WednesdayJournal_050626

JOURNAL

Already some shifts on how devices may be used at school

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

It wasn’t that long ago that school tricts everywhere were bragging their one-to-one programs, giving student a computer or tablet or other kind of digital device. But many parents, including a lot of in Oak Park, are expressing concer about how much time their kids are ing at screens in school and are for the school district to restrict eliminate the use of digital devices schools, especially elementary schools As of Monday after noon 1,242, have signed a Change.org petition for Oak Park Elementary District 97 to reevaluate screen time in schools.

of Oak Park and River Forest

At the two most recent District 97 school board meetings a number of parents, and a teacher, expressed concer ns that kids are staring at screens too much in school while addressing the school board during the public comment period. And it is clear that school of ficials are listening and be ginning to adapt district

Julian teacher Becky Ward speaks out against proposed changes at middle schools during the April 28 District 97 school board meeting

policies. Michael Arensdorff, District 97’s top technology of ficer, said the district is working to find the right balance and is focused on limiting the use of the devices to educational pursuits

“Kids lear n better without devices and as a district we need to reduce our de pendence on screens and individual devices

y motion’

the

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

The Oak Park apar tment building where a massive fire bur ned in February is still standing despite the village’s months-long ef fort to have it knocked down, according to county cour t records

The fire, one of the biggest seen in Oak Park in recent years, bur ned out a building that had been the subject of a series of Oak Park fire inspections that found serious code violations resulting in at least $40 , 000 in stilloutstanding fines, a ccording to recent le ga l filings. Re cords related to the village ’s in -

SKOLNIK

Feds drop felony charge against Oak Park’s Straw, remaining ‘Broadview 6’

Defense for Oak Park Trustee Brian Straw and other progressive politicians will ght remaining ‘bullshit

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Federal prosecutors announced plans downg rade the felony charge against Park Trustee Brian Straw and the other maining “Broadview 6” defendants during a status hearing We d nesd ay mor ning . T he gove r nment will not pursue f elony c onspira cy charge that it had dicted Straw and five other anti-ICE testors on last October Wi th less than month left before the expected t rial date the defendants in the high-profile will now face only misdemeanor charge Prosecutors filed an indictment last Oc tober alle ging that the six we re among crowd of protestors who blocke d, p ushed against and b anged on a vehicle ing driven by a federal agent i nto I Broadview Detention Facility the mor ing of Se pt. 26. Until We d nesd ay, the er nment had c ontended that that action amounted to a c riminal c onspira cy p i shable by years in federal prison.

T he De par tment of Justice decision c omes after months of c ontentious backand-for th in U. S. Ju dge April Pe r ry’s downtown c our troom, with the gove rnment dropping all charges against two of the six o riginal codefendants in the c ase back in March as the defense sought to have the c ase thrown out on F irst A mendment ground s. T he four still charged are Straw, 45th ward Democratic c ommitteeman Michael Rabbit, Katherine “Kat ” Abughazaleh, who f ell four points shy of winning I llinois’ 9th district c ong ressional primary last month, and Andre Martin, who wo rked on Abughazaleh’s c ampaign staf f.

charges,’ they said

Oak Park Trustee Brian Straw (right) and his attorney Chris Parente (le ) address reporters a er federal prosecutors announced that they were dropping felony charges against the remaining ‘Broadview 6’ defendants, April 29.

It is unclear at this time if the trial will go forward as one joint trial for the defend ants or as four individual t rials, defense attor neys said. T he t rial is presently set for Tuesd ay, May 26.

T he gove r nment’s move c ame as a surprise to the defense, a ccording to Straw’s attor ney Chris Parente

“This has b een a failure since the be -

ginning when this c ase was charged,” Parente told re por ter s. “It again d emonstrates to us that this c ase should neve r have b een brought. It was brought for the wrong reasons, they we re neve r goin g to be able to prove it at t rial and they’ve given up before we even g et there. We ’l l take the win for right now, but we ’re ve ry ang ry that they even t ried to charge it because think about the p eople b etween the time that this c ase was indicted and tod ay that did not go to a protest because they we re wo r ried that this of fice would charge them for just standing there. ”

“We do n’ t know how many p eople staye d at home because they we re wo r ried about being indicted with a bullshit 372 charge by this U. S. A ttor ney ’s Of fic e, and now

they ’re going to dismiss it at this point. ”

While Ju dge Pe r ry d enied the defense’s bid to have the c ase dismissed durin g We d nesd ay ’s hearing, the defense vowe d to c ontinue seeking a dismissal of the remaining charges in the coming weeks.

T he gover nment previously dropped the charges against Catherine “Cat” Shar p, a Chicago alder manic staf fer who gave up on her bid for the Cook County board citing the stress of the prosecution, and Joselyn Walsh, a local musician who was the only defendant in the case that doesn’t have a job in local progressive politics.

The so-called “Broadview 6” are among 32 known defendants to have been charged with nonimmigration crimes tied to Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago’s federal court.

BRENDAN HEFFERNAN

Garden center proposed for vacant Galewood building

Good Ear th takes over site of a dilapidated former McDonald’s

By MICHAEL LIPTROT Block Club Chicago

A family-owned River Forest garden cente r business with S outh Side roots is c oming to the site of a long-vacant building in Galewood

Good Earth, featuring a greenhouse, fresh market and cafe, will be c oming to the site of a for mer McDonald ’s at 1933 N. Harlem Ave., the business announced Saturday.

T he fifth-generation f amily business beg an on the S outh Side in 1928 and sinc e 2001 has operated a location in Rive r Fo rest, known as Good Earth Greenhouse.

Wednesday Journal News partner

Good Ear th’s plans for the site come after c ommunity members rejected a proposed five - story rental development at the lot in Ju ly and another failed p lan for a ca wash in 2023.

Renderings show a renovation of lot’s existing building to house a retai space as well as a new outdoor ga rden ce nter behind the building, an expansion of existing patio and the building a new 3,000-square-foot greenhouse beside the building.

PROVIDED/HAGUE ARCHITECTURE

A rendering of Good Earth, a business featuring a greenhouse, fresh market and cafe may be coming to the site of a closed McDonald’s on 1933 N. Harlem Ave. See GREENHOUSE on pa ge 21

Oak Park residents cast ballots at the township’s annual meeting, April 28.

Oak Park voters reject putting Israel boycott question on fall ballot

Measure fails at township meeting by a lopsided vote

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park voters overwhelmingly rejected a measure that would’ve posed a question about boycotts to Israel to local voters on this November’s ballot.

Oak Park Township held its annual town meeting at Percy Julian Middle School’s cafeteria Tuesday, April 28. The question on this year’s meeting agenda was “do you suppor t the right of individuals and organizations, including state contractors, to boycott, divest and sanction Israel?”

If the vote had passed, the question would’ve gone onto the midter m ballot for Oak Park voters in November’s election.

Nearly 500 Oak Park residents came out to vote at the annual meeting, with 352 vot-

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ing against the measure and 134 voting in favor of it. The measure was put on the meeting agenda after a local petition received 26 signatures.

The local petition came as the Illinois le gislature considers re pealing a 2015 law banning state pension funds from being invested in companies that divest from or boycott Israel. The same question was on the agenda for several other townships around the state.

Votes on the same question passed earlier this month in the townships of Cunningham, Peoria, Kickapoo, Medina, DuPage and Nor mal but failed in Capital and Wheatland townships, according to progressive news blog Let’s Address Illinois.

The meeting was held this week at the middle school after attendance at a previously scheduled meeting on April 14 at the Oak Park library’s Dole branch qua-

TOWNSHIP VOTE on pa ge 9

BRENDAN HEFFERNAN

Oak Park Township supervisor su ers racial slurs ahead of meeting

Tim Thomas is the highest ranking Black elected o cial in the village

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park Township Supervisor Tim Thomas said he was called a racial slur multiple times in the leadup to this week’s annual town meeting

Thomas, the highest ranking Black elected official in Oak Park, posted on Facebook the day before Oak Park residents were set to vote on a controversial measure concer ning boycotts to Israel at Oak Park Township’s annual meeting Tuesday night. His post described multiple incidents where residents called him a racial slur.

“I’m a Black man who was a Jewish frater nity leader and who’s been a long time DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) member,” Thomas wrote online “I’m a walking contradiction to most people’s reality and yet in the community that has elected me, I’m still a Racist N----r Remember that tomorrow when you come to vote I’m literally trying to follow the LAW. Yes, this has been said to me multiple times.”

He addressed the incidents to Wednesday Jour nal shortly before votes were counted Tuesday night.

“Folks have been very passionate about their feelings when it comes to this issue and I’ve received a lot of those big feelings in ways that were very unexpected of my community and very unexpected in how they were delivered,” he said. “Folks need to know how we treat each other, and so that’s why I shared it. Bad behavior needs to be called out, and bad behavior needs to be put on front street, so that folks know that this is the community that we live in and that we actually don’t have to treat each other this way.”

“I took this job for a reason. I love this job, and I love the work and so I’ll just kind of leave it there, but I’m unapologetic about sharing my lived experience.”

The question on this year’s meeting agenda was “do you support the right of individuals and organizations, including state contractors, to boycott, divest and sanction Israel?” The measure failed at the meeting Tuesday, with more than 70% of voters in attendance voting against it

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If the measure had passed, the same question would’ve been posed to all voters in Oak Park on this November’s ballot.

A resident petition gathered enough signatures to put the matter on the agenda as the Illinois legislature considers repealing a 2015 law banning state pension funds from being invested in companies that divest from or boycott Israel.

WEST SUB’S FUTURE

West Suburban legal battle continues as Prasad disputes $10 million claim

First hearing in multimillion- dollar hospital lawsuit set for Friday, May 8

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporters

T he le g al f allout from the ab rupt March closure of West Suburban Medical C enter c ontinues this week, with the first C ook C ounty c our t hearing on the matter set for F riday.

Dueling lawsuits between the co-owners of Resilience Healthcare progressed this week as Resilience Healthcare CEO Manoj Prasad’s attor neys filed a motion disputing Resilience co-owner and hospital landlord Rathnaker Reddy Patlola’s recent claim that Prasad is to blame for $10 million in missing state funding and even more in unpaid rent and fees associated with the embattled Oak Park hospital. A hearing on the matter is set for the mor ning of Friday, May 8 in Downtown Chicago’s chancery cour t, with another hearing in the case already set for June 15.

Patlola filed a lawsuit on April 22 in Cook County cour t against Resilience Healthcare, alle ging that millions in unpaid rent and prolonged mismanagement of the hospital drove West Sub and Weiss Memorial, its previously shuttered sister hospital, to collapse. Patlola owns the properties for West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park and River Forest, Weiss Memorial in Chicago and other associated medical buildings through an entity called Ramco Holdings He also has a 40% ownership stake in Resilience

Eviction notices from Ramco were placed on West Sub’s River Forest medical campus and Weiss Memorial’s campus on April 9.

Patlola filed the suit for seven c ounts of breach of c ontract, seeking to recove r over $24 million in alle gedly unpaid rent and f ees from Resilience-owned buildings T he landlord’s lawsuit also alle ge d that Prasad had “misappropriated” a $10 million state loan meant to cove r hospital operating expenses

According to Ramco’s suit, the same day that Resilience received a $10 million state

ing, Prasad’s attor neys argued that Patlola also had access to the Westlaw accounts where the loan money was deposited.

The filing included email records re portedly showing Prasad sharing the lo gin to the entity’s bank account with Patlola.

“We have said from the be ginning that Mr Patlola’s claims are f alse and tod ay ’s filing proves that beyond any d oubt, ” Prasad said in a statement about his filing. “The record shows Mr Patlola has coowned, had f ull a ccess to, and c ontributed f unds to the ve ry account at the center of his alle gations My focus remains on the West Suburban community, its staf f, and its patients and we are working to fully reopen the hospital by July.”

In the filing, Prasad’s attor neys argued again that he had a deal with Ramco that set rent for the hospital properties at just $1 per year until the hospitals tur ned a profit. Ramco’s April 22 filing argued that no such deal existed.

loan for Weiss Memorial Hospital on May 2, 2025, the money was moved from Weiss’ lockbox account to the hospital’s operating account, then transfer red to Westlaw Management Group — a company owned solely by Prasad. Ramco claims the state money was not used for hospital operations, which led to Weiss closing that August after its Medicare reimbursement ag reement was ter minated by federal of ficials

“While Dr Prasad claims that he has a plan in place for reopening West Suburban Medical Center, his track record paints a bleaker picture,” Ramco said in Wednesday’s filing. “Weiss Memorial Hospital was also a safety-net hospital which closed due to Dr Prasad’s mismanagement and believed misappropriation of millions of dollars of funds provided as a loan by the state of Illinois to Weiss.”

Ramco’s suit also argues that Prasad’s al-

“My focus remains on the West Suburban community, its sta , its patients and we are working to fully reopen the hospital by July.”

M ANOJ PRASAD West Sub CEO

le ged misappropriation of state funds led to major facilities issues at the hospitals, including failing HVAC systems and X-ray machines creating unsafe conditions for patients

On April 29, Prasad filed a new motion disputing the alle gation that the loan had been misappropriated. In the 224-page fil-

Prasad’s cour t filing is also seeking to block Patlola’s push to obtain a cour t order transfer ring ownership of the hospital to his chosen receiver: Michael F lanag an, a Kansas City attor ney, who has managed the cour t-appointed receivership for several skilled nursing facilities around the country.

Hospital leadership announced the closure of West Sub in March citing a prolonged failure in the hospital’s billing system that resulted in as much as 90% of its work going unbilled. Resilience has since hired do zens of people to try and collect payment for the 120,000 outstanding claims related to West Sub services, the company announced earlier this week.

In the months leading up to the closure, Wednesday Jour nal re por ted on a variety of financial issues at West Sub and at Resilience Healthcare, including unpaid vendors, the loss of the hospital’s once-revered doctor residency program and the millions owed in state and local taxes

TODD BANNOR

West Suburban Medical Center’s president and CEO Dr. Manoj Prasad speaks at a press conference on April 1.

Jayhawk Journal students hear from the pros

Repor ter joins Wednesday Journal Editor Dan Haley to talk about repor ting

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Surveying the Percy Julian Middle School conference room table Thursday mor ning with Wednesday Jour nal interim editor Dan Haley, it occurred to me that I never had the jour nalistic opportunity that the students around the table have already had

I didn’t have a student newspaper in middle school, so I wasn’t exposed to that career possibility until after I graduated colle ge with an education de gree

Back then, I lear ned on the fly.

Not so for these five youngsters – sixth graders Lila and Eleanor, eighth grader Sarah, seventh grader Calvin and Fey, another sixth grader They are a small contingent of the some 20 student jour nalists working on the Oak Park school’s Jayhawk Jour nal. But they all have one thing in common.

A cerebral approach to the craft, with a curious bent that implies a real nose for news and a passion to serve the 920 Julian students, along with teachers and administration, with hard-hitting news.

These are studious people who are soaking up every lesson from eighth grade social science teacher Kit Kadlec, who is the Jayhawk Jour nal’s staf f moderator, himself a for mer jour nalist.

Like me, even today, writing is opening their eyes to the larger world.

“I’ve written about climate change and air pollution,” Eleanor said. “I lear ned that a lot of things that we do in our daily lives af fect the world.”

Calvin writes a lot of spor ts, and his contribution in April was a rundown on National Football League free agency. Fey did a piece about school lunches and lear ned that Julian’s are actually prepared at Oak Park and River Forest High School and delivered.

I was impressed by the fact that Lila’s aunt was once a jour nalist for Al-Jazeera and now is doing podcasts. She was looking for a club to join as she entered sixth grade, and here she is. She’s come a long way over the course of this school year

You want compelling copy? Try Lila’ s inde pth, front-page story in the April issue comparing and contrasting her paper and the OPRF paper, the Trapeze.

Gregg Voss speaks to stude nt jour nalists at Julian Middle School

In that story, you’ ll lear n that the Jayhawk Jour nal star ted in 2018, more than a century after the Trapeze. You’ ll also lear n that the Jayhawk Jour nal originally was only written by eighth graders but expanded over the years to include sixth and seventh graders.

Good thing, too, because each of these student jour nalists feel their skills have improved drastically.

“I feel like I write better,” said Sarah, in her first and only year on the paper’s staff.

“I think my description has improved a lot.”

Eleanor added that effective copy is the impetus for reaction.

“I have improved on getting readers more in touch with their emotions,” she said. “The readers will feel something by the writing.”

These kids are also cognizant of the fact that writing will be a big part of their eventual careers thanks to the adults that joined

Dan and me in the room: Marvin Childress, community lear ning and entrepreneurial coordinator; Dr Eboney Lofton, chief of lear ning innovation; and Amanda Siegfried, senior director of communications and engagement.

So how much writing do they do on a daily basis?

“Every day, without question,” Childress said. “Designing projects, not only creating but also improving as I move along selfediting, adjusting tone.”

Siegfried said she was a jour nalism major in college and even started a local news website in her career. Her writing on a daily basis includes content for e-newsletters that inform people about what’s going on district-wide

“I’m writing all the time, sending infor mation to staff all the time,” she said.

As for Lofton, she writes grants to bring

money into the district along with many memos to the board of education.

Suffice to say, these students and their cohort will be writing in some form for the rest of their lives, re gardless of career path.

But for now? Now is about the f un and enjoyment of the craft and the p ossibilities it af fords. Fo r example, Lila and Eleanor are p lanning their two-on-one interview with new school superintendent Te r ri Bresnahan.

“This is a club, it’s not a class, they show up on Friday mor nings at 8 a.m. and they are writing for their classes but you all do this because you enjoy writing and I think that’s pretty special,” Kadlec said. “You’re doing this because you want to have your voice heard.”

And that’s one of the reasons Dan and I do what we do

We enjoy it. Just like the students PROVIDED

Reporter

TOWNSHIP VOTE

Discussion followed the vote from page 5

drupled the meeting room’s capacity. The vast majority of voters at the meeting had already cast their ballots before the discussion was held, with the township allowing people to vote at the star t of the meeting since the school the cafeteria also didn’t have capacity to accommodate the hundreds who’d come out to vote

After most attendees c ast their b allots and left, Township Trustee Juan Muno z moderated the discussion po rt i on giving equal time to b oth s ide s. Muno z was d etained by I CE i nside the Broadview I CE d etention C enter during a protest at the facility last f all and he be g an the discussion by referencing the c ommunity suppo rt he’d rece ived in the wa ke of his ar rest.

“Some of these instances we re de ep ly troubling, but the response from the c ommunity was also de ep ly moving,” he said. “Tonight is a reflection of that same civic spirit.”

Muno z told We d nesd ay Jour nal he f elt that the discussion at the meeting remained largely respectful, d espite the p alpable emotion that shown through in residents’ testimonies. He said it was impor tant for him to reference his experience as the only Chicagoland elected of ficial to have b een d etained i nside the Broadview Detention facility amid the DHS’ Operation Mi dw ay Blitz to remind p eople at the meeting of the responsibilities they shared as neighbors.

“We really are neighbors in that room yesterday, tod ay, tomor row we ’r e goin g to c ontinue to be neighbors so the way that we eng age each other in the r oom is in that c ontext,” he said. “Knowing how the c ommunity has r esponded to other i ssues and my own personal issues and wh at I went through, the leve l of suppo rt that I rece ived, I wanted to highlight the p ositive r esponses tha t c ome in times that are dif ficult and how capable we are of responding in that way. ”

T he discussion was i ntense and emotional at times, with residents on b oth s ides referencing the experiences of f amily members living on one s ide of the pa rt ition b etween Israel and Gaza and the West Bank.

A ttendees in o pposition to p utting

the q uestion on the f all b allot said the q uestion was improperly wo rded sinc e it d oesn’t directly reference the 2015 state law, that approving it would needlessly divide Oak Pa rk and even sto ke antisemitism. Michael Zmora, an Israeli Oak Pa rker who said he’d previously wo rked on USAID f unded p eace projects c onnecting Palestinian, Lebanese, Jo rd anian and Israeli educator and youth, c riticized the measure saying that the q uestion was misleading.

“Practically speaking, the resolution in front of us is also misinfor mation,” he said. “No individual’s first amendment right to boyc ott the state of Israel is cu rrently infringed. T he c ampaigners b ehind this statewide ef fo rt kn ow that and have wo rded it to i ntentionally c onfuse the i ssue they actually care about, the reve r sal of an anti BDS bil l that p assed unanimously in 2015 wh ich cove rs p ension f und investments’ and the choice of c ompanies they may invest in. But a q uestion about p ension f und investment management choice s would not draw the numbers at the p olls so here we are. ”

Dima K halidi, a Palestinian Oak Pa rker and local first-amendment lawye r, said i nter national economic pressure on Israel is essential to ending the war and that the I llinois anti-boyc otting law violates freedom of speech.

“Voting no is telling me as a Palestini an that I should n’ t be allowe d to demand a ccountability and equal rights for my p eople and I reject that,” she said. “Israel is the only country that we are told we ’re not allowing to boyc ott, but it d oesn’t stop there, because n ow states are copying those bills and p assing laws that say, we ca n’ t avo id top fossil f uel c ompanies or ar ms c ompanies or c ompanies that do n’ t allow g ender affir ming care. This is a slippery slope. ”

It ’s now b een two-and-a-half years since the war in Gaza be g an, wh i le a fragile U. S .-bro ke red c easefire has been in place since last October

More than 71,000 Palestinians we re killed b etween Oct. 7, 2023 and Jan. 28 of this year, a ccording to Gaza’s Ministr y of Health. T he majority of those c asualties are b eli eved to be civilians, a ccording to Doctors Wi thout Borders.

Around 2,000 Israelis have b een killed since the star t of the war, a ccording to Tel Av iv Unive rsity’s I nstitute for National Security S tudie s. Most of that death toll c omes from civilian c asualties from Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attacks

Students plant cypress for sust ainability

A new bald cypress tree now graces the parkway on Jackson Avenue next to River Forest’s Roosevelt Middle School thanks to the ef for ts of the school’s sustainability club

Brittany Yelnick, the club faculty sponsor and school social worker, said her nine students in grades five through eight meet once per week at 7:30 a.m.

The new bald cypress – a hardy, large-scale deciduous conifer – was planted April 27 in conjunction with the River Forest public works and forestry de par tment, who spoke with the students about the village’s tree canopy and the intentional ef for ts the village takes to sustain it.

Once the tree was placed in the ground, the students used shovels to fill the area around the tree with dir t. They then added a tall ring of wood chips around the tree before dispensing 20 g allons of water using the village water truck.

“One of the things that the students wanted to do that would be long lasting was to plant a tree,” Yelnick said. “They have noticed over the years when trees around the school have been taken down. What better time than in the spring around Arbor Day? And River Forest is a community of trees.”

The students researched several trees that could be planted in the area that would thrive and be safe for

the bird and insect populations They reviewed each of the trees were possibilities and lear ned them, before the club voted on them.

The bald cypress won the v like most evergreens, it is “bald” cause it sheds its feathery needles winter In spring, bright yello needles grow and mature to a soft green.

The project had a distinct impact students.

“I think it is important to mak that everyone can have an awareness what they are doing,” said club ber Sebastian, an eighth grader if you don’t particularly care about environment, I think it is impor have an awareness of what’s going with our planet and what we do to it.”

Added fifth gr ader Hannah: lear ned that there is a lot more volved than I realized in p lanting tree co rrectly to protect it from sects.”

Roosevelt principal Tina S hopes the students retur n to visit tree long after they gr aduate.

“The new tree is a great example the meaningful ways the students our sustainability club c ontribute our school c ommunity at Roose she said. “I am gr ateful to them their leadership in making Roosevelt such a special p lace to lear n and grow.”

— Gregg Voss

OPRF investigates illicit videos of female students

Principal says an investigation is ongoing

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

According to two sources who asked to remain anonymous an Oak Park and River Forest High School student has alle gedly been taking videos or photo graphs of the buttocks of female students at the school and posting the videos on Tik Tok.

On Friday, May 1 the videoing of the female students became the talk of the school and one student was suspected of taking the videos. On Monday mor ning

OPRF Principal Lynda Parker sent a message to staf f war ning teachers of misinformation or incomplete information about who might have done it and asking them to tamp down discussion of the subject.

“Last week, the school was aler ted to an incident of female students being photographed/filmed in an inappropriate manner and without their consent,” Parker wrote in her message that was obtained by

Wednesday Jour nal. “The Deans are still working on this case Unfortunately, we are running into a lot of misinfor mation being shared publicly by those inside and outside of the building which is leading to a student and their family being targeted without re gard to due process.”

“In addition, if you hear any students speaking about this topic in your spaces and you need support addressing this, please reach out to any dean,” Parker wrote.

The Oak Park Police De par tment was made aware on Monday of the alle ged film-

ing or photo graphing and is conducting its own investigation.

“At this time it remains under investigation and OPPD is working to identify all involved parties who have re por ted to the police,” said Dan Yopchick, village government spokesman, in an email. “The school is also handling its own investigation inter nally.”

A spokesperson for OPRF, Karin Sullivan, said Tuesday mor ning in an email to the Jour nal, that the investigation was ongoing and the school did not have “anything to share at this time.”

GREGG VOSS

Roosevelt Sustainability Club plants Bald Cypress with River Forest Public Works on April 27.

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LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein - “Bad”): Identifies a protein that can cause plaque buildup in our arteries leading to a stroke and heart attack. Optimum number is less than 100 mg/dL, (under 70 for those with existing heart disease). Mine is 117.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein“Good”):  Identifies a protein that takes bad cholesterol from our blood and sends it to our liver for removal. Higher is better; 60 mg/dL or higher is best. Mine is 92.

Triglycerides: A form of fat we get from food. High levels increase stroke/heart attack risk. Ideal is less than 150 mg/dL. Mine is 77.

Total cholesterol -  ideal for adults is less than 200 mg/dL. Mine is 222.

With a total of 222, am I going to stroke out soon? How could the numbers have gotten so high when they were fine 10 years ago? How can my HDL and Triglycerides be in the optimal range while my LDL and Total are so high? Turns out, it is a mixture of good habits and bad luck. Exercise and eating right are keeping my HDL and Triglycerides at the optimal level. Which is great. Sadly, genetics, age, and being postmenopausal are impacting the LDL and Total numbers. We cannot outrun our DNA.

Some families just have high LDL via genetic makeup. Mostly, it can be controlled with diet and exercise. A very concerning genetic condition of LDL is Familial Hypercholesterolemia. It is diagnosed through an analysis of LDL

levels, family history, and other physical symptoms like yellow deposits around the eyes. This condition can cause high LDL at a very young age and often requires medication to control it.

I believe the main cause of my high cholesterol is menopause and loss of estrogen. I went through menopause early, thus an early loss of estrogen. Estrogen helps keep a woman’s blood vessels relaxed and cholesterol levels lower. After menopause, women’s total cholesterol numbers typically increase 10-15%. Not great.

So, what is to be done about high cholesterol? Nowadays just looking at the cholesterol numbers is not enough to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. Medical experts recommend a more nuanced understanding of cholesterol. Rather than a simple “high/low” number, we should look at the cumulative data over our lifetime.

One researcher said to think of it like compound interest — the longer you’re exposed to elevated cholesterol, even at levels previously considered “normal,” the more damage accumulates in your arteries.

That is why guidelines now recommend screening starting at age 19, with repeat testing every five years. The goal is to try to minimize lifetime exposure to the cholesterol particles that cause heart disease.

There are a couple of new tools for testing. PREVENT (Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Events) calculator is significantly more accurate than traditional testing. Plus, two biomarkers - apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein(a)provide far more information than LDL cholesterol alone.

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) measures the number of harmful cholesterol particles in our blood, not just the amount of cholesterol. We can have “normal” LDL cholesterol but still have too many particles that can damage

our arteries. ApoB tells us the residual risk once LDL levels are controlled. So even if we successfully manage our “bad cholesterol,” if our apoB is still high, we know we need to be more aggressive to achieve better protection. Research shows that apoB is particularly valuable in younger adults for identifying those who would benefit most from early intervention. Mine is 84 in the normal range but not great.

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] should be measured at least once in our lifetime. When elevated, this cholesterol particle increases heart disease risk by about 40%. There are no medications that directly lower Lp(a), but knowing it’s high lets you be more aggressive with the risk factors you can control — LDL, blood pressure, and lifestyle. Mine is 160 - in the high range. Luckily, I have low blood pressure and I have to keep up that exercise and healthy eating.

It also helps to look at our risk factors so our doctors can personalize our treatment. Those factors are family history, chronic inflammation, reproductive history, elevated lp(a) or apob levels, chronic kidney disease, persistently elevated LDL cholesterol or triglycerides, higher-risk ancestry.

The takeaway? We need to think about cholesterol prevention earlier and more thoughtfully, using better tools and a broader lens.

Estate planning works the same way.

Just as we shouldn’t wait for a health scare to act, we shouldn’t wait for a crisis to plan our estates. Basic documents like powers of attorney are essential for all adults. As life becomes more complex— homes, children, assets—so should our planning.

Better information leads to better decisions. Whether it’s your health or your estate planning, the goal is the same: act early and make things easier for yourself and your family. Create an estate plan today!

THERESA CLANCY Estate Planning Attorney

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OPRF placed on ‘hold’ a er three ghts during lunch period

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Multiple fights during lunchtime, April 30, at Oak Park and River Forest High School resulted in the school being placed in a “hold,” where students and teachers stay in whatever classroom they are in, for 43 minutes. Oak Park police were called but once officers arrived they were told their serv ices we re no longer needed

“The Oak Pa rk Police Department was c alled to OPRF High School on the morning of April 30 for a large fight that resulted in school administrators p lacin g the school on a lock down at the time,” said Dan Yo pchick, Oak Park ’s spokesperson, in an email. “Upon arrival, howeve r, school administrators stated to OPPD that they did not want any police services and that the incident would be handled i nternally. No a dditional info rm ation was provided to OPPD.”

In messages to teachers and parents

OPRF officials referred to what happened as a disturbance.

“The hold that was activated during 5th period was in response to several incidents that occurred in the South Cafeteria and Student Activities Center,” said the message that was sent to parents on April 30 by Olivia Schreiner, of the school’s communications team. The email was forwarded to Wednesday Journal. “There was a disturbance in the South Cafeteria during the 4th period. During the passing period, the incident flared again in the Student Activities Center causing us to initiate a hold.

“A separate and unrelated disturbance occur red during 5th period in the South Cafeteria while we were still working to manage the original incident. This prolonged the time of the hold significantly.”

Karin Sullivan, the school’s spokesperson, said 11 students were involved in the disturbances and that they will receive consequences aligned with the school’s Behavior Education Plan.

The Language and Music School

Established in Oak Park in 1994

Private lessons and tutoring for all ages, taught by experienced educators and professional artists in a historic Oak Park setting.

We offer:

• Music lessons: piano, guitar, drums, voice, strings, winds, and more

• World languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, and more

• Academic tutoring: Math, Language Arts, SAT/ACT preparation

• Flexible scheduling for children, teens, and adults

The school is also home to a K–12 microschool, offering a highly individualized educational environment, as featured on WGN Chicago’s Very Best Learn more at lmschool.com

This Mothe r’s Day, treat the amazing moms in our communit y to something as special as they are. Introducing our limited-time Golden Hug Latte — a comforting blend of vanilla, caramel, and a gentle hint of cinnamon, cra ed to feel like a warm embrace in ever y sip.

To all the mothers who ll our days w ith love, strength, and kindness — thank you. We’re g ratef ul for you today and every day.

Stop by, sip, and celebrate w ith us.

With love, Maria (Araceli) Loca Mocha Cafe

Healthy Minds Matter YOUR BEST LIFE with Lisa Capone

May is Mental Health Awareness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rest Well: Good sleep supports emotional balance and clear thinking

Mental health matters at every age

This May, take small steps each day to care for your mind you deserve it

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

BURNED BUILDING

Lost in the cour ts

from page 1

spections of the proper ty paint a picture of blatant safety violations and squali d c onditions for residents that f estered for years wh i le the village sought c our t pe rmission to intervene.

The county court system has still not provided quick relief to the village even after the fire left the three-story building in ruins, as Oak Park attor neys have spent months seeking county court approval to knock down what remains of the structure.

First responders from the Oak Park Fire Department and other neighboring departments responded to the structure fire at 1239 N. Taylor Ave. at approximately 8:57 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, battling the flames through the night for 10 hours straight, with firefighters remaining on scene the following day to manage “spot fires” that continued to burn on the property. No one was injured during the response, which required 4 million gallons of water, according to a Feb. 20 court filing from village attorneys.

The central stairway, the third floor and the roof of the building were completely destroyed in the fire, leaving the building vulnerable to collapse, according to court filings.

The building was unoccupied at the time of the fire after the village had obtained a court order to clear the building of its occupants earlier that month. The official cause of the fire is still undeter mined, according to the Oak Park Fire Department.

said in a statement following the fire. “The village followed a process of progressive enforcement through ticketing and local adjudication. As it became clear that the property owner was not improving the building in response to ticketing, the village began working through the Circuit Court systems to compel the owner to improve the property Additionally, in the Circuit Court, the village asked for and received an administrative search warrant, limited nuisance abatement authority and appointment of a receiver.”

The village filed an “emergency motion” on Feb. 20 seeking a Cook County judge’ s permission to knock the building down, citing danger to the health and safety of residents if the building was allowed to stand in its post-fire condition. But no judge has given that order, as the case was moved from Cook County’s chancery court to the county’s housing division.

in alter native authorize the village to demolish the structure and assess and lien costs to the subject property.”

A case management hearing in the case is set for June 1, according to court records. The village erected a large perimeter fence around the building and the adjacent sidewalks and street parking lanes as it waits for permission to demolish the structure.

Neighbors in the vicinity of the building are concer ned about the impact that the continued presence of the bur ned building may have on safety and economic activity in the area, according to Judith Alexander, cofounder of the North Avenue District.

“Having those kinds of structures for long periods of time, they drag the district down, they make it much harder to recruit other businesses to vacancies, or developers to build on what little vacant land we have,” Alexander said. “It just looks terrible It looks like a neglected district, and to some degree, it is.”

The multi-story mixed-use apartment building had 26 residential units and seven spaces designed for commercial tenants, according to court records. It’s owned by Sameer Chhabria, an attor ney with offices in Downtown Chicago and in north suburban Riverwoods.

Chhabria has not yet responded to Wednesday Jour nal’s request for comment this week.

The village had been in court with the building’s owner for much of the prior two years after village inspections uncovered a variety of health and safety issues at the complex including rampant squatting, long periods without hot water access, raw sewage leakage and a long out-of-date water heater, according to county court records.

“Village staff documented deteriorating building conditions through its Code Compliance, Fire, Health, and other inspection functions from 2023 onward,” Oak Park officials

“The judge presiding over the case felt that the motion should be heard in housing court and not in the Chancery Department in which her courtroom was located,” the village said in a statement. “The village then filed a motion to transfer the case to housing court in the Fourth Municipal District, which was granted on March 11, and the transfer was only completed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the last week or so.”

The village filed a new emergency motion on April 16 again seeking permission to knock the building down.

“The village and the public will suffer irreparable har m should the conditions at the subject property continue to exist, and the village has no other adequate remedy at law,” village attor neys wrote in the latest filing. “It is in the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare for this court to issue injunctive relief in favor of the village and against defendants, including but not limited to requiring Sameer Chhabria and U.S. Bank, joint and several, to demolish the building or

“Once you’ve got a problem, it remains a problem for a long time in Cook County, unfortunately.”

Alexander also said that the safety fence has limited the view of oncoming traffic for drivers tur ning east on North Avenue from Taylor Avenue

Chhabria told Wednesday Jour nal in a brief interview in February that the persistent issues with squatters were responsible for the property’s downward spiral. He couldn’t say when those issues had started but said that the squatters’ presence had kept tradespeople from completing needed work on the property, as some contractors refused to work on the building because of it, he said.

Some of the violations found in those inspections remained in place through several months of village litigation, according to legal records. The village of Oak Park obtained a court order in September granting permission for village contractors to make repairs to the property, including installing new fire extinguishers and smoke alar ms

A November fire inspection showed even more worrying issues at the property, including a broken pipe where “wastewater was flowing freely” from the ceiling in the basement just outside the boiler room. The inspection also found open electric boxes throughout the building, stairwells and exit ways blocked with piles of abandoned furniture and “daisy chained” extension cords running from unit to unit powering rooms.

He blamed the issues at the property on poor management by the people he’d hired but he couldn’t specify a time when it all took a tur n for the worse.

“It got out of hand,” he said.

COURTESY OF VILL AG E OF OAK PARK

Olympians wow students at River Forest’s Lincoln School

OPRF graduate Lehman talks about his Olympic skating experiences

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

It’s almost never that a United States Olympian visits a school in the Oak Park and River Forest area.

That changed April 28 when Olympic speedskaters Emery Lehman, who is from Oak Park, and Floridian Mia Manganello stopped by Lincoln Elementary School in River Forest to discuss their careers and experiences.

Students by and large characterized their feelings about meeting these two American heroes as not only cool and exciting, but surprising. Why?

“I’ve never met an Olympian before,” said third-grader Flynn, a student in teacher Jane McCole’s room, who orchestrated the duo’s visit since she knows Lehman’s mother

But make no mistake. The students we strongly impacted by the 30-minute visit the school’s auditorium, where Lehman and Manganello dished on how they started skating and how they improved over time.

“They told us that to have your dream come true you have to really work hard on it,” sai third-grader Logan.

Added his classmate Saroj: “Mia said she started rollerblading, so you don’t alwa have to know how you skate before you star speedskating.”

Lehman, who represented the U.S. at the 2014, 2018, 2022 and most recently the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, won the silver medal in the men’s speedskating Team Pursuit event. He showed photos of himself at his various Olympic stops, injecting humor into his presentation.

“This is when I left for the Sochi Olym pics,” he said of one photo of the 2014 Games “You guys remember how old I was?”

A chorus of students shouted, “Seventeen.

“Do I look 17 there?” he joked. “Do I still look 17?”

Laughter followed.

Olympic Speed Skating medalists Emery Lehman and Mia Manganello (center) with Director of Communica tions Stephanie Rath, Assistant Principal Jenn Pasia, 3rd grade teacher Jane McCole (at le ) and Principal Casey Godfrey (at right) with Ms. McCole’s class at River Forest Lincoln Elementary School

adding a long list , including China, Japan, Ger many, Manganello add-

skating is a full-time job seven days of the day, so anywhere hours,” she said. become our great family.”

anello’s visit came es to invite guests themes students are

nonfiction reading unit ead books about famous individuals,” McCole said, listing off luminaries like artist Tyrus Wong, fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli and dancer and choreographer Ayodele Casel.

Here’s another novel student question for Lehman, who started skating as a youth at Ridgeland Common.

How fast do speedskaters go?

“The fastest skaters in the world, not necessarily us, but the fastest sprinters, we’re more distance skaters, people that do the short distances, they can go up to 37 miles an hour,” Lehman said. “It’s pretty crazy.”

And how many different places has he competed?

“We get to go all these different rinks, so I think I’ve skated at 30 different ovals all over

“Now our students get to meet in real life, hear about what it takes to compete at the Olympic level, not once but four times in Emery’s case, and ask questions of two people who are truly outstanding in their field,” she said. “We have to invite the outside world into our schools.”

McCole’s students also wondered about what it’s like to be famous and got a sur prising response.

“They kind of said they aren’t actually famous,” Saroj said, “but I don’t really believe that. I thought they were.”

TODD BANNOR

Olympic Speed Skating medalists Mia Manganello and Oak Park native Emer y Lehman speak to students at River Forest Lincoln Elementary School on April 29.

TODD BANNOR

Lehman shows his medals to stude nts.

TODD BANNOR

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Journal’s Inside Scoop celebrates moms

In anticipation of Mother’s Day this Sunday, Wednesday Jour nal and the Forest Park Review rolled out our second Inside Scoop event on May 3 at Robert’s Westside in Forest Park

The festivities included a comedy set by Emily Ramire z, the owner of BABS Comedy Club, music by the Riot Sisters from School of Rock, useful and fun advice from the Collaboration for Early Childhood and Play It Ag ain Spor ts and mom-themed music trivia of fered up by Donnie Biggins, proprietor of Robert’s Westside

Chris Hauri, a member of the Jour nal’s volunteer event committee emceed the after noon event.

Keep your ears open as Inside Scoop #3 will be coming.

Comedy Club ow ner comidienne Emily Ramirez performs at Inside Scoop

Riot Sisters perform a musical act (above) while attendees look on, at the Inside Scoop event at Robert’s Westside on May 3..

BABS

PHOTO S BY TODD BANNOR

SCREEN TIME

Change has already begun from page 1

and better suppor t our teachers to do what they do best, to teach each and every one of the kids in their classrooms, not manage devices,” said Keri Lucas. She’s the mother of a kindergar tener and fourth grader at Mann School as well as a freshman at Oak Park and River Forest High School and spoke at the April 28 school board meeting

In District 97 elementary schools all students, including kindergartners, are given iPads while middle school students are given Chromebooks. District 97 rolled out its oneto-one program in the 2014-15 school year but at that time only third through fifth graders were given iPads. But iPads were given to kindergartners through second grades during the pandemic 2020-21 school year, a policy that remains in effect

Parents who are actively trying to limit or prohibit screen time at home for their young children object to students being expected to take their device home most every day. They say their ef forts to create a digital device free home are being undermined

“The school tablet coming home creates an incursion and an unwanted device in our home,” said Hillary Spencer, the mother of a Hatch School first grader “We put it away but it creates an extra step.”

Lauren Johnson, the mother of two boys, a fifth grader and third grader who attend Lincoln School, created the organization ScreenSenseOakPark which started the petition. Johnson says the iPads her sons have get in the way of the nor mal activities of childhood

“Students are not allowed to stay and play on the playground after school because, we have been told, they need to take their bags home so that their iPads don’t get stolen,” Johnson said.

Amanda Crockett, the mother of a kindergartner at Irving School, said she was surprised by how much time her kindergartner spends on his iPad at school.

“The amount of screen time my five year old gets at school has been incredibly disappointing,” Crockett said at the April 28 school board meeting.

“He gets excited about music class not because what he is lear ning about music but because he gets to watch YouTube,” Crockett said. “He doesn’t watch YouTube at home.” Crockett, who noted the irony that during her public comment she was referring to notes written on her smart phone, said that

too many videos are used in her son’s kindergarten class

“Why are videos being used instead of human contact, when there’s so much research that shows human contact is where kids thrive,” Crockett said.

Recently published books such as The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonanthan Haidt have raised serious concer ns about the impact of children’s use of digital devices

“The research in this area is clear,” Brenna Connor, the mother of a Mann School first grader, said in a public comment at the April 14 school board meeting. “Excessive screen

policy which has disappointed Connor’s daughter who does not know her mother was behind the change.

Susan Mura, the principal of Irving School, has also recently notified parents of a change in policy.

“While these devices are powerful tools, we believe it is our collective responsibility to help students develop healthy technology habits. To support this, we are refining our expectations regarding when devices are used. Starting Monday, iPads are to be used only with explicit teacher permission. This means students should not be using their iPads during free time or indoor recess. Additionally, during “transition times” (such

Hillar y Spencer, parent of a stude nt at Hatch School, speaks in favor of more limits on screen time and against devices, at the April 28 District 97 school board meeting.

Johnson and Connor and some other parents have spoken directly to teachers, principals and administrators about their concerns. They would like District 97, as a first step, to adopt an opt-in policy where families would have to opt in to allow their student to have an individual device to take home.

“This is something that we are looking at and I would say right now, more information to come for what that looks like in 26-27,” said D97’s Arensdorff, who has met with some of the concer ned parents

Principals at Mann and Irving Schools have already taken action to limit screen time in response to parental concer ns. Conner asked that students not be allowed to use their iPad during free time or indoor recess and Mann School Principal Hussain Ali has, according to Connor, implemented that new

I think we’re going to have some really nice ongoing collaboration.”

Connor agreed

“I’m optimistic that there can be some meaningful changes made for some of these use cases where children are using these devices what it’s not connected to lear ning,” Connor said. “There’s a real opportunity loss for that time when they could be engaging in peer to peer social interaction, they could be reading a physical book, they could be, depending on the grade level, writing a story or practicing their handwriting and these activities are much more meaningful and much more enriching than time spent on a gamified app that’s just giving them a quick dopamine hit.”

Johnson said while some in ScreenSenseOakPark would like to eliminate digital devices from elementary schools that is not their ask right now. She said there are a variety of views among those involved in ScreenSenseOakPark, an organization that she created in the last two months.

“We’re using these devices for a purpose and we’re very specific on the use that they have,” Arensdorff said. “Can we continue to get better and improve, yes we can.”

Alexis Blum, an art teacher at Percy Julian Middle School and a District 97 parent, says she experiences the challenges of kids and digital devices all day.

“I’ve been fighting this iPad battle and cellphones in the middle schools for years and I don’t know why,” Blum said during her public comment at the April 28 school board meeting. “I just don’t understand. I’ve never seen any research or data, anywhere, that says these things are good for lear ning.”

During a brief board discussion on the subject later in the meeting District 97 school board vice-president Jung Kim disagreed with that assessment.

our students stay present and engaged with one another.”

Amanda Siegfried, District 97’s spokesperson, said she and other district officials have been impressed by the knowledge and thoroughness of the parents who have raised issues about screen time and devices.

“We think all concer ns are valid,” Siegfried said. “We really appreciate the thoughtful feedback.”

Johnson is happy district officials are taking the concer ns seriously.

“I think they’ve been extremely collaborative,” Johnson said. “I think it’s been really positive that they’ve been excited to share with us some of the changes that they already had in the works, they’ve been receptive to hearing about what our goals and priorities are as a community organization.

“I cringe when people say there is no educational advantage to technology, that’s not true for people with disabilities,” Kim said.

Those pushing for limits on screen time say they recognize some students with disabilities can benefit from a device and say they are not trying to limit that and they support flexibility and exceptions in any policy.

Blum, like many of the other parents who spoke, says she tries to keep her home as screen free as she can for her kids but said it’s very hard with her two children who attend Whittier bringing home their school issued iPads every day.

“I’m fighting cell phones all day at my job, I’m fighting Chromebooks at my job and when I go home I have to battle my kids with a device I would have never bought them,” Blum said.

BOB SKOLNIK

SMALL BITES

Mother, may I?

Will month of Mother’s Day have challenging weather? Stay warm? Cool o ? Either way, plenty of restaurant options

Did you ever play “Mother, may I?” It’s the same idea as “Simon Sa I feel like I need to Mother Nature’s mission every time I choose an outfit these days Wi be near 80 de grees or 40?

I eat al fresco, or do I need co zy hot drink? Either here are some highlights the warming month.

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Taglio, 809 South Blvd in Oak Park, has opened its doors Roman-style pizza is sold by the slice or by the pie and six dif ferent focaccia sandwiches are on of fer too.

Friday, May 8 Scratch Public House, 7505 Madison St. in Forest Park, is hosting an “In Bed by 10 p.m. 80s Dance Ritual” par ty with a live DJ, unlimited bar and there’s pizza, so that makes it food news Tickets/wristbands are $40.

The Forest Park Kiwanis Club is hosting a pasta dinner in conjunction with Piacere Mio on May 9, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd. in Forest Park. You choose from three types of pasta, Italian sausage, salad, bread, dessert and more. There will be live enter tainment from The Brothers Sinatra and raf fle prizes. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and children.

For those who loved Forest Park’s depar ted farm-to-table restaurant The Heritage, check out its chef, Sieger Bayer, this spring on “Top Chef ” season 23. As of now there is some mystery about his elimination on e pisode 6 and why he wasn’t seen in “Last Chance Kitchen.” I suppose we’ ll have to keep watching to find out. Don’t forg et Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10. So many beautiful brunch options abound in Oak Park Hemmingway’s, Crepas Culichi, Maya Del Sol; in Forest Park Charlie’s Restaurant, Fat Duck Taver n, Rhythm & Blues Cafe. And how could we not mention Mother’s Day Restaurant in Nor th Riverside!

Amerikas, 734 Lake St. rk, Chef Ar mando z and his team will be clearing out the restaurant to make space for music (and dancing if you like) on , star ting on May 17, m. to 7 p.m. Along with the tunes they will be serving specialty tacos, with both meat and ve getarian options, along with $12 me zcal and tequila marg aritas, and palomas

Memorial Day, on Monday, May 25, is the traditional star t of summer Keep the reason for the holiday front and center with the 101st annual River Forest Memorial Day Parade, Picnic and Business Bash. Watch the parade that starts at 9:30 a.m.,

Slice options at the just opened Taglio

star ting at Iowa and Ashland Streets and ends in Keystone Park, 7920 Central Ave.

An honor roll ceremony in the park is paired with a free hot dog lunch. Food trucks will also be on hand.

What’s Blooming on Har rison takes over Harrison Street in the Oak Park Ar ts District from Humphrey Avenue to Ridgeland Avenue on May 30 star ting at 11 a.m.

Ar tists, crafters and makers booths share the street with food vendors, live music and a huge children’s carnival. Babygold BBQ and FitzGerald’s host a beer garden and Anfora Wine Merchants host a wine garden. Vendors go until 7 p.m. and the music rocks until 9 p.m.

Continue to welcome summer on Sun-

day, May 31, on FitzGerald’s patio, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road. in Berwyn, summer gets a war m welcome with a Hawaiian luau. Babygold is taking care of the tropical pig roast with fried dir ty rice and Chef Steve’s Hawaiian hot sauce. Authentic Hawaiian dancing by The Barefoot Hawaiian, including fire dancers!

Want to write for Eats? We are looking for food-oriented, word-loving writers to help cov er the tasty happenings in Austin, Brookfield, Forest Park, Oak Park, and Ri verside. Email the address below to find out more.

Got news, questions or ideas for this column? Email them to us at Eats@oakparkeats.com.

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

SASHA ISRAEL/BRAVO

Sieger Bayer, formerly of e Heritage, on Top Chef

CRIME

Oak Park police investigate car crash-gas station robber y

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park police are investigating an incident where robbers re por tedly rammed their vehicle through the front window of a local g as station in order to steal an ATM.

Four men were inside a Jeep that was rammed re peatedly into the front window of the Shell gas station in the first block of Har rison Street at Austin Boulevard until the car broke through the window. The suspects then entered the g as station and removed its ATM, according to Oak Park police records

The suspects then fled the scene in a black Dodge Charger. The incident oc-

GREENHOUSE

Good Earth II

from page 4

T he retail space will house that will of fer produce and products from local far mer owners said.

T he Galewood location similarly to Good Ear th Greenhouse 7900 Madison St. in Rive r features a similar setup including d en center, florist and cafe, business o ers said. T he store re g ularly c elebrating the s pring equinox, puppy day and Ear th Day.

Galewood neighbors c an um q uality p lants, annuals and great service” at the management said.

“We’ re all about c ommunity Ear th manager Re g an Cronin neighborhood meeting announcing new store Saturday. “Our [about] making things look g ood, so presentation is ke y. We want to bring b eauty to a spot that’s been vacant for year s. ”

cur red shor tly after 5 a.m. Thursday April 30, according to police records

The damages and loss caused by the incident was unknown at the time of the police de par tment’s re port, according to police records.

Assault on o cer arrest

Police ar rested a Chicago teen accused of battering an Oak Park police of ficer and other of fenses over the weekend

Police ar rested the 19-year-old in the 900 block of Nor th Harvey Avenue shor tly before 2:40 a.m. Saturday, May 2. He was charged with aggravated battery to a peace of ficer, resisting ar rest and obstructing

identification, according to police records.

Robber y incident

Three men appearing to be ar med with guns approached the victim as she entered her residence in the first block of Washington Boulevard before forcing her inside just before midnight on April 24. The offenders took the victim’s Apple iPhone 12 from her hand, and then removed her wallet, her Apple MacBook pro, her Samsung tablet, and a g aming computer from her apar tment before fleeing the residence, according to police records

Oak Park of ficers later found the victim’s cell phone in Chicago. Police located

the rest of the stolen property and several re plica firear ms in the vestibule of the victim’s building, according to police

No loss or property damage was recorded in the incident, according to police

These items were obtained from Oak Park’s Police De partment re ports dated April 28 – May 3 and re present a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these re ports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We re port the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police hav e provided us with a detailed a description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

A rendering of Good Earth in Galewood at 1933 N. Harlem Ave.

PROVIDED/HAGUE ARCHITECTURE

ry aspect of our business that we have the p ast five g enerations building” to the Harlem Avenue location. ust, a five - stor y, market-rate rentbuilding was proposed by N oah Propand would have brought around tments to the site, but these p lans met with overwhelming o pposition ommunity members and nixed by Chris Taliafer ro (29th). A car wash proposed for the location in 2023 r move d forward, a ccording to ustin Weekly re po rt Ear th is in the process of seeking change to operate at the location, measure Taliafer ro said he would supthe meantime, store of ficials are for a pe rm it to set up a pop-up enter at the site for this cu rrent rden season.

Good Ear th was i ntentional in c oming to the Galewood area d ue to i ts many neighbors who are i nterested in ga rdening. Seve r al neighbors at the meeting reco gnized the business from patronizing the Rive r Fo rest location, Cronin said.

“L ove the neighborhood. It ’s fabulous. It ’s g ot great p eople living here, b eautif ul homes and p eople who li ke to ga rden, who li ke markets,” Cronin said. “We [are bringing] a cafe and a food market there, so we have a good place for neighborhood gatherings.”

T he f amily business was star ted by Cronin’s great gr andfather, who opened T he Egg S tore in B ridg ep or t, wh ich operated for more than 80 years before closing around 2010, she said.

S tore of ficials said they want to “ brin g

aliafer ro said he is excited about Good s presence in the neighborhood think this is a great o ppor tunity, not j ust for the ward, but for the i mmediate neighborhood it sits in,” Taliafer ro said. “We have to have a v ibrant ward and that helps to sustain our c ommunity We ’re taking proper ties that have b een vacant for a long time and j ust t rying to bring the right fit for our ward. ” Fo r more info rm ation on Good Ear th, visit the business’ website

Designing duo build partnership

riends join forces to form Curated Interiors Collaborative

By LACE Y SIKORA Real Estate Reporter

ny Dusina and Mallory Slesser met in design in Chicago, and the two quickly became friends. In fact, they bonded so muc h that Tif fany was there for the th of Mallory’s daughter. The two ke pt in touch when change for Dusina’s husband took her to Singapore. Dusina retur ned to the Oak Park area, Slesser had proposal to expand their relationship to the professional side of things lesser recalls, “ Tif fa ny had c ome back from Sin, and I had grown my business so much that I needed a par tner.”

ealtor for Baird & War ner in Oak Park, Slesshad b een operating a d esign fir m on her own. Wi th

A kitchen project Curated Interiors has worked on in Oak Park.

Dusina on b oard, the two rebranded and for med Curated I nteriors C ollaborative this year

This s pring, they made things really of ficial and opened up a d esign studio at 1111 Chicago Avenue in Oak Pa rk . T hey may j ust be g etting star ted, but they are already hard at wo rk redesigning the shared lobby space and the two of fic e bathrooms in their new building.

Dusina, who lives in Berwyn, noted that there we re some practical c onsiderations b ehind their choice to open a studio right of f the bat. “I b ought a fixer-upper house, and wo rk ing from home was almost impossibl e, ” she laughs.

S he and S lesser really wanted the oppor tunity to invite clients i nto a neutral spot for presentations and meetings Dusina c ame i nto the par tnershi p with a cabinet line relationship. Rather than lugging around cabinet d oor s, tile samples and fabric sw atches, the two now have everything at their fingert ips when clients come to review plans.

As S lesser says, if a fabric or wallpaper is not to a client’s taste, it ’s much easier to go i nto a sample l ibrary during the meeting and find an alter native Wo rk ing as a team, the pair are able to of fer c omprehensive d esign packages to clients. A big pa rt of their wo rk is demyst ifying the d esign process for clients and making it easy to g et pricing estimates up front.

During initial c onsults, they brin g along a trusted c ontractor who c an b all-

pa rk construction c osts, and Curated Interiors Co c an also provide a d esign estimate. This early c onsultation not only provides helpful budg et numbers but also lets clients know wh at kind of work is or isn’t possible in their home.

Slesser says, “You’ re g etting a holisti c view of wh at the entire process looks li ke. You see it from ideation to fruition.”

Dusina c an do all of the p lanning drawing s, cabinet d esign s, electrical layouts and c onstruction p lans, saving clients on architect f ees. Clients are welc ome to wo rk with their c ontractor or the c ontractor of their choice.

Fo r clients who are not i nterested in c onstruction, the fir m also will do wh at they c all “soft g ood” c onsultations, in wh ich the focus is on fu rn i ture, lighting and color choices.

T hey are finding lots of work in the Oak Park and River Forest area’s older homes and will also work remotely. A recent project featured a bathroom make-

over in Long Beach, Indiana.

An active Instagram account, https:// www.instagram.com/curated_interiors_co llab?igsh=MTdsNTV2djhpMTZsYg%3D %3D&utm_source=qr highlights their work. Slesser and Dusina say that beyond social media, marketing themselves tends to happen very org anically -- from word of mouth at school pick-up and spor ting events

Working to gether has been a dream come true for the pair. Dusina said, “She knows what my strengths are, and I know hers. I’m not the social extrover t.”

Slesser chimes in, “And I don’t love spreadsheets.”

As they settle into their new of fice space, the pair are already taking advantage of the proximity to Broken Tart bakery across the street and love having a central spot to grow their business.

Slesser sums it up, “Our business is hyper-local, which I love. It’s a testament to building a brand here.”

CURATED INTERIORS COLLABORATIVE

Light and open space highlight work by Curated Interiors.

CURATED INTERIORS COLLABORATIVE

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Wired Wisdom: How to Age Better Online

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Wired Wisdom provides a surprisi the online lives of people sixty an essential insights, no matter one ’s opening book on the internet ’s fa demographic, John Palfrey and c Hargittai paint a more nuanced pi common myths about older adult presenting hope and a necessary book provides practical advice an stereotypes can be hurdles that k building intergenerational- suppor helping loved ones adopt new tec improve their lives, and thriving t

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Wired Wisdom provides a surprising window the online lives of people sixty and over off essential insights, no matter one ’s age. In the opening book on the internet ’s fastest-growi demographic, John Palfrey and coauthor Es Hargittai paint a more nuanced picture— deb common myths about older adults’ internet presenting hope and a necessary call to actio book provides practical advice and show s th stereotypes can be hurdles that keep us from building intergenerational- support commun helping loved ones adopt new technology that may improve their lives, and thriving together online.

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Wired Wisdom provides a surprising window into the online lives of people sixty and over offering essential insights, no matter one ’s age. In their eye opening book on the internet ’s fastest-growing demographic, John Palfrey and coauthor Eszter Hargittai paint a more nuanced picture debunkin common myths about older adults’ internet use, presenting hope and a necessary call to action. The book provides practical advice and show s that our stereotypes can be hurdles that keep us from building intergenerational- support communities, helping loved ones adopt new technology that may improve their lives, and thriving together online.

Wired Wisdom provides a surprising window into the online lives of people sixty and over offering essential insights, no matter one ’s age. In their eye opening book on the internet ’s fastest-growing demographic, John Palfrey and coauthor Eszter Hargittai paint a more nuanced picture debunkin common myths about older adults’ internet use, presenting hope and a necessary call to action. Th book provides practical advice and show s that our stereotypes can be hurdles that keep us from building intergen i l i i helping loved one ay improve their live

April 7, 2

Wired Wisdom provides a surprising window into the online lives of people sixty and over offering essential insights, no matter one ’s age. In their eye opening book on the internet ’s fastest-growing demographic, John Palfrey and coauthor Eszter Hargittai paint a more nuanced picture debunkin common myths about older adults’ internet use, presenting hope and a necessary call to action. The book provides practical advice and show s that our stereotypes can be hurdles that keep us from building intergenerational- support communities, helping loved ones adopt new technology that may improve their l e

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Wired Wisdom provides a surprising windo the online lives of people sixty and over— o essential insights, no matter one ’s age. In t opening book on the internet ’s fastest-gro demographic, John Palfrey and coauthor Hargittai paint a more nuanced picture de common myths about older adults’ interne presenting hope and a necessary call to ac book provides practical advice and show s that our stereotypes can be hurdles that keep us from building intergenerational- support communities, helping loved ones adopt new technology that may improve their lives, and thriving together online.

Wired Wisdom provides a surp the online lives of people sixty essential insights, no matter on opening book on the internet ’s demographic, John Palfrey and Hargittai paint a more nuanced common myths about older ad presenting hope and a necessa book provides practical advice stereotypes can be hurdles tha building intergenerational- supp helping loved ones adopt new improve their lives, and thrivin

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VIEWPOINTS

C ONSCIOUS A GING is ‘dog’ just learned a new ‘trick’

Recently I wrote about how it’s OK to wear glasses or hearing aids, but if you use a cane or have gray hair or wrinkles, then you appear to be damaged goods.

Appearances are not always what they seem.

As springtime haltingly unfolds these days, I noticed a bird sitting on the wooden edge of a raised bed in my backyard. The sudden motion of one wing caught my eye and I kept watching. Silly me, after several minutes I realized it wasn’t a bird wing, it was a single leaf blowing quietly in the sporadic wind

MARC BLESOFF

A bit later, I saw a bird on the telephone pole behind my house. Again, that one wing caught my eye, so I kept watching. And eventually, again, I realized it was a leaf not a bird wing. I’ve never made that kind of mistake before. I could use a dose of humility about my quick judgments based on appearances

About six weeks ago, a friend emailed me an online recording with lyrics of a blues song by Eddie Dalton titled, “Another Day Old.” I was blown away by the music and the lyrics and the singing. In college, I was a disc jockey and my weekly show was named “The Blues Bag.” Hearing the Eddie Dalton song instantly transported me back to 1970, when B.B. King performed at my school, and I got to hang out with him.

Dalton’s voice and guitar were impressive, and his lyrics made my eyes tear up a bit. I never expected to hear a conscious-aging blues song. But there it was! Here’s an excerpt from verse 2: I used to think youth was the place to stay

Like the best of life might fade away

But the older I get, the more it shows

Not everyone gets the chance to grow old

Barack Obama Rally in Grant Park, Nov. 4, 2008

In January 2026, a Gallup poll found that 45% of U.S. adults identify as “independent” voters, an all-time high, up from 43% the year prior.

The remaining respondents who identified as having a party affiliation were split equally between Democrats and Republicans at 27% apiece.

I immediately started sharing this YouTube song with all the people who I knew would appreciate it. And I started to research Eddie Dalton online Who was this guy? I’d never even heard of him before. Tur ns out he is a gray-haired, soulful blues singer with 1.4 million YouTube views, 230,000 Facebook followers, three songs simultaneously in the iTunes top 10, an album sitting at number three on the iTunes Top Albums chart, and a number one single in both the United States and the United Kingdom. And … tur ns out Eddie Dalton does not even exist. He is a total fiction. Every element of him — his voice, his face, his persona, his music, his pictures, his lyrics — was generated by Artificial Intelligence. That’s right, AI. There is no Eddie Dalton. What the f …?

So once again, my assessment and judgment were way off. And I’ve never made that kind of mistake before. Guess there’s a first time for everything I’ll never forget this one. Another example of how the ageist phrase “can’t teach an old dog new tricks” was always wrong and still is wrong.

Yes, appearances can be deceiving. And a lot of us will be lear ning some new AI “tricks” in our unfolding lives.

Nearly half of those polled did not believe their political views aligned with either the Democrats or the Republicans. It is independent voters, and not those committed to the right or left “no matter what,” who decide elections

What caused this continuing shift away from the traditional political parties? My personal belief is that adults have grown weary of the fact that both the Democrats and the Republicans are bludgeoning voters with hatred.

It’s not hard to identify the hatred coming from the right. One need look no further than the brutal and sometimes random enforcement of immigration laws, or the irreverence placed on addressing the obvious science of global war ming, to see that Republicans are not at all pleased with the immutable progress being made in and by the United

States, and will impose any pain to tur n back the clock.

But what of Democrats? Do you believe they are incapable of selling unhinged hatred, since their sole mission in life seems to be to oppose the hatred manifested by Republicans?

Listen closely to what Democratic leaders are telling you. Not the substance of what they’re hating, but the tone of the comments, shouting down and dehumanizing anyone who dares to disagree, throwing around such labels as “Nazis,” “Fascists,” and “garbage.”

Democrats scrawl hand-drawn messages, proudly proclaiming their hatred of Trump during their march around our public parks, often sprinkling their signs with profanity to convey their full sense of hatred, children in attendance be damned

I do not believe that independent voters are swayed by hatred, however loudly or profanely it is shouted. I believe they are tired of non-stop hatred from the extremes of both political parties, and

Rules for the ad West Sub is personal

Afew weeks back there was a quickly organized meeting held at the Oak Pa rk library to figure out what role community members from the West Side and Oak Park could play in salvaging West Suburban Hospital.

I re por ted on it at the time: Palpable energy, deep frustration, and distrust of the failed leadership of Manoj Prasad, the CEO of Resilience Health. Anger. And then some good thinking from people representing multiple constituencies – dislodged staf f, activists, public-health pros

Now the fight for West Sub heads to a Cook County cour t hearing for the first time this Friday. It will be Prasad vs. Patlola er Reddy Patlola, CEO of Ramco Holdings). And it promises to be a mess as Patlola, the owner of all the property and buildings that make up West Sub and the also shuttered Weiss Memorial in Uptown, about the obvious mismanagean already teetering institution, tions of fraud and profound doubts that either of these men have the genuine interests of our communities at hear t.

I go back, though, to the library meeting ted, as do so many community , with introductions from the 75-plus people crowded into the first floor meeting room at the main library

More than the smar ts and the passion that quickly became clear, I was taken with how many of these people spoke first about their personal connections to this once-vital health-care institution. “My baby was born here,” was the most common introduction. A fiery Tara Stamps, our local Cook County commissioner, star ted hot with condemnation of first Prasad and then of state re gulatory agencies, which have clearly failed. But then she be g an to talk about her uncle and the gentle care he received at West Sub over a stretch of time

Put me in mind of the Haley family’s West Sub connections over decades. It is where my dad died 30 years ago. Middle of the night. Frank Haley’s three sons with him. Moving quickly toward his death, fighting for a breath, seeming a bit of panic rising. And Annie, his nurse, with our grateful consent shifting from intervention to palliative care. An increase in pain meds. Lights tur ned low. And within a couple of hours a gentle death.

Our 2-year-old son also made a panicked visit to the old and crappy ER when he got into his grandmother’s hear t meds while seemingly taking a nap. He was slipping away from us when we got to West Sub. But wonderful care in that cramped ER and a rapid transfer to Loyola brought him back around.

Connections to a community hospital are profound.

The unraveling of this hospital has been underway for decades. A half do zen changes in ownership tells you that bad decisions were made, that disinvestment has been baked into the operation. That West Sub wound up in the hands of such non-capitalized amateurs makes clear how dire this circumstance had become.

But the fight to save West Sub is going to be hard, seems unlikely that either Prasad or Patlola are part of the solution, and the ef fort to keep this from being a pure real estate play by Patlola may be impossible. Community activism seems a long shot but is, maybe, the best hope.

During the Great Avenue Deconstruction of 2026, I ha a streetside seat to observ the impact on drivers head ing east and west on Pleasant Street.

It’s a great laboratory for observing human nature.

With north-south traf fic completely shut down for several blocks on Oak Park Avenue, you might think the rules of the road would chang some it has, but not for others traf fic lights at Oak Park and Pleasant are basically irrelevant, except for passing pedestrians and the occasional work truck scooting across the intersection. We would probably be better of f changing the light to blinking red.

TRAINOR

Some drivers completely disre gard the red light as they continue east or west. Others dutifully stop and wait for the light to tur n green. Though Pleasant is nar rower than most east-west streets, it is heavily traf ficked even in nor mal times, especially during rush hours as drivers seek shor tcuts through this part of town. Increasing traf fic flow would be a boon. But in the cur rent situation, cars logjam on both sides. Which raises interesting questions. Are you a strict rule-follower by nature, or do you make exceptions in unusual situations like this? Some would say it’s common sense to disre gard this red light even though, technically, it breaks the law. No police of ficer, however, is likely to enforce it. They have more pressing priorities. So fear of getting “caught” is not a motivating factor to comply.

Should all laws be followed or only the ones that “make sense”? When does compliance become optional? You can make a strong case that obeying the red light under these conditions only makes matters worse. After all, no one can make a right or left tur n onto Oak Park Avenue, so there’s not much chance of an accident. There seems little har m in proceeding through the intersection — after coming to a halt to check for pedestrians — as one would with a stop sign. But some drivers so brazen in their disre gard, they bree ze right through without even slowing down. On the rule-following spectrum, they lean toward the “scof flaw” extreme, taking full advantage of the oppor tunity. On the other end of the spectrum, it may never have occurred to some drivers that they don’t really need to be ruled by this light. A law’s a law so they, if sometimes blindly, abide

Those who follow the murkier middle path, might be tempted to make a case for flaunting

Some might argue for doing so in theory, but in practice come wn on the side of “better safe than ,” especially with pedestrians cyclists in the vicinity. However, the first car in line is a strict lawthe only recourse for the rest the lineup is to lay on the hor n imy, hoping to speed things up. es all kinds to get through an intersection, and rule-following comprises a wide span of personality

Society works much more smoothly when citizens follow rules, nor ms and laws. It’s more fair, and better for the common good. Some cultures are more rigid about this than others, social scientists contend. The dif ference, say, between Germany and Italy. But they also point out a wide divergence within our own culture. The “Don’t Tread on Me” faction, for instance, rankles at imposed rules, re garding them as an infringement of their constitutional right to “liber ty,” and also claim the right to define “freedom” in their own liber tarian, self-centered way. They even managed to elect one of their own as president of the United States … twice. Rulefollowers, on the other hand, profess a healthy respect for the “rule of law,” founded on a single, rock-solid tenet: No one is abov e it

But this president has said, through his actions and words, that playing by the rules is for suckers and losers. He sees himself on the winning side of the win-lose ledger and would look you in the eye, red-faced, orange hair violating your airspace, spittle from his lips moistening your countenance, and tell you that “the winner takes it all,” as the old ABBA song puts it. Yet that song also tur ns the tables, confronting the “winner” and redefining him as the real loser. Something to think about as we approach November’s midter m elections.

All of us grew up lear ning the hard way that it’s no fun playing a game with someone who doesn’t follow the rules. But in politics the rules tend to be made by those who want to stay on the winning side. Some of those rules are unjust, unfair, and need to be changed (even sometimes disobeyed). And if the rules for changing unjust rules are themselves unfair and unjust, that’s a prescription for a restless, unhappy citizenry. Waiting for the light to tur n green af fords plenty of time to ponder all this as we idle at the intersection of We the Winners and Losers, in search of a more perfect union.

Or at least a flashing red traffic light at the cor ner of Oak Park and Pleasant.

SHRUB TO WN by Marc Stopeck

IGOV launches new webpage

We are living through very hard times: ICE raids, systemic violence, a nearly nonexistent safety net, financial stress, and so much more. Local gover nments cannot face these challenges in isolation; we must do more with less, and the need for partnership has never been greater In challenging times, collaboration is more than just a good idea: it’s essential. This is the core belief behind IGOV, a table where two representatives from each local governing body meet monthly to align efforts, share challenges, and build common ground. Members change every two years after local elections. Since this group’s initiation in July, IGOV has continued to build relationships, coordinate efforts, and share strategies. We are proud of the conversations and connections we have fostered between governing bodies during that time

A policy that works at one board table, like embedding gun safety literature into registration forms, can be duplicated at another. ICE-free zone policies grow stronger when more boards sign on. (In Oak Park, three boards now have them!) And when we adjust meeting schedules just a little, moving one board to a new night with fewer conflicts, constituents can engage more fully. These are the types of outcomes we can expect to see with strong collaboration. During our monthly meetings, we also hear from local leaders to better understand local needs and see how our governing bodies can better support and intersect. This year,

we’ve heard from leaders at the Community Mental Health Board, Beyond Hunger, the Collaboration for Early Childhood, and the Community Fridge Project.

Today, we are writing to introduce IGOV’s new webpage, hosted by the Oak Park Public Library. It features our updated mission, vision, guiding values, and co-created resources. The first of these resources is the Guide for Running for Office in Oak Park, Illinois, a project years in the making It reflects the work of many elected officials over time, a lot of collaboration between boards, and a special partnership with the library for hosting the page. Thank you, library staff. The guide stands as a tool for anyone considering joining an elected board. It clearly outlines what it takes to run for local office.

IGOV is laying the groundwork for better collaboration in the future because core services cannot thrive in a vacuum. When governing boards work together, the initiatives we create are more widely utilized, more comprehensive, and ear n deeper community investment. We encourage you to explore our new webpage, engage with IGOV’s mission, and hold all of us accountable to the collaborative spirit these times require and our future demands.

Kristina Rogers, chair Oak Park Library Trustee

Lou Anne Johanesson, executive coordinator Township Clerk

WEDNESD AY

of Oak Park and River Forest

Viewpoints Guidelines

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

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Rebutting columnist’s ‘reform’ rebuttals

Josh VanderBerg opens his recent Viewpoints column [April 8] by noting the Oak Park Village Board is about to consider zoning “refor m” in ear nest, and decrying the WJ opinion pages as sprouting “anti-reform” opinion pieces “like daisies.” Interpreted: win the debate by painting your views as “reform,” and opposing ones as “anti-reform.”

FRANK STACHYRA

One View

He goes on, under a headline of “10 bad arguments” by citing each — within quotation marks — which he then purports to rebut.

I have read every WJ opinion piece on this topic and not one of them contained any of the language within his quotation marks. In fact his “10 bad arguments” read as recycled pre-packaged talking points kept on hand and hurriedly all put under his “antirefor m” label for the occasion.

Since one of his points resembles one I raised in the WJ — that eliminating single family zoning will prove ineffective in producing the desired effect of affordable housing — which was seconded in Daniel Beach’s well-articulated and reasoned, easy-to-follow letter, I will address the purported “rebuttal.”

First, he does not even address the point raised: that the same socio-economic factors driving up costs will remain, in all new housing of all types. Against that he merely says that, since 2012 Oak Park, has increased the number of affordable housing units by 1,300. (So what, then, is the beef ?) He buttresses that with the assertion that “no progressive plan” will generate anything even close to that. Since he has described himself as a progressive, I would say certainly not even his own.

He also praises the 54 “deed-restricted” housing units built over the same time. Never having seen a deed that sets actual rental rates, I have a hard time following his point, especially since he concludes

by urging the building of “market-rate” housing, as if that will increase affordability. To me, he actually defeats his whole point by implicitly confessing that markets set housing costs, and not zoning. How then is zoning “reform” going to produce affordable “market-rate” housing?

Elsewhere he urges that we “stick it to private equity,” which thinks housing is “a good investment,” as if he could do that but not also “stick it to” current single family home owners. (This is reminiscent of Trump’s Jan. 29 insistence that he did not want to drive home prices down just to make it easier for others to buy homes).

Finally, he admits that “no amount of redistribution will allow a lower-income family to buy a $500K bungalow,” again defeating his own arguments, as if he expected that the “market-rate” housing for entrants into new Oak Park multi-unit housing — whether condo owners or renters — would dictate lower costs for them. Where are his economic proofs for that?

All of his 10 rebuttals are full of similar non-sequiturs. But his opponents’ 10 arguments are all wrong — 10 straw men victoriously knocked down.

I wondered if he were an economist, and I looked him up. I was not surprised to lear n that he ran for village trustee. As a 54-year resident of OP, I stopped paying attention to village politics many decades ago, after concluding it has always been dominated by well-wishers prone to pie-in-the-sky but ineffective symbolism. (I’m an old hard-line political “lefty” on substance). Having lear ned his positions, I more readily understood his positions — in keeping with the village board’s pursuit of the inane Frank Stachyra, an Oak Park resident, is a retired attorney

e global-a airs debate club lost

On Tuesday, April 28, at Julian Middle School, weary Oak Park voters rejected the latest attempt by an ideological fringe to turn local gover nment into a global-affairs debate club

This time, the vehicle was an obscure provision of state law that allows 15 voters to commandeer the time of an entire township electorate and board by forcing consideration of a referendum. Oak Park Township is known for its excellent work serving seniors, youth, and people with disabilities — so naturally, the referendum that was forced onto the agenda at its annual meeting concer ned foreign policy

Nominally, the measure would have “supported the right” to express one’s views on Middle East policy with one’s wallet. That First Amendment right

is not, of course, in question. The organizers’ poorly concealed aim was to find some — any — vehicle for advancing a larger ideological project, the actual work of local gover nment be damned. Congratulations to them for finding a van-full of people willing to consume the time of thousands of their neighbors for this purpose. And not once, but twice (the initial meeting was shut down and rescheduled due to the large number of people seeking to participate).

The referendum failed, 72.5% to 27.5%. Its backers were criticized as divisive, but in the end they united Oak Park. The only thing likely to have produced a bigger landslide here would have been a Trump endorsement.

Gregory Shill Oak Park

True progressives care about Palestine

I was ashamed that on Tuesday night, April 28, Oak Park would re gress to the 1960’s as if no progress had been made in racial justice since then.

Recently, AIPAC lost a cool $3 Million plus in our 7th Cong ressional District when they tried to own the black and brown community on the West Side.

This time they gathered together their Zionist groupies because they knew they would lose if the voters of Oak Park got a chance to vote on a referendum on the November ballot. They think the American public doesn’t know about the hor rific ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank of Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, etc

If you listen to the Lies & Nonsense Show ev erything is antisemitic. I’m tired of white supremacists thinking they can tell my Brown, proud, loud, Latina self that they are the only experts on what racism in America is Israel bombed and murdered

several of my Palestinian friends in Gaza and their kids & families and now my West Bank friends who I have known for 12 years, all using my tax dollars ag ainst my will. I want my remaining friends in Gaza to have food and clean water & be able to be free from being maimed, murdered or starved to death. Now.

Thank you to the 136 true progressives who showed up to suppor t our civil rights to boycott the occupier state of Israel. Progressives except for Palestine, you cannot be progressive and racist at the same time.

Sources:

1) The Interce pt, Nov. 22, 2025, “AIPAC donors back real estate tycoon who opposed Gaza Ceasefire for a deep Blue Chicago seat” 2) news.ballotpedia.org, Nov. 26, 2025 ar ticle

Linda Vasquez Oak Park resident for ov er 43 years Acti vist for Palestine

What community looks like

If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved locally, Celebrating Seniors Week is a perfect place to star t. Running May 7-14, this year’s celebration spans Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, of fering more than 35 events that highlight connection, wellness and community spirit.

What makes this week special is its inclusiveness. While it centers on older adults, it’s designed for everyone. Families, caregivers, young professionals and longtime residents all have a place here.

I encourage anyone who’s curious to attend at least one event. Show up, listen and eng age. You’ ll leave with more than you expected.

Find the full schedule at celebratingseniors.net/events

Jim Flanagan Ri v er Forest

The variety is impressive — from an Oak Park mural tour and an improv workshop for older adults, to community dinners, safety-focused breakfasts and even a pickleball event. These shared experiences bring people to gether in authentic ways. For me, the real value lies in the conversations that happen in between. Stories exchanged, laughter shared and connections for med. In a time when it’s easy to feel disconnected, this week of fers a reminder of what community can and should be.

A Good Life Race to remember

We all need a breath of fresh air. And our Oak Park community has possibilities.

That’s what I was thinking as I toed the start line of the recent Good Life Race, a longtime 5K spring run that starts outside Oak Park and River Forest High School and travels through the village

The race once had the longest name of any run anywhere: The Race That’s Good for Life. But the newer, shorter Good Life Race is easier to remember There was no politicking at the race. No discussion of Trump’s latest Truth Social bleat. No discussion of the Iran war, whether state contractors can boycott Israel, or why the feds dropped felony conspiracy charges against Village Trustee Brian Straw arising from protests at the Broadview ICE facility Just hundreds of local runners and walkers of all ages, body types, and speeds. Pre-race, I caught up with two local run-

ning legends. There was Bob Bell, 87 years old, who arrived at the race the day after running an 8K in Madison, Wisconsin.

He was here to take on Bob Hakes, 91 years old and another longtime member of the Oak Park Runners Club. Pushing the trash talk, I asked who would beat whom.

“Hakes told me he’s going to kick your butt,” I fibbed to Bell.

Just before the run started, I planted myself around other casual-looking (i.e. slow) runners toward the back. And waited for the starting gun.

But first, the brass and drum sections of the OPRF band played the national anthem. “The land of the free and the home of the brave …”

And then we were off.

The first mile of a 5K is Zen time. Like a silent herd of cattle not knowing if we are running toward dinner or the slaughterhouse. Only the rumbling sound of expensive running shoes hitting the asphalt.

Many runners, especially the younger ones, started too fast. The old dogs knew to hold back. A middle-aged guy near me followed his watch as he practiced the run/ walk promoted by late marathon runner Dave Galloway.

He’d pass me running, look at his watch, then start walking, fall back behind me, and repeat.

Mid-run, some of the younger kids running with their Moms or Dads started walking. Families lined the street corners, cheering. A spectator was dressed as a Pokemon character. I stopped for a picture. At a desultory 35 minutes, I finished Drank some water. Thanked a volunteer Ate a banana. Chatted with running friends. And waited for Bell and Hakes to come in. They had jogged together most of the way.

An addition to local Jewish history

Thank you to John Duf fy for the ar ticle on the history of the Jewish community in Oak Park and River Forest [Viewpoints, April 8].

To continue the history, Chabad of Oak ParkRiver Forest arrived in 2007 and began its programs and services to serve the local Jewish community. In 2023 it purchased its new center on South Boule-

vard in Oak Pa rk to expand and grow their mission of serving all Jews in Oak Park, River Forest, and surrounding communities, re gardless of affiliation or observance (https://www.oakparkjewish.org/).

Rabbi Yitzchok & Nechama Dina Bergstein

Co-directors, Chabad of Oak Park-River Forest

Pay TSA instead of ICE

Re: “ICE planning extra role to help TSA at airports,” Chicago Tribune, Section B, page 1. “TSA agents fed up, walking of f jobs,” Chicago Tribune, Section B, page 3.

The solution to the endless lines for airport security is obvious. The Department of Homeland Security has a massive budget ($107.7 billion for 2025). TSA is part of DHS. Why cannot the DHS

simply shift salaries from ICE to pay TSA salaries?

I feel quite sure that a large majority of Americans would prefer to pay TSA agents who facilitate air travel and defund ICE agents whose skills include creating chaos and slaughtering law-abiding American citizens.

Tom DeCoursey Oak Park

Until the last block when one of them suggested surging toward the finish. It was close, but Hakes beat Bell, Giving Hakes coffee shop bragging rights for the next year

A 5K to forget … and remember Jack Crowe, a longtime resident and occasional columnist, splits his time between Oak Park and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Is eminent domain the right tool?

I am dismayed by the Oak Park Village Board’s plan to use eminent domain to take over the US Bank property at Madison and Austin and sur prised at the lack of opposition to the plan. My understanding of the historic and legal underpinnings of eminent domain is superficial at best, but I always thought it was meant to be used as a last resort and only for the greater public good. This instance seems to be based largely on convenience and finances.

Certainly, cheaper is better when it comes to a new police station and definitely sooner is better than later. Continuing the search for a suitable site will take more time and may cost more money, but are those factors sufficient justification for a takeover of private property in this manner? If this proves to be a relatively simple and easy way for the village to acquire property for an impor tant project, what other properties might this or some future board go after a year or two or more down the road?

Karl Lauger Oak Park

JACK CROWE

Bob Hakes, Bob Bell and Jack Crowe (L to R) chat pre-race at the start of the Good Life Race.

How about xing Gar eld Street?

I hear so much about leaf blowers and bagging leaves. When will Oak Park use money to fix Garfield Street between

Ridgeland and Home avenues? If we have money to of fer for an indoor pool, why can’t we use that money to repair,

not put a Band-Aid on, Garfield?

Steve Williams Oak Park

Why all the tra c measures?

Why is there a sudden spike in traffic control measures around town? I find it very annoying. Saturday when I was slowly driving past the Economy Shop [100 block of South Grove] looking for parking, I noticed some poles on my right. When I looked, I saw that they’re by the fire hydrant, and I assumed they were to keep people from parking in front of it, which makes sense

Then all of a sudden, Bang! I stopped the car to see what the heck I had run over and found a huge, high speed table behind me that had never been there before. I noticed later that northbound there is a sign warning you but southbound there is not. It is the worst speed

table I’ve ever driven over in my life

Someone’s car or tire will probably be damaged at a nor mal speed. Why is that necessary on a quiet street that’s not even in front of a school?

When you drive down Thomas, east of Ridgeland there are now all these bump outs and poles that make it extremely hard to make a tur n. As they were installing them, I spoke to someone who lived on the block and was worried that emergency vehicles would not be able to get to their house. There are new bumps now in a few streets and it looks as if more are being installed. They aren’t nasty speed tables, but still annoying.

Very annoying to me is that I can no

longer make a left tur n onto Ridgeland from Thomas. I’ve been doing that for 42 years and there’s nor mally very little traffic. I have never had anything remotely like a close call doing that. Perhaps there might be a valid argument for prohibiting a left tur n during rushhour but to prohibit it 24 hours a day is, frankly, ridiculous

I don’t know whose idea this was to do all these things suddenly, but I hope they’re done and there won’t be any more things that make it extremely dif ficult and annoying to drive around town.

Joyce Porter Oak Park

Republicans are awful, blame the Democrats!

A contributor to the April 15 Viewpoints section rightfully takes umbrage with Trump ’s demand for a $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget. Not that such a request is at all sur prising, as the current administration is catering to wealth and power for the ultra-elites in the USA. It’s an exclusive club. Billionaires, many of whom benefit from our military-industrial complex, account for about 0.29% of the US population.

1.5 trillion dollars to suppor t our perpetual war machine while proposing to or having cut programs that benefit working-class Americans, including SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, assistance to women, children and infants, Social Security, educational and health-care af fordability is loathsomely re prehensible. It’s the bah-humbug administration and it deserves being denounced.

How did we get here? How can we find a way out?

T he letter writer said polls show a large majority of people oppose the

attack on Iran and the associated d emand for that 1.5 trillion-dollar military budget boost. Right he is

But his blame is placed squarely on Re publican majorities in Cong ress and their need to grow spin e. Really?

It ’s solely the GOP to blame for this situation? The Democratic Pa rt y does not share in our current descent into dy stopia ?

Fact: T he previous Democratic administration failed to hold the Insur rectionist to account. Wait, to say they “failed” is to imply that they tried. They did not try. In spite of the indisputable evidence that connected Trump to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, he was never ar rested, charged or tried for that seditious incitement. That should have star ted the day that Joe Biden was swor n in. The rule of law, anyone?

He tried to over throw the U.S. gover nment! Right, but try to beat a red light ticket.

So, as we approach the mid-ter ms in less than seven months, the Democrats

are going to rescue us, is that it? Even though they vir tually escorted the convicted felon and convicted sexual assaulter (among other le g al transg ressions) back into the White House while suppor ting Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Never you mind, it’s either Red or Blue, deja vu, all over again?

In my opinion, as I have stated many times on various media platfor ms, we need more choices than a Duopoly that has brought us this national nightmare. But the generational propag anda against thi rd-par ty options is alive and well: it’s a wasted vote. It takes vote away from ...

The electorate clings to the USS Duopoly, and especially the Democrats’ flimsy oppositional part in it, even though that ship is floundering. Cling away! Given it has been sinking for the past 45 years, expecting it to stay afloat is now most illo gical.

Lo gical reasoning, however, apparently is now a super power.

Joseph Harrington Oak Park

TOM HEALY

Find your next Obama from page 25

that “fatigue with the extremes” brought growing number of adults to identify as independent voters in the first place.

What do I think sways independent voters? Something neither side has any interest in selling, from what I can tell.

Hope.

Are you old enough to remember July 27, 2004? I had to look up the date, but I will never forget the event. On that evening, in Boston, Illinois Senator Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. The words “Nazi,” “Fascist” and “garbage” did not appear anywhere in the text of the speech. In fact, he reserved perhaps the most memorable passage in his speech to rebuke “the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes,” telling them in no uncertain ter ms:

“There’s not a liberal America and a conservative America — there’s the United States of America. There’s not a Black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there’s the United States of America.” He titled his speech, “The Audacity of Hope,” and it filled me with hope. Hope for this great man, and hope for this great country.

Now fast forward to Nov. 4, 2008. On that evening, Barack Obama gave his victory speech acknowledging his election. Do you remember the intense pride you felt as he strode across the rainy Grant Park stage that night? He did not reach that pinnacle through hatred. In fact, the hope he rekindled in so many had overcome decades upon decades of ingrained, fierce, and unrelenting hatred so that he could reach the presidency.

Please recall, embrace and cherish the feelings Barack Obama inspired in you as you search for a presidential candidate for the 2028 election. Hold those feeling close, and use them as a litmus test for the spectacle that has been made of national politics. Measure each political party by its willingness to acknowledge and value the ties that bind, and their professed appreciation for concepts like diversity and inclusion for all. Measure each candidate by their ability to reach that exacting standard.

Democratic voters, please. MAGA Republicans may be irredeemable, but you aren’t. Find your better selves. Put down the vulgar homemade signs, and quit the hatred of the other and the name-calling. Go find your next Obama.

Tom Healey is a former Oak Park resident who recently moved to Kansas City.

OBITUARIES

Robert Wyatt, 80

Episcopal priest

Robert Odell att, 80, of Oak rk, died April 27, 2026, after a brief illness. He was sur rounded loving friends and his spouse of nearly 29 years, r ri Lackey. An Episcopal priest in the dioceses of Chicago and Alabama, where he had a second home, his love of the Church, its sacraments, and God were the center of his life. His love for his wife came next, followed by his friends and family — and, in his own words, Amber’s mar tinis at Victory Italian in Oak Park.

Highly educated and intelligent, he was a proud contrarian and gifted storyteller He was known for a wry sense of humor that infused both his ser mons and his daily life

An only child, bor n on Feb. 7, 1946, in Jackson, Tennessee, he loved to travel and had a passion for music, theater, opera, and spor ting events. His father, Robert Odell Wyatt, died in 1991, and his mother, Sera Mae (Mebane) Wyatt, in 1998.

as his sisters-in-law, Jennifer Graham (Steve) and Rebecca Lackey (Jana); his brothers-in-law, Jim Lackey (Phyllis) and Doug Lackey (Layne); his cousins, Tommy and Janet Powell; and many nieces and ne phews and friends. A for mer wife, Judith Caplan, also survives.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., May 23, at St Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Oak Park. Donations in his honor may be sent to Episcopal Relief and Development (e piscopalrelief.org) or St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 545 S. East Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60304.

Peter Cantwell, 76 Attorney

Before becoming an ordained priest in 2004, he worked as professor and director of communication research at Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, 1979-2010. He was a book review editor, columnist, and critic at the Nashville Tennessean from 1978-1992 and served several years as Pulitzer Prize Jury Chair, the most memorable in 1985 when the jury awarded Studs Terkel the prize in general nonfiction for The Good War. He was most proud of receiving the Founder’s Medal for First Honors from Vanderbilt University Divinity School in 2004. He ear ned a bachelor’s de gree in English from the University of the South (Sewanee) in 1968 and ear ned a master’s de gree in English and a PhD in Renaissance literature from Northwester n University (1970-73), as well as a master’s de gree in communication from the University of Tennessee (1977) and a master’s in pastoral studies from Vanderbilt Divinity School (2001-2003). His wife, Ter ri, survives him, as well

Bernie Fillmore, 91 Church painter

Peter Allen Cantwell, 76, of River Forest, died on April 21, 2026. Bor n in Oak Park on Feb. 9, 1950 to Frank Cantwell and Clotilda Allen Cantwell, he is an alumnus of River Forest primary schools, Culver Military Academy, Washington University, where he was an active member of the Kappa Sigma frater nity, graduating with honors and going on to Washington University Law School where he obtained his Juris Doctorate. He had a distinguished law practice at a fir m he was enor mously proud of, Cantwell and Cantwell, first established by his grandfather in 1896. He was a loyal fan of and had treasured season tickets to the Black Hawks. He was known for his sense of humor, pulling practical jokes on family and friends, and he dedicated his life to serving others with skill and compassion.

Peter was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara. He is survived by his brother, Frank, and sister, Clotilda (Chuck) Cantwell-Taylor; his sister-inlaw, Diana (Michael) Prime, his Aunt Evelyn Allen, and many cousins and dear friends. His family will always remember Peter for his wit, wisdom and zest for life. Services will be held privately, ar rangements handled by Peter B. Kennedy & Co., Funeral Directors

Ber nard “Ber nie” Grandville Fillmore, 91, of Oak Park, succumbed to a long illness on April 22, 2026. A commercial painter by trade, he and his crew painted naval ships (his source of emphysema), tall buildings, as well as homes in his homeland before immigrating with his young family to the U.S. in 1982. He settled in Oak Park to be near other family members and continued his trade, supplementing his income by perfor ming maintenance work at three local churches, including First United Methodist Church of Oak Park. During a very war m 1995, he and his son, Rocco, painted all of Judson Baptist Church. In the 1990s he became a cer tified Christian counselor for youth at Calvary Memorial Church. He is fondly remembered as someone who unapologetically and enthusiastically rejoiced, “It is well with my soul!”

Ber nie was bor n in 1934 in Wyneburg, South Africa to William and Daphne Fillmore, the oldest of six children. He was preceded in death by his brother Hugh, sister Esme, wife Penelope (Roubarin), son Granville and daughter Carol. He is survived by his sons, Robin and Rocco; his daughter, Cheryl; his brothers, Dudley and William; his sister, Veronica; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation and repast is Friday, May 8 at First United Methodist Church of Oak Park (324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park) at 10 a.m., followed by funeral service at 11 a.m. Inter ment at Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst.

Tom Lyons, 72 Abbott vice president

Thomas (Tom) John Lyons, 72, of Bar rington, died on May 2, 2026, surrounded by family. Bor n on Dec. 30, 1953, in Chicago to James Edward Lyons and Kathryn Lauretta Cooney Lyons, he grew up in River Forest and attended St. Luke Catholic School and Fenwick High School. A proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he ear ned his MBA from Rutgers, then built a distinguished career with Abbott Laboratories, star ting

with their inter national auditing team and later serving in various financial and leadership roles in the U.S. and abroad. His work took his and his family to England, Puer to Rico, the Dominican Re public, Indonesia, and Italy. After 34 years, he retired in 2013 as division vice president, Cor porate Finance, Abbott Transition Org anization.

An avid golfer and tennis player, he was known for his competitive nature and dedication to Notre Dame athletics. In retirement, he and his wife Liz visited Guatemala on volunteer missions to build homes, explored the Galapagos Islands, golfed in Cabo San Lucas and road-tripped through France, Por tug al and Spain. He was a dedicated volunteer with Feed My Starving Children and a generous donor to many charitable org anizations. He enjoyed going to rock concer ts with his daughter Sarah and was an excellent “g rand-paw” to Rosie the pitbull.

Tom is survived by his wife of 45 years, Elizabeth Scott Lyons; his daughter, Sarah Lyons (Ananda Sawmynaden); his brother, James Lyons (Dr. Margaret Barron); his sisters, Janet Rice (Paul) and Lauretta Lyons; and his nieces, ne phews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents

A visitation will be held at Davenpor t Family Funeral Home in Bar rington, IL on May 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. A Mass will be celebrated at St. Anne Catholic Church in Bar rington on May 13 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, https://leukemiarf.org, or to Feed My Starving Children, https://www fmsc.org.

Memorial service for Clare Leavitt

A memorial service will be held for Clare Marie Leavitt, who died on Dec 22, 2025 at the age of 69. The service will be held on May 8 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Edmund Catholic Church, 188 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park.

SPORTS

Big win on a bittersweet Saturday for OPRF baseball

Henr y awarded Hagins Memorial Scholarship ahead of 14-4 vic tory

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

In a month or so, high school baseball will be over Oak Park and River Forest High School senior Tuck Henry He’ ll leave for the University of Iowa, as a student only, but he’ ll bring with him an impor tant part of home: The memory of for mer player Andrew Hagins, who died too young in December 2023.

Henry was named recipient of the $1,000 Andrew Hagins Memorial Scholarship, Saturday, ahead of the Huskies’ 14-4 West Suburban Conference crossover victory ov Hinsdale South.

While Hagins crushed his prodigious high school home runs before Henry was even born, he is well aware of Hagins’ impact on the program.

“I know he was a great example of what a baseball player should be like on and of f the field,” said Henry, a right-handed pitcher who got the win Friday night in a 16-2 victory over crosstown rival Fenwick, retiring the final 12 Friars in a row.

“I was shocked,” he said of the scholarship. “I wasn’t expecting it at all.”

It was a sentimental day, of course On the field, the Huskies (17-7) prevailed due to an eight-run fourth inning, paced by a Hagins-like home run to right field by junior first baseman Brandon Beasley. But they got a lot of help from the Hor nets, who gave up three walks, a hit batsman, a wild pitch and two er rors in that frame.

Junior Collin Kjarsg aard gave up just two hits in four innings of work to get the win, while another junior, Xavier Mar tin, had a key double and a run scored in that big fourth inning

“I know he was very impor tant to the program and he was a big example of what it means to be a Huskie and,

Konstantin Pantazopoulos, Cameron Barnes Jr. and Owyn Edwards wearing special T-shirts watch warm up prior to the OPRF baseball team’s Andrew Hagins Day ceremo ny, May 2, in Oak Park

really, what it means to be a baseball player here,” Mar tin said of Hagins, “giving it all to your teammates and giving it all for the game.”

Near the pitcher’s mound postg ame, Huskies’ pitching coach Tim Dennehy, who played with Hagins, found the day tough.

“Every time on the field, I think about him,” Dennehy said. “We talk about playing baseball the Huskie way, and he was the example of that. I miss him, and today is a day to celebrate his life but it’s a little bittersweet.”

As for Henry, who threw six innings Friday against Fenwick and allowed two unear ned runs on four hits with six strikeouts, Dennehy said he was a worthy scholarship recipient.

“He does all the little things,” he said. “He works harder than anybody else; he’s picking up after the g ame, putting stuf f away. He car ries himself professionally and the other guys look up to him just as Andrew was. Tucker is somebody I would want to play behind. He’s another example of a Huskie baseball player.”

OPRF head coach Kevin Campbell ag reed “Tucker is a guy we trust in big g ames on the mound,” Campbell said. “He’s a guy who gets some big-time star ts for us He’s also a guy we’ ll bring out of the pen. He’s a leader on and of f the field for us.”

In the preg ame ceremony, Hagins’ mom Toni spoke, as did Hagins’ fiancée Nadia Abuomar. Both ag reed those were dif ficult speeches to make.

“Bittersweet I think would be the perfect word,” Abuomar said. “Honored to celebrate his le gacy, but I wish he was here. It’s very hard to continue forward without him, but trying to move forward being more like him.”

Hagins’ dad, Mike, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and his cousin Mia Lope z sang the national anthem

“It’s a day we look forward to, but at the same time, bringing back memories of the wonderful time,” Toni Hagins said. “Just the idea of the game and the spirit tha t these players show, I miss that a lot.”

Abuomar said Hagins would be pleased with this year’s edition of OPRF baseball.

“First he would say, ‘That’s amazing,’” she said of that 17-7 record. “But then he would be more proud of the team camaraderie You can see them laughing, you can see them joking, you can see them being team players.

“That’s what Andrew would be so proud of.”

track and eld wins Jim Arnold Invite

girls water polo 3-1 in Michigan this weekend

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

T he Oak Park and River Forest High School varsity boys track and field team won the Jim Ar nold Invite at Glenbard West, May 2. The Huskies finished with 122 points, four more than runner-up Evanston Township.

Senior Jonathan Sibley-Diggs was victorious in both the shot put (16.91 meters) and the discus (50.34 m). Senior Brian Jackson won the 400 meters in a personal-best time of 48.74 seconds. Jackson ran the anchor leg for OPRF’s winning 4 x 400 relay (3:22.81), which also featured juniors Keyante Johnson and Michael Degnan, and senior Jaylen Runnels

The Huskies’ 4 x 800 relay comprising junior Tate Blecha, senior Brady Creel, and juniors Nick Houghton and Connor Har mon won with a time of 8:12.11.

OPRF’s 4 x 100 relay of Johnson, sophomore Kelden Jones, senior Emilio Nery, and Jackson finished second in 42.90. Other second-place finishes were tur ned in by se-

STEVE JOHNSTON

OPRF badminton takes third in WSC Silver

Boys’ volleyball third at Lincoln-Way East

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

The Oak Park and River Forest High School varsity badminton team placed third in the West Suburban Conference Silver Division tour nament at Hinsdale Central, May 1, with 23 points.

“Everyone seems to be peaking at the right time,” said OPRF coach Paul Wright. “This is the greatest number of medals we’ve brought home in the last seven years. We’ve (usually) walked away with three or four medals, (but) a lot of girls made the medal rounds, and we could’ve had four or five more.”

The Huskies had three individuals and three doubles teams ear n medals. Senior Grace Iverson placed third in seventh singles; senior Sophia Goodwin third in eighth singles; and senior Arabella Winsett third in ninth singles

Seniors Stella Ludwig and Olive Te pher, OPRF’s top doubles unit voted the team’s Most Valuable Players, took third in first doubles. They’re looking to make a second consecutive trip to the state finals.

At fourth doubles, the duo of seniors Emily Smyth and Korina White took third, as did seniors Leila Ellis and Lucy Wagemann at fifth doubles

Wright believes the increased numbers in the badminton program is star ting to pay dividends. He credits his 15 seniors for helping to establish a strong foundation.

nior David Schiff in the 1600 (personal-best 4:33.59) and junior Addis Wilson in the high jump (1.98 m).

Third-place showings came from senior Malik Griffee in the high jump (1.93 m), junior Ryan Wangerow in the 3200 (personalbest 9:49.12), Johnson in the 400 (personalbest 49.58), and Nery in the 200 (22.64).

The Huskies also had top-six placers in Runnels (4th, personal-best 11.03) and Nery (5th, 11.17) in the 100, Jones (4th, personal-best 22.47) in the 200, Har mon (4th, 2:00.57) in the 800, senior Owen Carstens (4th, personal-best 4:38.14) in the 1600, sophomore August Singer

“It’s a huge commitment to badminton from the girls and the school,” Wright said. “Out of our senior class, we have six girls who star ted in our program as freshmen and made it all the way through. Then we have a bunch of girls who came out their sophomore and junior years; they attended our camps and made a commitment to get better. Sophia is one of those girls who came out last year, and she’s walking away with a medal this year. That speaks volumes to the commitment. Our door’s always open; if a kid wants to play badminton, we’ ll do our best to keep her a part of the program.”

While Wright feels the future is bright, he’s focused on the sectionals this week.

“The big thing for us is getting Stella and Olive back to state,” he said. “We’d also like to qualify at least a singles (player) and another doubles (unit), just so they can get the experience. That’s our goal.”

OPRF competes in the Lake Forest Sectional, May 7.

OPRF boys volleyball

Ag ainst stout competition at the Lincoln-Way East Invitational, May 1-2, the Huskies, who are the top-ranked team in Illinois according to MaxPreps, went 4-1 to finish third in a 32-team field.

“It was our first showing without Trayce (Chrusfield III) and I thought the boys handled it well,” said OPRF coach Justin Cousin. “We were able to take out some big teams without him.”

On Friday, OPRF (19-4-1) rolled to a pair of victories: 25-18, 25-10 versus Illi-

(6th, personal-best 10:12.43) in the 3200, and junior Emmet Freedman (4th, season-best 41.03) and senior Ben Cazeau (6th, personal-best 41.53) in the 300 hurdles.

OPRF girls water polo

The Huskies ( 11-13) went 3-1 at the Hudsonville (MI) Invitational last weekend On May 1, OPRF defeated Huron (MI) 9-2. On May 2, the Huskies dropped a 13-3 contest to Hudsonville, but rallied to win their final two games: 12-7 over Groves (MI) and 5-3 over Grand Blanc (MI).

(Back Row Le To Right) Ella Ste en, Grace Iverson, Olive Tepher, Ally Sugita, Sophia Godwin, Lelia Ellis, Lucy Wagemann, Elina Kell, Korina White, So a Ramos. (Front Row Le To Right) Stella Ludig, Famke Bussiere, Arabella Winsett, Evely n Cultra, Emily Smyth, Maria Sarav ia.

ana Christian, and 25-18, 25-20 over Lyons Township.

On Saturday, the Huskies won their pool with a 25-23, 25-17 victory over Brother Rice, and advanced to the semifinals. The Huskies lost to Glenbard West 27-25, 18-25, and 8-15, but bounced back to defeat Lincoln-Way East in the third-place match 2225, 25-23, and 15-4.

Senior libero/defensive specialist Gus Leman was named to the All-Tour nament Team. In five matches, he amassed 39 digs and 16 assists.

Other OPRF standouts were senior setter Matthew Proskey (113 total assists), senior middle Wesley Kochendorfer (42 kills, 18 blocks), and senior outside Henry Hullinger (24 kills).

Chrusfield, a junior outside who has 182

OPRF, the third seed in the upcoming Fenwick Sectional, closes the regular season with a quad at Lincoln-Way East, May 9.

OPRF boys basketball

Two members of the OPRF varsity boys basketball squad made commitments to play colle ge basketball last week.

Senior Lo g an Johnson will play collegiately at Beloit Colle ge in Wisconsin this winter, while Cameron Woods will stay close to home and play for Concordia University in River Forest.

kills, 13 aces, 27 blocks, 70 digs, and 14 assists this season, missed Saturday’s action as he flew to Anaheim, California to try out for the United States U19 National Team, which will compete in the 2026 U19 Men’s Continental Championship in Canada, May 10-19.

“We’ re super-proud of Trayce,” Cousin said. “Peter (Zurawski) did the same thing. To have multiple people coming out of Oak Park and getting this reco gnition really shows what we ’re trying to build here.” OPRF is undefeated in the WSC Silver with matches remaining against Downers Grove Nor th, Proviso West, and York

“We feel confident trying to re peat as conference champions, and we’re really excited about the playof fs and finally pushing past the sectional finals,” Cousin said.

Crosstown showdowns

It’s usually exciting whenever OPRF and Fenwick meet in athletic competition. This Saturday, May 9, fans will get twice the excitement as the Huskies and Friars face off in two different sports.

There will be a varsity softball game at Ridgeland Common, first pitch set for 11 a.m. Both OPRF and Fenwick have winning records entering this week, which should make for a competitive affair

Then in Oak Park Stadium at noon, the varsity girls soccer teams will take to the pitch

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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

HSBC Bank USA, National Association as Trustee for Renaissance Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-3 Plaintiff vs. Unknown Heirs and Legatees of Dorothy M. McGlory a/k/a Dorothy M. Mcglory a/k/a Dorothy McGlory; Carmen. L. Graves; Daphne Graves; Brandon Heard; Shawn Heard a/k/a Robert Shawnell Heard; Reginald E. McGlory, Individually and as Executor of the Estate of Dorothy M. McGlory a/k/a Dorothy M. Mcglory a/k/a Dorothy McGlory; Estate of Dorothy M. McGlory a/k/a Dorothy M. Mcglory a/k/a Dorothy McGlory; Unknown Owners and Non Record Claimants Defendant 24 CH 1157 CALENDAR 58

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on May 27, 2026, at the hour 11:00 a.m., Intercounty’s office, 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, IL 60602, sell, in person, to the highest bidder for cash, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-08-315-029-0000. Commonly known as 114 Washington Boulevard, Oak Park, IL 60302. The real estate is: single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection(g-1) of Section 189.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: At sale, the bidder must have 10% (or 25% if so ordered in the Judgment of Foreclosure) down by certified funds, balance within 24 hours, by certified funds. No refunds. The property is sold AS IS subject to all liens or encumbrances. The property will NOT be open for inspection. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the circuit court case record, property tax record and the title record to verify all information before bidding. IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(c) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group LLC, 33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1540, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 360-9455. W23-0512

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3285454

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, for Project: 26-10, Sewer Rehabilitation Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of the rehabilitation of existing combined sewer mains with cured-in-place pipe lining, manhole reconstruction with shotcrete, traffic control, and all appurtenant work thereto.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https:// www.oak-park.us/your-government/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 10189466 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening. The work to be performed pursuant to this proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal May 6, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, located at 201 N. Scoville will conduct a Timely and Meaningful Consultation Meeting which will take place remotely via video/telephone conference on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 8:00AM. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are home schooled within the district for the 2025-2026 school year. If you are the parent of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park & River Forest High School District 200, you are urged to attend. If you would like to join the meeting, please contact Shdata Redmond at sredmond@oprfhs.org or call (708) 434-3121 to request the Zoom Link information.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 6, 13, 20, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

On Friday, May 22, 2026 at 8:30 a.m., Oak Park Elementary School District 97 will be conducting a “timely and meaningful consultation” meeting to discuss plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private/parochial schools and who are homeschooled within the district for the 2026-2027 school year. The meeting will be held at our Central Office located at 260 Madison Street.

If you are a parent/guardian of a home-schooled student who has been or may be identified with a disability, and you reside within the boundaries of Oak Park Elementary School District 97, you are encouraged to attend. Please email your plan to attend by contacting us at studentservices@ op97.org. If you have further questions about this meeting, please contact District 97’s Department of Student Services at 708-5243030.

Published in Wednesday Journal May 6, 13, 2026

NOTICE ON PUBLIC HEARING ON RIVER FOREST TOWNSHIP BUDGET

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a tentative Budget and Appropriations Ordinance for the Township of River Forest, in the County of Cook, State of Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2026 and ending March 31, 2027 will be on file and conveniently available to public inspection at the River Forest Civic Center Authority Building, 8020 Madison St., River Forest, and at the River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave., River Forest from Friday, May 8, 2026 as well on the Township website at www. RiverForestTownship.org.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN HEREBY that a public hearing on said Budget and Appropriations Ordinance will be held at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at the River Forest Township regular meeting at 8020 Madison St., River Forest and final hearing and action on the ordinance will be taken at the regular meeting held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 6:30PM.

Dated the 6th of May 2026, Mark Hosty, Township Clerk

Published in Wednesday Journal May 6, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302-- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026 for Project: 26-02, Resurfacing of Various Streets. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, this contract includes removal and installation of curb and gutter, sidewalks, sidewalk ramps, and driveways; combined sewer repairs; utility structure adjustments; pavement patching; full depth pavement removal; cold-milling of bituminous concrete; installation of hot-mix asphalt binder and surface courses; installation of HMA vertical elements at various locations; pavement markings; flexible delineators, parkway expansion and restoration; and all appurtenant work thereto.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https:// www.oak-park.us/your-government/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 10185260 for a non-refundable charge of $64.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening. The work to be performed pursuant to this proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal May 6, 2026

ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING

Request for bids for the Maple Park Tennis/Pickleball Court Improvements at 1105 S. Maple Ave., Oak Park, Il. 60302.

Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302

The Park District of Oak Park will accept sealed bids for Maple Park Tennis/Pickleball Court Improvements, 1105 S. Maple, Oak Park, Il. 60304. The project consists of selected removal of perimeter chain link fence fabric, removal of existing asphalt, undercutting and subgrade repair of identified longitudinal cracks, removal of netting mounts, installation of new pavement with J Band sealing, installation of netting systems, surface coating, line striping, and fence restoration.

The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 10:00 a.m. (Central time) on Thursday, May 28th, 2026, at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL. A Mandatory pre-bid walk-through is scheduled for Thursday, February 10am (Central Daylight time) at 1105 S. Maple Ave. Bid bonds will be required by bidding contractors.

Bid Documents and specifications will be available on the DemandStar Website as of Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, at 2:00pm, under “Active Bids”, at the following link. pdop.org/rfps-bids

For additional information, contact Bill Hamilton at bill.hamilton@ pdop.org or by phone at (708) 7252052. Only bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2025. The Park District of Oak Park encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project.

Park District of Oak Park By: Chris Wollmuth, Parks and Planning Committee, Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal May 6, 2026

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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

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

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law.

All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

The Villages of Elmwood Park and River Forest

Public Information Meeting Notice North Avenue Streetscape Project

The Villages of Elmwood Park and River Forest will hold a Public Information Meeting concerning the proposed streetscape improvements of North Avenue from Thatcher Avenue to Harlem Avenue.

The Public Information Meeting will be held at Kyte Hall at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 1530 Jackson Ave, River Forest, IL 60305 on May 13th, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. All interested persons are invited to attend. Persons with disabilities planning to attend should contact the person listed below by May 6th.

To allow for all potential federal and state funding sources, the public information meeting is being held in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements and the Illinois Department of Transportation’s public involvement policy.

All persons interested in the project are invited to attend the meeting to express their views and comments on the project. The meeting will also serve to involve and obtain the views of the public for purposes of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Information will be available on known historic resources that may be affected by the proposed project and the historic resources protection process. IDOT requests comments from the public on effects to historic resources to assist in consultation with the Illinois State Historic Preservation Officer.

The meeting will be conducted on an informal basis. Representatives of the Village of Elmwood Park and the Village of River Forest will be available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Representatives will answer individual questions and record comments offered by those in attendance. Verbatim comments will not be recorded.

Information will be provided about the proposed improvements and anticipated schedule. Preliminary reports, engineering drawings, maps, and aerial photography, will be available for review and inspection at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church.

For more information, contact Matt Huffman, Project Manager, mhuffman@cbbel.com , (847) 823-0500.

Published in Wednesday Journal April 22, May 6, 2026

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