted Catholic that they gave him the nickname.
Dad’s Catholic faith framed the major elements of his life – work, family, politics and neighborhood – into a coherent whole He wore his Catholicism naturally, not to boast or proselytize. That traditional frame saw the father as the spiritual and financial head of a little “domestic church” at home Mom, a full-time homemaker, ardently embraced the whole model.
Dad kept us in touch with his work, even though he spent long days at the plant near
parents support the cause, both parents should sign
2. Reach out to the district – screensenseoakpark.org includes links to submit emails to board members and administrators.
3. Talk to your principal – a conversation at the building level can be powerful.
4. Consider speaking at a school board meeting. The full schedule can be found at https://www.op97.org/boe/boardmeetings
5. Share the petition and website with your network of D97 parents
Change can happen when we speak up together. Our children are counting on us.
Lauren Johnson (Lincoln parent), Brendan Sage (Whittier parent), Kelsi Boyle Sciamanna (Lincoln parent), Yael Berenson White (Irving parent, Brooks teacher), Megan Dawson (Whittier parent), Lizz Kannenberg (Beye parent), Madeline Reto (Mann parent), Kelly Albinak Kribs (Longfellow parent), Hillary Spencer (Hatch parent), Sarah Brown (Lincoln parent), Jessica Henry (Holmes parent), Kelly Belmont (Beye, Julian, & OPRF parent, Brooks teacher), Lauren Robinzine (Beye & Julian parent, Brooks teacher), Katy Alejos (Lincoln & Brooks parent, Brooks teacher), Branden Joy (Lincoln & Brooks parent, Brooks teacher), Brenna Connor (Mann parent) Oak Park
ey called him
the lakefront. We knew what he did as a photo re-toucher: he’d show us images he’d worked on in the Sears catalogue, which Donnelly’s produced.
RICH KORDESH
When our first child was born, I had a different relationship with Catholicism than Dad. I had formed a more inwardly focused spiritual life, not attached to any one Christian institution. In my jour nal, which I referred to as my “inner church,” I prayed, analyzed dreams and reflected on what God might be calling me to do
One View
With my wife, Maureen, beginning her own career as a lawyer (I was a political science professor and practitioner in community development), my father-work relationship was evolving in ways dissimilar to Dad’s. Over the next seven years, when our other three children were born, rather than the traditional balance that Dad practiced, I went for fusion.
I made fatherhood my work with my own kids and through my teaching and policy research. Responding to the growing uncertainty in society about what homes with kids were supposed to look like, I took on a lot of household tasks, including cooking. I redefined my view of policy
Japanese poetry at the 19th Century Club
The free programs of fered at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park, every Monday at 1:15 p.m. from October through April are an amazing resource of knowledge and entertainment covering topics in science, art, literature, music and social science.
Your last opportunity to attend this year will occur on April 27, when the program will cover Tanka Poetry, the oldest form of Japanese poetry. Nancy Matsumoto, an award-winning freelance writer, will share her family history by discussing the book, By the Shore of Lake Michigan, written by her grandparents Tomiko and Ryokuyo through Tanka poetry.
It chronicles 17 years of their lives, starting with their forced relocation from Los Ang eles to the prison camp in Heart Mountain, Wyoming, to their resettlement at the end of the war in Chicago. Join us afterward in the living room of our landmark building for tea, cookies and conversations.
‘Padre’
to emphasize “family-based community development.” It became the framework for my role as dad, teacher and scholar. The logic in this fusion led me to work from home more than I had planned.
We searched for a vibrant faith community. The church we joined in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – St. Thomas United Church of Christ – had embraced women in the ministry. It was led by married co-pastors, with a vibrant music program. Maureen cantored. She also sang in a quartet, “Gabriel,” with the pastors and music director
I was receiving spiritual direction from another UCC pastor who was trained in Jungian Psychology. Among other issues, this Jungian work helped me get in touch with my inner feminine, and it helped me begin to get back in touch with some of the masculine self I had re pressed since leaving the traditional home.
When we moved to Oak Park in 1996, the fusion of my fatherhood with work was well along but generating new iterations. Our home on Elmwood became a “productive family habitat.” In a pa rtnership with Julian Middle School, we
co-schooled our twin sons who had been struggling with organization. We also became an urban farm, growing fruit and ve getable throughout our property (See https://www.oakpark.com/2013/04/30/ the-kordeshes-live-off-the-fat-of-the-landin-their-backyard/).
We sold that home in 2017. We downsized, first for a few years in the South Loop, and since 2020, in a condo in Oak Park. While in the city, I took care of a granddaughter, taking her for walks along the lake. Now I spend every Monday with the daughter of one of those sons who had benefited from Julian’s creativity and dedication years ago. Currently, he teaches Special Ed in a school in the city
I still value “Padre’s” quiet ferocity about the family. I made the family central to my work in community development. My own fatherhood evolved as I began forming a family with a woman whose career aspirations and commitment to motherhood were themselves quite powerful.
Today, as a grandfather of five and once again a practicing Catholic, understanding how work and family inter penetrate remains an ongoing quest, fed by the faith that made Padre the dad that he was
Katherine Bezinovich Oak Park
A raging, singing granny
I’m a Raging Granny, A real hootenanny, Protesting in song, Calling right from wrong.
Without coming from hate, We sing “Potentate!”
For as we’re getting older, We grow fiercer and bolder
We take tunes well-known, Stitch new lyrics, neatly sewn. Funny, sharp, or critical, And always very lyrical.
Like “Now You’ve Pissed Off Grandma,” A cheeky way to raise the bar. Then, “Hey Mr. Tangerine Man” —
We know exactly who you are.
But listen…
We don’t just rage and rant, We’ve also got a mighty chant: “E Pluribus Unum!” loud and clear, Out of many, one! For all to hear Stamped upon our nation’s Great Seal, A united emblem, strong and real.
And though this Granny loves a roar, My heart still hopes for something more: That love will win, that truth will stay, And kindness always lead the way. So, friends of Grannies, hear our song: Speak up! Speak out! Stand proud! Stand strong!
Val Gee
www.oakparkraginggranniesandfriends.org
oughtful, probing dialogue is best
“Written words seem to talk to you as though they were intellig ent, but if you ask them anything about what they say, from a desire to be instructed, they go on telling you just the same thing forever. And once a thing is put in writing, the composition, whatever it may be, drifts all over the place.”
Is that a critique about all those lurid conspiracy theories online that get more wildly outlandish when they get embellished and re-tweeted? Or is it from a high school teacher war ning that fact-checking is a requirement to evaluate what students see or hear, especially online? Or is it a parent trying to tear a child’s fixation on a mesmerizing screen, imploring, “Look at me; listen to me, please!” The kid needs to see a face, not a screen, to take in the parent’s body language of love, concern, worry, even fear. A genuine human connection is essential — non-ne gotiable, you could say — in all these situations. Of course, shouting predetermined talking points back and for th gets nowhere and is worse than worthless.
Those messages should ring loud and clear in the morass of misinformation and disinformation that bombards us these days. Actually they are Plato’s words, 24 centuries ago, in his Phaedrus, par. 275d, war ning against re placing real live teachers or mentors with words reduced (pun intended) to writing. We always learn best from people we have come to know, love, and — above all — trust. Words in writing (Yes, even these!) are second-best and should be used only when face-to-face conversation isn’t possible.
Two points in this: Taking cellphones out of classrooms makes very good sense, and limiting tablets and laptops as well. And in a wider context, demanding, “Prove it! Show us facts!” is essential when a press secretary, for example, reads a carefully crafted piece of nonsense about a hot topic, whether it’s in Washington, Springfield, or a public forum close to home Democracy can die without genuine, thoughtful, probing dialogue.
Fred Reklau Oak Park
KRIS MACKE Y Seeking nancial stability
from page 21
(new FTE, new programming, and increased special services). This has been matched somewhat with small measures, relying heavily on bond issue or bor rowing to close the gap. The tax revenue from the Town Center and the Sheridan senior facility (now Sunrise) has also helped. Nevertheless D90 has run operational deficits in most of the previous 10 years, summarized as an average of $1M per year. Current projections beginning in the 2028 school year show deficits doubling to $2M+ in the subsequent years. This is neither sustainable nor acceptable. While the school board has attempted to address deficit reduction initiatives since 2023 and had it added to the district’s strategic goals since fall of 2023, the board and administration have been unsuccessful in achieving deficit reduction in any of those years. I get it – deficit reduction in schools usually equates to headcount reduction and it requires a strong board working in concert with a strong school leadership team to contain costs. It’s not a job many sign up for.
Of course a referendum to raise taxes for schools is always an option. But it takes time, courage, and an understanding public who highly value education and see it as the lifeblood of the community and a guarantee on rising home values. Keeping tax revenue commen-
FRANK STACHYRA
Anti-corruption act
from page 21
or 6 shall be effective or enforceable unless previously approved by a judge of a United States District Court, after full and fair and public hearing brought before the Cour t by motion, and a determination by the judge that the settlement is reasonable and fair, and not corruptly entered into. And all court records related to such a determination shall be open and forever unsealed and open to public view. And no purported settle-
surate with the spend is an art. Further exacerbating the limited appetite for raising homeowners’ taxes is that our high school is also raising money from the same constituent base, to address facility issues long put off, and our library, our village, our township and park district have needs too
Raising taxes need not fall fully on the shoulders of homeowners. Partnering closely with the village, we could meaningfully champion thoughtful, continual commercial growth along our main corridors and housing growth as well. Not one-shot wonders, but a continual strategic growth initiative supported by planning
Perhaps there is more we could do to ensure that in the next teacher negotiations (a mere three years away) we have less fiscal worry. My hope is that long after I’m out of this bird’s-eye view to D90, those following us look fondly at our efforts to vigilantly and actively pull all fiscal levers to keep our schools thriving. My hope is that we get engaged and embark on this effort today. How? We simultaneously push for thoughtful cost containment and modest planned tax raise and partner closely with our village in pursuit of village development projects that reflect our village’s character and finally that we modestly borrow as necessary – more for capital improvement than to meet operational deficits.
We are a village with vast people resources and creativity. I’m convinced this is possible. For today I’m taking Goldhaber’s advice: “Walk outside. Take a breath. Look up, River Forest, look up.” Kristine Mackey is a member of the District 90 Board of Education.
ments that are not so approved, shall be valid or effective.
Section 8, Venue. The place for all actions under this act, criminal and civil, if based on acts within the United States or a Territory, shall be in the District Court where any such act occur red; and if all such acts occurred outside the United States, in any District Court of the United States.
Section 9, Limitations. All actions, criminal or civil, brought pursuant to this act shall be brought within 10 years of the termination of office of the President in question.
Frank Stachyra, an Oak Park resident, is a retired attorney
Mercita DeMuynck, 93 Grand Dame of Village Players
Mercita DeMuynck (stage spelling DeMonk, née Vesely), 93, a longtime Oak Parker, died on March 26, 2026. Bor n in Blue Island, Illinois on Oct. 1, 1932 to Joseph and Marguerite Vesely (née O’Connor). With her late brothers — Joe (Doris), Bill (Bobbie), and Bob (Pat) Veseley — she grew up in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood
While attending Caldwell Elementary Academy of Math and Science, a teacher asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up. She said she wanted to be on the radio, telling stories like the ones she heard on Friday after noons, broadcast to schools through the Board of Education on WBEZ Her teacher saw a spark in her and helped her make a connection to WBEZ, launching her career.
As the television medium expanded, Mercita and a friend could sing and dance and were booked on a new television show, Kukla, Fran and Ollie. Later, they appeared on Super Circus, featuring Mary Hartline
After graduating from South Shore High School, she became a chorus girl, touring the Midwest as part of a dance group for state and county fairs. She earned enough money touring to pay for acting classes at DePaul University. She was cast in local theater productions and radio spots and became part of the Chevy Chase Summer Theater ensemble in Wheeling
It was through her work that she met the love of her life, Frank DeMuynck, a trumpet player from Kansas City, Missouri. Over their 65+ years of marriage, they had four children, Nina (Paul) Gegenheimer, Chris topher DeMuynck, Lisa (Paul) Chernyshe and Aimee (Dean) DeGroot; nine grandchil dren, Eric Gegenheimer (Rachel Short), Ian Gegenheimer (Mary Kroeck), Allison Gegenheimer Malhiot (Chase Malhiot), Brett DeMuynck, Andrew DeGroot (Jenn Bond), Courtney DeGroot, Mercita Cherny shev (Zack Bruce), Oliva Cher nyshev (Jon Ward), and Nina Cher nyshev Morrow (Jac Morrow); great-grandchildren Noah, Miles and Wren Gegenheimer; and Ellie DeGroot; the aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of special friend among them Heather Hinds, to whom the family is extremely grateful for her care and devotion.
uity Association. A voiceover talent, one of her most recognizable roles was that of Mrs. Butterworth in commercials that aired in the late 1980s/early 1990s. She was a founding member of the SAG-AFTRA Seniors Committee and acted and directed in productions with the SAG-AFTRA Senior Radio Players for decades. She also performed in productions at Drury Lane, Goodman, and Chicago Dramatists theaters, among others. She was an early company member of Village Players (known today as Madison Street Theatre) in Oak Park, a building she and others helped renovate when they moved from their location on South Boulevard to Madison Street. It was with Village Players that she starred in one of her favorite roles, Mama Rose in Gypsy. She also performed one-woman shows, most notably, The Angel of Halsted Street, a show about Jane Addams, which toured around Illinois. She took tap dance classes into her 80s and landed guest roles on Chicago Fire and Chicago Med at the age of 90. Her final theatrical performance was last October with The Free Readers Ensemble (a company she helped found), at the age of 93, “Life is a Cabaret!” a musical variety show about her incredible life and career in the arts
Mercita took her final bow late in the evening of March 26, just in time to step into the afterlife on March 27, which is World Theatre Day.
Per her wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations can be made in her memory to the following organizations related to the arts: The Free Readers Ensemble, www.freereadersensemble.com; WLCB 101.5 FM, www lakesradio.org; or purchase artwork created by Mouth & Foot Painting Artists, MFPAUSA.com.
Alex Ewell, 28 ed rare sneakers
From 1970 into the 2000s, Mercita continued to work in television, radio, theater and print advertisements and was a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and the Actor’s Eq-
Supply Co., where he worked his way up the company ladder, eventually fulfilling responsibilities as director of Operations and Business Development.
He enjoyed playing and watching sports all his life. An avid golfer, he also enjoyed cars and collecting rare and sought-after sneakers in his spare time. A fan of the Chicago Bulls and the MLB, he and his family enjoyed their time together cheering on the Bears’ 2025 season and 2026 playoff run.
Alex is survived by his parents, Michael Ewell and Heidi Ewell; his siblings, Zachary Ewell, Grace (Thomas) Buckley, and his cat, Cheetah. Special thanks to his group of friends who supported him throughout his illness
A celebration of life for Alex Ewell will be held on Sunday, April 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Cibula Event Space 7503 Madison St, Forest Park. Please wear your best sneakers to honor Alex.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwester n University.
Les Golden, 82
Political & environmental activist
lexander Mark Ewell, 28, of River Forest, died eacefully on April 15, 2026. Bor n in Chicago July 18, 1997, he was raised in River Forest graduated in 2015 from Oak Park and River est High School where he excelled, playing for am. In his senior year, he helped lead his team to placing third in . He also ran competitive track and cross country for the high school.
After pursuing his passion to live in New York City, where he attended Pace University, he returned to Chicago. Professionally, he worked as a sales coordinator for Seaway
many years. He was brilliant in the gambling world, helping to develop the Golden Diagram for blackjack and the Magic Circle system for roulette. He co-founded the CARE Party in Oak Park and gained notoriety for calling himself Les “Cut the Taxes” Golden as a candidate. He cared deeply for animals and the environment, taking part in local gover nment and activism for decades. As he said, “We don’t own the Earth, we simply share it.” He will be deeply missed
Les was the son of the late Irving and Anne Golden; the brother of Bruce P. Golden and the late Marla Wolfinger; the brotherin-law of Kenneth Wolfinger (Ying); the uncle of Dale Golden, Cheryl Balaban (Joel Epstein), Beth Balaban (Ken Lorant), and Susan Balaban (Jeff Markham); the great-uncle of 8 and great-great uncle of 5. Memorial contributions may be made to PETA, www support.peta.org, the ASPCA, www.aspca.org, or the American Humane Society, www americanhumane.org
Carole Collins, 79 IT project manager
Leslie Morris Golden, 82, died on April 6, 2026. Les was a true Renaissance Man – an astronomer, author, musician, actor, comedian, and political activist. He was raised in Oak Park and graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School at the top of his class. He received his B.A. and Master of Engineering Physics from Cornell University, and his M.A. and PhD in Astronomy from University of California, Berkeley. In his time at Cor nell, he served as editor-in-chief of Cornell Engineer Magazine. He founded and served as director of the Near Earth Asteroid Reconnaissance Project (NEAR). He was a professor at the University of Illinois Chicago and Roosevelt universities for many years. He authored numerous books, articles and publications, including the critically acclaimed Never Split Tens (Copernicus Books) and the illustrated and definitive Laboratory Experiments in Physics for Moder n Astronomy (Springer Publishing).
A talented trumpet player, jazz vocalist, and band leader, he had more than 100 stage, film, radio, television, and commercial credits to his name. He was a charter member of Porchlight Theater Ensemble in Chicago and coordinated the music that preceded the fireworks show in Oak Park Stadium for
Carole Ann Collins (nee Downs), 79, of Indian Head Park, died on April 4, 2026. Born on June 20, 1946 in Oak Park, she graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1964 and accepted a position as a nurse’s assistant at Catholic Charities in Chicago. She cared for and nursed new mothers and babies with her confident, friendly, and kind personality. She raised two children while working multiple jobs, and completing her undergraduate degree and MBA at Dominican University. She worked as an IT Project Management professional until her retirement. She loved to travel, and was an avid reader. She loved being around people and made friends very easily.
Carole is survived by her son, Michael (Amanda) Collins; her daughter, Shannon Collins, her grandchildren, Quinn Collins and Maeve Collins; her brother, Bob Downs, and many adored nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Rosemary Downs, and her brothers, John and Rich Downs
Memorial visitation will be held on April 25, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Car mel Church, 8404 S. Cass Ave. in Darien. Mass will begin at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Wellness House, 131 N. County Line Road, Hinsdale, Illinois 60521, www.wellnesshouse.org.
SPORTS
Fenwick girls make water polo progress
Friars have already tripled last year’s victory total
By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
In season two of Jack Wagner’s second tour of duty as head coach of the Fenwick High School girls water polo varsity team, the Friars have shown great improvement over last year, when they won just three matches
So what has been the difference? Simply put, an increase in the number of players.
“The fact that we have 14 people on the team instead of having eight, we get to run practices so they understand what we’re trying to do,” Wagner said following Fenwick’s 15-5 victory over visiting Elk Grove, April 16. “It’s really hard when you only have eight; when five of them show up to practice, you don’t have enough to run an of fense. As they get more interested in [water polo] again, we’re getting better.”
The Friars (10-9) made shor t work of Elk Grove, leading 5-1 after the first quarter, 9-2 at halftime, and 13-3 after three quarters. Lauren Cheronis scored six goals for Fenwick, and Rose Gutierrez added four.
“We’re at a point in the season right now where we’re trying to figure out how good we’re going to be,” Wagner said. “We did some really good things [against Elk Grove], and we did some lazy things. But I’m happy with where we’re at.”
The game’s lopsided nature allowed Wagner to play everyone, which he feels will come in handy during the second half of the season.
“If the people who don’t play all the time don’t get any playing time,” he said, “how do they get better? They have to understand what the flow and everything else is, and they’ve gotten a lot of opportunities lately.”
Fenwick went 1-2 at the York Tournament, April 18. The Friars lost to New Trier and Jenison (MI) before defeating Sandburg 8-5 to end the day.
The Friars have three consecutive home matches this versus Naperville Central, April 22; Glenbrook South, 23; and Mother McAuley, April 24. All begin at 6 p.m.
Boys water polo
In the latest installment of the East Avenue Show Oak Park and River Forest High School notched a 7-6 victor at Fenwick, April 15.
“The boys came in really excited. We had a good plan,” said OPRF coach Mark Hallman. “It was really back and forth the whole time. It helped us that these tw teams are really familiar with each other, so we can them in a way that’s more difficult to do with other teams
“We came in with a good defensive plan; the boys ought really hard and battled through adversity. We had two starters disqualified (for multiple ejections) in the fourth quarter and Grant Greendyke, Kai Chapinski, and Andy Langefeld all stepped up and filled those roles. They finished out the game hard, and we squeaked out the victory. It was a fun game.”
JOHNSTON
Fenw ick’s Rose Gutierrez (3) shoots the ball against Lyons Township dur ing a nonconference game, March 11, in Western Springs.
Max Koschmann and Cameron Kuenster each scored twice for OPRF (7-10), who also got goals from Benjamin Chalmers, Clark Greendyke, and Grant Greendyke. Kuenster and Chris Huesby each added two assists. Russell Frederick was strong in goal for the Huskies with 17 saves.
“Russell played the game of his life,” Hallman said. “He was our MVP of the game.”
Winning at Fenwick is never easy for visiting squads. The Friars (15-7) entered the contest ranked ninth in the IllPolo com weekly poll. But Hallman thought the large number of OPRF fans in attendance provided a boost for his team, especially down the stretch as Fenwick made a late push.
“We had a huge fan presence. The parent turnout was great, our JV kids came out to support the varsity, and we had tons
of kids come over from the school,” he said. “It was loud for both teams in there, and I think our kids fed off that energy, especially in the fourth. The fans gave us a push at the end.”
Hallman hopes OPRF continues to build up momentum down the stretch of the regular season. He likes how things are trending.
“We started out the season slow, and we’ve been building confidence. This last week, we feel, has been a turning point for us,” Hallman said. “Our defense is clicking a lot better, and they’re getting comfortable with each other. It’s been great to see, and we’re poised to finish the season strong.”
OPRF is at the Hinsdale Central Invite, April 25, while Fenwick hosts Brother Rice, April 22, then visits Lyons Township for a triangular, April 25.
Arroyo savors international lacrosse experience
Fenwick senior applies what he learned from world championships
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
As a fifth-grader, Robert Ar royo jumped into lacrosse after participating in a clinic. He loved it, got into club call with East Ave. Lacrosse in Elmhurst and eventually made his way to the Fenwick varsity team as a freshman. That’s quite a
journey, but it pales in comparison to playing internationally the summer just ahead of his senior year for Team Mexico in the U-20 World Lacrosse Championships — at Jeju Island, at the southern tip of Korea.
Ar royo, perhaps Fenwick’s best on-ball defender, according to coach Connor Lamb, played longstick midfielder and defensive midfield for Mex-
ico and helped his new team finish in 10th place out of 19 teams in the tournament, the best finish ever for the Mexican team. Keep in mind, Ar royo was one of the youngest players not only on his team, but in the tournament. Did that come with any trepidation? Not really.
“I was more excited than nervous,” Ar royo re-
STEVE
ROBERT ARROYO
Trinity’s Coleman named coach of the year
Three Blazer seniors nalize college plans
By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter
Trinity basketball head coach Kimberly Coleman guided the Blazers to a terrific 2025-26 season, finishing with a 26-11 record and third place in the IHSA Class 3A state tournament, which matched the highest state finish in program history, first established in 2016.
For her ef forts, the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association last week named Coleman one of the IBCA District 4 coaches of the year. It’s the third time in four years that Coleman has received this honor; she also got it in 2023 and 2024.
“Honestly, I feel blessed,” Coleman told Wednesday Journal in a phone interview. “I have so much gratitude for my assistant coaches [Jacquice Cooper, Art Jefferson, Rich Kudelka, Zeyera Staf ford] and all the things they pour into the program. Lots of times, you see the head coach as the face of things, but I really can’t do this without my support, and it’s the reason why we’ve been successful. All the work we’ve put in is paying of f.”
Coleman also lauded the support she gets from the players’ parents.
“Someone asked me the other day why we have success, and I said it’s because we’re all of one accord. Everyone’s on the same page,” she said. “Every parent loves every kid like they were their own, and they bring so much energy and support to our progr am. It’s a real f amily when we’re all to g ether. I’d also like to mention my f amily and the f amilies of our coaches who sacrifice so much for us to be able to coach and empower the young ladies on our team.”
College decisions
T rinity seniors Armante Dambrauskas, Zaria Goins, and Chloe Santos finalized their collegiate plans this month. Dambrauskas, who missed this season due to injury, will play at Xavier University. Goins will play at Carroll University in Wisconsin, and Santos at North Central Colle ge. Goins was selected to the IBCA Class 3A Second Team, while Santos made the Third Team.
can citizenship, thus allowing him to parMexico. But how he ended up on the team was a journey unto itself. He about the opportunity to play the U-20 squad when he was a Fenwick then went to tryouts before his . Those are the basics. Here’s the hole story from Mexico coach Jake Padilla w Chicago-area guy.
“I was running the national team cycle re going to host the tryouts in Padilla, who once upon a time enwick. His sister also gradu-
registrations for the tryout, and I noticed he was a Chicago guy,” he said. ot to Dallas for the tryouts, I zoned in on him and he definitely had potential.” Arroyo was a perfect addition to Team Mexico for not only his on-field skill, but also his demeanor
“I’m super-excited for the three of them,” Coleman said. “They’ve gone to eve gym we’ve hosted this spring, and that’s a testament to the leadership they implemented in our program and culture. cited to see what they do at the next lev
Trinity MLK Showcase
Coleman said next year’s MLK Sh which will enter its fifth year in Januar will grow into a two-day event to be held in a Saturday-Monday format with five each day. She’s planning to have 20 schools participate.
“We’ve got a couple more schools interested and we don’t want to exclude anybody,” Coleman said. “If we can reco as many coaches as we can and highlight Black leadership, especially in the River Forest community, we want to welcome them. We want to get some teams who haven’t been here before. We’ve got more sponsors for next year, and we want to make it memorable for the players and coaches. It’s going to be better than it’s ever been and we’re excited about it.”
SUBMIT
Trinity High School basketball seniors (le to right) Zaria Goins (Carroll University), Armante Dambrauskas (St. Xav ier), and Chloe Santos (North Central College) announced their collegiate commitments last week.
called. “A lot of people were in colle ge and had more experience.”
Ar royo, who lives in Garfield Ridge, south of Berwyn, has dual U.S. and Mexi-
“He has no ego,” Padilla said, “and we were looking for somebody who wanted to re p a team-first ideolo gy. Every opportunity he went in there, he was composed and wasn’t down, and didn’t get daunted by not playing. Some guys do.”
That’s all fine and good, but what about where the rubber meets the road – when he stepped on the field for the first time, against Group D foe China?
Ar royo was cool, cool, cool in that first game.
“I didn’t start, but I got a decent amount of playing time,” he said. “I’m going to go out there, have fun and try to make a play and get the first win of the tournament.”
Which the Mexicans did, before defeating Israel and losing to Ireland, placing them second in the group. After that, they lost to England but beat The Netherlands. How did the experience make Ar royo a better player for Fenwick? Let’s count the ways.
“I feel like it made me a little smarter because of the coaches there,” he said. “We had some collegiate coaches, one from Georgetown University. Our defensive coach, Mike Hernandez, played for the Outlaws in Major League Lacrosse and he played at Michig an. I just learned to be more loud, how to improve my approaches, be more set and not be so jumpy to get beat, and be more levelheaded.”
Ar royo pointed to Padilla and his team captains as “g reat leaders,” correcting him as needed and encouraging him to apply what he learned, especially talking defensively
Of course, traveling to the other side of the world was a cool experience as well, though for the first time in his life he absorbed jet lag. That will happen when you’ re traveling 20 straight hours.
Frank Ar royo said watching his son on the field, making plays in an international for um was “indescribable.”
“I was born in the U.S. but grew up in Mexico,” he said. “It’s seeing [him] do things I never imagined doing. It’s priceless. It fills me with pride.”
What’s next for Ar royo? His senior season notwithstanding, he’s considering Colle ge of DuPage to study engineering and play lacrosse. He’ll also try out for the Mexican senior team in July.
Though he has to make that team, Padilla is going to enjoy Ar royo’s future.
“I’m excited to see him compete,” he said. “He comes from an incredible family He doesn’t get flustered.”
TED BY KIM COLEMAN
PROVIDED
Robert Arroyo during a game with Mexico’s U20 boys lacrosse team last year.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION
HSBC Bank USA, National Association as Trustee for Renaissance Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-3 Plaintiff vs. Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Dorothy M. McGlory a/k/a Dorothy M. Mcglory a/k/a Dorothy McGlory; Carmen. L. Graves; Daphne Graves; Brandon Heard; Shawn Heard a/k/a Robert Shawnell Heard; Reginald E. McGlory, Individually and as Executor of the Estate of Dorothy M. McGlory a/k/a Dorothy M. Mcglory a/k/a Dorothy McGlory; Estate of Dorothy M. McGlory a/k/a Dorothy M. Mcglory a/k/a Dorothy McGlory; Unknown Owners and Non Record Claimants Defendant 24 CH 1157 CALENDAR 58
NOTICE OF SALE
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on May 27, 2026, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell, in person, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-08-315-029-0000. Commonly known as 114 Washington Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60302. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection(g-1) of Section 189.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% (or 25% if so ordered in the Judgment of Foreclosure) down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property is sold AS IS subject to all liens or encumbrances. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the circuit court case record, property tax record and the title record to verify all information before bidding. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(c) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group LLC, 33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1540, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W23-0512 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES
CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com
I3285454
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:
2026 Village Hall Permeable Paver Parking Lot
The project scope is reconstruction of portions of the existing parking lot with permeable subbase granular material, permeable pavers, Portland Cement concrete pavement, curb and gutter removal and replacement, driveway apron removal and replacement, pipe underdrains, sidewalk removal and replacement, and all associated site restoration.
The bidding documents are available for download starting April 17, 2026, at:
www.vrf.us/bids
Bids must be submitted by May 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at:
Public Works Department, 2nd Floor
Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305
The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.
No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.
The Village of River Forest reserves the right, in receiving these bids, to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.
Published in Wednesday Journal April 22, 2026
NOVENAS
PRAYER TO ST. JUDE May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved & preserved throughout the world now & forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you Jesus. Thank You St. Jude. GLK
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for:
Franklin Avenue from Madison Street to Washington Boulevard 2026 Proposed Watermain Plans
The project scope is the full replacement of watermain and upsizing to 8” PVC, replacing water services to the bee box or replacing lead service lines to the meter inside of the house, minor storm sewer work, and pavement patching.
The bidding documents are available for download starting Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at: www.vrf.us/bids
Bids must be submitted by Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 10:00 am at:
Public Works Department, 2nd Floor, Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305
The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work
No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.
The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids.
Published in Wednesday Journal April 22, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: M26001576 on April 17, 2026 Under the Assumed Business Name of ATWOOD STUDIOS with the business located at: 9214 BROADWAY AVE, BROOKFIELD, IL 60513. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JUSTIN LYSONS ATWOOD 9214 BROADWAY AVE BROKFIELD, IL 60513, USA.
Published in RB Landmark April 22, 29, May 6, 2026
The Villages of Elmwood Park and River Forest
Public Information Meeting Notice North Avenue Streetscape Project
The Villages of Elmwood Park and River Forest will hold a Public Information Meeting concerning the proposed streetscape improvements of North Avenue from Thatcher Avenue to Harlem Avenue.
The Public Information Meeting will be held at Kyte Hall at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 1530 Jackson Ave, River Forest, IL 60305 on May 13th, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. All interested persons are invited to attend. Persons with disabilities planning to attend should contact the person listed below by May 6th.
To allow for all potential federal and state funding sources, the public information meeting is being held in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and the Illinois Department of Transportation’s public involvement policy.
All persons interested in the project are invited to attend the meeting to express their views and comments on the project. The meeting will also serve to involve and obtain the views of the public for purposes of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Information will be available on known historic resources that may be affected by the proposed project and the historic resources protection process. IDOT requests comments from the public on effects to historic resources to assist in consultation with the Illinois State Historic Preservation Officer.
The meeting will be conducted on an informal basis. Representatives of the Village of Elmwood Park and the Village of River Forest will be available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Representatives will answer individual questions and record comments offered by those in attendance. Verbatim comments will not be recorded. Information will be provided about the proposed improvements and anticipated schedule. Preliminary reports, engineering drawings, maps, and aerial photography, will be available for review and inspection at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church.
For more information, contact Matt Huffman, Project Manager, mhuffman@cbbel.com , (847) 823-0500.
Published in Wednesday Journal April 22, May 6, 2026
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 2026 - 2027 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 12, 2026, at 6:45 pm in Room 4 of the Riverside Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL.
Jay Reyes Clerk, Riverside Township April 14, 2026
Published in RB Landmark April 22, 2026
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14th for Project: 26-3, 2026 Sidewalk Improvements Program. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, this contract includes removal and replacement of public sidewalk, parkway and carrage walks, combination curb and gutter, driveways, and PCC basecourse; pavement adjacent to curbs, adjustment of drainage structures, buffalo boxes and all appurtenant work thereto. Sidewalk sequencing during the work and adherence to the completion date is of emphasis for this project as outlined in the plans and proposal forms. Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, April 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park. us/your-government/budgetpurchasing/requests-proposals or at www.questcdn.com
under login using QuestCDN number 10171332 for a nonrefundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.
This project is financed with local Village funds and federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and thus is subject to all federal rules, regulations and guidelines, including Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, Section 3, and Equal Opportunity requirements. Locally funded phases of the project are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. Please note, this Contract will be subject to the requirments set forth in IDOT Circular Letter 2023-30 “BUILD AMERICA / BUY AMERICAN ACT (BABA) – FINAL RULE.” This law requires certain materials to be manufactured and produced in America.
THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer
Published in Wednesday Journal, April 22, 2026
Submit events and see full calendar at oakpark.com/events
AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2026 QUARTER 1
April 22, 2026
THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY PUBLISHED ITS FIRST QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN CALLED AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) IN 2018. THIS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DESCRIBES HOW AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER (ACT) IS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY TO IMPLEMENT AFT AND OTHER EFFORTS.
CENTRAL AVENUE ACTIVATED
The Central Avenue plan has brought major momentum to Austin
Since 2010, Austin Coming Together (ACT) has facilitated collaboration to improve education and economic development outcomes in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.
Today, we serve a network of 50+ organizations committed to improving the quality of life in the Austin community. Our strategic plan is called Thrive 2025 and outlines how we will mobilize our resources to achieve four impact goals by the year 2025: Quality Early Learning, Safe Neighborhoods, Living Wage Careers, and Stable Housing Markets.
ACT BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Officers
CHAIR
Larry Williams
Broker, State Farm Insurance
VICE CHAIRMAN
Bradly Johnson
CEO, BUILD Inc.
SECRETARY
Jerrod Williams
Law Clerk, Illinois Appellate Court
ACT STAFF
Leadership
Darnell Shields
Executive Director
Research & Evaluation
Andrew Born*
Senior Director of Community Impact
Mia Almond Research Associate
TREASURER
LaDarius Curtis
Director of Community Engagement, Greater Chicago Food Depository
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Darnell Shields
Austin Coming Together
Directors
Sharon Morgan
Director of Graduate Support & Community Outreach, Catalyst Schools
Reverend Reginald E. Bachus
Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church
Naysha Alcala
Data & Systems Analyst
Operations
Deirdre Bates Director of Operations
Dearra Williams Executive Liaison
Londen Mance Office Administrator
Alfred Jackson Community Liaison/ receptionist
Marsha Williams Office Clerk
Strategic Initiatives
Sandra Diaz*
Service Delivery Enhancement Manager, Hub @Aspire Center
Emone Moore Engagement Specialist
ACT MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
A House in Austin
Academy of Scholastic Achievement
Austin Childcare
Providers Network
Austin Community Family
Center
Austin Weekly News
Be Strong Families
Beat the Streets Chicago
Bethel New Life
Beyond Hunger
BUILD Inc.
By The Hand Club For Kids
Cara
Catholic Charities
Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures
Chicago Community Loan Fund
City of Refuge
Defy Ventures Illinois
Erikson Institute
Friends of the Children
Friendship Community Development Corp. of
Austin
Greater West Town
Community Development
Project
Housing Forward i.c. stars
IFF
Institute for Nonviolence
Chicago
Jane Addams Resource
Tenisha Jones
Executive Management Professional
Reginald Little
Business Development Specialist, Great Lakes Credit Union
Deborah Williams-Thurmond
Founder & CEO, D.W. Provision Consulting Services
Ruth Kimble
Founder & CEO, Austin Childcare Providers Network
Dollie Sherman Engagement Specialist
Ethan Ramsay* Planning and Investment Manager, Austin Forward Together
Grace Cooper Lead Organizer
Natalie Goodin
Special Projects Manager
Arewa EKUA Community Organizer
Corporation
Kids First Chicago
KRA Westside American
Job Center
Learning Edge Tutoring (fka Cluster Tutoring)
Legal Aid Chicago (fka LAF)
Manufacturing
Renaissance
Mary Shyrese Daycare
Maryville Academy
Mercy Housing Lakefront
New Moms
Max Komnenich
Associate Principal, Lamar Johnson Collaborative In Memoriam
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jack Macnamara
1937–2020
FOUNDING BOARD CHAIR
Mildred Wiley 1955–2019
La’Shawna Bundy
Community Land Trust Coordinator
Mary White Community Resource Coordinator
Krystal Cano Community Resource Coordinator
Ariel Bland Community Resource Coordinator
OAI, Inc.
Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Open Books
PCC Community Wellness Center
Project Exploration
Renaissance Social Services, Inc.
Sarah’s Inn
South Austin
Neighborhood Association
St. Joseph Services
St. Leonard’s Ministries
Marketing & Development
Robbie Gorman* Director of Development
Jon Widell
Marketing and Development Specialist
Sydni Hatley
Marketing and Development Specialist
Stone Community Development Corporation
The Catalyst Schools
The Journey Forward
The North Avenue
District, Inc.
Towers of Excellence
UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work
VOCEL
Westside Health Authority
West Side Forward
Worldvision
*Also part of the ACT Leadership Team
Youth Guidance
District, Inc.
Towers of Excellence
UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work
VOCEL
Westside Health Authority
West Side Forward
Worldvision
Youth Guidance
Hope is on the Horizon: Central Avenue is at the Center
By Darnell Shields Executive Director, Austin Coming Together
As we move further into 2026, we have been reflecting on both the progress Austin has made and the work still ahead. The Central Avenue Action Plan offers great inspiration for what this corridor could become. It sees Central Avenue as a main corridor connecting transit, schools, parks, business areas, and other important neighborhood spaces. It also outlines the partners and pathways for safer streets, stronger quality of life, and more investment in a communityled development. Below are a few examples of how that vision is already starting to take shape.
CULTURAL ANCHORS AND PHYSICAL SPACES
One of the clearest signs of progress is the growing strength of the corridor’s physical and cultural anchors. Kehrein Center for the Arts continues to be an important gathering place for performances, events, and community connection. Other nearby investments, including the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, PCC Wellness expansion, Habitat Housing, the Green Line renovation, and Frank Lloyd Wright Walser House.
Recent investments in public art from The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and others are intended to help the corridor feel more welcoming while celebrating local culture. These efforts reflect the plan’s focus on strengthening key assets, highlighting Austin’s culture, and making Central a place where opportunity and identity grow side by side.
PUBLIC SAFETY AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
The plan also makes clear that a stronger corridor depends on a safer and more inviting public realm. The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, part of the SC2 initiative, is a key partner in that work through community violence intervention and efforts to address the root causes of violence in Chicago. Their work helps create the conditions for residents to gather, for community events like farmers markets to grow, and for investment to take hold along the corridor.
SOUL CITY AND CORRIDOR IDENTITY
The Soul City Corridor expansion to a District spanning north to south from Division St. to Madison St. is another strong example of how the broader vision is taking shape. . Led by Austin African
American Business Networking Association, whose Executive Director Malcolm Crawford, was awarded the Mildred Wiley Community Fire Award at the 2025 ACT Membership Awards, has been a crucial partner in developing this. It has been designed to bring hope and investment in local businesses, with the initiative acting as a gateway to Chicago and expanded exposure highlighting black culture, art, food and music. This plan incorporates safety through design, aiming to reduce crime along the corridor around Central Avenue.
POLICY, TRANSIT, AND THE WORK AHEAD
The plan also recognizes that progress will depend on more than physical projects alone. It will take public investment, strong partnerships, and leadership that can help move community priorities forward. With the anticipated changes in political
representation resulting from the recent election for IL State Rep and US Congress, their offices will need to appropriately support districts where development is a major focal point, specifically addressing prosperity on the Westside, looking to align with investments in infrastructure and community safety, there is room for even more progress and growth in the community.
Additionally, a recent bill was passed, signed into law in December 2025, that requires the CTA to rebuild the Blue Line station at Central Avenue, which has been abandoned since 1973, as part of a $1.5 billion transit reform package that will add another viable public transit option in the community. There are already signs of progress along Central Avenue. The work is still unfolding, but these developments reflect several of the priorities laid out in the Central Avenue Action Plan.. n
Developments and major investment projects: A peek into a number of recent major investment projects reigniting the corridor
Organizing a plan for Central Avenue has not only created a renewed energy in the community, it’s influence has attracted real investment to reignite the corridor..
ASPIRE CENTER FOR WORKFORCE INNOVATION ($44 MILLION)
Breaking ground in 2023, and opening its doors to the community in June 2025, this transformative development project, in partnership with Austin Coming Together and Westside Health Authority, has been a major milestone in the transformation of the Central Avenue corridor. This redevelopment of the former Emmet Elementary (a school closed in 2013) sits on the corner on Madison and Central is a workforce development hub for Austin with a manufacturing training center, bank branch, legal services, and community space. The Anchor Tenants in the building are: Austin Coming Together, Westside Health Authority, Jane Addams Resource Corporation, and BMO..
$44 MILLION
PCC WELLNESS EXPANSION ($20 MILLION)
PCC Wellness took what used to be five vacant lots in Austin and turned it into what is now the over 30,000 sq ft PCC Community Wellness Center’s Family Health Center. A state-of-the-art health facility that offers affordable primary care, and expands PCC’s behavioral health and substance use treatment options. The expansion has a particular focus around diabetes and nutrition education, and a growing behavioral team aimed at comprehensive care they can now offer to thousands more community residents. The expansion includes partnerships with Thresholds Health and Windy City Harvest.
$20 MILLION
When we make a commitment to a neighborhood, it’s not just the start. It’s where we are going to go for the distance…we’re going to be here for years and years to come.
JENNIFER PARKS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CHICAGO
HABITAT HOUSING (2.8 MILLION)
GREEN LINE’S AUSTIN STATION RENOVATION ($25 MILLION)
In April of 2025, Habitat for Humanity broke ground on a multi-year project to spur the development of more a ordable housing in Austin. Their e orts will result in seven new homes in Central Austin. Habitat’s work with Austin Coming Together began in 2023 when they began seeking out working with organizations in the community invested in seeking to bring a ordable housing to the neighborhood.
This project, started in 2025, has aimed at improving accessibility at the Green Line’s Austin station. The station which originally opened in 1899, has not been upgraded since 1962. The renovation Includes a new elevator, escalator, and ramp, in addition to a platform extension and reconstruction of the stairs.
$2.8 MILLION $25 MILLION
With the release of the AFT Highlighted Agenda, ACT is going “on the road!” Our team will be on tour and available to co-host discussions about the new phase of Austin’s AFT quality-of-life plan and its vision and strategy, with block clubs, churches, community organizations, coalitions, etc. Other ways we’ll ensure to update the community on the progress of implementing the Highlighted Agenda are through newspaper sections like this, emails, and social media.
Plan Leaders
Community
Narrative
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Kenneth Varner
Healthy Schools Campaign
Dearra Williams
Austin Coming Together
Reesheda Nicole Berry
The Kindred Civic Arts Forum
STRATEGY LEADS
Cindy Gray Schneider
Spaces-n-Places
Maria Sorrell
Community Resident
Megan Hinchy
Ann & Robert H. Lurie
Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Andraya Yousfi
By the Hand Club for Kids
Jai Jones United Way and Community Resident
Adrienne Otkins Community Resident
Michael Romain The Culture
Keli Stewart Front Porch Arts Center
Imani Lewis Civic Researcher
Kenn Cook Westside Historical Collective
Economic Development
TASK FORCE CHAIR
Roxanne Charles West Side Forward
STRATEGY LEADS
Emily Peters Jane Addams Resource Corporation
Tina Augustus Community Resident
Melissa O’Dell Defy Ventures
Fanya Buford-Berry Community Resident
Baxter Swilley Community Stakeholder
Ed Coleman Austin Chamber of Commerce
Nikea Banks
Community Resident
Education
TASK FORCE CHAIR
Charles Anderson
Michele Clark High School
STRATEGY LEADS
Pam Price Director of Parent University
Ruth Kimble
Austin Childcare Providers Network
Cata Truss Community Resident
Housing
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Athena Williams Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Allison McGowan Community Resident
STRATEGY LEADS
Shirley Fields Community Resident
Rosie Dawson Westside Health Authority
Public Safety
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Langston Harris Project Exploration
Deondre Rutues
Rutues Center for Business & People Development
STRATEGY LEADS
Edwina Hamilton BUILD Inc.
Jose Abonce The Policing Project
Ruby Taylor Taproots, Inc.
Youth Empowerment
TASK FORCE CHAIR
Kenya Hawkins Community Stakeholder
STRATEGY LEADS
Aisha Oliver Root2Fruit
Helen Slade Territory NFP
Dollie Sherman Austin Coming Together
Chris Thomas YourPassion1st
Civic Engagement
TASK FORCE CHAIR
Deborah Williams-Thurmond
D.W. Provision Consulting Services
New Aspirations on the Corridor
By Jonathan Widell Marketing & Development Specialist, Austin Coming Together
Since the release of Austin’s Central Avenue Action Plan in late 2024, there has been meaningful progress along the corridor. The plan laid out a vision for Central as the spine of the community, connecting business districts, transit, schools, parks and major neighborhood assets.
At Madison and Central, the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation has become one of the early anchors of that vision, bringing new activity and attention to a key corner. The center’s grand opening on Juneteenth (6/19) was one of the clearest examples. The day included a ribbon cutting, tours, food trucks, wellness activities and a community celebration that drew hundreds of residents, families and partners to the Aspire Center.
In the months that followed, the corner continued to see activity through events tied to Aspire’s partners, including grand opening and community focused events. Together,
those events brought a steadier flow of people to Madison and Central and offered an early sense of how Aspire can contribute to the corridor beyond the services provided inside.
At the same time, ACT and its partners have been working to better understand what that activity may mean over time. Through corporate and philanthropic partnerships, Aspire is part of a broader effort to study how projects like this interact with nearby economic activity. Using privacy-protected spending data, the partnership is helping surface more timely and nuanced information about how activity shifts around major investments.
The plan provides a framework for guiding investment, partnership and long-term growth. As development continues to take shape, ACT remains focused on stewarding both the plan and the momentum already beginning to build around it. Looking ahead, the work is to keep building from what is here: supporting new businesses, strengthening partnerships and helping new relationships take root along the corridor.
By leveraging the Central Avenue Action plan and the opening of the Aspire Center, we have an opportunity to champion our local economy by inspiring more people to shop local and continue supporting the amazing small businesses around Madison and Central.
ETHAN RAMSAY, CENTRAL AVENUE
ACTION PLAN LEAD
Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation Grand Opening
