WednesdayJournal_050725 by Wednesday Journal

Housing costs ‘burden’ Oak Park households

Many Oak Park renters and homeowners spend over 30% of their income on monthly housing payments, according to a metro area a ordability repor t

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Many Oak Park households are spending more than a third of their monthly income on housing costs.

Over 31% of Oak Park households are considered “cost-burdened” by their monthly housing expenses, meaning at least 30% of their monthly income goes directly to housing payments. Still, a slightly lower percentage of renters in Oak Park struggle to comfortably af ford their rent than the average across Cook

See HOUSING BURDEN on page 13

From le , incumbents Fred Arkin and Audrey Williams-Lee, and newcomers Josh Ger tz and Kathleen Odell, take their oaths ursday, May 1 at the District 200 meeting that installed the new board.

D200 installs new school board

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

In 12 years, Tom Cofsky has seen almost everything as a member and then president of the Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 Board of Education.

With his finance background, he often focused on the district’s financial concerns, including a ballooning fund balance. Under his leadership, the board modified the budgetary process, while shifting the district’s financial mindset, committed to balancing expenses and revenue over the long term, while elimi-

nating end-of-year “true up” budgets

“We changed our levy philosophy from ‘tax to the max,’ to levy what was needed,” Cofsky said May 1 at his final board meeting, which installed the new board, including new president Audrey

See D200 on page 15

Just across Ro osevelt: 12 little shops, 12 big dreams

The next entrepreneurial generation arrives at Berw yn Shops

By RISE SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

The Berwyn Shops are open for the 2025 season. This for merly vacant lot is filled with 12 colorful cottages, transformed into a retail incubator mini-mall and shop-local destination at 6931 Roosevelt Rd.

Twelve local vendors ranging from housewares, to clothing, to a juice bar are trying their hands at a brick-and-mortar enterprise.

Tanesha Watkins, owner of Tee Tee’s Sweets, has r un a home-based business for more than a decade This is a new ste p for her

“It’s going to be challenging,” said Watkins. “I’m getting my feet wet in so many different ways: how to manage a shop; how to manage a staff; and how to manage myself in managing all of that.”

Each vendor submitted an applicatio n that was reviewed by a committee comprised of Roosevelt Road business own-

ers, Berwyn residents and prospective shoppers. Once vendors were selected, not only do they have access to a cottage storefront, but also a support system, which includes a course of advising sessions and joint promotions and marketing.

Bright Void Coffee Roasters’ owner Dan Garcia is looking forward to expanding his business from pop-up locations

“I’m the roaster, the owner, brewer, packager and everything.,” Garcia said.

“It’s a great opportunity to network … being able to bounce ideas of f each other And it just gives small businesses that opportunity to take that next step in their entrepreneurial jour ney.”

For the grand opening, community leaders turned out to emphasize what a vibrant business community means to the area.

“It’s really important that we support our entrepreneurs,” said Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County board. “This gives retailers a chance to bring their products or their services to the public.”

e Ber wy n Shops, 6931 Roosevelt Road

This sentiment was echoed by Frank Aguilar, a county commissioner. “Look at these large corporations, it started somewhere as tiny as this. That means revenue, tax revenue; it means jobs. It’s important to support small businesses.”

Get Shopping

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6931 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

cakes, and pastries infused with flavors inspired by the founder’s Mexican heritage

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Ribbon-cutting at Tee Tee’s Sweets with Jamie Revell, Toni Preckw inkle, Tanesha Watkins and Frank Aguilar.

“This validates their business concept and then gives them the opportunity to try it,” said Jamie Revell, president of the Berwyn Development Corporation. “And then, if they stay in business and graduate from that course, they have the opportunity for a grant at the end as well. It’s a really wellorganized project.”

This season’s entrepreneurs are:

■ Bizzy Mommy Club – blends style and functionality for modern moms with a line of chic, comfortable apparel and accessories.

■ Bright Void Coffee Roasters – ethically sourced, single-origin coffee from smallscale far mers.

■ Juice Joint – fresh, cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, and cleanses made from locally sourced ingredients

■ Kendi Amani – African-inspired fashion and home décor, featuring designs crafted with traditional techniques

■ The Monarch Paperie – culturally inspired wrapping paper and artisanal gifting designs that celebrates Black culture.

■ Phiress Beauty – handmade self-care essentials designed to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. Rooted in holistic wellness

■ SC’s Cake Studio – custom cakes, cup-

■ Serendib House – a kitchen and garden shop offering a unique blend of stories, recipes, and handcrafted home goods inspired by nature.

■ Superhero Huff – books and bold fashion to inspire transformation and help people embrace their inner strength, break barriers, and champion meaningful change.

■ Tee Tee’s Sweets – handcrafted cakes, cookies, and cupcakes with a focus on quality ingredients and creative designs.

■ Whatever Crafts – custom cups, tote bags, T-shirts with designs that range from cute and girly, to spooky and fun.

■ The Wick and Wine Experience – handpoured candles and interactive candle-making workshops that merges creativity, selfcare, and community

“This is going to be a good feeler for me to see if this is something that I want to do. After these eight months are up, do I want to move into my own store?” said Tanesha Watkins

Mother's day Brunch Buffet

APPETIZER

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APPETIZER

BREAKFAST

APPETIZER

BREAKFAST

Shrimp Cocktail, Fried calamari, Focaccia Bread, Baked Clams, Smoked Salmon

SALADS

Shrimp Cocktail, Fried calamari, Focaccia Bread, Baked Clams, Smoked Salmon

BREAKFAST

Shrimp Cocktail, Fried calamari, Focaccia Bread, Baked Clams, Smoked Salmon

Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Sausage, Bacon, Belgian Waffles

SALADS

Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Sausage, Bacon, Belgian Waffles

Mother's day Brunch Buffet s

day Brunch Buffet

SALADS

APPETIZER

Cesar Salad, Tortellini Salad

ENTREES

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Shrimp Cocktail, Fried calamari, Focaccia Bread, Baked Clams, Smoked Salmon

BREAKFAST

Top Sirloin Peppersteak, Ham, Boneless Chicken Florentine, Sausage and Peppers, Fresh Tomato Basil White Fish, Breaded Chicken Cutlets

Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Sausage, Bacon, Belgian Waffles

SALADS

Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Sausage, Bacon, Belgian Waffles

Shrimp Cocktail, Fried calamari, Focaccia Bread, Baked Clams, Smoked Salmon

Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Sausage, Bacon, Belgian Waffles

Top Sirloin Peppersteak, Ham, Boneless Chicken Florentine, Sausage and Peppers, Fresh Tomato Basil White Fish, Breaded Chicken Cutlets ENTREES

Top Sirloin Peppersteak, Ham, Boneless Chicken Florentine, Sausage and Peppers, Fresh Tomato Basil White Fish, Breaded Chicken Cutlets

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Tourism bureau asks visitors to

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DESSERT & BEVERAGES

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DESSERT & BEVERAGES

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

A new ef fort to promote tourism in the near west suburbs is taking shape.

Last week, the Visit Oak Park tourism office announced that it had changed its name to Explore Oak Park and Beyond in an ef fort to more clearly support the organization’s work promoting tourism across the 19 communities it serves. The organization also debuted a new tag line — “Do

West of Chicago’

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The name the group settled on for the rebrand was also chosen to make it more friendly to online search engines, as the group has tried to build up a larger digital presence to promote events and businesses in the area.

The change was “20 years in the making,” the group’s director Annie Coakley

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Historic buildings in the center of Austin

The Chicago Architecture Center led a tour of some of the neighborhood’s first houses and community buildings

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

ust north of the Green Line, between Austin Bouvard and Central Avenue, several historic homes line the streets of Austin.

On an April morning, 15 people gathered at the dway Park plaza and fountain for Chicago Architecture Center’s walking tour of those houses – many which are known because of the famous architects who built them or lived inside

In 1865, Henry Austin bought 280 acres of land, ich today sits in part of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. As Austin began developing the land in the 1880s, it attracted and fostered a diverse community and constantly changing architecture.

ustin donated a plot of his newly acquired land

sits the Greater St. John Church of God in Christ, constructed in 1908. It was designed by William Drummond, who lived in Austin. He worked for architects Daniel Burnham and Frank Lloyd Wright, whom he was head draftsman for when he designed this church. As with many of Wright’s buildings, the church is prairie-style with a low entryway. Inside, there are stairs on either side of the doorway that lead to an open expanse. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s Just west of these churches is a green Queen Annestyle house at 5736 W. Midway Park built in the late 1800s. Typical of this style, the house has a wraparound porch, a turret and an irregular roof line. Queen Anne houses often use multiple materials, like this one’s limestone base and wooden porch. It’s likely that there used to be ornamental decorations

e Meathead Method: Flame-kiss your food

Riverside pitmaster is out with his second book

By RISE SANDERS-WEIR Eats Reporter

Serve a plate of BBQ and eaters are happy for a meal, teach them to grill and they can invite you over for dinner. Meathead –yes, he goes by one name a la Cher or Madonna – is on a mission to bring the science of cooking to the open-flame masses with his new book The Meathead Method

“It’s focused on outdoor cooking, but it’s the same principles for indoor cooking,” Meathead said. “A g rill is really just an oven with a lousy thermostat.”

T he Riverside-based pitmaster, bestselling writer, and BBQ Hall of Famer has long been an advocate for both the art and science of cooking. He labels his outlook as “nerdist.”

“I try to explain in detail why we’re doing things – and also things you can do that will veer from the path that will not result in disaster,” he said. “I feel it’s really important in both my books to explain the basic core principles. What is fire? What is smoke? What is meat? What are ve getables? What are they made from? What happens when heat meets meat and so on.”

Meathead’s first cookbook, Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling, covered the backyard basics. His second cookbook digs deeper into methodology

“I introduced some really interesting new concepts and techniques, like there’s a chapter on how to use koji. Koji is a mold. It’s used for making miso and soy sauce, and you can use it on food. There’s a section on MSG and how to use it,” he said.

One technique that he features in the book came to him as a happy observation while lighting charcoal for his g rill.

“The best way to start charcoal is to use a device called the charcoal chimney,” Meathead said. “I get all the charcoal lit. It was around dusk and I looked at the thing and there was this blue flame coming out of

that charcoal chimney. And I went and got a infrared thermometer and holy cow, it’s like over 1000°. It’s like the back end of an F35 fighter. I was planning on just grilling some steaks, but I ran inside and started chopping, slicing, dicing, and I brought my wok out and put it on top of the chimney.”

Typically, it’s hard, if not impossible to get a wok hot enough on a re gular stovetop to effectively cook Chinese favorites.

“When you take those strips of beef or chicken and throw them in some oil in your frying pan. The first thing that happens is all the water comes out, and so you end up steaming or braising the meat,” he said.

With his wok perched on top of the thousand-de gree charcoal chimney, something transformative happened.

“Boom, it was fantastic. That’s the kind of heat that you get in a Chinese restaurant. If you love Chinese food, that’s the best way to do it,” according to Meathead. His book includes BBQ standards, but it

Meathead live

Meathead will present a slide presentation called “Old Husband’s Tales, BBQ Myths that Deserve to Die” on May 20 at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library, 3541 Brookfield Ave. The event will take place at 7 p.m. and Meathead will be available to sign copies of his book.

goes beyond into recipes and techniques that include Asian, Italian, Spanish and Indian flavors.

“We do chicken tandoori, Indian style and talk about what happens when you marinate chicken with yo gurt. It’s a combination of the geek stuf f with some fun food and all of it is cooked on the grill with the exception of a couple of things like coleslaw,” he said.

“Anyone can use it and cook from it. It’s perfectly fine for beginners. But if you’ re at the intermediate or advanced stage of your cooking experiences, this is a good book, because it’s a bit of a challenge.”

Meathead’s second opus goes on sale May 13. If, once you’ve taken in all it has to offer, you want more myth busting, tips and recipes, you can find it at Meathead’s website, AmazingRibs.com

PROVIDED

member of the team.

“My grandma and my mom were both on the synchronized swimming team here, so it’s very cool that all three of us swam in the same space,” Bromley said. “It’s always been such a positive environment. It was for me, and I think it was for all the coaches. That’s why we came back.”

Coach Socki said that outside of the Olympics, most people have never seen a synchronized swimming performance.

“Come see something new,” she said. “Come have a fun time and see the hard work that all the amazing kids have put in.”

then designs our lighting for the show and they do a fantastic job,” Socki said.

Noelle Wollert, a sophomore, joined the team this year. She said she had been a dancer for many years before giving synchronized swimming a try.

“When I first joined, I was nervous but this club was so welcoming,” Wollert said. One of the new moves Wollert has mas-

tered this year is called the oyster, which is named for the way a swimmer’s body closes up like two oyster shells when they do it

“That one was very fun to learn,” Wollert said. “Some stuff is harder than others but once you get it, you feel very accomplished”

Maxine Kreiter, a junior, said that in addition to loving the sport, she enjoys the comradery that the team provides.

“It’s such a tight community and we’re all really good friends,” she said.

The team’s three coaches are also fans of the sense of community that the team provides. All three of them graduated from OPRF and were synchronized swimmers throughout their four years of high school.

During her time at OPRF, Assistant Coach Katherine Bromley was a third-generation

A Synchro Love Story takes place at 8 p.m. on May 8, at 7 p.m. on May 9 and at both 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on May 10 at OPRF’s West Pool. Tickets are $7 dollars for adults, $5 for students and free for children 5 and below along with senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased at the door or prior to the show at https://www.ticketleap.events/events/ oprfhs-events

Students who are interested in joining the team for the 2026 season can contact assistant coach Meg Volz at mvolz@oprfhs. org. She also suggested attending a synchronized swimming summer course at Wright Colle ge, which many members of OPRF’s team attend.

ERICA BENSON

ALL IN: Coach Martha Socki describes synchronized swimming this way: “It’s a spor t, but we don’t compete.”

EXPLORE OAK PARK

attention to our sites and to our social media,” Coakley said.

Explore Oak Park and Beyond will soon publish new visitor itineraries that will guide visitors to businesses and attractions across village lines.

said at the annual meeting held at the Cheney Mansion.

Above all, the rebrand speaks to an emphasis on cross-community collaboration, as the agency hopes to help establish more of an identity for the area between Chicago’s western border and Interstate 294.

A re gion united by public transportation lines, cuisine and values, the area has more to gain by uplifting every community, Coakley said.

Several local leaders spoke to the importance of that goal during a roundtable discussion at the meeting.

“This branding is important to me, it’s personal,” Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson. “There are no boundaries for who we are as a community.”

“This gives us the potential to build a re gion with story, we are just due west of Chicago but we have so much to do in the area,” Coakley said. “Let’s work together, keep it boundaryless and let’s be a super strong re gion.”

The rebrand comes with a new logo for Explore Oak Park and Beyond, designed to be evocative of a vintage neon sign that you might find outside a local hot dog stand. The logo will swap out “Oak Park” for the name of any of the other communities in materials promoting events and businesses in other villages.

It also signifies a refreshed ef fort looking to attract four types of visitors — history buffs, re gional food connoisseurs, nature seekers and families on day trips.

“Everything we do is based on data, so we do a lot of research on who is paying

“We are talented, and we want to share.”

Forest Park Village Administrator Rachell Entler said that communities in the re gion can maintain their individual identities.

“We are no longer these little communities, we are now one giant community,” she said. “We all have our unique identities, but those boundaries are blurring in a good way. We’re partners with each other as opposed to competitors with one another. That’s where I see this going.”

Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman said the collaboration speaks to a stronger spirit of collaboration between the communities than she’s seen before.

“We are more powerful in partnership,” she said. “It is a new era.”

The organization’s goal of growing tourism in the re gion is supported by funding from both local governments and the state of Illinois. Oak Park supports its Wrightand Hemingway-centric local tourism efforts, largely through a local tax on hotels and other over night accommodations.

Williams-Lee and newcomers Josh Gertz and Kathleen Odell.

“I’m very proud that after maximum levies in years directly preceding my vice, we have completed 12 consecuti years of not taxing to the max, something unheard of, leaving roughly $80 million dollars plus interest in our taxpay pockets, and this equates to roughly one full year of D200 taxes.”

But on departing the board, Cofsky himself clear that there was a lot more to his role than financial. What’s he going to remember most?

“It’s not one thing,” he said. “It’s making sure this is a pillar in our community for our students, and that includes having strong academic programs, strong facilities and being able to stay around for a long time.”

The biggest challenge in his tenure was no surprise – the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was crazy,” he said. “I mean, it’s a blur now. But it was just so uncharted and you were just trying to kind of live for a new day. We were facing laws and changes and didn’t know what to do the next day.

“We had a year of students not in this building.”

Cofsky received multiple testimonials about his long-term work from the board members with whom he served, including Williams-Lee and Fred Arkin, both of whom were re-elected April 1.

“Your 12 years of commitment have been remarkable,” Arkin said. “The change that you have helped lead has reshaped the future of the district. The district is now aligned to provide 21st century learning to

all of our students.”

Williams-Lee, who was appointed to her role in July 2023, built on that, saying Cofsky leaves the district on “very firm footing, in terms of not just the financial piece, which you do quite well, but also the process and the infrastructure. I want to express my personal appreciation for all you’ve done and how you’ve helped me personally.”

In addition to Williams-Lee being

named board president, Tim Brandhorst was named vice president and Dr. Jonathan Livingston was named secretary. After a contentious April 1 election cycle, which saw Gertz run on a slate with Nate Mellman, Gertz emerged victorious and said Thursday he was ready to get started Suffice to say for Gertz, it was a long journey to T hursday. He noted that the mere fact of holding his right hand up as he was swor n in was “a little sur real.”

“I didn’t really envision this coming, being all in the middle of it, but now it’s exciting, it brings a for mality to it and really marks the beginning of my ter m.”

T he key for Ger tz is attacking his lear ning curve. He’s met with several board members individually, while looking back at board records. In a word, studying.

“I have a couple of things that I’ve already mentioned to board members individually, that I think are not very controversial, but I’d like to explore,” he said. “One of them being the safety issue with the bathrooms, trying to look into some sort of monitoring device for bathrooms to try and cut down on vaping in the bathrooms. So I’d like to explore that.”

Odell, who is a professor of economics at Dominican University and associate provost, is ready to jump in as well.

“It’s a great institution, really a treasure for the community as someone said, and so being part of carrying that institution through its next four years is very meaningful for me,” she said.

GREGG VOSS

Outgoing District 200 board president Tom Cofsky thanks his fellow board members on May 1 at the meeting that installed the new high school board

Decrepit Wright home in Austin makes second list of most endangered Illinois sites

Landmarks Illinois places J.J. Walser House on its annual list

By DAN HALEY Interim Editor

After making Preservation Chicago’s annual list of most endangered historic buildings back in March, the J.J. Walser House has now been named one of the 10 most at-risk structures in the state by Landmarks Illinois.

That troubling designation was made last week by the group as it released its 31st annual such list.

The home at 42 N. Central Ave. in Austin

was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is the famed architect’s only West Side building. The now derelict home has suf fered severe damage to its roof and foundation, and the deterioration is continuing.

Built by Wright in 1903 for Joseph Jacob Walser, a printing company executive, the home was purchased in 1970 by Anne and Hurley Teague. The couple worked to stabilize the home. It was named a Chicago Landmark in 1981 and was added to the National Re gister of Historic Places in 2013. However, Anne Teague took out a reverse

mortgage on the home, and after her death it went into foreclosure.

Multiple groups, including Austin Coming To gether, are now working to save the house, which has been unoccupied for at least six years. The ef for ts to gain control of the Walser house are complicated by the foreclosure. Also working to salvage

the house are Preservation Chicago, Landmarks Illinois and the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy.

Landmarks Illinois said that if the mortgage situation can be resolved, it is possible that heirs of the Teagues might transfer ownership, possibly to Austin Coming To gether.

J.J. Walser House, 42 N. Central Ave. in Austin

Celebrating Mother's Day

HISTORIC HOUSE

Almost half an acre from page 23

There, he had a thriving architectural practice with partner Peter Nicholson. The two published The Practical Sculptor, Comprising a Series of Original Designs for Monuments, Mantles, Balustrades, Adapted to the Present Taste and Style of Architecture in 1852.

In 1857, Wadskier moved to Chicago where he built numerous churches, businesses and residences, including the Unity Church on Dearborn Street in 1867.

sonal savings were wiped out in the Chicago fire of 1871, but Wadskier continued to work throughout the Chicago area. He died in 1897 and is buried in Philadelphia alongside his wife Louisa.

Wadskier designed 520 N. Oak Park Ave. in 1886 for William M. Luff, a Civil War veteran who served in the 12th Illinois Cavalry. In 1886, Oak Park had a population of roughly 3,400 people.

Over the next 140 years, the house saw a lot of changes. Some of them, like updated heating, were positive. Others, like 1970’s wallpaper, were not.

When the current owners bought the house in 2021, the home was in good shape structurally, but it was in need of quite a bit of updating. The husband notes, “It needed pretty much everything. We replaced windows, electric, plumbing and AC systems.”

They painted the house a cheerful blue, inspired by a watercolor painting of the home that they found in the basement, ich depicted the house in a similar shade of blue.

The wife notes, “We wanted to bring it back to life but not change the history of the home. It’s such a beautiful home. It just needed some love.”

Wherever they could, they maintained original details like the inlaid hardwood floors and the original millwork. Other than the kitchen at the rear of the house, they didn’t alter the layout of the rooms. The original fireplaces in the living room, entry and for mal dining room, all remained in place and were updated cosmetically.

The couple completely updated and expanded the small kitchen, opening it up to

a room on the rear of the house, and added a wall of windows to the backyard.

Baird and Warner Realtor Cathy Yanda, who is listing the house for the owners, says of the yard, “It’s almost half an acre and 21,000 square feet. It’s one of the biggest lots in Oak Pa rk.”

On the second floor, in a nod to family life, the couple used the wall of closets in the large landing to conceal a washer and dryer. They also updated the bedrooms and remodeled the full bathroom for their family of four.

The third floor was a blank slate for the couple. The wife says, “We really saw an opportunity here.”

They finished the attic level with a large bathroom, including a soaking tub, and added two bedrooms. Now, the space could function as a primary suite floor with a bo-

nus office space, or as a teen suite or floor for guests.

The entire process took about a year to complete, and the couple’s efforts were rewarded with an Historic Preservation Award for residential rehabilitation in 2022.

Alongside the modern updates, many vestiges of Victorian grandeur remain in the house: 10.5-foot ceilings throughout the house; restored pocket doors and two massive front doors, which were salvaged from the Chicago Pullman Estates. The combination of vintage and modern makes an ideal space for a family.

While the couple is selling to take on another opportunity, they say that the house turned out even better than they dreamed. The wife says, “It has such a nice flow, and we love how the kids can just run around the space.”

BAIRD & WARNER-OA K PARK/RIVER FOREST

e kitchen was expanded and brought up to date.

BAIRD & WARNER-OA K PARK/RIVER FOREST

Another replace in the living room.

e architect also designed Unity Church on Dearbor n Street in the city.

CONSCIOUS AGING

Finding the balance

VIEWPOINTS

DOOPER ’S MEMORIES

Icame to my conscious aging world via the path of resilience. As I get older, I am also lear ning about the path of adaptability. To me, resilience includes coping and adaptability includes reframing or adjusting expectations.

Ten years ago, I started reading authors like Angeles Arrien and Ashton Applewhite. I learned that between stimulus and response there is a space, and in that space is our power to choose ktor Frankl). And I came to understand that if believe life peaks in middle age and then it’s all downhill, that’s what we g et.

BLESOFF

ife is change, no matter what age we are, no matter our life path. And there are different kinds of changes

For some of us, there’s the change from cra ing to walking, and then experiencing the w ders of balance and mobility. For some, there’ the change of learning to talk, and then experiencing the wonder of communicating ideas r others, as we get older, there’s the chang from a “human doing” to a “human being,” and then, possibly, experiencing the wonder of bein present.

There’s also the inevitable and varied physical changes we ence in one form or another as we age. The hearing, the eyesight, the strengths and weaknesses. The downsizing. The changed relationships the lost relationships.

There is no template.

On the atche Woods trai

When I was in seventh grade, our history teacher told us the river trail in Thatcher’s Woods was once tr freedom-seeking slaves as they mad their way north on the Undergr Railroad hoping to reach Wisconsin or Canad while all the time being pursued by slave catcher

This fact interested my friend George and me we decided to walk the trail from Chicago to North Avenue our enthusiasm, walk the trail many times but, did this onl three or four times for two stopped hikeek before starting ptember r made , but once stomach became

Through resilience, I hang tough until things return to “nor mal.” Through adaptability, I adjust to what life throws my way. The balance between the two is constantly shifting.

Without resilience, I might just quit when the going gets tough. Without adaptability, I might ignore warning signs. Keeping some balance between the two allows me to stay focused on a goal while adjusting the path to get there in a sustainable, healthy way.

Hanging tough and adjusting are not always healthy. Some people are stubborn because they don’t want to get old, because they think young is good and old is bad. Some people adjust to continuing abusive situations

Last summer, I bent over to pick up a chest full of ice and after I set it down my back really started to hurt. The hurt didn’t go away and got worse. It limited my mobility. My back remained very tender. Pills didn’t help. Turns out I have some arthritis in my back. (The doctor said that’s not unusual for somebody my age!) I’ve had to accept the arthritis, keep doing some stretches and be careful with ice chests.

I have to be both resilient and adaptable.

Regarding my back pain, I haven’t thrown in the towel just because I’m old, and I’m now more careful how I bend over and lift things.

This path of adaptability is helping me not take some things for granted — like putting on my pants while standing on one leg. Balance and mobility are two things I never really thought much about for most of my life.

Part of conscious aging is living with intention. Let’s choose both resilience and adaptability and find the ever-shifting balance between the two.

On one hike, he brought along one of his dad’s cigars, and sitting on the bank of the Des Plaines River, he tried to smoke one, but it made him sick and he quickly abandoned future thoughts of ever doing this again.

We sometimes took off our shoes and socks and waded in the cool waters on the shoreline, being careful not to slip on the stones along the river bank. Once while walking, we spotted a gunny sack wedged between two large rocks, and we believed that we had found a treasure. We pulled out the bag only to discover that the sack contained twelve empty beer cans

On one trip, we decided that the next time we came to the river trail we would fish. At first, we fished using bamboo poles, but before long, we borrowed rods and reels from our respective uncles.

We practiced developing the skill of casting from the river bank, but our lines frequently got hooked on the trees and bushes surrounding us or became snarled on underwater obstacles. Most of our time was devoted to untangling our lines without getting our fingers caught by the barbs of the fishing

hooks. However, we did not give up.

Fishing, it turned out, was practically an all-day affair, so we brought lunch — peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cookies, and two thermos bottles of water

When we reached the trail early in the mor ning, there was no sign of life. The trees along the river bank and the slight mist rising from the water gave us a feeling of tranquility We located a place where a large tree branched out over the river, and there we sat and fished

The only fish we caught were bullheads and catfish, and if we had success, we would take our catches home. My mother would not fry the fish, because she believed that they were polluted, but sometimes George’s mother would prepare George’s catch for their supper. But most of the time she would feed the fish to their two cats who, by the way, survived these meals.

To George and me, the trail was like an oasis from the active world; its great attraction was the solitude that prevailed. Except for the bird calls and the occasional sighting of small creatures, a few deer, raccoons, and possums, we never saw another living being.

We were away from houses, roads, and any signs of civilization — alone in a distant forest.

SHRUB

WN by Marc Stopeck

Working on Mother’s Day

The following appeared in Forest Park Review, our fellow Growing Community Media publication, 50 years ago, May 7, 1975:

Mrs. Mary Mackay of Berwyn is one of more than 2,000 Illinois Bell operators who will be on duty at the switchboards on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11th. Mrs. Mackay, who works at the Oak Park of fice at 714 Lake Street, has seven children of her own, five girls, two boys.

She takes special pride in working on Mother’s Day.

“I’ll be helping people talk to their mothers all over the world,” she said, “and if they can’t be with their mothers, that’s the next best thing. It’s very rewarding to me to hear the happiness in the voices and to know I’ve helped.”

The Mackay household has a rousing celebration planned: a dinner for 20, including Mrs. Mackay’s mother, her brother and his family when Mom is through with her tour at the switchboard.

Jill Wagner Forest Park Re view archivist

WEDNESD AY

JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Viewpoints Guidelines

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

We reser ve the right to edit submissions. We do not have time to allow the writer to review changes before publication. We also do not have time to do more than super cial fact-checking, and because of our national epidemic of misinformation and conspiracy theories, when writers include statistical evidence to support their opinions, we require them to include the source of that information, such as credible websites, print publications, titles of articles and dates published, etc. Be as speci c as possible so that we and our readers have some way of assessing the credibility of your claims. Links may also be included for the online version. We follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics: seek the truth and report it and minimize harm. As a result, we will do our best not to publish pieces that espouse doubtful or debunked theories, demonstrate harmful bias, or cross the line into incivility. While we will do our best not to engage in censorship, we also do not intend to be used as a platform for misinformation. Your sources for fact-checking are a critical step in keeping the discourse honest, decent and respectful.

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If we receive your submission by 5 p.m. on Sunday, you can expect your opinion to be included in that week’s paper (and online), space permitting.

Pieces can be submitted through our online form at oakpark.com or directly to Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor, ktrainor@wjinc.com. For the latter, we prefer attached Word les or plain tex t included in the email.

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Celebrating the Senior Citizens Center

This year is the 70th anniversary of the Senior Citizens Center of Oak ParkRiver Forest, the oldest senior center in Illinois. During Celebrating Seniors Week, May 8-15, we are hosting an Open House at Dole Library on May 14 from 1 to 3 p.m. Please come by and lear n about our programs and history.

Almost half a lifetime ago in 1988, I enjoyed three years as the center’s executive director. The Pa rk District of Oak Park had provided our first location at what then was called the Farson Mills House (today, Pleasant Home). The center shared the second floor, along with the Historical Society of Oak Park-River Forest, with Carol Kelm as its curator

How great it was working with center members like Dwight and Millie Follett; Frank and Shirley Peterson; Elsie Jacobsen; Hal and Georgia Herman; Ilse Jacobson a Holocaust survivor who taught Ger man; John Clark on the piano; and so many more. The large Mills Orchestra played downstairs weekly. There was bridge and the Men’s Club with dif ferent speakers each week. Upstairs were looms for weavers, ceramics, and painting. Other handicrafts were lapidary

and caning. Elderly members went up and down the home’s wood stairs, which wor ried me at the time. This was just before the ADA of 1990 was enacted

A special event was the celebration with dancing on the main floor of members who had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary — not as common 40 years ago as today. I was with the center for our next move to the Oak Park Ar ms in 1989 and remember especially fondly our Holiday Craft Fair in their ballroom. Members who had made items all year long, sold their personal best at tables filled with weaving, lapidary, pottery, paintings, hand- and machine-sewn holiday items, and so much more

In 2019, the Senior Center par tnered again with the Park District of Oak Park to of fer lifelong lear ning oppor tunities to active adults over the age of 50. This collaboration helps the center continue its mission to serve our communities’ seniors

Join us at the Dole Library on Wednesday, May 14, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Abby Schmelling River Forest

Haunted by inaccuracy

As the attor ney who facilitated the Park District of Oak Park’s acquisition of the Dole-Cheney Mansion, I’m writing to set the record straight. In your story, “Is Cheney Mansion haunted?” (Wednesday Jour nal, April 30) you repor t that Andrew and Mary Dole “willed the property to the park district, and their niece, Elizabeth Cheney, inherited it, living there until her death.” This is only partially correct. It is true that Elizabeth Cheney inherited the mansion from her aunt and uncle, Mary and Andrew Dole. But it was Elizabeth Cheney herself who gave the property to the park district under an ag reement whereby she retained a life estate. This entitled her to remain in her home. It also af forded her a limited

charitable deduction on income taxes and relief from property taxes

There were benefits to the park district, too. It was able to obtain and preserve for public use a major historic Oak Park property without paying what would have been a very significant price. The park district assumed cer tain maintenance and upkee p responsibilities, understanding that full public benefit had to wait until Elizabeth’s death.

Gene

Armstrong

Forest Park

Former attorney Park District of Oak Park

■ Wednesday Journal apologizes for the inaccurac y.

Davis vows to resist

The retur n of President Trump and the newly elected 119th Re publican Cong ress has ushered in a wave of policies seeking to dismantle critical protections and progress made over the past several years.

Within his first 100 days, President Trump proposed raising the Social Security retirement age, renewed ef for ts to re peal the Af fordable Care Act, cut Medicaid funding by over $700 billion, reintroduced aggressive immigration crackdowns, reversed environmental protections, weakened workers’ rights, and signaled moves to reduce voting access

Democrats in Congress, and I personally, have mobilized to resist these har mful ef for ts and to advance policies that uplift working families, protect seniors, safeguard health care, promote racial justice, defend democracy, and restore America’s leadership at home and abroad.

As your proud representative in Congress, I believe that transparency and

accountability are the cor nerstones of public service. In my latest re port, you will find a detailed overview of the work I have under taken, alongside my Democratic colleagues, to address the most pressing challenges facing our communities and to counter har mful policies advanced by President Trump and the Re publican Cong ress. From protecting Social Security and Medicare to fighting for criminal justice reform, af fordable health care, child welfare, and economic oppor tunity, I remain committed to policies that prioritize equity, justice, and oppor tunity for all.

This work reflects our shared values, our shared struggles, and our shared hopes for a better tomor row. Thank you for trusting me to serve you, and for standing with me as we continue our fight for a more just and prosperous America.

Danny K. Davis

7th District Congressman House of Representatives, Washington D.C.

Congress, grow a backbone!

It has come down to the last resort. With his endless blizzard of executive orders, Trump has flaunted his contempt for the Constitution’s se paration of powers in our gover nment, seizing more power for the executive branch. He has cowed his fear-ridden followers in the House of Re presentatives. Briefly stated, he and Musk’s DOGE pack have ille g ally slashed staf f and funding in many agencies and of fices that have long existed because of statutes passed in Cong ress or mandated in the Constitution. We all can name victims of the car nage. So much for the le gislative branch and its robust responsibilities and prerog atives

Even the judicial branch, up to and including the Supreme Court itself, has suf fered Trump’s contempt. He dismisses ar restees’ right to due process despite a cascade of protests, especially about exiling hundreds to a gulag in El Salvador And, of course, he makes broad hints about doing the same with “home grown” people he perceives as “enemies.” He even threatens to use the military to enforce his will against the rest of us citizens. That is a radical and unprecedented flouting of law.

In thought, if not in words, he echoes

France’s Sun King, Louis XIV, who said, according to legend, L’etat, c’est moi (“I am the state”). So Trump’s word, even his whim, is law in his own mind

What to do? The 25th Amendment authorizes Cabinet members to de pose a President, but the present gang of sycophants would never do so. He chose them for their craven loyalty to him, not for any genuine qualifications or experience, in almost all cases.

Impeachment is the last resort, and must be voted by the House and confir med by the Senate, without delay. We’re careening headlong into autocracy modeled on the likes of Putin in Russia and Orban in Hung ary, to name just two.

All that’s needed is for a handful of Republicans (better named Trumpublicans) to grow a backbone and serve the interests of their own constituents and the country as a whole. That’s what they swore an oath to do. They need to refuse to be neutered by Trump any longer. Their inte g rity and sacred honor is at stake.

This is a moment of truth if ever there was one

Fred Reklau Oak Park

OPRF baseball rallies past Fenwick

Green’s walk-o single lifts Huskies over Friars

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Athletic contests between OPRF and Fenwick High Schools tend to be highly competitive, with many going down to the wire. Friday night at Triton Colle ge, the Fenwick baseball team scored eight consecutive runs after falling behind early and appeared to have things under control. But OPRF staged a dramatic late rally over the final two innings to pull out a 9-8 victory.

“Nowhere I’d rather be than with this team,” said OPRF senior second baseman Brady Green, whose two-out, two-run single gave the Huskies the win in walk-of f style. “When we’re down, we’re up. This team’s always having a good time and sticking together, and I’d die for this team.”

OPRF (16-7) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on RBI singles from Green and George Holland of f Fenwick starting pitcher Bobby Milder, with Green tallying the third run on a double steal.

But Fenwick (10-11) responded with three runs of its own in the second as Ethan Gonzalez had an RBI single and Jeremy Muno z a two-run double of f OPRF starting pitcher Daniel Kane. The Friars took a 4-3 lead in the third as Bryan Tunison drew a bases-

loaded walk with one out, but Kane struck out Gonzalez and Munoz to minimize the damage.

Milder, meanwhile, settled in after his shaky first inning and retired 13 consecutive batters. He went five innings and allowed four runs on two hits with three walks and two strikeouts.

“Bobby really stepped up for us tonight,” said Fenwick coach Kyle Kmiecik. “He’s got a lot of really good stuf f. We wanted to mix up pitches and keep [OPRF] offbalance, and he did a great job for the most part.”

In the fifth, Fenwick staged a two-out rally. Munoz walked and Johnny Buchman reached on a throwing er ror by OPRF third baseman Johnny Nelson. Then Josh Morgan belted a three-run homer to left field, giving the Friars a 7-3 lead and sending their fans into pandemonium.

“Our bats have been coming alive the last couple of weeks and we continued that tonight,” Kmiecik said.

Fenwick appeared to solidify its hold on the game when back-to-back doubles by Ryan Lazewski and Anthony Henderson to start the sixth raised the lead to 8-3. But OPRF started to rally in the bottom half as Timmy Leark led of f with a walk, one that ended Milder’s evening and brought in Luke Hickey from the bullpen. Singles by Nelson and Ethan Moore plated Leark, but Nelson was thrown out trying to get to third .

two-out single which set off a jubilant celebration among the players, coaches and the OPRF Dog Pound student section.

After Green walked, a throwing er ror by Lazewski on Holland’s grounder to third scored Moore. A sacrifice fly by Oliver Puntillo scored Green to make the score 8-6.

In the top of the seventh, Darren Law came out of OPRF’s bullpen and struck out Gonzalez, Munoz, and Buchman in order.

“It’s something that’s probably overlooked by the general fan,” OPRF coach Kevin Campbell said. “[Law] came in and struck out three, and that gave us all the momentum.”

In the bottom half, Liam Cahill came in to try to save the game for Fenwick, but hit OPRF leadof f batter Peter Ferren with a pitch. Pinch-hitter Xavier Martin lasered a double into the right-field corner to bring home Ferren and cut the Friars’ lead to 8-7.

Julian Garcia-Bariel came in to run for Martin. Leark flied out to left, then Nelson walked. Moore’s groundout advanced Garcia-Bariel and Nelson to set up Green’s

“I just wanted to see the ball and make it super-simple,” said Green, a Bucknell University commit. “It’s the best feeling in the world and probably the greatest moment in my life.”

“Brady’s the guy. He’s a three-year varsity player,” Campbell said. “We’ll put the whole team on his back in any situation. He had a great at-bat and got one he could barrel up down the line, and that’s the end of the story.”

While OPRF was thrilled, it was a tough loss for Fenwick. But Kmiecik felt the Friars played well and will learn from the defeat.

“At the end of the day, you can’t make mistakes against good teams,” he said. “Good teams take advantage of them, and that’s what [OPRF] did. “Our guys are disappointed, but as coaches we see the big picture in this. One game doesn’t define a team, so I’m hopeful and confident we’ll learn from this and continue to get better.”

STEVE JOHNSTON

OPRF pitcher Daniel Kane (12) delivers against Fenw ick during the Crosstown Classic game at Triton College, May 2, in River Grove.

STEVE JOHNSTON

Fenw ick’s Josh Morgan (26) dives back into rst base under the tag by OPRF rst baseman George Holland (25).

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

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Plaintiff, -v.-

MARY WOLFE, CITY OF CHICAGO

Defendants 2019 CH 11236 1028 S AUSTIN BLVD

OAK PARK, IL 60304

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 17, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on June 3, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 1028 S AUSTIN BLVD, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Property Index No. 16-17-331-015

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours.

The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition.

The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g) (4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 151701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in

order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc. com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-19-08871

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2019 CH 11236 TJSC#: 45-1103

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2019 CH 11236 I3265648

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

U S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC., MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-WF1, Plaintiff, -v.ERICA TWYMAN; PRESCOTT SQUARE TOWNHOME ASSOCIATION, Defendants. 17 CH 05787 11448 PRESCOTT LANE, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on 11/14/2024, an agent of Auction.com, LLC will conduct the auction in person at 12:00 PM on June 4, 2025 located at 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60602, and will sell at public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate.

Commonly known as 11448 PRESCOTT LANE, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154

Property Index No. 15-30-204010-0000

The real estate is improved with a Multi-Family. The judgment amount was $523,431.11 Sale Terms: 20% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to Auction. com, LLC, No third party checks will be accepted. All registered bidders need to provide a photo

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

ID in order to bid. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. (relief fee not required) The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a certificate of sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property, prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by the Condominium property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9 (g)(l) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by the Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

For information, contact Plaintiffs attorney: McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC (312) 346-9088 please refer to file number 20-06140IL. Auction.com, LLC 100 N LaSalle St., Suite 1400 Chicago, IL 60602 - 872-225-4985 You can also visit www.auction.com.

Attorney File No. 20-06140IL Case Number: 17 CH 05787 NOTE: PURSUANT TO THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT, YOU ARE ADVISED THAT PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY IS DEEMED TO BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

I3265352

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILD

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of Laura Cadden to change the name of Minor Child Case Number 20254000863

There will be a court date on a Request to change the name of the minor child from: Aisha Omar to the new name of: Aisha Mairead Cadden-Ocampi.

The court date will be held:

On June 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Maywood Courthouse, 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Illinois 60153 in Courtroom # 0111

Published in Forest Park Review May 7, 14, 21, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: M25000461 on April 30, 2025 Under the Assumed Business Name of SHANA’S NAME BANNERS with the business located at: 2500 S. 12TH AVE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: SHANA LYNN EVERAGE 2500 S. 12TH AVE, BROADVIEW, IL 60155, USA.

Published in Forest Park Review May 7, 14, 21, 2025

Notice of Public Meeting

Proviso Township High School (PTHS) District 209, located at 8601 N. Roosevelt Rd, Forest Park, IL, will hold a “timely and meaningful consultation” virtual public meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the district’s plans for providing special education services to students with disabilities who attend private or parochial schools or are homeschooled within the district for the 2025-2026 school year.

Parents of homeschooled students residing within the boundaries of PTHS District 209 who have been or may be identified with a disability are encouraged to attend. This meeting is being conducted in compliance with Illinois State Board of Education regulations.

To receive a Microsoft TEAMS invitation to participate in the meeting, please email rfleming@ pths209.org.

For questions or additional information, please contact: Ms. Ramonda Fleming, Ed.S District Coordinator (708) 497-4650

Published in Forest Park Review

April 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

APPLICATION FOR DEMOLITION PERMIT

Public notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held by the Historic Preservation Commission of the Village of River Forest, County of Cook, State of Illinois on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois on the following matter:

Application #25-03: Certificate of Appropriateness application for the DEMOLITION of the GARAGE at 147 Thatcher, River Forest, IL, a structure listed on the Village survey of architecturally or historically significant properties.

The applicant is: Kimberlee L. Smith, president Smith Architecture, Ltd.

Residents are welcome to attend the May 22nd, 2025, Historic Preservation Commission meeting and will be provided an opportunity to address the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the proposed project. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing. A copy of the application and meeting agenda can be found at Village Hall and on the Village website at www.vrf.us. If you cannot attend the Historic Preservation Commission meeting but would like to provide comments to the Historic Preservation Commission, you may submit comments in writing, via letter or email. Comments and can be sent to lmasella@vrf.us or 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois 60305. Please call 708-3668500 with questions.

Luke Masella Staff Liaison

Historic Preservation Commission

Published in Wednesday Journal May 7, 2025

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

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 Monday, May 19, 2025 at 11:00am. 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 2024-2025 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 7, 14, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

APPLICATION FOR DEMOLITION PERMIT

Application #25-01: Certificate of Appropriateness application for the DEMOLITION of the GARAGE at 601 Bonnie Brae, River Forest, IL, a structure listed on the Village survey of architecturally or historically significant properties.

The applicant is: Frank Heitzman, Heitzman Architects

Luke Masella Staff Liaison Historic Preservation Commission

Published in Wednesday Journal May 7, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

APPLICATION FOR DEMOLITION PERMIT

Application #25-04: Certificate of Appropriateness application for the DEMOLITION of the GARAGE at 715 Clinton, River Forest, IL, a structure listed on the Village survey of architecturally or historically significant properties.

The applicant is: Gr zegorz Lepkowski

Luke Masella Staff Liaison Historic Preservation Commission

Published in Wednesday Journal May 7, 2025