WednesdayJournal_060425

Bellows Donna Barnhisel Anne Brennan Tom Carraher

Canepa Cesario Cibula

Gagliardo

Congratulations, Class of 2025

Produced in partnership with Oak Park and River Forest High School. Special thanks to Karin Sullivan

Interim Executive Director Max Reinsdorf

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls

Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Senior Advisor Dan Haley

HOW TO REACH US

141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Pak, IL 60302

Phone 708 524 8300

Fax 708 467 9066

Online www.OakPark.com

Wednesday Journal is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2025 Growing Community Media NFP.

As we say farewell to the 148th graduating class in the school’s history, I am struck by the overwhelming accomplishments of our students. This class, like many that have preceded it, has demonstrated all around excellence. The class of 2025 contains 34 Scholarship Cup recipients, who have earned nothing but A’s in every class at OPRF while maximizing their honors and Advanced Placement courses. We have nine National Merit finalists, and 72 students with National Merit recognitions. Dozens of student athletes from 12 programs have earned state recognition and, at press time, it seems very likely there

DR.

GREG JOHNSON Superintendent

are more to come. Collectively, our graduates this year earned a jaw-dropping $16.8 million in merit scholarships and grants for their post-secondary pursuits.

In order to get to this point in their journey, our students have persevered through many personal obstacles over the past four years: loss of a loved one, anxiety and palpable fear about the state of our world, both globally and locally, and dramatic, sometimes permanent shifts within their families. Every day, our students have demonstrated the courage to work through significant

struggles in ways that amaze us.

As you travel around our communities and see the many yard signs celebrating an OPRF grad, take a moment to reflect on all that is behind that milestone. And if you’re like me, you’ll feel a sense of pride and hope that our students are prepared to take these skills and accomplishments with them into the world outside of OPRF.

With all best wishes, Dr. Greg Johnson Superintendent

AAnthony Masaichi Abbinanti

Dylan Achterhof

Jamari Acree

Janiyah Acree

Charlotte Ainsworth

Ava Frances Albukerk

Siena Beese Alfonsi

Mayan Mohammed Alwaeli

Gabriella Marie Amunategui

Tyler Anderson Mays

Cori Michelle Anderson

Fayith Anderson

Tamya Marie Apollo

Alexander Michael Arancibia

Symone Cartrice Archie Mcwhorter

Natalia Arellano

Myles A Armstrong

Noble Whiting Ashe

Leila R Ashrafi

Sofia Ayala

Dimitri Chigozie Azu-Popow

B

Simon Khoi Bade-Nguyen

Josephine Summer Mcdonal Badrinath

Adrian U Baez

Cole Magee Baird

Emily Elaine Ball

Masseni D Bamba

Vivian Iris Banghart

Anahi Banuelos

Ariel Banuelos

Megan Ixzumy Barajas

Zaria Dream Barker

Will Sullivan Barnes-Mazur

Lydia Joy Barnes

Ellie Lynn Barrigar

Tressa Bella Barrigar

Mia Natalia Barriuso

Luke Christopher Barron

Rue Baty

Spencer Bulut Baus

Riley Rose Bazillion

Nolan Mateus Castillo Beach

Victor Beard

Campbell Beasley

Kiara Colette Behensky

Spencer Everett Bell

Simon Benedict

Katherine E. Benson

Audrey Linn Benzkofer

Charlotte Elizabeth Berg

Maya Dawn Berry

Frances Isabel Berta

Juliette Rosalee Bezaire

Addison Bliss

Christopher Blum

Hayden Lee Bogehegn

Henry Christopher Bogzevitz

Dylan Bomar

Jonathan Thomas Bonk

Helena Poppy Booth

Audrey Hana Bostwick

Jacob Bottorff

Kathryn Boveri

Belle Bowker

Caleb A Bowman

Ariana Margarite Boyer

Xander Stephen Brandis

Charles Nicholas Brandon

Isabella Katerina Marie Brauc

Lukas Benjamin Brauc

Emma Bortner Brennan

Anna Breuer

Aminatta Imani Brima

Jacob Brookes

Taylen Amari Brooks

Reese Aaron Brotman

Blaire T Brown

Julia Helen Brown

Michael Allen Bruce II

Ian Buchanan

Avery Marie Buczek

Azalea J Bukalski

Anna Mae Bullock

Amy Burna

Jasper Burrows

Rafael Aftab Butt

Nora Jane Butterly

Frances Margaret Byrne

CJeremy Caceres

Alice Veronica Cadwell

OPRF 2025 GRADUATES

Tallulah Isabel Cairns

Calem Eduardo Calara

Lundyn A Calcote

Octavian Calin-Jageman

Ella Jane Callero

Paola Amaris Campuzano

Maura Elizabeth Carmody

Tess Sofia Carr

Mason Steven Carroll

Norman Henry Carroll

Tehran David Carter

Khalaya Casper-Coleman

Malie Margaret Cassel

Elianna Casselle

Jason Rogelio Castro Jr.

Lea Caulliez

Laila R Cespedes

Alexander Chagoya-Rangel

Marin Chalmers

Molly Chambers

Kaden David Chandler-Bryant

Julia Marion Chang

Shaniyah Tessa Charles-Meeks

Ishani Chattopadhyay

Quincy Hsin-Yu Chen-Marusich

Yun Chen

Brennan Edward Chinn

Audrey Ruth Chizzo

Emani Michelle Christion

Emily Grace Churchouse

Elora Sophia Cianciolo

Luna Noelle Clancy

Calvin Claps

Anthony Victor Clark

Anne Caroline Claud

Christina Cleveland

William Francis Clifford

Abigael Marin Cockerill

Ella Grace Coffaro

Haley Cohen

Naimah Kendra Coleman

William Edward Coleman IV

Frederick Collins

Malcolm Collins

Sadie Barrett Kitto Collins

Chloe Isabella Comm

Angus Tucker Michael Connelly

Esme Ann Conour

Sofia Elizabeth Contreras

Gabriel Mateo Corona

Aiden Cosbey-Clark

William Patrick Cote

Oliver Liam Taylor Crimmins

Marshall Cusack Cronin

Michael John Tomasek Cruz

Noah Robert Cummings

Vincent Czarnkowski

Connor Richard Czerniawski

DJohn Evan D’Agostino

Caitlyn Elise Daniel

Alexis Daniels

Tea Margarete Jude Dassinger

Malini Datta-Nemana

Broderick Daunis

Myles Avery Steed Davidson

Wesley Andre Vernyl Davidson

Emonni Davis

Margaret Ramirez Dean

Jack David Debeers

Franklin August Delano

Hannah Claire Demes

Lourdes Portia Deogracias

Evie Derhammer

Edwin Moliis Desiderio

Patric Christopher Desir

Claire Detmer

Ava Taryn Deutsch

Joseph Ousmane Diatta

Hans Diaz-Falth

Brice Earl Franklin Diehl

Jamiyah Dillon

Alex Dolipschi

TODD A. BANNOR

Grand Opening: This Saturday, June 7

703 Lake St � Oak Park

Enjoy free samples, music, games & giveaways!

� Fresh-made smoothies � Delicious açaí bowls & oatmeal � Cold-pressed juices

Oak Park is getting juicer! Join us as we open our doors to the Oak Park community. Our mission is to build healthier communities around the globe by connecting people with superfoods.

Come taste the pure goodness and join us in celebrating healthy living!

At Pure Green Oak Park, we’re deeply connected to the local rhythm and community vibe. Just as an artist carefully selects their colors, we handpick fresh, locally sourced ingredients bursting with vitality to craft our delicious smoothies, refreshing juices, and indulgent acai bowls. Each vibrant sip is like an uplifting chorus in your favorite song, and every nutritious bite feels like discovering a hidden gem in a vivid painting.

We also offer delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub - so your favorite superfoods can come straight to you!

Planning an event? Let us help with catering. We’d love to help you plan your next gathering and fuel your guests with healthy, delicious options.

Dawn Marie Dominis

Hailie Robynn Donald

Claire Elizabeth Dormanen

Brenton Michael Dortch

Coleman Willis Douce

Adam Q. Doyle

Michaela P Draeger

Ruby Rigot Drexler

Elisabeth Ryanne Drobot

Declan James William Drumm

Reilly Ann Duda

Colleen Mary Duffy

Alyssa Duncan

Frederic De La Houssaye Dunk

Cameron Dunlop

Nathan Robert Duschene

Charles Dusterberg

Abigail Marie Dwyer

EEllie Edgeworth

Finley Michael Egan

Joseph Zhizhong Egan

Weston Scott Elmer

Joseph Elza

Sonja M Emerson

Elizabeth Anne Endres

Noortje Martini Malaga Engbers

Daniel Epshtein

Isabella Eve Erpelo

Valeria Sinaith Escalona-Rodriguez

Ciel Lyric Ewald

Molly Kathleen Fahey

Abigail Falkoff

Jada Farlow

Peter Farren

Zoey Piper Fejes

Indigo Aurora Field

Chase Fields

Paul Lawrence Fields Jr.

Rute Tibebu Fikadu

Ava Catherine Fischer

Colm Robert Fischer

Ava Sloane Fisher

Luca Marconi Flodin

Franklin Ray Gilfillan

Henry August Gillman

Oren Moore Ginsberg

Bruno Lionel Giubilino

Nia Bobbie-Marie Glenn

Caroline Rose Glinke

Natalie Sabine Goldstein

Ren Akiko Goodfriend

Hannah Gordon

Isla Josephine Gordon

Alexander William Gossett

Madelief Goud

Daniel Andrew Govorunov

Miriam Goyette

Kayla Michelle Graham

Anthony Grant Jr.

Margaret Caygill Grant

Patterson Grant

Jocelyn Nicole Flynn

Jasmine Ford

Ella Foster

Jason Carzell Foster Jr.

Luke Fougere

Sebastian John Fournier

Tallulah June Fox-Robertson

Gregory John Fox

Asher Alexander Frank

Clara Elizabeth Frantzen

Kemaria Ta’Janae Freeman

Anja Elise Frickx

Gabriel Frischman

Kiran Fry

Jack Carlyle Fuller

GAva Gallagher

Jack Gallery

Genesis Gabrielle Galloway

Odin Silas Gallup

Patrick Ganschow

Andrew Thomas Garcia

Terrence Garner

Henry Garza

Benjamin Gaunt

Alana S Gerona

Lyla M Gerona

Fiona Marie Gibbs

Emilio Guerrero

Eric Andre Guerrier

Lauren Aubrey Gullo

Mary Violet Gullo

Anika Gupta

Sadie Betty Guralnick

Kanohi Chien Gurgas

Georgia Maria Gutierrez

Keren Daniela Gutierrez

HFinnegan Terrence Hackett

Hayes Campbell Hagedorn

Arlo Junius Hamer

Amelia Hammersley

Thomas James Hann

Milo Hansen

Keith Elwood Hansmann

Alexander Harks

Alecia Nicole Green

Braden Hvale Green

Dantrail Green

Matthew Green

Edmund Jermaine Griffin II

Finis Griffin

Audrey Grimaldo

Nathaniel Li Grining

Ella Sophia Gucciardo

Anahis Guadalupe Guerrero

Andrew Harmon

Drew Harris

Eric Harris

Ethan Marvin Harris

Graham William Harris

Lila Clementine Harris

Madison Jazi Harris

Mary Ray Harris

Phelan King Harris

OPRF 2025 GRADUATES

Sean Jamal Harris

William Harris

Malik Harvey-Earnest

Elyssa Georgia Hasapis

Jacob Hasson

Setrak Khachadour Hazarian

Sophie Kathryn He

Mateo Alonso Heidkamp Pimentel

Kaleiyah Ann Henderson

Tyler Joseph Henson

Julian Hinojosa

Zoe Grace Hirshman

Malissa Jean Hisey

Mahalia Hodge

George Joseph Holland

Katherine Hollister-Mennenga

Lucy Minor Horkavy

Daniella R Horna-Baxter

Quinn Hover

Isaac H. Hoyt

TODD A. BANNOR

From all of us at B-Health Physical Therapy, we’re proud to celebrate the graduating class of Oak Park and River Forest High School!

FromallofusatB-HealthPhysical Therapy,we’reproudtocelebrate thegraduatingclassofOakPark andRiverForestHighSchool!

As you turn the page on this important chapter, we applaud your dedication, perseverance, and growth. You’ve made your families, teachers, and community proud—and we can’t wait to see all the incredible things you’ll achieve next.

Asyouturnthepageonthis importantchapter,weapplaudyour dedication,perseverance,and growth.You’vemadeyourfamilies, teachers,andcommunityproud— andwecan’twaittoseeallthe incrediblethingsyou’llachievenext.

At B-Health, we believe in supporting our community every step of the way. Whether you're heading to college, starting a new job, or exploring what’s next—take care of your body, move with confidence, and know we’re cheering you on.

Wishing you a healthy, joyful, and successful journey ahead!

AtB-Health,webelieveinsupporting ourcommunityeverystepofthe way.Whetheryou'reheadingto college,startinganewjob,or exploringwhat’snext—takecareof yourbody,movewithconfidence, andknowwe’recheeringyouon.

— The B-Health Team

Wishingyouahealthy,joyful,and successfuljourneyahead!

—TheB-HealthTeam

Gloria Hronek

Christina Grace Hughes

Sheldon Clara Hunnewell

Kate Adeline Hunsberger

Justin Mayze Hunter

Isaac Cornell Huppke

James Emanuel Hurt

Rory Elisabeth Hurt

Gregory Huseby

IKarina Ibadatova

Rowan Elise Irvine-Stindt

Brianna Grace Ivey-Johnson

JFred Lee Jackson IV

Griffin Lucas Jacobson

Mateo Rojas Jacoby

Gia Jakovljevic

Brett Walter James-Halter

Sephtis James

Angelina Jankovich

Cooper Janning

Quinn Magnus Janssen-Singh

Riley Walter Janu-Chossek

Emma Johne

Alana Cynae Johnson

Anita Carolyn Nafia Johnson

Audrey Muir Johnson

Nathaniel Lewis Johnson

Quint Johnson

Robert Darwin Johnson

Shermoyra Latrice Johnson

Katherine Rosemary Jolie

Gavin David Jones

Malcolm Cooper Jones

Paul Jones Jr.

Sierra Kimiko Jones

Natalia Jane Joseph

Veronica Jurgus

KWilliam Frederick Kaegi

Joseph F Kahn

Teagan Addison Kamradt

Daniel Irving Kane

Jake Michael Karnick

Abigail Elena Karolyi

Iris Keane

Jennifer Keane

Logan Kelley

Emma Nicole Kelly

Finnegan Wallace Kelly

Peter James Kelly

Emmett Kennedy

Mara Alexandra Kennedy

Yahel Kerr

Will Frederick Keyes

Rayya Khan

Lev Christopher Khoubaeva-Hummel

Tristan Kidd

Adler James Kilburg

Joshua Sean Killion

Rafe Kilworth

Ewan Jee Soo Kim

William Kirby

Rebecca Sherrow Kirk

Joshua Hinga Kitterman

Ada Klein

Julia Katrin Klein

Eleanor Meira Klem

Joseph Thomas Knackstedt

Henry Scott Knoepke

Samuel Ko

Elizabeth Sophia Kochendorfer

Andrew Kohler

Penelope Kong

Gabriel Francis Korzatkowski

Rachel Ann Kralik

Victor Michael Kramer

Augustus Carroll Kratz

Sheriff Russell Kratz

Vaughn Macallister Kraus

Alison Grace Kremidas

Dominika Aleksandra Kulasza

Nina Hanaan Kult-Banout

Henry Monroe Kurtz

LPearl Bickhaus Lacey

Spencer Langelan

Zaria Sanaa Larnell

Sonia Lakshmi Lavery

Grace Catherine Layton

Marina Lazaro-Carrasco

Gabriel Leal

Timothy Leark

Koji Christian Lemke

Kaya Ren Lenhart

Carter Lennie

Marco Vincent Leporini

Joseph Richard Leshnock

Christian Lewis-Green

Vivienne Na-Mi Leyland-Kim

Jessica Jiayi Li

Lucca Linarez

Stuart Sinclair Lippincott

Vivienne Maree Lisak

Kiera Latrice Locke

Ivy Elizabeth Loentz

Audrey Antoinette Loeper

Thomas Joseph Loftus

Joshua Paul Morgan Lopez

Sofia E Lopez

Norah Lougachi

Ava Serene Lowell

Brenden K Lowenthal-Wojcik

Kenneth Edward Lugo

Justin Lulu

Marian Lumm

Sophia Adeli Lynn

Clara Joan Lyons

M

David Adams Maas

Calum Robert Macadam

Colin Macek

Sophie Agnes Magniere

Elbert Mahone

Grace Maidlow

Debineh Nebiyou Atikem Makonnen

Caroline Jane Mann

Jacob Dylan Manning

Nathan Manning

Makayla Ann Manual

Mark William Marcondes

Maya Rose Marobella

Benjamin Edward Martin

TODD A. BANNOR

Student Council President Caroline Vietzen speaks at Oak Park & River Forest High School’s 149th Commencement Ceremony at UIC Credit Union 1 Arena.

Gavin S Martin

Laro Martinez-Santos

Emily Martinez

Jayde Camille Martinez

Maeve Kelly Marzec

Tiffani Mathews

Eleanor Braden Matoka

Fhaysia Calayah Matthews

Julia Tysseling Mattiace

Frida Maugeri

Samson Maugeri

Jaela Jolie May

George Alexander Maychruk

Josiah Alexander Mcafee

Lyric Mccarthy

Blake K Mcclarin

Christian Jeremiah Mcclinton-Waters

Everett Michael Mccreary

Jamia Miasia Mccurry

Aniya Nate’ Mcleod

Madeline Elizabeth Mcmillan

Thomas Mcneilly

August Norman Mcnulty

Alexis Meagher

Alejandro Medina

Molly Medland

Maytal Audrey Meir

Camille Deevany Mejia

Orion Anastasios Melis

Samantha Menconi

OPRF 2025 GRADUATES

Mateo Mendoza

Mia Emilka Mendoza

Nora Meraz

Olive Hyacinth Merrill

Nicholas Gregory Meyer

Adam Mikita

Henry Milan

H Brook John Miller

Jocelyn Miller

Myles Allen Millhouse

Paul Graham Mills

Keyshaun Mims

Addison Rose Minnis

Julian Miravalle

Angira Mishra

Sophia Marie Missman

Montri Cade Molina

Audrey Mia Molitor

Morgan Montes-Williams

Andrew Monty

Anthony Bernard Moore

Baylee Moore

OPRF CLASS OF 2025

Brandon Moore

Ethan Moore

Talib Moore

Kasper E Moorman

Mateo Morales

Adam Moroney

Anthony Lamarion Morris

Charles Morrison

Jasper Miles Morrison

Bailey Dakota Mosbacher

Nathan Scott Moskoff

Ella Rose Moss

Maya Jane Mossell

Sophie Xenia Mullen

Will Harrison Mullen

Juliana Munante Perez

Malou Leonie Munch

Robert John Mundt

Carlos Diego Munoz

Cedar Joaquin Munoz

Christopher Desmond Murphy

Sadie Marie Murphy

Xavier Gerard Murphy

Kaspian Murray

Olivia Musachia

NMariana Rose Nache

James Curtis Nacke

Nandan Anirudh Nadkarni

Abigail Leigh Najera

Linnea Elisabeth Miha Nam

Sydney Elise Neschis

Charles T Newman

Benjamin Jacob Niewoehner

Ethan Michael Niewoehner

Ana Elida Nitzoy

Kade Norman

Jada Kathleen Noyes

Emerson Dacerveira Nunes

Jada Nwaokocha

OKelsey Obrien

Kennedy Ocarroll

Teagan Ocarroll

Liam West Oconnor

Peter Okeefe

Wyllow Kristi’An Oladipo

Lars Wilt Olson

Nancy Chengbin Olson

Mary Ruth Olszowka

Rosemary Ann Ondrla

Kwabena Boateng Osei-Yeboah

PJack Panichelli

Anna Panza

Pablo Stitziel Pareja

Bennett Parker

Sarah Katherine Parkinson

Madison B Parsons

Cameron Alexander Pate

Eva Saily Patenaude

Daniel Endeh Pattie

Annika Tekchandani Pauline

Jane Cornelia Garen Pearson

Joaquin Daniel Pecoraro Hernandez

Manuela Sofia Pecoraro Hernandez

Owen Gabriel Perisho

Avante Francisco Perkins

Arden Perry

Clementine Perry

Miller Theodore Peters

Jude Karl Peterson

Hannah B Phelan

Baylee Sol Piasecki

Dylan Pierce

Amarie Giselle Pillado

Evan Preston Pisellini

James Luke Plepel

Violet June Luck Plotkin

Thomas Keith Pogue

Leah Jean Pollock

Vivienne Houle Pope

Aja Corynn Porter

Amelia Porterfield

Sheyla Posadas

Valentina Pratolongo

Samuel Sibley Premo-Hopkins

Deshon Marco Press

Lucas Charles Puntillo

RMichael David Rabichow

Mia Radtke

Manu Martin Rajagopal

Katrice Grace Ramilo

Alara Cigdem Randle

Tessa Noelle Rankin

Ibrahim Seck Rassaam

Michael Warren Readling

Wade Rebb

Emma Kate Redmond

Marcus Che Reed Jr.

Kimberly Christine Regan

James Alfred Regenstein

Emily Samarah Renteria

Isabel Sophia Retterer

Bryan Marsean Rice

Bryce Richards

Brendan Tyler Richardson

Mykah Xavier Riley

Tommaso Paolo Rinaldi

Carolina Andrea Rios

TODD A. BANNOR

TODD A. BANNOR

Waylon Ritter

Ayanna Angelique Rivera

Caleb William Roberts

Tashawn Robey

Alexandra Honor Robinson Bellin

Carey Suviel Robinson Jr.

Justin Terrel Robinson

Brianna Leann

Rockingham-Humphrey

Claire Virgina Rodriguez-Nelson

Gloria Angelina Rodriguez

Oliver Santiago Rogers

Manuel Benjamin Rojas Lara

Gabriel R Rojas

Nicole Isabel Roman

Sarah Yoon Jeong Root

Juan Francisco Rosado

Lucille Heather Rosenblum

Eleanor Jinming Rowe Smiley

Woodrow Wallace Rowoldt

Heidi Rozhold

Xantal Rozman-Puig

Gabriel James Ruby

OPRF 2025 GRADUATES

OPRF CLASS OF 2025

Capri Diar Scatton

Caris Dior Scatton

Lyra Ruth Louise Schaafsma

Gabriel Dean Schmidt

Benjamin Thomas Schmollinger

Avery Elizabeth Schneider

Maxine Novi Schneider

Nicholas Schneider

Owen Anthony Ruby

Anna Christine Ruess

Madeleine Amelie Ruggiero

Henry Patrick Ryan

SAmeena Saadiq

August Bailey Saame

Maggie Welles Salzman

Imani Sanders

Rachel Sang

David Alfredo Santana

Aiden Josiah Santiago

Haley Margaret Sarsany

Juliet Marie Saydah

Leah Marie Scholvin

Caleb Arthur Schulz

Connor David Schupp

Claudia Louise Schutte

Isabella Andrea Schwager

Liam Schweitzer

Charles Faigen Scott

River Jude Scott

Ryan Edward Scott

Zoie Dzifa Segbawu

Jordan J Sessom

Graham Shabino

Katherine Anne Shannon

Aiden Amir Sheibany

Christina Cleveland sings the National Anthem at Oak Park & River Forest High School’s 149th Commencement Ceremony.

Estelle Rose Shepley

Jasmine Dianna Shirley

Phoebe Shorney

Langston James Short

Sydney Scott Shrader

Sasha Coral Sieck

Lucelia Silver Siegel

Lia Elisabeth Silos

Sophia Isabelle Silver

Genevieve Simkowski

Paulina Simkowski

Scarlett Simkowski

Blessing Ogechi Simon-Ohia

Avery Simon

Benjamin Simon

Hannah Claire Simon

Halina Sindt

Joshua Daniel Singer

Beatrice Sjostrom

Jasper Valentine Skalla

Valerie Rose Skinner

Alana Slade

Derrick Cortez Sledge Jr.

Amaree Latrice Smith

Chace Smith

Elizabeth C Smith

Jeremiah Smith

Josephine Jiufeng Smith

Kerala Smith

Nolan William Smith

Rashad K Smith

William Smith

Mekhai Snipes

Martin Adam Sonnenschein

Yishai Alejandro Sosa

Jane Audrey Souders

Jack Charles Soumar

Byron Gordon Sparrow III

Mitchell Kian Speer

Kate Kinsale Spencer

Beau Thomas Spillane

Andre Luke Stanton

Eli Benjamin Stein

Zechariah Steiner

Meredith Jane Steinman

Noah Rigby Stelzer-Jocks

Isabel Grace Stickney

Harper Elizabeth Stotts

Nora Audrey Bradeen Stowers

Benjamin Streiffer

Cassidy Jane Sturgeon

Thomas Lowell Suddes

Mai Jewel Sugimoto

Javier Andres Sulleiro

John Summers

Sariah Bernice Swift

T

Torin Lucas Tamayo

Robert Francis Tansey IV

Vashon Keith Tapia

Keandre Jermaine Tate

Ayanna Donyea Taylor

Sam Hausser Taylor

Amirah Soleil Teague

Maribel Maria Telek-Lundal

Nyla Terrell

Quinn Patrick Testore

Alphonse Robert Theys

Eli Ronald Michael Thomas

Isiah Thomas

Jamari M Thomas

Paige Thomason

TODD A. BANNOR

OPRF 2025 GRADUATES

Ava Lucille Thompson

Harper Ann Thompson

Miles Thompson

Samira Leah Tolliver

Liam Jackson Tomlinson

Anna Grace Topel

Gabriella Sophia Towns

Samuel Thomas-Michael Tristano

Dominic Michael Trotta

Luca Nicholas Trotta

Liam Tuhey

Paloma Mor Turner

UElla Joy Ungaretti-Levy

Ike Whitley Unsell

Aneesah Naimah Uqdah

VAlouette Valentine

Amelia Van Santen

Lucy Rae Vander Griend

Victor Hugh Vanek

Caty Noelia Vega

Sebastian Edilberto Vega

Alexander Ventura-Dewolfe

Michael Vasilis Vielehr

Caroline Elizabeth Vietzen

Alexander Gordon Vincent

Warren Joseph Vitale

Madeline Rose Vizzone

Olivia Bryce Vogel

WKathleen Walby

Stella Walker

Kendall Wallace

Colleen Rose Walsh

Duke Harrison Walsh

Nolan Walters

Grace Kathryn Walton

Kristopher Ward

Lynn Alice Warwick

Tyler Dushon Washington

Owen Watson

William Thomas Weber

Faith Lorraine Webster

Benjamin Lyman Wefel

Henry Scott Wehman

Elia Joelle Wei-Henrys

Abigail Weiss

Sophie Welch

Griffin Temple Wesley

Solomon Morgan Westmeyer

Aniya White

Thomas Scherrer Whitted

Kaviarasi Whyte

Galen Robert Willhoft

Grace Williams

Samaya Dane’E Williams

Matthew Winkelhake

Rachel Lynn Winkler

Augusten Daniel Winter

Sophia Ellie Wong

Tewabech Eva Woodson

Ryan Wozniak

Maxwell Wright-Crite

YZipei Yang

Eric C Young

ZMoriah Yemina Zeb

Andrew Zhou Lily Joy Zinthefer

Sofia Ayala (Scholarship Cup), University of MichiganAnn Arbor

Clara Frantzen (Scholarship Cup), The Boston Conservatory

Sophia Lynn (Scholarship Cup), Duke University

Daniel Pattie (Scholarship Cup), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Oak Park and River Forest High School Graduating Scholars 2025

Addison Bliss (Scholarship Cup), University of WisconsinMadison

Alana Gerona (Scholarship Cup), Georgetown University

Eleanor Matoka (Scholarship Cup), University of Wisconsin-Madison

Jane Pearson (Scholarship Cup), University of CaliforniaSan Diego

Henry Bogzevitz (Scholarship Cup), University of CincinnatiMain Campus

Rachel Kralik (Scholarship Cup), Georgetown University

Julia Mattiace (Scholarship Cup), Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Anna Ruess (Scholarship Cup), University of Notre Dame

Eli Stein (Scholarship Cup), Northwestern University

William Weber (Scholarship Cup), Boston University

Benjamin Streiffer (Scholarship Cup), Case Western Reserve University

Sophie Welch (Scholarship Cup), University of Pennsylvania

Paloma Turner (Scholarship Cup), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Sophia Wong (Scholarship Cup), University of WisconsinMadison

Patric Desir (Scholarship Cup), Grinnell College

Sonia Lavery (Scholarship Cup), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Angira Mishra (Scholarship Cup), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Rachel Sang (Scholarship Cup), Northwestern University

Ella UngarettiLevy (Scholarship Cup), Case Western Reserve University

Lily Zinthefer (Scholarship Cup), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Ruby Drexler (Scholarship Cup), The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

Grace Layton (Scholarship Cup), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Ethan Niewoehner (Scholarship Cup), Amherst College

Beatrice Sjostrom (Scholarship Cup), Kenyon College

Amelia Van Santen (Scholarship Cup), Calvin University

NOTE: The Scholarship Cup is awarded to those students who have the highest grade point average at the end of their seventh semester using the high school’s weighted grade point index. To be eligible, students must have attended OPRFHS at least five of the previous seven semesters.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS

Marin Chalmers

Quincy Chen-Marusich

William Frederick Kaegi

Rachel Kralik

Calum MacAdam

NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED

Angira Mishra

Ethan Niewoehner

Daniel Pattie Benjamin Streiffer

Sofia Ayala

Henry Bogzevitz

Helena Booth

Jacob Bottorff

Jacob Brookes

Ian Buchanan

Malini Datta-Nemana

NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN RECOGNITION

Cori Anderson

Caleb Bowman

Blaire Brown

Elijah Casselle

Michael Cruz

Caitlyn Daniel

Patric Desir

Alexander Gossett

Tristan Kidd

Jaela May

Talib Moore

Olivia Musachia

James Plepel

Alara Randle

Bryce Richards

Amaree Smith

Isiah Thomas

Brice Diehl

Christiane Elshtain

Clara Frantzen

Franklin Gilfillan

Natalie Goldstein

Alexander Gossett

Lev KhoubaevaHummel

Vivienne Leyland-Kim

Jessica Li

Joshua Lopez

Sophia Lynn

Grace Maidlow

NATIONAL HISPANIC RECOGNITION

Cori Anderson

Sofia Ayala

Rafael Butt

Sofia Contreras

Michael Cruz

Broderick Daunis

Abby Falkoff

Alana Gerona

Lyla Gerona

Henry Gillman

Elina Kell

Alexander Lema

Pablo Pareja

James Plepel

Xantal Rozman-Puig

Torin Tamayo

Isaiah Thomas

Julia Mattiace

Myles Millhouse

Jasper Morrison

Nandan Nadkarni

Liam O’Connor

Annika Pauline

Dylan Pierce

August Saame

Benjamin Schmollinger

Jasper Skalla

Eli Stein

Sophie Welch

Sophia Wong

Lily Zinthefer

NATIONAL FIRST-GENERATION RECOGNITION

Caleb Bowman

Sofia Contreras

Tristan Kidd

Jaela May

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS RECOGNITION

Abby Falkoff

Zoey Fejes (Scholarship Cup), University of WisconsinMadison

Jessica Li (Scholarship Cup), Brown University

Bennett Parker (Scholarship Cup), London College of Fashion

Elizabeth Smith (Scholarship Cup), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Caroline Vietzen (Scholarship Cup), University of Notre Dame

2025 SCHOLARSHIP & AWARD RECIPIENTS • CONTINUED

Many graduating seniors in the Class of 2025 have received merit-based scholarships from their colleges and universities and from corporate programs, foundations, and other organizations. These scholarships—combined with $385,750 given locally through the generosity of the OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation, the Community Foundation of Oak Park and River Forest, and individual community, civic, and alumni groups—have provided $16.8 million to the 2025 graduating class. Below is a list of scholarships reported to OPRFHS to date and verified.

Dr. Alexander Schmidt Memorial Scholarship Lyla Gerona

Dr. Gerald L. Clay Memorial Scholarship Isiah Thomas

Dr. Robert & Dorothy Brewer Scholarship Mayan Alwaeli

Drake University - Inclusive Scholars of Digital Proficiency Program Leah Pollock

Drake University - Karen Kolbe Goodenow Scholarship Leah Pollock

Drake University - Presidential Scholarship

Pollock

Dwight Follett Memorial Scholarship Alexander Gossett, Caroline Vietzen

Elizabeth Snow Memorial Award Norah Lougachi

Elon University - Elon College Fellow Scholarship

Vander Griend

Elon University - Presidential Scholarship

Olszowka, Lucy Vander Griend

Emerson College - Aspire Merit Scholarship Abigael Cockerill

Exelon Foundation - Bright Futures Scholarship Kanohi Gurgas

Garden Club of OP/RF Scholarship

Booth, Connor Czerniawski, Blake McClarin

Garth Follett Memorial Scholarship

Stickney, Duke Walsh

Gary F. Olson Memorial Scholarship Cooper Janning

Georg Ann Zussman-Amato Memorial Scholarship

Li George Mason University - Mason Foundation

George Washington University - Presidential

Porterfield

Gerald L. Greer Memorial Scholarship

Ainsworth, Calum Macadam Golden Apple Scholar

Grayson Adelstein Scholarship

Kochendorfer, Abigail Weiss

Mattiace

Grinnell College - Founders Scholarship Martin Sonnenschein

Grinnell College - Grinnell Choice Scholarship Julia Chang

Grinnell College - Laurel Scholarship Patric Desir

Hampshire College - Novitatis Award Kasper Moorman

High Point University - Presidential Scholarship Ava Deutsch

Hotchkiss Memorial Scholarship

Sofia Ayala, Anna Ruess, Sasha Sieck

Howard University - Capstone Scholarship Talib Moore

Howard University - Founders Scholarship Sasha Sieck

IHSA All-State Academic Team Scholarship Liam O'Connor

Illinois Institute of Technology - Emerging Campus

Leader Award Luke Fougere

Illinois Institute of Technology - Experience Illinois Tech Scholarship Luke Fougere

Illinois Institute of Technology - Heald Scholarship

Michael Cruz, Luke Fougere, Daniel Govorunov

Illinois Institute of Technology - Housing Scholarship

Michael Cruz

Illinois Institute of Technology - STEM Scholarship Michael Cruz, Luke Fougere

Illinois Institute of Technology - UG Computing

Scholarship Michael Cruz

Illinois State University - Redbird Academic Scholarship

Kathryn Boveri, Charles Brandon, Mateo Jacoby Nicole Roman, Grace Walton, Galen Willhoft

Indiana University Bloomington - Dean's Scholarship

Téa Dassinger, Jack Debeers, Gregory Huseby, Will Keyes

Indiana University Bloomington: Jacobs School of Music - Academic Excellence Award Ivy Loentz

Indiana University Bloomington: Jacobs School of Music - Jacobs Supplemental Award Ivy Loentz

Indiana University Bloomington: Jacobs School of Music- Premier Young Artist Award Ivy Loentz

Indiana University Indianapolis - Crimson Pride Award Madison Parsons

Iowa State University - Academic Achievement Award Miller Peters

Iowa State University - Expedition Award

Ishma Stewart Memorial Scholarship

Ithaca College - Residential Experience Scholarship

Lauren Gullo

Jack Tavolacci Memorial Scholarship Sonja Emerson

James and Yvonne Wood Scholarship Téa Dassinger

Jean A. Follett Performing Arts Scholarship

Jude Peterson

Josh Davis Memorial Scholarship Blake McClarin

Kalamazoo College - Lux Esto Scholarship Oren Ginsberg

Kate Long Marchetti Memorial Scholarship Deshon Press, Amaree Smith

Kathleen Marian Garrigan Memorial Scholarship

Caroline Mann

Kathy McMahon Adams Scholarship Ella Callero, Victor Vanek

Kenyon College - Academic Achievement with a Distinction in Music Scholarship Beatrice Sjostrom

Kenyon College - President's Scholarship

Charlotte Berg, Maytal Meir

Kiwanis Club of RFOP Scholarship Lyla Gerona, Sophia Lynn, Linnea Nam, Caroline Vietzen, Lily Zinthefer LLKA Scholarship in Honor of Andrew Cheeks Kemaria Freeman

Lois Goldstein Memorial Scholarship Jessica Li

Louise Hay Memorial Scholarship Rachel Kralik, Jessica Li, Jane Pearson, Rachel Sang, Paloma Turner Loyola Marymount University - Arrupe Scholarship Cori Anderson, Rory Hurt

Loyola University Chicago - Damen Scholarship Angelina Jankovich

Loyola University Chicago - Presidential Scholarship Sam Taylor

Macalester College - DeWitt Wallace Distinguished Scholarship Calum Macadam

Maine College of Art & Design - Presidential Scholarship Kade Norman

Marquette University - Ignatian Distinction Award Owen Ruby

Marquette University - Père Marquette Scholarship

Jacob Bottorff, Bryce Richards, Owen Ruby, Benjamin Schmollinger

Marquette University - Athletic Scholarship (Soccer) Bryce Richards

Marymount Manhattan College - Presidential Scholarship Emily Churchouse

Miami University Ohio - RedHawk Excellence Scholarship

Simon Benedict, George Holland, Molly Medland

Michael A. Campbell Scholarship Kaleiyah Henderson, Jude Peterson

Michigan State University - President's Scholarship

Symone Archie McWhorter, Elora Cianciolo, James Plepel, Nicholas Schneider

Michigan State University - Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship Addison Minnis, Nicholas Schneider

Michigan State University - Provost's Scholarship Addison Minnis, Aminatta Brima

Michigan State University - Red Cedar Scholarship Elora Cianciolo

Michigan Technological University - Leading Scholar

Distinguished Henry Wehman

Michigan Technological University - Michigan Tech Excellence Award Henry Wehman

Michigan Technological University - National Platinum Scholars Henry Wehman

Miller/Cooke/Wood Scholarship William Cote

Milwaukee Area Technical College - Athletic Scholarship (Baseball) Kendall Wallace

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design - Presidential Scholarship Vaughn Goyette

Muehrcke Family Foundation Scholar Athlete Award Téa Dassinger

National Merit - J Walter Thompson Company

Scholarship Anna Ruess

National Merit - Macalester College Scholarship Calum Macadam

National Merit - USG Corporation Scholarship Rachel Sang

National Merit - Battelle Scholarship Benjamin Streiffer

Nell Behr Aquatics Scholarship Meredith Steinman

North Park University - Provost's Scholarship

Mahalia Hodge, Mykah Riley

Northeastern University - Athletic Scholarship

(Rowing) Vivienne Pope

Northern Arizona University Scholarship Isabella Brauc

Northern Illinois University - Merit Scholarship H Brook Miller, Jada Nwaokocha

Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation - Ben

DeFelice Scholarship Lucelia Siegel

Oak Park Area Arts Council Fine Arts Scholarship Jude Peterson

Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association (OPALGA+)

Scholarship Frances Berta

Oak Park Bank Scholarship Andrew Garcia

Oak Park Residence Corporation Scholarship Talib Moore

Offermann Scholarship for Excellence in English Blaire Brown

Ohio University - Admission Promise Award

Gavin Jones, Joshua Singer

Ohio University - Excellence Scholarship Gavin Jones

Ohio University - Green and White Scholarship Joshua Singer

Ohio University - Trustee Award

Gavin Jones, Joshua Singer

OPRF Hockey Club Scholarship Jack Panichelli

OPRF Rotary Club Community Service Award

Colin Macek, Kasper Moorman, Caroline Vietzen

OPRFHS Retirees – ‘DOOPER’ Scholarship Isabel Stickney, Duke Walsh

OPRFHS Scholarship Foundation Directors Scholarship Quincy Chen-Marusich, Emerson Nunes

OPUS: Alumni Association Scholarship Clara Frantzen

Patrick Luby Memorial Scholarship Daniella Horna-Baxter, Genevieve Simkowski

Peter Quinn Swimming/Diving Scholarship

Will Keyes, Jane Pearson

PING Donna D’Oro Anderson Lifelong Music Graduate

Award Hailie Donald, Jude Peterson

Pomona College - Posse Scholarship Caitlyn Daniel

R. J. Nielsen Scholarship Lauren Gullo

Richard Daniel Orchestra Scholarship Ivy Loentz

Robert Follett Memorial Scholarship

Jessica Li, Jasmine Shirley

Robert Gauger Memorial Scholarship Nora Butterly

Roberta L Raymond Mathematics Scholarship Sadie Collins, Brenden Lowenthal-Wojcik, Isiah Thomas

Roberta L. Raymond Scholarship Caleb Bowman

Russell C. Lissuzzo Memorial Scholarship Kaspian Murray

Saint Joseph's University - Athletic Scholarship

(Softball) Elyssa Hasapis

Saint Joseph's University - Presidential Scholarship Elyssa Hasapis

Savannah College of Art and Design - Academic

Honors Scholarship Anna Bullock, Isla Gordon

Savannah College of Art and Design - Achievement

Honors Scholarship Anna Bullock, Isla Gordon

Savannah College of Art and Design - Student

Recognition Scholarship Anna Bullock

School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Presidential

Scholarship Dominika Kulasza

School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Recognition

Merit Scholarship Sephtis James, Indigo Field

School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Tuition

Exchange Scholarship Indigo Field

Seabury Foundation First Generation to College

Scholarship Sofia Contreras, Jaela May, Jasmine Shirley

Seabury Foundation Scholarship Sadie Collins, John D'Agostino, Isiah Thomas, Caroline Vietzen

Shepard Family Memorial Scholarship Isiah Thomas

Smith/Gorman-Smith Model UN Scholarship Ava Fisher

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Cougar

Pride Scholarship Carey Robinson

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Johnetta

Haley Scholarship Carey Robinson

St. Louis University - Billiken Scholarship

Suzanne and Charles Wells Choral Scholarship Norah Lougachi

Syracuse University - Dean's Scholarship Nathan Duschene

Syracuse University - NewHouse Leadership Scholarship Blaire Brown

Temple University - Founders Merit Scholarship Will Mullen, Nora Stowers

Terri Race Educational Technology Scholarship Kenneth Lugo, Lily Zinthefer

Texas Christian University - Deans Scholarship Caroline Glinke

The Mars Scholarship Program Rachel Sang

The New School: Parsons School of Design - Merit Scholarship Genesis Galloway

The Ohio State University - Morrill Scholarship Program Prominence Program

Patterson Grant, Zoie Segbawu, Langston Short

The Ohio State University - National Buckeye Scholarship Katherine Benson, Joseph Leshnock

The Ohio State University - Provost Scholarship Katherine Benson

The University of Tennessee Knoxville - Athletic Scholarship (Track and Field) Lukas Brauc

The University of Tennessee Knoxville - Volunteer Scholarship

James Nacke, Nolan Smith, Dominic Trotta, Luca Trotta

Thomas Ferguson Memorial Scholarship

Thomas O. Miyata Memorial Scholarship

Bennett Parker

Rute Fikadu, Brenden Lowenthal-Wojcik, Amarie Pillado, Zoie Segbawu, Andre Stanton

Tony Trofimuk Scholarship Anna Breuer

Trinity College - Arches Scholarship Nora Butterly

Triton College Scholars Program Christina Cleveland, Parker Griffin, Torin Tamayo, Bruno Giubilino

Tuesday Night Hoops - Stephen A. Henry Scholarship Zoie Segbawu

Tulane University - Academic Recognition Award Quinn Testore

Tulane University - Distinguished Scholars Award Alex Dolipschi

Tulane University - Leadership Award Norman Carroll

University of Arizona - Arizona Excellence Award Abigail Dwyer, Teagan Kamradt

University of Cincinnati - Cincinnatus Century

Scholarship Frederic Dunk

University of Cincinnati - Cincinnatus University

Scholarship Henry Bogzevitz

University of Cincinnati - National Outreach Award Frederic Dunk, Henry Bogzevitz

University of Colorado Boulder - Arts & Humanities

Achievement Scholarship John D'Agostino

University of Colorado Boulder - Chancellor's Achievement Scholarship

John D'Agostino, Maeve Marzec, Christopher Murphy, Lucas Puntillo

University of Dayton - President's Merit Scholarship Jake Karnick, Nicholas Meyer

University of Illinois at Chicago - President's Award

Program Brianna Rockingham-Humphrey

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - AIM

HIGH Grant Ella Gucciardo, Jaela May, Elizabeth Smith

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental

Sciences Lucy Horkavy, Elizabeth Smith

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Food Science & Human Nutrition Award Lucy Horkavy

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Grainger

College of Engineering Freshman Scholarship Marin Chalmers

University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignMaterials Science and Engineering Outstanding Scholarship Ian Buchanan

University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPresident's Award Program Honors Scholarship Henry Gillman, Zoe Hirshman, Christina Hughes, Joshua Lopez, Benjamin Martin, Nora Meraz, Isabella Schwager, Isiah Thomas

University of Iowa - National Scholars Award

Elisabeth Drobot, Nathaniel Grinning, Maya Mossell, Evan Pisellini, Juliet Saydah, John Summers

University of Iowa - Provost Scholarship Olivia Musachia

University of Kansas - KU Achievement Scholarship Cooper Janning

University of Kansas - KU Excellence Scholarship Madeline McMillan

University of Kansas - KU Performance Scholarship Javier Sulleiro

University of Miami - President's Music Scholarship James Hurt

University of Michigan - Victors Award Alejandro Medina

University of Michigan-School of Music, Theatre and Dance - Merit Scholarship Alejandro Medina

University of Minnesota Twin Cities - College of Science and Engineering Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering Scholarship Meredith Steinman

University of Minnesota Twin Cities - College of Science and Engineering Raymond Hatting Scholarship Meredith Steinman

University of Minnesota Twin Cities - National Scholarship Gabriel Leal, Meredith Steinman, Lynn Warwick

University of Missouri Columbia - Border State Scholars Coleman Douce

University of Nebraska Lincoln - New Nebraskan Scholarship Duke Walsh

University of New Hampshire - Trustee's Scholarship Lydia Barnes

University of New Mexico - Freshman Lobo

Undergraduate Exchange-Plus Scholarship Thomas Suddes, Keyshaun Mims

University of North Carolina Charlotte - Chancellor's Scholarship Tewabech Woodson

University of Notre Dame - University Scholarship Annika Pauline, Anna Ruess

University of Oklahoma - Award of Excellence Gabriel Ruby

University of Oklahoma - Pathfinder Award Gabriel Ruby

Miller Peters

Amelia Porterfield

Ithaca College - Ithaca College Scholarship

Lauren Gullo

New England Conservatory of Music - Dean Scholarship

Brett James-Halter

New York University - Steinhardt Scholarship

Jude Peterson

New York University - Tisch Scholarship Kanohi Gurgas

Malcolm Jones

St. Louis University - Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Eric Young

St. Louis University - Vice Presidents' Scholarship Avery Buczek

University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPresident's Award Program Scholarship Mateo Heidkamp-Pimentel, Jaela May, Mateo Morales, Amarie Pillado, Sophia Missman, Paola Campuzano, Wade Rebb, Xantal Rozman-Puig

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Provost Scholarship Elizabeth Smith

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025!

“A bright future beckons. The onus is on us, through hard work, honesty and integrity, to reach for the stars.”

- Nelson Mandela

Oak Park makes Trump administration’s sanctuary city list

One of seven Illinois communities included

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park was listed alongside hundreds of other American communities accused of violating federal immigration law in a since unpublished Department of Homeland Security re port

The list sought to identify cities and counties across the country the agency deemed to not be complying with federal immigration enforcement, especially communities that have passed measures making them “sanctuary cities” for undocumented immigrants. The list, which was removed from the DHS’ website days after its May 29 publication, comes after an April executive order signed by President Donald Trump threatening to pull federal grant funding to sanctuary cities.

“These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement last week. “We are exposing these sanctuary politicians who harbor criminal illegal aliens and defy federal law. President Trump and I will always put the safety of the American people first. Sanctuary

Protesters march in Scov ille Park in 2017 dur ing what was billed as a “Rally for Sanctuar y in Oak Park,” organized by the Democratic Party of Oak Park and Suburban Unity Alliance, among other groups

politicians are on notice: comply with federal law.”

Nearly every county in Illinois was included on the list, as was the state government. Neighboring cities like Chicago, Evanston and Berwyn also joined Oak Park on the list.

Oak Park passed an ordinance in 2017 that prevented village employees from assisting “in the investigation of the citizenship or immigration status of any person unless such inquiry or

‘Out in the Burbs’ aspires to

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

The “Out in the Burbs” Pride month celebration scheduled for June 7 in downtown Oak Park is the result of years of hope and ambition, according to Darien Marion-Burton, executive director the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce.

Marion-Burton said he’d hoped to establish a major Pride month event in Oak Park ever

SEBASTIAN HIDALG O/FILE

‘Heart of the school,’ Leamy wins Big Shoulders Award

St. Catherine-St. Lucy School principal grows enrollment with welcoming ways

Ever since taking on her role as principal seven years transformati

Lucy School on the Oak Park

During her time as principal of Catholic elementary school, Leamy has driven gro academics, and secured essential to enhance the school’s pr cilities. On May 6, the Big Shoulders Fund honored Leamy’s dedicated service and achievements Gretchen A. Lu Award. Each presents the $2,500 school leader te g rity and commitment to providing dren with a path to success

“It was surprise,” said ports schools li an under-resourced population —and would never be able to make it without their help and support.”

Located at the intersection of Washington and Austin boulevards, St. CatherineSt. Lucy School serves students from 10 zip codes, with 85% of its 227 students coming from the Austin neighborhood

By this fall, the school will also be the rare Catholic school operating without a partnering church parish. The Catholic Archdiocese announced this spring that the church will close before the end of June

In 2020, the Big Shoulders Fund, a nonprofit that works to ensure under-resourced areas have access to quality, values-based education, took over about 30 Catholic schools, including St. Catherine-St. Lucy.

According to Rebecca Lindsay-Ryan, chief schools officer for the Big Shoulders Fund, enrollment at St. Catherine-St. Lucy rose from 159 students in 2019 to 231 in 2024, making it the fastest-growing school in the Big Shoulders Fund Plus network.

Lindsay-Ryan said Leamy is a fierce advocate for her school, working tirelessly to secure meaningful community partnerships

that benefit her students and their families.

“Sharon’s dedication to data-driven decision-making, teacher development, and fostering a collaborative school culture is paying off, and it is evident in the ongoing success of her students,” Lindsay-Ryan said.

After working for many years in the business sector, Leamy went back to school to get her teaching certificate. She began her teaching career at St. Catherine-St. Lucy in 2006 as a junior high teacher before eventually transitioning into her current position as principal during the 2017-2018 school year

“This is a beautiful place and I love it very much,” Leamy said. “It’s certainly not perfect. We have our share of challenges, but it’s a really wonderful place.”

According to Leamy, students at St. Catherine-St. Lucy take the i-Ready test, an assessment that is used in the Archdiocese

Catholic schools to monitor stu-

“Our scores have gone up every year, ich is a testament to our teachers,” “I’ve been proud of our acawth. Both the kids and the teached really hard.”

Even though her days are packed with , Leamy treasures the time she spends eeting students each morning as they arfavorite things is going out the teachers every morning elcome the kids,” she said. “It’s a great y to start the day.”

Leamy said that in addition to teachers olunteers also play a crucial role at St. Catherine-St. Lucy so many people from the comolunteer here,” Leamy said. lessed to have all these people helping us help our kids.”

In October, St. Catherine-St. Lucy School announced the appointment of its first president, Staunton Peck. As president, ersees the school’s business operations and community partnerships, with a special focus on fundraising initiatives. In his role, Peck works closely with the school administration, the Big Shoulders Fund, the archdiocese and the local community

“I was brought on as president to handle all outward facing relationships, primarily donor relationships and volunteer relationships,” Peck said.

According to Peck, the school — which offers a range of scholarship opportunities and financial aid options — operates at a deficit

“For students, our cost to educate is about $6,000 more than the average family can pay,” he said. “Our most acute need is filling that gap.”

Peck said one of the reasons he joined the team at St. Catherine-St. Lucy is because he was drawn to Leamy’s vision and the sense of belonging that she cultivates for everyone at the school.

“She’s incredibly humble, which is part of what makes her a great teammate and a great leader,” Peck said. “She’s the heart of the school.”

WEDNESD AY

JOURNAL

of Oak Park and River Forest

Interim Executive Director Max Reinsdorf

Digital Manager Stac y Coleman

Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan

Sta Repor ter Brendan He ernan

Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor

Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora

Contributing Editor Donna Greene

Columnists Marc Bleso , Nicole Chavas, Jack Crowe, Vincent Gay, Mary Kay O’Grady, John Stanger, Josh VanderBerg Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls

Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Operations Associate Susan Babin

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs

Senior Advisor Dan Haley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Eric Weinheimer | Treasurer Nile Wendor f Deb Abrahamson, Mary Cahillane, Steve Edwards, Judy Gre n, Horacio Mendez, Charles Meyerson Darnell Shields, Audra Wilson

TODD BANNOR

St. Catherine-St. Lucy School Principal Sharon Leamy

Oak Park underage THC ban now in e ect

Ban on sales of unregulated THC products and kratom to those under 21 went into e ect on June 1

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park’s ordinance imposing an age limit on the sales of hemp-derived THC products and kratom went into effect June 1.

T he village’s board of trustees passed an ordinance in March that banned the sale of those products to anyone under the age of 21, banned the use of images likely to appeal to children in packaging for the products and set hefty fines for businesses that violate the ordinance. With the ordinance in effect, Oak Park became the latest Chicagoland community to set its own re gulations on the substances, which are sold in a “g rey market” across much of the United States

The move came months after village health officials recommended an outright ban on the sale of the substances, but the board favored a regulatory approach focused on keeping the products out of the hands of children.

The ordinance does not impose a special tax on the products or require businesses selling the products to pay for a license fee to sell them. Village staff are drafting proposals including both of those things to present to the board soon, with the funds from the license fees expected to pay for enforcement of the ordinance, according to the village

The most common form of hemp-derived THC products sold in Oak Park is delta-8 THC, which is chemically very similar to the primary psychoactive compound found in marijuana, and produces similar feelings of euphoria and relaxation, according to the village

The market for the products exists as a result of the 2018 Farm Bill which made the sale of hemp products federally legal so long as they contained less than 0.3% by dry weight of THC, the chemical in marijuana that gives it its psychoactive properties

While this provision opened the door for the boom in the market for non-psychoactive CBD products, it also created a loophole for an industry to sell products chemically engineered to provide the “high” of

marijuana that didn’t surpass the federal 0.3% THC limit.

The Village of Elk Grove became the first Illinois community to ban businesses from selling unregulated THC products after re ports that a store in the community had knowingly sold an 11-year-old a psychoactive product. In March, Trustee Chibuike Enyia said that he’d heard from constituents that similar things have been happening in Oak Park.

“There are business owners that have already shown they’re willing and able to take those first steps forward, but we also have to find the bad actors who are doing this. And I can tell you I know where some of them are,” he said. “I was approached by a mom the other day who said, ‘I followed my son, watched him go purchase this, go right out of the store and begin to smoke right after he walked out of the store.’”

In communications associated with the new ordinance, Oak Park officials published an image of delta-8 THC products packaged to look like popular snack foods and candies, a practice expressly banned by the new ordinance over how the packaging appeals to children.

A state bill last year sought to enforce an age limit of 21 for hemp-derived THC products but stalled out to make it to a final vote before the end of the legislative session. The bill fell apar t along fault lines within the state Democratic party, with Gov. JB Pritzker saying the episode spoke to the sway that monied special interest groups can have on what le gislation gets passed. Kratom is another unregulated plantbased substance, often sold in the same tobacco shops and convenience stores as hemp-derived THC products. The state of Illinois already imposes an age limit of 18 on kratom sales, but the ordinance will raise that limit to 21 in Oak Park Kratom is known to produce an opioidlike effect in high doses and a stimulantlike effect in small doses, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Proposed bike lanes on Harvard Street where vision meets the road

Oak Park’s village board to review sta repor ts on village’s bike plan

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Long in development, Oak Park’s village board was set to review its comprehensive bike plan at a meeting June 3. And while it has many components and aligns with any number of other Oak Park initiatives, the first point of on-the-ground friction may come on Harvard Street.

The plan calls for making this east-west street in south Oak Park a primary focus of the bike plan. The rub for some residents along the street and nearby is that the plan calls for eliminating all street parking in favor of striped bike lanes in each direction.

The virtue of that idea, planners say, is that Harvard already has stop lights at intersections with Oak Park Avenue and Ridgeland Avenue and it connects with many of south Oak Park’s key public spaces. Those include Maple Park, Carroll Center and Park, Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Washington Irving Elementary School and Barrie Park. Additionally, proponents argue there are a limited number of homes which face onto Harvard Street.

But some neighbors will object to the elimination of parking on their street.

“This isn’t about opposing bike lanes,” nearby resident Sara Cano-Gerringer told Wednesday Journal. “It’s about ensuring that any infrastructure plan is supported by data, driven by actual need, guided by a thoughtful cost-benefit analysis and shaped by meaningful community input.”

In advance of the June 3 board meeting, Trustees Cory Wesley and Jim Taglia have met with a group of frustrated residents concerned about the potential loss of parking near their homes and accessibility concerns.

While the report was produced with support of several community engagement efforts by village staff, Taglia called for more

engagement with south Oak Park residents at a May 18 board meeting

“I know staff has met with residents and I appreciate that and it has been very helpful and I know there has been a lot of outreach, but still, there is a lack of information that is concerning to me and obvious,” he said.

“In my opinion, this resident group needs to have a meeting of the minds and if this can be scheduled and between the June 3 presentation and the July vote, then it should not delay the process.”

In an interview with Wednesday Journal, Wesley said the bike plan is of huge importance to Oak Park, and the village must find a way to adequately listen to its residents while staying committed to the board’s broader infrastructure and sustainability goals

“No matter where we put those protected bike lanes, there’s going to be a group of neighbors who are going to be upset,” Wesley said. “When we consider what we’re going to do with the collective infrastructure as a board, the way that I look at it as a trustee is that I have to consider everyone in the village. I have to consider the best collective use of that infrastructure versus the desired use of small groups or individuals. I think about it from that perspective.”

“You can’t govern by community consensus,” he said.

Implementing bike lanes on Harvard is included as a short-term goal of the bike plan with a long-ter m vision for building protected bike lanes along the street.

The broad bike plan, now more than 15 years in development, looks to make Oak Park more friendly for bicycle travel by updating village infrastructure with various types of protected bike lanes, increasing bike share and e-bike share access in the village and enacting traffic calming measures in proposed “neighborhood greenways.” In addition to its own goals, the bike plan supports village goals contained in the carbon emissions-cutting “Climate Ready Oak Park Plan,” the village’s “Vision Zero” plan aimed at eliminating all traffic deaths and Cook County’s 2023 bike plan, which recommended hundreds of miles in new on-street

“I

esident group needs a meeting of the minds and if this can be scheduled and between the June 3 presentation and the July vote, then it should not delay the process.”

JIM TAGLIA Board trustee

and off-street bike paths throughout the region.

“The Oak Park Bike Plan Update builds on the village’s foundational work over the past two decades in creating a safer and more accessible community to bike,” the staff report said. “By bringing together perspectives across the Oak Park community, this plan defines the village’s objectives for growing and maintaining a bicycle network today and into the future. This Bike Plan Update is the next generation plan for the village. Oak Park is ready to start taking on more ambitious infrastructure to support a continually growing bicycle culture.”

The board is expected to vote on the updated plan next month.

The report includes short-term, mediumterm and long-term recommendations on

tickets

“No matter where we put those protected bike lanes, there’s going to be a group of neighbors who are going to be upset.”

CO RY WESLE Y Board trustee

how to develop bike access in Oak Park, suggesting phased changes to bike lanes across the community

“These projects represent ambitious ideas that are key to creating a comprehensive all ages and abilities bike network but require larger conversations about the broader transportation network, further detailed analysis, more substantial reconstruction, and potentially a reallocation of existing high-demand vehicle parking,” the report read. “Some of these projects raise complex questions that we do not have all the answers to yet, but it is important to capture more ambitious ideas — otherwise they will never happen. Planning for these ambitious projects should start in the short-term, but implementation is likely to take several years of analysis and coordination.”

OAK PARK-RIVER FOREST

GANGSTER TOUR

Upcoming dates: June 8, June 29, Sept. 14, Sept. 28 and October 5, 2025

Historian John J. Binder conducts this two-and-ahalf-hour bus tour of gangster history starting from FitzGerald’s in Berwyn (6615 Roosevelt Rd)

‘OUT IN THE BURBS Pride Month event

from page 1

since ascending to a leadership position with the local chamber, aiming to create something that could simultaneously celebrate queer culture and LGBTQ+ inclusion while also promoting Oak Pa rk’s economic and tourism interests. Days before the festival’s first edition, he believes Out in the Burbs will prove to be just that.

“We have been trying to think about Pride at the chamber for four years and I think that really started when I came on as board president, I ran as the first openly queer person in that role,” he said. “I really wanted us to think about how we educated our businesses about Pride. That was successful and so we said ‘OK, let’s dig into more.’”

The event is co-sponsored by the chamber and Oak Park’s village government.

The festival will be held in a blocked-of f section of Marion Street between Lake Street and North Boulevard from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. The event is free to enter, but there is a suggested donation of $10.

The festival will feature an all-queer musical lineup, drag performances, a food court and bar, tents for vendors selling handmade goods, queer-owned businesses and community resource organizations.

Marion-Burton hopes that Out in the Burbs can grow into a signature event for the village driving re gional tourism and be

Each year, Drag Queens dazzle Downtown Oak Park at the annual ‘Out in the Burbs’ Pride event.

a beacon of community spirit for the Cook County suburbs.

“As an organization we are committed to economic vitality, and tourism is a big part of that,” he said. “I want this to be positioned as a thing for people from Rockford, Milwaukee, people from Chicago that don’t like big crowds. We want this to be something that celebrates queer people and drives tourism.”

The festival is the largest Pride event in the near-west suburbs this month, but it will hope to enjoy a boost from other events happening in the area this week, including downtown Oak Park’s first “First Thursday” event of the summer, Forest Park’s June 6 Pride event and River Forest’s Pride and Inclusion Walk which happened Monday evening.

Marion-Burton said he hopes to see the

ent eventually grow into a multi-day pride celebration.

Part of the festival’s grounds will be dedicated to a “Teen Pride Zone” open only to attendees aged 13 to 20, that will feature free ice cream, face painting and more. at aspect of the event came as a result of Marion-Burton meeting with the Pride Club at Oak Park and River Forest High School and fielding suggestions from the students.

A 30-year resident of Oak Park, MarionBurton said he hopes that Out in the Burbs will be the kind of community event he wished he had growing up in the village

“I’m doing the stuf f that 18-year-old me thought I’d be doing,” he said. “Now it’s actually happening.”

He said he is also proud of how the chamber’s entire leadership structure has committed to investing in the event, particularly at a time where queer inclusion and other diversity ef for ts face steep political challenges.

“We are saying that as a community we are bought into this in spite of everything that’s going on,” he said. “It’s so ingrained in the values of our community.”

A large pride event like this hasn’t existed in or around Oak Park before, but Marion-Burton said it’s here to stay.

“This event is about making space — boldly and joyfully — for love, identity, connection, and community,” the festival’s website reads. “It’s for the queer kid growing up in Forest Park, the trans couple living in Berwyn, and the ally business owner in Oak Park who wants to stand up and show support.”

Group cancels June 14 Pride event, eyes OP board action

Wants village to declare itself a queer and transgender sanctuar y city

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

The organizers behind Oak Park’s 2025 Trans Day of Visibility event have cancelled the Oak Park Pride event they were planning but still plan to make their inclusivity goals for the village known in other ways this month.

Organizer Aaron McManus said the event organizers didn’t want to compete with “Out in the Burbs,” the Chamber of Commerce and village-sponsored pride month event taking place in downtown Oak Park Saturday, June 7.

“We wanted to focus on a bunch of other stuf f and not really compete with the chamber,” McManus said. “That’s definitely not the goal. That led to us saying let’s table it and focus on some real need of the community and move on from there.”

McManus said that the event they’d been helping to plan for June 14 would’ve been a bit lower key, focused on storytelling and been less business oriented than Out in the Burbs.

McManus said the event organizers will now look to put their energy this month into campaigning for the village board to consider adopting an ordinance making

Oak Park a queer and transgender sanctuary city.

Several U.S. cities including Boston, Kansas City and Sacramento have passed such ordinances.

McManus said they’d drafted a re port on what taking that step could look like for Oak Park and forwarded it to all the trustees, but that they haven’t heard back from anyone on the board.

“We haven’t gotten the momentum we wanted,” McManus said.

They said that they and other supporters of the idea plan to speak about it at June 3’s village board meeting

“We’re going to show up and do the public comment exercise and then see how much social media exposure we can get to keep pushing for it,” McManus said. “I definitely don’t want to slow down on this.”

In a March interview with Wednesday Journal, Oak Park Village president Vicki Scaman said she’d support an ordinance making Oak Park a transgender sanctuary. “I think there’s additional sense of urgency with the rhetoric coming out of the federal government,” Scaman said. “I think you have to respond to how painful that is. For some trans youth, it’s life or death.”

JAMILLA YIPP

Metzgar sticks with it in Mixed Martial Arts

OPRF grad remains unbeaten in pro career, next up: June 7 match

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Whenever an athlete turns professional, he or she often runs into unexpected obstacles that test one’s patience and dedication.

Oak Park and River Forest High School graduate (2015) Max Metzgar, has already encountered his fair share, beginning two years ago when his pro mixed martial arts debut on a Bellator event at Wintrust Arena in Chicago was scrapped at the last minute due to his opponent pulling out with an injury

“I was about to head to the airport, and [Bellator] texted me and said the fight was off,” Metzgar told Wednesday Journal in an interview. “It was absolutely brutal and heartbreaking.”

Eventually, Bellator filed for bankruptcy and was acquired by the Professional Fighters League The process led to Metzgar being out of competition for about a year and a half, and he reached a point where he had to take control of his career

“Every month, PFL would text me and say, “Hey, we might throw you on this show. Make sure you’re staying busy,” Metzgar recalled “They dragged me along, and I finally realized I had to take this into my own hands.”

Metzgar left the PFL and started fighting locally in Columbus, Ohio, where he trains. The move proved beneficial as he fought his first four matches as a welterweight (170 lbs.) and won each one, three of them by knockout.

Max Metzgar, a 2015 OPRF High School graduate, seeks to improve his professional record to 5-0 against James Pfei er at the Caged under 32 pay-per-view event, June 7. O’Sullivan’s in Forest Park is hosting a watch party.

broadcast, Caged Thunder 32, which takes place on June 7 in Canton, Ohio.

He will drop down to lightweight (155 lbs.) when he fights James Pfeiffer. He says this is the beginning of his push to get an invitation to join the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization – Ultimate Fighting Championship, more commonly called UFC

“It’s a big opportunity. I’ve got to go out there and make a statement,” Metzgar said.

He added that defeating Pfeiffer via knockout would look great in the UFC’s eyes

“5-0 is where you start turning eyes on a national scale,” he said, “especially if you’re knocking people out. It’s all about getting finishes. I have to [get an invite]; I know it’s going to happen.”

Metzgar’s fight against Pfeiffer, along with the other bouts on the card, can be ordered online at combatsportsnow.com for $34.99.

2024�2025 | 93rd SEASON!!

SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2025 � 4pm

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHAPEL� RIVER FOREST

WAGNER

Rienzi Overture

WAGNER

Tristan and Isolde: Prelude and Liebestod RACHMANINOFF

Piano Concerto No. 3

Thomas Pandolfi, soloist

Free parking in the garage located at 1124 N. Bonnie Brae Place (one block west of Harlem Avenue between Division and Thomas Streets) in River Forest. Chapel just west of garage exit.

Pre-concert Conversation with David Leehey at 3PM. Free reception following the concert.

Tickets are $30 online through 6/7/2025; $35 on concert day.

Students through college admitted free of charge.

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His success caught the attention of Caged Thunder MMA, an Ohio-based promotion. The promoters have put Metzgar in a co-main event for their next pay-per-view

Also, O’Sullivan’s on Madison in Forest Park is hosting a watch party. The event starts at 6 p.m., and Metzgar figures his fight should start around 8:30.

Jay Friedman, conductor

Thomas Pandolfi, soloist

e new River Forest School District 90 school board, from le , Dr. Eric Isenberg, Katie Bevan, Joseph Cortese, Dr. Kristine Mackey, Josh Ehart, board President Katie Avalos, Beth Vlerick and Dr. Ed Condon, superintendent.

Avalos ready to lead River Forest’s D90 school board

Key issues to include search for a new superintendent

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

River Forest School District 90 is entering a period of transition, and Katie Avalos wants to be part of it

That’s why the incumbent ran again for the Board of Education – despite the fact that as of Wednesday, she won’t have any children in the district. Her youngest graduated from Roosevelt Middle School that day.

It’s also why she’s now board president, and she’ ll lead the district’s pursuit of a new superintendent, with the retirement of Dr. Ed Condon at the conclusion of the coming school year

“I feel like my voice is still valuable in the district,” she said. “It’s really important to have people at the table that have had different experiences in the district.

“We have amazing things happening in the district, but we have a commitment to continuous improvement. One of the things I take seriously is commitment to the community.”

Avalos, who succeeds Stacey Williams as president, will lead a board that includes newcomers Katie Be-

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GREGG VOSS

van, Josh Ehart and Beth Vlerick, along with returning members Dr. Kristine Mackey, vice president Joseph Cortese and secretary Dr. Eric Isenberg.

Prior to r unning for the board her firs time in 2019, she had been active in her children’s classrooms and went to boar meetings on a re gular basis. What im pressed her was the “thoughtfulness and purposefulness of District 90.” When she joined the board in 2019, she mad a personal pledge of being a conduit be tween the community and the district.

That carries over to the present, and the issues that the district faces, especially the imminent departure of Condon, who will have been superintendent for 15 years upon retirement.

“That transition is really important, she said, “to do our best to do that right. Luckily, we have a lot of people who are eng aged and interested in that process. That’s so foundational.”

But it’s more than that. Finances will always be a key issue, she said, being responsible for use of taxpayer dollars.

“The other is philosophical,” she said. “How are we best preparing our students for their future? What are their jobs going to look like, and how are we getting them those skills that are transferrable?”

Another issue is diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI. Creating an inclusive and safe environment for students and staf f “remains constant,” Avalos said.

“You can’ t have high-quality learning opportunities unless (staff) feel like they belong and are safe and supporting students in g etting what it will take to be successful,” she said. “We’ re doing the work to make sure we’re meeting the needs of all our kids. It’s meeting each student where they are.”

Like Avalos, the new board members are ready to contribute right away

“I envision a school board that works collaboratively, eng ages with the broader community and partners with educators to ensure an excellent educational experience for all students in District 90,” Bevan said.

Ditto for Ehar t.

“My vision is to support policies that give all kids in District 90 access to a rich, balanced education that reflects our community values and opens doors to future success,” he said.

It all started with that first board meeting, which was May 20. Avalos said her first go-round engendered some nervousness, but also excitement, too.

“I don’t mind being in charge, and I do feel lucky for the last six years, I worked

“You can’t have high-quality learning opportunities unless (sta ) feel like they belong and are safe and supporting students in getting what it will take to be successful.”

KATIE AVALOS D90 school board president

under Stacey, Barb Hickey and Rich Moore,” she said.

Vlerick enjoyed her first board meeting as well.

“(It) was fun, because I got to hear my neighbor present his art project from Roosevelt,” she said. “He was proud to share it with us and it felt great to see a kid I’ve watched grow up see a familiar face at the board table, and experience what civic leadership looks like in our community.”

All three District 90 schools – Lincoln Elementary, Willard Elementary and Roosevelt – were designated Exemplary in the annual Illinois Re port Card 2023-24 made public last October. Exemplary schools are those that rank in the top 10% of the state, while Commendable schools rank in the next 67%.

“I will work hard to continue the progress we’ve made in the district, which helped propel all three of our schools to receive the Exemplary designation, ” Cor tese said.

JUNE

Community Open House

For over 10 years, we’ve been Oak Park’s sanctuary of calm where everyone is always welcome. Come meet some of our teachers and members, and learn about our center and our offerings.

SMALL BITES

Summer comes into view

So much restaurant news, so many good things to ea

Late to the party, but still time to celebrate: The Daly Bagel made its fifth anniversary in April.

Breakfast House in the for mer Cozy Cor ner location at 138 N. Marion St., opened in late May. Owner Jaime Jara is excited to add Oak Pa rk to his other locations in Chicago.

“Oak Park is so family friendly. That’s who we are too. We’re going to take care of customers and build slowly, slowly.”

Monthly specials reflect the seasons. He is trying out chilaquiles verde right now to see if it makes it onto the re gular menu.

In Forest Park The Meat Counter at 7406 Madison St. dry-ages steaks to tender perfection. Also made in-house are pork sausages and several sandwich of ferings.

Joy Milk Tea, a canned, jasmine, green, milk tea was founded in River Forest in 2019. The product is on shelves at Whole Foods and other grocery chains, but now the drink is coming direct to consumers with a series of pop-up events in its hometown area.

Kinslahger Brewing Company released a new brew over Memorial Day weekend: Nelson’s Light. Not surprisingly, it’s a light beer and a summer thirst quencher. It’s a rice lager dry-hopped with Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand with a passion fruit aroma. A great time to give it a try is on the second Thursday of each month when their taproom at 6806 Roosevelt Rd. in Oak Park hosts a book swap in conjunction with T he Pile Bookstore. Bring a book, drink a beer, take a book!

On the horizon: in Elmwood Park, Ethos Greek is breaking ground at Nor th and Lathrop. Also, returning to the area is local chain, Pompei. Its new location will open on Conte Circle in the next few weeks. A previous Pompei location was at Lake and Harlem, which became Noodles & Company (which is under construction again transforming into a new outlet of the national breakfast and lunch chain First Watch).

In Oak Park, Mira Social is in the first stages of construction at 1103 Pleasant St. – the sign on the door says, “Oak Park’s best ke pt secret,” but sources tell us to expect exquisite cocktails and small plates.

Habib’s Chicken and Falafel will fill up the space left empty by Slice Factory pizza at 421 N. Harlem Ave., next to the AT& T store and Wild Fork

No opening date has been set for Japanese BBQ Gyumon by the owners of Kyuramen, but its storefront is attracting attention at 105 N. Marion St. Up the block the same owners have signed a third lease for the old Luo’s Peking House space at 113 N. Marion. No word yet on the concept.

Black Fodder Coffee , which opened earlier this year at 349 Ashland in River Forest, is expanding their breakfast menu with both sweet and savory crepes As always, all foods served are glutenfree. Bonus: their patio is now open fo r summer.

Stick around Marion Street for T hursday Night Out . Oak Park’s summer-long sip, sample and music series gets its 20th season underway on June 5. It runs each week until Aug. 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. T he event takes pride in being a zero waste extravaganza.

Speaking of lowering waste’s impact, the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center at the University of Illinois is offering grants to encourage restaurants to ditch “forever-chemical,” PFAS-coated takeout containers. They provide a nocost foodware assessment and up to $300 of complementary PFAS-free foodware products for testing. If your favorite spot is still using black plastic container and utensils, tell them about this grant opportunity.

What ’s your favorite happy hour deal in the area?

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

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Breakfast House is now open

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Kinslagher’s new Nelson’s Light RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Beyond Hunger hosts healthy chef challenge

Having fun while raising funds to ght hunger

By RISE SANDERS-WEIR Eats Reporter

Beyond Hunger’s fifth annual Healthy Chef Challenge was held on Thursday, May 29. The fundraiser brought together supporters, staff, clients and chefs to increase the impact that the organization, for merly known as Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry, makes in the community.

After ticket holders arrived at the Goose Island Barrel House in Chicago, they perused several educational stations

One was a spice guessing game. Wrapped bottles allowed sniffs and a try to put a name to the smell. Attending this station was a Beyond Hunger Health ambassador.

This progr am trains community members to advocate for healthy cooking and nutrition knowledge that can reduce diseases, such as diabetes

“I was one of the original ones,” Elijah Stanciel said. “One of the biggest sur prises is reading the nutrition labels and really learning to be educated on how much

O cial Taster Natalie ompson

Beyond Hunger hires next CEO

Beyond Hunger has announced the hiring of Jennie Hull as its next CEO. Hull will succeed Michele Zurakowski, who will retire this month as CEO after almost 20 years of leadership.

Hull comes to Beyond Hunger from Nourishing Hope, one of the largest and longest operating hunger relief orga nizations in Chicago where she has served most recently as interim president and CEO. During her eight years at Nourishing Hope Hull oversaw all client-facing which included pantry programs, home delivery, and Chicago’s first online market. She also grew key par tnerships that provided significant mental wellness programs and critical social services.

JENNIE HULL

emerged as the exceptional leader our organization needs to guide us into our next chapter. Her impressive track record of strategic vision and deep commitment to our mission made her the unanimous choice for this crucial role. We are confident that under Jennie’s leadership, Beyond Hunger will continue to grow its impact and effectively address the critical needs of those we serve. The forward to working closely with Jennie to build upon our foundation of success and advance our vital commitment to food justice.”

“On behalf of the board of directors, I am delighted to welcome Jennie Hull as the incoming CEO of Beyond Hunger,” said Laura Gutier re z, board chair. “After an extensive search process, Jennie

vegetables, proteins, grains – both shelf stable and fresh.

“I am thrilled that the board has selected someone with such deep expertise in food security to lead Beyond Hunger forward. Jennie’s passion and skill at creating strategic programmatic response to community need will provide a seamless throughline for the organization,” said Michele Zurakowski, outgoing CEO.

Staff dietitian, Bri Kellogg, explained the contents, which are mostly donated by the local community, both from individuals and grocery stores.

“We prefer not to get candy or baked goods or sweets,” Kellogg said. “We know our shoppers want good, healthy food. We also know that good food is expensive. So there needs to be a bridge there. That’s where we can step in.”

The main event of the evening was the chef challenge. Three acclaimed local chefs used typical pantry box ingredients to create a meal in 45 minutes. The catch was a secret ingredient unveiled at the event: mangos.

The competing chefs were Greg Wade of Publican Quality Bread, Javauneeka Jacobs of Frontera Grill and César Murillo of North Pond

experience

mation to the ones that come to the pantry. Sharing with them and helping people lear n how to eat more healthier,” he said.

At another station college intern dietitians showcased an example of a monthly food box that pantry clients receive – fruit,

“Competition cooking is really not my bit, but I love bringing money for a good cause, and food insecurity is a big problem,” Wade said. “I’m happy to happy to help with that.”

Jacobs said, “I grew up eating from food pantries. So being able to support it and show people that there’s healthy food and you can get creative to make a meal, that’s something that was really important to me.”

As the chefs cooked, a silent auction and

a paddle raise generated even more funds to support the group’s efforts. All guests were served a light dinner. One won a raffle prize prior to the event to become the “official taster.” Natalie Thompson was seated with the judges to sample the chef ’s meals.

“All three chefs made really delicious dishes,” said Thompson.

Judges were Monica Eng of Axios Chicago and The Chewing podcast, Chef James Roth who is an executive chef and culinary instructor and David Manilow creator of Check, Please!

Chef Murillo plated steamed Swai and a cornmeal crepe with romesco sauce and pickled mango. “The mango that was cut to look like shredded cheese. It was really cute,” said Thompson.

Chef Jacobs’ meal was chicken roulade with escabeche-style vegetables with mango and scalloped potatoes

The winner was Chef Wade’s cornmealcrusted Swai with a carrot fritter and mango sofrito.

“Chef Wade’s dish was unanimous among us.” Thompson said. On whether she’d want to sit at the judges table again, she said, “Absolutely! Next year I’m buying 10 tickets for the raffle.”

Funds raised at the event will provide more than 221,000 meals for local families.

L ANIE HIBEL/FOOD PROJECT

LEFT TO RIGHT: Judge Monica Eng; Contestants Greg Wade, Javauneeka Jacobs, and Cesar Murillo; and judges James Roth and David Manilow.

L ANIE HIBEL/FOOD PROJECT

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.

From Oak Park to Carnegie Hall, Heritage Chorale li s ever y voice

A magical but intense experience for the choir

By LEAH SCHROEDER Contributing Reporter

For Artistic Director Wen Chin LiuYoung and around 30 singers from the Oak Park-based Heritage Chorale, the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall was “once in a lifetime.”

T he choir has been a community staple for more than 40 years and is made up of members ranging from ages 15 to 95. More than a year ago, they were invited by music production company MidAmerica Productions to participate in a five-day residency in New York City, culminating in a final perfor mance at the le g endary music hall on Saturday, May 24.

“Once we all walked out onto the stage, looking out at the different tiers of balcony, and it feels like they just ke pt going up,” Liu-Young said. “When do we ever g et to, as a community choir, go to a legendary, prestigious Carnegie Hall?”

When Heritage Chorale was invited to participate in the residency back in 2023, Liu-Young was “very surprised” and “nervous,” but knew that it was a great opportunity for her choir and happily acce pted

For the following year and couple months, the community group rehearsed their music and anticipated the trip ahead of them. T he preparation was an additional stress for Liu-Young, she said, because she wanted the group to have a good experience.

“I was eventually excited, because the singers we re excited to do it,” Liu-Young said.

Once they arrived in the city, Heritage Chorale collaborated with four other choirs throughout a stringent rehearsal schedule in the mornings and afternoons In the late afternoons and evenings, the group enjoyed the sights of the city

Choir member Dove Wilson called the experience “intense” and said there were moments where she questioned whether she could continue. But she relied on her fellow choir members to re gain her “second wind” and pers evere through the residency.

“In making music, there’s a camara-

derie that builds when you share your sounds with other people, that you sort of sense their energy and then that carries you through,” Wilson said. “Camaraderie built with the other singers and the reward of hearing music as it got better and shaped, and it’s quite beautiful.”

T he residency culminated in a performance of Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore conducted by Liu-Young and Vivaldi’s Gloria conducted by Lisette Canton, accompanied by the New England Symphonic Ensemble

Liu-Young said she enjoyed the o ppo rtunity to g et to know her choir b etter outside of rehearsals during the t rip and was overcome with emotion as the group sang i ts final notes in the renowned c once rt hall.

“I was just like, ‘don’t cry right now, because you got to end strong,” Liu-Young said. “That’s why I didn’t look at any of them. I kind of just looked up and enjoyed

the last six, seven measures of the piece I was very, very proud of them, staying strong with me all the way to the end of that masterwork.”

T he crew recently returned home to Oak Park and is taking the opportunity to rest after their trip to the city.

Originally from Malaysia, Liu-Young said she would never have envisioned herself having the opportunity to perform in a venue renowned even halfway across the world.

Now that she has had this experience, Liu-Young has no plans of slowing down. Her goal is to gain more reco gnition for Heritage Chorale in the Chicago area and community of suburbs in hopes of collaborating with other choirs and venues in the area.

“It was a very magical experience for me, not just to conduct, but having (Heritage Chorale) on my side doing this Ca rnegie Hall debut together,” Liu-Young said.

COURTESY OF WEN CHIN LIU-YOUNG

e members of Heritage Chorale pause for a group photo while exploring New York City

D97 seeks middle-school physical education waiver

District shifts from block schedule to new master schedule in 2025-26

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is seeking a waiver from the Illinois State Board of Education to continue to schedule physical education classes every other day at the middle school level.

Illinois law requires daily physical education classes unless schools use block scheduling. Since District 97 will no longer be using a block schedule in the 2025-26 school year, it needs a waiver to continue the alternating physical education schedule.

Based on community, staff and student feedback, Gwendolyn Brooks and Percy Julian middle schools will shift away from the current block schedule to a new master schedule next year where the core classes of science, social science, English and math will be offered every day for 50-minute increments, along with one elective

In the block format, students attended core classes every other day for 75-minute increments.

The waiver would allow physical education to remain in a block format, alter nating with another elective

A public hearing regarding the waiver

will be held at the June 10 board of education meeting, with a board vote to follow that would allow application submission.

“We want to make sure we go ahead and do this waiver and make sure we are in compliance to the fullest,” said Dr. Luis De Leon, assistant superintendent of middle schools.

“There are many things to take into consideration when building a schedule.”

Such waivers aren’t rare, according to De Leon. For instance, the district’s K-5 elementary schools have a waiver to offer 60 minutes of physical education class per week, in addition to daily recess and 15 minutes daily of physical education activity (PEA).

Under the new 2025-26 master schedule, students will have a 36-minute lunch/recess period and a 36-minute What I Need (WIN) block, a dedicated time for students to receive targeted enrichment or intervention support, for a total block of 72 minutes.

Plus, De Leon said, there are holistic wellness opportunities before and after school, in the form of clubs and sports.

“Like anything new, there will be things we have to troubleshoot and make changes,” he said. “I think we are responding to the community’s goal.”

Oak Park

Vintage Car Show

Oak Park

Vintage Car Show

Time:

When: Saturday June 7, 2025

When: Saturday June 7, 2025

When: Saturday June 7, 2025

Time: 10am to 2pm

Where: OPRF Museum (Lake St. and Lombard Ave.)

Time: 10am to 2pm

When: Saturday June 7, 2025

Time: 10am to 2pm

Food: Street vendors onsite

Where: OPRF Museum (Lake St. and Lombard Ave.)

Time: 10am to 2pm

Where: OPRF Museum (Lake St. and Lombard Ave.)

Where: OPRF Museum (Lake St. and Lombard Ave.)

Food: Street vendors onsite

Food: Street vendors onsite

Where: OPRF Museum (Lake St. and Lombard Ave.)

Food: Street vendors onsite

Food: Street vendors onsite

Entertainment:

Entertainment:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

District 97 administration buildin g

SANCTUARY

investigation is required by an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.” At the time, immigrants’ rights advocates called it one of the strongest sanctuary city ordinances in the United States.

Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman said she is not intimidated by the federal pressure.

“Of course I’m going to do everything I can to fight this and stand by our immigrant community,” she said.

On the heels of Trump’s second inauguration, Oak Park released a statement reaffirming the village government’s commitment to the ordinance.

“Every resident, re gardless of immigration status, is entitled to access village services without fear of deportation or other immigration-related consequences,” local officials said in February. “The village will continue to uphold the principle of confidentiality for residents and ensure that any personal information shared with the village is not disclosed to federal immigra-

tion enforcement agencies, except in cases where disclosure is mandated by law.”

The village released an update to that statement Friday in light of the DHS list.

“The Village of Oak Park is aware that it appeared on a recently released list of sanctuary jurisdictions issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Notably, the list also includes the Stat e of Illinois, Cook County and six other instate communities including neighboring Chicago and Berwyn, as well as Evanston, Skokie, St. Joseph and Urbana,” officials said.

The DHS list appeared amid increased federal pressure on sanctuary cities. On March 5, mayors of several major cities, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, were questioned by the U.S. House Oversight Committee concerning sanctuary city policies.

“We cannot let pro-criminal, alien policies in obstructionist sanctuary cities continue to endanger American communities and the safety of federal immigration enforcement officers,” Committee Chair Re p. James Comer (R-KY) said.

Johnson defended Chicago’s statutes during the hearing, saying sanctuary policies keep the city’s law enforcement focused on local priorities.

“As mayor of Chicago, nothing is more important to me than the safety and wellbeing of all residents,” he said. “We must not let mischaracterizations and fear-mongering obscure the reality that Chicago’s crime rates are trending down. We still have a long way to go, but sensationalizing tragedy in the name of political expediency is not governing, it’s grandstanding.”

On April 24, cities across the country received a letter from the Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy vowing to withhold infrastructure funding from communities that don’t comply with federal immigration enforcement or which support “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” progr ams

“Whether or not described in neutral terms, any policy, progr am, or activity that is premised on a prohibited classification, including discriminatory policies or practices designed to achieve so called ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion,’ or ‘DEI,’ goals, presumptively violates federal law,” Duffy said in the letter. “In addition, your le g al obligations require cooperation g enerally with federal authorities in the enforcement of federal law, including cooperating with and not impeding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal offices and com-

ponents of the Department of Homeland Security in the enforcement of federal immigration law.”

Before it was removed from the DHS’ website, the list drew criticism from a prominent law enforcement organization — the National Association of Sheriffs. T he group issued a statement criticizing the DHS list on Saturday, May 31.

“This list was created without any input, criteria of compliance, or a mechanism for how to object to the designation. Sheriffs nationwide have no way to know what they must do or not do to avoid this arbitrary label,” the association’s president Sherif f Kieran Donahue of Canyon County, Idaho said in the statement. “The completion and publication of this list has not only violated the core principles of trust, cooperation, and partnership with fellow law enforcement, but it also has the potential to strain the relationship between sheriffs and the White House administration. This is an unfortunate and unnecessary erosion of unity and collaboration with law enforcement and the enforcement of the r ule of law at a time when that unity is needed most. This decision by DHS could create a vacuum of trust that may take years to overcome.”

Questions linger as second Lempesis prosecution drags on

Former Concordia coach blames charges on homophobia

By BILL DWYER Contributing Reporter

The case of for mer Concordia University head baseball coach Spiro Lempesis presents an uncomfortable set of circumstances.

By his own admission Lempesis engaged in inexcusable conduct with a school baseball player 15 years ago. But he vehemently denies ever molesting a minor.

Seven years after being found to have videotaped himself in sexual acts with a Concordia baseball player in 2010, Lempesis was convicted in December 2017 of sexually abusing player while he was in high school. He was sentenced to 10 1/2 years in prison.

In December 2019 the First Judicial District Appellate Court of Illinois overturned the verdict and ordered a new trial.

The Cook County State’s Attorney has re peatedly declined about the case, as it did again May 23, citing pending litig ation.

Delegating judicial authority

At a July 2017 hearing, Ginex tasked attorney Patrick Collins with examining his notes and re porting back to him on anything that might contradict the player’s prior statements. Defense attorney Blake Horowitz objected.

“… I think it’s highly ir re gular to burden (Collins) with providing discoverable material,” Horowitz said. “To hoist upon private citizens the job of the state’s attorney or your -- respectfully, your job — or my job to comply with the rules of disvery is just -- there’s no (precedent) before it.”

The new case has been “pending” for 65 months. It took 27 months from the time Lempesis was arrested for prosecutors to build the initial case, try him and convict him. The new case is still in the discovery phase, with arguments over admissible evidence.

Beyond two instances of judicial er ror by the late trial judge, Gregory Ginex, there are other troubling questions, including why the prosecution continued to insist that there were “minor children” on a video that played a central, if supposedly non-evidentiary role, at trial.

In reversing Ginex’s verdict, Appellate Justices Nathan R. Howse, Jr., David W. Ellis and Cynthia Y. Cobbs ruled that, while it is settled law that “the positive testimony of a single credible witness is sufficient to sustain a conviction … as was the case with [the student], in this case, the other evidence does not overwhelmingly support a conviction.”

“We believe a new trial is warranted to address or avert a potentially erroneous conviction and/or undue prolonged detention.”

Ginex wasn’t done. That August he told the prosecutor: “… I’m allowing either you or Concordia to disclose to (a lawyer outside the criminal case) what the victim said that we know about. If there’s anything different, I want her to tell you, and I want you to tell me.”

At sentencing, Ginex refuted defense claims that “there was a third party who was re gulating discovery,” stating, “That is clearly not the case.”

The appellate court disag reed, ruling Ginex “did not conduct an in camera review of Collin’s notes of interviews other than interviews Collins believed involved an inconsistent statement by [the player].”

“The trial court failed to conduct an in camera examination of all of the material potentially responsive to the subpoena to determine if it was discoverable…”

Limits on defense subpoenas

Also that July, Ginex quashed Horowitz’s subpoena of Collins for potential evidence in his investigation into Lempesis’s activity as coach. “What’s the reason for the subpoena being quashed?” Horowitz asked.

“Because it’s too broad. It’s overbroad… you’re basically asking for everything,” said Ginex.

“I do not know, other than by issuing a subpoena to Collins, whether or not Collins has any handwritten contemporaneous notes concerning what is obviously relevant here,” Horowitz said. “I don’t even know who to call

as a witness here.”

“You don’t have to issue subpoenas,” Ginex said. “I’m telling you, they (Concordia) will tell us who it is.”

The appellate court disagreed, ruling, “The trial court’s limitation on defendant’s subpoena … prejudiced defendant because defendant’s subpoena sought relevant and material information that could have aided in his defense.”

Recovered memories

At trial, Horowitz objected strenuously to the player testifying that he had recovered “repressed memories” of abuse by Lempesis, calling it “non-competent testimony.”

“The rules prohibit it,” Horowitz said. “There was no psychiatric claim, just a lay witness talking. … There’s no therapist that has come forward whatsoever.”

Horowitz said that despite the player testifying that the therapy was “very important” and “extremely important” to him, he couldn’t recall the name of any therapist, when the therapy took place or how many times he went.

“Again, we have no therapist that has ever come forward (to corroborate), and there’s a reason for that,” he said.

Ginex disagreed, saying, “A witness does not need to have medical background to testify to his medical status. He didn’t need to be experienced in psychology or psychiatry to be able to say that there are particular issues that occurred and he then was able to recall them.”

While the appellate justices found that Lempesis’s defense had not established grounds for appealing Ginex’s ruling, they did find “error with [the player’s] testimony at trial which could have been highly prejudicial …” They ruled that [the player’s] claims of repressed memory “were improper.” In any new trial, they said, the player “may only offer testimony based on his personal knowledge but may not describe a specific medical diagnosis.”

Player was only person Lempesis solicited

In finding the player a credible witness, Ginex said he believed Lempesis was guilty because the player was the only person he targeted for sexual exploitation. But that contention is demonstrably false

A for mer Concordia player who was solicited by Lempesis but turned him down is clearly identified in transcribed notes by thenConcordia Dean of Students Greg Hynes. In addition, a second Concordia athlete is on the video for hours before the player appears. That man, whom Lempesis identified to Wednesday Journal, was a former Concordia baseball player in his early 20s

On Aug. 21, 2017 Ginex specifically referred to Hynes’ notes, saying, “One of the unredacted documents related to a conversation that was had with an individual, a (former teammate of the player’s), I have reviewed that.” Ginex said he found that “partial statements given by (the for mer player) to Mr. Collins are disclosable.”

The prosecution repeatedly claimed that the video of Lempesis showed him with one or more minors. The prosecution said at an August 2016 hearing, “it is quite possible that the video may contain some minor and the investigation continues as to that issue.”

“Some minor what?” Ginex asked. “Some minors. Minors. Additional victims. Minors,” the prosecutor replied. “It’s not just one -- it’s not just the defendant and the victim. There’s additional parties that are there.”

Two months later the prosecutor told Ginex, “It is the people’s position that there remain minor children on this video. And so, we are asking for an en-camera (sic) review of this video prior to tendering it to the defense.”

“Do you have affirmative evidence it’s a minor or do you just have an opinion?” Horowitz objected. “Do we have any facts? Do you have anything to identify before the court? Do you have a written submission to the court? An affidavit? Date of birth of somebody? Any affirmative information or is it just an argument?”

“I don’t know if there are,” Ginex said of the prosecution’s allegation. “The representation by the police department and (prosecutor) is that on that video there are other minors other than the victim in this case --”

After viewing the video in December 2016 Ginex said he could not discern whether the other people on the video were underage or not, saying, “I don’t know. I cannot say whether this is a video with consenting adults.”

The tape made by Lempesis was re peat-

See LEMPESIS on pa ge 16

SPIRO LEMPESIS

Our Future Reads opens Mission Curiosity bookstore

By LEAH SCHROEDER Contributing Reporter

Around 15 community members gathered last weekend for a ribbon cutting ceremony for Oak Park’s newest bookstore, Mission Curiosity, starting a new chapter for Our Future Reads.

The celebration was fueled by Franklin Taylor, founder of Our Future Reads, who launched the nonprofit to provide books to those who lack access.

Four years later, Our Future Reads has partnered with over 15 nonprofit organizations and distributed around 10,000 books.

The organization reached the moment when its basement storage unit was overflowing. That led to Mission Curiosity, a brick-and-mortar storefront at 319 Madison St

“We were thinking about how to increase our impacts, not only in terms of getting the books to other nonprofit organizations, but also just our community as well,” Taylor said.

The road to opening Mission Curiosity was not a short one, Taylor said. But throughout this process, Taylor said he never questioned his motivation because of his partners and clients.

“That’s the motivation, right? It’s something significantly larger than us as an organization, and we’re able to truly impact lives,” Taylor said.

Taylor hopes that people see Mission Curi-

LEMPESIS

from page 15

edly reviewed over the prior five years by River Forest police investigators, the FBI, Concordia University officials and Collins, a for mer federal prosecutor, with no criminal charges brought.

Lempesis has consistently said the first three hours of video clearly show a second adult for mer Concordia player involved with him, before the player appears.

Sole role model in player’s life

While the appellate court did not opine

t focuses on getting books to those who need them

Commerce was also represented. Melissa Mallison, chamber programming and membership director, said she was excited to visit Mission Curiosity on behalf of the chamber, because she believes “books are for everyone.”

“It’s their birthright to be able to share their stories, to connect with other people,” Mallison said. “I think that’s really what you know makes a community. It’s what makes us human. Connecting the mission with the local economy and the neighbors and everyone that it represents, is something that’s really distinctive.”

Mark Walden of the chamber echoed this sentiment, saying that reading was a “worldopening thing” and that he was glad that the new bookstore was a “mission-driven business.”

PROVIDEDT

osity as a “bright light in the neighborhood,” and encourages community members to “know that they’re supporting so many others by coming in and buying books.”

Book buyers have already started buying books at Mission Curiosity. Ashley Shropshire and Tracey Luong, who work with Youth Crossroads, a charity that Our Future Reads is partnered with, attended the grand opening on behalf of their organization.

“I think especially with technology now, I think it’s really hard for our kids to read and

on Ginex’s contention that Lempesis was the player’s “sole male role model,” that idea does not hold up under scrutiny.

“I find that the persona of the defendant was the sole male role model in [the player’s] life,” Ginex said at sentencing.

“If we believe [the player] that the acts occur red in high school, he was the most vulnerable person, and he was the one who Mr. Lempesis believed would not say anything. I believe that activity (on video) corroborates what he said on the stand.”

However, the player was no loner or social outsider, but rather, a three-sport athlete and bonifide star in baseball who posted a 10-0 record his senior year and led his team to the state semi-finals. Besides numerous athletic coaches, he had his birth father and stepfather, a local police officer,

get a wide range of perspectives,” Luong said. “With us being able to buy those books, that’s really important for them. Especially how expensive it is now, this helps them a lot with them having access to books.”

Shropshire added that Youth Crossroads hopes to partner with Mission Curiosity over the summer by having their students volunteer at the store to “give back to (Our Future Reads) after they’ve given so many donations to us.”

The Oak Park River Forest Chamber of

who attended his games.

Ginex believed otherwise. He said he asked himself “Why … Lempesis would choose (the player) of all other people, to be a participant in the videos of a sexual nature after he became an adult.”

“The conclusion I came to re peatedly is that [the player] was credible because Mr. Lempesis had proceeded to do what [the player] said, had proceeded to abuse him as a minor, and [the player] said nothing; and then it precipitated and resulted in the sexual activity that was on the video.”

Bitterness, resignation and resolve

Lempesis admits he’s wary of “poking the bear,” of angering forces best not antagonized in the State’s Attorney’s office.

“This reflects the values we put on youth and education in Oak Park, as well as adding to our retail corridor and then supporting the mission of the nonprofit,” Walden said. “It feels like a win-win-win kind of thing here.”

Mission Curiosity will be selling used books for $5 each and be open on weekends, from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. With each book sold, Taylor said, he hopes he can put a smile on someone’s face.

“All the recipients of the books, if we can make them smile at least once, that’s our goal,” Taylor said. “It’s to cure the curiosity bug or spark that for people to smile, and then just for it to be an incredibly enjoyable experience.”

But the acute anxiety he says he feels sometimes gives way to anger, and he wants payback and for people to know what happened.

“They’re supposed to be blind to any bias, and focus on the facts,” he said of the justice system. “This is all about greed. And people who were homophobic and disgusted by what they saw on the video.”

Asked what he hopes eventually comes to pass, he said, “In a perfect world, they find me not guilty, or they drop the case,” he said. “But they’ll never drop the case.”

Lempesis said he’s twice been of fered time served if he’ll plead guilty.

“They keep dragging this along, hoping I’ll take a plea,” he said. “I’m never going to take that.”

Franklin Taylor smiles as he cuts the ribbon to his new store front: Mission Curiosity.

Man attacks beauty store manager, threatens to kill him

Oak Park police investigate violent incident at the store

By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park police are investigating a violent incident that played out at a Madison Street beauty store in the village last week.

According to a police activity re port, a man got into an altercation with the manager shortly after 12:40 p.m. Monday, May 26. The man re por tedly ““threw a beverage bottle on the victim and kicked him in his genital area,” according to police.

The man then threatened the victim referencing a firearm, saying, “you’re lucky I don’t have my strap, I’d kill you,” according to police.

The victim declined medical services, according to police.

Aggravated assault by rearm use

According to police, a man driving a red Jeep Grand Cherokee pulled alongside the victim and displayed a firearm while they were traveling on Harlem Avenue near Interstate 290 shortly before midnight on May 26.

The man then began screaming “I’ll kill you,” while pointing the firear m at the victim. When both vehicles stopped at a traffic light, the man exited the Jeep and approached the victim’s vehicle on foot, but did not point the handgun at the victim, according to police.

The man then returned to his vehicle and fled the scene westbound on I-290. He is wanted on charges of aggravated assault, according to police.

Arson

Police reviewed security camera footage showing two men setting a fire inside a bathroom at the baseball field at Ridgeland Commons on Lake Street shortly before 8

Burglary to motor vehicles

Oak Park police have investigated several recent incidents of burglary to motor vehicles in the village

A witness observed two men breaking into vehicles inside a parking garage in the 100 block of North Scoville Avenue at 3:45 p.m. May 28, according to police. The witness re ported seeing the men break into a Ford F-150 and a 2025 BMW before fleeing the scene.

The men re por tedly ransacked the vehicles but did not take anything from them. They caused an estimated $1,000 in damage to the vehicles, according to police.

A 46-year-old Chicago man was also arrested by Oak Park police in connection with a motor vehicle theft incident that occur red in the 600 block of Taylor Avenue.

These items were obtained from Oak Park’s Police Department re ports dated May 25-28 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 have provided us with a detailed a description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

The two men are being sought on arson charges, according to police.

Orbit shines in OPRF business incubator competition

App that aids businesses with onboarding new employees hooks sharks

By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter

Imagine an app that aids businesses with the onboarding process for new employees

It caters to everyone’s learning ability and style, and as a result dramatically shortens training times

It also has a cool mascot chatbot, named Orbit, which is also the name of the app. It’s a winner, both literally and figuratively. The Oak Park and River Forest High School students that conceived Orbit won the Incubator Edu @ OPRF Entrepreneur Expo, which is similar to the popular TV show “Shark Tank.”

Orbit, consisting of seniors Teagan O’Carroll and Symone McWhorter, junior Michayla Marks and sophomore Cheslynn Ash, prevailed May 22 after answering questions from the “sharks,” local business owners that included school board member Graham Brisben, who’s started four companies and sold two.

can go anywhere from two weeks to months

“We want to make sure it’s efficient everyone.”

Last fall, Orbit be gan as an app called Train AI, and the team be gan wo earnest on marketing, finance, r and everything else that goes into star business. By January, the project p Orbit, that name that ultimately stuck.

“The difference between Orbit and AI is Train AI had a heavy aspect on AI, which we didn’t want to particular on, considering the fact that not only we not exactly quite experienced in tha field at the be ginning of the year,” Ash said, “but we also wanted make sure we were specifically tailoring to the success of the employees who would be utilizing our app.

“I worked as a salon coordinator for t wo years. I’m still there; it was very hard for me to train. It was stressful. Training can go anywhere from t wo weeks to six months. We want to make sure it ’s e cient for everyone.”

TEAGAN O’C ARROLL OPRF senior

The final choice wasn’t easy. The sharks deliberated for a whopping 36 minutes before selecting Orbit, even consulting via phone with a retiree shark in Arizona … and awarding the foursome the $4,000 first prize, which will be split and dedicated to their chosen colleges.

“We want to make sure that everyone is accounted for,” O’Carroll said. “For me personally, I worked as a salon coordinator for two years. I’m still there; it was very hard for me to train. It was stressful. Training

“With Orbit, we wanted to make sure we were homing in on auditory, visual and hands-on learning experiences, rather than just focusing on the AI aspect.”

Spoken like a seasoned business pro. But that may not be surprising when you realize her teacher, Melissa Martinez, worked in the business world for 13 years, representing big-name brands like Pantene, Head and Shoulders, Walgreens and Miller Light.

Martinez just finished her fourth year teaching and second at OPRF, and said she started with 75 total students in the two-semester, projectbased Business Incubator class, mostly juniors and seniors, which ultimately played out to 18 total teams. Seven advanced to the May 22 finals, with Orbit slipping past OMH, a team consisting of juniors Alec Olson, Baz Hilton and Alex McNeilly, whose business was providing social media marketing for small businesses

“Orbit stood out because they (addressed) a real-world problem they were seeing in

Orbit, consisting of senior Teagan O’Carroll, junior Michayla Marks, sophomore Chesly nn Ash and senior Sy mone McWhorter, won OPRF’s Business Incubator class competition and were honored at the May 22 board of education meeting.

their lives, and they did a good job with voice of the customer, getting real world input, and validating the concept,” Brisben, the school board member who helped judge, said. “They also presented well as a team, which is another important criterium. They answered questions as a team, and that counts quite a bit.”

Business Incubator may as well be a colle ge-level business course. It consists of assessing team dynamics; assessing the business problem and potential solutions; building customer personas through MRI-Simmons, which provides consumer profiling; constructing a business plan; leveraging the insights of focus groups; developing investor packets and even a one-

minute elevator pitch. Mentors provide the teams insight on business topics like finance, company valuation and multipliers, for example

At the end of the first semester, the teams present to the group of sharks, to get a gut check of how investable they are through astute feedback.

But it’s more than that, Martine z said.

“Every four weeks the kids present what they’ve done,” she said. “Professionalism is expected. Are you showing up and getting the work done? I push heavily on public speaking and building your confidence. I tend to lecture very little.”

McWhorter agreed

“I think that this project really helped us develop our personal skills,” she said. “Out of this whole entire experience, my favorite part was working with my team.”

Brisben said it was his third year as a shark, and like the first two, the decision was very dif ficult.

“This is just a testament to how hard motivated and excited they are about business and education,” he said, “and I think it’s great that OPRF can provide this kind of programming for students.”

Galewood community’s latest focus is tree planting

Trees help the environment and people

By DEBORAH BAYLISS Contributing Reporter

With the help of some grant money, Galewood Neighbors is focusing some extra attention these days on tree planting, just one more way to promote a healthier environment in the West Side community.

“The benefits of trees are endless,” said Sarah Cunningham, vice chairperson of the Galewood Neighbors, a group of about 300 neighbors, businesses, board members and businesses that works for the betterment of the community.

“They [trees] hold rainwater, they lower heating and air conditioning costs, they mitite flood waters and increase your property value. So 130 trees have been planted,” she said.

The tree planting initiative has its roots (pun intended) two years ago when two Galewood board members applied for a grant through the Chicago Tree Ambassador Program through the Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Re gional Tree Initiative (CRTI).

“A big part of the grant is working to plant over 100 trees in your community,” Cunningham explained. “We also have to do events related to trees. We go door to door and talk to neighbors about planting parkway trees. The trees are free. If they ag ree, we have a special entry into Chicago’s 311 system to request the trees.”

An arborist was also hired to do tree walks, educating residents about trees.

Though Galewood is not as industrial as it once was, an active train line still runs through the neighborhood, Cunningham noted. North Avenue, she said, is a major east-west street along with Harlem Avenue being a major north-south street so any amount of trees will help miti gate exhaust pollutants.

The Galewood community on Chicago’s West Side is the most diverse part of Austin, with Harlem Avenue to the west, Austin Avenue to the east, the Milwaukee District West Rail line to the South and North Av-

enue to the north.

“With that’s happened d emo gr over the last few decades, Galewood is a ve community with 30 percent 30 percent Black and 30 percent Hispanic, and very proud of our diversity in our neighborhood,” said St Green, founding member and chai of Galewood Neighbor

The tree planting is just one example of the kinds of projects the Galewood has undertaken. One of the ects is its role along with other ensure the community ored in terms of what happens to the Mars Wrigley’s candy factory site built in 1929.

Mars announced in 2022 its intention to close the Galewood factory, 2019 N. Oak Park Ave., pledging to donate the Spanish Renaissance architecture style property to whichever developer or organization the community chose.

spaces, housing, businesses and a small business park

Though originally intended as a donais now going to be a sale to McCafich will develop the site based on the plan the groups put together.

“The sale was supposed to take place at the end of last year, but delays have stalled it to likely the end of this year,” Green said. “What’s happened is the factory is so outdated and has been retrofitted a couple of different times. Mars is building a new factory in Pennsylvania and that factory has had some delays as far as being up and running and fully operational, so Mars is still making chocolate at the [Galewood] site.”

Another important component of the process was the community’s desire to maintain the facade of the old Mars factory as a historical landmark. Last October, the city designated the Mars office building as an official Chicago landmark, protecting significant features of the building along Avenue.

Re zoning for the reuse also took some time but was approved in May.

“It’s a very unique situation where Mars wanted to donate the 20acre parcel to the community,” Green told the Austin Weekly News. “Mars chose [Chicago-based] McCaffery Interests Inc., because they were the ones that were very well experienced in redeveloping historic buildings and also their proposal came closest to what the community wanted.”

Desires of the Galewood community were re presented in a Local Initiatives Support Corp re port and local community groups, including Austin Coming Together, Galewood Neighbors and Northwest Center, as well as other community members. Participants advocates for a mixed-use site, which included community areas, green

“McCaffery is still working with the Department of Planning to go over the details of what was approved,” Green said. “We’ve met with McCaffery twice with Mars and because of the Department of Planning and Re and the fact that the plant is not fully closed, we’ve had a pause in meetings. I’m sure we’ll resume those meetings with McCaffery and Mars.”

McCaffery will likely make some tweaks to the plan based on what McCaffery needs to do to the site versus what the community plan laid out, Green said, adding that the group realizes that.

Still, the sale cannot move forward Mars fully vacates the premises.

“We’re just going to have to wait until Mars is completely moved out of the site and then the sale happens, and things will speed up pretty quickly,” Green said. “Mars is not sure, but they could be out by the end of this year.”

More about Galewood Neighbors

The Galewood Neighbors hold community engagements and have membership meetings seeking input on priorities. A 2025 Community Plan is posted on their website at Galewoodneighbors.org

Rush Hospital is moving into Galewood. A ribbon cutting for their new facility is set for June 17 at Harlem and Wabansia, the site of the old Sears store.

“We’ve been engaging with them since they started building,” Green said.

The Fifth Annual Galewoodstock, the community’s music and arts festival takes place every August. This year the free event will take place on Aug. 23 from noon to 8 p.m. at Bloomington and Sayre Avenues.

One of the things that is lacking, is that Galewood is the only neighborhood in the city without its own library. The one that was there closed 10 or 11 years ago, Green said.

Galewood residents use both the Oak Park and the Austin Library depending on where they live

Possible location sites fell through. Green said that Ald. Chris Taliafer ro is working to try to find a new location, He added, the unfortunate thing about Galewood is that there are not a lot of suitable parcels of land where you could put a library.

Discussions about putting the new library in the landmark building of the Mars plant has been considered, Green said.

GALEWOOD NEIGHBORS

Mars Wrigley candy factor y.

COLIN BOYLE/Block Club Chicago Music group, Rocket & Gizzae, per form at the Galewoodstock music festival on Aug. 24, 2024.

STEVE GREEN

SARAH CUNNINGHAM

Homes

Wright’s Elizabeth and Rollin Furbeck House hits the market

Preser vationists talk about living in architecturally signi cant home and the search for its next caretakers

By LACEY SIKORA Real Estate Reporter

After 27 years, Deb and Tom Abrahamson are selling their Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned house in Oak Park. The Elizabeth and Rollin Furbeck Home at 515 Fair Oaks Ave. was designed in 1897. Rollin Furbeck was the third of five sons

of stockbroker Warren Furbeck. Warren gifted the house to his son as a wedding gift. He also gave his first son, George, a Wright-designed house at 223 N. Euclid Ave. as a wedding gift that same year.

Rollin’s house cost $6,000 to construct in 1897. Rollin and his wife lived in the home for about one year before moving to a George Maher-designed home. In 1899, the

couple moved to New York City.

The Abrahamsons have been ardent preservationists of the home, which is designated an Oak Park landmark. When they purchased the home, it had been lovingly cared for by the previous owner, but it still required some updating for their young family.

They took out the radiators and installed forced air. The original porte cochere was converted to a family room with vaulted ceilings. They also remodeled the 1980’sera kitchen, incorporating an original screened-in porch.

On the second floor, the couple reconfig-

ured the space to create a primary suite with a sizeable walk-in closet and a bathroom with a soaking tub. The window above the bed perfectly captures the columns on the front of the house.

Overall, the home has over 5,000 square feet of living space, including five bedrooms and three- and one-half bathrooms. The attic level includes two bedrooms and a remodeled bath.

During their years in the house, the Abrahamsons retained as much of the original design detail as possible. Leaded glass windows remain throughout the

COURTESY OF FLWFURBECKHOUSE.COM

WRIGHT FOR YOU: e Elizabeth and Rollin Furbeck Home at 515 Fair Oaks Ave

home. In the front living room, the original inglenook and fireplace surround are cast in concrete. The Abrahamsons believe it is the only inglenook Wright designed in a residence in concrete form.

A library powder room features bookshelves and original built-ins and a marble sink. Suspended between the first floor and the basement, the powder room is such a highlight of the home that the Abrahamsons are building something similar in their new home in Forest Park

Over the years, the original light fixtures were removed by previous owners, but the couple worked with John Curran to design new light fixtures that follow Wright’s designs for other significant buildings.

A previous owner re placed the original horsehair and plaster columns from the exterior with more hardy versions of the designs, which Tom Abrahamson points out are a nod to the influence Louis Sullivan had on Wright’s work at the time.

In the backyard, the original stable still stands, and there is also a three-car garage

An ancient burr oak overlooks a heated pool and Brazilian ipe wood deck that Deb says reminds her of a W Hotel.

While they have been faithful stewards of the home, considering the architectural significance during every step of their modeling and maintenance of the home, the Abrahamsons emphasize, the home is very livable.

Deb says, “It’s a great family house, and it’s a great party house. We’ve had over 100 people here for events.”

She adds, “This house is not the least bit precious. We think it’s fabulous and also conducive to today’s lifestyles.”

The Abrahamsons are ready for a new project and are rehabbing an 1893 Victorian in Forest Park. While they look forward to their next chapter, they are carefully marketing their home to find the next buyer who will care for it as much as they have

ALL DONE: A er 27 years in the care of owners focused on preser vation and thoughtful updates the home is ready to go.

Rather than just hiring a Realtor and listing the house on the Multiple Listing Service, they have also reached out to the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, which has listed the house on their website, and Tom created a website for the house: www.flwfurbeckhouse.com.

Tom also says that the Frank Lloyd Wright

Trust has been very supportive of their marketing of the home, and notes, “We all want to find the right owner for the house.”

The home is priced at $1,975,000 and listed with Louise Nix of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago.

While they wait to find the right buyer, the Abrahamsons continue to find joy in

living in one of Wright’s masterpieces. Tom says, “Even 27 years later, we’re always noticing little details here. That is fascinating. ”

(Editor’s note: The Abrahamson’s are donors to Growing Community Media. Deb Abrahamson is a long-time member of the organization’s board.)

PHOTO S COURTESY OF FLWFURBECKHOUSE.COM

important?

VIEWPOINTS

C ONSCIOUS A GING

Changing attitudes about aging

When I was in junior high school, it wasn’t cool to be uncool. Back then, acne wasn’t cool and being an old person wasn’t cool. Like today, people got judged by their appearance. If you were somehow blemished or wrinkled or weak, you were often made to feel ashamed or uncomfortable. Or you made yourself feel that way. Or you became invisible

MARC BLESOFF

I remember days I didn’t want to go out in public, let alone go to school, because of acne on my face. And at that time of my life, the last thing I wanted was to be an old person — everybody knew young was good and old was bad. I’m not saying being judged by one’s appearance has changed completely today, but I have been noticing some differences.

The other day, my granddaughter came home from middle school with a small blue star on her forehead. This star was medicinal, meant to heal as well as cover. As we chatted about wearing this star to school, she told me that classmates regularly show up with colored stars all over their faces — the opposite of hiding. Instead of students being ashamed of acne, these stars have become an appreciated fashion statement. How wonderful!

Last month, the World Health Organization launched the new WHO Ageism Scale: a set of extensively tested metrics designed to monitor ageism levels worldwide, illuminate its drivers and consequences, and evaluate the impact of interventions aimed at reducing ageism. So, as far as “old is bad, young is good,” there have definitely been some changes worldwide.

Ageism is becoming less acceptable. Might we ever become proud of being an older person?

Locally, this monthly Conscious Aging column here in the Wednesday Journal is an example of some changing attitudes, or at least of some changing awareness about ageism. And perhaps changing invisibility.

By the way, this is my 100th Conscious Aging column. Thank you to Ken Trainor, my editor, and to Dan Haley, the publisher, for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings over the past eight years. And thanks to all of you who bother to read what I write.

On another topic

Kudos to Anan Abu-Taleb for his column in last week’s Viewpoints. Kudos for his ability to think and write so clearly about a topic of such emotion. Kudos for taking such a reasoned stand on one of the most important issues of our time. He’s right: acts of hate will not bring us peace. As I read his brave and strong condolences to all who knew and loved Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, I felt proud of his leadership.

And then in the next paragraph, when I learned of his own recent, extraordinary personal losses to senseless killing in Gaza, I was amazed by his empathy

Empathy to know and to feel that Yaron and Sarah were somebody’s sister/ brother or daughter/son or niece/nephew or grandchild, not just an object or a label. That kind of public empathy is in short supply today

Thank you, Anan.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor

Ken Trainor at 613-3310

ktrainor@wjinc.com

Time to make donuts … and volunteer!

That annoying, but effective, Dunkin commercial from the 1980s played through my head as I watched the group walk through the process and the various roles volunteers will play when making and selling donuts for the 50th season of Oak Park Far mers Market.

O’MAHONY STEWART One View

“Pilgrim started donuts with just a couple FryBabies in 1978 when the market moved to our parking lot,” said donut captain Leslie Sutphen, who was leading the March training session. “Since then, we invested in professional donut-making equipment and put together a detailed process for volunteers to come in and assist making donuts.”

Pilgrim makes more than 100,000 donuts every year and currently works with 23 local nonprofit organizations, recruiting

nearly 1,000 volunteers each season.

But this isn’t about those amazing donuts.

This is about the volunteers who’ve been making those donuts for 26 Saturdays over five decades. And it’s about all the people in all the places in our cities, towns, and villages who make things happen as volunteers. The people who serve on boards and committees for free. The scouts who pick up trash. The folks who read to kids at the library. The people who arrange for household supplies and clothing for immigrant families. These are just a few for-instances of the many ways people give their time and talent with little or no reco gnition.

These days, conversations often turn to

Carlie Beach moves a rack of donuts fresh out of the fryer down in the basement at Pilgrim Cong regational Church in Oak Park

OUR VIEWS

Trump’s threat to Oak Park

In typical Trump administration style, Oak Park and hundreds of other American communities were splashed across a Department of Homeland Security re port on May 29. The charge against all of these villages, cities, counties and states is that they have had the audacity, the empathy, the grace to declare themselves as sanctuaries for migrants.

The nuts and bolts of it for most all of these communities is that in some version they have codified that their local law enforcement personnel will not cooperate with ICE. Oak Park passed an ordinance in 2017 that prohibited village employees from assisting “in the investigation of the citizenship or immigration status of any person unless such inquiry or investigation is required by an order of a court of competent jurisdiction.”

Kristi Noem, the cosplaying head of DHS, was full of lies and vindictiveness when she topped of f her department’s re port by saying, “These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens.”

The threat, and there is always a threat from Trump, is that all of these communities will lose any and all federal funding they cur rently receive if they don’t cave

This is all nonsense. Oak Park is not about to cave as it protects a small migrant population of human beings in hardship from political circumstances back home and from a U.S. government that has long and intentionally failed to solve immigration issues so that Trump can demonize Brown people and keep ginning up his base.

Oak Park does not have a crime problem related to these migrants and characterizing an entire group of people as “violent criminal illegal aliens” is about as much hate-filled speech as one can cram into four words.

The fully incompetent, flame-throwing Trump crowd, not surprisingly, disappeared the entire DHS re port a couple of days after it was published on its website. No explanation. No apolo gy, of course. Just more scare tactics

Oak Park leaders, who have done themselves proud through this long, costly and generous welcome of migrants, do not appear in the least scared.

Vicki Scaman, Oak Park’s village president, told the Journal, she was not intimidated by the Trump administration. “Of course, I’m going to do everything I can to fight this and stand by our immigrant community,” she said.

Ghost dancing in the dark

As the “Nightmare on Pennsylvania Avenue” unfolds, I’ve been thinking about the Ghost Dance Movement of the late-1800s. If you’re not familiar, according to Wikipedia the Ghost Dance was “a religious movement among indigenous peoples of North America, based on the performance of a ritual dance which, it was believed, would drive away white people and restore their traditional lands and way of life.”

In their despair, Native nations — confined to reservations, ruthlessly suppressed by military might and undone by the lies of bureaucrats — believed the dance would “reunite the living with spirits of the dead, bring the spirits to fight on their behalf, end American Westward expansion, and bring peace, prosperity, and unity to Native American peoples throughout the re gion.”

It didn’t work out.

TRAINOR

The Ghost Dance phenomenon was the consequence of sheer desperation, entire tribes facing imminent cultural extinction. Inundated by white immigrants, they realized they were being “replaced,” their lands occupied and stolen, their values and belief systems endangered.

But the white-dominant culture that replaced them is now getting a dose of its own medicine. Fearing “replacement” by incoming migrants — in addition to people of color demanding to be treated as if their lives matter — white supremacists are feeling the same threat of cultural extinction and the same desperation, which gave birth to the MAGA Movement.

For a time, Trump rallies served as the movement’s “Ghost Dance,” whipping the faithful into a frenzy, hoping “their” country would be rescued from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), the dreaded triplethreat to their cherished privileged social status.

The MAGA Movement, as Heather Cox Richardson has pointed out, is a descendant of the slaveholding culture in the South, whose rebellion was defeated by pro-Union forces in the Civil War, nullifying their attempt to secede.

Through Jim Crow laws and murderous racism, white Southerners enforced a new system of racial superiority, re placing slavery with economic and political servitude. Neither Reconstruction nor the Civil Rights Movement could completely eradicate that lostcause culture, which not only survived but found new life through MAGA.

This time the rebellion succeeded — so far, anyway. They took over all three branches of our government and are now dismantling it because the only way white supremacy can be sustained is to destroy democracy and re place it with an autocratic oligarchy

Democracy demands that we-the-people embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. But MAGA won the battles of 2016 and 2024 — and the Pro-Democracy Movement is still in shock. Our venerated system of checks and balances proved so much weaker than we ever imagined, its vulnerabilities exploited by an extremist Re publican Party, which laid the groundwork for a stealth revolution.

Both sides of our political divide are now embroiled in a battle for survival. One side must win, the other must lose. Authoritarianism is incompatible with democracy. Our differences are irreconcilable. Compromise is not an option.

Last November, democracy lost, the Constitution lost, truth lost. And the victors have expressed nothing except contempt for the vanquished. But all of that may yet work to our advantage. In warfare, cultural or otherwise, underestimating your opponent is almost always fatal. The last thing they expect from us is to put up a fight.

So we are going to war. With ballots, not bullets. With lawsuits, boycotts, court injunctions, blogs, campaign donations, protest rallies. With satire and surprise. With truth, not lies. With diversion, not deception. Aggressive, not passive. Outspoken, not silent. Defiance, not deference. Disciplined, not disorganized. Principled, not privile ged. Feisty, not flighty Warriors, not worriers. Less civility, more civil disobedience. Mobilized, future forward. Uncooperative, non-compliant. Unconditionally un-surrendering. Never, ever giving up.

In the Civil War, Union forces prevailed because they found the will to wage war against their fellow countrymen when it became unavoidable — and because they were morally right and slavery was morally wrong. We will prevail again because equality is morally right and inequality is morally indefensible. No more superior-inferior. All humans, created equal, treated equal.

This war — or its moral equivalent — is unavoidable. We didn’t start this conflict, but we will finish it. However long it takes.

And someday, indigenous, immigrants, descendants of immigrants, people of color (whose lives very much matter), women fed up with patriarchy, DEI disciples, ACLU card-car riers, and everyone else who reco gnizes that democracy is the only path to freedom — including all ex-members of MAGA who accept our invitation — will gather in the biggest tent of all. Not for a Ghost Dance. A Victory Dance.

And white supremacy will be relegated to the slag heap of history, culturally extinguished, ghost dancing in the dark.

Setting an example of service

Memorial Day dawned sunny but blustery. But my wife Tecla and I decided to attend the village’s observance in Scoville Park beneath the “Peace Triumphant” monument anyway. It’s been an annual commitment for us. From our usual vantage point, a bench west of the platform, we could observe the many fellow citizens — and especially veterans who were recognized and honored — in the folding chairs and others standing around and behind them.

As usual, we expected — and enjoyed once again — thoughtful, well-crafted, and inspiring presentations that opened our eyes and hearts. Brian Flora, a veteran and retired Foreign Service officer, emceed again and provided, along with John Atwood, some historical background of the observance. Pastor David Heim invoked divine presence and blessing. Village President Vicki Scaman spoke well and truly about our citizenship. Kathryn Atwood lifted up the vital contribution of women in war efforts and she and John brought music to brighten our spirits. And the presence of our police officer honor guard (how could they stand as still as statues for so long?) brought due solemnity to the proceedings. All went as planned, and as scripted

Most memorable to me, though, was a love-

ly, moving, and unscripted moment. From her place seated on the raised platform, Vicki Scaman stepped down, though it was right during a presentation. She had seen a frail, elderly man leaning on his cane behind the folding chairs. She went to him, urging him to take a seat. When he didn’t move, she went to the front row of chairs, picked up one, and took it back so he could be seated. Then she returned to her seat, quietly. It brings me to tears, thinking how beautifully she put into action, not mere words, what a president should truly be: a servant of the people, not a master, much less a tyrant. Every president, from the highest level on down, should acknowledge that fellow citizens have given them a calling to serve, not just the power to wield as they please A recent example is Pope Leo XIV, who certainly embodies that conviction, even if it was a few cardinals, not all Catholics, who chose him.

All of us need to hold our elected leaders to the high standard of service to all the people, not favor for the privileged and dominance over those deemed unprivileged and undeserving.

Fred Reklau Oak Park

Pick up the poop on Forest Avenue

There are five signs telling dog walkers and owners to pick up poop in the block of Forest Avenue along Austin Gardens, the Nineteenth Century Club and the newish high-rise residential builders. Yet the other day there was poop a mere few feet from the southernmost sign.

Come on, dog owners, pick it up!

Soon there will be more people enjoying the park, including theater-goers headed for the production on the sta ge, under construction already. Over-55 singers practicing for the next Sounds Good performance will be going to the Nineteenth Century Club for rehearsals.

We can’t let that block continue to look as neglected as it does.

So come on, dog owners, pick up the poop! Then the village can take down

Ne summer of native plants

ow that spring has fully sprung, it’s time for back yard parties, barbeques, and bike rides. Something else to look forward to is the gardening season, May and June being the prime months to create your garden. Prairie grasses and flowers are a rare sight since most front yards are covered with monotonous lawn grass, but this summer you can change that.

PAMELA TATE

Instead of those large expanses of grass, now you can extend native plants to both sides of the sidewalk. Parkways — the grassy stretch between the street and sidewalk on your property — are now free to showcase whatever native plants you’d like. Before the passage of the Parkway Ordinance, you had to get approval to plant anything other than grass. Now you may plant whatever you like, as long as it doesn’t impede the sidewalk, poses any harm to walkers, or exceeds 30-36 inches for visibility.

to learn and get inspired. If you want to invite specific critters to your garden, the IL Dept. of Natural Resources lays out the necessary conditions and plants for hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Want someone to answer your specific questions? Our climate coaches do it all and have native planting tips they’re happy to share.

Grass isn’t serving you or the planet so why be stuck with it? This is one of the many ways we as individuals and a community can address climate change. No more mowing, watering, pesticides or fertilizers and you get a beautiful, colorful lawn that both you and pollinators will love. Your lawn and parkway can have butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and thriving plants that show you care about the natural world.

I am proud to live in a progressive community like Oak Park, but we need to ensure the Parkway Ordinance is actually implemented by our residents. This new ordinance needs to be broadly communicated if we want to see native plantings widely adopted.

This change is in tandem with the Climate Ready Oak Park goal of creating “pollinator pathways,” which are plants that pollinators like butterflies and bees can hop around on in order to sustain themselves, shelter, and keep our plants healthy. Every few months, we see headlines of the devastating population decline of butterflies and bees, so by planting a beautiful native garden for yourself, you are actively fighting against climate change by protecting these threatened and endangered species.

If you’re new to the world of native planting, there are several ways for you

I urge the trustees to use the Parkway Ordinance as a stepping stone to incorporating more native planting informational sessions in our community centers, such as schools, libraries, and park districts. We need to make it easier to access this knowledge, to get out the word that Oak Park is letting us do these great things to address climate change.

Pamela Tate is a member of Oak Park Climate Action Network (OPCAN).

A president who looks out for us

Rich Liefer

The Memorial Day celebration in Scoville Park was beautiful! I would like to thank Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman for leaving the stage to get a chair for an elderly, disabled gentleman.

This was truly a class act! I no longer live in Oak Park, but you are fortunate to have a president who looks out for you!

Angel Carroll Melrose Park

What’s important?

‘What’s important?” is one of my favorite lines from Stuart Little, E.B. White’s classic children’s book. I return to that question for guidance whenever I feel stuck. Today, when prices have been and continue to rise on everything from eggs to dolls, I find that the real answer to what’s important leads me to our country’s very foundation.

■ As people are being denied asylum, even though the Statue of Liberty has been welcoming the poor and “wretched” since 1886, even though some of our greatest innovations have been brought about by immigrants, e.g., Alexander Hamilton, Albert Einstein, Madeline Albright, Levi Strauss, Miriam Makeba, and so many others;

■ As words and concepts such as slavery, gender, diversity, equity, inclusion, racial prejudice, etc. cause books to be taken off shelves at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy and other places, and Freedom of Speech, as enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, is being denied to We the People;

■ As Freedom of the Press is being threatened by frivolous lawsuits; and We the People are being denied factual, independent jour nalism; and misinfor mation and disinformation are making it difficult to discern truth, and therefore create uninfor med or misinfor med decisions at the voting booth;

IRIS YIPP

One Vi

Like fear, I believe courage is contagious

■ Funds that have already been allocated via the people’s representatives’ votes in Congress to our national parks, medical research, Social Security offices, grants to help states house migrants, food assistance and so on, have been impounded illegally by the Trump administration.

All of this and much more adds up to our very form of gover nment eroding into authoritarianism. The rising cost of food and toys is but a distraction. “Look here, don’t look there.”

No. I answer, “what’s important?” by saying our Consti-

A military-style parade through the streets of Washington D.C. is being planned to commemorate the president’s birthday on Flag Day, June 14. Meantime, peaceful rallies are being planned everywhere else, including Scoville Park, to declare “No Kings Day” on June 14. Go to indivisible.org to re gister.

This is what’s important.

Iris Yipp is the former longtime co-owner of Magic Tree Bookshop in Oak Park

Iris Yipp Oak Park

Support for reappointing Lucia Robinson

With for mer trustee Susan Buchanan’s seat now vacant, Village President Vicki Scaman has an opportunity to strengthen the village board by appointing for mer trustee Lucia Robinson. Lucia earned 5,116 votes in the April 1 election — a strong signal of continued public support and confidence in her leadership.

This situation is similar to 2022, when President Scaman appointed Cory Wesley to a vacant board seat after he had finished fourth in the 2019 election. Appointing Lucia would build on that precedent — respecting the voters’ will from our most recent election.

Lucia is a proven voice in Oak Park. During her prior term, she brought thoughtful analysis and a caring heart to board decisions. Her professional background in law and compliance, combined with her history of public service, make her uniquely qualified to step in with experience and perspective from day one. This experience and continuity will be vital in the upcoming decision on the construction of a new police station.

Lucia also brings environmental values to the table — ear ning the endorsement of the Sierra Club in her most recent campaign. This speaks to

her commitment to sustainability and long-ter m thinking

During her term, Lucia earned the respect and trust of her colleagues — including President Scaman — and has shown she can work collaboratively on the complex issues facing Oak Park. Her appointment would ensure continuity, stability, and a continued commitment to equity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

I encourage President Scaman to reappoint Lucia Robinson to the village board.

Chris Saam Oak Park

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.

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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.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

■ 350-word limit

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‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY

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■ Signature details as at left

On May 2, a fire broke out in our condominium building at Lake and Kenilworth. On behalf of the residents of the 151 N. Kenilworth Condo Association, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Oak Park Fire De par tment for their prompt and courageous response to our building.

Their swift arrival, professionalism, and expert handling of a very danger-

anks for a professional re response

ous situation made all the difference in ensuring the safety of our residents and in minimizing damage to our homes. It was evident to all of us that their dedication to duty and to the well-being of our community is a top priority.

The calm and coordinated way the team managed the emergency brought reassurance during an otherwise frightening and uncertain time. One resident specifically

mentioned how grateful she was that, while her spouse was sheltering in place, they checked on him every 20 minutes and provided constant communication to her throughout the duration of their time there. Their communication with her allowed her to stay calm and reassured her during an otherwise frightening event.

We are incredibly thankful for their service and for the sacrifices they make every

day to protect the people of Oak Park Their ef for ts did not go unnoticed and are sincerely appreciated by every member of our community. We are for tunate to have such a skilled and selfless fire department serving our neighborhood.

Zoning changes and a ordable housing

I want to express my concer ns re garding the proposal to allow the construction of duplexes, triplexes, and bungalows in areas currently zoned for single-family homes. I recognize the intention behind this proposal may be to expand housing options and increase affordability. However, I believe it is important to closely examine the likely outcomes.

Based on trends in similar communities, this type of development is not guaranteed to produce truly affordable housing for working-class or lower-income individuals. In fact, these units often attract higher-income professionals and uppermiddle-class buyers, which can drive up property values and, by extension, property taxes. Increased housing density may also place new demands on infrastructure and alter the character of long-established neighborhoods.

My concern is not with expanding access to housing, but with ensuring that

the changes we adopt genuinely benefit those who are most in need. Without mechanisms to guarantee affordability — such as income-based housing programs or inclusionary zoning — the reality may be that lower-income residents, including many from under re presented or minority communities, will continue to be priced out.

I support a thoughtful approach to growth, one that includes community input and takes care to preserve both the integrity of neighborhoods and the inclusiveness of our village

Sources:

Minneapolis “Minneapolis 2040 Plan: Measuring Early Impacts.” Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, 2024, //www.minneapolisfed. org/article/2024/minneapolis-2040-plandata-tool-prepared-to-measure-impacts.

Loh, Penn. “Minneapolis’s Natural Upzoning Experiment.” Better Cities Project,

2022, //www.better-cities.org/communitygrowth-housing/minneapoliss-naturalupzoning-experiment.

American Planning Association. “Measuring the Early Impact of Eliminating Single-Family Zoning on Minneapolis Property Values.” Planning.org Blog, 2020, //www.planning.org/blog/9219556/ measuring-the-early-impact-of-eliminating-single-family-zoning-on-minneapolisproperty-values.

California (SB 9)

Kasler, Dale. “California’s SB 9 Housing Law Has Had Little Effect.” The Sacramento Bee, 12 Feb. 2024, www.sacbee.com/ news/california/article277830853.html.

Fuller, Thomas. “California’s New Housing Law Is Of f to a Slow Start.” The New York Times, 18 Jan. 2023, www.nytimes. com/2023/01/18/us/california-housinglaw-sb9.html.

State of Califor nia. “SB 9 (Atkins) Fact Sheet.” California Department of Housing

We’re better than that

There are a few points we would like to make in response to Josh VanderBerg’s column in the May 14 Viewpoints re garding the proposed bike path on Harvard Street. First, his descriptions of opinions shared by fellow Oak Park residents, at their best, are incorrect, oversimplified, and quite frankly just mean-spirited. Second, his references to “very little parking demand” and “minimal curbside demand” on the street are ill-informed. The consultant hired to study this

topic selected a morning in July to gather parking data. There is no parking data for times when the three impacted schools are in session, the three adjacent churches have services, and sporting events are being held at any of the many ballfields and playg rounds along the route.

Third, his statement suggesting the resistance to the bike path is only related to a few residents’ “fear of losing “my” curb space” could not be further from the truth. The main issues brought up by

residents in this area are the many other community members impacted that utilize the schools, churches, and parks along the route.

Fourth, his concerns about the village “surrendering” to dissenters appears to take the “my way or the highway” approach, not leaving room for compromise and the consideration of other more sophisticated, complex, but ultimately better and fairer alternatives.

Finally, VanderBerg’s suggestion that

and Community Development, 2022, www. hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/planning-and-community/sb-9-fact-sheet.pdf.

Seattle

Millsap, Adam. “The Impact of Upzoning in Seattle: Density without Displacement?” The Madrona Group, 2023, //www. themadronagroup.com/impact-of-seattlezoning-laws.

Gupta, Arun, and Sarah A. Luthra. “The Political Economy of Upzoning: Evidence from Seattle.” Social Science Research Network, 2024, //doi.org/10.2139/ ssrn.4947798.

Beachworks. “Pros and Cons of Upzoning in Seattle.” Beachworks.org, 29 July 2024, //www.beachworks.org/2024/07/29/ pros-cons-upzoning-in-seattle.

we “notch an early Bike Plan win” to give residents a feel for what ‘protected’ really feels like” seems to be a classic “ready, fire, aim” approach. This all sounds very Trumpian to me and disappointing to hear from a for mer Trustee candidate who campaigned on a data-driven approach to solutions. I would like to think that we here in Oak Park are better than that. Paul & Lynda Shadrake Oak Park

Len Palombi Board president

151 N. Kenilworth Condo Association

Robert Milstein Oak Park

Ode to Concordia Cemetery

Cemeteries are not only for sorrow, happiness is not forbidden

A park, a studio, a labyrinth — a perfect place to wander, observe, and think.

Graves peek from snow drifts

Icicles hang from crypts, frozen in time

Frozen ground resists digging

Discarded headstones languish behind bushes, spirits split between homes

Unauthorized cenotaphs are hidden away

Squirrels jump from tombstones, their tiny paw prints encased in ice

Snow deafens and brings serenity

Blizzards unsettle this ordered place

Rainstor ms deluge, the dead turn aquatic

Lichgates keep briers dry

Puddles form and swallow roads

Bricks are exposed under asphalt, all on top of earth

Displaced dirt piled high, a mound for the dead

Trees blossom, birds fly

Grass grows over fresh graves

New growth brings life to the dead’s home

Light replaces darkness, a place for the dead no more

Stained glass in mausoleums sends reflections

People gossip and dogs walk

Children frolic and play during funerals

Television crews film, where all storylines end

Cicadas sing to the dead

Holes in fences let ghosts in and out

Dew evaporates from gravestones, spirits rise

Colorful leaves blanket graves

Branches torn by wind lie on headstones

Deer wander among the dead, spirit animals choosing Gaggles of geese parade, no quiet now

Processions of cars begin and end

Urns, bolsters, slabs, obelisks, tombs — death personified

All things must die, even memories of the dead

Fresh flowers let us remember, rotten flowers show we forget

When life’s chaos becomes too much

A cemetery is a place where minds come to rest.

Adam Winchell

Boston Forest Parker, 2020-24

God bless Anan

I have known Anan for perhaps 30 years. My bank helped him and his family with his businesses. I have become friends with Margie and his four children. During his time as president of our village, on the board of the Oak Park Economic Develop Corporation, and as a serious business owner, Anan has always been a statesman. He listened; he studied; he counted votes. He was a gentleman. His piece in last week’s Wednesday Journal [Acts of hate will not bring us peace, Viewpoints, May 28] is confirmation that all I just wrote about him continues to be true. Village government would be more listening, thoughtful and efficient under his leadership. God bless Anan and all who think and act like he does.

Marty Noll Oak Park

Big bucks to hire consultants?

Guess I am really out of touch ... the village of Oak Park has an open position for the Economic Vitality Administrator role, advertising a salary range of up to $160,950. I want that position. Qualifications: I know I am capable of hiring consultants with expertise for any project or re port I will be assigned. Look at the bike lane issue … consultants hired.

Michael Papierniak Oak Park

Forest Park vs. Oak Park

I’ve joined the exodus of empty-nest retirees from Oak Park to the wilds of Forest Park. What a culture shock. The typical parking restriction sign has no more than five words and the restriction is unifor m for the entire block. How can a town generate meaningful parking ticket revenue from a simple, understandable and intuitive scheme like that?

Real estate taxes are a joke. I told my attorney the “monthly” taxes on our new place looked a little high. He informed me that was the annual, not monthly, tax. You can’t build a palatial student natatorium with chump change. I tried to buy trash stickers at the hardware store. The clerk told me they don’t use stickers; you just put your mattress or couch in the alley and the waste hauler takes it. Talk about leaving money on the table! And don’t even get me star ted on auto stickers: $10 a year for seniors, probably doesn’t even cover the printing and processing cost. I think about visiting Oak Park occasionally, but I’ve forgotten how to parallel park in tight spaces now that I live in a town with ample free parking, and I’m too tech-ignorant to use whatever parking app is in vo gue.

Bob Stigger Forest Park

VOLUNTEER

Donuts

and serving from page 22

“how are you coping?” A knowing, but non-specific inquiry into another’s mental well-being. The unspoken implication is “with all this scary stuf f” or “with everything that’s happening.” Answers, like the question itself, are vague. A wor ried look precedes some version of the same replies: “limiting the news” … “giving money” … “and I’m not slee ping well.” When asked, one friend had a shouting match with another friend, shrieking, “There’s nothing we can do for four years!”

But is that really true?

I hope not, and in the spirit of of fering coping mechanisms for consideration, I tur n to my fellow Pittsburgher, our beloved Fred Ro gers, who said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” There’s even a phenomenon called “helper’s high.” T he term describes the positive emotional state experienced when perfor ming altruistic acts, due to the release of endorphins.

According to an AmeriCorps 2024 study, based on the latest research released: “More than 75.7 million people — or 28.3 percent of Americans — for mally volunteered through an organization in 2023, giving more than 4.99 billion hours of service with $167.2 billion of economic value.”

To paraphrase theologian John Wesley: “Do all the good you can for as long as you can.” Giving your time to a cause, any worthy cause, is doing good. Your level of eng agement is less important than the fact that you are sharing your time and your exper tise

We are called upon to vote (though not even two-thirds of us actually voted in 2024) every two or four years. In-between, we can volunteer with a nonprofit, civic or community organization whose mission we support. Our gift is our precious time and giving it just might help us cope. Oh, and don’ t forget about those delicious fresh donuts on summer Saturdays

Jill O’Mahony Ste wart is a commissioner on the Oak Pa rk Farmers Market Commission, which is celebrating its 50th season in 2025.

Martha Tardy, 90 Always involved

Martha Heindel

“Marty” Tardy, 90, died on May 28, 2025, with her husband Gene by her side. Born in Chicago on Oct. 28, 1934, to Alice Pearsall Heindel and John Harold Heindel, she was raised in River Forest and graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1952, where she was voted most beautiful in her class. She attended Indiana University, graduating in 1956 with a degree in sociology. A member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, she was an active alumna for many years. She met and fell deeply in love with her future husband M. Eugene Tardy Jr. while at IU, and they married in 1957.

She worked for Eli Lilly during Gene’s medical school years and then as a mother and volunteer. A dedicated member of the Infant Welfare Society Circle 31, past president of the OP-RF Day Nursery, she was a board member and campaign chair of the Community Chest, a Ravinia board member, and served on the board of directors of the Oak Park Trust & Savings Bank. In more recent years, she served on many committees at Indiana University, including the Executive Dean’s Advisory Board of the College of Arts and Sciences, chair of the Alumni Board of the College of Arts and Sciences, and founding member of both the Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council and the Women’s Colloquium Steering Committee

A firm believer in the idea that “women deserve a seat at the table when philanthropy is discussed … and have both the money and brains to participate in all things philanthropic,” she received the inaugural Order of Merit Award from her university in 2010. At her summer home in Culver, Indiana, she was a past treasurer and campaign chair of the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Fund, advocating for the health and sustainability of the lake she loved. At her winter home in Naples, Florida, she was the condominium association president for many years, sat on the Habitat for Humanity selection committee and chaired their English as a Second Language program, was a member of the Greater Naples Leadership Program Class XI, and on both the Scholarship and Audubon committees at Royal Poinciana.

Marty is survived by Gene, her husband of 68 years; her daughters, Sallie Jo (Chap) Mitzell, Karen Tardy, and Elizabeth (Ron) Holloway; her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Kemmie Mitzell, Katie (Kevin) Fagan, James and Jack Fag an, Ben (Shaina Duecaster) Brown, Austin and Mackenzie Brown, Alex (Nina Shriam) Brown, Channing (Bella Valentini) Mitzell, Hannah (Josh) Kaegi, and Sam (Bailey Poplin) Holloway.

A lifelong lear ner, she was a great defender of the underdog and excelled in her roles as teacher, financial advisor, psychologist, chef, maid, seamstress, party planner, and chief organizer.

A private celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 7 in Culver, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, Marty requests that “you give anyone you care about a hug and tell them you love them. Please don’t wait.” If a monetary donation is desired, she would designate the Martha H. Tardy Scholarship Fund at the College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University Foundation, c/o Sue Sgambelluir, P.O. Box 6460, Indianapolis, IN, 46206. Please make your check payable to Indiana University Foundation and include the notation Martha Heindel Tardy Scholarship on the memo line.

Anna Sadowski, 96 Nature educator

Anna Hamm Sadowski, 96, died on May 27, 2025, surrounded by family in her Oak Park home at Brookdale enior Living. Bor n in Dover, Delaware in 1928 to Henry S. Hamm and Nina Valliant Hamm, at age 9, an untreated strep infection spread to her hip and shortened her right leg. Instead of letting it cripple her, she responded to this adversity with humor and always looked on the bright side of life. She “managed to live through thick and thin and different types of shoes.”

In 1949, she married the love of her life, Raymond Sadowski. They moved to Oak Park in 1956 to raise their family. She kept up regular correspondence with friends near and far throughout her lifetime, including 50 years of her beloved “Christmas Star,” mailed to hundreds of friends and family members each year

She loved children and — after raising

four of them — earned a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1977. She taught at Pilgrim Community Preschool for 33 years, educating five of her grandkids and multiple generations of Oak Park families.

She had a lifelong passion for nature and lear ning, especially about trees and birds. For her, the internet was a wholesome place of bird cams and nature facts. She took many educational trips, including visiting Chautauqua, New York, and exploring Lewis & Clark’s route from Missouri to Oregon. She instilled her love of nature and learning in her family through camping trips with her children and Road Scholar programs with her grandchildren, staying active well into her 90s and visiting local parks and gardens.

She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, all five of her siblings, and her grandson Dylan. She is survived by her children Daniel, Patty, Lisa, and Jim Sadowski; her grandchildren, Caitlin Sadowski, Kevin Sadowski, Jien Ra, Peter Sadowski, and Sarah Sadowski, and her great-grandchildren, Naru and Nuri Yi

Anna was an active member of First United Church of Oak Park, where a memorial service will be held in early August. We welcome donations to the Morton Arboretum in lieu of flowers.

To share a memory of Anna or see memorial service details, please visit https://everloved.com/life-of/anna-sadowski

Lynn Galuska Elsen, 68

Nurse, founding member WSSRA

Lynn Ann Galuska Elsen, 68, of Oak Park, died peacefully on May 21, 2025 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s with her family by her side. Born in Chicago on Dec 24, 1956, she was the third eldest of Raymond and Stella Galuska’s four children: Raymond (Connee) Galuska, Denise (Paul) Rexroat, and Ellen (Robert) Paulson. She grew up in St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Oak Lawn and attended Mount Assisi High School. While completing her nursing de gree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she met her husband Michael. After their

marriage in 1981, they moved to Oak Park, which offered a diverse community for the family they planned

Over the next 45 years, she remained actively involved in the Oak Park community, attending St. Catherine-St. Lucy’s Church weekly, where she was an integral member of the choir. She was also a founding member and trustee for WSSRA (West Suburban Special Recreation Association), an organization in which her son Ian was an enthusiastic participant.

In 1980, she became a high-risk OB nurse at Prentice Hospital in Chicago and dedicated the next 40 years to caring for and serving women at Northwester n Memorial Hospital. While at Northwester n, she helped found TLC (Together In the Loss of a Child), a grief support group that she led for over 20 years. She ended her career as a Nurse Navigator at the Lynn Sage Breast Center. In 2020, she received the Nora Cooney Mara Compassionate Care Award for her extraordinary level of care. She offered guidance, friendship and compassion to her colleagues and patients.

She and her partner to Michael cherished their simple, joyful life, celebrating their anniversaries in Door County, camping or staying in bed-and-breakfasts and enjoying cherry pie at fish boils. On the dance floor, they were a perfect pair, with Michael spinning her around as if they existed in their own world.

She chose to work evening shifts while Michael worked days, ensuring their children could spend as much time as possible with both parents. She shared special bonds with each of her children, attending all of Ian’s Special Olympics events and initiating the process for him to join Misericordia. She was an avid reader and knitter. She enjoyed cheering on the Cubs and the Bears with her sons. Lynn loved spending time with her grandchildren and cherished her many lifelong friendships. She was a keeper of all things.

Lynn was the wife of Michael; the mother of Katharine (Patrick) Klette, Michael (Beth) Elsen, and Ian Elsen; and grandmother to Lydia, Wesley, Arabella, Maeve, Theo, and Hugh.

Visitation was held at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester on May 27. The funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Catherine-St. Lucy Church, 38 N. Austin Blvd., Oak Park on May 28. Inter ment private

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Misericordia Heart of Mercy in Ian Elsen’s name (www.misercordia.com).

SPORTS

Brauc achieves Huskies’ rst pole vault state title since ’67

OPRF boys track has ve all-staters, ties for sixth place in 3A

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

Oak Park and River Forest High School senior Lukas Brauc was an inexperienced newcomer to pole vault when Kirsten Weismantle became the event’s new coach in 2022.

“The first time he jumped as a freshman, he popped of f that pit with a big smile on his face and I knew it was the sport for him,” Weismantle said. “It’s a pleasure to help foster that joy and growth in the sport. He’s still popping of f with a smile and I love seeing that.”

Brauc’s smile was never bigger than Saturday. Brauc became the Class 3A state champion, clearing 5.18 meters/17-0 feet at Eastern Illinois University. He’s the Huskies’ eighth state champion in the event but the first since 1967.

“My goal for high school was to win state and now that it’s finally happened, it feels so rewarding, so good,” Brauc said.

“Now that it’s sunk in, it’s like, ‘Wow. That actually happened.’ Going into it, I knew I’d be in the mix. Especially in prelims, getting to some really big poles really boosted my confidence.”

The Huskies had five top-nine, all-state performances but missed a top-three trophy. They tied for sixth [26 points], 12 from third place and 14 from second, after sharing last year’s 3A state championship with 49 points.

Senior Kwabena “Geegee” Osei-Yeboah, last year’s state champion in long jump, was seventh [6.90m/22-7¾] and sixth in triple jump [14.22m/46-8]. Senior Liam O’Connor took fifth in the 3,200-meter run [9:12.57] and junior Malik Griffee was sixth in high jump [1.99m/6-6].

However, senior Caleb Schulz, last year’s 100 state champion headed to DePaul, was battling a cold and upper respiratory is-

sues. Schulz missed finals in his three events.

“You go through the history of sports. Injuries happen, adversity happens. [Schulz] wasn’t the kid we knew the last 3½ years, but he put everything out there and did everything he could for those guys,” OPRF head coach Tim Hasso said. “We were dinged up for a good portion of the season. To have Geegee and Lukas back was a blessing. And Liam ran his heart out. Unfortunately, the last piece wasn’t there.”

Brauc, who will compete at Tennessee, overcame hamstring issues in breaking the 16-1 school record by 2023 graduate Josh Meister all the way to 17-3, May 9. On Saturday, Brauc missed 17-7, which would been the all-time state finals record.

“I really think state was the ultimate prize and the 17-3 was just a step in the journey to get there and to improving my vault through colle ge and maybe even beyond,” Brauc said.

Brauc won state after he cleared 5.0m/164¾. Clearing 17-0 was a personal victory that came on his final attempt.

“Just being able to perform so well in that environment really proved to myself that I can rise to the occasion,” Brauc said.

Weismantle is a for mer OPRF pole vaulter who competed at Iowa. For the last attempt at 17-0, Weismantle supported Brauc’s personal decision to switch to a bigger pole

“I’m very excited for his state finish and it’s really well deserved,” Weismantle said. “He’s truly a student of the sport. As a coach, my job is to give him the tools to succeed and he really locked in and made it happen.”

“[I’ll remember] the people, all of my teammates, my family, showing how much they care,” Brauc said. “It’s heartwarming to have so many people support me and want me to succeed.”

Osei-Kwabena had a bittersweet finish

after achieving lifetime bests in triple jump at sectionals [14.58/47-10] and long jump at the conference meet [7.49m/24-7 1/4].

Battling a hamstring injury and pinched nerve, he wasn’t even sure about reaching state at the start of May.

“I had 29 days to train. It was the most brutal 29 days I experienced as an athlete. But I tried,” Kwabena-Osei said. “Last year, not only did I win the individual but we won the team title. That’s got to be the best feeling I’ve ever felt. People dream of that and I’m glad I got to feel what it’s like to be at the top at least once in my career.”

O’Connor used a furious final 500 meters to move up from eighth place.

“It was a great way to end the senior season, having so many teammates supporting me [and 2024 graduate Michael Michelotti],” said O’Connor, who will run at Williams Colle ge.

“Throughout the season, [distance coach Chris Baldwin] had the goal of running that last 500 meters pretty quickly. It was really cool to see the training throughout the year pay of f.”

Senior Finn Kelly and junior Jonathan Sibley-Diggs also were finalists. Kelly, battling back from injury his junior year, was 11th in the 800 [1:56.34] after a lifetime-best 1:55.67 in prelims. Sibley-Diggs was 12th in discus [49.85m/163-6] and also 17th in shot put [16.21m/53-2¼].

Schulz was 16th in the 100 [10.79], .05 from ninth, and 16th in the 200 [21.94] and anchored the 4 x 100 relay with junior Kelson Lewis, senior Matthew Winklehake and Osei-Yeboah [21st, 42.45].

“It was a tough time of the year not to have a kid at 100 percent. I admire his willingness to compete for the team,” Hasso said.

The 4 x 800 relay of seniors Andrew Harmon, junior Connor Harmon, sophomore Julian St. Pier re and senior Connor Schupp was 15th [8:00.50]. Other OPRF com-

Lukas Brauc

petitors were junior Brian Carter Jackson in the 400 [24th, 50.59], sophomore Emmet Freedman in the 300 intermediate hurdles [25th, 41.25] and senior Dylan Pierce in discus [36th, 43.03m/141-2] and the 4 x 400 with Carter Jackson, senior Mykah Riley, Schupp and Brauc [23rd, 3:24.81].

Fenwick

Junior Matt Simon became Fenwick’s first 400 all-stater when he took fourth in Class 2A [49.63] after a school-record 49.36 in prelims.

“It means a lot because it shows how much I put into it,” said Simon, 19th at state in 2024 [51.12]. “Especially indoors, I felt sur prised by my times. Then to run low 49s was very surprising for me.”

Junior Aiden Williams was an all-state sixth in the 110 high hurdles [14.73] after taking sixth in the 300 hurdles in 2024. Williams had ACL surgery on his left knee in mid-October.

“They’re both impressive to me. This year I had surgery but last year I was a sophomore doing that,” said Williams, who was 12th in the 300 low hurdles [40.05]. The 4 x 400 with Cameron Garnett, Adrien Dubois, Landon Johnson and Simon was 28th [3:43.07].

MOTO JOHNSON

OPRF boys volleyball outlasts LT in sectional

Huskies prevail in three -set thriller

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

It’s hard for a team to defeat a conference opponent in the state playoffs, especially if that team won the re gular season matchup

This season, the Oak Park and River High School boys volleyball team defeated Lyons Township in a West Suburban Silver match on April 8 in two sets. The rematch, which took place at the IHSA Hinsdale Central sectional, May 31, needed a third set.

In an action-packed semifinal, the Huskies prevailed over the Lions, 25-19, 22-25, and 26-24.

“It was a great game, hard fought on both sides,” said OPRF coach Justin Cousin.

“It’s going to be tough when you see a conference opponent. LT’s seen us and knows us well; it’s hard to beat them twice.”

OPRF (31-4) clinched the match on a wild rally. With the Huskies leading 25-24 in the final set, sophomore outside hitter Jimmie “Trayce” Chrusfield dove to keep the ball alive. After getting the ball back, OPRF junior Henry Hullinger notched a kill to end things.

“Even though we were scrambling and scrapping,” Cousin said, “we were able to maintain our composure and get the job done.”

OPRF advanced to the sectional after winning its own regional, defeating Stagg 25-12, 25-21, May 29. The Huskies had no problems in the first set, but the Chargers made a push in the second

“I don’t think it was a lapse in focus,” said Chrusfield, who had eight kills and three

aces. “[Stagg] just didn’t want to lose and they played a good second set.”

“That second set, we were focused on making sure that we understand what it means to be in the playoffs,” Cousin said. “We have to go out and make sure we respect every opponent and treat it as if it’s our last game.”

Junior setter Matthew Proskey added 14 assists, three kills, and an ace. He combined with Chrusfield to get several key points for OPRF down the stretch against Stagg.

“It’s so fun,” Proskey said. “I just throw it up there, and it’s so nice. Trayce puts it down every time.”

“They’ve been doing it for us all season and been really consistent,” Cousin said. “They’ve been a staple and it’s been fun watching them grow.”

Chrusfield, Proskey, junior middle hitter Wesley Kochendorfer, and junior libero Gus Leman made the All-West Suburban Silver Team.

OPRF baseball, so ball win

Fenwick softball also wins regional

By MELVIN TATE Contributing Reporter

Peter Farren remembers how St. Ignatius ended the Oak Park and River Forest High School baseball team’s season last year in the playoffs, and he was eager to help atone for it.

“I was really looking forward to playing [St. Ignatius] ag ain this year,” said Fa rren, who drove in five runs with a triple, tworun homer, and two-run double in the Huskies’ 14-4 victory over the Wolfpack in the IHSA Class 4A OPRF Re gional title game on May 31. “The energy was up. It was a great game and a ton of fun.”

This is OPRF’s first re gional title since 2021, and the first for OPRF coach Kevin Campbell.

“It’s an unreal feeling. I’m happy for these guys,” he said. “These guys worked their butts of f all year, and we’re going to keep going.”

Ethan Moore had four RBIs and three runs scored for the Huskies (27-10), who face top-seeded Brother Rice in a sectional

semifinal at Reavis, June 4, at 2 p.m. He feels chemistry has been one of the reasons for OPRF’s success.

“Just being a part of this team means everything to me,” said Moore, a University of Tennessee signee. “The last three years have been amazing, but this team is something special.”

OPRF softball

The Huskies (26-8) blanked Morton 150, May 30, to win the Class 4A Leyden Regional.

“We came ready and played one of our best all-around games of the year,” said OPRF coach J.P. Coughlin.

Anna Topel allowed one hit over four innings for the victory. She posted six strikeouts, and Coughlin was encouraged by her performance.

“Anna was lights-out,” he said. “When she pitches like that, our ceiling becomes higher. She’s done so much to come back, she’s worked so hard, and the team has rallied behind her.”

Julia Henderson and Julia Mattiace (4for-4) each knocked in three runs for OPRF, which hosts a sectional at Ridgeland Common this week. The Huskies met Lane

Next for OPRF is the sectional final versus Sandburg. The match took place June 3, after press time, with the winner advancing to the state finals, June 6-7, at Hoffman Estates.

“We beat Sandburg in the sectional semifinal last year,” Cousin said. “It’s all about staying focused, putting one foot in front of the other, and playing our game.”

Fenwick

The Friars (2-18) ended a difficult season with a loss to Oak Lawn in the OPRF Regional quarterfinals, May 26, 16-25, 23-25. However, there is hope for improvement as eight varsity players return next year, including freshman outside hitter Esteban Jimenez, and junior defensive specialists Johnny Cox and Jack Ortiz, all of whom saw valuable playing time this season.

regional titles

Tech, June 3, after press time. A win would mean advancement to the title game, June 6 at 4:30 pm, against either Taft or Whitney Young.

Fenwick softball

Despite managing just four hits, the Friars (13-11) defeated Elmwood Park 3-0, May 30, to win their own Class 3A re gional.

“I’m definitely proud of the girls,” said Fenwick coach Valerie Jisa. “We had finals last week and were tired, so I’m happy.”

In the circle, Gianna Pescatore, Leah Lowery, and Sofia Kateeb combined for a four-hit shutout, with Lowery getting credit for the victory and Kateeb the save.

Lowery also had a RBI double in the fourth inning that scored Pescatore with Fenwick’s first run. The Friars tacked on two more runs in the sixth on a pair of Elmwood Park er rors

Up next is a sectional semifinal matchup at Montini Catholic, June 4, at 4:30 pm. The Friars defeated the Broncos twice in the re gular season.

“If the girls show up with the belief,” Jisa said, “they know they can do great things together.”

Fenwick baseball

In the title game of the Class 4A Brother Rice Regional, May 31, Josh Morgan went 3-for-4 and Ryan Lazewski drove in a pair of runs. But their efforts weren’t enough as the Friars (19-16), fell to the host Crusaders 5-4. Ben Jar necke and J.J. Obaldo each had RBI singles for Fenwick.

Trinity softball

The Blazers (2-17) ended their season with a 21-0 loss to the host Rams in the Class 3A DePaul Prep Regional semifinals, May 28. Aly Lopez, Elizabeth Miehlich, and Abby Young each collected hits, and Lopez stole two bases

The good news is that there is plenty of experience returning next season. Miehlich is the only senior on the roster.

“Elizabeth has added a lot of value these last two years,” said Trinity coach Chardonnay Harris. “She came out of her shell and helped the girls without experience.”

Lopez and Young, both sophomores, are two of Trinity’s 12 scheduled returnees

“We did the best we could,” Harris said, “and the girls kept their spirits high. It’s definitely a work in progress for all of us … we want to continue to build our morale.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR DRAFT PY 2025–2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN, PY 2025 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN, AND AMENDED CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN

Notice is hereby given that the Village of Oak Park’s Draft 5-Year Consolidated Plan for Program Years (PY) 2025–2029—which includes the PY 2025 Annual Action Plan and the amended Citizen Participation Plan—is available for public review and comment.

The public comment period will run from June 5, 2025, through July 11, 2025.

The draft documents may be reviewed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, at the following locations:

� Oak Park Village Hall, Neighborhood Services Department, 123 Madison Street

� Oak Park Public Library, Main Branch, 834 Lake Street

� Online at: https://www. oak-park.us/Community/ Community-Services/ Community-DevelopmentBlock-Grant-CDBG-Program

The Consolidated Plan is a strategic planning document required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It identifies housing and community development needs and sets priorities for the use of federal

funds, especially to benefit low- and moderate-income residents. The Annual Action Plan outlines specific projects and funding allocations for PY 2025. The Citizen Participation Plan ensures residents have meaningful opportunities to be involved in the planning and decision-making process.

A Public Hearing will be held on July 11, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Room 101 of Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302.

Written comments can be submitted by July 11, 2025, to: Vanessa Matheny, Community Services Administrator

Email: grants@oak-park.us

Mail: Village of Oak Park, Neighborhood Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302

Persons requiring special accommodations or translation services should contact the Neighborhood Services Department at (708) 358-5410 or grants@oak-park.us at least 48 hours in advance. Every effort will be made to meet requests for reasonable accommodations to ensure participation.

Published in Wednesday Journal, June 4, 2025

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 Friday, June 20, 2025 for Project: 25�02, Resurfacing of Various Locations. 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 and sidewalk ramps, and driveways; combined sewer repairs; drainage structure installation and adjustments; pavement patching; full depth pavement removal; coldmilling of bituminous concrete; installation of hot-mix asphalt base, 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, June 5, 2025 at 4�00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park. us/your-government/budgetpurchasing/requests-proposals or at www.questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 9721064 for a nonrefundable charge of $64.00.

The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified. No bid documents will be issued after 4�00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

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, June 4, 2025

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025 for the following: Village of Oak Park Water Distribution System Leak Survey Bid Number: 25-122

Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed Proposals will be accepted for: 2025 Franklin Ave – Keystone Ave Watermain Replacement Project Design Engineering Services

The Village of River Forest is seeking a professional engineering firm (FIRM) to assist the Village with design engineering services for the 2025 Franklin Avenue – Keystone Avenue Watermain Replacement Project. Respondents must be able to demonstrate expertise with all aspects of water main engineering design, land surveying, and easement research. Submittals should include the firm’s qualifications, project team(s), resumes, project approach, and recently completed related engineering work.

The RFP is available for download starting Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at: www.vrf.us/bids

Proposals must be submitted by Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. to:

Village of River Forest

Attention: Jack Bielak P.E., CFM Director of Public Works & Engineering 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305

Proposals will be considered based on the criteria set forth in the RFP.

No Proposal shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled deadline.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these Proposals to waive technicalities and reject any or all Proposals.

Published in Wednesday Journal June 4, 2025

Bid Advertisement

Issuance Date: June 5, 2025

Owner: The Board of Trustees, LSF Brookfield Library Project: 9023 Lincoln Avenue Demolition Bid Date: July 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM CDT.

1. Sealed Bids will be Received: LSF Brookfield Library at 3541 Park Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois 60513. Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope. Identify the envelope with: 1) Project name; and 2) Bidder’s name. Envelopes must date stamped, upon receipt, to be considered. ALL bidders are required to submit DUPLICATE COPY.

2. Bid Opening: At the LSF Brookfield Library. All bids will be opened publicly and read aloud starting immediately at 11:00 AM CDT. All interested parties are invited to attend.

3. Project Description: Demolition of existing buildings (single family residence, garage and shed), and associated building utility services and hard scape surfaces, including removal of asbestos and UST (per Environmental Reports) and site restoration

4 Examination of Documents: Drawings, environmental report and bid documents may be examined at the office of Manhard Consulting, located at 1 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2700, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Contact: Donnie E. Manhard III, Phone: (312) 824-3808; email: dmanhard3@manhard. com

5. Procurement of Bid Documents: After 9:00AM on June 5, 2025, qualified contractors can secure Bid Documents from Donnie E. Manhard III at Manhard Consulting, 1 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2700, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Phone (312-824-3808). There will be a Non-Refundable fee of $25.00 for each hard copy of bid documents. Bid documents will be provided in electronic format (PDF form) at no cost.

6. Pre-Bid Meeting: There will be a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting on Tuesday June 17, 2025 at 10:00AM and interested persons are strongly encouraged to visit the site prior to bidding during normal operating hours.

7. Bid Security: shall be submitted with each bid proposal in the amount of ten percent (10%) of total bid amount made payable to the LSF Brookfield Library.

8. Contractor Requirements:

A. Illinois Prevailing Wage Rates shall apply for this project

B. Written sexual harassment policy in place in full compliance with section 2-105

of the Illinois Human Rights Act.

C. A Drug-Free Workplace in full compliance with Section 3 of the Illinois DrugFree Workplace Act.

D. A fully executed Non-Collusion Affidavit.

9. Contact:

Owner Representative: - Mr. Daniel Eallonardo (630) 9626151

Independent Construction Services, Inc.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive irregularities in the bidding procedure, or accept the bid that in its opinion will serve the best interest. Any such decision shall be considered final. The Owner reserves the right to set aside a bid from a contractor who, in the Owner’s opinion, does not exhibit past experience equal to the size and scope of this project.

Published in RB Landmark June 4, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, this is to advise you that the next Riverside Township Mental Health Board Committee Engagement Committee meeting will be held on June 17, 2025, at the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois at the hour of 6:30 p.m.

Published in RB Landmark June 4, 2025

Notice of Vacancy and Procedures to Fill Vacancy

Riverside Township hereby gives notice that Trustee John P. Carroll, Jr. has submitted his resignation to accept a judicial appointment. He has stated its effectiveness as of 11:59 PM on May 22, 2025. The Board will accept the resignation and declare a vacancy at its next meeting.

The Board invites letters of interest, with resumes, to fill the vacancy. By law, to qualify, an applicant must be a legal voter and a resident of the township for no less than one year. Resumes must be submitted no later than 3PM on Friday, June 20, 2025

- In Person, during business hours M-Th 9 AM to 4 PM, or Friday 9 AM to 3 PM at the Township Office, in the Town Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, first door on the left.

- By Mail to Vera A. Wilt, Supervisor, Riverside Township, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, IL 60546.

- By Email to: supervisor@ riversidetownship.org

The Board will interview qualified, interested parties by appointment, with the goal of appointing a trustee to fill the unexpired term at its July 8, 2025 regular meeting. The appointment would be to fill the unexpired term, which runs until May 20, 2029.

Published in RB Landmark June 4, 2025

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