W E D N E S D A Y
May 3, 2017 Vol. 35, No. 37 ONE DOLLAR
@oakpark @wednesdayjournalinc
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Mother’s Day Page 25
Downtown Oak Park backs Albion tower Letter to Oak Park Board of Trustees says corner lot ‘underutilized’ By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
The developer of a proposed 18-story luxury apartment building in downtown Oak Park has a new ally for the project. The executive board of Downtown Oak Park (DTOP), a nonprofit association that promotes business development on and around Lake Street, has sent a letter to the Oak Park Plan Commission in support of the mixed-use building proposed by Albion Residential at the corner of Lake Street and Forest Avenue. The proposal has made headlines over the last few months with many residents opposing the tower, in part, because of the potential impact to Austin Gardens, a public park adjacent to the two-story building that now stands at 1000 Lake St. “We are pleased to recommend the development for this location,” DTOP’s letter states. “This underutilized corner is appropriate for commercial reinvestment and we are encouraged with what the project sets forth.” The two-story building at that corner – built as a Lytton’s department store in 1956 – has been vacant for the last couple of years. That building would be razed to make room for the Albion project. The letter also states that Albion would bring a “signature building” to the prominent location and the residents of the roughly 300 new apartment units “will bring more vitality that will certainly increase retail sales and dining opportunities.” Max Austin-Williams, executive director of DTOP, See DTOP SUPPORT on page 13
Clerk to clerk
MAX HERMAN/Contributor
Incoming Village Clerk Vicki Scaman is sworn in by outgoing Village Clerk Teresa Powell during the Board of Trustees meeting, on Monday night, as Mayor Abu-Taleb and trustee Colette Lueck look on. Story on page 7.
Town hall puts racial equity front and center Oak Park, River Forest school districts update communities on progress By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Members of the River Forest District 90, Oak Park District 97 and Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 boards of education, along with at least 100 audience members (a large number of whom were administrative officials from the three districts),
crammed into a room inside of Roosevelt Middle School, 7556 Oak Ave. in River Forest, on May 1. The event, promoted as a Tri-District Town Hall Forum on educational equity, gathered a range of perspectives on those districts’ decades-long struggle with the racial achievement gap, with some points of view more prominent than others.
While many in attendance lauded the town hall as a sign of progress, some people were less inspired and viewed the meeting as business as usual — yet another instance of district officials confronting the obstinate gap with more committees, consultants and meetings. See EQUITY TOWN HALL on page 15
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
I N S I D E
R E P O R T
Progressive Dinner raises $15K for Housing Forward The 15th Annual Progressive Dinner had another successful fundraiser earlier this month, hosting more than 200 guests and raising over $15,000 for Housing Forward. A Housing Forward press release notes that the dinner was held at three locations – Winberie’s Restaurant & Bar, 151 N. Oak Park Ave.; L!VE Café, 163 S. Oak Park Ave.; and Oak Park Brewing Company, 155 S. Oak Park Ave. – on April 17, and included donations from Buzz Café, The Cheesecake Stand, Cucina Paradiso and The Happy Apple Pie Shop. “The evening raised more than $15,000, which is enough to prevent 10 households from becoming homeless,” the press release notes. Mary and Frank Pellegrini of Prairie Tile and Pellegrini & Christiano, an Oak Park-based law firm, were noted
as Michelin Star sponsors of the event, according to the press release. “We are in the business of helping people buy and sell their homes,” Mary Pellegrini said in the press release. “When the weather is bad and we walk into our home of 23 years, we often think of the folks who for one reason or another do not have a home to go to. We are grateful for our blessings and want to share them with others.” Housing Forward offers programming aimed at preventing and addressing eh underlying causes of homelessness. Housing Forward notes in its news release that new funding and expanded partnerships have allowed the agency to increase its permanent supportive housing units from 13 to 166 between 2014 and 2016.
Timothy Inklebarger
So long, love letter to the environment
“Preservation,” “energy efficient,” “clean air,” and “bicycle friendly” have emblazoned the backdrop of Oak Park Village Hall’s Council Chambers for years — a reminder to trustees of the village’s commitment to the environment. But the word cluster image on the wall behind trustees was noticeably absent at Monday night’s village hall meeting where newly elected trustees were sworn in. Rather, trustees took the oath of office against a white backdrop. Village Manager Cara Pavlicek said
after the meeting that the paint job was part of an overall renovation of the chamber that is still in process. New carpet already has been installed in the chamber, she said, and new chairs for trustees and cushions for gallery seating are coming soon. The change to the backdrop will be followed by the installation of soundabsorbing foam paneling to improve the acoustics of the chamber, Pavlicek said.
Submitted photo
Digging in This year the village of River Forest chose St. Luke School as its Arbor Day celebration partner. Public works employees showed eighth-graders and kindergarteners the importance of taking care of the environment by planting trees and showed them what tools were needed to do the job and how they worked. At the end of the presentation, St. Luke School was given an official Arbor Day flag to show their solidarity with taking care of the world.
WHO YOU TRUST
708.383.9000 • forestagency.com
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Opera Showcase Silence 2 Success Tuesday, May 9 from 7 to 9 p.m., Oak Park Public Library: Author Beth Kaplan talks about Silence 2 Success: A Mother’s Journey with Autism at the Main Library, 834 Lake St. For more information, visit oppl. org/calendar.
An Evening of Irreverence Saturday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Oak Park: The Michael Teolis Singers celebrate its 10th season of choral music with an anniversary concert, featuring light-hearted and whimsical selections along with Teolis’ arrangements of “If You’ve Only Got A Mustache,” “The Typewriter,”“Poisoning Pigeons In The Park,” and “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah!” A reception will follow. 324 N. Oak Park Ave. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 seniors/ students, cash only. For more, call 708-3662889 or email info@MTSingers.org.
Sunday, May 7 at 3 p.m., Open Door Theater: Bradley Schuller’s Opera Showcase and the Church of Beethoven present Spring Serenade, a concert of German lieder, American Musical Theater and other treats with special guest Baritone Aaron Wardell and pianist Anatoily Torchinskiy. Tickets and more information can be found at www.churchofbeethoven-oakpark.com.
Sarah’s Inn Rocks Out
End of the Line Humanists Sunday, May 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the small meeting room of the Oak Park Public Library: The second event in their Humanist Speaker Series. The event is open to the public and free to all. The speaker will be Katherine Ozment, author of Grace without God: The Search for Meaning, Purpose, and Belonging in a Secular Age, which was named a “Best Book of 2016” by Publishers Weekly and Spirituality & Health magazine.
Thursday, May 4 from 7 to 11 p.m., Fitzgerald’s Nightclub: Tickets $20 online, also avail-lable at the door for $25. Price cee includes entry to the venue for two live concerts. Cash bar only. All ticket proceeds benefit Sarah’s Inn and the families we serve! e!! 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn. Tuesday, May 2 at 10 a.m., noon, and 7 p.m., the Lake Theatre: Classic Cinemas and the Lake Theatre present I Am Not Your Negro, a critically praised documentary about writer James Baldwin. 1022 Lake St.
Hemingway Graduation Party Sunday, May 7 from 3 to 5 p.m., Oak Park Public Library: A graduation party for the Hemingway siblings, hosted by Special Collections, with period refreshments, decor, and entertainment. For more information, visit oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St.
CALENDAR EVENTS ■ As you’ve likely noticed, our
Calendar has changed to Big Week. Fewer items, higher profile. If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights. Email calendar@wjinc.com.
First Tuesday Film Club presents...
Art reception Saturday, May 6 from 2 to 4 p.m., Oak Park Public Library: Lindsay Olson’s exhibit Art and the Elegant Universe explores the ways our society is supported by science and technology. The exhibit continues through May. For more information, visit oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St.
May 3-10
BIG WEEK Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., One Stop Comics in Oak Park: On Free Comic Book Day, over two million comic books will be given away by participating stores, introducing as many people as possible to the wonders of comic books. Contact: Rick Manzella at onestopcomics@sbcglobal.net or call 708-524-2287. 111 S. Ridgeland.
Society of Model Engineers Saturday, May 6 from 12:01 to 5 p.m., Dole Learning Center: The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers is holding their Spring Open House Admission is free. Learn about model trains and the many facets of the hobby from a dedicated group of modelers. Run a train on our DC layout. Open to new members. Check us out at www.opsme.org. 255 Augusta Blvd. For more, contact Henry Kranz, 708-302-4231, hjkranz@gmail.com.
Jumping Over Shadows Thursday, May 4 at 1 p.m., West Suburban Temple Har Zion: Author Annette Gendler’s served as the 2014–2015 writer-in-residence at the Hemingway Birthplace Home and currently teaches memoir writing at StoryStudio Chicago. She will talk about her memoir Jumping Over Shadows about what it was like to live in post-war Germany and her personal journey in deciding to become a Jew. 1040 Harlem Ave, River Forest.
Thrive honors Sassetti Saturday, May 6, Oak Park Country Club in River Grove: Thrive Counseling Center will honor Oak Park family practice physician Dr. Marian Sassetti with its Spirit of Thrive Award, to be presented at Thrive’s Spring Benefit. Dr. Sassetti has worked as a family doctor in Oak Park for 25 years. She and her husband, Robert Kent, have four children and reside in Oak Park. Dr. Sassetti graduated from Trinity High School, Northwestern University, and Stanford University School of Medicine. For more information about Thrive Counseling Center services or the May 6 Spring Benefit, go to www. thrivecc.org or call 708-383-7500.
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
FREE
5
Shred It & Forget It!
COMMUNITY Lion King Jr. Friday and Saturday, May 5-6 and 12-13 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 7 and 14 at 2 p.m., Brooks Middle School auditorium: This production features a Broadway-caliber set of handmade puppets, masks, props, and costumes. The 125-member cast will don one-ofa-kind puppets, including life-sized cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bravoperformingarts.org. Also email bravo@op97.org or call 708-524-5621.
SHRED EVENT SATURDAY, MAY 6TH 8:00A - NOON MADISON STREET CUSTOMER PARKING LOT LIMIT TWO 12”X12”X18” BOXES PER PERSON
Elizabeth Berg - Under the Hat The Real Housewives of Oak Park Friday, May 5, 12, and 19 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 6, 13, and 20 at 8 p.m., Open Door Theater: The ladies of “The Spew” are back with a fully improvised spoof on the unrealistic side of reality shows and the importance of your child’s position in the T-ball starting line-up. Featuring: Mary Fahey Hughes, Vincent Kracht, Mary Olivieri, Michelle Thompson-Hay, Brittany Davis, Kristin Farmer and Matt Tiegler. 902 S. Ridgeland Ave. 708-386-5510.
Green Block Party Fair Thursday, May 4 at 7 p.m. or Friday, May 5 at 10 a.m., Oak Park Public Library: Summer block parties are the best time to share healthy tips and resources with neighbors. To gather new ideas for your summer block party, attend the Green Block Party program, which is part of the Green Guides Program, supported by PlanItGreen in collaboration with Keep Oak Park Beautiful. 834 Lake St., Oak Park Sign up at http:// www.greencommunityconnections. org/green-guides/
Monday, May 8 at noon, 19th Century Club: Best-selling author and Oak Park resident Elizabeth Berg will read from her new novel, TRULUV, and show you how she pulls ideas out of a hat. Wear an outrageous chapeau in honor of Derby Day and you could win a signed book. Scholarship Benefit event. $50 lunch and program, reservations required. 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. www.nineteenthcentury.org, 708-386-2729.
Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring Wednesday, May 10 at 11 a.m. (social hour), 11:45 (lunch), 1 p.m. (speaker), Oak Park Country Club: The Oak Park-River Forest Garden Club Luncheon this year will be at 2001 N. Thatcher Avenue in River Grove. The cost is $50. All are welcome. The program is “Silent Spring and the Modern Ecology Movement.” Set in 1963, Leslie Goddard, actress and historian, will portray Dr. Rachel Carson, author of the best-selling book Silent Spring. Make reservations on line at gcoprf.org. For more, call Joan Meister at 708955-0228 or email at meisterjoan@yahoo.com.
FOPCON’s 28th Annual Plant Sale Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 5-7, Oak Park Conservatory: Plants range from ageratum to zinnias with lots in between. Want tomatoes? We offer seven varieties. The catalog is up on our website, www. fopcon.org. Check it out to see the wide range of offerings plus descriptions of all the plants. Then make your list and come to the plant sale. May 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON) members only. May 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7 from noon to 3 p.m. Join at www.fopcon.org.
7348 West Madison Street 7331 West Roosevelt Road 708-222-2800 | forestparkbank.com
Oak Park District 97’s CLAIM Committee presents:
CLAIM YOUR VOICE: A Slice of Reality
How Illinois State Funding Impacts Oak Park Presentation by Ralph Martire, Executive Director, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability
Thursday, May 11, 7:30pm
Julian Middle School Commons, 416 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Calling all children ages 4-10! Huskie Swim Camp still has spaces available in Sessions 1, 2, and 3.
30-minute lessons
with a maximum of three children per instructor.
Session 1: June 12 – 22 Session 2: June 26 – July 7 Session 3: July 10 – 20 Location: Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville Ave.
Sign up at oprfhs.org > Athletics > Summer Sports Camps
Questions? Contact Peter Quinn at pquinn@oprfhs.org
HO Trains Run Here SPRING OPEN HOUSE
Free admission! Oak Park Society of Model Engineers Dole Learning Center Lower Level 255 Augusta, Oak Park, IL 60302
Oak Park’s Model Railroad Club. New members always welcomed!
www.opsme.org
Buy you a beer at Lake and Austin?
M
aybe you’ve driven by it so often that it’s now invisible to you. Or maybe, like me, you’ve driven by it, ridden a bike by it as a 10-year-old with a newspaper route, and always been fascinated by its classic look gone to ruin through decades of inattentiveness. This is the corner of Lake and Austin where the First National Bank was built to last back in the 1920s, but was brought low very fast by the Great Depression. Now almost 100 years old, this stone edifice on the southwest corner soldiered on. For better than 20 years, it was the Williams Funeral Home, actually owned by the grandfather of one of our Journal colleagues. By the late 1950s, the funeral home had relocated to the north side of Lake Street and the bank building slid into anonymity, being used successively as medical offices, a credit card processing company and, I think, as the offices of trade magazine publishers. Spent part of Friday afternoon inside the currently-being-gutted interior. My first time actually in the building. Gone are the crappy dropped ceilings, most of the two-story-tall glass block windows, gone even is a portion of the floor that was added to fill in the bank mezzanine and create two full, boring floors. And what is revealed is just the sort of lovely and ornate detail an early 20th century bank, built to last the ages, would have included. The construction work is being done by Greg Sorg and his work crews, though normally they’d be at work repairing and maintaining the many apartment buildings Sorg’s Pioneer Property Advisors have gathered into a portfolio on the West Side and South Side of Chicago. Eighty percent of what Sorg owns is in Austin, within a mile of Lake and Austin. He bought the commercial building some five years ago and has been waiting for the right tenant to come along,
someone who appreciated the bones of the building, someone who felt the vibe of an intersection mostly hurried through, someone who saw the potential in running a business welcoming both Oak Parkers and Austinites. It was in the years that Sorg worked for Mike Kelly at the old and still profoundly missed Park National Bank that he “got the passion for Austin.” For a long time now, he said, “people just write-off Austin. It is a vibrant community. People share the same hopes and dreams, but they just get dismissed.” With a small assist from Oak Park’s village government — a $50,000 grant and a sales-tax-sharing pact — Sorg has now lined up two more Oak Parkers who will, once the construction is done, open a brewpub in the old bank. The bank’s old vault, at least what is left of it, will become a cooler room for the brewery. That’s more interesting than the many years its thick metal walls made it a perfect x-ray room for the docs. A rooftop deck with views to the Loop will be added. All of this will be done by November, says Sorg, though he allows this is different than reclaiming an apartment building and the project could stretch out a bit. “We need to get Oak Parkers’ minds around this corner,” he says. The arrival in recent years of the park district’s gymnastics center, Pete’s Fresh Market, School of Rock and now the Historical Society — all on East Lake Street — are encouraging signs that Oak Parkers are starting to look again at this wonderful part of town. Drive by. The new and expansive windows go in soon. Before long the large beer bottle chandelier will be hanging proudly. This is ground-up Oak Park entrepreneurial pioneering. Don’t fixate on 18-story buildings or the efficacy of a Taco Bell on Madison. The brewpub at Lake and Austin. That’s the Oak Park story.
DAN HALEY
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Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 PHONE 708-524-8300 ■ FAX 708-524-0447 ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com | www.RiverForest.com CIRCULATION Jill Wagner, 708-613-3340 circulation@oakpark.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING Dawn Ferencak, 708-613-3329 dawn@oakpark.com
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
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Oak Park swears in new trustees, clerk
A new era begins in village government By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
It was an evening of warm welcomes and tearful goodbyes at Monday night’s Oak Park Village Board meeting, where three new trustees, a new village clerk and an incumbent mayor were sworn in to office. The new seven-member board of trustees is a departure in many regards, most notably, perhaps, in its demographic makeup. The departure of trustee Colette Lueck, who is retiring from the board, and trustees Peter Barber and Glenn Brewer, who lost reelection to the board, leaves the panel without any African-American or LGBTQ representation for the first time in years. The new board also no longer has a majority of elected officials endorsed by the Oak Park Village Manager Association (VMA), a group that recruits and vets candidates for public office. None of the new trustees – Deno Andrews, Dan Moroney and Simone Boutet – nor recently elected Village Clerk Vicki Scaman was endorsed by the VMA for the April 4 election. Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb, who was re-elected, and recently appointed trustee Jim Taglia also did not seek the VMA endorsement, leaving trustees Andrea Button and Bob Tucker as the only two members were elected with VMA support. The swearing-in ceremony was preceded and followed by a number of speeches by incoming and outgoing trustees and their colleagues. Outgoing trustee Lueck said it is “the first time in probably 20 years that I can remember that there are no African Americans,
there are no LGBT representation on this board, which I think means that the board has to create some ways of making sure they engage those voices.” Brewer, who also is a departing board meeting, said it was an honor and a privilege to serve two terms on the board and teared up as he recalled colleague Bob Tucker telling him one time that he was the Anthony Kennedy of the board, referencing the U.S. Supreme Court justice. “What on earth could I possibly have in common with a conservative Supreme Court jurist?” Brewer wondered. He said Tucker explained that like Kennedy, Brewer was the “ideological center” of the board “and that [Tucker] was glad to join me there.” “That meant a lot to me, maybe more than you know,” a tearful Brewer said to Tucker. “Brother, don’t think I’m abandoning you, I’m just giving you the chance to defend the middle and be the consensus builder you are.” Though the evening primarily consisted of accolades and well wishes amongst colleagues, outgoing Village Clerk Teresa Powell gave a scathing critique of the village government’s handling of the clerk’s office, which has been diminished in duties over the last decade. She said that during her time in office the village manager has inappropriately edited minutes taken by the village clerk and that the manager “should have no role” in that duty. “Doing so removes the neutral reporting of the clerk and changes the minutes into political documents,” Powell said. Powell, who served two terms in the office, also said the clerk “has been illegally banned” from a closed session trustees held to review the performance of the village manager, which Powell said was a violation of state law.
MAX HERMAN/Contributor
A NEW VILLAGE BOARD: Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb makes his closing remarks at the Board of Trustees meeting on May 1. Powell also noted that the changes made to the clerk’s office during her tenure took place without consulting her or her staff. “At no time did the board or manager meet with me to discuss possible changes,” she said. The newly elected trustees and clerk also spoke at the ceremonial meeting, thanking outgoing officials for their service and the residents of Oak Park for their support in the election. “I take the trust of the people extremely seriously, and I’m honored to be elected to this office,” said trustee Simone Boutet. “I am going to use everything I have to fulfill your expectation in me to the greatest of my ability.” Trustee Dan Moroney said he believes part of the incoming officials’ success in the
election was due in part to “sentiment in the village we benefitted from.” “What I want to say from the outset is from this point forward we are a team of seven,” he said. Moroney added that he believes there were “lessons to be learned from the election.” “We talked a lot about thoughtful development throughout all Oak Park; we talked a lot about intergovernmental collaboration; we talked a lot about reducing the rate of tax increases in our community; transparency; communication with the villagers,” Moroney said. “And great work has been done but I think the public said they want the bar raised in those areas. I think the onus is on us to answer the bell.” CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com
Oak Park Residence Corp. director stepping down
Board of affordable housing nonprofit considering options for replacement By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
The Oak Park Residence Corporation, which promotes affordable housing in the village, is looking for a new executive director, with the forthcoming departure of Maria Saldaña. Saldaña, who has served in the position since early 2014, said in a telephone interview that her contract was for three years only and that it was time to move on. The employee contract expired in February but was extended for three months, put-
reau of Economic Development ting her last day at the end of (2011). May. She worked at a number of “I greatly enjoyed my time at positions at various investment the Residence Corporation and firms and public entities beginthe Housing Authority of Oak ning in the early 1980s Park,” she said. “I think both The Oak Park Residence Cororganizations have a tremenporation, established in 1966, dous amount of potential in the owns and manages 23 buildings affordable housing space going with over 500 units – that inforward.” cludes the senior citizen residenSaldaña said she does not yet MARIA SALDAÑA tial building Mills Park Tower, have a new job lined up but has a 1025 Pleasant Pl. long career in investment bankWayne Pierce, president of the Oak Park ing and as a financial transaction attorney. Prior to serving in the executive director Residence Corporation’s board of directors, position, Saldaña was chief operating offi- said in a telephone interview that the board cer of The Resurrection Project (2012-2013), is currently in the process of determining a community organization in the Pilsen whether to hire an executive search firm to neighborhood of Chicago, and as a bureau help find a successor. chief of the Cook County Government BuThe board also already is considering a
few potential candidates for the executive director position. “We’re in a good situation financially as well as with our properties, and we think we’re in good shape with our existing staff,” he said, adding that the residence corporation has no major acquisitions on the forefront. “We refinanced our bonds earlier this year, and our budget’s in place,” he said. “We’re in a good position to take our time [finding Saldaña’s replacement].” He said the board likely would be looking for another executive director to sign on under a 3-year contract. Pierce noted that Saldaña was not fired from the position but that the residence corporation “decided to move in a different direction.” CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
37 Years: Wednesday Journal and Annual Ethnic Festival & World Languages Day Saturday, May 6, 2017 10:00am–3:30pm
Join the Oak Park Community in a Celebration of Diversity At Julian Middle School • 416 So. Ridgeland Avenue • Oak Park, Illinois LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES CULTURALLY DIVERSE PERFORMERS INCLUDING: • Lincoln Spanish Immersion Dancers • Julian F.L.O.W. Dancers • Longfellow School Kuumba Kids • Mann School Kindergarten Singers • Jacoby Rojas Family Peruvian Dancers • OPEF Julian Spoken Word Club • Ruiz Family Sevillanas • And more….
NUMEROUS INTERACTIVE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS:
A VARIETY OF FOOD VENDORS INCLUDING:
• Cultural games & art projects – D97 World Language Advisory Committee • Pineapple Dance Studio – Dances from the Middle East • Regina Perry Carr – Dances from West Africa • Bollywood Groove – Dances from India • Paper Lantern - Learn Chinese the Fun Way • Hand printed wreath crafts • Organic Memories • Jacoby Family Peruvian Dances • OPEF Julian Spoken Word Club • OPRF South Asian group • Bridge to Turkey Educational Group • OPRFHS Fun With Chinese Calligraphy and Games • OPPL International Games and Musical Instruments • Dragon Faiya Kreations - martial arts workshop • And more….
New Pot Thai Restaurant Boo Coo Roux, Trattoria 225 Maui Wowi Hawaiian Smoothies Chicago Beef Depot, Tacos Bernardo and more…. Shopping for Mother’s & Father’s Day: Native American Crafts, Polish artifacts , South American jewelry, German chocolate and artifacts, Dragon Faiya Kreations jewelry, hand painted art from Africa, gift items from recycled materials, educational exhibits candles, and a family resource fair
Parade Route:
At Julian: Washington and Cuyler - Line-up; North on Cuyler to Randolph East on Randolph to Humphrey: North on Humphrey to Pleasant: West on Pleasant to Cuyler: South on Cuyler back to Julian. For more information call: Lynn Allen in the Multicultural Center at (708) 524-7700
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
D97 board gets new leadership Spurlock voted in as president, O’Connor as vice president By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
During a regular meeting on April 26, the Oak Park District 97 school board underwent a change in leadership. Board member Holly Spurlock, who was elected to her first term in 2015 was voted board HOLLY SPURLOCK president and twoD97 president term board member Jim O’Connor was elected board vice president. Spurlock and O’Connor replaced James Gates and Amy Felton in the president and vice president positions, respectively. Both Gates and Felton chose not to seek re-election. In addition to electing new officers, new board members Rob Breymaier, Keecia Broy and Katherine Murray-Liebl were also sworn-in. Spurlock, who was influential in the passage of the district’s two referenda, will lead a school board with three new members and only two members who have served more than one term.
“I am honored that my fellow board members have trusted me with this responsibility and look forward to working with them and supporting Supt. Carol Kelley, her team and all of our staff as we pursue our community vision of creating a positive learning environment for all of our kids that is equitable, inclusive and focused on the whole child,” Spurlock said. “I was also absolutely energized, participating in conversations with the community over the last few months, and our board is committed to continuing the momentum and dialogue,” she added. JIM O’CONNER Spurlock noted D97 vice president that outgoing board members Gates, Felton and Graham Brisben “will definitely be missed,” before adding that each of them brought “unique talents and perspectives to our collective effort.” “Whether we are talking about Jim’s 40plus years of experience in education in the district, Graham’s incredible ability to break down complicated subjects, or Amy’s exceptional intuition and understanding of our community, to name just a few of their contributions to the board, the value they each brought cannot be overstated,” Spurlock said. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
Roses 4 Austin is blooming By TERRY DEAN AustinTalks
Oak Park high school student Sydney Jackson spent her sophomore year a couple of years ago volunteering for a South Side youth mentoring group. That experience inspired Jackson to start her own organization closer to home on Chicago’s West Side. Jackson, 18 and now a senior, started Roses 4 Austin, originally with about five her classmates at Oak Park and River Forest High School. There are about 40 students working with the kids at St. Catherine of Siena -St. Lucy School in Oak Park, located on Washington at Austin Boulevard. Once a month on a Friday after school, Jackson and her classmates teach dance as well as arts and crafts to about 100 students at St. Catherine-St. Lucy Parish, the church Jackson attends. Its grammar school serves primarily African-American families; the student population is about 98 percent black. Jackson said the school has no art teacher, which struck her because she’s had dance and other performing arts throughout her school years in Oak Park. “It’s just my small way of addressing how
TERRY DEAN/Contributor
Sydney Jackson. rich in resources Oak Park is and how other children are just as deserving as those of us who grew up in Oak Park,” said Jackson, a dancer who’s performed in middle school and high school productions. After volunteering two years ago at Roses 4 Roseland, located in the South Side neighborhood of Roseland, Jackson approached her church and asked how she can help their students. Jackson recruited some classmates and got support from some Oak Park High faculty. Jackson said she wants to bridge the gap between the two communities and inspire more Oak Parkers to do more on the West Side. CONTACT: austintalks.org@gmail.com
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
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River Forest’s newest commission gets down to work Seven named to advisory group focused on sustainability initiatives
By DEBORAH KADIN Contributing Reporter
River Forest’s green team of volunteers is looking to set an ambitious strategic work plan now that it’s up and running as an official village commission. Seven residents were named April 24 to serve on the new River Forest Sustainability Commission. Kathleen Brennan, Sue Crothers and Julie Moller, prominent local environmentalists and members of the former Sustainability Committee, will serve on it, with Brennan appointed as chair. Other members include: ■ Eric Simon, an executive with a Chicago-based company that provides logistic services for the airline industry. He has been engaged in sustainable energy education and water issues in Colorado. ■ Mary Susan Chen, a physical therapist and volunteer with locally-based environmental programs; ■ Mindy Credi, a vice-president for human resources with PepsiCo who has engaged in a variety of community programs; ■ Mary Masella, owner of a gardening services company. She has a Bachelor of Sci-
ence degree in plant and soil science from Southern Illinois University. The appointments were effective May 1, the start of the new fiscal year. “We’re ready to hit the ground running,” said Brennan during an interview with Crothers and Moller on April 19. “We want to continue to be a real resource for this community. We will need a lot of help.” Its work plan will fit in with its mandate of promoting the protection of the public’s health, safety and welfare as it relates to environmental sustainability, promoting the conservation of natural resources and protection of the environment and acquiring and disseminating technical information relative to the environment and natural resources. The commission will rely on two roadmaps that will gauge where the village should be heading. The first is the PlantItGreen Sustainability Report Card. This document sets out a series of indicators showing the village’s strengths and shortcomings in several sustainability areas. The report, prepared by Seven Generations Ahead, an Oak Parkbased organization that promotes sustain-
ability, will help support decisions for future policy, strategy and resource allocation. A 2016 edition was just released. The second will be the Greenest Region Compact, a series of sustainability goals set out by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus. Both reports aim for the creation of sustainable, livable communities and encourage an enhanced quality of life, protection and stewardship of the environment and sustainable economic vitality. “Both reports have common goals. That will make our tasks easier. The timing [of the release of the PlantItGreen report] is perfect,” Crothers said. The commission, they said, will focus attention on the programs it fostered when the group was a committee under the aegis of the Parks Foundation. There are green block parties to roll out this summer and the commission will continue educating residents on the importance and the value of recycling, composting and using pesticidefree lawn care. In addition, the group will set its sights on having a longer-lasting impact by drafting and recommending new programs and policies that will meld sustainability more
into the village’s character, they said. The commission could take a look, for example, at an ordinance on the use of plastic shopping bags. The commission may create its own webpage, with a link from the village’s website, to serve as a community resource for environmentally-related services and to promote events on recycling, such as paint exchanges, Moller said. The commission’s strategic plan, as well as programs and policies will need approval from village’s board of trustees. Twelve people applied for seven spots, and Village President Catherine Adduci. “I’m looking forward to hearing about the valuable ideas the commission will bring forward,” she said. The commission grew out of a partnership fostered between the village and the Parks Foundation in 2014. The group successfully spearheaded more than 20 initiatives, and last year, the group requested commission status so it could take on more responsibilities. Making the group a full-fledged advisory commission was unanimously approved by the village board in February.
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Modern design aesthetic inspired by Oak Park’s unique architectural legacy “We started as idealists”, stated David Miller on the idea that would become The Miller Hull Partnership. It began in the villages of Brazil and Afghanistan in the Peace Corps. It was there that founding partners David Miller and Robert Hull were inspired by the raw beauty of indigenous structures. Spartan and elegant in their response to climate and cultural conditions, they were the very essence of sustainable design. Seattle-based Miller Hull began by designing a series of award winning earth sheltered and solar buildings. The tradition of designing dynamic and environmentally sensitive buildings continues to this day. The firm’s body of work consistently leverages the openness and flexibility of the modernist form to celebrate connections inside and out. To Brian Court, partner and design lead for District House, Oak Park represents a singular opportunity to design a project in a community renowned for its architecture. “Miller Hull’s portfolio celebrates connections — to people, place and landscape. With District House, we’re honored to bring a modern design aesthetic inspired by Oak Park’s unique architectural legacy. The project’s strong emphasis on horizontal lines
is evocative of the Midwestern landscape, a hallmark of the Prairie School. The deep floor overhangs also function to shade the fully glazed living spaces, enabling views and natural light, while achieving the project team’s environmental goals.” Ranquist Development Group has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Miller Hull. Court also led the design of 156 West Superior and 747 North Clark, two condominium projects located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. These projects celebrate Chicago’s influence in modernist architecture, emphasizing steel and glass. Similar materiality will give
District House an urban feel. Court has gained a reputation as an advocate for groundbreaking sustainable design. Recently completed projects include the Bullitt Center in Seattle, which is widely cited as the greenest commercial building in the world. He is now leading a deep green “living building” project at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Known for designs that express clarity of concept, attention to context, a sense of authenticity and beauty — bound by progressive environmental responsibility — Miller Hull has earned over 300 local, national and industry design awards. In 2003, Miller Hull received the Architecture Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects — the highest industry commendation for architecture firms. At the heart of their work is a connection to the power of natural surroundings, fitting given the important role the Prairie School has played in Oak Park. Learn more about Miller Hull at www.millerhull.com or visit the District House website at www.districthouseoakpark. com. District House is now over 45% sold. For the latest information on availability, visit the District House sales center at 805 Lake Street, open daily from noon to 6:00 PM, or call Frank Vihtelic directly at 708-386-1810.
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
D90 officials poised to pass welcoming resolution River Forest schools seek to embrace students regardless of immigration status By DEBORAH KADIN Contributing Reporter
River Forest Elementary School District 90 is poised to stand up and say that its schools are safe and inclusive places for children and families regardless of immigration status. Board members, in mid-April, directed the administration to draft a resolution that would spell out their position in what has become a national conversation over the engagement of schools and municipalities in the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The school board could vote to adopt the resolution as early as May 15, the date of their next regular meeting. For some time, District 90 has been working on narrowing the achievement gap between white and minority students. District-created committees have been looking at how to make the system more inclusive and fairer. In adopting this resolution – the first by a River Forest taxing district – District 90 is aligned with its mission and vision, said Anne Gottlieb, vice president of the board of education. “We want to support access and opportunity for all students and support that in River Forest, that’s the goal and mission of the school district,” Gottlieb said. “We will work hard and try to address any obstacles in our policies and practices. This is just clarifying that everyone is welcome and protected.” The school district should make a statement about what it values, said board member Stacey Williams, who along with school board President Ralph Martire brought the idea to district. “It’s part of our strategic plan,” Williams told the board. “We should be living the things we say we value. One of them is inclusion, we value diversity.” The resolution that the board may approve could mirror those adopted in March by Oak Park School District 97 and at Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200. Those declarations state that officials in their school systems are prohibited from asking about the immigration status of a student or parent unless required by a court order. Both bar the use of district resources in the enforcement of federal immigration laws unless specifically required by feder-
al, state or local law. District officials also would be barred from asking about any student’s or parent’s immigration status. Plus, a resolution would state upfront that District 90 would not deny equal access to any services, educational or extracurricular opportunities on the basis of the student’s immigration status. The document also will comply with federal and state law, especially as to how schools treat undocumented children. Board member Rich Moore pointed out a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Plyler v. Doe, that held that states cannot constitutionally deny students a free public education on account of their immigration status. The district’s student population is 72.1 percent white, 6.7 percent black, 9.4 percent Hispanic and 5 percent Asian, according to the most recent district report card. District 90 students come from different countries and speak number of different languages in the home, District 90 Superintendent Ed Condon said. Immigrants, Williams said, are an important part of the fabric of the district, and diversity makes the country – and the district - stronger. “I don’t know the numbers [of undocumented students] in District 90, but even if there’s just one family, we need to take a stand,” Williams said. “They should feel safe in our buildings.” The first institution in River Forest to take such a position was Dominican University, which in December reaffirmed its commitment to serve as a sanctuary campus for undocumented students. While Gottlieb hopes the River Forest Village Board also will adopt a similar resolution, village officials have not committed to when it would be on an agenda. The question came up during the recent campaign for trustee, with Patty Henek, Tom Cargie and Respicio Vazquez all supporting it. This winter, a group from Dominican University urged the village to take a stance, and only Trustee Mike Gibbs came out in opposition. How trustees Susan Conti and Carmela Corsini feel is uncertain. And if trustees are deadlocked, Village President Catherine Adduci would likely have to break a tie; she’s never taken a position publicly. District 97, District 200 and the village of Oak Park all have adopted immigrationrelated ordinances or resolutions. Others include Chicago, the Chicago Public Schools, Evanston, Evanston Township High School District 202, Evanston/Skokie School District 65, Skokie, Berwyn, Maywood and Proviso Township High School District 209.
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Taco Bell headed for Madison Street in Oak Park By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
The empty lots at the corner of Madison Street and Lyman Avenue could be home to a new Taco Bell fast-food restaurant before the end of 2017. Bell American Group LLC, through its developer/builder Hamilton Designs, has requested a special-use permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals and will makes its case to the board on May 17 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Debera Johns, director of operations for Bell American, could not immediately be reached for comment. A legal notice for the hearing notes that the restaurant would take up the empty lots from 500 to 508 S. Lyman Ave. In addition to the drive-thru special-use permit, Bell American is seeking allowances that would permit the parking lot of the restaurant to be located to the west of the structure, rather than to the south as specified by the village’s Madison Street zoning district plan. Bell American also is seeking relief on setback codes, which would allow the restaurant to take up more of the lot. In Hamilton Designs’ special-use permit ap-
plication, the company argues that the Taco Bell “would result in the improvement of a dormant lot with a quick-serve restaurant facility with a drive-through component.” “The quick-serve restaurant market has seen a significant shift in customers who prefer to utilize a drive-through window rather than dining at the restaurant,” the application states. “Approval of this petition would be desirable to the customer, would provide a service which is in the interest of the public convenience and will contribute to the general welfare of the neighborhood and community.” The application also notes that the restaurant “will improve the existing lot from a dormant, underutilized property to substantially improved lot.” “As a result, the value of the subject property is anticipated to substantially improve adjacent property values similarly,” the application states. Hamilton Designs noted that it does not anticipate adverse traffic impacts as a result of the drive-through. The developer aims to have the project complete before the end of 2017, according to the application. CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com
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Kevil’s closes after an 18-year run on Circle
Where everybody knew your name … and probably your parents’ too By THOMAS VOGEL Contributing Reporter
Kevil’s, a longtime Circle Avenue bar and restaurant in Forest Park, closed April 30 after nearly two decades in business. “I’m closing up shop because it’s been a long 18-year run,” owner Frank Kevil said in an April 30 phone call with the Review. “We’ve been here a long time. … I guess you could call it a retirement.” Kevil said eight employees will be out of work and he plans to sell the property. Early Sunday evening, the bar, on the corner of Elgin and Circle, several blocks from Forest Park’s Madison Avenue strip of bars and restaurants, was filled with patrons of all ages, enjoying Kevil’s while they still could. “All during the week the place has been packed.” Kevil said. On Sunday, there were regulars casually sipping drinks at the bar, families with children gathered around tables and a few customers enjoying an early dinner. The mood was fluid, with patrons joyfully reminiscing one minute and wiping tears from their eyes the next. “This has been our West Side ‘Cheers,’” Bridge Herald, a longtime customer, said, referencing the famous NBC sitcom set in a Boston bar. “It’s touched so many lives.” Several other folks added that the customers gathered inside Kevil’s on Sunday were a good sample of what kind of establishment it was to so many people — a multi-generational neighborhood hangout spot to socialize with family, catch up with friends and grab a good bite to eat. At Kevil’s, several patrons said, everyone knew everyone. The bar was a spot anyone
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could come to for assistance, no matter the circumstance. One longtime customer, Colleen Dunigan, described Kevil’s as a “full gamut place, happy and sad.” “If you needed help, you came here,” Dunigan said. “This was a big family house.” “It’s more than just a place,” said Rich Wilkie of Forest Park, echoing Dunigan. “It’s really more of a home.” Others mentioned the endless list of family occasions, neighborhood gatherings and one-off events that Kevil’s has hosted over the years. Many patrons referenced high-school reunions, school graduation parties, funeral luncheons, fundraisers and wedding receptions. “There are so many stories, if these walls could talk,” Joan Feireck, who has worked at Kevil’s since it opened, said, before mentioning how grateful she was to have made so many friends at the bar over the years. Kevil’s walls are covered in old framed photographs of patrons’ friends and family. Class photos from local Catholic schools dominated the décor (Kevil was a 1964 graduate of Ascension School in Oak Park). On Sunday there were noticeable blank spaces, as next-of-kin customers claimed their photos before it was too late. “It’s my watering hole,” Josh Bernat of River Forest, said. “I learned about where I grew up through coming here. There’s a sea of local history here if you want to tap into it.” A few customers mentioned Kevil’s vibe will be hard to recreate and no other bar nearby has quite the same atmosphere. “It’s not easily replaced,” Bernat said. “The relationships that we fostered here don’t end with this place.” Kevil said he’ll remember all the events his bar has hosted over the years and all the friendships he’s developed. He did add, though, that he’s looking forward to not working 18-hour days. “The only thing I’ll miss is the people and that’s what’s it’s all about,” he said.
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DTOP SUPPORT
Albion vote of confidence from page 1 said in a telephone interview that the building would help fill out the retail storefronts along Lake Street, better connecting downtown to the Hemingway District. The letter, signed by DTOP board President Frank Heitzman, of Heitzman Architects, noted that the DTOP board has met with Albion representatives and discussed the project in detail. It praised the group for including DTOP in the conversation and that the developer has made efforts “to work with the Park District of Oak Park” on the project. The park district board formally rejected the proposal earlier this year. Park District board President Paul Aeschleman could not immediately be reached for comment. The park district board is not the only group to oppose the project. Residents have been gathering signatures for a petition encouraging the Oak Park Board of Trustees to reject the necessary zoning changes for the project to move forward. Albion can only build an eight-story building under the existing zoning ordinance. Residents also held a rally in late March at Austin Gardens to show their support of the park and opposition to the project. Austin-Williams did not speak in detail
on the opposition to the project but said his board had thoroughly reviewed the various issues – shadows cast by the project and a potential “wind tunnel” that the building could bring, among others – and concluded that the building would not substantially impact the health of the park. Andrew Yule, Albion vice president of development, praised the DTOP endorsement in an email, writing, “We’re very glad the DTOP board and its members support our project and recognize the assets and opportunities it will bring to Oak Park. We have worked hard to listen to all stakeholders, including business owners who know from firsthand experience residential growth is driving a vibrant, walkable downtown Oak Park. We look forward to contributing to that success.” CONTACT: tim@oakpark.com
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D200 approves probe of racial inequality
Includes study of OPRF’s restorative justice approach to discipline By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
At an April 27 regular meeting, the Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 school board unanimously approved three recommendations made by the Culture, Climate and Behavior (CCB) committee that will require administrators to conduct deep probes into OPRF’s school climate and culture, particularly as it relates to the disproportionate rate of discipline among students of color. The recommendations will be implemented in the 2017-18 school year. The CCB also insisted that a more comprehensive, threeyear action plan for equity be folded into the new strategic plan that the administration is currently working on. The first recommendation requires the district to conduct “an annual review of the culture and climate at the high school (e.g., a survey of all students, faculty, staff, and families, followed by targeted focus groups) to gather quantitative and qualitative data by which to assess progress in improving
the school’s culture and climate and to cre- sures, such as out-of-school suspensions and ate an environment in which all students expulsions. feel welcome,” according to a memo sent At last Thursday’s meeting, board memfrom CCB members to D200 school ber Sara Dixon Spivy, who board members. headed up the CCB, described The CCB also recommends that the new body as a more amplithe district conduct an audit “of fied PTAC, or a “PTAC 2.0.” The all initiatives created to improve CCB, she said, “took a larger equity through culture and cliview of the entire culture” at mate implemented from 2000” unOPRF. til the present. It urges district ofThe new committee comficials to commit to a professional prised students, faculty, staff, audit of the school’s restorative board members and commujustice practices and present a nity leaders who met 15 times plan for improving the “quality within the past year, Spivy said. and/or quantity” of restorative Although all board members justice practices. lauded the CCB’s recommendaThe CCB was formed last Janutions, some suggested that they ary as an updated, overhauled could be more focused and acversion of the high school’s partionable. ent-teacher advisory committee “Restorative justice seems (PTAC), which school districts are like kind of an ambiguous required by state law to maintain. term,” said board member According to a memo from CCB Fred Arkin. “I would like to FRED ARKIN members to the D200 school board, see more specifics in terms of OPRF board member the new committee was created actual restorative justice proin light of the “disproportionate cedures and techniques we’re punishment of students of color, using.” especially males,” despite the imSheila Harden, OPRF’s faculty senate plementation of Senate Bill 100, a law that representative, said a restorative justice aprequires school districts in the state to lower proach to school discipline can often be diftheir reliance on punitive disciplinary mea- ficult to parse.
“Restorative justice seems like kind of an ambiguous term. I would like to see more specifics in terms of actual restorative justice procedures and techniques we’re using.”
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“It’s not a one-to-one correlation. For instance, this counselor meeting led to this [outcome],” she said. “It’s an umbrella of support through the [Student Intervention Directors], the counselor and the staff.” Board member Jackie Moore cautioned the district to avoid labeling certain practices as restorative justice that may not necessarily fall under that category. She also expressed disappointment that the CCB’s recommendations didn’t contain more actions to directly address the discipline disparities sooner rather than later. Board member Steve Gevinson suggested that the inventory of OPRF’s equity initiatives should extend further back than 2000 and into the 1970s. He said the district might glean some information from retirees who have institutional memories of the changes in the district’s discipline policies over the last five decades. OPRF Principal Nathaniel Rouse and Spivy said that once the assessments and audits are completed, district officials should have a better inventory of its disciplinary practices, particularly relating to restorative justice. “Once we have the audit done, we’ll have some sense of what we can do more of and what we can do differently,” Spivy said. CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
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EQUITY TOWN HALL United front from page 1 And at least one person, a River Forest resident, voiced open opposition to the meeting’s premise, arguing against the very notion that there is a problem to be resolved. District 90 Superintendent Edward Condon said that the purpose of the town hall was to bring community members up to speed on some of the measures implemented by the three districts to enhance equity in their respective schools. He also said that the gathering was an opportunity for district administrators to hear residents’ ideas and opinions on equity. Ralph Martire, the D90 board president and the executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, opened the town hall with a 10-minute presentation on the structure of education funding in Illinois. Referencing data from the Education Trust, a national nonprofit research organization, Martire said that state’s “highest poverty district receives nearly 20 percent less state and local funding than the lowest poverty district.” Across the state, Martire said, 55 percent of black students in Illinois live in 5 percent of school districts with the greatest poverty rates and the lowest property values. More than 90 percent of black students live in communities where the percentage of lowincome residents is greater than 30 percent. “African-American children have had significantly less invested in their education in Illinois over time than their white peers,” Martire said. “Local resources are far and away the primary funder of education in Illinois. Martire argued that the race-based disparity in school funding has led to “some pretty bad outcomes,” such as a wage gaps between whites and Latinos, and whites and blacks, in Illinois that has grown 37 percent and 197 percent, respectively, since 1980. In addition, Martire said, the unemployment rate for whites and blacks without a high school diploma in Illinois just before the Great Recession was 11.7 percent and 27 percent, respectively. Martire added that 58 percent of whites, and only 24 percent of blacks, with at least a bachelor’s degree in Illinois just before the Great Recession were among the state’s top wage earners. Martire attributed the racially disparate outcomes to discrimination in the labor force and the fact that “we have literally tied the quality of public education a kid gets to property.” During three separate 10-minute presentations, the superintendents of each of the three school districts updated community members on measures that have been implemented within the last few years to confront the persistence of the achievement gap even in relatively wealthy school districts in Oak Park and River Forest. Many of those measures implemented in the three districts had common themes,
MICHAEL ROMAIN/Staff
PROGRESS REPORT: Brian Timpone, of River Forest, speaks during a May 1 Tri-District Town Hall on equity hosted by districts 90, 97 and 200 at Roosevelt Middle School in River Forest. The meeting was designed to update residents on each district’s progress on closing the academic achievement gap. such as the lack of minority representation among faculty and staff members, the racial disparity in discipline rates, the influence of implicit racial biases and the availability of early childhood education opportunities for low-income and minority families. District 200 Superintendent Joylynn Pruitt-Adams said professional development at OPRF has been enhanced to include an emphasis on equity and that the district has pushed to increase the number of minorities enrolled in Advanced Placement classes. Pruitt-Adams also said that equity is a centerpiece of the district’s strategic plan that her administration is working on and that, starting in the 2017-18 school year, the district will conduct a series of equityrelated audits and evaluations, such as a professional audit of the OPRF’s restorative justice programs. District 97 Superintendent Carol Kelley said that the district has been “designing targeted strategies to break down barriers” to achievement for individual students. Kelley said that the district has implemented a program called multitiered systems of support to “provide appropriate interventions for all students around positive behaviors, attendance and academic support.” And it has partnered with the Oak Park Township to provide students with restorative justice peace circles, which are a form of non-punitive conflict resolution. The district has also formed a partnership the Oak Park Public Library, which now houses the district’s multicultural educational center, and has hired a multicultural librarian to work with teachers and students in accessing it.
The school district also recently approved a purchase of additional books in elementary school classrooms that would provide students with a mirror to their own multicultural identities, Kelley said. Condon touted the formation of an inclusiveness advisory board and a board equity committee, both of which were created to “establish a shared vision on equity” within the district. The district is also working with the National Equity Project, which is helping District 90 develop “internal expertise” on equity. One District 97 parent in attendance said more needs to be done to provide all children with access to high-quality early childhood education. “Fixing the achievement gap, and really making sure that kids are getting what they need is incredibly hard and the data shows it’s incredibly hard to do in elementary and high school,” said the parent, who said she was also a teacher. “The research is very clear that children growing up in low-income situations have heard 30 million fewer words than there more affluent peers by the time they’re entering high school,” she said. “What can we do to make sure all of our students are having access to seriously high quality pre-K and making sure it reaches every kid who needs it?” Some of those in attendance, however, weren’t convinced that another town hall meeting would help make a dent in the problem of equity. “There’s proven research that everybody’s cited, so there’s no need for more communities and consultants,” said
Jeff Kraft, a former River Forest resident and Dominican University professor who said that a comprehensive plan for the three districts on equity shouldn’t take more than 120 days to create. “I’m hoping there can be goals you can set to end systemic failures and what are the action plans that include family engagement and restorative justice throughout the districts,” Kraft said. River Forest resident Brian Timpone described himself during his public comments as one of the few skeptics in attendance, before arguing that equityrelated measures could potentially tear apart the community. He also said that “everything [Ralph Martire] said about school funding is patently false.” “Telling all white people that they’re privileged, that they’re racist and that there’s underachievement by black and Hispanic students because of some sort of inherent racism is not only false but patently ridiculous,” Timpone said. “It also stigmatizes the black and Hispanic students by telling them that they’re perpetually discriminated against.” Timpone’s perspective, while opposite that of most people in attendance, helped illustrate Condon’s point that the problems of equity aren’t technical but value-laden. “These are not technical changes,” Condon said. “Technical change is something you can address with expertise. These are adaptive changes. They’re systemic issues and solutions are going to have to be community-based. It can’t just be teachers and a group of passionate individuals.” CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com
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Hungry to end world hunger CROP Hunger Walk has raised $1.4 million By TOM HOLMES Contributing Reporter
The 34th annual CROP Hunger Walk will be held this year on May 7. The walk, officially known as Hunger Walkathon West, will add to the total of $1.4 million the walkathon has raised to feed hungry people since it began in this area in 1983. “We’ve been really impressed by major corporate donors from Forest Park,” said Joanne Despotes, Forest Park resident and co-chair of the CROP Walk. “REM Staffing and Ferrara Candy Co. have given $1,000 or more and Ferrara also has a group participating in the walk.” When asked why MacDaddy Salon makes a donation every year, Stephanie Neubauer, the owner, replied, “It’s a good cause. As a small business, I get so many requests for donations and it’s hard to choose which ones I can financially support. Hunger is something no one should have to experience. Food should not be a luxury and if a small donation on my behalf can feed someone, I’m happy to help.” Dan Watts, president of Forest Park National Bank and a River Forest resident, said his community bank writes a check to CROP every year because he has a personal connection with the person who comes asking for a donation and because he has confidence that the money raised will be “used in the most efficient and worthy manner.” The CROP website backs up that confidence. CROP is the fundraising arm of Church World Service (CWS), a coalition of 37 different denominations, which does everything from helping refugees start new lives to helping community leaders in Nicaragua pioneer innovative agricultural techniques. “From seeds and tools, to wells and water systems, to technical training and microenterprise loans,” the website says, “the key is people working together to identify their own development priorities, their strengths and their needs, something CWS has learned through some 70 years of working in partnership around the world.” Church World Service reports that only 4 percent of the money it receives from CROP
walks is used for administration. Despotes explained that one of the reasons CWS can keep administrative costs so low is that almost all of the organizing for the fundraiser is done by volunteers. Planning for the May 7 walk began in November by a 12-member planning team, 11 of whom are from either Forest Park or Oak Park. That team works with over 150 people on a contact list — police chiefs, 30 team leaders mainly in churches, business owners, etc. — to do the organizing needed to enable 300-plus walkers to raise the $100,000 which is the goal for this year. Despotes explained that the CROP Hunger Walk has been around a long time and has a track record. The fundraising event has brought in a total of $1.4 million since it was started by local churches 34 years ago. In recent years, 25 percent of the money raised goes to local agencies. Last year, for example, of the $72,000 raised at the walk, which is always on the first Sunday of May, $18,000 went to seven organizations that feed hungry people in this area, such as the OP-RF Food Pantry and Housing Forward (formerly PADS). This year the 25 percent of funding that remains local will be distributed to nine area agencies: Forest Park Food Pantry, Housing Forward, First Baptist Church Food Pantry and Proviso Food Pantry in Melrose Park, Vision Restoration Food Pantry and St. Eulalia/Quinn Center Food Pantry in Maywood, Cluster Tutoring, Oak Park-River Forest Food Pantry, and Pine Avenue United Church Emergency Food Pantry in Austin. Jim Murray, who has been associated with the CROP Walk for many years, uses traditional Catholic terminology to explain why people from many church traditions get involved in the walk. “The Corporal Works of Mercy [which concern the material needs of others] tell us that we should feed the hungry,” he said. Despotes added that the funds received from local businesses have enabled the CROP Walk leadership team to purchase 400 T-shirts, which will be given to each walker who raises at least $25. Hope Tabernacle has participated in the CROP Walk in a big way. Last year, not only
File photos
A STEP AT A TIME: CROP walkers will keep going as long as hunger needs relief. did their members raise $1,060, but their praise team “rocked the house” as they led the walkers in singing gospel songs while waiting for the event to begin. St. Paul Thai Lutheran Church raised $950 and has hosted a rest stop several times in the past. Despotes said people can join the CROP fundraising effort in two ways, even at the last minute. One is to go online to hwwcrop. org (Hunger Walkathon West CROP) and donate or just come to Pilgrim Congregational Church (Scoville and Lake in Oak Park) on May 7 at 1 p.m. and join the family fun, which will include face painting and activities for the kids. Donating $25 will get you a bright yellow CROP T-shirt, courtesy of Forest Park businesses. When CROP started in 1947 it wasn’t a walkathon. CROP then was an acronym for Christian Rural Overseas Program. After the end of World War II, Europe was devastated, so farmers in the U.S. would donate a portion of their harvest and CWS would send it over to Europe to feed hungry people there. The CROP website explains, “Today, we’ve outgrown the acronym, but we retain it as the historic name of the program. CROP Hunger Walks are interfaith hunger education and fundraising events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by CWS local offices across the U.S. Currently, well over 2,000 communities across the U.S. join in more than 1,300 CROP Hunger Walks
Notable donors to CROP Walk $1,000 and above: REM Staffing Services Ferrara Candy Co. $500: Paramedic Services of Illinois Farmington Foods $250 and above: Grand Appliance Storino, Ramello & Durkin Mathew O’Shea Consulting Children’s Dentistry Currie Motors Chevrolet Inc. Forest Agency Insurance Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co. Mohr Oil Co. Forest Park Fire Fighters Assn. Local 2753 Total from organizations that do business in Forest Park: $7,835
each year. More than five million CROP hunger walkers have participated in more than 36,000 CROP Hunger Walks in the last two decades alone.”
Gun dealer licensing bill clears Illinois Senate
Sen. Don Harmon says proposal holds dealers accountable By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Staff Reporter
A bill by state Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) allowing the state to license gun dealers was approved by the Illinois Senate in a 30-21 vote and now heads to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
Harmon said in a press release that the proposal aims to reduce the supply of illegal guns into the hands of criminals. “I’m asking to give police the tools to go into the dealers and say, ‘Why did you sell 50 guns to one guy last month?’ Is that too much to ask?” Harmon said. “We’re not go-
ing to put people out of business. Believe me, there will always be guns for sale. But can you help us in our neighborhoods, where 14-year-olds are shooting each other because guns are so easily available?” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel released a statement following the Senate vote, calling it an important step in combating gun violence. “I look forward to the House of Represen-
tatives passing this bill as well, and codifying these common-sense laws so that we can keep guns away from children at schools, and hold those accountable who continue to sell guns that are used in crimes,” Emanuel said. “Stopping straw buyers from giving guns to criminals is essential to improving public safety, not just here in Chicago, but in every corner of the state and across the Midwest.”
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
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Juvenile robbed of iPhone, iPad
A juvenile male Forest Park resident was robbed of a gray iPhone 6S and a gray iPad mini in the 1000 block of South Maple Avenue at 7 p.m. on April 25. Two men pulled up in a silver 2-door sedan and asked for directions. The boy approached the vehicle and the man in the passenger’s side of the vehicle forcibly removed the two electronic devices he held. The car then fled eastbound on Lexington Street. The passenger was described as a black male, 37 years old, with a medium build, a dark complexion, slight black facial hair, and wearing a dark baseball cap and a gray hooded sweatshirt. The driver was described as a black male, 50 years old, with a thin build, dark complexion, a black and gray beard and wearing a black baseball cap and gray jacket.
Residential burglary ■ A residence in the 700 block of Gunderson Avenue was burglarized sometime between 11:30 p.m. on April 24 and 4 a.m. on April 25. The burglar entered through an unlocked rear basement door and stole a men’s red Trek mountain bicycle. The estimated loss was $400.
Motor vehicle theft ■ A black 2011 Mazda was stolen from a carport in the 1100 block of Clarence Avenue sometime between 9 p.m. on April 26 and 7 a.m. on April 27. The estimated loss was unknown. ■ A gray 2017 Hyundai Elantra owned by Hertz Rent-A-Car, 629 W. Madison St., was reported stolen at 5:51 p.m. on April 24, after the vehicle was not returned. The estimated loss was $13,000.
Burglary to motor vehicle ■ A Joliet resident’s truck was burglarized in the 1000 block of North Euclid Avenue at 1:21 p.m. on April 27. The burglar gained entry to the rear trailer of the victim’s truck and took a blue and beige Bosch Rotohammer in a hard, plastic case that contained three drill bits. The estimated loss was $700. ■ A white 2000 Buick was burglarized in the 300 block of Home Avenue sometime between 3 p.m. on April 20 and 9 a.m. on April 21. The offender entered the vehicle by unknown means and stole a digital camera battery and $1 in cash. The estimated loss was $16.
Burglary ■ An
office in the 1000 block of Lake Street was burglarized sometime between 2:05 p.m. on April 21 and 2:05 p.m. on April 27. The burglar used a pry tool to gain entry to the locked office and then stole a white Macbook Pro laptop, a stereo and a
men’s Orvis watch. The estimated loss was $700. ■ A garage was burglarized in the 800 block of North Taylor Avenue sometime between 6 p.m. on April 23 and 8:30 a.m. on April 24. The burglar entered through an unlocked side service door to the garage and stole a men’s yellow Schwinn Collegiate single-speed bicycle and a white 11-speed bicycle. The estimated loss was $700.
Attempted burglary ■ The Golo gas station, 330 Chicago Ave., was the target of an attempted burglary at 3:57 a.m. on April 21. Three people were involved in the attempted burglary, one of whom used a crowbar in an attempt to pry the door open and the other two serving as lookouts. After an unsuccessful attempt to enter the business, the three burglars — whose gender was not identified in the police report — fled northbound on Ridgeland Avenue. The estimated loss due to damage was $900. The offender who attempted to pry open the door was described as wearing a ski mask, gloves and a white jacket with “Grand Prix” written on the back. The second offender was described as wearing a ski mask and a black jacket and the third was described as wearing dark clothing.
Theft arrest ■ A male juvenile from Chicago was arrested in the 700 block of South Highland Avenue at 5:57 p.m. on April 21, after being positively identified as the person who stole packages from the front porch of a building in Oak Park. He was placed into custody, transported to the Oak Park Police Department, referred to court and released to his parent.
Criminal damage to vehicle ■ An unknown person used a rock to break out the rear windshield of a 2010 Mazda in the 800 block of South Lombard Avenue sometime between 4 p.m. on April 24 and 6 p.m. on April 25. The estimated loss due to damage was $370.
These items, obtained from the Oak Park and River Forest police departments, came from reports, April 20-28, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.
Compiled by Timothy Inklebarger
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The Dreadnoughts go gear to gear with the world By MICHELE DYBAL
F
Contributing Reporter
rom containers of gears and motors, metal plates and screws, sensors and controllers, spring the creations that sometimes elate, other times frustrate, but always challenge the minds of the Oak Park and River Forest High School students who join VEX Robotics. For one group of five juniors, their teamwork and perseverance took them all the way to the ultimate robotics competition on the planet: the VEX Robotics World Championship, in Louisville, Kentucky, where 563 high school teams from six continents competed in April. “It’s nice to see teams from around the world,” said Tyler Yokoo, of OPRF’s team, Dreadnought. “And it’s interesting to compete with others who’ve advanced to this level and for us to stand on the same ground.” With 29 countries and every state from the U.S. competing, it truly is an international experience with one team from Bahrain (and their dozen-strong fan club engaging in rhythmic clapping and drumming) to the Brits in their Union Jack capes and tall blue-velvet top hats. But what really matter are the robots. Every year, VEX announces a new game. Each team is challenged to create a robot that can score the most points — along with one alliance team — against their opponents in an arena within a set amount of time. Both “programmed-autonomous” and driver-controlled time are involved. The Dreadnought team formed last school year when VEX Robotics was first offered at OPRF. Yokoo, along with David Snyder, George Dickerson, Adam Potter, and Miles Kosik, all contribute to the design phase, which starts in the fall. Then each member lends his expertise with building, programming and other tasks. “We share ideas — what could be good, what is not good,” said Dickerson, who is also the robot’s driver. “We draw on the board and see what will be best.” Their first design qualified them for state at a Regional VEX tournament in November. They came in first in the Skills Challenge, where the robot performs solo, without an alliance or competitors. But qualifying for state wasn’t enough; the team wanted to go to the next level. “Our first robot is the opposite of what we have now.” Dickerson said. “It wasn’t as competitive and couldn’t be any better. So we switched our design to something with more potential.” They went on to place first, along with their alliance teams, in another regional competition in January. Up next was the Illinois State Championship in March. By
Photo courtesy of Michelle Dybal
OPRF Robotics team members (left to right) Adam Potter, George Dickerson, Tyler Yokoo, David Snyder, and Miles Kosik at the VEX World Championships while coach Ben Cain looks on. the time Worlds rolled around, their robot had four different designs. This flexibility earned them recognition at state, the Amaze Award, which is for “the team who never settles for good enough and keeps working at rebuilding and improving their robot.” This was the second year Dreadnought received this honor at the VEX State Championship. They also ranked second in Skills, which qualified the team for Worlds. “We had fantasies of going to Worlds our first year and it was a stretch goal this year,” said Snyder. “It took hard work, dedication, and determination.” Also getting them to Worlds and carrying them through is their team dynamic. “There’s no team captain, or one or two dominant people, like other teams,” said Potter. “Everyone gets input and we respect each other’s opinions.” Competing in nine qualifying matches during three days with the best in the world has its difficulties. Although some matches went well, during one match early on the second day, Dreadnought’s robot fell to its side, became stuck, and when it was finally upright, could not score. Disappointment displayed on all their faces, the team nonetheless gathered, marching back to their pit as one, robot in tow, neon orange shirts with Huskies on their backs, not just showing their school spirit, but team spirit as well. “Our team deals with issues really well.” Dickerson added. “Each person will fix their part, and understand something went wrong with the robot and not blame anyone. That’s why they’re such a great team.” With the 2017-18 VEX game announced at the end of Worlds, team Dreadnought already has plans to get to work. “We have nowhere to go but up,” Potter said. And like an unsinkable ship, Dreadnought forges on.
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
Homes
NEED TO REACH US?
oakpark.com/real-estate editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com
Provided
TRIPLE PLAY: 751 Monroe, 747 Monroe and, 743 Monroe (Charles Durland house) were built by Otto Kretzer. He built 747 for himself.
S Cummings & Goings Historical Society presents:
Annual housewalk tells a River Forest story this year By LACEY SIKORA Contributing Reporter
unday, May 7 from 1 to 5 p.m., the Historical Society of Oak Park-River Forest will host its annual housewalk. This year’s walk takes place in River Forest and, as in previous years, the walk centers on a theme that allows participants to delve more deeply into a particular aspect of local architecture and history. This year’s walk focuses on Edmund
A. Cummings, a major figure in the development of River Forest. While many locals might not be familiar with the name, other than a vague knowledge that the Cook County Forest Preserve Headquarters is located in Cummings Square at Harlem and Lake, he played a significant role in village history. See HISTORICAL SOCIETY on page 21
WHO DO YOU TRUST? Insuring Local Historic Homes for 60 Years 708.383.9000 • forestagency.com
20
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
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RIVER FOREST JUST LISTED! UNIQUE PROPERTY with loads of room. Perfect for in-law situation. 8BRs, 3BAs. Great room off kitchen. Large yard w/patio. .................................... $499,000 REDUCED! EXCEPTIONAL HOME has designer kitchen w/great appliances. 6BRs, 3.2 BAs. Beautiful leaded glass windows & doors. Finished basement. x ........$1,349,000 NEW CONSTRUCTION! Elegant “Coastal” style home. Deluxe kitchen. 3 levels of finished luxury. 4BRs, 4.1BAs, 2nd flr lndry & a whole lot more. x ......................... $1,350,000 REDUCED! PRAIRIE SCHOOL home built in ‘06 w/classic architectural design & contemporary amenities. Spacious w/4BRs & 4½BAs. Family rm. x.........................$1,195,000 IMMACULATE & UPDATED 2-story brick home on deep lot. 3BRs, 2.1BAs. Remodeled kitchen. New MBA w/Jacuzzi. C/A. Lovely! x ........................................................ $579,000 MID-CENTURY MODERN RANCH w/open floor plan on a large lot. 3 BRs, 2.2BAs. WBFP. MBR suite. 1st floor laundry. C/A. Attached garage. x ....................................... $565,000 WELL-MAINTAINED 3+BR home. Hardwood floors. Custom shutters/shades. Freshly painted exterior. Huge lot. 2-car garage.x....................................................... $529,000
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
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21
A walk through River Forest house history
Photos provided
Prepaid reserved tickets are $30 ($25 for members.) Reserve online at www.oprfhistory.org or by calling 708-848-6755. Advance tickets are also available in River Forest at Good Earth Greenhouse on Madison Street and in Oak Park at the Oak Park Visitors Center at 1010 Lake St.; The Book Table, 1045 Lake St.; Frame Warehouse, 346 Harrison; and Olive and Well, 133 N. Oak Park Ave. Pick up and purchase tickets for $35 on May 7 at the Cook County Forest Preserve District Headquarters, Lake Street and Harlem Avenue, with parking available on the Bonnie Brae side of the building.
TELLING TALES: 723 Clinton, Robert Nicholas house (above). 754 William (top right) and 710 William (bottom right) are part of a historic Prairie-style development. E.A. Cummings & Co. ad (below).
HISTORICAL SOCIETY River Forest Land Association from page 19
Cummings the developer An Oak Park resident, Cummings purchased a 135-acre tract of land from the Quick family in 1905. He named the area, bounded by Lake, Harlem, Chicago and Lathrop, the River Forest Land Association, and began to market and sell lots and speculative homes. Peggy Sinko, a researcher for the Historical Society, who studied up on some of the homes on this year’s walk, said he is “one of the most important people in Oak Park and River Forest in terms of development that no one has ever heard of. He was interested in developing not just homes but all of the infrastructure of the area — buses and the transportation system, paved streets, water supply — all of the things that make people want to live in a place.” Mary Boyaris, who chairs this year’s walk, noted that although he might not have name recognition today, when he died, the villages of Oak Park and River Forest wanted to rename Harlem Avenue in his honor. Cummings himself lived only a few blocks away from the Historical Society’s new firehouse headquarters at Lombard and Lake, which Boyaris said will be celebrating a grand opening soon, shortly after the housewalk. Boyaris said Cummings was not a flamboyant personality, but his advertising was a bit more dramatic than the man himself. “He had all kinds of advertisements,” she said. “They were a hoot. Some of them were like poetry.”
Cummings and the River Forest Land Association put together a book of over 20 pages to sell prospective buyers on the wonders of River Forest. With sketches of houses and the tennis club, it focused on the beauty of the area.
founded the River Forest Country Club. Another home on the walk, 723 Clinton Place, was owned by Robert Nicholas and his wife Mabel. Nicholas was in the hardware business and played a significant role in the development of downtown Oak Park.
Three bungalows
Two houses on this year’s walk are on the 700 block of Williams Street, which recently received a historic designation for being one of the first Prairie-style developments in the country. Historical Society researcher Kurt Etchingham said the Historical Society will not try to answer the open question of whether the development was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright but will instead give information to participants to aid them in making their own decisions. “It’s such a controversial subject,” Etchingham said. “Everyone has an opinion on it. We try to present a fair and balanced explanation of everyone’s opinions. It’s a fascinating story, and we will probably never have 100% absolute proof about who designed these homes. It’s all circumstantial evidence. Was it Wright or builder Henry Hogans or Harry Robinson?” (See coverage on the block and the issue here: http://www.oakpark.com/News/Articles/8-16-2016/River-Forest-block-earns-architectural-recognition) Etchingham added that the Historical Society will set up a lawn canopy outside the two Williams Street houses to display information about the design of the block. The two houses, while both Prairie in style, are quite different. One house had been stripped of almost all of its original elements before the current owners purchased it and took on an extensive rehabilitation meant to return it to its original style, while the other home has retained many of its original features.
Sinko notes that the advertisements, many of which will be featured on the walk, play into the theme. “The walk this year, to me, is really about telling the story of the American dream and suburbanization. This River Forest area is very representational of that kind of early-20th-century development.” Sinko researched three adjacent bungalows on Monroe Avenue, all part of the Cummings development and all built by contractor Otto Kretzer, who lived in the middle bungalow for 50 years. She won’t give away too many details before the walk but mentioned that two of the three bungalows were “kit” homes, from a competitor of Sears, built during the 1915-16 time period. She says pictures from the catalogues showing the exteriors of the homes are spot on in terms of their appearance today, and she pointed out that interior changes occurred probably during the building process and over the ensuing years. One of the bungalows has been lovingly
Williams Street development
restored to appear as it might have appeared in 1915. Kretzer’s own home has an almost historic kitchen from the 1950s. Sinko noted that the stainless steel cabinets and retro style have made it a hot commodity, and it has been featured in a few commercials. According to Sinko, the stories of the original owners are often as fascinating as the architecture of the homes. One of the bungalows was owned by River Forest Village President Charles Durland, who, along with Otto Kretzer and another neighbor,
22
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
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JUST LISTED Traditional Oak Park American Four Square Home with three good sized bedrooms, two bathrooms. Well maintained throughout, move in condition. Hardwood floors. California closets. Finished basement with office, 19X16 family room. .......................... .................................................................................................$459,000
WARM AND INVITING impeccably maintained home. Open living/dining room with hardwood floors. Updated kitchen, den with sliding doors to large backyard, 3 nicely sized bedrooms on the 2nd floor, large family room and office in the basement. Don’t miss this stunner!...................................................................................$424,900
BEAUTIFUL QUEEN ANN BUNGALOW! Beautifully maintained and updated. Amazing location within two block radius to District 90 public schools, RF Tennis Clubs and Parochial Schools. Within walking distance to shopping and public transportation. Amazing neighbors and block!” ...........................................................$625,900
1326 JACKSON • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 1-3
ADDITIONAL OPEN HOUSES SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2017
123 ASHLAND • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 1-3
1023 FRANKLIN • RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 12-2
120 CHICAGO, UNIT B • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 1-3
HANDSOME AND BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED traditional brick home for those who appreciate tradition and elegance. Distinctive home offers 5BRs, 2 full/2 half baths. Professionally landscaped fenced yard with in-ground pool and spa. Ample storage in basement. ...$1,185,000
GORGEOUS END UNIT Townhouse with the largest floor plan in a 6 unit, gated complex. 1st FL open concept. Second floor features a beautiful master suite, 2nd bedroom, in-unit laundry. 3rd floor has a family room/3rd bedroom with private rooftop deck. ...............$300,000
812 AUGUSTA • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 1-3
739 VAN BUREN ST, UNIT 2E • OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 10-12
COMPLETELY RENOVATED 4 bedroom home is move-in ready. First floor features a spacious open floor plan. Large, high end kitchen. Full finished bsmt consists of a family room, a wet bar and a bonus room with its own bath. Deep backyard with a large patio and fire pit. .................................................................................................$979,000
BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED VICTORIAN style three bedroom, two bath home in central Oak Park. Large front porch. Open high end kitchen with granite, perfect for entertaining! All new furnace/ac, windows, siding, roof, etc. make this a nearly maintenance free home. .................... ......................................................................................................$498,900
COMPLETELY RENOVATED CONDO still has original charm. 2 Bedroom, Granite kitchen. Beautiful oak woodwork throughout including built-in shelving in dining room. End unit with south, east and north exposure. Enclosed back porch can be used as a den/office. In-unit laundry. .......................................................................................$188,000
CHARMING, SPACIOUS QUEEN ANNE BUNGALOW in pristine condition. Art glass windows, French doors, wood trim, hardwood floors. Granite kitchen, breakfast nook. Family room and 1st floor bedroom. 3 bedrooms on 2nd floor. Finished basement, enclosed porch, 2 car garage. ...............................................$639,900
RIVER FOREST HOMES
BEAUTIFUL STYLISH UPDATED HOME with 4 BRs, 3.2 BAs on four floors. Includes LR w/ frpl, new kitchen, Brkfst Rm, 1st FL office. LL has Fam Rm, Rec Rm, Laundry, Wine Cellar and Full BA. 2 car gar, extra storage, rooftop deck........$999,500 PRICE REDUCED SPECIAL HOME located on a quiet street. Decorating right out of House Beautiful. The kitchen boasts lots of cabinets/counter space, hardwood floors. The fireplace is the centerpiece of the living room. The dining room overlooks beautiful backyard. Family room with built -in book cases. ...............................................$919,000 CORNER PRAIRIE STYLE HOME with spacious open floor plan on 1st floor, adorned with oak trim and flooring, and casement windows. Kitchen opens to the family room & large semi covered deck. Four BRs, 2 and ½ baths. Finished basement. 3 car garage and 3 car apron. ...................................................................................$879,000 PLENTY OF ROOM in this spacious bungalow. Two bedrooms on the first floor, rebuilt second floor including 2 full baths. Master suite has a fireplace and new bathroom. Two additional bedrooms with lots of space for your family. The kitchen is a cooks dream with many perks..............................................................................$799,000 PRICE REDUCED LIVES VERY LARGE! Each room has been thought out in this six bedroom, two and a half bath home. Kitchen boasts Rift Cut Oak and was completely redone in 2009. MBR has radiant heated floors. Patios and sitting areas off the Master. Everything has been done for you...........................................................................$779,000 CLASSIC RED BRICK COLONIAL with 3 BR, 2-1/2 baths. Traditional floor plan includes first floor fam rm with fireplace, hdwd flrs, separate LR, separate dining, kitchen and separate brkfst rm. Side driveway with two car garage...............$679,000 GREAT CORNER LOT! Move right in to this four 2nd floor bedroom, one full and two half bath home. Additional office or den on first floor. Eat-in updated kitchen. Hardwood floors. New Cent Air. Semi-finished basement with half bath and additional office/BR. Open front porch. .................................................................$649,000
CLASSIC TUDOR offers the charm and elegance you’ve come to expect in River Forest. A beautiful brick and stone exterior and timeless interior with natural woodwork in this vintage home. Kitchen overlooks large backyard. Two fireplaces, dry basement. Two car garage.................................................................................$619,900 PRICE REDUCED LOVELY, WELL CARED FOR VICTORIAN offers three bedrooms, 1-1/2 baths and classic Victorian details throughout. All brand new wood floors, carpeting, kitchen appliances, quartz counter tops, sink & fixtures, and washing machine. The large, deep back yard is fully fenced. ............................$499,000
VINTAGE VICTORIAN on a corner lot with a formal entry, wood floor in LR/DR. Four bedrooms, two and a half baths. Open front porch on 1st floor and enclosed front porch on 2nd floor. Large yard with a 3 car garage. Central air. Ample space for entertainment inside and out. .................................................................................$525,000 CHARMING & BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED 4 bedroom, 2 bath home. Tasteful updated décor blends seamlessly with original details which include natural wood and art glass windows. Finished basement with ample storage space and full bath. Three car garage includes an oversized bay ......................................................... $489,000
UNPRECEDENTED ESTATE in the FLW district of OP! Meticulously renovated 5 BR, 5 full / 2 half bath property offers exquisite details and refined finishes that boast timeless materials and custom millwork. A showcase home!.......................$2,525,000 TRULY CLASSIC OP RED BRICK COLONIAL with four or five bedrooms, depending on your needs, and four full and two half baths. Third floor features rec room, or bedroom, and full bath. There is a heated 2 car, with addl 2 tandem space, garage with fabulous coach house above. ........................................................ $1,885,000 GORGEOUS COLONIAL CLASSIC with all the bells and whistles! Flawlessly renovated, high end finishes, updates throughout. Gourmet eat-in kitchen opens to fam rm, massive finished bsmnt, Bluestone patio. Perfect for entertaining. .$799,000 GORGEOUS HOME WITH OPEN FLOOR PLAN. This 4 BR, 3-1/2 BA brick colonial sits on a majestic corner lot! Spacious living room, sun room or home office, expansive dining room, family room and a true chef’s kitchen with large eat-in area....$739,900 STUNNING VICTORIAN! Updated 3 BR, 3 BA. Original details have been preserved, and well considered updates to create a blend of historical character and contemporary design. Sits on an extra large lot with professional landscaping. ........... ........................................................................................................................................$639,900
METICUOLOUSLY MAINTAINED new construction with open floor plan features 10 foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and many custom details from crown molding to door handles. High end kitchen. Four generously sized bedrooms. Open basement ready to finish. Just move in!! ..................................................................................$484,000 CHARMING THREE BEDROOM FARMHOUSE with updated kitchen, family room that overlooks fenced yard and in-ground pool with pool house. Partially finished basement with finished rec room, updated full bath, laundry room. One car garage, 3 exterior spots.............................................................................................$299,000
BURMA BUILT BUHRKE HOUSE combines Tudor revival & chateau style architecture elements. Gorgeous décor and impeccable attention to detail and care found in house and landscaped grounds, extends to fabulous in ground pool and patios. Perfect for entertaining. ...........................................................................$2,449,000 SPECTACULARLY UPDATED American Federalist Home. Restored, improved by the designer/owner. Benefits include 5 BRs, 4 full + 2 half BA, Gourmet Kit, Library/ Office, private Fam rm with large-scale windows overlooking backyard... $1,895,000 CLASSIC BRICK COLONIAL with all high-end finishes. First floor features hardwood floors, family room off kitchen. Finished basement has media room, 2 addl BRs, full bath, plenty of storage. Backyard offers private deck, large heated patio, built in pool. 3 car garage, heated driveway. .....................................................$1,595,000 VERY SPECIAL HOME located in the center of town with four full floors of living! Each room has been thought out to the very last detail. Lighting fixtures add ambiance to every room. The kitchen and family room are conveniently located overlooking a beautifully landscaped yard. .......................................................$1,395,000 PRICE REDUCED RESTORE THIS HOUSE with fabulous curb appeal or Build your dream home on this 100’ x 184’ lot. ....................................................................$1,350,000 STUNNING BRICK ENGLISH TUDOR with 5 bedrooms, 4-1/2 baths on one of River Forest’s most private streets. This house has everything you need. Fabulous family room, large eat-in gourmet kitchen, a truly amazing basement with a full spectacular wet bar. This is a must see................................................................$1,145,000 GEORGOUS FRENCH NORMANDY with 5 bedrooms, 5 full & 5 half baths sits on a 75 foot corner lot. Gleaming hardwood floors and fireplace in LR, simply stunning eat-in kitchen with adjoining family room. Lower level rec room with gas fireplace. Beautifully landscaped grounds ...........................................................................$1,049,000
OAK PARK HOMES
FOREST PARK HOMES
CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2 FLATS
RIVER FOREST 2BR, 2BA. Luxurious and unique! ............................................$299,500 OAK PARK 2 Flat. .....................................................................................................$549,900 OAK PARK 2 Flat.......................................................................................................$499,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2-1/2 BA. Centrally located. .................................................... $489,000 PRICE REDUCED OAK PARK 2BR, 2BA. Unique condo. ...............................$264,500 PRICE REDUCED OAK PARK 2BR, 1BA. ...........................................................$164,000 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Fantastic vintage building. ..............................................$129,500 NEW LISTING ELMWOOD PARK 2BR, 1-1/2 BA. .........................................$159,900
For more listings & photos go to GagliardoRealty.com
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
OAK PARK
RIVER FOREST OPEN SUNDAY 12-2PM
OPEN SUNDAY 11:30-1:30PM
3D3D
3D
NEW PRICE!
NEW LISTING!
826 N. Harlem Ave 5BR + 1BSMT, 4BA $554,000
936 Chicago Ave 5BR, 3.1BA $670,000
OPEN SUNDAY 12-2PM
3D
F O R E S T PA R K
OPEN SUNDAY 12-2PM
OPEN SUNDAY 12-2PM
3D
3D
OPEN SUNDAY 2-4PM
3D
3D
1010 Fair Oaks Ave 2BR, 2BA $499,000
622 Woodbine Ave 3BR, 2BA $569,900
847 N. East Ave 3BR + 1BSMT, 3.1BA $710,000
OAK PARK
3D
3D
NEW PRICE!
NEW PRICE!
7419 Warren Ave 4BR, 3BA $549,000
1109 Highland Ave 3BR, 2BA $469,900
947 Mapleton Ave 4BR, 3BA $614,900
920 N. Kenilworth Ave 5BR, 3BA $750,000
OAK PARK 3D
3D
607 Home Ave 3BR, 2BA $464,000
3D
3D
NEW LISTING!
3D
OPEN SUNDAY 1:30-3:30PM
NEW LISTING!
O A K PA R K
108 S Scoville Ave 2BR, 1BA $159,000
OPEN SUNDAY 12-2PM
3D
3D
1151 Lyman Ave 3BR, 2BA $424,900
3D
3D
NEW PRICE!
NEW PRICE!
1216 N. Kenilworth Ave 4BR + 1BSMT, 3.1BA $695,000
1230 Fair Oaks Ave 4BR + 1BSMT, 3.1BA $799,900
OAK PARK
3D
926 Home Ave 4BR + 1BSMT, 3.1BA $649,900
3D
NEW PRICE!
NEW PRICE!
630 N. Marion St 4BR, 3BA $779,000
1040 Wisconsin Ave 4BR, 2BA $434,000
RI V ER FO R E S T
610 N. Humphrey Ave 3BR, 2BA $379,900
546 N. Oak Park Ave 5BR, 2.1BA $1,024,900
1223 Woodbine Ave 3BR, 2.1BA $554,900
3D
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3D
3D
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3D
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847 Lathrop Ave 3BR, 2.1BA $699,000
938 S. Euclid Ave 4BR, 3.1BA $675,000
NEW PRICE!
923 N. Hayes Ave 4BR, 2BA $409,000
F O R E S T PA R K
3D
3D
NEW LISTING!
7770 Washington Blvd 4BR, 3.1BA $725,000
RIVER FOREST
727 Ashland Ave 4BR, 1.1BA $499,000
101 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301 • 708-848-5550 www.weichertnickelgroup.com
1043 Thomas Ave 3BR, 2BA $339,000
751 Forest Ave 3BR, 1.1BA $599,000
Townhomes & Condos 3D 613 Grove Ln – 2BR, 2.1BA $337,000 222 N. Grove Ave – 2BR, 2BA $224,000 421 S. Ridgeland Ave – 2BR, 2BA $269,900 108 S. Scoville Ave – 2BR, 1BA $159,000
131 Ashland Ave 4BR + 1BSMT, 3.1BA $689,000
Go to
3D
WeichertRNG.com to view 3D 3D Tours and see what else is on the market!
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
OUT ABOUT Over 600 community members came to the West Cook YMCA to visit the Health Fair and Healthy Kids Day.
West Cook YMCA and the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce team up to provide a family-friendly event to improve the health and well-being of our community. On Sunday, April 26, the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce hosted their third annual Health & Wellness Fair at the West Cook YMCA. Over 70 local health providers answered questions, provided screenings, presented on hot topics, and provided exercise demonstrations. Phillip Jimenez, President and CEO, West Cook YMCA and Joe Ottolino, Chief Executive Officer, West Suburban Medical Center at the Chamber’s Health Fair.
Plus, the West Cook YMCA hosted their annual Healthy Kids Day, a nation-wide initiative to improve the health and well-being of families and to help them get a jump on creating a healthier summer. Families participated in fitness challenges, STEM activities, arts & crafts, and played games together. Plus, WTTW Kids’ Nature Cat stopped by for a visit. Over 600 community members participated in the event where all ages were able to learn how to improve their health and well-being. After the event, families were invited to stay and participate in family swim at the West Cook YMCA pool.
The Illinois Public Health Department provided free health screenings including dental screenings for children.
Phillip Jimenez, President/CEO, West Cook YMCA shares, “We were happy to host the Chamber for their Health Fair. The West Cook YMCA is passionate about helping individuals become their best self by providing opportunities for them to address their health and well-being goals from disease prevention, fitness, sports, swimming, and youth programs. We were excited to host our Healthy Kids Day alongside the Health Fair so that families were able to participate in an event where activities were provided for all.”
The RUSH Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit was available to visit.
The Health Fair represented over 70 Health and Wellness providers to answer questions.
Exercise demonstrations were provided to get you moving and allowed you to try out various classes that are offered within the community.
WTTW Kids’ Nature Cat was a hit with kids who were able to meet and greet Nature Cat plus take a picture with him.
West Cook YMCA STEM Specialist, Kinyeta Porter led Healthy Kids Day STEM activities that was a hit.
Mother's Day A H O L I D AY & C E L E B R AT I O N G U I D E
May | 2017
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Mother's Day | 2017
Staff
The Community of Motherhood
M
Editor Lacey Sikora Photographer William Camargo Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Mark Moroney, Debbie Becker Display Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Display Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Joe Chomiczewski Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Media Coordinator Kristen Benford IT Manager /Web Developer Mike Risher Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich
other’s Day, like motherhood itself, is one of those things that manages to be so very individual and so very universal at the same time. As I celebrate the day with my two children, I feel blessed to be raising these two individuals unlike any others in the world, and as I look around me, I see mothers old and young experiencing those same feelings for their families, large and small. In spite of the fact that Mother Nature gives us moms a full nine months to prepare for the miracle of childbirth, I remember with great clarity the moment the gravity of the task of being a mother hit me for the first time. It wasn’t when I found out I was expecting, or when the doctor placed my son in my arms at the hospital. The weightiness of the responsibility hit home for me when I realized the nurses were letting us leave the hospital with our child without an instruction manual. After the panic passed, I realized that
Published by Wednesday Journal, Inc., 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 Phone: 708/524-8300
On the cover: Karen Mullarkey Kerrins enjoys a sunny day with her three children.
PATRICIA LOCKE TRUNK SHOW
as miraculous as this tiny human being was to me, mothers from all over the world had been doing this for thousands of years. As the years have passed, like all of those mothers before me, we have survived, we have struggled, and we have thrived. From mastering car seat buckles, to removing training wheels, to the joys of parenting in the age of cell phones, each new phase brings a new learning curve. My sweet little babies are now fully ensconced in the pre-teen and teenager world, and the years ahead of high school and drivers’ licenses seems more daunting than changing diapers and making bottles ever did. Watching my son and daughter become the people they were meant to be also provides me with more joy than I ever expected. They may grow older, but as I remind them every day, they will always be my babies. On Mother’s Day, I plan to take a day to reflect on just how happy that makes me. Happy Mother’s Day!
Courtesy Lacey Sikora Lacey Sikora Spending time with my family is the best activity on Mother’s Day.
BUY ONE GET ONE
50% OFF
Mother’s Day Jewelry
SATURDAY MAY 6TH 10:00am-12:30pm
SALE
Tagua Nut Necklace and Earrings HANDMADE IN COLUMBIA
Friday, April 28–Sunday, May 14
20-30% OFF SPECIAL ORDERS 10% OFF Remember Mother’s Day May 14th
In honor of the women, our mothers and others who have given us shelter and strength, and taught us grace and goodness, we present fair trade gifts that nurture and empower.
since 1990 121 N. Marion St. Oak Park • 708-848-4572 • tenthousandvillages.com/oakpark
7418 MADISON ST. • FOREST PARK • 708.771.1111 All sales are FINAL.
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Tues 10-6, Wed-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5 Closed Mon Use this logo for reductions only, do not print magenta. Do not reduce this logo more than 35%. Magenta indicates the clear area, nothing should print in this space. You may reduce the logo to 30% without the tag and strap lines. Color of Wood Block Motif critical match to Pantone 1805. Letters print Pantone Process Black.
Artisans have been paid in full. Discount applied to item of equal or lesser value. Valid at participating stores. Not valid with other offers or discounts.
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OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Mother's Day | 2017
Oak Park
Jewelers Diamond Pendant “Classic Round Brilliant Cut Diamond With Cushion Halo Pendant”
4/15/2017
3:55 PM
Page 9 Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
Send Love to Mom May 8-14
Local & Nationwide Delivery
Tranquil Bouquet Premium #4970P
Serving the Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest areas for 50 years, and proud to be a part of Phillip's Flowers
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Stud Earring “Classic Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Stud Earrings with Cushion Halo”
Join us for a
Sapphire Band “Timeless Mix and Match Stackable Birthstone Bands “
Sterling Initial “Sentimental Initial and Birthstone Pendant in Sterling Silver”
Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 14, 2017 10:30am – 3:30pm Breakfast Specialties, Omelets made to order, Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, Bone-in Ham, Smoked Salmon Platter, Shrimp Cocktail, Lemon-Dill Baked Salmon, Salads, Assorted Desserts & much more! See our Full Menu at www.carletonhotel.com
S ERVED IN THE G RAND B ALLROOM Adults $37.95* Children (5-12) $14.95* (Children 4 & under are free) *Plus Tax & Gratuity.
For Reservations, Please Call 708-848-4250 Spike “Fashion Forward Diamond Pendant in Yellow Gold”
Blue Topaz “On Trend Diamond and Blue Topaz Bar Pendant in White Gold”
1110 Pleasant Street Oak Park, IL 60302 www.carletonhotel.com
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Mother's Day | 2017
Motherhood as a Return to her Roots
F
or Karen Mullarkey Kerrins, returning to Oak Park to live with her husband Marty when they were expecting their first child was a natural decision. Both she and her husband were raised in Oak Park and graduated from OPRF and knew several young families making the same return trip after living in the city. “Having both grandmas within a mile of us was a draw. We have quite a few family members within walking distance of our house, and it has come in very handy over the years.” Mullarkey Kerrins’ two daughters are third generation students at Ascension, and she relishes the sense of community provided by Ascension and her long-time friends from OPRF. “When our youngest was born two months early, my cousin organized our Ascension community and they cooked dinner for us for several days a week for three months. To have that kind of support when juggling kids and a preemie is priceless. We also have lifelong friendships from OPRF high school that are more like family. This is a really special community filled with people that truly care about their family, friends and neighbors.” Part of Oak Park’s appeal for Mullarkey Kerrins is the diverse offerings of schools, parks, libraries, stores and restaurants, and the mix of conservative and liberal people that makes Oak
Park unique. As the owner of local business Affordable Backyard Tents, Mullarkey Kerrins often use the family business to support local charities and has been on the board of the OPRF Chamber of Commerce for eight years and counting. Another cause near and dear to her heart is West Suburban Special Recreation Association, where she has served as a trustee on the foundation board for the last nine years. “Our oldest son has special needs, and the amount of services available to him in Oak Park is very important to us. WSSRA is an amazing organization, and it has enabled our son to have friendships and acitvities he wouldn’t have otherwise been able to join in on. WSSRA partners with the Oak Park Park District to offer extra support with one-on-one aides within both organization’s classes and camps. This has been life-altering for us and our son.” Mullarkey Kerrins also says her family proudly supports local organizations Oak Leyden and Opportunity Knocks for the much-needed support and social opportunities they provide to families and participants with special needs. For Mullarkey Kerrins, Mother’s Day, like life, is a juggling act. With time for both grandmothers, brunch and a little chaos thrown in, she also feels the day is a wonderful time to pause and reflect about how blessed she is to be a mom and to be surrounded by family and friends.
An Oak Park Tradition A
classic American Bistro setting makes us the
perfect destination for any occasion. Share appetizers with friends, enjoy a relaxed dinner for 2, just a glass of wine or late-night dessert and cappuccino. • Gift Certificates available •
RESTAURANT & BAR 151 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park • 708/386-2600
WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer
Karen Mullarkey Kerrins enjoys time in the backyard with Keegan, Regan and Riley.
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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Mother's Day | 2017
Two Moms + Three Boys = One Great Family
W
hen Gail and Barb Vijuk moved to Oak Park in 1995, it was somewhat of a compromise. Gail was raised in a small town in northern Canada and enjoyed the quiet of small town life. Barb was raised in the northwest suburbs and enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the city. Oak Park gave Gail the small town vibe she was looking for and provided all of the amenities of a nearby city for Barb. Today, they are happy to be raising their three boys in a town of great architecture, interesting history and people committed to social causes. Life today is somewhat busier than it was in 1995 – the couple are mothers to three boys from third grade through seventh grade. Like many families, work and kids’ activities make for a jam-packed calendar. As their family has grown with the addition of three boys, they see the values of Oak Park every day. Barb notes, “Our family of two white moms and three brown boys feels safe and valued here. I forget that we are a ‘conspicuous’ family until we wander farther afield, because no one looks twice at us here.” For Gail the sense of community Oak Park provides is a key to making the community a home. “We have a wonderful
school and church community here that are such a blessing to us. Our kids are heavily involved in sports, and we have found the local sports community to be another amazing experience with some phenomenal coaches who are mentors and role models for our boys. Additionally, I have found that there is an awesome and supportive community of parents in this village – from the friend who drops off a piece of cake when you’re having a bad day to the supportive folks who reassure you that all parents struggle with similar issues when you think you’re doing it all wrong. The openness is amazing.” With two moms in the house and a schedule full of sports, both Gail and Barb say that Mother’s Day may not be a traditional holiday, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t take time to savor the day with their family and other moms in their tight-knit community. One of the boys likely has a hockey game, which means plenty of time together as a family, and they often bake cookies or buy flowers for the other moms on the team. This year, the family looks forward to hosting Mother’s Day for their au pair’s mother who will be flying in from Germany to visit him.
WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer
The Vijuk family enjoys a rare pause for a family photo.
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Your local Real Estate Professionals Since 1933. FEATURED LISTING
FEATURED LISTING
FEATURED LISTING OPEN HOUSE • SUN. 12:30-2:30 1037 S KENILWORTH AVE
423 N Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park
$1,025,000
1037 S Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park
OPEN HOUSE • SUN. 12-2 • ONLY 1 LEFT! 1024 CEDAR LANE, OAK PARK
$925,000
3 story 5 BR, 3.1 BA Victorian located in the heart of the Frank Lloyd Wright District and offers the perfect combination of original character and modern amenities! Exquisite architectural details of arched doorways and grand staircase, quarter sawn oak woodwork, built-in’s, pocket doors and gorgeous art glass windows.
Meticulously renovated, this 5 BR, 3.5 BA Gunderson built American 4-Square home on an extra wide lot is the perfect blend of modern, quality craftsmanship and classic sought after details of lead glass, hdwd floors, inviting foyer, high ceilings, new wood windows, crown molding, wide baseboards and doorway casings.
Anne Ferri & Lynn Scheir - ID# 09601233
Bill Geldes - ID# 09590848
NEW PRICE
Oak Park
OPEN HOUSE • SUN. 12:30-2:30 532 N OAK PARK AVE
$1,550,000
4 BR, 3.2 BA underwent a complete renovation in ‘14. Restoration of a timeless estate, a perfect mix of contemporary design and modern amenities. Steve Scheuring - ID# 09560051
Oak Park
NEW LISTING
Oak Park
$509,000
If convenience, elegance, contemp design, and location are what you’re seeking in your new 3 BR, 3 BA, then look no further. This 1st floor duplexed condo offers it all! Bethanny Alexander - ID# 09583335
$325,000
Oak Park
Chicago
$500,000
Elevated first flr 2 BR, 2 BA home with newer kitchen and private deck in a charming 1920’s red brick vintage building in the heart of Lincoln Park community. Rada Burns – ID# 09586741
$319,000
Oak Park
Oak Park
$435,000
Spacious and bright, this 2 BR, 1.1 BA lives large! So well cared for and invested in over the years! Enjoy an open feel to the first floor and an updated eat-in kitchen Kara Keller – ID# 09602952
$309,000
$695,000
River Forest
$595,000
One of River Forest’s most charming blocks, this 3 BR, 2 1/2 BA welcomes you in with hdwd flrs and abundant light through the many large windows and skylights. Linda Von Vogt - ID# 09510123
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
$419,500
4 BR, 2 BA Bungalow with room to roam! Vintage details abound! Sparkling stained glass details, coffered ceilings, fireplace Chef’s kitchen and many more upgrades! Swati Saxena – ID# 09608504
NEW LISTING
Oak Park
Patricia McGowan - ID# 09610635 NEW LISTING
Spacious and beautifully maintained 5 bed, 4 bath Octagon Bungalow with all of the original charm and craftsmanship. Huge finished basement. A great home! Steven Green - ID# 09569934
Oak Park
Chicago
$289,000
$418,900
3 BR, 2.1 BA townhome with amazing floor plan! Large updated kit with center island opens to comfortable fam rm with gas fireplace. Ready for NEW BUYERS! Lois Bonaccorsi – ID# 09585283
NEW LISTING
Chicago
$559,900
The Oak Park Oasis, 22, 4 level townhomes with a fresh new approach to townhome living. Sleek and modern with a downtown flair, featuring versatile 3 or 4 bedroom layouts, 3.5 baths, open kitchens with large center island, beautiful master suite, balcony, 4th level loft space and attached 2 car garage.
OPEN HOUSE • SUN. 1-3 1213 EDMER AVE
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
Oak Park
$749,000
5 bed, 2.2 bath Victorian home with 3 story turret, wrap around deck, great space, top of the line Jean Stoffer designed kitchen and amazing curb appeal. Ann Keeney - ID# 09505923
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
Elmwood Park
$899,000
Updated 5 BR, 3.5 BA home. Library, fireplace and high-end kitchen with adjoining family room, newly renovated spa like master suite and upper level suite. Bill Geldes - ID# 09574819
OPEN HOUSE • SUN. 12:30-2 807 N KENILWORTH AVE
1024 Cedar Lane, Oak Park
OPEN HOUSE • SUN. 2:30-4 815 S KENILWORTH
Oak Park
OPEN HOUSE • SUN. 12:30-2:30 825 HANNAH AVE
Forest Park
$250,000
$389,000
4 BR, 2 BA home has been recently rehabbed offering quality craftsmanship throughout 3 levels. High end upgrades, warm earth tones, and first floor BR/den. Bill Geldes - ID# 09601398
NEW LISTING
Berwyn
$579,000
One of a kind 4 BR, 1.1 BA Hulbert built home. Rumored to be a home he intended to live in himself. Current owners have upgdd all mechanicals in recent years! Ann Keeney - ID# 09501906
NEW LISTING
Oak Park
$249,000
3 BR, 2 BA is the perfect blend of character and modern elegance! Open–floor plan, well-appointed white cabinet kit, master suite, newly fnshd bsmnt and large deck. Arrick Pelton – ID# 09604541
3 BR Parkway brick Bungalow on large corner lot! Many original feature, built in china cabinet, detailed fireplace mantel with storage, original tiles. 3 car garage! Vanessa Willey – ID# 09608541
2 BR, 2.1 BA Townhome, open flr plan with many updates. New hdwd flrs, newer kit, baths, custom shelving, newer carpeting. Garage plus 1 deeded parking space. Lynn Scheir & Anne Ferri – ID# 09604020
English brick and stucco 3 BR, 1.1. BA home. Beautiful hdwd details, finished lower level with rec rm. Well maintained but this is an estate and being sold as is. Ann Kenney - ID# 09599347
Recent rehabbed 4 BR, 2 BA Tudor has it all! A blend of period charm and modern amenities! Fully remodeled kitchen with pantry and plenty of storage. Linda Von Vogt - ID# 09606316
Vintage 2 BR unit in a prime location! Beautiful kit with ss appliances, formal DR, in unit W/D, deck off kitchen, fenced back yard, and garage parking space. Ann Keeney - ID# 09588151
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
NEW LISTING
NEW PRICE
River Forest
$239,000
Seldom available 2 bed, 2 bath plus a den! Master bedroom with two walk in closets and private bath. Hall bath with walk in shower, eat in kitchen and garage parking. Ann Keeney - ID# 09606111
Oak Park
$215,000
Charming 2 BR, 1.1 BAtownhome with patio, fenced yard, stainless kitchen, fam rm in basement with new powder room, newer windows. 1 parking space. Lynn Scheir & Anne Ferri – ID# 09604020
Northlake
$179,000
Long-time 3 BR family owned property boasts a sprawling open first flr plan, Master BR, family rm, newer appliances and recent roof and siding replaced. Rada Burns – ID# 09606850
La Grange
$145,000
Location! Location! Location! And it only gets better in this 1 BR in a beautiful 1920’s vintage building, mod conveniences, outstanding renovations! Kara Keller - ID# 09600287
Oak Park
$129,000
Classic vintage 1 BR condo with modern flair! Spacious LR with fireplace and flatscreen TV (included!). Large DR, updated kitchen and in-unit washer dryer. Bobbi Schaper Eastman - ID# 09605528
Call us today to use the Local knowledge and skill of our agents paired with the broad reach and power of Baird & Warner. 1037 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park IL | 708.697.5900 | BAIRDWARNER.COM
Oak Park
$119,900
High 1st floor 1 bedroom unit with in-unit washer dryer, hardwood floors, large living room, formal dining room, newly updated kitchen. Bobbi Schaper Eastman - ID# 09522525
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
506 N EUCLID AVENUE, OAK PARK
506NEUCLID.INFO
210 HOME AVENUE, OAK PARK
210HOME.INFO
Exquisite all brick corner home located in the center of the Frank Lloyd
This is not your grandmother’s Victorian! This home features large rooms
Wright historic district of Oak Park and built in 1920. $1,375,000
and a gracious layout. $1,300,000
ANDY GERSTEN
VICKIE FREUND
•
312.342.4205
•
andyger sten @atproperties.com
•
773.848.8932
•
vfreund@atproperties.com
THE #1 LUXURY BROKERAGE FIRM IN OAK PARK. 1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD
1138 N KENILWORTH AVENUE, OAK PARK
1138NKENILWORTH.INFO
1143 WOODBINE AVENUE, OAK PARK
1143WOODBINEAVENUE.INFO
Incredible, completely renovated pristine home with 5+ bedroom & 5 full
Fantastic Classic Oak Park 4 bed 3.5 bath Tudor with all of today’s modern
bath on Kenilworth Parkway. $1,065,000
amenities! $1,050,000
CINDY RISCH
•
312.545.5415
Source: MRED $1 million + sales, Oak Park, 1-1-2016 to 12-31-2016.
•
cincyrisch@atproperties.com
ELIZABETH AUGUST
• 773.610.8000 • elizabethaugust@atproperties.com Stop looking, start finding® atproperties.com
31
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Move to Elmwood Park (River Forest Manor)
LISTING PRICE
TIME
ADDRESS
108 S. Scoville Ave. UNIT 1C, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$159,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 739 Van Buren St. UNIT 2E, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$188,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12 120 Chicago Ave. UNIT B, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$305,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 110 S. Marion St. UNIT 508, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$499,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2:30 110 S. Marion St. UNIT 401, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$520,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2:30 Showroom Open at 139 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$669,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 Showroom Open at 139 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$684,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
ADDRESS
REALTY CO.
LISTING PRICE
TIME
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
REALTY CO.
CONDOS
Cut your Tax Bill by a Third or More!
ADDRESS
TOWNHOMES
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Luxury Home Built in 2006
• 4 BR, 3 Full and 2 Half BAs • 3,600 sq. ft. • Built-in pool • Large loft space on 2nd flr • Deluxe kitchen with granite counters • Hardwood floors • Open floor plan • 2 fireplaces • Radiant heat in basement/garage • Master BR has Large BA with Jacuzzi • Balconies off two bedrooms For sale by owner • $710,000 Realtors Welcome!
3647 Wesley Ave, Berwyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$220,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 1037 Elgin, Forest Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classic Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$379,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3:30 825 Hannah Ave, Forest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$389,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:30-2:30 921 S. Humphrey`, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$392,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 605 Lyman, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$410,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 1229 Forest Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$419,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1122 S. Maple Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$424,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 1040 Wisconsin Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$434,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 720 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$459,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 607 Home Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$464,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 812 Augusta St, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$498,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 120 Franklin, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$499,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30-3 1010 Fair Oaks Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$499,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 415 N. Taylor Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$499,990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1235 Forest Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$539,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 7419 Warren Ave, Forest Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$549,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 826 N. Harlem Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$554,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 622 Woodbine Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$569,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1:30-3:30 1519 Ashland, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$579,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 815 S. Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$579,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:30-4 635 S. Home Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$585,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 751 Forest Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$599,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 735 Home, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$599,500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 5814 Bentley Ave, Willowbrook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$599,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 711 Ashland Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$625,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 123 Ashland Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$639,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 936 Chicago Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$670,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:30-1:30 1213 Edmer Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$695,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 847 N. East Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weichert Realtors Nickel Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$710,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2 807 N. Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$749,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:30-2 729 N. Grove Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beyond Properties Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$749,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 532 N. Oak Park, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$899,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:30-2:30 1037 S. Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$925,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:30-2:30 1206 Lathrop Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Re/Max In The Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$945,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 530 N. East, Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gloor Realty Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$945,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1326 Jackson Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$979,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 1023 Franklin Ave, River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,185,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2
1024 Cedar Ln, Oak Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baird & Warner Oak Park/River Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$559,900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2
This Directory brought to you by mrgloans.com
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7544 W. North Avenue Elmwood Park, IL 708.452.5151
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
EvE ryt Oak hing EvE Par OakryonEk Par k
in t h Pal e m you Of rh and
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
OPEN HOUSE: 4/23/2017 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
NEW PRICE REDUCTION
1435 PARK AVE, RIVER FOREST $699,500 :: 4 bed :: 4.5 bath
1142 FRANKLIN AVE, RIVER FOREST $1,495,000 :: 4 bed :: 4.5 bath
Spacious, meticulously maintained Georgian family home. Walk to elementary school.
Custom modern 6000 sq. ft. home. Dramatic design and unique detailing throughout.
33
NEW PRICE REDUCTION
JUST LISTED
UNDER CONTRACT
847 CLINTON PL, RIVER FOREST $1,095,000 :: 4 beds :: 3.5 baths
417 N MARION ST, OAK PARK $369,900
1535 PARK, RIVER FOREST $229,000
Beautifully designed center entrance brick colonial with a gourmet kitchen. Walk to train.
Stand alone office building with 4 parking spots. 1,800 sq. ft. Multi-use. Walk to train, shop & restaurants.
2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with balcony. Fabulous new renovation.
KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com
1821 N 77th Ct, Elmwood Park 3 BR, 2 ½ BAs • $415,000
Call Laura!
RENOVATED & MOVE-IN READY River Forest Manor home! Gourmet kitchen w/ granite counters, high-end cabinetry & stainless appls. Large master BR with en-suite bath! Spacious living rm, din rm and screened porch. Landscaped yard. Rec Rm & storage in bsmt. 1 year old roof!
UNDER CONTRACT 938 North Blvd, # 401, Oak Park 2BR, 1BA•$179,000 Call Laura!
STYLISH AND SUNNY TOP FLOOR unit in the heart of Downtown Oak Park! One covered parking space is included! Completely rehabbed in 2016.
COMING SOON 7601 Vine, River Forest 5BR 4BA • $649,900
Call Laura!
3BR, 2BA • $3,300/mo • Available Now!
Available Now
Call Laura!
708.567.1375
GulloAssociates@gmail.com
COMPLETE GUT REHAB of this brick home! Superb location, Lincoln School, Trans & DT FP. NEW Roof, Windows, Electric, Plumbing, Kitchen, BAs. High-end finishes! Open Concept 1st flr layout, finished bsmt w/full BA, master suite w/ walk-in closet and more!!
FOR RENT 1122 S. Oak Park Ave # 1, Oak Park
Check out the mobile version of
David Gullo, Managing Broker
REHABBED VINTAGE UNIT! Huge 4 BR 2 BA unit with top-of-the-line finishes. Main level has LR, DR, kitchen, full BA, 3 BRs + enclosed porch. LL has a large fam rm w/ wet bar, master suite w/walk in closet. Central AC. Kitchen, BAs have gorgeous finishes and fixtures. Laundry on lower level. Mechanicals & windows new in '14. Tenant pays utilities. Includes 2 garage spaces. Walk to train, schools, shopping.
W W W.G U L LO R E A L E S TAT E.CO M
Laura Maychruk 708.205.7044
LMaychruk@comcast.net
Margaret Jones 708.804.0368 Mark Finger 708.990.8115
905 South Lombard Ste. 2 Oak Park, IL 60304
34
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
In The Village, Realtors®
189 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-1400 HomesintheVillage.com
April Baker
THIS WEEK’S FEATURED PROPERTIES
Harry Walsh, Managing Broker
1206 LATHROP AVE OPEN SUN 1-3 PM
Joelle Venzera
Mike Becker
Roz Byrne
River Forest • $945,000 5BR, 4BA Call Laurie x186
Oak Park • $630,000 4BR, 2.1BA Call April x181
415 N TAYLOR AVE OPEN SUN 1-3 PM
635 HOME AVE OPEN SUN 1-3 PM
Oak Park • $579,500 3BR, 1.1BA Call Jane x118
Oak Park • $524,900 4BR, 3BA Call Roz x112
Haydee Rosa
Tom Byrne
Oak Park • $499,990 3BR, 1.1BA Call Steve x121
Oak Park • $585,000 4BR, 2BA Call Steve x121
Forest Park • $449,000 3BR, 2BA Call Kerry x139
Oak Park • $419,000 4BR, 2BA Call Joe x117
Kelly Gisburne
Laurie Christofano
Linda Rooney
Oak Park • $379,000 3BR, 2BA Call Marion x111
Forest Park • $319,900 6BR, 3BA Call Mike x120
Kerry Delaney
Oak Park • $315,000 3BR, 2BA Call Kelly x113
Oak Park • $259,900 2BR, 1.1BA Call Elissa x192
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Alisha Mowbray
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C O N S C I O U S
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
VIEWPOINTS
If Albion walks, how do we create a plaza? p. 38
A G I N G
CALL TO ACTION: Dozens of people marched from Central Avenue and Lake Street to the corner of Central and West Corcoran Place during an April 12 march against violence. On the afternoon of April 7, 24-year-old Byron McKinney Jr. was killed in a drive-by shooting at the corner.
A sense of meaning and purpose Eat half, walk double, laugh triple, love without measure. — Tibetan proverb
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very month, facilitators of the IONS Conscious Aging workshops get together for a teleconference, and one question for our recent gathering was, “As you reflect on your life journey, choose an event or an experience or a conversation that gave you a sense of meaning and purpose.” One such event for me was the conference last month at Concordia University, titled Resilient Aging - Resilient Living: Cultivating Community Good for All Ages. The room was filled with older people — beautiful, passionate, engaged, questioning and energized people. A joint project of Arbor West Neighbors and Concordia’s Center for Gerontology, this conference featured keynote speaker Roger Landry, an energetic speaker who shared insights and concrete suggestions for living well, for living resiliently. He delivered a lively presentation about what BJ Miller has termed “allowing life to play itself all the way out, so that rather than getting out of the way, aging and dying can become a process of crescendo through to the end.” Landry focused on the eating, walking and laughing part of the above mentioned Tibetan Proverb, and did so inspiringly. He focused more on the physical, not so much on consciousness, which was just fine. The well over 100 other people in the room supplied the connection — the folks in the room who remain engaged after the keynote speaker, as good as he was, leaves town. And therein is why this conference gave me a sense of purpose and meaning. I listened to the brief reports from the nine breakout tables, each outlining the dreams and practical realities of those gathered. I witnessed the ambitious energy in identifying areas of future work. Being in the room, I was part of a developing grassroots effort, and the sense of meaning and purpose was contagious — not so much serious as determined. There will be more about the continually developing aging network in future columns. Don’t forget: Celebrating Seniors runs May 18-25. There will be lots of information percolating all around the towns. Keep your eyes and ears open. www.celebratingseniors.net Also: Outaging’s Summit on Our Possibilities will take place May 23-25. The summit will open with a reception at Affinity Community Services, located in Bronzeville on Chicago’s South Side. The remainder of the summit will take place at a loop location hosted by AARP. www.prideactiontank.org/projects/outaging/ Save the date: Thursday, June 15 at 7 p.m., Concordia University. The speaker will be Ashton Applewhite, author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism and recent
MARC BLESOFF
See BLESOFF on page 39
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WILLIAM CAMARGO/Staff Photographer
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Senseless violence requires sensible legislation
hen facing a problem, do something. If that doesn’t work, do something else. That pithy advice is credited to President Franklin Roosevelt. Last week in Springfield, we finally did something to help stop kids from dying in our streets by passing bipartisan state-level gun dealer licensing legislation. Despite cries to the contrary from gun advocates, this proposal could bring meaningful change to the neighborhoods I represent by protecting families from the devastating scourge of senseless gun violence. Fourteen-year-old children are shooting each other because guns end up too easily in the wrong hands. Senate Bill 1657 will give police new tools to hold corrupt or reckless gun dealers accountable and curb the flow of illegal guns to our streets. It is a meaningful step to protect our children and neighborhoods. This measure is long overdue for Illinois. I first introduced similar legislation in 2003 and attempted to pass it in every General Assembly since. No debate has frustrated me more. In those years, thousands of lives were lost, entire communities were destabilized, and Chicago gained widespread attention — all because of gun violence and the powerful gun lobby. Locally, we gathered at dozens of community meetings and anti-violence rallies on the West Side. Last month, we discussed the problem at the historic Austin Town Hall, a block from the brazen daylight shooting that left one dead and five injured just days before. At every gathering, our anger and frustration has grown, as has the desperate cry for action from grieving families and communities. The Illinois Senate finally took a step forward on a
common-sense solution. Gun dealers are the most critical link between manufacturers and the public. A recent study revealed that 40 percent of guns used in crimes in Chicago were sold by Illinois gun dealers. Senate Bill 1657 encourages responsible business practices — including background checks, employee training and state inspection authority of dealer locations — to curb illegal transfers of guns. Illinois would not be alone in requiring state-level licensing; 27 other states have enacted similar rules. This is a difficult issue for many. Other corners of Illinois have different cultural mores when it comes to gun ownership and rights. Law-abiding gun owners deserve a place at the table, too. I appreciate my downstate colleagues who chose to see things from our point of view, including the lone Senate Republican brave enough to cross the aisle to get this done. As this debate moves to the House, we will need to find more support. We will not benefit from the cooperation of the National Rifle Association, which responded to the Senate’s action by instructing members to “neutralize Harmon” — an alarming but not surprising reaction. I urge you, those who are directly affected by gun violence and who have seen the devastating effects of it, to do something to ensure this legislation is successful in the House. Call and write Illinois’ state representatives to voice your support. Get involved with an anti-gun violence advocacy group. We owe it to our children and to those we’ve lost to gun violence to do something. State Senator Don Harmon represents the 39th District, which includes Oak Park, where he is a resident.
STATE SEN. DON HARMON One View
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
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Equity times three
O
ver decades as Oak Park’s public elementary schools and Oak Park and River Forest High School have grappled with diversity and equity, the quiet third leg of our connected local public schools, River Forest’s District 90, has been left to its own ways. The question, if asked at all, was more likely to be whether affluent and mostly white D90 families were still sending their kids to OPRF in healthy proportions or diverting them to private high schools. That divide had historic roots. But as has been phrased and paraphrased, the arc of River Forest’s history bends toward equity and inclusion. We’ve seen the gratifying evidence of this in recent years in the village as the student body has grown more diverse and the district, in ways small and large, has worked to welcome and accommodate all students. Earlier this week, after press time, D90 joined districts 97 and 200 for a town hall focused on equity. The River Forest district’s strategic plan, its focused committees, the words of its board and its superintendent have been plain on aligning its actions with its goals. Direct evidence of that sincerity will come this month as the school board is widely expected to adopt a “welcoming schools” resolution putting it in line with the growing number of school districts and villages in voicing the rights of its immigrant students and families. In a nation unwilling to address a broken immigration system, it is left to fair-minded local entities such as D90 to speak plainly. We’d note that when approved, D90 will be the only River Forest government to have taken such action. Time for the village government to take this step as well. Equity in schools is complex and difficult. But in our near 40 years of observation, we have never seen our three public school districts so ready to be conscious and aggressive in seizing this opportunity. It is a heartening moment.
Thanks to those who served Monday night was transition night at Oak Park’s village hall. Three new village trustees, three retiring or retired. A new village clerk, another leaving the stage. The mayor re-elected, having been unopposed. We’ve watched many trustees come and go. There have been a handful of utter clunkers. Others with whom we’ve disagreed on style. But each one gets our thanks for having stepped up to serve in what is an interesting but complicated job. Always more interesting and more complicated for having been performed on stage in front of passionate neighbors and friends. And so, we salute Teresa Powell on her eight years as village clerk. We offer thanks to Peter Barber for his collected 12 years between the District 97 school board and the village board. In terms of village board service we are especially appreciative of outgoing trustees Colette Lueck and Glenn Brewer. Quiet, thoughtful, always rooted in principled thinking, when Glenn Brewer spoke we paid attention. He had what we believe to have been the unique experience of watching Oak Park as he grew up in the Austin neighborhood. It gave him a clear-eyed view of Oak Park’s strengths and its fails on race, fair housing, and basic respect. He has been a calm, always prepared presence on the board for eight years. Colette Lueck has served Oak Park in a range of ways for many years. She served on, and then chaired, the Plan Commission during many tumultuous debates. She has been a leader for gay rights in Oak Park for a very long time. And she has served with distinction on the village board for 12 years. While the past four years have been challenging with a mutual conflict in style and personality with Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb, Lueck has continued to have impact. In many ways she has been the ideal Oak Park leader. The heart of a social worker, the heart of an advocate, with a pragmatic focus on governing with efficiency. And now, on to the next formulation of the village board.
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@ @OakParkSports
Freedom enough for me
o many of our dreams — and the American Dream in general — are tied to freedom, of which there are basically two kinds: freedom from and freedom to. Both are included in Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s famous “Four Freedoms,” later iconized by Norman Rockwell’s illustrations. On Jan. 6, 1941, FDR framed these freedoms in his State of the Union Address: Freedom of Speech, Freedom to Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear. Most people fully support these freedoms … for themselves. They’re not always so keen on guaranteeing them for every American. Roosevelt, however, took a giant step further: We need to extend them to all people, everywhere. But freedom is relative. We put limits on hate speech and on worship when it becomes merely an excuse to practice bigotry. And the two “freedom froms” are more difficult to achieve. Freedom from Want doesn’t mean “whatever I want.” It doesn’t even mean “not having enough” — if that means not having enough to be filthy rich at others’ expense. “Want” is an old term we don’t use much anymore. It means not having enough to meet basic needs — in other words, freedom from economic insecurity. Elimination of poverty and hunger is achievable, even though the forces arrayed in opposition to such an obvious humanitarian goal are daunting. They support it only if it doesn’t restrict their freedom to have whatever they want. By “want,” Roosevelt meant lack of material goods, but there is so much more emotional “want” throughout the country these days. Many suffer from a fear that seizes and freezes the soul. That was clear in the last election. At its extreme, fear is debilitating. That’s why FDR famously said we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Because it is so often “non-rational,” it’s impossible to make everyone feel safe. Roosevelt primarily meant freedom from the fear of invasion by foreign powers. But we’ve seen that even the most powerful military defense in the world does not make Americans feel secure. Terrorism and immigration represent the new fear of invasion. Many Americans live in a world filled with imagined threats and they have become easy prey for unscrupulous power-seekers like Donald Trump who know how to manipulate them. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little tem-
KEN
TRAINOR
porary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” The rest of us, meanwhile, seek freedom from dangerous demagogues who damage our country and violate our cherished national ideals. I’ve been thinking about freedom a lot lately because, as I mentioned last week, I will soon have more “free time” on my hands. We spend much of our early-tomiddle adulthood striving to achieve “freedom from.” We try to create safe havens (home, work, community) for ourselves and our loved ones (family and friends). We do our best to work within the limitations that conditions impose and the surprises life throws
our way. We hope it all pays off someday when we retire and have more “freedom to.” We make choices (some good, some bad) through the years that affect our health and finances. We also have responsibilities, more or less freely chosen, that follow us into our later years. We are never completely free and, truth be told, probably don’t really want to be. Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose, Janis Joplin sang, back when most of us didn’t have so much to lose. Now we do have something to lose, which can intensify fear. Or it can lead to liberation. The one freedom we genuinely have is the freedom to accept — and even to choose — the life we have created, with all its limitations and responsibilities and vulnerabilities, and to live it as fully as we can for as long as we can. That, it seems to me, is the best way to approach retirement, moving beyond “freedom from” to “freedom to.” Freedom to, as the old sports cliché reminds us, “play within our limits.” Erik Erikson, the psychoanalyst who divided the life cycle into stages, refers to this one as “Integrity vs. Despair.” The challenge is to accept and integrate the choices we’ve made in life, or end up ruing our fate in bitter despair. We don’t have the freedom to live our lives over again. Our freedom is to choose the life we’ve led, accepting our limits and, where possible, stretching ourselves beyond them. Our hope is to be freed (relatively) from want and fear, freed to speak from the soul, to seek meaning and let the mind and heart roam together where they will, to worship the beauty of the world and ask aloud who might be responsible for it. That is freedom enough for me.
Say it ain’t so, Ken!
I just read your column announcing impending retirement ... Yikes! [Entering the ‘Forest Stage’ of life, Ken Trainor, Viewpoints, April 26]. The unselfish part of me is truly happy for you and what this next chapter will bring. That said, the selfish part of me is truly sad. Plus, I don’t handle separation anxiety well. (I’m still upset about Michael Jordan retiring ... both times!) But I’m glad to hear that you’ll still find ways to
share your words, insight, and humor with us through your weekly column. Most of all, please know I wish you well. I know you’ll be engaged with varied and meaningful involvements. I suspect you’ll soon become part of the esteemed ranks of the majority of us seniors out here, who are “flunking” (traditional) retirement, and happily thriving!
Barbara Hausman Oak Park
V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
W E D N E S D A Y
by Marc Stopeck
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Senior Editor Bob Uphues Associate Publisher Dawn Ferencak Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Timothy Inklebarger Viewpoints/ Real Estate Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter Marty Farmer Columnists Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Staff Photographer William Camargo Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea Business Manager Joyce Minich IT Manager/Web Developer Mike Risher Director Social Media Strategy & Communications Jackie McGoey Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Joe Chomiczewski Media Coordinator Kristen Benford Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Some pertinent questions related to restorative justice I love it when Oak Park is awakened from its collective slumber and has to face the realities that come with such goals as diversity, equity, and justice. It is in these moments that we have our own biases revealed and challenged. In these moments we either grow, become entrenched, or reach an uneasy compromise. The phrase “Restorative Justice” has resurfaced in the aftermath of physical violence, potential weapons, and/or antisocial behavior in our two middle schools. Students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community at large are struggling to move forward in the context of restorative justice and equity. Not surprisingly, conflicting points of views have emerged. Along with these views, important questions have also emerged: 1. “Are current school/district policies and staffing levels adequate to provide a reasonably safe environment for our students?” 2. “Who gets prioritized (the victims, the perpetrators, and/or the witnesses and close associates) and to what extent should they be restored?” 3. “Should restorative justice realistically be the goal of all student discipline policies in District 97?” 4. “Is the school environment always the correct environment to carry out restorative justice?” 5. “What role should taking individual responsibility play when carrying out restorative justice?” 6. “How do you factor in such components as family
Distribution Coordinator Caleb Thusat Comptroller Edward Panschar Credit Manager Laurie Myers Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
About Viewpoints Courtesy Matt Baron
CRISIS MEETING: A standing-room-only crowd of parents and community members gather inside of the cafeteria at Brooks during a meeting that administrators called recently in the wake of three studentinvolved incidents at Oak Park middle schools. support, race, social-emotional development, and access to affordable resources?” 7. “Should forgiveness play a role in restorative justice?” 8. “How should we prioritize social justice in the context of academic excellence, producing critical thinkers, and affirming positive social skills in our students?” 9. “What constitutes criminal behavior and when should we move beyond restorative justice for answers?” 10. “Will the adults or the children lead the way toward a solution?” After over 15 years of working in Chicago’s Austin community, I can confidently say the answers are not easy ones but are worth the sustained efforts of us all.
Ken Woods Oak Park
Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 708-613-3310 or email him at ktrainor@wjinc.com.
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If Albion balks and walks, how do we create a plaza?
hat happens if the Oak Park Village Board stops issuing “special use permits” with such frequency? In the case of the Albion project at Forest and Lake — the former Lytton’s site — what if the project is a no-go because the developer didn’t get a special use permit to build what he wants and feels he needs to make money? That is, what if he is denied permission to build 18 stories and only allowed 8 stories by the current zoning, and he walks away to find a project more suited to his investment ideas? It’s not our fault or his fault that the village board ignored the visionary suggestion of the Crandall Arambula (CA) Comprehensive Plan Revision in 2005, to make a public square on the Lytton’s site on the northwest corner of Forest and Lake and that there is fallout now from that decision. The board ignored the enhancement idea, but went whole hog on the idea to demolish 22 buildings (without consult-
ing owners) in Downtown Oak Park. They went on to do the most extensive destruction ever to our history-rich downtown. In the process, they created the controversy (2008-2009) of unfair and illegal treatment in one highly publicized case, the Garcia family-owned Los Casadores on Lake Street, threatening eminent domain against a family whose father/founder had recently been diagnosed with cancer (https://www. highbeam.com/doc/1N1-12601B9D1C5BFE98.html). Boards also ignored the CA suggestion that the height of buildings should be no higher than the former Marshall Field building. They ignored at least two important recommendations of a study they paid $225,000 to have done by a firm that they chose. For our new board, and a new generation of younger activist residents who campaigned on a promise of transparency and participatory democracy, with a situation
of no developer and no project, what would have to be done to go back and create the plaza once proposed in the revised Comprehensive Plan once proposed for Downtown Oak Park and the adjoining Frank Lloyd Wright National Historic District at the Lytton’s site? First, it would be necessary to find a benefactor and acquire the land. This is one option if there is no possibility of public funds. It is not hard to find philanthropic foundations whose missions are to do projects in the public interest. I have sent inquires to two such organizations to find out how that works. In addition to contacting those foundations, I contacted two agencies whose missions are dedicated to creating public spaces benefiting the quality of life in communities all over the world. On April 5, I got a call from Jamie Simone in the Chicago office of The Trust for Public
CHRISTINE VERNON One View
Reasons to oppose How you can help protect immigrants Taco Bell at Madison & Lyman My family and I live on the 700 block of Lyman. The village is planning to review a request to place a Taco Bell on the corner of Lyman and Madison. Here are some points on why we are against it — in addition to the known drug dealing at the current McDonald’s and speeding traffic down our street. ■ We don’t want to be Oak Park’s fast food corridor. ■ Adding Taco Bell will make it four fast-food drive-thrus, all within a third of a mile (KFC, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s, Taco Bell) along Madison. ■ No other street in Oak Park has two fast-food restaurants at the end of the block. The 500 block of Lyman would have this dubious distinction. ■ In exempting the stretch of Madison from East to Home from this kind of development means fast food is even more consolidated near our homes. ■ It is unfair to our families and property values to saddle our streets with this many high-risk, low-value businesses.
Oak Park’s Immigration Subcommittee of Moveon.org (We Take Action Today) has been working closely with both Lincoln United Methodist Church in Pilsen as well as Suburban Unity Alliance (Anthony Clark and other volunteers) to combat hate crimes and foster hope. As a member of the committee, I contacted the church in December, following a news report of the impending deportation of a green card veteran. The minister, Emma Lozano, shared that, due to their efforts to help this and other families, they had become the target of white supremacist intimidation and vandalism. The week prior, someone had spray painted “KKK” on the church door. A known white supremacist came to their Bible Study meeting and church service, disrupting both with hateful comments. They were very
frightened as they are a poor church with immigrant members mostly from Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala. Suburban Unity Alliance raised $3,000 to cover the cost of installing eight security cameras. Time was donated by Eric Deubel (security camera expert) and Bob Crews, a local electrician. Installation is done and the church feels deeply grateful. The church also trained us on how to help young people with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) applications and will soon provide training in citizenship application training. Anyone interested in helping with these applications is encouraged to contact Anthony Clark at anthony@suburbanunity.org.
Roberta Jannsen
Oak Park resident for 30 years
‘Dr.’ Rogers will be missed
Land (www.tpl.org), an organization based in San Francisco. I emailed the San Francisco headquarters asking for information about their work. Of course, they don’t get involved in the public or political controversies of the projects, but they will help and consult if asked and they will help with acquisition of land and serve as a “convenience buyer” and help with the process when there is a public entity to buy the land. In addition, the Project for Public Spaces (www.pps.org) in NYC also responded to my inquiry email. Both organizations are amazing and inspiring. To learn more about public spaces and placemaking, look at their websites, see their work. PPS’s link on “Placemaking: 101” details considerations and intentional choice involved in creating successful public spaces. These are resources with the expertise to create a public plaza on the Lytton’s site adjacent to Downtown Oak Park, Austin Gardens and the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District.
Thanks for saying it so well Dear Mr. Trainor, I have been a resident of the Oak Park Arms (and Illinois) for 17½ months and have been a fan of Wednesday Journal all that time. Your columns have been my favorite part of the paper, and I keep thinking every week “This one is best!” Today I had to express to you a big thank-you for your column titled, “The space between yesterday and tomorrow” [Viewpoints, April 19]. At my age of 91+, today is it. This is all I have right now, and it is good. Thank you for expressing it so well.
Delphine Furtaw Oak Park
When patience is not a virtue
Every time I eat a meal, No matter how good, bad, or humdrum, The dishes have to be washed.
I would like to add a few things to the very fine testament to the late Ron Rogers written by Steve Parker, which appeared in the April 26 Viewpoints section. Ron, who worked at Dressel’s Hardware, appeared to me to be an Irish elf, always with a twinkle in his eye. When I would call Dressel’s asking for Ron, and he answered the phone, I addressed him as Dr. Rogers. Inevitably he would reply, “Again you didn’t make an appointment.” He helped me with so many projects that I undertook. When I needed a tool or special object, he would show me where it was and then ask what I wanted it for. Many times he would say that he had another item that he thought might work better than the one I asked for and he was right! Ron always looked forward to his vacations in Hawaii, and I always looked forward to his return. He had all the good qualities that I associate with Oak Park. He will be sorely missed.
Different economic, social, racial and cultural backgrounds do not justify violence. [Brooks Principal] LeeAndra Khan tells us that the school is focused on the “whole child” and wants to help children “make better choices” (whatever that means). Dan Haley seems to suggest that the goal of meting out discipline in a way that exactly mirrors the school’s racial composition is of greater importance than a child’s safety, and that we should “think through our values” [Deep breaths at Brooks, News, April 26]. I’ve thought through my values and concluded that weapons are bad, weapons in the hands of children are very bad, and any adult who would seek to excuse armed children is more than dangerously irresponsible — he/she is guilty of child abuse. In my value system, when children’s safety is at risk patience is not a virtue.
Oak Park
Oak Park
Oak Park
Amy Henderson Oak Park
Life is Tweet Joanne Selden
Greg Neumer
Jessica Tovrov
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BLESOFF
CureSearch benefit honors ‘Amazing Isabelle’
Join us for an evening of family fun to support a great cause. Princess Belle’s Friends team is hosting a pasta dinner to raise funds to assist CureSearch for Children’s Cancer on Saturday, May 13 at First Baptist Church of Oak Park from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. We have invited a face painter, a balloon man, and will have a coloring contest for the kids from 4:30 to 6. Dinner starts at 5, followed by a great show called “Celebra-
tion of Isabelle’s Life” at 6 p.m. Joel Raney, well-known composer and pianist as well as minister of music at First Baptist Church, will be headlining the show, along with the Wendy City Dancers of Panda Studios. There will also be performances by many of Isabelle’s gifted friends. Don’t miss this benefit; it’s going to be fabulous! All profits will go to CureSearch in honor of Isabelle Jones, a former Lincoln Elementary student
who passed away from brain cancer in December 2014. Admission is $20 for adults, $12 for kids 5-12 and seniors, and free for children 4 & under. Limited tickets will be available at the door, and advanced purchase is highly recommended. For more information or to pay by cash or check, contact Cindy Jones at 708383-3525. To pay by credit card, go online to http://www.curesearchevents.org/goto/bellebenefit.
ISABELLE JONES
Serving as an election judge was worthwhile As the newly elected municipal officials take their seats, I think back upon the proceedings of recent months. The campaigns underscore the importance of politics locally, which influences much of what happens in our community, even more so than federal politics. That’s why I made a point to attend forums to interact with the candidates. I’m grateful to all those who exerted the effort to host them. I became aware of the importance of the local level in politics when serving
as an election judge back on Nov. 8 at the Maze Library polling place. I realized that even for elections of federal officials, people vote at a local polling place. I served again on April 4 at Maze. While it was a long, exhausting day, it was also exhilarating to interact with voters, people from the neighborhood, and even many I know from my home parish of Ascension. What truly stands out in the experience were those new voters who registered that day, including someone naturalized as a U.S. citizen the
day before and also checking in a first time 18-year-old voter. I thank the voters for giving me the opportunity to serve them. And I thank those first-time voters for inspiring me. For those who are considering it, serving as an election judge is definitely worthwhile work. Now with the elections past, let’s continue the work of shaping our community to be a great place for all to live.
Paul Rubio Oak Park
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from page 35 TED Talk presenter. Ashton resonates with all generations. Please do mark it on your calendar and attend, and bring along a friend from a different generation than yours. One more thing: Using baby talk with older people is insulting, not cute, and a new study finds it’s also bad for our health. According to research published in Oxford University’s The Gerontologist, a slow speech rate, exaggerated intonation, elevated pitch and volume, the intentional use of simple vocabulary and reduced grammatical complexity, changes in affect, pronoun substitutions (“how are we today?” instead of “how are you?”), diminutives, and repetition can make older people with cognitive impairment react negatively and refuse to comply, usually causing agitation and yelling. Kristine Williams, professor at the University of Kansas School of Nursing, told the Huffington Post that baby talk may be well-intended and meant to show kindness and affection, but what it actually does is “send a message to older adults that they’re not competent.” Perhaps Ashton Applewhite will address this point on June 15.
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Miss a week. W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL
Class of 2013 Pages 33-36
AL JOURN
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Vol. 33, No. 2 ONE DOLLAR
Culture shock at village hall
D A Y N E S W E D
June 1, 2016
June 12, 2013
of Oak Park and River Forest
4 pages of names and photos
Setting goals, Oak Park board starts at its home base By ANNA LOTHSON
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Staff Reporter
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DAVID PIERINI/Staff Photographer
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3+4 = FAMILY: AMILY: thre biological and four adopted from Ethiopia. They AMIL Katie and Todd Wilson of Oak Park have seven kids, three have not ruled family. led out adding to their family
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call to adopt between 1998 and 2000 when they lived ved in Minneapolis. Minneapoli Newly graduated Katie aduated from Wheaton College, Colle was teaching junior high English and colle students Todd was working with college in a Twin Cities congregation. “In Minneapolis we were at a church where they had a lot of adoptions,” Katie explained. “That’s when it really kind
of stirred our hearts for adoption, but it didn’t feel like the right time. We were moving a lot and we did not have the money to do it.” The Wilsons moved often during the next seven years, including a sojourn in Cambridge, England, where Todd
A day of rem
Oak Park’s village board presented a united front during a special Saturday morning meeting as leaders outlined key goals for the group, some of them being identical to those of President Anan Abu-Taleb’s spring campaign points. With the campaign months behind and Oak Park entering the early stages of its 2014 budgetplanning process, Abu-Taleb and his colleagues dove into topics the group plans to address within the next two years. This included tasks like enhancing customer service at village hall, boosting employee morale and citizen satisfaction, addressing economic development in each of its business districts, staying on top of the Eisenhower Expressway expansion discussions and improving intergovernmental cooperation. Although these topics are far from new for this board, the elected officials vowed now is the time to tackle the tough topics if Oak Park wants to remain an attractive and feasible place to live. Abu-Taleb opened the meeting by highlighting its purpose, which he explained was to “define the strategic direction” of the board in order to create a solid foundation moving forward. “The goals we develop today will set the tone for the type of leadership we want to bring to Oak Park. We cannot forget that the voters chose
See ADOPTION on page 20
See VILLAGE HALL on page 13
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Miss a lot! OAK PARK
3 BR, 2 BA.................
See page B4
...$385,000
OAK PARK 4
BR, 2.5 BA . . .... See page B4 . .$685,000
OAK PARK
6 BR, 3.1 BA................
See page B4
$1,600,00
RIVER FOREST 4 BR, 4 BA See page B5............$529,000
RIVER FOREST 7 BR, 7.1 BA See page B5 ......$1,195,000
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Tips for cyclists this spring
he weather is still a bit unpredictable (this is the Chicago area, after all), but depending on where you look, there are signs of spring. One sure sign is the increase in the number of bicycle riders on the streets. The Oak Park Cycle Club has a few tips for getting bikes — and families — ready for another enjoyable and safe season of riding: 1. Remember your ABCs: Whenever you ride, do a quick check on your bike to make sure you have enough air in your tires, your brakes are in good shape, and your chain is clean and dry. This will be especially important if you’re taking your bike out for the first time in a while. Additional checks may be warranted: Inspect your cables and drivetrain to make sure they are ready to go. 2. Keep it clean: With anything mechanical, dirt is the enemy. It wears out parts and affects the performance of the bike. So make sure your bike is ready for the season by giving it a thorough cleaning. 3. Keep it inflated: If they don’t know how already, cyclists should learn how to repair a flat so they are able to maintain their independence and continue riding. Practice makes better, so pretending you have a flat in the comfort of your own home is highly recommended. Seek out a local bike shop or local bike club that may have flat repair clinics. 4. Mind your head: If you don’t have a helmet, you need to get one. You don’t need to spend a lot — a decent helmet can cost as little as $30. As for other bike gear, the more you ride, the more you’ll discover that gear such as cycling shorts and jerseys, gloves, and sunglasses, to name a few, will enhance your riding experience. Build your gear inventory gradually as you learn what works best for you and what is needed for the type
of riding you do. 5. Watch for traffic: It’s been some time since drivers had to watch for cyclists — and vice versa. Like driving in snow for the first time, riding (or driving) with bikes around takes some getting used to. When riding in traffic, assume you are invisible to cars. Motorists are used to reacting to other cars, but not always to cyclists. 6. Where am I going? Start local. Incorporate cycling as an everyday transportation option. Group riding can be a great way to learn the ropes. You’ll go further and faster with a group than by yourself. You’ll learn riding tips and new routes. And if you have a mechanical issue, others can help. There are plenty of local resources to get more information on tips, bike trails and bike-related events. Check out the Active Transportation Alliance (activetrans.org), Ride Illinois (rideillinois.org) and The Chainlink (thechainlink.org) to start. Be sure to start riding early and often so you can be prepared for the 11th Annual Wright Ride taking place in Oak Park on Sunday, Aug. 20. A family-friendly event, the Wright Ride is not a race but a leisurely jaunt through some of Chicagoland’s most beautiful tree-lined and architecturally rich communities. Cyclists of all abilities are welcome. You can learn more at oakparkcycleclub.org/wright-ride. The OPCC is a recreational and non-competitive rider club based in Oak Park. Riders of all ages and skill levels who enjoy the social aspects of cycling are welcome to join us as we continue Oak Park’s rich tradition of cycling and advocating for a better cycling environment. To learn more, go to www.oakparkcycleclub.org or go to our Facebook page. Bill Watson is a former president of the Oak Park Cycle Club.
BILL WATSON One View
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Stop this trash legislation Dear Senator Don Harmon, Please stop. Your HB 1657 is an embarrassment and an insult to all of the responsible gun owners and dealers in this state. I am amazed this pile-of-trash legislation made it through the Illinois Senate, but at this point nothing should surprise me, given the current condition of Democratic Party-run Illinois; Crook, er Cook County; and Chicago. In reality, this bill will have no more impact on reducing crime and violence than the absurd “assault-style” semi-automatic rifle and high-capacity magazines bans, firearm tax, or ammo tax. What it will do is enhance the black market sales and force more folks to buy online and out of state. Of course, none of this matters because in the end this is all about money and the anti2nd Amendment agenda. How much did you
get in contributions from Bloomberg, Kelly/ Giffords, and other gun control organizations? How about focusing on the real problems that cause the violence and problems in this state like gangs, drugs, poverty, the broken education system, loss of private sector businesses, jobs, higher and expanding taxes, and a runaway cost of living? Yeah, I get it. That would require actual leadership and politicians doing their jobs. I won’t hold my breath. I was just at the range on Sunday, Maxon’s Shooting Range and Gun Supplies, great facility, and full of responsible gun owners. Would be a shame to see them go out of business over this absurd assault on our rights.
Emerson Bolen River Forest
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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SPONSORED CONTENT
Getting Down To Business
with the Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce May 1st, 2017
The Business of Districts
O
By CATHY YEN, Executive Director
ak Park businesses will have received by now an emailed invitation to an upcoming meeting on area “Business Districts” from our project facilitator and brand consultant Jenny Yang. Here is what that is all about. On May 9, from 8am - 10am, the Chamber is hosting a stakeholder meeting to introduce business owners to our work with the Village’s business districts. We want all business owners to understand the project and have an opportunity to provide input as we begin to shape recommendations, brand and structure for the volunteer district organizations that support our local merchants. Why is this important? While the Cham-
ber of Commerce works to connect and give voice to all types of businesses across the community, business districts focus on street-level vitality in their hyper-local commercial areas, be it just a few blocks long or a larger multi-bock shopping mecca. Businesses in a district work together on marketing and events. Often, the Village of Oak Park needs to communicate directly to businesses in a single district. Or, the businesses in a defined area want to collectively communicate their needs to the Village. Unless there is a framework in place for organizing, collaborating and disseminating information, businesses can be left out of the loop. And, they are challenged to create the events, advertising and excitement that takes scale and combined resources. There are twelve districts in all, encompassing most, but not all, area businesses (another challenge). Some districts have volunteer leaders that represent the area.
Some even have organized formal merchant associations. All districts are volunteer-led, except for Downtown Oak Park, which hires professional staff, funded by a special tax assessed on it property owners. Some districts do not have any organization in place at all. I’d venture to say that some businesses do not know that they are even in a business district. We at the Chamber aim to bring some organization to all of this to ensure that every local business is part of something appropriate for whatever it is it wants to accomplish. Just what that is, we’re not sure. Come help us figure it out on May 9.
New location! 7751 Lake St., River Forest cboprf.com
… to COMMUNITY BANK OF OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST on their new branch! Pictured: Cliff Osborn, Gloor Realty; Pat Koko, Celebrating Seniors Coalition; Mari Martinez, Forest Park Orthodontics; Ruth McLaren, CBOPRF; Kim Goldschmidt, AXA Advisors; Susie Goldschmidt, MB Financial; Marissa Martinez, CBOPRF; Mary Beth McIntosh, CBOPRF; Kathy Marchwiany, CBOPRF; Donna FantettiSlepicka, River Forest Chocolates; Phil La Giglia, CBOPRF; Krizia Collins, CBOPRF; Corey Nekimken, The Day Nursery of Oak Park; Walter Healy, CBOPRF; Kristen Hal, Bethesda Rehab & Senior Care; Ann Schimmel, CBOPRF; Armen Garry, CBOPRF; Dexter Cura, Escape Factor; Charlene Witkowski, CBOPRF; Sandy Remis, CBOPRF; Janel Morales, CBOPRF; Tom Manfre, CBOPRF; Jonathan Biag, Escape Factor; Brenda Donald, CBOPRF; Claude L’Heureux, CBOPRF; Cindy Hughes, CBOPRF; Eric Palm, Village of River Forest; Bob Stelletello, Right At Home Oak Park/Chicago; Debbie King, David King & Associates; David King, David King & Associates. Not pictured: Sam Yousif, Body Gears Physical Therapy; Melissa McCann, Body Gears; Molly Crawford, CBOPRF, Maria Munguia, CBOPRF; Cathy Yen, OPRF Chamber.
OPRFCHAMBER.ORG
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Re-evaluating the development discussion I have lived in Oak Park for 38 years. I worked in the schools here for 31 of those years. I love Oak Park. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. We are a unique community. We all have opinions, and I love that. Sometimes, those opinions are wellinformed, sometimes not; but almost always those opinions are delivered with good intentions. During the past several months, Oak Park has been embroiled in a controversy about a building to be located at Forest and Lake. Concerns about Austin Gardens are legitimate. Austin Gardens needs to be safe-guarded and not diminished in any way. Most of us could agree on that issue. What concerns me is that the attitudes about that development in our village have been generalized to all development. Some are against all development. Others are against tall developments. Others recoil at the thought of density. What about traffic!
And OMG, the parking! Most people in Oak Park seem concerned about our environment. We recognize climate change as a major concern, as is pollution of our water and air. Urban sprawl has created terrible problems with traffic congestion and shifted our culture toward an auto-centric dependency. Obesity is an issue as we walk less; we pollute our air and waste energy as we drive more; and we take up more and more farmland in an unsustainable manner. More and more people migrate to the urban population centers around the world. What to do? Well, one of the most logical and viable solutions is called Transit Oriented Developments, or TODs. What is a TOD? It’s a development oriented around train transit stops that focuses on mass transit use, walkability, safe biking, and
TERRY GRACE
One View
Serving as an election judge was worthwhile As the newly elected municipal officials take their seats, I think back upon the proceedings of recent months. The campaigns underscore the importance of politics locally, which influences much of what happens in our community, even more so than federal politics. That’s why I made a point to attend forums to interact with the candidates. I’m grateful to all those who exerted the effort to host them. I became aware of the importance of the local level in politics when serving as an election judge back on Nov. 8 at the Maze Library polling place. I realized that even for elections of federal officials, people vote at a local polling place. I served again on April 4 at Maze. While it was a long, exhausting day, it was also exhilarating to interact with vot-
ers, people from the neighborhood, and even many I know from my home parish of Ascension. What truly stands out in the experience were those new voters who registered that day, including someone naturalized as a U.S. citizen the day before and also checking in a first time 18-year-old voter. I thank the voters for giving me the opportunity to serve them. And I thank those first-time voters for inspiring me. For those who are considering it, serving as an election judge is definitely worthwhile work. Now with the elections past, let’s continue the work of shaping our community to be a great place for all to live.
Paul Rubio Oak Park
Get on some Prozac and go to confession
John Hubbuch, I read your April 26 column, “Confessions of a lapsed, liberal Democrat.” Wow, talk about a downer. My advice to you, sir, is to get on some Prozac and go to confession. Sounds like you were better off when you were going to Mass and eating fish on Fridays. I was miffed when you said, “maybe a 7-month-old fetus should have some rights.” What?! They should have as
easy access to jobs and services that don’t require a car. Where in the metro region is there a suburban community that could accommodate TODs the best? The answer is Oak Park. We have a Metra stop at Harlem. We have decent bus services available throughout the village. But most importantly, we have two CTA train transit lines with six stations running through our village. No other suburb comes close to having our level of transit access to downtown Chicago. I would like to shift the discussion in our village away from development vs. no development, toward how can we look on TODs as a way of enhancing the lives of our citizens in the very best way. That means we start thinking about smart growth in tandem with transit oriented development. We haven’t had this conversation yet.
much rights as you, maybe more because no one is defending them. I suggest you read the story on Dr. Kermit Gosnell. Then tell your readers about the rights of a 7-month-old fetus. Clueless. My stomach turned when I read that. Confessions are heard on Saturdays.
Rosemary Kevil Serio Elmhurst
Oak Park is what we could call “hot” right now. People want to live here. Developers want to build here. In my judgment, we need to be thinking in terms of what kinds of development do we want. What kind of requirements should be placed on developers? My thought: create high, but clear expectations for developers and hold them to those standards. Then make it easy for them to make Oak Park into a greater, greener, more livable, enhanced community than it already is. It is possible. Change is the only constant in life. We can’t stop change from occurring, but we can certainly influence and guide it in the directions that could make our quality of life much better. This is a complex issue that requires a lot of thoughtful consideration. It would be productive to avoid emotional hyperbole and rigid attitudes and communicate respectfully. Terry Grace is a resident of Oak Park.
Medicaid’s importance for patients with disabilities I have been working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since the spring of 2010, when I traveled to Haiti to spend a week in a home for children and adults with disabilities. Many of these people had been abandoned by their families and rejected by society due to both the cultural stigma of disability and the economic impossibility of caring for someone with complex medical needs. While there, I met a young girl named Belinda, who was 6 years old. A history of malnutrition and neglect had stunted her growth so that I could hold her in my arms. She did not speak, but she smiled and laughed and loved everyone she met. A few months after I returned to the U.S. to finish my bachelor’s degree, I learned that Belinda had died in a hospital parking lot after having been turned away by doctors and nurses at four different medical centers. Because of her disability, she was not considered worthy of saving. In that system, her life was worth less than that of an ablebodied individual. Seven years later, I see our health care system moving toward that same frightening
reality. Individuals with disabilities report poorer health overall, are more likely to utilize the emergency room, and are more likely to be hospitalized for manageable medical conditions. Low Medicaid reimbursement rates make it challenging to find doctors who will accept patients on public insurance and the fee-for-service model incentivizes quantity over quality of care. Patients with disabilities, especially those that make communication challenging, are frequently misdiagnosed and overmedicated in a system where doctors do not have the time to listen. Current proposals to block-grant Medicaid funding, restrict eligibility for public assistance, and eliminate guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions will destroy vital safety nets for vulnerable, marginalized populations, including individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs. Should these proposals become reality, they will put us on the road toward a system in which individuals with disabilities, like Belinda, are not worth treating.
Sarah Lineberry Oak Park
Great to live, if not drive, here
On Friday, April 28 at 10:45 a.m., at the corner of Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue, my car was struck broadside by two hit-and-run drivers. People on the street immediately came to my aid and even got the plate numbers of the cars that hit me.
I am OK but the car is a loss. I want to give thanks to the people who helped out and to the Oak Park police officers. It is great to live in Oak Park.
William “Max” Dieber Oak Park
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
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O B I T U A R I E S
Joan Sorber, 91
Co-founded Austin Community Table Joan Adele “Jo” Srout Sorber, 91, a longtime resident of Oak Park and recent resident of Lombard, died on April 9, 2017. Born on Feb. 2, 1926, the youngest of three children, to Russell M. Srout Sr. and Blanche H. JOAN SORBER Srout, she went on to study at Washington University in St Louis where she received a B.S. in Nursing. She was later employed as a nurse and then a nursing instructor at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, and at Denver General Hospital. Prior to her own many surgeries, Jo was known to write on her body with basic surgical instructions such as “wrong knee” and “other side.” That practice is now considered the standard-ofcare in order to avoid many “left/right” surgical errors. In 1960, she married Gilbert E. “Gil” Sorber, and they moved to Oak Park in 1966. Two years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was bedridden for approximately two years. By 1973, in remission, she was among a small group of women to survive breast cancer during that era and volunteered to visit women who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer. She also served as a participant in the Women’s Health Initiative, a National Institute of Health decadeslong research study of women’s health. Well-known for her cooking ability, an avid gardener, and an accomplished crafter with sewing, needlepoint, and embroidery skills, she was an active member of the Christian Church, Disciple of Christ for much of her life, and attended Oak Park Christian Church, Austin Blvd. Christian Church, and after it closed, Pilgrim Church UCC. In 1984, Jo and Gil co-founded the Austin Community Table soup kitchen. They collected donated or discounted food from grocery stores and restaurants, and she also served as substitute cook. She enjoyed international travel and, with other church members, she sponsored immigrant families from Cambodia, hosted visitors from Afghanistan, Germany, India and Mexico, and volunteered her time as a Red Cross nurse during many local blood drives and Illinois natural disaster emergencies. In 2007, the couple moved to Lombard’s Beacon Hill retirement community where Gil died in 2012. Jo Sorber is survived by her children, Russell E. (Elaine) Sorber and Mary K. (Peter Kropf) Sorber; her grandson, Matthew J. Sorber; her sister-in-law, Joann Sorber Mountcastle; and her many nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 13 at 1 p.m. at Oak Park’s Pilgrim
Congregational Church, 460 Lake St. Her ashes will be inurned with her husband at Oak Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Heifer International (Heifer.org) are appreciated by the family. Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
Thomas Caragher, 89 Veteran, lawyer
Thomas J. Caragher, 89, a resident of Oak Park for over 57 years, died on April 27, 2017 at Brookfield’s Scottish Home. Born on April 23, 1928 in Chicago, he moved with his family to Peoria where he graduated from Spaulding High School in 1946. He received his B.S. degree from Marquette University. In 1952, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and served his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. During a week’s leave, he married Patricia Sue Wise on March 7, 1953, and, a week later, he left for his European assignment, serving in Heidelberg and Baden-Wüttemberg, Germany. After service, he began studying law THOMAS CARAGHER at Marquette University, received his degree in 1955, and was admitted to practice as attorney-at-law in the state of Wisconsin. Also in 1955, he began working for the U.S. Social Security Administration, relocated to Chicago, and later to Oak Park. In 1976, he became an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Thomas Caragher was the husband of Patricia for 64 years; the father of Ann, Geralyn (the late Richard) Cardamone, Kathleen Bridget (Gary) Jedlovec, Thomas P. (Cindy), Mathew (Regina), Andrew, Peter (Claire) and Regina (Todd) Gillerlain; the grandfather of Katie (Kyle Swanson) Justice, Richard Cardamone, Ben (Amy), Phillip and Dylan Jedlovec, Elizabeth and Anna Caragher, Reina and Ryan Garrett, and Danny and Patsy Gillerlain; the greatgrandfather of Juliette Jedlovec; brother of Bernard (Allene) and the late Margaret Mary Caragher; and an uncle and greatuncle of many. Visitation will take place on Thursday, May 4 from 3 until 8 p.m. at Oak Park’s Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 S. Marion St. Prayers are on Friday at 11:15 a.m., then to Ascension Church for Mass at 12 p.m., followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the National Right to Life, www.nrlc.org, or to the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, www.loyolamedicine.org.
Debra Bork, 65
D97 speech language pathologist Debra Betts Bork, 65, of St. Joseph, Michigan, and Oak Park, died on April 27, 2017. Born on Aug.17, 1951, she earned a B.A. from Augustana College and a M.A. from Eastern Illinois University. A speech language patholoDEBRA BORK gist for over 33 years, the last 26 in Oak Park School District 97, she retired in 2006 and moved to St. Joseph. Over the years, she touched thousands of lives through her dedicated professionalism and her compassionate friendship. A strong believer in economic and social justice and equal rights for all, she was a proud member of the Oak Park Teachers Association (IEA-NEA). Debra shared love and marriage with her husband, William H. Bork, for over 43 years; she was the mother of Aaron W. Bork; a special friend to her daughter-in-law, Maria Luz (Lindsey) Bork; and grandmother to Robert J. Bork. Services were private. Please choose a happy moment or special kindness you shared with Debra and remember her. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please make it to a cause or charity of your choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Starks and Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services. Those wishing to sign Debra’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger. com.
Bernard Hirsch, 83 Social worker, park supervisor
Bernard D. “Bernie” Hirsch, 83, formerly of Oak Park and Springfield, Illinois, died on April 25, 2017 at Presence Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston. Born on Feb. 12, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, he was adopted by Henry D. and Margaret J. Hirsch of Chicago.
On Dec. 31, 1960, he married Barbara J. Donner at the Metropolitan Community Church of Chicago. The couple moved to Oak Park in 1968 where they raised four children during the course of 35 years. In 2003, the couple decided to move to Springfield to be closer to their oldest son’s family. Mr. Hirsch attended Hyde Park High School and then the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He worked as a social worker for the Illinois Department of Public Aid for over 30 years. In addition, he worked for many years with the Park District of Oak Park as a nighttime supervisor of adult basketball and volleyball programs held at various elementary schools. He enjoyed the simple things in life, a hot cup of coffee from Starbucks, a good novel, a homecooked meal, riding his bicycle, watching college sports, garBERNARD HIRSCH dening, swimming, hiking, and especially spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed observing people and all aspects of life; his findings and opinions became the topics of various personal view columns published in the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, and the Springfield Journal Register. He and his family made it a priority to travel and especially enjoyed vacationing in Aspen, Colorado where he and his wife had spent their honeymoon. Bernie Hirsch is survived by his children, Stephanie J. (Steven Spears) Hirsch, David B. Hirsch and Danielle L. (Ryan A. Recinto) Hirsch; his brother, Alan R. Hirsch; and his grandchildren, Madison M. and Tucker J. Hirsch, and Maia I. and Levi N. Recinto. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara J. Hirsch; his son, Michael J. Hirsch; and his sister, Carol Michl. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 from 1 until 5 p.m. at Oak Park’s Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home at 203 S. Marion St.
Robert P. Gamboney Funeral Director I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.
Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667 I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Religion Guide Methodist
Check First.
First United Methodist Church of Oak Park
First Congregational Church of Maywood
400 N. Fifth Avenue (1 block north of Lake St.) Come join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 11 am Pastor Elliot Wimbush will be preaching the message. Refreshments and fellowship follow the service. 708-344-6150 firstchurchofmaywood.org When you're looking for a place to worship the Lord, Check First.
You’re Invited to A Church for All Nations A Church Without Walls SERVICE LOCATION Forest Park Plaza 7600 W. Roosevelt Road Forest Park, IL 60130
William S. Winston Pastor (708) 697-5000
324 N. Oak Park Avenue 708-383-4983 www.firstUMCoakpark.org Sunday School for all Ages, 9am Sunday Worship, 10am Children’s Chapel during Worship Rev. Jenny Weber, Pastor Professionally Staffed Nursery Fellowship Time after Worship Presbyterian
Fair Oaks
Lutheran—ELCA
United Lutheran Church
409 Greenfield Street (at Ridgeland Avenue) Oak Park Holy Communion with nursery care and children’s chapel each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. www.unitedlutheranchurch.org
708/386-1576
Sunday Service 7AM, 9AM & 11:15AM
LIVE Webcast - 11:15AM Service Believer’s Walk of Faith Broadcast Schedule (Times in Central Standard Time) Television DAYSTAR (M-F)
3:30-4:00pm
Nationwide
WJYS-TV (M-F)
6:30-7:00am
Chicago, IL.
WCIU-TV (Sun.)
10:30-11:00am
Chicago, IL.
Word Network
10:30-11:00am
Nationwide
(M-F)
Lutheran-Independent
Grace Lutheran Church
7300 W. Division, River Forest David R. Lyle, Senior Pastor David W. Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner, Assoc. Pastor Sunday Worship, 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Ed. 9:45 a.m. Childcare Available
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
744 Fair Oaks Ave. Oak Park 386-4920 Rev. Daniel deBeer, Interim Pastor Sunday Schedule Christian Education for All Ages 9:00am Worship Service 10:00am
Roman Catholic
St. Bernardine Catholic Church Harrison & Elgin, Forest Park
CELEBRATING OUR 105TH YEAR! Sat. Masses: 8:30am & 5:00pm SUNDAY MASSES: 8:00am & 10:30am 10:30 Mass-Daycare for all ages CCD Sun. 9am-10:15am Reconciliation: Sat. 9am & 4pm Weekday Masses: Monday–Friday 6:30am Church Office: 708-366-0839 CCD: 708-366-3553 www.stbern.com Pastor: Fr. Stanislaw Kuca Traditional Catholic
Child care available 9-11am
fairoakspres.org
OAK PARK MEETING OF FRIENDS (Quakers) Meeting For Worship Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Park Art League 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park Please call 708-445-8201 www.oakparkfriends.org
Roman Catholic
Ascension Catholic Church
The Traditional Catholic Latin Mass
Our Lady Immaculate Church 410 Washington Blvd Oak Park. 708-524-2408 Mass Times: Sat. 8:00am Sun. 7:30 & 10:00am Operated by Society of St. Pius X. Confessions 1 hr. before each mass
Third Unitarian Church 11am Service: “Celebration of Life” thirdunitarianchurch.org (773) 626-9385 301 N. Mayfield near Austin and Lake
Grace Lutheran School
www.livingwd.org www.billwinston.org
Preschool - 8th Grade Bill Koehne, Principal 366-6900, graceriverforest.org
West Suburban Temple Har Zion
1040 N. Harlem Avenue River Forest Meet our Rabbi, Adir Glick Pray, learn, and celebrate with our caring, progressive, egalitarian community. Interfaith families are welcome. Accredited Early Childhood Program Religious School for K thru 12 Daily Morning Minyan Weekly Shabbat Services Friday 6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 708.366.9000 www.wsthz.org
Lutheran-Missouri Synod
Christ Lutheran Church
607 Harvard Street (at East Av.) Oak Park, Illinois Rev. Robert M. Niehus, Pastor Sunday Bible Class: 9:15 am Sunday School: 9:10 Sunday Worship Services: 8:00 and 10:30 am Church Office: 708/386-3306 www.christlutheranoakpark.org Lutheran-Missouri Synod
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
305 Circle Ave, Forest Park Sunday Worship, 8:30 am and 11:00 am Adult Bible Class, 10:00 am Wheelchair Access to Sanctuary Leonard Payton, Pastor Roney Riley, Assistant Pastor 708-366-3226 | www.stjohnforestpark.org
808 S. East Ave. 708/848-2703 www.ascensionoakpark.com Worship: Saturday Mass 5:00 pm Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00, 11 am, 5:00 pm Sacrament of Reconciliation 4 pm Saturday Taize Prayer 7:30 pm First Fridays Feb.– Dec. & Jan. 1 Holy Hour 6:00 pm Third Thursdays
Rev. James Hurlbert, Pastor
Roman Catholic
St. Edmund Catholic Church
188 South Oak Park Ave. Saturday Masses: 8:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. Holy Day Masses: As Announced Reconciliation: Saturday 4:15 p.m. Parish Office: 708-848-4417 School Phone: 708-386-5131
Unity
UNITY CHURCH OF OAK PARK 405 North Euclid Ave.
The Love of God enfolds you. Sunday Services 9 am & 11 am Youth Education 11 am 708-848-0960 — unityoakpark.org
Upcoming Religious Holidays
May 3 Saints Philip & James Christian 4 National Day of Prayer
USA Interfaith
10 Visakha Puja/Buddha Day Buddhist 12 Lailat al Bara’ah
14 Lag B/Omer
23 Declaration of the Bab
To place a listing in the Religion Guide, call Mary Ellen: 708/613-3342
Islam
Jewish Baha’i
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week
HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
WEDNESDAY
CLASSIFIED Deadline is Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com/Classified/
45
YOUR WEEKLY AD
REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO
Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 524-0447 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Associate, Product Management sought by Enova Financial Holdings, LLC in Chicago, IL. Wrk in prodct mgmt on portflo of projs incldng prioritiztn, dvlp, tstng & dplymt. Apply @ www.jobpostingtoday.com (ref # 38441).
Marketing Sr. Associate sought by Enova Financial Holdings, LLC in Chicago, IL. Rsrch mrkt cndtns to dtrmn ptnl mrkt fr on-ln payday loans; Dvlp & ovrsee exectn of SEO strtgies. Aply @ www.jobpostingtoday.com (ref #96119)
INDEPENDENT WINE ADVISOR Wines for Humanity is an Illinoisbased company that conducts inhome wine tastings and donates a portion of the proceeds from each tasting to charity. Since its founding in 2007, Wines for Humanity has donated over 3 million dollars to various charities and organizations working in the prevention of homelessness in your local community. At Wines for Humanity we have a passion for wine and a heart for others. As an Independent Wine Advisor, you will conduct in-home wine tastings for 14-16 guests, earn a substantial commission, and help raise money for charities in your community. You don’t get to quit your day job right away, but if you are interested in becoming your own boss and doing socially responsible work that is meaningful to you, then please reply to this ad to schedule a brief phone interview to learn if this might be right for you. You can be a part of something wonderful and positive this year. Email nlynchwfh@gmail.com or call 708-397-6207 www.winesforhumanity.com/nlynch Managing Director (Chicago, IL) Manage activities & personnel of our digital & figurative art academy. Function as our chief executive officer & administrative head. Administer policies of governing board. Provide initiative & technical guidance. Direct & administer dvlpmt, coordination, maintenance, & evaluation of educational prgm. Supervise methods of teaching. Keeps informed of modern educational thought & practices. Supervise overall financial planning of school & preparation of annual budget. Supervise 5 subordinates teachers, assistants & administrative personnel. Reqmts: 24 mos of exp in job offd or as Executive Director, Coordination Mgr or closely related mgmt position. Past 24 mos of exp must be working for educational institutions or organizations. Send resume to: Scuola Internazionale Di Comics, Inc., Attn: Ben Hunzeker, Mktg & Communications Director, 1651 West Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60622
PART-TIME SEASONAL GARDEN CENTER ASSISTANT McAdam Nursery & Garden Center in Forest Park seeks a part-time, seasonal Garden Center Assistant with extensive plant knowledge, ability to interact positively with customers, and to provide reliable cash handling. Part-time hours would occasionally expand to address peak customer volume periods. Founded in 1979, McAdam is online at www.McAdamLandscape.com. Submit resume to Lena at lena@ mcadamlandscape.com. Sr. Analytics Analyst II sought by Enova Financial Holdings, LLC in Chicago, IL. Frmult & aply mthmtcl mdlng & optmzng mthds to dvlop & intrpt info tht assists mgmt w/ dcsn mkng & dvlpng strtgc & oprtnl plans. Apply @ www.jobpostingtoday.com (ref #76074). Sr. Analytics Analyst II sought by Enova Financial Holdings, LLC in Chicago, IL. Frmult & aply mthmtcl mdlng & optmzng mthds to dvlop & intrpt info tht assists mgmt w/ dcsn mkng & dvlpng strtgc & oprtnl plans. Aply @ www.jobpostingtoday.com (ref #55675) Sr. Associate–Strategy & Operations sought by Enova Financial Holdings, LLC in Chicago, IL. Frmult & aply mathmtcl mdlng & othr optmzng mthds to dvlp & intrpt cstmr data to assist mgt of on-line payday lendr w/ idntfyng prft optmzn opprtunties. Aply @ www.jobpostingtoday.com (ref #13202).
SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE
SUBURBAN RENTALS
3 UNIT BUILDING FOR SALE “Chicago Style” 3 Unit apartment building for sale. Great schools nearby and Metra train blocks away in the close knit community of Brookfield. Great for an investor or an extended family! Large backyard, 2 car garage, free street parking, Coin laundry in basement, 2 2-Bedroom/1 Bath apts., Garden Apt. 1 BED/1 BATH. Please call/ text Donna at 312/656-7837. 9125 SHERIDAN, BROOKFIELD, IL. BROKER OWNED. $265,000
FOREST PARK 2BR 2BR 1st flr apt in a smaller, quiet building. $1050/mo. Short walk to Green Line “L”. Updated with fresh paint. Very clean. No smoking. No pets. Credit check and 1 1/2 mos. security deposit required. Call 708-404-2865.
836 N. CUYLER AVE $474,900 Beautiful home on very large lot! 1st floor has open floorplan, oak woodwork, sunroom, LR, DR and large eat-in kitchen. 4 bedrooms (one for home office or nursery). 2 full bathrooms. Finished basement, patio, deck, garage. Home warranty. Tons of potential and charm! One block from Whittier School. Steps from park with tennis courts, jogging path and sledding hill. Walking distance to OPRFHS and Ridgeland Green Line. Quam Opere (312)320-8550 deeminentz@gmail.com
HISTORIC MAYWOOD MANOR
902 S. 3RD AVENUE (2 blks W of 1st Ave & 1 blk N of Madison) Tired of renting? Why not consider buying an affordable 2BR condo w/ 1000+ sq ft of living space? Savings are built in from a unique 12 year tax freeze plus lower utility costs from energy saving systems and appliances. Onsite pkg, exterior lighting and enhanced security systems included. Plus you can customize and design your living space to better meet your needs! For details Call 708-383-9223.
FOREST PARK 1 BR CONDO MUST SEE! One bedroom/one bath condo down town Forest Park near all public transportation, Restaurants and shops. Unit has wood floors throughout, granite kitchen counter tops, updated bathroom, beautiful balcony and laundry facility in building. Parking Available. $1,080 monthly rent. 708-602-7175 FP LARGE 1 BR Forest Park, Lg 1 BR on 1st Floor of quiet 4-flat, w/ garage pkg space. Laundry fac., A/C, heat & gas incl. $900/mo + security. Avail June 1. Call Henry 708-436-3644. OAK PARK SMALL 1 BR Downtown Oak Park. Hardwood floors throughout. All utlities included. $800 per month. Call 708-657-4226. OAK PARK FOREST PARK Studio, 1, and 2 BDRM. Heated. Dining room. Parking available. Walk to El. $625-$1250.
www.oakrent.com
CITY RENTALS AUSTIN VILLAGE 5939 W. Midway Parkway Remodeled 1 BR. Half block from Oak Park, Green Line & shops. 3rd Floor. $800/month. Heat not included. 708-383-9223 or 773-676-6805.
You have jobs. We have readers! Lost & Found and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-3342
ROOMS FOR RENT AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957 Large Sunny Room with fridge & microwave. Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $101.00 week & up. New Mgmt. 773-378-8888
CHURCHES FOR RENT MAYWOOD COUNTRY CHURCH Lovely, old fashioned country church in Maywood, on corner of Fifth and Erie is looking for a roommate or tenant. We are willing to work out a flexible arrangement if you are an appropriate tenant. Various size spaces. Call 708 344-6150, leave a message.
OAK PARK CLASSIC CHURCH FOR RENT
Includes Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Kitchen, Midweek Service/ Bible Study, Office Options. 708-848-5460
Find the best employees with Wednesday Classified! Call 708-524-8300
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT * RIVER FOREST * 7777 Lake St. - 3 & 5 room suites 7756 Madison St. - Store: 926 sq. ft. - Office: 900 sq. ft.
* OAK PARK *
6955 North Ave. - 3 room office suite 6957 North Ave. - 2 room office suite 6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. - 4 room office suite
Strand & Browne 708/488-0011
GARAGE/YARD SALES Brookfield
MOVING SALE 4115 SUNNYSIDE AVE SAT MAY 6 9AM-3PM EVERYTHING MUST GO!
Forest Park
MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE 1039 HANNAH FRI MAY 5 10AM-5PM SAT MAY 6 9AM-2PM
Rain Day Sun 9am-2pm SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TV’s, Disney Black Diamond VHS tapes, DVD’s, CD’s, furniture, household and kitchen items, ladies’ accessories, hand tools, and much more! Forest Park
ESTATE SALE 1427 MARENGO SAT-SUN MAY 6 & 7 SAT-SUN MAY 13 & 14 8AM TO 3PM
Clothing from infant to teen, shoes, toys stuffed animals, jewelry and power tools.
SUBURBAN RENTALS Apartment listings updated daily at:
M&M property management, inc.
708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Oak Park: Studios, 1 & 2 BR from $750-$2000 Forest Park: 1 & 2 BR from $750-$1300
GLA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. LaVerne Collins Managing broker
Office located at: 320 S. Wisconsin Ave. Oak Park
708-763-9927 www.glapropertymanagement.com
Properties may be broker owned.
Call us for a complete list of rentals available.
Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-888-328-8457 for an appointment.
GARAGE/YARD SALES Oak Park
MULTI FAMILY GARAGE SALE 645 N KENILWORTH SAT MAY 6 9AM-2PM
Girl Scout Troop fundraiser. Rugs, furniture, elliptical exercise machine, toys, games, books, adult and children’s clothing, decorative items and we still have some Girl Scout cookies! Oak Park
HUGE GARAGE SALE!!! 333 HARRISON SAT MAY 6 & SUN MAY 7 9:30 AM–6:30 PM
Way too many items to list...everything from furniture, household appliances, kitchenware, books, barely used clothing (both kids and adult sizes), toys, accessories, appliances, tools and construction supplies (unused tile, lighting, electrical supplies). Shop while enjoying some lemonade and homemade cookies. Oak Park
YARD SALE 1118 N EAST AVE SAT MAY 6 8AM TO NOON
RAIN DATE SUN MAY 7 NOON TO 3PM Home goods, furniture, boxed glassware, workshop tools, glass party plates, coffee urn, wool area rugs, electric griddle, counter top oven, coolers, camping equip, books, record albums, DVDs and VHS, adult clothing, purses/bags, yard tools, and likely lots more! Plus a great, regularly tuned console piano! Come say hello, poke around and find your treasures! Oak Park
BLOCK SALE 300 N HARVEY SAT MAY 6 9AM - 2PM
Boys BR set, exer equip, 3 bookcases, Legos, costume jewelry, artwork, books, bicycles, ceramics, Rock vinyl collection, LCD TV–32” HD, assorted laptop parts, Holiday decs. Too much to list! Oak Park
HUGE BASEMENT SALE 414 S KENILWORTH SAT MAY 6 & SUN MAY 7 8:30 AM TO 6 PM
Closing out 30 year ownership of multi unit Apt. building. Unusual items. Bring your husband! Everything from maintenance tools and supplies to Grandma’s cedar chest. 1 year old lawn mower and edger, collection of light fixtures and chandeliers, some new, some are antiques. 1980’s stereo and records. Book cases, marble table top, some furniture, 1930’s enamel kitchen table. Hundreds of items, way too much to list. A REALLY FUN SALE!!! Riverside
GARAGE SALE 145 WOODSIDE FRI MAY 5 & SAT MAY 6 8AM TO 4PM
Home of retired art teacher/artist! Artwork, Antiques, Collectibles, plus MUCH MORE!
46
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
CLASSIFIED WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers-lead plastic-other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
CEMETERY LOTS Cemetery Plot Beautiful plot in Mount Auburn Cemetery. Rare spot in Gracelawn Gardens, ‘Eyes of the Lord.’ Lot 25, Grave 13. Stacked. 2 lawn crypts, double headstone.
MOTORHOMES/ TRAILERS 1979 AIRSTREAM TRAVEL TRAILER Good Condition 708-771-7582
NOVENAS NOVENA PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) OH, MOST BEAUTIFUL flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. RB.
LEGAL SERVICES
(708) 613-3333 • FAX: (708) 524-0447 • E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM
ELECTRICAL
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We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Ceiling Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est. Fans Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added Installed New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Serv. upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed
708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848
Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp | Servicing Oak Park and all surrounding suburbs
CEMENT Finishing Touch Cement & Masonry Residential and Commercial Driveways | Garage Floors Sidewalks | Steps | Patios Specializing in Stamped Concrete Tuck Pointing and All Types Brickwork
Rocco Martino 708-878-8547 FinishingTouchCement2 @gmail.com
For All Your Concrete Needs!
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708-784-9801 708-743-5058
CLEANING Pam’s A+ Cleaning Service
Jump into spring! Everything we touch turns to clean! For a detailed cleaning please call 708-937-9110
Buying? Selling? Renting? Hiring? Wednesday Classified 708-613-3333
CEMENT
HANDYMAN ELECTRICAL
CEMENT
MAGANA
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FOUR SEASONS ELECTRIC
Full Service Electrical Work including
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Reasonable Pricing & Free Estimates
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708-445-0447
HUGHS ELECTRIC
HANDYMAN
PAINTING & DECORATING
ROOFING
Call Taki (708)552-1565
3 Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AFFORDABLE PAINTING
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Fast Service, Great Prices Fully Insured metrojunkremoval.net
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Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Do
708-296-2060
free *House build outs est. *trouble calls *services *Hvac *security & yard lights* Lic - Bonded - Ins. Since 1986 Call Hugh: 708-612-4803
HANDYMAN
773-732-2263
Electricians serving the greater Oak Park area. Licensed, Bonded & Insuredâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Reasonable Pricing & Free Estimates. Kineticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proud to say you have never experienced service like this! 15 years experience and dedication. No job too big or small!
(708) 639-5271
FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.
Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs â&#x20AC;˘ Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates Ask for John
HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404
HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING
New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
HEATING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT
GARAGE/GARAGE DOOR Our 71st Year
Furnaces, Boilers and Space Heaters Refrigerators Ranges â&#x20AC;˘ Ovens Washer â&#x20AC;˘ Dryers Rodding Sewers
Garage Doors &
Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience
Electric Door Openers
(708) 652-9415 www.forestdoor.com
FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.
HANDYMAN
708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000
Sales & Service Free Estimates
CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair â&#x20AC;˘ Painting Fans Installed â&#x20AC;˘ Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning â&#x20AC;˘ Window Repair
FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small
708-488-9411 Wednesday Classified To place an ad, call: 708/613-3333
HAULING
Map It! G AR AG
SALESE
GO TO OAKPARK.COM/ GARAGESALES TODAY!
or call mary ellen at 708.613.3342 to place an ad
708-280-9987
LANDSCAPING FAST DELIVERY
Mulch & Topsoil
Premium Shredded Hardwood���������������� $25/yd Premium Bark Fines �� $39/yd Premium Blend Dark�� $32/yd Blonde Cedar������������� $45/yd Dyed Red/Brown ������� $28/yd Playmat �������������������� $28/yd Western Red Cedar ���� $58/yd â&#x20AC;˘ Spreading Available! â&#x20AC;˘ Topsoil, Garden Mix, Mushroom, Super Mix, Compost, Gravel, Sand
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BRUCE LAWN SERVICE
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708-243-0571
NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP
Evergreen trimming, aeration & more. Clean-ups. Call 24 hrs.
Grass and Bushes Starting at $12.00
708-447-1762 708-447-1762
LAWN & GARDEN LAWN MOWING We will do a clean, neat job mowing and trimming your lawn for a reasonable rate.
ALLENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LAWN MOWING 708-280-6282
MOVING
All types of roofing repairs Commercial - Residential Call for free estimate
(708)557-9258 or (708)435-9258
ALEX
773-637-0692
TUCKPOINTING
PAINTING & DECORATING
Exterior and Interior All Work Guaranteed 35 Years Experience Call 708-567-4680
CLASSIC PAINTING
Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost
708.749.0011
RITEWAY BRICK RESTORATION
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~ Specializing in Chimneys - Rebuild - Repaired New Liner Installation Lintel Repairs & Stone Veneer 40 yrs. experience Fully insured
PLASTERINGâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; STUCCOING
(including Workmans Comp)
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708/386-2951 t ANYTIME Work Guaranteed
BROKEN SASH CORDS?
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REMODELING JO & RUTH REMODELING
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Ralph Grande Elmwood Park 708-452-8929
Serving Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park & Riverside Since 1974
PLUMBING
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STARTING A NEW BUSINESS?
Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in Wednesday Classified. LOWEST RATE AROUND! Call for details: 708/613-3342
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
CLASSIFIED
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Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | RiverForest.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday 23 May 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing to consider multiple text amendments to Title 9 of the Forest Park Zoning Ordinance. The following Sections are put forth for consideration of amendment and/ or repeal: *9-3A-3-B Intensity of Use R-1 District *9-3A-4 Additional Regulations R-1 District *9-3B-4 Additional Regulations R-2 District *9-3C-3-B Clarification R-3 District *9-6-1 Purpose and Intent Planned Development *9-6-2-D-1 Site Coverage Planned Development *9-6-2-D-2 Site Coverage Bonus Planned Development *9-6-2-E-2 Density Bonus Planned Development *9-6-2-F-2 Building Height Planned Development *9-6-2-G Setbacks Planned Development *9-10-6-E-1b Variation Relief Threshold The applicant for this petition is the Village of Forest Park, 517 Desplaines, Forest Park, Illinois. Signed: Austin Zimmer Zoning Board of Appeals Chairperson Published in Forest Park Review 5/3/2017
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: D17150365 on April 5, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of NEAT FREAK CLEANING AND JANITORIAL SERVICES INCORPORATED with the business located at: 365 N. HALSTED 2617, CHICAGO, IL 60661. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: MENDI HARROD 365 N. HALSTED 2617 CHICAGO, IL 60661 Published in Wednesday Journal 4/19, 4/26, 5/3/2017
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: D17150526 on April 18, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of MIDWEST WELLNESS LIVING with the business located at: 1708 W MYRTLE DR, MT PROSPECT, IL 60056. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ERIN L ROBINSON 1708 W MYRTLE DR MT PROSPECT, IL 60056 Published in RB Landmark 04/26, 5/3, 5/10/2017
PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Nestor E. Soto, Petitioner and Janet Bierod, Respondent, Case No. 2017D003056. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before May 22, 2017, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journa 4/19, 4/26, 5/3/2017
LEGAL NOTICE Chertkow and Chertkow (22019) Attorneys for Petitioner 1525 East 53rd Street Chicago, Illinois 60615 STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Maricela Ramirez, Petitioner and Jose Luis Ortiz, Respondent, Case No. 2017D-000531. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending. Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before May 30, 2017, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition. DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk. Published in Wednesday Journal 4/26, 5/3, 5/10/2017
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
BID NOTICE
BID NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals at the Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 18, 2017 and at that time will be publicly opened and read aloud for the following Village Project: 17-6: Microsurfacing and Crackfill. In general, the improvements will require the following construction: crackfilling streets followed by microsurfacing, thermoplastic pavement marking, and all appurtenant work thereto. Crackfilling will occur both in Oak Park and River Forest.
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals at the Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 18, 2017 and at that time will be publicly opened and read aloud for the following Village Project: 17-7: Pavement Patching. In general, the improvements will require the following construction: removing and replacing asphalt and concrete pavement materials at various locations throughout the Village; removing and replacing sections of concrete curb and gutter; and all appurtenant work thereto.
Plans and proposal forms may be obtained from the office of the Village Engineer starting on Thursday, May 4, 2017 starting at noon. There is no fee for plans and specifications. 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. All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation before receiving bid documents. The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer Published in Wednesday Journal 5/3/2017
PUBLIC NOTICE Timely and Meaningful Consultation Meeting On Friday, May 12 at 9:00 am., Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will be conducting a “timely and meaningful consultation” meeting to discuss plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2017-2018 school year. The meeting will be held at the District’s administration office located at 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL. If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability, and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, you are urged to attend. If you have further questions pertaining to this meeting, please contact District 97’s Department of Special Education at 708-524-3030. Published in Wednesday Journal 5/3, 5/10/2017
Attention! Home improvement pros! Reach your target demographic– advertise in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342
Plans and proposal forms may be obtained from the office of the Village Engineer starting at noon Thursday, May 4, 2017. There is no fee for plans and specifications. 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. All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation before receiving bid documents. The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et eq. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer Published in Wednesday Journal 5/3/2017
PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals at the Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday May 18, 2017 and at that time will be publicly opened and read aloud for the following Village Project: 17-3, SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS. In general, this contract includes sidewalk angle-cutting, removal and replacement of public sidewalk, combination curb and gutter, driveways, and PCC base course; pavement adjacent to curbs, adjustment of drainage structures, buffalo boxes and all appurtenant work thereto. Plans and proposal forms may be obtained from the office of the Village Engineer starting on Thursday, May 4, 2017 starting at noon. A non-refundable deposit of $10 is required for each set of plans and specifications. 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. All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation before receiving bid documents. 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. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer Published in Wednesday Journal 5/3/2017
LEGAL NOTICE
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31st, 2017 for the following: REQUEST FOR BIDS Village of Oak Park Village Hall UPS Replacement Project Proposal Number: 17-118 Issuance Date: 5/3/17
Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708-3585700 or by stopping by the office located at 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, Illinois between the hours of 7:30am and 4:00pm. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue bid documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal 5/3/2017
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday 23 May 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing to consider a text amendment to Title 9 of the Forest Park Zoning Ordinance to consider a text amendment that will permit “Professional Uses” (as defined in Section 9-15) anywhere in the Downtown Business District (DBD). The applicant for this petition is the Village of Forest Park, 517 Desplaines, Forest Park, Illinois. Signed: Austin Zimmer Zoning Board of Appeals Chairperson Published in Forest Park Review 5/3/2017
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PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: D17150463 on April 12, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of JAYE’S SERVICES with the business located at: 5610 WEST 35TH STREET APT 2, CICERO, IL 60804. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: JENNIFER L ANDERSON 5610 WEST 35TH STREET APT 2 CICERO, IL 60804.
PUBLIC NOTICE VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
Published in Wednesday Journal 4/19, 4/16, 5/3/2017
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: D17150449 on April 12, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of A+ JUNK N TOW with the business located at: 1035 ELGIN AVE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: NANCY MAGALLANES 1035 ELGIN AVE FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Published in Forest Park Review 4/19, 4/26, 5/3/2017
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, located at 201 N. Scoville will be conducting a meeting on Thursday, May 11th at 4:00 p.m. in Room 107. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private schools and home schools within the district for the 2017-18 school year. If you are the parent of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200, you are urged to attend. If you have questions regarding the meeting, please contact Dr. Kennedi Dixon, (708) 434-3105. Published in Wednesday Journal 5/3, 5/10/2017
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: D17150631 on April 25, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of EQUAL JUSTICE PARTY with the business located at: 415 WESLEY SUITE 1, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: CHRIS STOLLER 415 WESLEY SUITE 1 OAK PARK, IL 60302; LEO STOLLER 415 WESLEY SUITE 1 OAK PARK, IL 60302. Published in Wednesday Journal 5/3, 5/10, 5/17/2017
Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in Room 4 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application from Petitioners Harlem Jam LLC and the Greater Chicagoland Ferret Association for 1) a proposed text amendment to the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance to allow animal shelters as special uses in the B1-C Commercial Zoning District; and 2) a Special Use Permit to allow a rescue shelter for ferrets (animal shelter) in the B1-C Commercial Zoning District for the property located at 3242 S. Harlem Avenue. Application No.: PZ17-005 Petitioners: Harlem Jam LLC and Greater Chicagoland Ferret Association Text Amendment will be Applicable Throughout the B1-C Zoning District Special Use is Sought for Property Commonly Known As: 3242 S. Harlem Avenue PIN: 15-36-209-018 Proposed Text Amendments: Amend Section 10-11-3 (Uses Defined) to add a definition of animal shelter, amend Section 10-5-9/ Table 4 (Use and Bulk Requirement Tables for the B-1 and B-2 Zoning Districts) to allow animal shelters as special uses in the B1-C Commercial Zoning District, amend Section 10-6-2 (Use Standards) to add specific standards relative to animal shelters, and make such other conforming changes to other sections of the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance as may be necessary. Proposed Special Use: To locate a ferret rescue shelter at 3242 S. Harlem. The above application is available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. During the public hearings the Planning and Zoning Commission will hear testimony from and consider any evidence presented by persons interested to speak on these matters. Persons wishing to appear at the hearings may do so in person or by attorney or other representative and may speak for or against the proposed text amendment and special use. Communications in writing in relation thereto may be filed at such hearing or with the Planning and Zoning Commission in advance by submission to the Village’s Building Department at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois prior to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the public hearings. The public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dated this 3rd day of May, 2017 Paul Kucera, Chairperson Planning and Zoning Commission Published in RB Landmark 5/3/2017
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield, Illinois that bid proposals will be received for the following projects: 2017 SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT This project includes the installation of approximately 10,000 square feet of sidewalk at various locations throughout the village. Sealed bids will be received by mail or other delivery up to the hour of 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 25, 2017 in the Office of the Village Manager, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513, and will be publicly opened and read at that time. Bids delivered in person will be accepted weekdays between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM only. Bidding documents are available at the office of Edwin Hancock Engineering Co., 9933 Roosevelt Road, Westchester, Illinois 60154, upon payment of a non-refundable charge of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) per set of bidding documents. No bidding documents will be issued after 4:30 P.M. on Monday, May 22, 2017. All bid proposals offered must be accompanied by a bid bond in an amount not be less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid or a cashier’s check or certified check, made payable to the Order of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Brookfield and in an amount not less than Five Percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a guarantee that if the bid proposal is accepted, a contract will be entered into and the performance of the contract properly secured. No bid proposal shall be considered unless accompanied by such bid bond or check. All bidders must provide proof that they are prequalified with the Illinois Department of Transportation to perform at least 50% of the value of the work before being issued bidding documents. Any bidder in doubt as to the true meaning of any part of the bidding documents may request an interpretation thereof from the Village. The bidder requesting the interpretation shall be responsible for its prompt delivery. The Contractor and Subcontractor shall comply with all regulations issued pursuant to Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130), and other applicable Federal Laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards. The Village of Brookfield reserves the rights to determine the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, to waive irregularities, and to reject any or all bid proposals. BY ORDER THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD, ILLINOIS Published in RBLandmark 5/3/2017
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: D17150437 on April 12, 2017. Under the Assumed Business Name of PLEASANT HILL BEES with the business located at: 1604 S AUSTIN BLVD, CICERO, IL 60804. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: THOMAS EDWARD KUNTZ 1604 S AUSTIN BLVD CICERO, IL 60804 Published in Wednesday Journal 4/19, 4/26, 5/3/2017
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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTE HOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2007-1 Plaintiff, -v.JOSEPH WILIE GRAY A/K/A JOE WILLIE GRAY, SHARON GRAY, STATE OF ILLINOIS, CITY OF CHICAGO Defendants 16 CH 13776 1927 S. 22ND AVENUE Maywood, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 15, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 30, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1927 S. 22ND AVENUE, Maywood, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-15-311-023. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $95,633.07. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other
county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL 60606, (312) 263-0003 Please refer to file number 1009431. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I716711
unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-16-08033. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 606064650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I717785
or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 606064650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I717344
highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 200 SOUTH 20TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-10-304-0150000. The real estate is improved with a one and a half story single family home with a detached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information: Visit our website at service.atty-pierce.com. between the hours of 3 and 5pm. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Tel No. (312) 416-5500. Please refer to file number 12107. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 606064650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. I720022
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 14, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 16, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 11 N. 4TH AVENUE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-11-137-0040000. The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file or contact Plaintiff’s attorney: CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C., 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL 60527, (630) 794-9876 Please refer to file number 14-15-17756. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 606064650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I718898
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.ELVA BERNAL, JODI GONZALEZ, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ALVARO BERNAL, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, GERALD NORDGREN, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ALVARO BERNAL (DECEASED), DANNY BERNAL Defendants 16 CH 010886 613 HURON STREET MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 2, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 30, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 613 HURON STREET, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-11-110-0160000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC Plaintiff, -v.SUSAN CHRISTINE JOHNSON AKA SUSAN JOHNSON AKA SUSAN STAHL, ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Defendants 15 CH 07688 1404 S. 8th Ave. Maywood, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 7, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 8, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1404 S. 8th Ave., Maywood, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-14-132-0120000; 15-14-132-013-0000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $112,002.90. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor,
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION MTGLQ INVESTORS, LP Plaintiff, -v.BYRAN STEWART A/K/A BYRAN J STEWART, FIRST SUBURBAN NATIONAL BANK Defendants 12 CH 42453 200 SOUTH 20TH AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 4, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on May 30, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, -v.JUAN J. SUASTE, MAGDALENA SUASTE Defendants 16 CH 001190 11 N. 4TH AVENUE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE
Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL OR BANKING CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR REPERFORMING LOAN REMIC TRUST CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2002-2 Plaintiff, vs. DEBORAH A. THOMPSON; THEODORE THOMPSON JR.; DELTA FUNDING CORPORATION; THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants, 15 CH 8156 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-11-345-008-0000. Commonly known as 700 South 3rd Avenue, Maywood, Illinois 60153. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Anselmo Lindberg Oliver LLC, 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563-1890. (630) 453-6960. For Bidding instructions visit www.alolawgroup.com 24 hours prior to sale. F15050070 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122
six apartments. The judgment amount was $58,353.07. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: J. Gregory Scott, HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1717 Please refer to file number 581152579. If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt
Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I720483
issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I717717
Property Index No. 16-08-320-0070000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $333,108.46. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN
POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Plaintiff’s attorney: HEAVNER, BEYERS & MIHLAR, LLC, 111 East Main Street, DECATUR, IL 62523, (217) 422-1719 If the sale is not confirmed for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the purchase price paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. I717795
The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g) (1) and (g)(4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 16-002439 F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122
I720263 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.ROLAND T. COLLINS AKA ROLAND COLLINS AKA ROLAND THOMAS COLLINS, ELAINE COLLINS AKA ELAINE L. COLLINS AKA ELAINE L. SANDERS, HOUSEHOLD FINANCE CORPORATION III, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY-INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE Defendants 16 CH 09723 125 S 6TH AVE MAYWOOD, IL 60153 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on October 27, 2016, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 16, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 125 S 6TH AVE, MAYWOOD, IL 60153 Property Index No. 15-11-148-0070000. The real estate is improved with a multi unit building containing two to
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, DBA CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT A TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST Plaintiff, -v.LINDA F. COLE Defendants 10 CH 36911 208 Le Moyne Parkway Oak Park, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 13, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 14, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 208 Le Moyne Parkway, Oak Park, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-102-0290000. The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $474,475.34. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial sale fee for Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/ 18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING, LLC Plaintiff, -v.ALBERT MENSAH, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF CATHERINE A. MENSAH, DECEASED, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA–SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO CAPITAL ONE BANK, ALBERT MENSAH, AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF CATHERINE A. MENSAH, DECEASED, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF CATHERINE A. MENSAH, DECEASED, ALBERT H.K.P. MENSAH, ADWOA ADU AMANING, BABINA SACKEY Defendants 13 CH 26853 424 South Harvey Avenue Oak Park, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on March 15, 2017, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 16, 2017, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive–24th Floor, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at public auction to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 424 South Harvey Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.; Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; 928-930 S. HUMPHREY CONDOMINIUM OWNERS ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF BERNADINE A. BARNETT, DECEASED; DAYVION BARNETT; DAYJAH BARNETT; JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF BERNADINE A. BARNETT, DECEASED; Defendants, 16 CH 3106 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-17-307-035-1001 and 1617-307-035-1007. Commonly known as 928 S. Humphrey Avenue, #1N, Oak Park, IL 60304.
I720239 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT– CHANCERY DIVISION US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR LEHMAN XS TRUST MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-2N; Plaintiff, vs. SONIA GREEN; COLBY GREEN; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF SONIA GREEN IF ANY; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF COLBY GREEN IF ANY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 16 CH 13999 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Friday, June 2, 2017 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 15-01-320-015-0000. Commonly known as 838 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call the Sales Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455 WA16-0676. INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION Selling Officer, (312) 444-1122 I720283
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
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Friars chase first sectional title in boys track All-Stater Pasquesi targets return for sectional; others instrumental in team’s success By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Instead of preparing with the Fenwick High School boys track and field team for its annual invitational Saturday at Concordia University, senior Anthony Pasquesi was taking attendance. The returning Class 2A all-stater and school record holder in long jump experienced shin pain during the Niles North Invitational April 21 but hopes to return by the Fenwick Sectional May 18. “I started feeling it a couple of weeks ago and it just didn’t go away,” Pasquesi
said. “We’re looking for our first sectional championship ever. That’s kind of what our whole team has been training for.” Pasquesi’s record 22 feet-8 1/2 inches has been among the Friars’ numerous highlights. Senior Jack Darrow dropped his 1,600-meter personal best to 4:22.29 at the Distance Night in Palatine Invite April 22 after winning in 4:24.69 at Niles North. Juniors Joshua Harris, Lorenzano Blakeney and Lorente Blakeney, who return from the 2016 state-qualifying 800 relay, junior Nick Tolimieri and Pasquesi have been challenging school records in that (1:31.2) and the 400 relay (43.7).
Alexa Rogals/Contributor
OPRF senior Mariah Scott hits a line drive during the Huskies’ 8-2 win over visiting Andrew on Saturday, April 29. Scott finished 3-for-3 with four RBIs.
OPRF
Winning formula from page 50 out of trouble by inducing Hailey Dobson to pop out in the infield and keep the lead at 3-2. OPRF responded to the Thunderbolts’ mid-game rally with two runs, extending the lead to 5-2 after four innings. Nelson, a Northwestern commit, had an RBI single, as did Scott. Amid increasingly rainy and cold conditions, the Huskies tacked on three runs in the sixth to secure an 8-2 victory. The
second game of the doubleheader was called off due to the weather. In other games last week, OPRF dominated its opponents with victories against Downers Grove North [10-1], Hinsdale Central [10-1] and Downers Grove South [7-0]. Harris was particularly spectacular as a combination pitcher/hitter. In her two wins in the pitcher’s circle, the Auburnbound Harris allowed one earned run and three hits with two walks and 24 strikeouts. At the plate, she belted a grand slam against Downers Grove North. Harris (7-0) has a 0.15 earned run average, pitching 45.2 innings and allowing one earned run and 10 hits with seven walks and 83 strikeouts. She’s also hitting
At Niles North, the 400 relay was third (45.20) and 800 relay fifth (1:36.72). Senior Will Flaherty was fourth (135-0 in discus), freshman Joe Wermes was fifth (1,600 in 4:32.57), junior Matt Augustyn was seventh (36-3 in triple jump) and Harris was eighth (100 in 11.54). Pasquesi still was second (20-7 3/4). Saturday’s invite was canceled by bad weather. In a triangular at Concordia April 4, Pasquesi set his record, beating the mark of 22-6 from 1976. “It was a big deal,” Pasquesi said. “I couldn’t believe it, the first meet of the (outdoor) season. It was a day like this – 50 degrees, cloudy.” .523 with four home runs and 21 RBIs. “Chardonnay is the best pitcher in the state and one of the top pitchers nationally,” Girardot said. “We all have a tremendous amount of faith in her.” First baseman Allison Smart, Kamenitsa-Hale, Babbington and Girardot added two hits apiece against Downers Grove North. Senior third baseman Katie O’Shea, Kamenitsa-Hale and Babbington knocked in two runs each against Hinsdale Central. Cekander earned the win, allowing just two hits in five innings. Another welcome addition to the varsity roster has been junior Annie DeamerNagle. She had two hits and scored once in the Downers Grove South game. Deamer, who can play multiple positions, is often used as a courtesy runner for the Huskies’ catcher Scott. The remaining varsity players are Megan Krikau, Paige Ross, Abra Kaplan and Taylor Divello. Divello is a promising pitcher. She appears poised to take on an increased role next season after Harris and Cekander graduate this spring. OPRF hosts Lyons Township on Wednesday, May 3. Then the Huskies hit the road to take on Glenbard West on Friday, May 5. Both games start at 4:30 p.m. With the playoffs about three weeks away, the Huskies are positioned for another run at a state championship. In 16 games, OPRF has outscored its opponents 191-28. Nevertheless, the 4A state champs are focused more on process over results for now. “Winning state last year doesn’t take away from how we approach each game this year,” Babbington said. “We don’t take any team for granted. There is always room for improvement and we are constantly striving to be better. I think the team is playing very well overall due to our diligence, focus and trust in one another on the field.”
File photo
Fenwick senior Anthony Pasquesi is an all-state performer and school record holder in long jump (22 feet-8 ½ inches).
Fenwick girls track and field Fenwick sophomore Claire Gatermann has taken pole vaulting much more seriously this season. In her first meet, the Riverside resident tied the school record of 9 feet. At the Lake Park Invitational April 22, she improved her record by clearing 10-0 for the first time to finish third. “It was a really great feeling. I’ve had to work up to that height,” Gatermann said. “I’ve been doing 9-6 the whole outdoor season. I wanted to believe in myself and be confident I could do it because I kind of struggle with that sometimes.” The Friars compete at the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Championships Saturday and the Class 2A Glenbard South Sectional May 11. Sophomore Colleen Grogan, a 2016 state qualifier in the 300-meter low hurdles, was second at Lake Park (46.86) and won the 100 high hurdles (15.90). Grogan also was fifth in the 100 (12.77). Junior Margaret O’Brien was fourth in the 3,200 (11:30.59) and fifth in the 1,600 (5:21.59), both personal bests. At Saturday’s New Trier Invite, Grogan was second in the 300 hurdles (48.16) and junior Emma Hackett (85-1 in discus) and sophomore Delaney Gibbons (800 in 2:28.89) were fourth. Last season, Gatermann pole vaulted for the first time, clearing 7-6. Now she has surpassed the automatic state-qualifying standard for 2A sectionals of 9-6. “I put in a lot of hard work over the summer and I really put my mind to it and really started to focus,” Gatermann said. “One of my goals is to qualify for the state meet and then maybe set a new school record in the next two weeks.”
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
OPRF badminton targets strong finish
Huskies hope to net several qualifiers for state meet By MARTY FARMER Sports Editor
Other than playing on a club team, there is no badminton in college sports for women. Consequently, the seniors on the OPRF badminton team are essentially nearing the end of their competitive days hitting a shuttlecock across a net. So the state playoffs loom even more important, with sectionals running May 4-6 and the state finals May 12-13 in Charleston. OPRF tuned up for the postseason at the West Suburban Conference Silver Division tournament. OPRF finished fifth overall, with Maria Krunic and Gabby Simone taking first place in No. 1 doubles. “For a lot of these girls, it’s really their last chance to play badminton,” OPRF coach Paul Wright said. “We want them feeling positive about what they are getting into in terms of the state tournament.” Last year, the Huskies qualified all six athletes (two singles, two doubles teams) for the state tournament for the first time since badminton became an IHSA sport in 1976. OPRF tied conference rival Hinsdale Central and Fremd (9 points each) for fifth at state.
Courtesy Paul Wright
(Bottom left to right) Gabby Simone, Grace Pederson, Halley Bergen, Lilly Miller. (Top row) Maeve Heflin, Julia Zazyki, Regina Miller, Ibraheem Mohammed (Manager), Leyla Scheuring, Anna Grace Vargo, Julia Krause, Emma Proctor, Maria Krunic. (Not shown) Anika Carlson. “The badminton program is on the upswing,” Wright said. “We have more kids coming to our camps than ever. We offer a great fun camp with the players getting time on task to learn the game. Our coaches are great, too, so I just see it getting bigger and better.” Additionally, singles player Rei Uemaki (a foreign exchange student from Japan) be-
came the first state medalist for the Huskies since 1984 and tied the highest finish (fifth place) in school history. She finished 27-1 last season. Senior Maya Trinka (28-6) also performed well at state, winning four of six matches in singles last year. “Maya and Rei were huge assets for our pro-
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gram,” Wright said. “Having two great players like that in practice really helped the other players. Their speed and intensity during a match is hard to replicate, but it prepared our other players well to face elite competition.” As expected this season, OPRF has been about a .500 team sans Uemaki and Trinka with dual match wins against Downers Grove South, Glenbard West, RiversideBrookfield and Leyden. On the flipside, the Huskies lost to Downers Grove North, Hinsdale Central, York, and Lyons Township. “For the past 10 years, York, Hinsdale Central and Downers North all have had players finish in the top 10 in state in singles or doubles,” Wright said. “It’s really nice to have hard matches in your conference. The girls improve by facing great players.” The Huskies have also recorded a trio of third-place finishes at the Hersey, T.F. South and Conant Invitationals. Entering the postseason, the Huskies are led by senior captain/three-year varsity player Krunic, fellow senior Halley Bergen and juniors Maeve Heflin and Simone. “These girls are great because they work hard like Huskies and battle during games,” Wright said. “We have seen major growth this year because of the mentality. We’re going to give it our all and really think about the game of badminton. When you see a team having growth, it’s exciting.” Julia Krause, who suffered an injury early this season, has returned to offer depth for OPRF. Bella Perez also had an early-season injury but she’s out for the season.
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Wednesday Journal, May 3, 2017
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SPORTS
Friars chase first sectional title in boys track 50
OPRF badminton targets strong finish 51
Huskies pull away from Andrew Despite lousy weather, Cekander and Scott shine for unbeaten OPRF By MARTY FARMER
T
Sports Editor
he Oak Park and River Forest High School softball team is always fun to watch. The Huskies offer fans a star pitcher (Chardonnay Harris), an explosive lineup led by Maeve Nelson (.511 batting average, 4 HR, 23 RBIs) and Fiona Girardot (.627, 2 HR, 25 RBIs) and a high-caliber head coach (Mel Kolbusz). The Class 4A defending state champs have also won 43 games in a row, including last season’s 27-game streak to close out a historic season. “We are picking up right where we left off,” Girardot said. “Everyone is paying attention to the details of the game and maintaining our one-pitch focus. Our team chemistry has been a huge part of our success this season.” The Huskies’ entertainment value was quelled a bit through no fault of their own Saturday at home against Andrew. Inclement weather proved to be the toughest opponent for OPRF as rainy, gray and cold conditions defined the day. Nevertheless, OPRF still put on its predictably good show with an 8-2 win against the Thunderbolts in a non-conference game. The senior battery of pitcher Emily Cekander and catcher Mariah Scott led the way for the Huskies (16-0, 5-0 West Suburban Silver). Cekander (8-0) allowed two runs and scattered seven hits with no walks to pick up the win. “Emily has really stepped up and given us numerous
Alexa Rogals/Contributor
OPRF senior pitcher Emily Cekander allowed two runs and seven hits in an 8-2 win against Andrew on Saturday, April 29. Cekander is 8-0 with a 1.52 ERA this season. solid performances,” Girardot said. “We have been pitching great and getting timely hits which have been the keys to our success.” Scott went 3-for-3 and drove in four runs against Andrew. Other top contributors offensively included right fielder Sydney Babbington (3-for-4, 2 runs), Girardot (2-for-4, 2 runs) and left fielder Olivia Glass (2 RBIs, triple). In the second inning, sophomore center fielder Nelllie Kamenitsa-Hale hit an infield single to give OPRF a 1-0 lead. The speedy slap hitter from the left side is reminis-
cent of last year’s standout center fielder Samantha Linde. The Huskies extended the lead to 3-0 in the third when Glass hit a triple to bring home Scott and Harris, who both reached base via singles. The Thunderbolts got back into the game briefly with two runs in the fourth. Sophomore Maggie Bailey drove a ball to deep center for a two-RBI single. With runners on second and third and two outs, Cekander worked her way See OPRF on page 50
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