Wednesday Journal 050422

Proviso’s Village Free Press joins Growing Community Media

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W E D N E S D A Y

May 4, 2022 Vol. 42, No. 40 ONE DOLLAR @wednesdayjournalinc

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JOURNAL @oakpark

of Oak Park and River Forest

Fenwick hires new girls basketball coach Page 15

Local schools see rise in COVID cases

Groundbreaking for an Icebreaker

A memorial tree for retiring Irving Principal John Hodge

Officials say increase is due to various factors

STORY BY F. AMANDA TUGADE, PAGE 10

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

The number of COVID-19 cases is slowly rising in Oak Park and River Forest schools, but education leaders say the recent uptick, which began in early April after staff and students returned from spring break, has yet to cause major concern or a perceived need to tighten up loosened safety measures.

Throughout April, school officials saw new positive cases as staff and students filed back into the building after a week-long break in late March, the numbers doubling — and even tripling in one district. Last week, Oak Park District 97 reported a total of 129 cases among staff and students, its secondhighest sum in April and since numbers dropped to single digits in the months prior. District cases peaked at 167 during the third week of April, with cases mostly attributed to students at Julian (82) and Brooks (21) middle schools.

The number of cases that cropped up now are nowhere near what they were in January at the start of ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

See COVID on page 10

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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happy mother’s day happy mother’s day

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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O

n Monday, Politico leaked a draft opinion from the Supreme Court of the United States that apparently overturns abortion rights.

This is likely the first time in modern history that a SCOTUS draft opinion has leaked while the case is pending, legal experts say.

“Supreme Leak,” was the headline over at foxnews.com.

CNN.com reported the leak a “stunning breach of court confidentiality.” The New York Times headline blared: “Leaked Supreme Court Draft Would Overturn Roe v. Wade.”

The reason this is news is not that it’s surprising. Like Donald Trump, this conservative SCOTUS supermajority is doing everything that everyone expected it would do when it came into power.

It’s just that nobody really believes the end of the world will come until it does.

More than an overturned legal precedent,

My short reaction to Roe

for me this news represents the possible end of the Supreme Court’s legitimacy in the minds of most Americans.

And a democracy without legitimacy isn’t a democracy anymore. Laws without legitimacy aren’t laws. What comes next is, well, lawlessness.

That’s a frightening prospect, indeed. It took an associate justice in the minority (in more respects than one) to clearly articulate where all of this headed.

“If the draft opinion or something like it is ultimately issued, it will produce rifts at the court that could test its legitimacy,” the New York Times reported Monday night.

“At the argument, the court’s three liberal members said that overruling Roe soon after a change in the court’s membership would damage the court’s authority.

Indeed, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said, doing so would pose an existential threat.

MICHAEL ROMAIN

“‘Will this institution survive the stench that this creates in the public perception that the Constitution and its reading are just political acts?’ she asked. “‘If people actually believe that it’s all political, how will we survive?’ she asked.

‘How will the court survive?’”

Sotomayor’s pleading questions remind me of the Obama administration’s desperate efforts to save the American economy roughly a decade ago. Most of the administration’s policies were centered on injecting confidence back into the financial system, because if people don’t have any faith in the market, then the market will not exist (see Ron Suskind’s 2011 book Confidence Men).

It turns out that, some three centuries after the Age of Enlightenment, after humans have been thrust into space on the power of our scientific ability, our social world — including all of the technological bells and whistles that made all of that socalled progress possible — is still centered on belief.

What happens when a society’s mythol-

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ogy ruptures? How do we fix this kind of shattering? We don’t need any more novel devices, we need new guiding mythologies and beliefs. There’s a clear need for moral innovation, but the world is wanting in wisdom entrepreneurs.

Perhaps more than any other American institution, the Supreme Court embodies the severe “achievement gap” between modern technology and modern values.

What Gordon Allport wrote in the preface to the 1954 edition of his classic work, The Nature of Prejudice, resonates just as powerfully today.

“Civilized men have gained notable mastery over energy, matter, and inanimate nature generally, and are rapidly learning to control physical suffering and premature death. But, by contrast, we appear to be living in the Stone Age so far as our handling of human relationships is concerned.”

Unfortunately, wisdom isn’t sexy and neither is the Supreme Court.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Roosevelt 8th-graders create care kits for homeless Toiletries, socks, granola bars among items needed for service project

By. F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Eighth graders at Roosevelt Middle School are looking to help homeless individuals, and they are asking residents to step up and pitch in.

As part of a service project, the eighth grade class plans to create care kits – small bags packed with personal toiletries, clothes and food – for individuals experiencing homelessness and are hosting a donation drive to collect various items.

The students are currently accepting donations of travel size products such as soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer and tissues; pairs of socks; granola bars and bottles of water. Students are also in need of gallon zip-lock bags to place the items in.

Donors can drop off the items at three River Forest District 90 schools: Roosevelt, 7560 Oak Ave.; Lincoln Elementary School, 511 Park Ave.; and Willard Elementary School, 1250 Ashland Ave. There are designated bins located inside the lobbies

of the three schools, said Olivia Ponzio, a mother of a Roosevelt eighth-grader and an organizer of the donation drive.

Ponzio is on a committee with other parents and helps string together different activities for Field Day, an annual endof-the-year event for D90’s eighth grade class. Part of that day, she said, is dedicated to doing a service project. Ponzio told Wednesday Journal that the idea for the care kits isn’t an original one; in fact, she was inspired by her eldest son, who a few years ago was a religious education student at St. Giles Catholic Parish in Oak Park and worked on a similar project.

One day, Ponzio said her eldest son came home and showed her the care kit he made and explained “we’re supposed to keep [the kit] in our car, and if we see someone who is in need, we give it to them.”

“My husband and I were both like, ‘That is such a smart idea,’” she said, adding that was why she suggested the project to her fellow committee members.

While the project is easy-to-do, Ponzio

said that it is also a conversation starter, one that allows families to talk about the issues of homelessness and its impact on everyday people. In 2020, an estimated 10,431 people in Illinois were experiencing homelessness on any given day, according to a report by the Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). That total number included family households and veterans, as well as young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, HUD also reported.

Ponzio told the Journal that the goal, at the moment, is to produce 167 care kits, one for each eighth-grader to give away.

“If – God bless – we have a surplus of things and we can make additional bags, that would be great,” she said, adding donations will be accepted until May 13.

Ponzio told the Journal that she hopes people in the community participate in the class’s effort.

“We take for granted so many things that we have, and there really are so many people out there that don’t have things to

What you can do Roosevelt Middle School eighthgraders are in need of donations to help build care kits for homeless individuals. They are looking for the following items ■ New travel size toiletries, including soap, shampoo, hand sanitizers and tissues ■ Pairs of socks ■ Bottles of water ■ Granola bars ■ Gallon zip-lock bags to carry the personal care items

take care of themselves – to make themselves feel good,” Ponzio said. “People are in so many difficult positions right now.

[The project is] something little-to-do, to help somebody feel good about themselves.”

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

BIG WEEK May 4-11

Scrabble Club

Candidate Forum for 7th Illinois Congressional District Candidates

Tuesday, May 10, 10-12 p.m., Oak Park Public Library - Small Meeting Room

It’s all about a friendly game of Scrabble. All skills levels and ages welcome.

Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

International Poet Visit With Black-British Writer Keith Jarrett

Movement Revolution Dance Crew Saturday, May 7, 7 p.m., Unity Temple This group adds a distinct hip-hop influence to the art of concert dancing. The opening performance will be a solo excerpt from Silvita Diaz Brown’s new work, “Ellas Y Yo Mexicanas.”

Silvita is a Mexican/American choreographer, dancer, actor, acrobat, yoga instructor, and movement teacher established in Chicago in 2008. She is the founder of Sildance/AcroDanza dance-theatre company. $20-39, 875 Lake St., Oak Park.

The Circle Process: Creating Deep Conversations Friday, May 6, 2:30-4 p.m., Main Library Veterans Room In collaboration with Mothers and Others For Peace, Stephen Jackson, Restorative Justice Practitioner and Oak Park Public Library Director of Equity and Anti-Racism, will facilitate this interactive introduction to how circles can become part of our families, schools, workplaces, and communities. Everyone will be able to take part in a circle. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oak Park/River Forest. Register now at oppl. org/calendar.

Thursday, May 5, 7-8:30 p.m., Main Library Veterans Room This evening of poetry will be hosted by acclaimed London poet, playwright, and novelist Keith Jarrett. The event will open with poems from OPRFHS Spoken Word Club members. After the performance, there will be a brief Q&A session with the poets. Register now at oppl.org/calendar. 834 Lake St., Oak Park.

Chris & Heather’s 16mm Film Festival with musical guest Chris Ligon Thursday, May 5, 8:30 p.m., FitzGerald’s Videotapes? DVD? Streaming? YouTube? Nope – Chris Ligon and Heather McAdams are all about those classic 16mm film reels, which they have been collecting for many years. Everything from vintage country singers to horror movie trailers, plus anything in between, are represented in their collection, and they’ll be showing some of the highlights tonight. If you can resist the temptation to make animal shadows on the screen, you are in for a good time. $15, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn.

Wednesday, May 4, 7 p.m.

You can register for this virtual forum here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_3E3doTx8SQCrR6fZFdfodg. Questions for the candidates can be sent to league@lagrangearealwv.org.

Illinois Department of Human Services Employment Workshop Tuesday, May 10, 2-3 p.m., virtually through Oak Park Public Library Learn about the jobs with the Illinois Department of Human Services, how to find them, and the application process, including a brief discussion on benefits and high need job titles. There will be an open Q&A session at the end of the presentation. Presented by the Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Recruitment & Selection. Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

Footloose Friday, May 6, 7 p.m., and Saturday, May 7, 2:30 and 7:00 p.m., Brooks Middle School Auditorium This iconic 1980s movie is brought to life with a BRAVO cast of 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Students and seniors, $8; adults, $12. 325 S. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park.

The History of the Beach Boys Wednesday, May 11, 2-3 p.m., virtually through Oak Park Public Library More than any other act, the Beach Boys have come to define the sound of summer, as seen from the West Coast. The program will focus on The Beach Boys’“sunniest” years from 1962 to 1967 and include interview and performance video clips, ranging from “Surfin’ U.S.A.,”“Fun, Fun, Fun,” and “California Girls” to the more mature Pet Sounds, “Good Vibrations” and the abandoned Smile project. Register now at oppl.org/calendar.

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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River Forest assistant administrator leaving after 9 years

Lisa Scheiner accepts similar position in northwest suburban Streamwood

“I can’t imagine this office without you,” Trustee Erika Bachner said. “You are the full package and a triple threat.” She also thanked Scheiner for having “every single answer to our random questions.”

“When Eric [Palm] left, I was a deer in the headlights.

How are we going to get through

By ROBERT J. LIFKA this?” Village President Cathy Adduci said.

Contributing Reporter “Boy, you got us through it. Without hesitaLisa Scheiner, assistant village administra- tion, you had your hands in everything and tor in River Forest who served as interim vil- it worked so well.”

She referred to Scheiner’s skills, including lage administrator for 11 months in 2021, is being articulate, poised and patient. leaving the village for a position “Your writing skills are off the in Streamwood. chart,” Adduci added, noting her Her last day in River Forest ability to “synthesize complex iswill be April 29. She will begin sues so we could understand.” her new job as Streamwood’s asThe proclamation described sistant village administrator in her contributions to the village as mid-May. “immeasurable” and referred to Scheiner, who started with her “unmatched tenacity” to take the village in September 2013, on new assignments and responbecame interim village adminsibilities. istrator when Eric Palm left in It also cited the “instrumental February 2021 to become village LISA SCHEINER role” she played in developing manager in Hoffman Estates. the village’s COVID-19 safety She served in that capacity until Brian Murphy was hired as River Forest’s campaign and its policy implementation and new administrator in December. As if serv- referenced her involvement with the village’s ing as interim village administrator was not budget and capital planning processes, buildenough, shortly after Palm left, the pandemic ing division, human resources and labor relations, land use and development-related advihit, multiplying her responsibilities.

In addition to a proclamation read at the sory bodies and zoning ordinance.

This is the second departure from MurApril 25 village board meeting, elected officials offered heartfelt expressions of grati- phy’s administrative team this year. Jonatude and congratulations. Almost every than Pape, assistant to the village adminismember of the village board told her she will trator, left in March for a similar position in Glencoe. Matt Walsh is the new assistant to be missed.

“You impressed me with your knowledge,” the village administrator.

Walsh, a Forest Park resident and former Trustee Ken Johnson said. “From the bottom park district commissioner there, had served of my heart, you will be missed.”

“You have skills out the wazoo,” Trustee as assistant to the village manager of HomKatie Brennan said, also noting Scheiner’s er Glen in the far southwest suburbs. From talent and sense of humor. “There were a April 2021 until March 2022, Walsh served as lot of interesting issues you had to grapple Homer Glen’s interim village manager. He resigned his position there when Homer Glen with.”

Trustee Rescipio Vazquez thanked Schein- trustees offered the permanent job to someer for her contributions prior to the pandem- one else.

Murphy said he will delay replacing ic and Eric Palm’s departure, then for “stepScheiner until after he has time to assess his ping to the plate” afterward.

“Your professionalism and poise are un- team members’ strengths and weaknesses, noting recent hirings, including his own. paralleled,” Trustee Lisa Gillis said.

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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Oak Park trustees debate adding public restroom downtown

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The Oak Park village board returned with a bang to its regularly scheduled Monday night meetings after a twoweek hiatus. The discussion over whether the village should purchase a self-cleaning portable restroom for an undecided downtown location became an argument over the differing political ideals of two veteran trustees versus two trustees early into their second year on the board.

“This is honestly about the dignity of human life,” said Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla, now in the last year of her four-year term.

The potential restroom could be the fully automated twocubicle Jupiter model manufactured by EXEloo, a company that specializes in hygienic and safe public toilets. The commode has a quoted cost of $181,300 with an estimated delivery charge of $5,000.

Village staff recommended using Community Development Block Grant money to pay for the restrooms, rather than the previous recommendation to spend American Rescue Plan Act funds. The village board was widely in favor of using CDBG funds, however, Trustee Ravi Parakkat believed the ongoing maintenance costs of the restroom were not “fully represented” as they are not eligible to be paid for through CDBG. Those expenses would be accounted for in the village’s

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PRIVY: Example of a public restroom designed by EXEloo. general revenue fund. Parakkat said the long-term costs of the latrine would make Oak Park too expensive for residents, particularly older adults, to live in.

“This is exactly the trend that will push them out of the community,” said Parakkat, who completed his first year on the board last month.

Parakkat offered staff further critique by questioning the lack of “measurements of success” for the restroom included in the board’s materials. His desire for a quantifiable restroom success scale left other board members scratching their heads.

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“I don’t know what the success metrics for this are – how many people go pee in a bathroom?” Walker-Peddakotla said.

“That’s just a wild question to me.”

This viewpoint was shared by Trustee Susan Buchanan, also in the last year of her four-year term. Buchanan called the idea of metrics “ridiculous.”

The public restroom initiative, according to Development Customer Services Director Tammie Grossman, is a collaboration between the village, police and the Oak Park Homeless Coalition. The efforts were prompted by the dearth of restroom access caused by the COVID-19 shutdown.

“That actually has not improved that much, but there is a little bit better access to bathroom facilities in the downtown area,” said Grossman.

Walker-Peddakotla and Buchanan were again united in their mutual belief that public restrooms offer all people, regardless of their housing situation, the chance to relieve themselves in a private, civilized manner. They were also unequivocally opposed to the idea that public restrooms could present a threat to community safety – a concern held by Trustee Lucia Robinson, who, like Parakkat, is fresh into her second year on the board.

The board directed staff to complete the paperwork to get approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to use CDBG funds for the restroom.

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Irving community plants tree to honor John Hodge Staff, students, parents describe retiring principal as kind, caring advocate

By F. AMANDA TUGADE Staff Reporter

Helena Boumgarden, a kindergartener at Irving Elementary School, says Principal John Hodge is kind. Third-grader Malia Vasquez says Hodge is caring and makes everyone at their school feel special. And, Ruby Gerace, a fifth grader, says her principal is incredible and just amazing.

“He built such a family, such a community,” said Gerace, 10, her smile widening before diving into a quick story. She told Wednesday Journal that Hodge recently popped in on one of her classes and joined her and her friends, as they recited bits from poems.

“We had like a mini poetry slam. What other principal would do that?” Gerace said.

On April 29, Gerace joined Boumbarden, 6; Vasquez, 9, and dozens of students, staff and families on Irving’s front lawn, 1125 S. Cuyler Ave., to celebrate Hodge, who is set to retire at the end of this school year. That Friday afternoon they helped plant a white oak tree to honor Hodge and celebrate his 31-year career as an educator in Oak Park District 97, 18 of which were dedicated to Irving and the South Oak Park community. Members of the South East Oak Park Community Organization (SEOPCO) also attended the event to present Hodge with a plaque, which was later placed near the tree.

Doug Chien, one of the event organizers and whose daughter attended Irving Elementary years ago, said the white oak embodies Hodge in many ways. Oak trees are tall and sturdy, their crowns lush with leaves and long branches, and they are seen as pillars of their community just like Hodge, he said.

“It speaks to a place – that I belong here,” said Chien, as he looked at Hodge who stood beside him. But, Chien said, there’s something about white oak trees that mirror Hodge’s personality and leadership.

“There’s a softness, a tenderness that you see out of a large white oak that you don’t see on other oaks,” he continued. “To me, that speaks to Mr. Hodge. He’s got some softness. He cares, and he helps our community that we’re all a part of.”

Denise Frank, the event’s main organizer, shared Chien’s sentiments. Frank, a mother of three and co-chair of the school’s garden club, said she has gotten to know Hodge throughout the years and seen his impact firsthand.

Frank said Hodge is friendly, outgoing.

“When I first met him, I’m like, ‘Oh, this is ‘the principal,’” she said in an interview with the Journal ahead of the tree planting ceremony. “My principal when I was

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

ROOTED: John Hodge gets help planting a tree outside Irving Elementary School honoring his tenure as principal.

Parents give departing principal a warm sendoff Wednesday Journal asked Irving parents for their thoughts on John Hodge’s tenure at Irving. Here’s what they had to say: “I am truly going to miss him. I think he’s irreplaceable in a lot of ways. I have always felt like my kids were in such good hands.” – Denise Frank “The message is that all the work that he’s done hopefully won’t be forgotten, and we’ll continue to live on [with] the new principal and community at large that he created.” – Doug Chien “I thank him for that long period of time that he gave us, so that we can have such an amazing community that he leaves behind. It really is his legacy.” – Talley Hann growing up was stern and scary. I was automatically like, ‘Stand up straight.’ And he’s so funny and puts you at ease so quickly.”

Frank said Hodge was open to people’s ideas and had a “yes” attitude, allowing others to lead the way. The school traditions such as the annual slam poetry showcase and the Irving Sleepover where families, students and staff would come together for games, movies and snacks and sleep at the school for one night are part of Hodge’s efforts to create a tight-knit community.

“All of these things that make Irving such a great community are driven by the parents’ ideas, the teachers’ ideas and him just saying ‘yes.’ And I haven’t seen that in

any larger institution ever,” Frank said.

Other parents like Lauren Vandenberg, Christy Bonstell and Sinead Aylward also had a string of memories to share. Vandenberg, co-president of Irving’s PTO, said that Hodge attends the meetings and even stopped by recently to play a trivia game with them. For Bonstell and Aylward, they saw Hodge as an advocate for their children, someone who made them feel welcomed, included.

Talley Hann, founder of the Oak Park Friends School and a former Irving parent, said she still remembered when her now teenage son was a young boy and Hodge would walk with him to class.

Hann, who sits on SEOPCO’s board, said her son then had a “lackadaisical” attitude when walking to school, and when Hodge would spot him walking down the sidewalk, he’d come beside him, ushering him to the building.

“He would never make him feel bad about getting to school late, but he would always up [my son’s] pace a little bit,” she said, laughing.

That’s just who Hodge is, Hann added.

During the tree planting ceremony, Hodge helped Chien carry a small white oak tree and place it into a hole in the ground. A group of students surrounded Hodge, using hand shovels to fill the hole with dirt and keep the tree in its spot. Those standing nearby pulled out their cellphones, recording the moment.

In a brief interview with the Journal, Hodge said he felt proud about the work he’s done at Irving and the people he’s met along the way.

“I just have always known after working in this community for so long that you make connections, and it’s just nice to hear how strong those connections are, how our community members are feeling,” he said.

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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Savor Anime inspiration and Japanese fare at Okami Sushi

Colorful maki rolls and remarkable ramen at intimate North Ave. eatery

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Tom Uiprapassorn, chef and co-owner of Okami Sushi, 6818 W. North Ave., Chicago, combines his love for Japanese anime and architectural sushi at his restaurant nestled in the North Avenue District. In Japanese, Okami can mean “Great God” or “wolf,” but owners of the sushi centric restaurant bearing the name took inspiration from Ōkami Amaterasu — a white wolf goddess character at the center of a video game launched in 2006.

Born in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Uiprapassorn earned his degree in architecture prior to emigrating to the United States and settling in Chicago with his sister, Wow Morales. Though excited to be in the United States, he was not passionate about pursuing a career in architecture – after his arrival he went looking for “any job” to make ends meet. He spent his first years in the city working at a small-scale sushi bar with a lean, but dedicated staff.

“I learned every part of the business because we all had to be able to do everything,” said Uiprapassorn. “I learned how to source and handle quality fish and prep fresh ingredients and cook rice. After some time, I knew it was time for me to open my own business.”

After a brief stint driving delivery orders for restaurants, Uiprapassorn partnered up with his sister and brother-inlaw, Moses Morales, to bring Okami Sushi to life. Morales manages the front-of-thehouse while Wow Morales keeps the family business humming by waiting tables when the need arises. She is also responsible for painting a mural prominently featured on the restaurant’s wall. Uiprapassorn enjoys tossing ideas around with

his chef-friends who work at Momotaro, but also relies heavily on his own imagination to keep dishes coming out of Okami’s open kitchen.

“This is our first restaurant, and I didn’t know what was ahead of me when I opened,” said Uiprapassorn who opened Okami in January of 2021. “I was drawn to the space because it wasn’t too big or too small and it is located in an up-andcoming area. It was kind of bad timing though because we could only be open for MELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor carry out back then.”

These days, however, Okami is welcomDYNAMIC DUO: Moses Morales and Chef Tom Uiprapassorn, in front of the mural ing guests into the dining painted by Wow Morales, are eager to welcome diners to their Japanese restaurant room to experience Uipra- known for creative takes on sushi and ramen. passorn’s creative take on sushi and ramen. Ramen Princess “Monoke” Roll gives a nod to at Okami. She was drawn to the restaurant and udon noodles are new another character in Japanese anime and in part because they are open for lunch on additions to the Okami features shrimp tempura, BBQ eel, avo- Mondays but became a regular customer menu and they are slinging cado, cucumber topped with seared su- because of their bold menu and friendly some seriously noteworthy noodles. The per white tuna, honey mayo, unagi sauce service.

Chin ramen from is a rich and memora- and crispy shallots. The Davy Jones roll, “I love all their dishes but what drew me ble combination of pork bone broth, thin topped with fried beet, is stuffed with oc- was their lunch special – so affordable but ramen noodles and garlic oil crowned topus, cilantro, and jalapeno before being so delicious,” said Joya, who recommends with crispy chicken karaage, bamboo deep fried. Traditional maki rolls and ni- the ginger salad and octopus appetizer. “At shoots, kizami seaweed, chili threads and giri are also available. the height of delta/omicron I would call to a soft-boiled egg.

Judith Alexan- reserve my table. Moses was so nice and Warming Yuma always accommodated me. He also helped der, president of udon boasts a clear the North Avenue me with the menu choices. I would actually chicken soup broth District, is proud to let him choose my lunch order!” with thick noodles Uiprapassorn feels at home in his reshave Okami Sushi topped marinated in the district and taurant kitchen and admits he completed shiitake mushexpects the business architecture school in Thailand only to rooms with templease his parents. After opening Okami, to thrive because of pura fried shrimp, the quality of their his mother and father crossed the ocean oyster, scallop and food and the influx to visit and dined in their son’s restaukanikama. Both ofof residential hous- rant for the first time. ferings are hearty, ing developments “My mom could cook everything well complex and well on North Avenue. and she is my inspiration,” said UipraMELISSA ELSMO/Food Editor executed. Though She notes that it passorn. “When they came here, saw the The Princess “Monoke” Roll as served at Okami’s spicy miso “can be difficult to restaurant and ate my food they were soup features the Okami Sushi convince Oak Park both so proud of us.” addition of fresh residents to cross For now, the owners are taking things chili, togorashi, chili oil and sriracha, North Avenue,” but both Morales and Uip- day-by-day, but in the future hope to have the menu mainstay is well balanced and rapassorn are hoping their attention to de- a second location. In the meantime, they approachable. tail and creative menu will draw business want to invite everyone to pay them a visFolks looking to embrace the energy of from both Chicago and Oak Park. it in the North Avenue District. free-style Japanese cooking will do well South Oak Park resident and optomeOkami Sushi is closed on Tuesdays, but to order some of Okami’s signature maki trist, Sarah Manongdo-Joya, is more than open from noon to 9 p.m. every other day rolls or chef ’s selection of sushi. The willing to make her way northward to dine of the week.

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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movement, pictures, and graphics rather than just words. Girls are verbal learners. They like to talk about how to solve a problem and collaborate with others to find a solution.

school contributes to boys’ having higher rates than girls in dropping out of high school and not attending or finishing college. Unfortunately, this gap is growing. Sure, some young men may find success without Since the late 1980s school an extended education (look at Bill curriculum has changed There is Gates or Mark Zuckerberg); however, more emphasis on written expression, they are the exception. Even a job in explanation, and showing process not the trades requires attending trade just the right answer, particularly in school. Rarely, does an entry level job math and science. An advantage for without some education lead to longverbal learner girls, a disadvantage term opportunities and advancement. for visual learner boys.

So, what’s to be done? Researchers Until 4th grade both genders learn say the first step is to acknowledge at similar rates. But 4th grade is a the problem that boys are languishing defining time. If a student is not a in school and girls are succeeding. strong confident reader by 4th grade, Next, address in the early grades the decline in school begins. A weak the two main reasons boys give reader may begin to fall behind, and for not succeeding -- shame of not soon troubles in reading will affect being able to keep up with peers My mother would say that boys and other subjects, as most learning now academically and lack of connection girls are very different and as such depends on those reading skills. to school staff. they need to be treated differently.

Unfortunately, at 4th grade boys begin She argued that attempts to treat the to shift their focus away from reading. One expert has four suggestions to genders the same would lead to big On average, beginning in 4th grade, attack the problem. problems. To me, my mom’s beliefs girls begin to consume more words 1. Untraditional success. Many were antiquated and self defeating. than boys —approximately 100,000 boys like to compete. But if they However, turns out some of my more words per year. are not at least above average in mother’s beliefs were accurate. the class, they may disengage. Boys Why do so many boys shift their Boys are very different from girls. would rather stop trying than work focus away from books as they Research has shown that boys’ hard and ‘fail’. This ties into a fear of grow? There are different theories. brains have more connections One theory is that girls’ brains mature shame. A response to this problem within hemispheres and girls’ brains is to broaden the scope of success. faster than boys’ allowing girls a have more connections between greater ability to focus. Some experts Rewarding ability to plan, organize, hemispheres. Boys have better spatial and complete tasks with attention to identify it as a behavioral issue and motor skills and girls are better pointing to the stereotype that liking detail and resourcefulness may give at integrating analysis and intuitive and excelling at reading is considered boys the ability to find untraditional thinking. a feminine trait. Still others say there success in school.

Consequently, it is no surprise that are too few books that appeal to boys’ 2. Technology. Incorporate boys and girls learn differently. Boys interests. boys’ interest in technology as are visual, spatial, and experiential an element of their learning.

Whatever the reason, boys’ lack of learners. They learn better with Gamifying learning using interest in reading and success in

Mathletics, Language Perfect and Kahoot could help.

3. Real life learning. Boys tend to prefer tests because they are over quickly, and they are not required to speak in front of their peers. However, the soft skills of oral communication, understanding process, and working on long-term projects are needed for most careers and achieving goals and dreams. Using real life learning situations to illustrate these concepts would help boys gain more interest in learning those soft skills.

4. Connections. Fostering relationships with teachers and school staff will help boys feel more connected to school. As boys get older, cultural forces tell them that focusing on relationships is feminine and immature. Yet, boys will work harder for a teacher with whom they have a great relationship. Having teachers take an interest in boys’ lives and having boys’ parents share with teachers important information about their sons will help foster those connections.

Boys’ success in education is declining but it does not have to stay that way. Recognizing that there is a problem and applying creative solutions will improve the state of boys’ education and ultimately boys’ lives. Similarly, once we recognize that we need an estate plan we can solve that problem by creating our estate plan and ultimately improving our lives and our families’ lives.

708-819-1580

www.theresaclancylaw.com theresa.clancy@theresaclancylaw.com

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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New plan for dormant Austin-Roosevelt corner Former US Bank site could include residential and commercial

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The plans for a Taco Bell fell through for the northwest corner of Roosevelt Road and Austin Boulevard. But something different, and perhaps more popular with immediate neighbors, than fast food is in the works for the former US Bank site. John Lynch, executive director of the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation, told

COVID

Cases on the rise from page 1 the second semester, school officials said.

Schools in Oak Park and River Forest saw a surge of COVID cases as staff and students came back to the building after a two-week winter break. Of the three public school districts, D97 was the only one that closed down some of its elementary schools, while others shifted to remote learning.

Amanda Siegfried, spokesperson for D97, said the district is trying to figure out why so many cases have spiked at the middle schools, specifically Julian, while cases in the elementary schools have stayed consistent, averaging less than a dozen per week.

As D97 nurses and Oak Park public health officials investigate the growing number of cases at Julian, Siegfried said school officials are considering possible contributing factors, including the ease of masking protocols in schools and other public settings across the community.

The rise of COVID cases at D97 follows a surge seen in Illinois and around the country because of BA.2, a subvariant of omicron, Siegfried said. Near the end of April, BA.2 accounted for at least 79% of COVID cases, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Locally, Cook County public health officials also reported a “medium” transmission risk level with 210 cases per 100,000 residents in the last seven days. In an

Wednesday Journal that the site will be developed for residential and commercial purposes.

Lynch believes it is likely the site will be developed into two different buildings, rather than a mixed-use building with retail on the bottom and apartments on the upper floors.

“This group had in mind that maybe the parcel might work better being split and having a commercial component on the corner and a separate residential building

to the west,” said Lynch.

Plans are still in development. However, Lynch expects the residential building to have between 8 and 12 living units.

Cook County property transfer records show that the land was purchased in September by Lemonade MM Oak Park LLC for $450,000. Managed by Lee Utke, the limited liability corporation was established to acquire and redevelop vacant singletenant retail sites, according to Lynch.

Utke is a principal of real estate company

Madison Marquette, where he co-leads the company’s corporate solutions practice.

Wednesday Journal has reached out to him for comment.

As part of its commitment to promoting equity in Oak Park, the OPEDC has been working with Lemonade to find a minorityowned development partner to handle the residential portion of the project. Lemonade is in talks with one such development company, Lynch shared, but nothing has been finalized.

April 27 village memo, the Oak Park De- dents last month, while D90 identified 50 partment of Public Health noted 201 new cases among its own staff and students, COVID cases. Seventy-five of those cases according to each school district’s COVID involved children age 5-13, according to dashboard.

Siegfried, Sullivan and Martini said the village memo.

Siegfried also pointed to a recent three- district officials have yet to discuss the day weekend in mid-April where faculty, return of the mask mandate or any other staff and students were off from school restrictive safety protocols and are keepand celebrated Easter, Passing a close eye on case numover and Ramadan with bers. their families as another Like Siegfried, Sullivan potential contributing facsaid D200 officials are untor. School nurses reported sure of the reasons for the that many families were increased cases, but laid out unmasked at their gathera couple of trends taking place at OPRF. ings, she said.

Sullivan said she has no“Mitigations have been ticed a gradual dip in the easing everywhere, not just number of students volunin our schools,” Siegfried tarily testing for COVID-19 continued. “We’re having KARIN SULLIVAN week after week since the more activities; we’re havOPRF Spokesperson high school first dealt with ing more athletic events, the quick rise of cases more concerts and things brought on by the omicron like that. In the commuvariant in late November. nity, people are doing more “We saw a big surge, and things than they were last we were testing several spring.

“There’s all of these things going on, hundred students,” Sullivan said. “But and it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly since then, the numbers have just really fallen off. They’re not participating. We happened at Julian, but we think all of do encourage it, but it’s certainly not rethese things are at play.”

Karin Sullivan, a spokesperson for quired.”

Sullivan said more and more staff Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, and Sam Martini, infection and students are also choosing to be uncontrol officer at River Forest District 90, masked since the district announced a echoed Siegfried and shared some insight mask-optional policy. Sullivan, however, on what they have seen among staff and said she has seen some staff and students put their masks back on as cases have students.

In April, D200 and D90 experienced a gone up.

“What we’re seeing is part of the evolusimilar jump in COVID cases but not to the extent of D97. D200 reported a total tion of learning to live with COVID,” she of 106 positive cases among staff and stu- said, explaining that changes to quaran-

tine guidelines have also presented some challenges. The CDC says people asked to quarantine should stay home and away from other individuals for at least five days after their last close contact with a person who has COVID. Individuals in quarantine are instructed to wear masks at home and upon returning to school, work and other public settings for another five days.

“People are strongly urged to wear a mask when they come back [to school], but again, that’s not enforceable,” Sullivan said. “We cannot make someone, even if they’re coming off of a five-day absence, wear a mask. We strongly encourage it. I would say that the onus is falling more on the individual now.”

That rang true for Martini, who said another hurdle she faces is making sure families are reporting their positive test results to the district and public health officials. As more people are self-testing for COVID at home, they need to inform the schools, as well as the county, if they have the coronavirus.

“Our numbers are definitely skewed because a lot of people are doing the athome test, and they say, ‘Oh, shoot. I’m positive. I’m just going to stay home,’” Martini said. “They don’t realize that, ‘Hey, I should probably report this to the county so that way they can continue to keep an eye on what’s going on.’”

With the end of the school year in sight, Martini said she urges families to think through their options, whether that includes wearing masks and being vaccinated, and decide what works best for them.

“Play it safe, and play it smart,” she said.

“What we’re seeing is part of the evolution of learning to live with COVID.”

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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R E A D E R S

Village Free Press joins Growing Community Media Writing today alongside my colleague Michael Romain to share the news that Growing Community Media is expanding to include the Village Free Press, the Proviso Township newspaper, which Michael launched nine years ago to cover his hometown of Maywood.

Over the years, Village Free Press has grown to cover nine of the 14 villages which make up Proviso. Michael’s hard work and strong community journalism have made VFP the single and respected source of local news in the township.

Simultaneously, Michael has worked at Growing Community Media, initially as editor of our Austin Weekly News and education reporter for Wednesday Journal. Over the past year, with funding from a local donor, Michael became our equity editor and columnist while continuing to edit the Austin Weekly.

Several months ago, Michael suggested

we consider fully aligning Village Free Press with GCM’s four flags to make it part of Growing Community Media. We have been working out the details and last Friday signed the paperwork to make it happen.

This growth really reflects the mission we set out to accomplish when we created Growing Community Media three years ago as the nonprofit publisher of Wednesday Journal, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.

Then and now, we see vital, complex and fascinating communities stretching from

Garfield Park to Oak Park, from Riverside to Maywood that together make up the Greater West Side, a geography of diversity and shared needs and opportunities.

As always, we will cover these communities individually, but also collectively. We’ll report the news and feel of each village and neighborhood at the grassroots while also reflecting the interesting and complex issues that unite us.

These changes come with an expanded role within GCM for Michael. He is now our Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) while he continues as editor of Austin Weekly News and Village Free Press.

Also, we are growing our reporting staff.

As part of this transition, GCM will fund a part-time reporter dedicated to covering Proviso. In addition, Kamil Brady, who has been vital to VFP for many years, will

come aboard GCM to enhance sales and community engagement.

Igor Studenkov, one of our veteran freelance reporters, joins the staff on a part-time basis to cover Forest Park and continues to report on the West Side. A month or so ago we told you about the hiring of Samantha Callender as our Community Narrative Reporter for the Austin Weekly. That hire was made possible by a grant from the Field Foundation.

All of this is possible because of your investment in our nonprofit newsroom.

We are grateful. And we invite you today to consider becoming a member.

Dan Haley Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media Michael Romain Director of DEI Growing Community Media

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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C R I M E

Two West Sub nurses assaulted by patients

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Two people were arrested for separate aggravated battery incidents involving nurses at West Suburban Medical Center. Brittany Harris, of the 100 block of North Mason Avenue in Chicago, was arrested for hitting an emergency room nurse in the face at 1:44 a.m., April 25. The 32-year-old was taken into custody and held in lieu of a bond hearing.

The following day at 12:27 a.m., Oak Park police arrested 20-year-old Brandy Johnson for a similar battery incident that took place on April 17 while Johnson was a patient at West Suburban. According to police reports, Johnson punched a nurse in the face with a closed fist, causing injury. Johnson, of the first block of Ontario Street in Oak Park, was transported to the Oak Park Police Department by detectives and held for a bond hearing.

Burglary ■ Someone broke into an Oak Park resident’s Acura by shattering the front passenger’s side window then removing the victim’s wallet, which contained a driver’s license and credit cards, from inside the vehicle between 6 p.m., April 24 and 5 a.m., April 25 in the 1100 block of North Taylor Avenue. The estimated loss is $200.

■ The front driver’s side window of a blue 2019 Honda CRV was smashed, and a garage door opener taken from the vehicle, between 11 p.m., April 28 and 8:45 a.m., April 29 in the 900 block of North Kenilworth Avenue.

■ Someone entered a residence in the 6600 block of North Avenue through the back door, ransacked the victim’s bedroom and took two Apple laptops, a Sony PlayStation 5, four pairs of shoes and three bottles of Chanel perfume between 9 p.m., April 22 and 2 p.m., April 27. The estimated loss is $8,500.

■ Someone broke into an Oak Park resident’s Subaru and removed a garage door opener from the vehicle, then opened the victim’s garage and stole a blowtorch, a hammer drill, two cordless drills, drill bits, a jigsaw, two toolboxes and two nail guns between 1:45 and 8:49 a.m., May 1 in the 800 block of South Elmwood Avenue. The estimated loss is $1,600.

Motor vehicle theft

A black 2019 Mazda CX-3, left unlocked and running, was taken from the 900 block of Lake Street between 7:31 and 7:36 p.m., May 1. The estimated loss is $21,000.

Recovered stolen vehicle The dark gray 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, reported stolen April 22 from the 600 block of Adams Street, was recovered by Chicago police at 10:37 a.m., April 27, in the 2600 block of West Thomas Street in Chicago.

Police made no apprehensions.

Theft ■ The catalytic converter was cut from a gray 2014 Toyota Tacoma parked in the 100 block of South Harvey Avenue between 6 p.m., April 24 and 6:55 a.m., April 25.

■ A package containing a white Cyezcor video conference lighting kit and a stainless steel Weighmax postal scale was stolen from a residence in the 400 block of Pennsylvania Way between 6 and 7 p.m., April 26. The estimated loss is $46.

■ Someone took a package that contained a pair of black pants between 6:15 and 9 p.m., April 26 in the 1000 block of Lincoln Trail. The estimated loss is $87.20.

Criminal property damage Someone used white paint to vandalize a rainbow flag and a Black Lives Matter flag that were hanging on the fence of a residence in the 1000 block of South East Avenue between 11:45 a.m., April 25 and 11:49 a.m., April 27. The estimated loss is $30.

These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports, April 26 to May 2, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

Compiled by Stacey Sheridan

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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River Forest trustees vote to bolster ethics ordinance Changes expand those bound by requirements, allow anonymous complaints

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

River Forest officials have tightened up the village’s ethics requirements, voting unanimously at the April 25 Village Board meeting to approve a series of amendments to the village’s ethics ordinance.

Setting the tone for the strengthening of the ordinance is the addition of a preamble expressing the village’s intent that its ethics ordinance is meant to meet or exceed ethics requirements in state and federal laws.

“I’m very pleased and proud to take this bold step,” Village President Cathy Adduci said.

She also thanked Peggy Daley, chair of the local ethics commission who attended the meeting virtually, for the work she and her two fellow commission members performed since being assigned the task in the fall.

In a memo to the village board, Village Administrator Brian Murphy noted that the ethics ordinance was last substantially amended in 2010. The commission gathered input from village staff members and Village Attorney Greg Smith during several meetings, he added.

In addition to adding the preamble, substantive changes include expanding the scope of the ethics ordinance to include village contractors, expanding the scope

of prohibited sources to include lobbyists and agents, spouses and immediate family members of prohibited sources, changing the standard for prohibited political activities from “intentionally” to “knowingly,” expanding the scope of the gift ban to immediate family members of village covered individuals and expanding the scope of conflict of interest to include financial interests of immediate family members and an anti-nepotism clause.

Other changes add a duty to report violations of the ethics ordinance, allow the ethics commission to consider anonymous complaints, require the commission to keep complaints confidential to the extent permitted by law until and unless the com-

mission determines that the complaint is supported by sufficient evidence and there are reasonable grounds to establish a violation of the ordinance, adding a new “screening” review step for complaints received by the commission, with a list of potential dismissal criteria and allowing the village board to bar a contractor who violates the ethics ordinance.

The ethics commission, which is created under the ethics ordinance, is responsible for reviewing and acting on complaints regarding certain ethics ordinance violations. The village president and village board are responsible for reviewing and acting on other types of ethics ordinance violations.

River Forest proposal seeks to limit single-use plastics Would require handing out plastic utensils, condiment packs only on request

By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter

River Forest restaurants would no longer give customers single-use plastic foodware unless specifically requested under an ordinance proposed by the village’s Sustainability Commission and supported by elected officials.

If approved, customers who want plastic utensils, individually packaged condiments and more will need to ask for them.

The proposed ordinance is the subject of a public hearing to be held in person at 7 p.m. May 10 at River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Ave. It also will be available on Zoom.

According to the commission, the proposed ordinance, if approved, would require establishments that sell food and beverages to provide these items for takeout and delivery orders at the customer’s request only, meaning customers would have to “opt-in” to receive them.

Notably, this proposed ordinance would not tax nor prohibit the distribution of single-use foodware, according to an announcement from the commission regarding the meeting. Rather, the purpose of

this ordinance is to limit the unnecessary distribution of single-use plastics, which generates a significant amount of waste.

The proposed River Forest ordinance is modeled after one implemented by Chicago in January. According to village officials, not only is Chicago the only municipality in Illinois to implement such an ordinance, but also no other municipality is known to be considering taking such a step.

Eric Simon, chair of the Sustainability Commission, said the commission had received no feedback following the announcement.

“You can always be surprised, but I don’t suspect there will be any objections,” he said. “It’s not controversial.

“Our goal is to have a minimal effect on the business community.”

Trustee Lisa Gillis, who is the village board’s liaison to the commission, said Village President Cathy Adduci brought back the idea for the ordinance from a PlanIt Green meeting in January.

After consultation involving herself, Village Administrator Brian Murphy and Village Attorney Greg Smith, Adduci brought the matter to the commission, Gillis added.

PlanItGreen is a sustainability planning and implementation project seeded by the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation’s Communityworks Partner-

ship that has engaged residents, businesses and institutions in developing a two-community, 10-year sustainability plan for the villages of Oak Park and River Forest.

Village officials have proactively contacted over 40 businesses to invite them to provide input at the May 10 meeting, according to Gillis.

The proposed ordinance defines a single-use food item as any eating utensil or other item to be used as part of food or beverage service that is designed and intended by the manufacturer for only one usage before being discarded, including forks, spoons, sporks, knives, chopsticks, other eating utensils, stirrers, drink stoppers, splash sticks, cocktail sticks, toothpicks, napkins, wet-wipes, cup sleeves, beverage trays, disposable plates, and condiment packets.

Not considered to be single-use foodware are straws, beverage lids or items used to contain or package food or beverages for delivery or takeout orders.

Simon, who has been commission chair for less than a year and is the last original member of the seven-member commission since its creation in 2017, said he expects the village board to address the issue in June.

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

SPORTS Sister act is ‘heartbeat’ of Fenwick soccer

Heniges lead Friars in scoring while Rogowskis bolster back line

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

A unique aspect of the Fenwick High School girls soccer team this year is that the Friars have not just one, but two pairs of sisters on the roster, and they’ve all played vital roles in this year’s success.

“There’s been incredible competitiveness shown out of those families,” said Fenwick coach Craig Blazer of the Heniges (senior Kate and sophomore Caroline) and Rogowskis (senior Abby and sophomore Maddie).

“The four girls love being on the team and have fun every day. They’re the heartbeat of the team.”

Forward Kate Henige tallied four goals and added two assists on April 30 at the Dominican Priory as Fenwick (7-4-2) rolled to an 8-0 Senior Day shutout over Proviso West.

She has a team-leading 15 goals this spring and says she enjoys playing with her sister, Caroline.

“We can predict each other’s next moves, and it helps with the team chemistry,” Kate Henige said.

Caroline Henige is the Friars’ second-lead-

ing goal scorer with six.

“I love playing with Kate,” she said. “She’s very aggressive, always gets after it, and always wants to score. It’s very inspiring and she treats me as a good teammate.”

Like Kate Henige, defender Abby Rogowski is one of Fenwick’s captains. She sat out the Proviso West match due to injury but expects to return soon.

“I think we’ve improved with every game we’ve played,” she said.

Abby’s sister Maddie, a midfielder, had a goal and an assist against the Panthers and looks to Abby for inspiration.

“It’s fun to have that sister aspect on the team,” she said. “She teaches us drive and determination. If we’re down, she teaches us to keep our heads up.”

Senior midfielder Natalie LoGiudice had two goals and two assists and senior midfielder Natalie Larucci also scored for the Friars, who snapped a two-match losing streak.

“We lost to Downers Grove North [2-0 on April 23] and at Willowbrook [1-0 on April 26].

It was disappointing,” Blazer said. “Those teams are good, but I thought we could’ve showed a little more maturity. Those games showed us where we are.”

“It was good to get back into the win column today. We needed it,” said Caroline Henige of the Senior Day victory. “There was a period of time where we weren’t scoring, so

MELVIN TATE/Contributor

It’s a family affair for the Fenwick girls soccer team, whose roster features two sets of sisters, (from left) Abby Rogowski, Caroline Henige, Maddie Rogowski, and Kate Henige. this was good for our confidence.”

With the IHSA Class 2A state tournament starting in two weeks, Fenwick would like to finish the regular season on a strong note.

The Friars, who will host a regional, are seeded third in their sectional. The sectional host has not been announced as of press time. The Friars also have designs on winning the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference

championship.

But in order to do so, they’ll need to defeat their two closest competitors on the road --St. Ignatius followed by Loyola Academy.

“We need to work on playing the game we know how to play,” said Kate Henige. “I feel when we get a little anxious, we don’t play our best. We just need to play like we know how.”

Still seeking rhythm, OPRF softball splits games Kuenster homers in consecutive contests

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School softball team went 2-2 during last week, still trying to establish rhythm after having several games postponed this spring.

On April 25, the Huskies (4-6) defeated host York 5-3. Aria Hammerschmidt went the distance in the circle, allowing three runs on six hits while walking three and striking out three. Ella Kuenster had two hits for OPRF. On April 28, the Huskies dropped a 10-9

thriller to visiting Glenbard West. Cate Barkdoll went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI, and Kuenster (home run), Kelly Cortez, and Kelly each had two hits and an RBI. Two days later, OPRF split a doubleheader at Fremd. The Huskies won the first game 6-4 as Kuenster went 3-for-4 with

a home run and three RBI. Barkdoll and Cortez each had two hits and a RBI to support Hammerschmidt, who allowed just one earned run in another complete game.

In the second game, Barkdoll belted two homers and drove in five runs, but OPRF fell to the Vikings 11-8.

S P O R T S

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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Fenwick names Fergerson as girls basketball coach DePaul star who played professionally in WNBA and in Europe succeeds Dave Power

By MELVIN TATE

School, Fergerson (nee Williams) had a stellar playing career at DePaul University in Chicago from 1998 through 2002. Under the When Dave Power retired as Fenwick High guidance of longtime head coach Doug BruSchool girls basketball coach in February af- no, she merited honorable mention status on the Associated Press All-Ameriter 30 seasons, Lenae Fergerson can team in her senior year and -- who served as one of his asis fourth on the Blue Demons’ sistants -- figured there would be all-time scoring list with 2,046 great interest in the job due to the points. She’s one of just four playFriars’ success enjoyed during ers in the program’s history to his tenure. score at least 2,000 points.

That’s why Fergerson was hapFergerson was selected by the py when the school announced Detroit Shock (now the Dallas she was Power’s replacement on Wings) in the 2002 Women’s NaApril 27. tional Basketball Association “I am blessed,” said Fergerson (WNBA) draft and played for the in a phone interview with the LENAE FERGERSON Phoenix Mercury.

Wednesday Journal. “Fenwick is Then she embarked on a a prestigious school with a lot of rich basketball history, and I have some big lengthy career internationally, playing for shoes to fill. I was honored to come on as an teams in France, Greece, Israel, Italy and assistant last year and I’m honored they con- Slovakia. She led her Greek league in scoring from 2004 to 2006 and was among the top 10 sidered me.”

A 1998 graduate of Addison Trail High scorers in France between 2007 and 2014.

Contributing Reporter

Once Fergerson’s playing days ended, she returned to Addison Trail in 2015 and worked as a coach as well as in the school’s library.

Immediately prior to coming to Fenwick, she worked two years at Willowbrook High School.

But coaching was something Fergerson always wanted to do.

“I’ve been coaching a while now,” she said.

“My husband [David] and I run an AAU program. For me, it was an easy transition from playing, because I still wanted to be around the game and inspire young girls to have the same dreams I did.”

Fergerson said she learned a lot from Power in her year as an assistant at Fenwick, and it’s experience she’ll use going forward.

“I learned how to get through to the girls,” she said. “It’s not always about being super hard on them, but you’ve also got to let them have fun and enjoy the moment; it’s still high school at the end of the day. Being able to relate to the girls and building relationships goes a lot further than just being their

basketball coach, and that’s part of [Power’s] legacy.”

Power said he enjoyed working with Fergerson and feels she’s capable of keeping Fenwick’s success going.

“Lenae has so much experience as a player and knows about the game a lot,” he said.

“She has the background to keep the program at a high level. Lenae did a great job for me as an assistant and I think she’s more than up to the task ahead. The torch has been passed and I’m happy for her; she deserves it.”

The Friars will have a younger team next season as they lose seven players to graduation. Fergerson is eager to get to work with the returnees as a new era begins.

“They know me and my expectations for them,” she said. “They know what we’re going to be trying to do. The game is a lot faster and I would like to play quicker. We want to push the ball up the floor and get after it defensively. We’re not going to be tall, but we’ll be scrappy and that will always give us a chance to win.”

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

Homes

NEED TO REACH US?

oakpark.com/real-estate email: buphues@wjinc.com

Oak Park home was castle for Chicago’s ‘Rose King’ Potential buyers show plenty of interest for house built in 1912 for Amling scion

By LACEY SIKORA

I

Contributing Reporter

n 1912, noted Oak Park architect E.E. Roberts built a Prairie Style home for the “King of Roses,” E.C. Amling. The house at 708 Forest Ave. was actually built by Henry Schroeder of Oak Park, a builder who is credited with constructing earlier schools where Holmes and Whittier elementary schools now stand.

Schroeder settled on the northeast corner of Augusta Boulevard and Forest Avenue in Oak Park and built the

corner house, 704 Forest Ave., for himself along with a barn. He built the second house for his daughter Anna, who married E.C. Amling, a wholesaler of roses. In Oak Park, E.C. Amling was known as the Rose King of Chicago.

E.C.’s brother W.H., owned a florist’s shop in Maywood and brother A.F. grew flowers in the western suburb. Eventually the family business, Amling’s Flowerland, became a mainstay of the West Side for generations. Founded in 1889, the floral company had over 20 Chicago-area locations at its peak.

The business was also known for community involvement, and in the 1950s, Amling’s descendants offered a haunted house during the fall and a life-sized Bethlehem village during the holiday season every year. Facing bankruptcy in 2007, the business was purchased by a thirdSee ‘ROSE KING’ on page 18

PROVIDED

The home (top) designed by E.E. Roberts for E.C. Amling, known as the “Rose King of Chicago,” retains many of its original features including the “A” for the family name that’s part of the tiled entry hall (above).

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

‘ROSE KING’ Needs updating from page 16 generation florist who continues to operate locations in Elmhurst and Arlington Heights.

The Amlings’ four-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom house recently hit the market and received multiple offers within days. Laura Maychruk of Gullo & Associates listed the house for $699,000 for the estate of its most recent owner, Oak Park activist Tesse Donnelly.

The house was last updated in the 1970s and had the decorating flourishes to prove it. Maychruk notes that the shag carpeting on all three floors of gold, orange and red paid homage to popular ’70s colors.

The large kitchen, too, was probably renovated in that era. Upstairs, bathrooms were also updated roughly 50 years ago, but the house has a lot of space and great potential according to Maychruk.

Of note are the original details dating from E.E. Roberts’ design which make the house a historic classic in a village full of historic homes. The front porch with Prairie Style ornamentation welcomes all visitors.

In the entry of the home, an ornately tiled floor with the initial “A” for Amling in the center is in remarkable shape. The living room includes original art-glass windows and leaded-glass doors in the original cabinetry flanking the fireplace.

More leaded glass graces the doors to the attached dining room, and the large win-

PROVIDED

Prior to listing for the home for sale, some of the 1970s interior décor, such as the shag carpet throughout, was removed to reveal original hardwood floors. The home also retained plenty of original art glass windows and doors. dows on the landing of the staircase are also original art glass.

When the shag carpeting was ripped out for the sale, Maychruk notes that the original hardwood floors remained. In the dining room, patched flooring revealed

the spot where an original built-in china cabinet probably stood, making it easy for a new, historically minded owner to build something in the spot.

The second floor retains most of its original layout, with a wide hallway and

built-in cabinetry in the hall bath, originally the only full bathroom for the house.

A second full bathroom was added at some point on the site of an original sleeping porch.

The attic has been finished and includes high ceilings and arched windows on multiple sides. Maychruk thinks the third floor could be renovated to become a primary suite.

At the end of the day, the house is primed for an extensive renovation to move it into the 21st century, but with over 3,200 square feet there is a lot of space for a family.

As soon as she listed the house, Maychruk received a flood of interest in the home, with several interested buyers bringing their contractors with them to get an idea of the extent of the needed renovations and an estimated cost to do the work.

Maychruk says interest in the home was so intense that she gave potential buyers a deadline of 6 p.m. on April 24 to submit their best offers.

“Once you’ve received multiple offers, you want to be fair and let everyone have a chance,” Maychruk said.

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com

C O N S C I O U S

A

VIEWPOINTS

A G I N G

Percolating conversations

s I’ve written here before, the United States has the largest prison population in the world. The second largest isn’t even close. People age 50 and older is the fastest growing segment of the U.S. prison population. Prison is one place where ageism, ableism and racism intersect.

About five years ago, as I was preparing to facilitate an 8-session conscious-aging workshop in a men’s maximum-security federal prison, I speculated how this workshop might compare with the workshops I’d already been facilitating among the un-incarcerated population. I already knew that one difference would be gender participation.

By far, most participants in my conscious-aging workshops are women. I wrote about that prison workshop in the Sept. 5, 2017 issue of Wednesday Journal.

I decided to organize a second all-male workshop to run parallel with the one inside the prison.

Those were pre-COVID times, so each group met in-person, faceto-face in a circle of chairs. One circle just happened to be behind high concrete walls, sharp barbed wire and locked steel bars.

The other circle still meets monthly. This group of older men has continued online through the pandemic and is now considering meeting in-person again. Camaraderie, angst, disagreement and humor circulates around the general topic of aging. Just like it did in the prison circle.

These men on the “outside” are in the privileged position where they can share about the internet, transportation, housing, travel, cooking or maybe food-shopping — topics that aren’t germane to life on the “inside.”

A few months ago, one of them asked the group for advice navigating a complicated situation. Although he and his spouse didn’t need it yet, and they love where they live, they decided to start looking at assisted housing in the area. They wanted help approaching this decision. The honesty of the request resonated.

This outreach led to a thoughtful, animated and wideranging discussion about a topic many of us shy away

MARC BLESOFF

See BLESOFF on page 26

R

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Surviving second grade p. 20

My uninvited visitor and a welcome reminder

iver Forest is a unique village of beautiful trees and handsome, mostly older, well-kept homes. It is surrounded by a river and a prized wild landscape. I truly appreciated living in this unusual environment … until this morning!

I was abruptly awakened about 5:30 a.m. by the loud and forceful barking of my Patti dog. She rarely barks and never with such fervor as today. She was chasing something or someone throughout the house, and I tried to follow her to see what “it” was. Lo and behold, I came upon my damage-ridden dining room. An antique glass centerpiece lay broken on the table, and the flowers that were in it were strewn throughout the room. My miniature glass bell collection was shattered, with glass everywhere. Two of the dining room chairs were overturned, even further proof of the marauder’s adventures.

I called the River Forest emergency fire/police service which responded immediately. By this time, I realized it was an animal in the house at least as large as my 25-pound dog.

I only recognized it as a huge raccoon after exhaustion sent me sinking into my rocking chair. As I sat there, momentarily resting, my dog continued barking, now at the window wall in the breakfast area. I looked to the corner of the room. There, to my shock, a pair of dark eyes were staring down at me. The raccoon was balancing itself precariously on my curtain rod.

Needless to say my sense of alarm was approaching panic until the River Forest emergency services arrived. Three efficient and calming men were equipped with the necessary implements and a cage to humanely capture my invader.

Although this is not a frequent happening, it is not all that surprising when you live in River Forest’s natural setting. I greatly appreciate that River Forest is so concerned and caring of its residents, making it one of the best places to live in anywhere … even with all of its natural inhabitants and occasional hazards.

HARRIET HAUSMAN

Meanwhile: A recent Wednesday Journal editorial, “The Barrel of Hate,” [Our Views, Viewpoints, April 19], speaks of a shameful demonstration of racism in our communi-

PROVIDED

JUST ONE QUESTION: How’d he get up there? ties. Much courage was displayed by the First United Church of Oak Park. The church’s noble anti-racism intentions were greeted with an unexpected backlash by some intolerant folks in and beyond our progressive communities. The controversy interrupted the church’s planned Holy Week celebration. Oak Park Temple, meanwhile, generously opened their doors for some of the church’s activities, even though the Jewish holiday of Passover was about to begin.

First United Church of Oak Park’s “whiteness fast” recognized that open housing, initiated by the village of Oak Park half a century ago, was inadequate in addressing the ongoing problem of racism in our society.

They recognized that white folks often harbor subconscious feelings of superiority even when we feel we’re free of any bigotry. This “whiteness” issue was the crux of the church’s innovative effort.

The Wednesday Journal editorial forces us to re-examine our own views and biases. I thank the editorial staff for this food for thought, prodding us “liberals” to take a closer and more honest look at ourselves.

Thank you for the wake-up call.

Harriet Hausman, a longtime River Forest resident, is 98 years young.

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

V I E W S

Principal-go-round

ust weeks left in the long, respected and loved tenure of John Hodge as principal of Oak Park’s Irving School. A tree was planted at the school, 1125 S. Cuyler Ave., last week as a way to remember a person who has made true impact on a school and its neighborhood.

Never, ever listen to those who question the power for good that a determined, welcoming, steady principal makes in the complex life of a school. It is oversized.

Beyond thanking Mr. Hodge for his service, we’d make this note on the firsttime principal appointments effectively driven by Ushma Shah, District 97’s incoming superintendent. Good job. Promoting two veterans of the district reflects respect for home-grown talent, rewards colleagues who have already been “vetted” by their school communities.

Susan Mura will replace Hodge at Irving, having spent four years as the school’s assistant principal. Cheryl Sullivan will be the principal at Beye School, 230 N. Cuyler, after having served as co-interim principal in the school year now ending.

Beye is an example of the revolving principal problem that D97 has suffered through for several years. We believe that problem started at the top with a former superintendent who ran a too-top-heavy administration and who lacked a feel for when a neighborhood school was humming and why.

A principal with an ability to engage the faculty, to connect with school families, to fix problems with transparency and celebrate small successes will make any superintendent shine.

It’s early. Shah doesn’t go on the payroll until summer. But we have a good feeling that the new superintendent will be more plain-spoken, more visible in our schools and neighborhoods and more collegial in her leadership.

Return to the CRC

We’ve never seen a mass resignation from an Oak Park village government commission. But we did in 2020 when six of seven members of the Community Relations Commission resigned, frustrated that its views were not actively sought by the village board as it hired a firm for equity training. That was a low point.

Now the commission, led by Glenn Brewer, a former village trustee, is almost at full strength. What’s worth noting is that three of the six members who resigned in 2020 have agreed to return. That speaks volumes for the efforts of Village President Vicki Scaman, who campaigned on returning respect to village commissions.

Also getting credit are Trustee Chibuike Enyia, the board’s liaison to the CRC, and Brewer, a steady leader.

The re-emergence of the CRC as an influential advocate and advisor to the village board reflects, finally, a true focus on equity at village hall.

A correction

A week ago on this page we lauded River Forest’s police department for its initiative on new training for officers, which encourages them to directly intervene with fellow officers when an encounter with a citizen goes bad. The ABLE program comes out of Georgetown Law’s Center for Innovations in Community Safety.

When the training is complete, we noted, River Forest would be the first police department in the state to be certified under the program.

We took the opportunity to tweak Oak Park for not being part of such an effort.

And we were quickly corrected by two Oak Park trustees who said the village board had approved funding for the same training as part of the current budget.

We missed that news in the crush of the overall budget.

So first an apology, and then credit to Oak Park for joining River Forest in working to change a police culture that has made such officer-to-officer interventions so difficult.

The stormy seas of second grade

T

he boys (grandsons Tyler and Bryce, that is) are a month away from summer vacation and eagerly anticipating shedding the shackles of the school regimen for a couple of months and re-entering paradise.

I envy them that bliss, though the thought of going back to the world of an 8-year-old makes me want to lie down and take a nap. So much growth going on, so much still to come, so much to navigate.

Nonetheless, I re-enter the world of 8-year-olds for a few hours each week when it’s my turn to meet them as they descend from the school bus, a full day of emotionality and intellectual stimulation trailing in their wake. Sometimes they’re energized, sometimes drained. One may be up, the other down. You never know what to expect, though you can read the emotional landscape as they walk (or run) toward me (or past me) up the driveway.

I try to squeeze precious bits and bytes of information from them as they shed their backpacks and coats and empty their lunch boxes and folders. There is dinner to negotiate (always a negotiation with fussy eaters), and swimming lessons loom less than two hours hence, so quality time isn’t abundant. It depends whether they’re squabbling or in harmony with one another.

Mostly it’s been a good year. There was some bullying to contend with, requiring intervention. Fortunately, they have a mom who is quite capable of motivating lethargic school administrators to address issues they’d rather ignore.

Their winter vacation was extended a week thanks to COVID, so I got to experience one full day of home schooling, which was surprisingly fulfilling. They had their homework cut out for them via their school-loaned tablets and, after the usual caterwauling about whether they “have to,” they got down to the task while I moved back and forth answering questions and making suggestions. I was glad to see they’re actually studying citizenship, specifically the three branches of our federal government. In response to one question, Tyler said the executive branch makes the laws. Before I could weigh in, Bryce, who was working on something else, called out from the kitchen, “Legislative makes the laws.

Executive makes sure the laws are followed.”

He’s already way ahead of so many knownothings in Washington.

Later, working on a journal assignment, Tyler said, “This is nice. I have more time to work on it.”

It was nice. Don’t know if I would enjoy it five days a week for nine months, but I did enjoy that day.

They’re pretty good, numerically speaking. The other day in the car, Tyler reported he had gone 19 hours straight without a drink of water (not good). Bryce scolded, “That’s just five hours short of a day!” They definitely know how numbers apply in the real world.

In February, Mom and I took them down to Michigan Avenue to see the Chicago Symphony play Peter and the Wolf. I told them it was a good way to get introduced to the entire orchestra. Tyler, however, begged to differ.

“There’s no piano … or harp!”

Before St. Patrick’s Day, we watched “Darby O’Gill & the Little People” with Sean Connery in a supporting role (might have been his first film). The boys were spooked by the Banshee, but in the end Darby outsmarts even death. Afterward, Tyler twirled in the kitchen, performing a passable imitation of an Irish jig. I think there’s a dancer inside that kid.

During spring break, I took them to Legoland.

In the Tropics Room, we learned that hippos don’t actually swim. They walk on the bottom of the river. Amazing. Bryce said he already knew that. “I read a lot,” he explained.

Mostly, though, they channel their intellectual firepower into devising ways to catch leprechauns, the Easter Bunny and the tooth fairy, though they’re pretty laissez faire about the latter. They’ve reached the gap-toothed grin stage as baby teeth begin falling out, so it’s not in their economic self-interest to capture the cash dispenser. The going rate at their house is a dollar for the first tooth and a quarter for the rest.

They can get pretty competitive. After watching an episode of their favorite cartoon show, Phineas & Ferb, about the ongoing rivalry between Perry the pet platypus, who doubles as a secret agent (Duh!), and his arch-nemesis (a villainous oaf named Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirt), Bryce turned and said, “Tyler, you’re my archrival.” Tyler retorted, “No, you’re my archrival!” So it goes in the seesaw world of twins. I reminded them of the importance of also being arch-allies.

On the bright side, while waiting for the school bus to drop them off one day, I noticed a letter left on the kitchen table, which put the roller-coaster emotionality and stormy seas of 8-year-old-ism in perspective: Dear Momma and Bryce, You both are the best people in the wold. I love you too more than anything in the wold. I’m so happy you too are my family. I love you because you help me, love me, snugle with me, play with me and be my mom and brother. I love you, Tyler

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S

My first year as Oak Park Trustee

May 3 marks the first anniversary of my swearing in as a trustee on the Oak Park Village Board. As I expected, the role is both impactful and fulfilling. I’m particularly enjoying learning how a complex interdependent community operates. The priorities I set while campaigning for this role were: ■ Affordability and budget discipline ■ Community safety ■ Equitable and sustainable economic recovery Every vote at the board table has been consistent with these promises and centered on what I believe is our community’s best interest (short- and long-term).

Board and village management: Working closely as a board, we finalized board protocols and a comprehensive set of board goals for the first two years, which align with my campaign promises.

We hired a new village manager (Kevin Jackson), through a comprehensive search process, to execute these goals. I wish Kevin every success in this role.

Affordability and budget discipline: As a Finance Committee member, I got to work closely with staff to create a budget that kept the tax levy increase under 3%, a capital improvement plan that prioritizes essential infrastructure investments delayed by COVID, supported the creation of an affordable housing trust fund while also clearing the way for auxiliary dwelling units to increase housing supply, and established a framework for prioritizing & distributing $39 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds.

Community safety: We contracted Berry Dunn to perform a comprehensive evaluation of our police department policies and practices. The results from this study (expected this summer) will provide facts on where we stand and recommendations on how we need to approach the future of policing in our community.

This will help us continue to be a leader in this space.

Our community lost an excellent leader in Chief Reynolds [who moved to the federal level]; however, I’m confident we’ll find a capable replacement committed to keeping our community safe.

While we have made important investments in technology (e.g. Flock cameras, Dispatch tool) to aid the department in addressing safety, cost-effectively, more needs to be done. This is critical in the face of rising crime (especially violent crime).

Equitable and sustainable economic recovery: The pandemic continues to disrupt society. So while we have to be watchful for its next twist, our collective fear of its impact is greatly diminished.

This is in large part due to the availability of vaccination and the high rate of adoption in our community. This provides us the opportunity to consider our short- and long-term socio-economic recovery.

Climate action: We contracted with GRAEF/ERM and hired Marcela Bondie as our sustainability coordinator to help create a climate action plan for Oak Park. In June, we expect to receive practical recommendations, customized strategies and interim measures on our path to net-zero carbon emissions over the next 20-30 years.

Equitable economic recovery: In addition, we need a vehicle to align our economy toward a clean energy future and prepare our youth and community at large to participate in that future. The sustainability incubator we are exploring is one such idea. This is our opportunity to tackle equity and socio-economic disparities as we look ahead and not just try to address them in the rearview mirror.

Tourism and small business recovery: I also had the opportunity to work with several local tourism assets to co-ordinate the optimal use of ARPA funds to revitalize our economy and bring in revenue and support our small businesses.

In addition to all the items listed above, we as a board have thoughtfully regulated short term rentals (e.g. AirBnB), transitioned trash and waste collection to LRS, approved key developments (e.g. 7 Van Buren), and started our discussions on parking.

All this is possible because we have reduced overall board and community division. More than any single campaign pledge, this was a need called for by the whole community. It must and shall remain the foundation of everything we do as we continue to focus on our recovery.

Takeout 25, the group I started to save local restaurants and jobs during the pandemic while keeping the community safe, is now a nonprofit [501(c)6 status in progress] focused on economic enablement, food insecurity, and sustainable food systems. I serve as its board president. While the village attorney has advised me that this does not represent a conflict with my role as trustee, in an abundance of caution, I have decided to recuse myself from decisions/votes at the board table that impact individual restaurants.

I would like to thank my board colleagues, the talented village staff (especially interim Village Manager Lisa Shelly), the commissions, and the community at large for a productive year in office and look forward to year two.

RAVI

PARAKKAT One View

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022 W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Michael Romain Senior Editor Bob Uphues Digital Publishing and Technology Manager Briana Higgins Staff Reporters Stacey Sheridan, F. Amanda Tugade Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, Harriet Hausman, Mary Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Business Manager Joyce Minich Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls, Kamil Brady Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner E-MAIL jill@oakpark.com Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action.

In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing.

Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay.

If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR ■ 250-word limit ■ Must include first and last names, municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)

‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY ■ 500-word limit ■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,

your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left

Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

H O W

T O

R E A C H

U S

ADDRESS 141 S Oak Park Ave., Oak ParkIL 60302 ■ PHONE 708-5248300 EMAIL Dan@OakPark.com ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00.

A one-year subscription costs $43 within Cook County and $53 outside of Cook County.

Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 10138). Postmaster, send address corrections to Wednesday Journal, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Il 60302. © 2022 Growing Community Media, NFP.

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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V I E W P O I N T S

Our linked journeys of the heart

M

y cellphone conked out more than a year ago, and I lost access to my LinkedIn and the password to get back in, which is so “Hey Boomer.”

Recently, I recovered everything and, like an archeologist, found old LinkedIn messages. One caught my eye. It was an exchange with a young man I worked with at Year Up, a work-force development nonprofit.

I’ll call him Michael. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago and attended college in Iowa on a football scholarship. He developed a heart condition, lost his scholarship, and returned to Chicago where he worked at his mother’s home daycare.

Short on career options, Michael, at 24 years old, applied to Year Up. He was tall, smart, skinny from his heart condition, and the kindest person. He carried an embroidered bag at his side with a tube connected to his heart.

He had a goal of running a marathon, which didn’t sound realistic, but he would say, “One day.”

Michael completed Year Up after interning at a company. He was a good listener and converser, so Year Up hired him to work in admissions. A workfrom-home angle helped because he had been placed on a heart transplant waiting list.

In 2019, his heart got worse, but as he told me, that was a good thing. He was moving up the transplant list. Michael got his new heart at Northwestern Hospital that summer. A few days later, we exchanged messages.

He wrote: “So grateful and surreal. It makes no sense. Can’t even put into words what’s going through my head. No more limitations.” He told me to get ready for marathon training. He recovered and returned to his admissions job.

Then lots of things happened. One was the pandemic. After it started in spring 2020, I left my job at Year Up. I heard that Michael caught COVID last summer. Anyone with a heart transplant is the definition of an immune-compromised person, so this was not good. But he pulled through.

Last fall, Michael got COVID again, Delta variant this time. He ended up hospitalized in ICU and ventilated. Like many COVID patients facing the end, he was unconscious for several weeks.

And then Michael died.

I couldn’t attend the funeral, but I heard about all the people who said Michael was their best friend.

Last week, I found a year old unopened LinkedIn communication from him.

All it said was “Love you, Jack!” It was dated Feb. 1, 2021, around noon.

I remember that day.

While at a campfire surrounded by deep snow in the wilderness in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I had an aortic dissection of my ascending aorta, a rare life-threatening condition that can only be treated through emergency open heart surgery (90 percent of people die before reaching the hospital and the cardio-thoracic surgeon in Wausau, Wisconsin told me that 30 percent who make it to the hospital die during surgery).

When Michael messaged me, I was ventilated and unconscious after surgery.

Following a few setbacks, I am mostly recovered.

Before reading his message, I thought I had accompanied Michael on his post-heart-transplant journey. As it turns out, Michael has been accompanying me through my own near-death experience.

I carry his message on my cellphone.

He did not hear me say, love you too!

JACK CROWE

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

23

Fix the athletic facilities at OPRF

I’m writing in support of a long-term solution for the physical education and athletic facilities at OPRF High School.

Many of the current PE spaces are far beyond their intended lifespan, and no longer adequately serve the needs of students. Many of these spaces were built almost a hundred years ago, and it shows. Multiple classrooms, gyms, and pools are simply not properly configured for today’s needs, and certainly are not going to serve our students, families, or community in the future.

I am a 1991 graduate of OPRF and am saddened that my children (current junior and freshman) are in the same PE facilities I used when I was a student there 30 years ago.

Many of the PE classroom spaces were built for separate use by boys and girls. They are so small they often do not accommodate all students. The locker rooms are simply abysmal, and the boys’

locker rooms are spread over four floors, creating a safety and supervision nightmare. OPRF has two small pools because, a century ago, one was reserved for boys, and the other for girls.

Replacing the two current pools with one new pool would allow OPRF to serve all students, and meet both current and future needs.

It’s not exactly news to anyone that OPRF’s athletic facilities are aging and beginning to crumble. As a community, we’ve known about this for years, if not decades. Yet school board after school board has delayed taking any action.

I support the current D200 school board making an assessment of our current and future athletic facilities needs, and taking steps as soon as possible to address the problems.

The future of OPRF athletics depends on it.

Ann Harmon

River Forest

What about Imagine Projects 3, 4 & 5?

On May 9, District 200 will hold a community Open House for Project 1 of the Imagine Plan, including a promotional tour of its proposed Project 2 spaces — with no mention of Projects 3, 4 & 5.

Project 1 features a much-needed modernization of dozens of academic spaces at OPRF High School, such as the renovation of 65 classrooms, including special-education spaces, 15 new classrooms, and a Student Resource Center.

What about Imagine Projects 3, 4 & 5? The board has held no discussion of these projects

which include modernizing dozens of science labs, classrooms, performing arts spaces and the Field House, one of the most used spaces in the school. Unless the board acts now and reworks the remaining Imagine Plan, Projects 2 - 5, prioritizing needs over wants, it may be decades before its essential elements are renovated.

Consider emailing the Board (boe@oprfhs.org) and encouraging it to conduct the needed pragmatic revision of the Imagine Plan.

Monica Sheehan

Oak Park

Resources for end-of-life planning I’m not a Facebook user, but I enjoy WJ on line, especially the Friday Viewpoints Extra. I would like to add even more to the recent endof-life discussion thread [Have that discussion and more, Viewpoints, April 27], and provide a more detailed checklist for the before and after aspects. Below are two invaluable resources on the NOLO.com website https://www.nolo.com.

NOLO provides free consumer-friendly legal information of the highest quality, as well as a lawyer directory.

These two books (available at the Oak Park

Public Library and online) include step-by-step instructions along with links to online resources, such as downloadable forms pertaining to all the details we and our families need to consider.

Get It Together - Organize Your Records So Your Family Won’t Have To and The Executor’s Guide - Settling a Loved One’s Estate or Trust I am not affiliated with this company in any way.

I hope this is helpful.

Leslie Brown Oak Park

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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D O O P E R ’ S

I

M E M O R I E S

I was degraded

n looking back on my life in the Oak Park public schools, I had always believed I was a straight-A wiz with an IQ of 150.

However, I discovered my report cards from grades four through high school at the bottom of a box of old school papers. An inspection of these records did establish I was a decent student but not the guy I imagined myself to be.

The grades revealed I tended to pick up steam as the school year progressed, so my grades were always better in the second half of the year. This was true during the elementary grades as well as seventh grade, but I finally evened it out in eighth grade.

My pal George had no academic problems whatsoever. With his usual selfconfidence, he sailed through junior high with the same ease and high grades he earned in the lower grades.

He was comfortable in all subjects, but this was not the case with me.

My grades clearly indicated I had limited abilities, or no talent at all, in certain subjects — namely music, art and woodworking, courses in which I was lucky to get a C- and often a D. Mechanical drawing was easy for me, but woodworking was a disaster when I took the class in eighth grade.

While other guys were making bookcases and desk lamps, I spent an entire semester working on a breadboard made of one-inch strips of various woods sawed, planed, sanded and glued together with the final product also planed, sawed and sanded evenly.

As the semester progressed, the breadboard got smaller and smaller. Fearful that my creation would disappear from sight, my shop teacher finally OK’d my project.

I took the breadboard home and gave it to my mother who graciously accepted it.

I did well in math courses, which encouraged me to plan to study engineering in college — an idea I held onto until my freshman year in college.

In science, my grades were fine in biology and physics, but I met my Waterloo in chemistry. I simply could not understand the course, and if it hadn’t been for the patience of my teacher and the fact that George tutored me, I would have failed, I was grateful to receive a C each semester.

I did well in the courses I liked, and I liked math, composition [English], physics, and Latin, maybe because I had some talent in them.

When I was in high school, a hint of my future career appeared.

Although I entered college without any intention of becoming an English teacher, my interest and ability in English composition were displayed through high school because I often submitted articles to the school newspaper regarding current events in the community.

I also had a strong interest in math, so during my college career, I studied both math and composition and taught both of these disciplines over a period of 48 years.

JOHN

STANGER

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

25

Please read Wilkerson’s ‘Caste’ I’ve just finished reading Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste: The Origins of our Discontent. It’s not just a good book, it’s a great one. Not just instructive and helpful, it’s downright essential. Nothing I have read before comes close to it in making sense of the present situation we confront as Americans.

If it gained currency in our public discourse, it could shift the focus from “racism” to “caste-ism.”

And that’s all to the good because that’s the deeper, more pervasive, more consequential reality.

I’m trying to imagine what an impact it would have had on how I approached my life and thinking if I had read this 60+ years ago. And what impact

it could have now if all courses on civics, American history, and political science used it as the basic textbook, whether at the high school or higher education levels, or even in police academies and in the continuing education of people working in government, from the local to the national levels.

Every ordinary citizen would be challenged to become extraordinary if they take to heart what Ms. Wilkerson offers here so beautifully, with such tough yet tender wisdom.

Fred Reklau Oak Park

Celebrating Seniors Week is back For the first time in three years, Celebrating Seniors Week is back all throughout Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.

And, no, we’re not talking about high school or college seniors — but those men and women whose graduations occurred over 40 years ago, with some attaining those milestones as much as twice that long ago.

The local nonprofit organization that has organized Celebrating Seniors Week each May starting in 2011, is the Celebrating Seniors Coalition. We are everyday citizens, representatives of social service agencies and local units of government, and private industry leaders serving older adults. We have always scheduled this week of educational and entertaining activities to coincide with Older Americans Month, a national initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living.

Our objective is to dispel outdated and inaccurate myths about what it is to be a senior in our society. Just like their younger peers, men and women over 60 years old are vibrant and valuable to the life of our community. In addition to raising awareness of older adults’ continued value and impact, the Celebrating Seniors Coalition raises money for some older adults in financial need — for example, those people whose circumstances might slip through the cracks of traditional social safety nets.

This year, from Thursday, May 12 through Thursday, May 19, there will be over 30 events — nearly all free of charge — throughout Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park under the Celebrating Seniors banner.

Our marquee event is the inaugural Celebrating Seniors Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, May 14, which will bring together people of all ages as they search

for the answers to clues provided on a map. Covering over 60 cultural, civic, architectural and historical gems, those clues correspond to points that are labeled throughout a one-square-mile area of north Oak Park.

We invite everyone from the community to join in the fun on that day, and to attend as many of the other events as possible. You can find more details, including how to register for the scavenger hunt as well as other events, at CelebratingSeniors.net.

Jim Flanagan River Forest

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

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V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Duffy’s critique lacks credibility and evidence

ike John Duffy, I too lived through the Vietnam War era. Now he has added something I do not recall seeing before [Burning off the fog of history, Viewpoints, April 20]. U.S. involvement began when Eisenhower opposed the treaty after the French colonial defeat in 1954, thinking the communists would win by a landslide in the elections provided for, and deprive the U.S. of markets and raw materials. And so the more westernized southern Vietnamese set up their own government, which the U.S. supported in the war with the communist north.

The whole point of his article seems to criticize the “lies and distortions” he implies underlaid the U.S. involvement in that war, and the failure to examine historical evidence “that might create a dissonance to the too-frequent unquestioning support of war so dominant in our national psyche.”

But then he takes an unexpected turn, suggesting the same is happening now, regarding Ukraine. “The dominant national media,” he says, have offered “little help in critically understanding the historic roots” of the horrible Ukraine conflict. He calls the media “manufacturers of consent,” who have now reduced the Ukraine tragedy to Putin’s “psychotic, imperial aggression” by “unquestionably repeat[ing] the administration’s messaging with a mix of truth, lies, distortion, and hypocrisy.” His ultimate point was: The media, by focusing on Putin’s aggression, and parroting the administration’s deceptions, are hiding the fact that the U.S. bears “responsibility in bringing about” the war in Ukraine.

While Mr. Duffy was enjoying his student draft deferment, while attending college, I too enjoyed a deferment as a seminary student for eight years. Right when Mr. Duffy graduated and lost his deferment, I left the seminary and lost mine. Like him

I was opposed to the war, and because of my religious education, I applied for an exemption as a Conscientious Objector, supported by those in charge of my seminary training. Since Conscientious Objector status required moral opposition to all war, I had to contemplate the morality of taking a human life in combat. About the same time that the young John Kerry uttered his famous question, “Who wants to be the last to die for a mistake?” I was asking, “Who wants to be the next person to kill for a mistake?”

My application was denied (as most were). As Mr. Duffy had done, I too contemplated the alternatives, which, in my case included refusing induction and facing federal criminal prosecution and jail, or Canada. Like Mr. Duffy, I too have contemplated the application of the lessons of those years to the current Ukraine situation. I too wrote a detailed analysis of those lessons, but from the point of view of a pacifist who had been a conscientious objector, and sent it to friends from my seminary years.

I also wrote it as someone whose ancestral roots are in southeastern Poland, bordering Ukraine, and as one whose interest in the area has prompted me to learn something of its history, relevant to “understanding the historic roots” of the conflict — specifically, Russian aggression in the area.

A few salient facts: WWII began with Hitler and Stalin making a pact to invade and divide Poland, a country whose boundaries then included a large part of what is now western Ukraine (including L’viv); they implemented it when Hitler began his “blitzkrieg” on Sept. 1, 1939, and Stalin immediately followed from the other direction, on Sept. 17, with Stalin getting the part of Poland that is now in western

Ukraine; (Stalin, within two months, also invaded Finland, seizing 10% of it); Hitler’s dream was of “lebensraum,” (room to live) for the “master race” of Aryans (Germans), in the direction of his weaker neighbor to the east—populated

by Slavs, an ethnic group that he considered just as “sub-menschen” (sub-human) as he considered Jews; two years later, in 1941, in an astounding strategic blunder, he invaded the next group of Slavs in line (the Russians), as if determined only to teach us (about Putin) that a despot unstopped does not stop; and finally, that WWII ended with Stalin taking not only all of Poland that Hitler had agreed to, incorporating it into Ukraine, but also all the rest too, seizing it, and all of Eastern Europe too, for Russia, with popular “approval” of puppet governments by means of local referendums run, naturally, by the Russians.

Consider also a few additional details of Ukrainian history (such as Stalin’s deliberate starvation of 3 million Ukrainian peasants in the 1930s; that Putin has asserted Ukraine is not even a real country; that he seized Crimea from it and held a referendum “approving” it; that he invaded two of its other regions, setting up separatist enclaves which he has declared “independent states”; that the Ukrainians, having seen Putin’s despotism, had, by their “Orange Revolution,” rejected it in favor of democratic values).

As a result, I came to conclusions about the Ukrainians’ war that are at odds with my own prior pacifist and moral views on war.

I could not condemn the Ukrainians for their lethal resistance to Putin’s murderous assault; and I cannot object to our country’s nonviolent support with excruciating sanc-

tions, or even its lethal support by supplying weaponry to enable the Ukrainians to succeed—a judgment which, it seems, the whole world shares. In sum, thinking for myself about the “historic roots” of the war, I seemed to have “manufactured” my own consent to it, and the U.S. support of it, without any input from the “manufacturers of consent,” or resort to “the administration’s messaging.”

As someone always skeptical about war, I searched for, but could not find, any historical fact that might support Mr. Duffy’s stark conclusion that the U.S. bears some “responsibility in bringing about” this war.

True, Mr. Trump had tried to condition military support of Ukraine on “a favor,” and was always cool to aiding that country thereafter. Could this be the basis for Mr. Duffy’s allegation of U.S. responsibility?

On my fourth, fifth, and sixth reading of his last sentences, I could not conclude that he was talking about that. For he refers to “the administration’s messaging,” a clear reference to the current president’s, and to its “lies, distortions, and hypocrisy.”

Mr. Duffy decries the “fog of history,” the term he uses for such deceptions. If I have been deceived, I would certainly be the first to want to know. Unfortunately, he does not offer one piece of evidence of his charges. Which brings to mind a couple of apt quotes from popular culture: “Where’s the beef ?” and “Show me the money.” Since he offers no evidence or even one fact that meets that description, his unsupported allegations contribute nothing to burning off the “fog of history” for me as a thinking individual, and I consider them of no more worth, for an informed public, than the supposed media deficiencies of the Vietnam era he decries.

Frank Stachyra is a retired attorney and 48-year resident of Oak Park.

BLESOFF

it won’t make sense or it won’t be possible to live where or how we live now. As we shared and listened, the impermanence of our relationships and our lives became less theoretical and more poignant. The beauty of that impermanence enveloped our words.

This honest discussion meandered a bit and included one guy’s sibling who’s had four broken hips but refuses to downsize, what it’s like being the house-husband, a local co-housing project, fire department key-access systems, locating advanced di-

rective documents, and tattooing ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ on one’s own chest, among other topics.

Throughout the discussion, people commented on how important the initial question was and said thank you. There was consensus on the importance of having this discussion sooner rather than later.

One guy said we were facing it squarely, and it was important for him to hear that he wasn’t the only one thinking about the particulars of what life might be like in 10 or 15 years. At which point another guy

chimed in that they were already at that 10-or-15-years-later!

Conversations like these are percolating all across the country, as they should be. All it takes is for one person to reach out and ask a question, whether to family or friends or, nowadays, in a group on the internet.

One such safe online place is called “Aging in The Age of Pandemic,” a weekly drop-in Zoom that I host for an organization named Courageus (www.Courageus.org).

Stop on by any Wednesday afternoon.

I’ll see you there.

Important conversations from page 19 from. We quickly agreed on the importance of actually picturing living situations that could work for decades to come and how our transitions to them might unfold. One comment was that, if we live long enough, there will come a time when

FRANK

STACHYRA One View

O B I T U A R I E S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Rich Cozzola, 69

Attorney for the poor, musician for all Richard T. Cozzola, 69, formerly of Oak Park, died on April 16, 2022, surrounded by family. Born on July 27, 1952, Rich (or “Rick”) was the first of Gerard P. (“Jerry”) and Phyllis M. Cozzola’s four children. On the date of Rich’s birth, Jerry wrote in his journal that he had fulfilled “mine and Phyllis’ ultimate purpose for being on this earth” and noted that newborn Rich’s “looks are exceptional.”

He grew up in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood and nearby Oak Park, alongside his younger siblings David, James (“Jimmy”), and Mary-Terese (“MT”) Cozzola. He was a student at Our Lady of the Angels School during the 1958 fire.

His faith led him to attend high school at Quigley Preparatory Seminary and then St. Mary’s of the Lake in Mundelein for a brief period.

While he didn’t ultimately become a priest, the lessons he learned in the seminary guided him at Loyola University Chicago (B.A., English, ’74), as a grade school teacher and draft counselor during the Vietnam War, then back to Loyola for law school (J.D. ’80). From the day he was sworn in as an attorney through his death, he dedicated his entire career to serving the public, in particular children and families at the margins of the legal system. He began this journey at Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, then came back to Chicago for the remainder of his 42 years of service, initially as a supervising attorney at Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA).

His return to Chicago brought him closer to the love of his life, Debra. Even though he wore a white polyester suit (without a tie) and his father’s loafers to their first date (a wedding on a Tuesday night), they fell for each other quickly and were married in 1986 at the Evanston Women’s Club. The couple welcomed their son, Marty, into the world in 1989. As the family blossomed, so did his career. After CGLA, he served as supervisor of training for the Juvenile Unit of the Cook County Office of the Public Guardian, and then was asked to help design the curriculum for — and serve as the first program director of — Loyola’s Civitas ChildLaw Clinic.

In 1997, he began a new job as supervising attorney in the Child Law Project at Legal Aid Chicago. In the nearly 25 years he spent there, he worked diligently each day to improve the lives of the countless children he represented in court. Whether he was working to reunite families separated by years of injustice or fighting to ensure that students with special needs had the tools they needed to succeed in school, he represented his clients with a level of empathy and passion that won’t be easily replaced. In his time at Legal Aid Chicago, he served as director of the Children & Families Practice Group, leader of the Juvenile Expungement Help Desk, and most recently as supervisor of training.

He was not only an attorney who fought tirelessly on behalf of individual clients, he was also a caring advisor and instructor to legions of new and experienced public interest attorneys (including his son). He led numerous litigation and trial skills trainings for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, and various Chicago-area law schools. The next generation of legal aid lawyers are better equipped to be compassionate anti-poverty advocates because of his mentorship. Throughout his career, he received many accolades for his dedication to justice, including the Chicago Bar Founda-

W E D N E S D A Y

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

tion’s Weigle Exceptional Young Lawyer Award (in 1987) and Morsch Public Service Award (in 2011).

Owner of multiple guitars (including one he built by hand), he loved playing new music with old friends and listening to the classics on his massive collection of CDs (even in 2022). A voracious reader, he had a half-dozen books checked out of the local library when he died, each with tidbits of handwritten notes tucked between the pages. He ran the 1985 Chicago Marathon and rarely let foul weather (or a global pandemic) get in the way of his early morning runs. He loved a good meal, whether he was making a home-cooked dinner with his wife, grabbing a quick breakfast in the Loop with his son, or having a potluck with friends. He spent many an afternoon at the corner of Addison and Clark, cheering on the Cubs.

An incredibly kind and gentle man, he was selfless to a fault and would not hesitate to put the needs of his family, his clients, his colleagues, and his profession before his own.

Rich is survived by his siblings (David, Jimmy, and MT); his wife (Debra); his admiring son (Marty); innumerable nieces, nephews, and cousins; brothers- and sisters-in-law; and his godmother (Marie).

He would ask you to stand up for justice, be unrelenting in your love, and sing with your whole heart.

A mass and celebration of Rich’s life will be held later this year, details to come. Arrangements were handled by Donellan Funeral Services.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made to: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, 721 N. LaSalle Drive, Chicago, IL 60654 (catholiccharities.net) or Legal Aid Chicago, 120 S. LaSalle Drive, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60603 (legalaidchicago.org) or Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, 33 N. Dearborn Street, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602 (cvls.org) or the charity of your choice.

To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, or fax: 708/524-0447 before Monday at noon.

Please include a photo if possible.

Robert P. Gamboney Eric Kopicki Eric Kopicki

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

Growing Community Media

Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED • NETWORK SPECIALIST Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential duties and responsibilities 1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties 1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology.

Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to: Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following: - Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time - Operating assigned equipment - Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance - Working in and around computer equipped vehicles Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: - Making observations - Communicating with others - Reading and writing - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others.

Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.

Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment.

Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

Risk Manager sought by Nanhua USA LLC in Chicago, Illinois. The Risk Manager will supervise a team that enhances models for market risk analysis; delivers risk reports to senior management risk committees, and performs stress scenario analyses to determine market risks.

Applicants must have a Bachelors in Business Management, Finance or Statistics or an MBA and have two years experience as a Risk Manager, Financial Management Analyst or Risk Analyst. Please send resume to ATTN: Yujie Wang Nanhua USA LLL, 30 S Wacker, Suite 3850, Chicago IL, 60606.

CHILDCARE WORKER

The Village of Forest Park has immediate openings for before and after school program and seasonal summer help. $12-14.00/Hour. Applications available at Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd, Forest Park or at www.forestpark.net and should be returned Attn: Karen Dylewski. Email: kdylewski@ forestpark.net

PARKS DISTRICT OF OAK PARK PRINCIPAL COACH & PROGRAM SPECIALIST

The Park District of Oak Park is hiring a Full-time Principal Coach & Program Specialist with a starting pay of $20.46 hourly to view the full job description and apply online please click the following link: https://www. paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/ jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=41011&c l i e n t k e y = 4 1 D 8 3 0 0 1 8 4 9 0 6 11 7 978771C10E755DC6

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INTERN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Environmental Health Intern in the Health Department. This full-time seasonal position will provide assistance to the Environmental Health Practitioners in the inspection and local businesses, homes and other establishments to enforce state and

local laws and ordinances related to public Health safety; to respond and resolve citizen complaints regarding nuisances and reported epidemics.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

BUSINESS LICENSE OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Business License Officer in the Development Customer Service Department. This person will perform a variety of technical duties in the processing and approval of business licenses and permits; and provide assistance and support to the Department. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. First review of applications will be May 9, 2022.

PART-TIME CIVILIAN CALL TAKER

FOREST PARK, IL The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Part-Time Civilian Information Management Call Taker. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), good verbal and written skills, working knowledge of the computer and Windows, ability to type accurately, a good working knowledge of the English language, the ability to treat customers and co-workers in a polite manner and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Data entry skills and experience answering telephones/operating a switchboard are preferred.

EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY. Open until filled. $17.54/hour. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130. Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net

River Forest Public Schools District 90 Willard Elementary PreK through 4th Grade Student Support Services - Vacancies for the 20222023 School Year District 90 is seeking qualified and experienced student support educators for the following positions: Special Education Support Teacher School Social Worker School Psychologist/Facilitator For detailed qualifications requirements and job duties, please visit our website at https://www.district90.org/ about/employment for our complete list of employment opportunities.

Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Education License with endorsement in field of study, a Master’s Degree is preferred and successful teaching experience with students in a classroom setting is preferred.

HELP WANTED

FINANCIAL ANALYST – PAYROLL

The Village of North Riverside is in search of a qualified candidate to serve as a Financial Analyst in the Finance Department. This position is an entry level accounting position providing bookkeeping and administrative support to residents and members of the public. Primary responsibilities include implementing, maintaining, and reviewing payroll processing systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions. More information on the position can be found on the Village’s website https://northriverside-il.org/. Email application, cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references to administration@ northriverside-il.org.

FLAT ROOFERS, TUCKPOINTERS AND LABORERS

POLICE RECORDS CLERK

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

FULL TIME DELIVERY DRIVER

Local company looking for full time driver. Must be drug free and have a valid IL DL. Must be able to lift 75lb. $14-16/hr Email resume: HR@sievertelectric. com

COVID-19 RESPONSE INTERN

Call 708-452-7900

BUDGET AND REVENUE ANALYST

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will Serve the public with professional administrative and analytical duties in the areas of budget preparation, purchasing, payroll, data analysis and process improvement. Provides, prepares and maintains records, and financial and statistical reports and analysis which assist in the Village’s ability to improve business processes and gain efficiencies through better use of technology. Budget duties include assisting in the development, analysis and application of performance measures with regard to Village services and resources; preparing, modifying, tracking and monitoring Village expenses and transfers; and conducting budget-related research and analysis. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

General Duties: Provide excellence in education by developing and implementing activities that encourage students to be life-long learners.

Possesses knowledge of District policies and regulations relating to areas of responsibilities.

Create an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental maturity and interests of each student.

Application: Apply online at www.district90.org.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90. org. Please do not send hard copies of supporting documentation, i.e. cover letters, resumes, licensure, etc. to River Forest Schools District 90; instead, upload these materials onto the online job application system for proper processing.

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of COVID-19 Response Intern in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible and complex professional COVID-19 response support, as well as routine documentation of related tasks in support of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

COVID-19 RESPONSE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of COVID-19 Response Coordinator in the Health Department. This position will perform a variety of responsible and complex professional COVID-19 response support, as well as routine documentation of related tasks in support of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

SEASONAL FARMERS’ MARKET ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Seasonal Farmers’ Market Assistant in the Health Department. This position will provide administrative support to the Farmers’ Market Manager to allow growers and producers of food to sell directly to the public within established guidelines. This position requires work in inclement weather conditions; some heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds; walking or standing for sustained periods of time. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

Starting a New Business? Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News • Wednesday Journal

• Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for details: 773/626-6332

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

CLASSIFIED CASHIER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Cashier in the Finance Department.

This position will perform all clerical tasks related to the cash receipt function. Collect process and deposit payments made to the Village received directly from customers, via mail, or lockbox or from other internal departments. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

SANITARIAN

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Sanitarian in the Health Department.

This position will perform a variety of duties including education and enforcement activities for the promotion and protection of the public health environment. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG MARKETPLACE

HELP WANTED GRANTS COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Grants Coordinator in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will develop and coordinate CDBG and other grant-funded programs for the department; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Development Customer Services Neighborhood Services Division Manager and department director. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

  

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Public Health Nurse in the Health Department. This position will provide professional public health nursing services including health education and promotion which includes disseminating information, making referrals, and counseling as well as managing caseloads, and performing a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. This position is open until filled with first review of apps 2/2/22.

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALES

WANTED TO BUY

Forest Park GARAGE SALE 1434 ELGIN AVENUE FRI 5/6 & SAT 5/7 9AM-4PM Two walkers, commode (new, in box), wheelchair (like new, used twice), furniture, men’s suits and jackets, yard tools, tool chest and tools, 2 ladders, motorcycle helmets, VW hubcaps, garage light, battery tenders, paintings and carvings, cooler, clothing rack, men’s dress hats and watches, photography equipment, music stands and chair, music CD’s, books, bike rack, glassware, step stool, metal 3 door organizer, old HiFi console, old Xbox, sound bar, blue tooth speakers, speaker, Christmas tree and stand, shredder, portable heater, Step stool, golf bag, tennis bags, and more.

Oak Park HUGE MOVING SALE! 1007 SOUTH ELMWOOD SAT MAY 7 (RAIN DAY MAY 8) 9AM-3PM Everything imaginable: Toys, games, sporting equipment, furniture, clothes, weights, collectibles, books...

Twenty years of Oak Park living...and everything must GO! Lots of FREE stuff for the kids, too!!

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

GARAGE SALE 8905 VILLAGE SQUARE FRI MAY 6-SAT MAY 7 9AM-3PM Handmade unique beaded jewelry.

Hundreds of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that make great Mother’s Day gifts. All proceeds will be donated to charities benefiting the people of Ukraine.

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS WANTED Restored or Unrestored

or Unrestored Cars &Restored Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Cars & Vintage Motorcycles Import Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette,Cars: Ferrari’s, Domestic / Import Jaguars, Muscle Cars, Mustang & Mopars Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, $$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

RENTALS & REAL ESTATE

SUBURBAN RENTALS STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR OAK PARK &

FOREST PARK

Best Selection & Service

708-386-7355

OFFICE/RETAIL FOR RENT RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

OAK PARK THERAPY OFFICES:

  

CARS WANTED

Brookfield

MMpropMgmt.com



29

Therapy offices available on North Avenue. Parking; Flexible leasing; Nicely furnished; Waiting Room; Conference Room.

Ideal for new practice or 2nd location.

708.383.0729 Call for an appt.

SUBURBAN RENTALS 2 BDR 1 BTH UNIT

Large unit 2 bed 1 bath unit in converted house. Sunny apartment in Oak Park. Bonus room. Hardwood floor in living and dining room. Stainless steel appliances. Nice two flat building. Available May 1. $1275/ month. No pets. No calls after 9pm.

708-870-4961 walker06@sbcglobal. net

1 BD/1 BTH CONDO FOR RENT

Great view. Appliances included.

Laundry on premises. 1 parking space. Rent $900/month.

Application and credit check required. $25 non-refundable fee.

Call 708-610-2030 for more info.

DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 2BR APT

2BR, 1BTH apartment for rent. Hardwood floors. Renovated and freshly painted. Small, vintage building. No smoking. No pets. Parking included.

708-657-4226

Ferrari’s, James Jaguars,• 630-201-8122 Muscle Cars, Collector Mustang & Mopars

$$ Top $$ allWANTED makes, Etc. CLASSICS Collector James

WANTED RENT TO RENT WANTED Restored Unrestored WANTED TO RENTor TO

Cars630-201-8122 & VintageGarage Motorcycles Wanted to Rent 2 carCars: or Larger.

Domestic / Import

Coach House/Guest House Wanted to Rent

George Mercedes, Porsche,atContact Corvette, 708-722-1111or Ferrari’s, Jaguars,gfunkpunk@gmail.com Muscle Cars, with info.

Mustang & Mopars

Contact George at 708-722-1111or gfunkpunk@gmail.com with info.

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc. SPACE FORJames RENT Collector

630-201-8122

30

Wednesday Journal, April 20, 2022

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

HOME SERVICES

CEMENT

CEMENT

MAGANA

C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N “QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION” ESTABLISHED IN 1987

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL RESIDENTIAL

708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 )281'$7,216 3$7,26 67(36 &85% *877(56 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

HANDYMAN Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060

HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-637-0692 Ask for John

CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

Free estimates Excellent References No Job Too Small

708-488-9411

HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery.

708-848-9404

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/ Plaster Repair Low Cost • 708.749.0011

CAREGIVER Caregiver for senior

Affordable price, excellent references.

With a car. 24-hour live-in overnight or hourly come and go.

708-692-2580

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

LANDSCAPING BRUCE LAWN SERVICE Spring Clean-Up Aerating, Slit Seeding Bush Trimming, Lawn Maintenance brucelawns.com

708-243-0571

FAST DELIVERY

Mulch & Topsoil

Premium Shredded Hardwood ���������������$28/yd Dyed Red ������������������$35/yd Dyed Brown ��������������$33/yd Playmat��������������������$30/yd Premium Blend Dark �$38/yd Premium Bark Fines��$48/yd Blonde Cedar ������������$54/yd • Spreading Available! • Topsoil, Garden Mix, Mushroom, Super Mix, Compost, Gravel, Sand

SureGreenLandscape�com

847-888-9999 847-888-9999 •• 630-876-0111 630-876-0111

PETS While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home

cat calls

Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986

Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home )PVTF TJUUJOH t 1MBOU DBSF Bonded References

524-1030

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 16 May 2022, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing to consider a conditional use permit and site plan review to allow the construction of a self-serve vacuum facility in the B-2 Community Shopping District on the following described properties(s):

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of GUILLERMINA SALGADO, Petitioner and JAVIER SALGADO, Respondent, Case No. 2022D001482.

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 18, 2022, 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 April 20, 27, May 4, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of Lynne Catherine Rogers, Petitioner and Julio Walter Funes-Merida, Respondent, Case No. 2022 D 002265.

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 18, 2022, 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 April 20, 27, May 4 2022

Parcel 1: Lot 15 (except that part described as follows: beginning at the Southeast corner of said Lot; thence South 89 Degrees 11 Minutes 56 Seconds West (assumed) 5.00 feet along the Southerly line of said Lot; thence North 44 Degrees 11 Minutes 47 Seconds East 7.07 feet to the Easterly line of said Lot, said Easterly line being also the Westerly right of way of Harlem Avenue; thence South 00 Degrees 48 Minutes 23 Seconds East 5.00 Feet along said right of way to the point of beginning) in Block 1 in South Addition to Harlem, being a Subdivision of the East ½ of the West 1/2 of the South East 1/4 of Section 13, Township 39 North, Range 12 East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois.

Parcel 2: Lot 16 in Block 1 in South Addition to Harlem in Section 13, Township 39 North, Range 12 East of the Third Principal Meridian, in Cook County, Illinois.

Commonly known as 7201 Lexington Street, Forest Park, IL PINs: 15-13-407-026-0000, 15-13407-034-0000 The applicant is CellTech, LLC Signed: Marsha East, Chair Planning and Zoning Commission Published in Forest Park Review May 4, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday 16 May 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing to consider a text amendment to Title 9 of the Forest Park Zoning Ordinance to amend Section(s) 9-4C-1 and 9-4C-2 to allow Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensing Organizations as a permitted use in the DBD (Downtown Business District) zoning district.

The purpose of this hearing is to consider a request by the Village of Forest Park, as petitioner, to amend the text of the Forest Park Zoning Ordinance, to allow as a permitted use Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensing Organizations within the Village of Forest Park, and such other Zoning Ordinance changes consistent with and to conform to the proposed amendments provided for by this Notice.

The applicant for this petition is the Village of Forest Park, 517 Desplaines, Forest Park, Illinois.

Signed: Marsha East Planning and Zoning Commission Chairperson Published in Forest Park Review May 4, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, or via email at kcrowley@oak-park.us Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 for the following: Village of Oak Park 2022 Emergency Vehicle Equipment Bid Number: 22-121 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 4, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive bids from qualified asbestos removal and abatement contractors at the Public Works Service Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 for the following: Village of Oak Park South Fire Station Asbestos Removal and Abatement Bid No. 22-202BM There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting on Thursday, May 5th, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at the south fire station located at 900 S. East Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302.

Bid forms may be obtained from the Public Works Customer Service Center by calling 708358-5700 or by e-mailing vics@ oak-park.us between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. M-F. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue proposal documents and specifications only to those vendors deemed qualified. No proposal documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of proposal opening.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Published in Wednesday Journal May 4, 2022

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know In print • Online Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year • OakPark.com • RBLandmark.com • ForestParkReview.com • AustinWeeklyNews.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.RASHINDA PLUMP, WAVERLY CLARK, JR, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, WAVERLY CLARK, JR., INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR Defendants 12 CH 25204 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK OAK PARK, IL 60304 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on December 11, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 1, 2022, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1187 SOUTH HIGHLAND PARK, OAK PARK, IL 60304 Property Index No. 16-17-325-0470000 The real estate is improved with a one story two unit brick building with no 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, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the

purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

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

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 20-05419IL_615363 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 12 CH 25204 TJSC#: 42-1426 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 12 CH 25204 I3192970

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Wednesday Journal, May 4, 2022

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Support4U is a free anonymous text line for

WHAT IS SU SUPPORT4U?

students, answered within minutes by licensed clinicians.

Students can text about anxiety, school pressure, relationship conflict or when in a crisis.

These are difficult times

SUPPORTING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF LOCAL STUDENTS The Pandemic has impacted lives of students, families and educators.

Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental health– related visits for children aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24%. and 31%, respectively.

– you are not alone!

HOW DO WE USE IT?

Simply go to www.support4u.live and click on your school logo to start texting with a licensed mental health professional.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE www.support4u.live Find us on Instagram! @support4u