W E D N E S D A Y
June 17, 2020 Vol. 40, No. 47 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Artbeat. Page 10
BLACK LIVES GROWS INTO WHITE SUBURBS
For special ed students, e-learning a unique challenge Support groups and advocacy help parents cope with daunting task
River Forest residents line protest route
By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
By MICHAEL ROMAIN and IGOR STUDENKOV
In April, Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned school districts across Illinois that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they should anticipate and prepare for the possibility that virtual learning, or e-learning, could continue into the upcoming school year. For any parent, the prospect of a child spending yet another academic year out of the classroom is deeply unnerving. But for parents of students with special needs, the prospect is even more unsettling. “I feel like I replaced 11 people,” said Erika, who teaches at Oak Park and River Forest High School and is the parent of a special needs student who attends a District 97 elementary school, during an interview in late May. “I took over all those jobs. Some learning happens through video, but I have to be with him doing it all of the See SPECIAL ED on page 17
HOMEMADE ART
Staff Reporter and Contributing Reporter
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
On June 14, as nearly 1,000 demonstrators crossed the intersection of Desplaines and Randolph bound for Grant-White Elementary School, 147 Circle Ave., Forest Park, Kathryn Jandeska, 71, stood underneath the awning of Pioneer Taps & Liquors and thought about Kent State in 1970. That’s the year 13 unarmed students who attended the university were shot by members of the Ohio National Guard during a peace rally held to protest the federal government’s actions during the Vietnam War. Four of the students died. Jandeska said that she attended a “big university” at the time and marched in protest against both the war and the government’s violent response to the peaceful protesters. Sunday’s protest, however, was different, said Jandeska, who lives in River Forest. See MARCH on page 2
SUBSCRIBE! O N LY $ 38 A Y E A R !
@OakPark.com/subscribe • Enter “FREE MONTH” in comments for...you guessed it...a FREE month!
2
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
MARCH
Communitites unite from page 1 For starters, there was no violence. And Jandeska echoed the sentiment of every other River Forest resident who was interviewed that day who said this march was the first they’d ever witnessed in their well-off suburb. “This is also more multidimensional,” Jandeska added. “There are different ages. When I marched on campus in 1970, it was just students and professors.” “Now, there’s a wide swath of society saying that these injustices can’t go on,” said Kathryn’s husband, Bob Jandeska, 73. “It’s un-American. It tears at the basic fabric of what we believe.” The killing of George Floyd, who died at the knee of Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, has touched off a new wave of mass protest that is gaining ground in even affluent, placid communities and that is powered, in no small part, by supportive whites like the Jandeskas. Sunday’s protest march — which started at a church in Bellwood and continued along Washington Boulevard before terminating at the Forest Park school named for a U.S. president who once said that slavery was “a stain to the Union” — was just one of nearly a dozen peaceful demonstrations that took place in the west suburbs last week. In addition to River Forest, citizens marched in Oak Park, Hillside, Westchester and Berkeley, where white people held Black Lives Matter signs and chanted “No Justice, No Peace!” And those demonstrations happened even after multiple demonstrations took place the week before in Oak Park, Maywood and Melrose Park. Cathy Adduci, River Forest’s village president, said that Sunday’s march was the second demonstration she’s participated in over the last few weeks. “This is about unity and solidarity with our neighbors and friends, and to show respect and dignity to this movement,” she said while nearing the intersection of 17th Avenue and Washington Boulevard in Maywood. “River Forest does not tolerate hate. We’re trying to work through our bigotry and
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
racism. As we work with our neighbors and friends, I’m hopeful that River Forest is embracing this movement and knows how important it is.” Adduci walked with other suburban mayors, including Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, in the front of the march as the demonstration’s principal organizer, Maywood Trustee Isiah Brandon, yelled slogans into a bullhorn from several feet away. “This is an organic social movement,” Hoskins said before the march started. “It’s the community speaking its mind.” The day before, on June 13, around 300 protesters, most of them from Oak Park and many white, marched down Madi-
son Street from the Oak Park/Chicago border all the way down to Garfield Park. The march stopped for about 10 minutes at the Chicago Police Department’s 15th District police station, 5701 W. Madison St. As the marchers prepared to have 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence, some kneeling, some lying prone, Omar Yamini, an Oak Park activist, encouraged everyone to think about what it’s like to have a knee on their neck for that long as they’re begging for their lives. “Today, we put the end to the tyranny, harassment and oppression,” he said. “You get no more chances. This relationship is toxic. This relationship is over; beat it, I can do better!” Laurie Freivogal, of Oak Park, said she was no stranger to protests and believes that it’s important to keep a spotlight on injustice. “We need to stay active until there’s change,” she said. “There needs to be accountability and the change to make it happen. And the police need to be accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” On Sunday, Brandon said that as he crossed the concrete bridge that is flanked by the Forest Preserve and that separates predominantly black and low-income Maywood and predominantly white and wealthy River Forest, he felt a little of what Civil Rights protestors decades ago must have felt crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., during the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery for Voting Rights. But instead of being greeted by angry white police officers wielding batons and poised to draw blood, he was greeted by sympathetic white people like Allison Jack, 50, and her four young boys who were excited to show marchers their Black Lives Matter signs. Still, the racial divides — in areas like law enforcement and the economy — are not much different than they were in the 1960s, some demonstrators said. “I’m so excited about this,” said Jack. “I wish there were more people from River Forest showing solidarity. Even in River Forest, when we drive around and see someone pulled over, so many times it’s a black person. These problems are so deep and I’m hoping they start resonating for people who have been able to not pay attention.”
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
SHOWING SUPPORT: River Forest residents watch protesters walk by on Sunday during a Black Lives Matter march down Washinton Boulevard from Bellwood to Forest Park.
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
On being black and policed
I
still shudder at the membreathed his way. ory of my most terrifying The whole encounter encounter with the police. lasted maybe five minutes, I was in Maywood visiting but I continue to feel it — the my best friend. At the utter helplessness, the paratime, I was living in Peoria lyzing fear, the inexplicable and had grown homesick, shame despite my innocence so I drove the two hours for — some 10 years later. a trip that was supposed to The cops didn’t know my be a few days. It turned into best friend was related to a few weeks of me crashing multiple Maywood cops, one on his basement couch and of whom he called that day. spending my days waiting Later that evening, my friend for nights of jokes and laughand I stood in the Maywood Commentary ter over beers and shots. police station facing those One afternoon during two plain clothes cops, who my visit, my friend and I turned out to be with a Cook hopped into his car to go to County narcotics unit. a destination I now forget. “College boy!” the Hispanic While he was pulling out of officer greeted me, halfway his driveway, a black sedan attempting to ingratiate himdrove by. As the sedan turned self while still managing to the corner, I could see the demean me. His countenance passenger looking at me. had changed. He was disarmFor a split second, our eyes ingly non-threatening, even locked and I knew without chipper. We shook hands. knowing that the car would He wanted my friend and turn around and about five I to “understand” why we seconds later, it did. were stopped. Seconds before And before either of us we pulled out of the drivecould process a response, way, the bad-cop-turned-good two plain clothes officers explained, a guy rode by on were playing good cop-bad a bike, making it appear as cop outside of our respecif we’d been part of a drug tive windows. They demanded we show deal. Me looking him in the eyes didn’t our hands, present our IDs and explain bolster my innocence, he told me. our presence in the community where An aside: I’m reminded of Dave Chapwe were both raised, lived and have our pelle’s Def Jam poem about him being being. surveilled in a Korean store (“I’m not “When was the last time you were arstealing in the least, but if you’re shoprested?” the Hispanic cop outside of my ping and you know someone’s watching window asked. you shop, that shit will make you look When I showed him both my state ID like a thief.”). and my University of Illinois at UrbanaAnd then, managing to weaponize Champaign student ID, which I still even empathy, the Hispanic cop insisted carried with me, having finished college that my friend and I put ourselves in a few years before, he asked me why I his shoes, that we understand what cops would be in Maywood if my residency like him — who police our hometown was Peoria. like it is an occupied territory and treat None of my answers were good us as if we’re hostile insurgents — go enough for him. When we told the offithrough every day as they’re forced to cers that we had no drugs on our bodies make split-second decisions in complex or in the car, and after a full-body pat circumstances. down yielded nothing, the Hispanic cop After the powwow, my friend’s still threatened to call the K9 unit to tear stepmother, a veteran Maywood police the car up. Despite my studied deference, the ‘bad officer, asked us if we wanted to file a complaint. We both declined to do so. cop’ insisted that I was being a smart My best friend is now a rookie police aleck and ordered me out of the car. officer himself — the only black cop in He sized me up, his face inches away from mine, and threatened to handcuff a lily-white suburb — who within the me and take me to jail if I so much as last few weeks has been called a traitor to his race by a white protestor during a Black Lives Matter rally. A few days ago, my friend texted me with a request. Can I write something in Read an extended version of this column response to whites who suddenly want to be allies? This is the best I can do.
MICHAEL ROMAIN
I continue to
feel it. The utter helplessness, the paralyzing fear, the inexplicable shame despite my innocence.
WEB EXTRA
OAKPARK.COM
3
‘Slow Streets’ gets push from Transportation Commission Pandemic seen as opportunity to boost bikefriendly initiative By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
The Oak Park Transportation Commission was unanimously supportive of implementing the proposed “Slow Streets” plan during its June 9 meeting, the commission’s first since the COVID-19 crisis drove the village to shut down. Drafted by the Bike Walk Oak Park group, the “Slow Streets” proposal seeks to provide space for more socially distanced outdoor recreation and exercise without congregation by limiting vehicular traffic on certain streets to only that of residential, delivery and emergency vehicles. “These ‘Slow Streets’ strategies also create safer, more comfortable places for people to get along on foot and on bike. That’s going to be important even after social distancing becomes less of a concern,” said Ron Burke, chair of the commission. Since social distancing is still very much a concern as the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to pass, Burke also directed the commission to consider how to put the plan into action quickly. “We should think about not only how this type of ‘Slow Street’ design might be implemented but also how the board and staff might go about doing so administratively,” Burke said. “If we need to go through the usual channels, we’re probably looking at months down the road before any slow street can be implemented.” When asked if there was an opportunity for the village board to give staff authority to make these decisions, Village Engineer Bill McKenna said it was “ultimately up to the village board.” Burke asked the commission and staff to comment on ways to encourage the board to expedite the process, “not to the exclusion of public input, but in ways that really allow us to meet the need that exists today.” He mentioned that the city of Chicago recently debuted a similar program called “Shared Streets” that has proven popular so far. Commissioner Aaron Stigger supported the ‘Slow Streets’ project and had wanted to dedicate more road space to cyclists and pedestrians for some time but felt the village might feel otherwise. “I’m definitely in favor of it personally,”
said Stigger. “From the village’s standpoint, they may see it differently. But if we want to be serious about being a bike-friendly community, which is something that we advertise, then this proposal in some degree is a no-brainer.” Stigger did not know how large the ‘Slow Streets’ network would be but thought getting it started was a “must” in becoming a bike-friendly community. Commissioner James Thompson spoke in favor of “Slow Streets” project, saying he thought it was a “great thing for the village long-term to have something like this in place.” The pandemic presented the perfect opportunity to pilot the program, Thompson said. Thompson also praised Bike Walk Oak Park for putting together the proposal. “Bike Walk Oak Park has done a really good job putting together a proposal,” he said. However, Thompson called the first of the proposal’s recommended “Slow Streets” networks “somewhat” ambitious and questioned the village’s ability to partially block off that many streets. “It struck me as a fairly significant undertaking to do that,” he said. He suggested doing a partial closure on a portion of those streets to pilot the program on a smaller basis. Commissioner Garth Katner proposed using the proposal’s second, more minimal recommended street network, which has fewer “slow streets,” as a jumping off point for a pilot. “I guess where we have to decide is how minimal we want these pilots to be,” he said. Stigger thought it would be an unduly burdensome amount of work to village staffers to only pilot the program during weekends. “Putting up signs and taking down signs every weekend would just be very over the top,” he said. McKenna agreed and said a full implementation of the first recommended street network would be too difficult to staff, which is not yet at full capacity due to COVID-19. The commission also had concerns regarding how to adequately inform the public about restricted traffic roadways, dubbed “slow streets.” With no police enforcement, concerns were also raised about the potential for people driving to ignore signs marking off the “slow streets.” With all of the commission in support of implementing “Slow Streets” in some form, Burke requested to start the program off small at a few streets with plans for expansion to more streets at later dates.
4
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
“Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen” Wednesday, June 24, 1 to 2 p.m., virtually with the Oak Park Library Join a book discussion on Jose Antonio Vargas’ memoir relating how he was sent from the Philippines to the U.S. as a child, his discovery of his undocumented status as a teenager and his decision to reveal his immigration status publicly in 2011. Register: oppl.org/calendar. More: oppl.org/read-listen-watch/many-voices-many-stories. Reading Program titles available as ebooks and some audio books through Media on Demand, Libby and/or Hoopla.
Meet the Maker Monday
BIG WEEK June 17 - 24
Puppies & Pints Trivia Night
Author Talk: Cristina Henriquez Tuesday, June 23, 7 to 8:30 p.m., virtually with the Oak Park Public Library As part of the Summer Reading Program “Many Voices, Many Stories,” the author of the novel The Book of Unknown Americans will participate in an interview and Q&A. Register: oppl.org/calendar. More: oppl.org/ read-listen-watch/many-voices-many-stories. Reading Program titles available as ebooks and some audio books through Media on Demand, Libby and/or Hoopla.
Juneteenth Celebration Friday, June 19, 7 p.m., Car Caravan Celebrate black freedom, excellence and Black Lives Matter. Bring signs, flags, music and cars to the parking lot at North Ave. and Harlem, Oak Park. The caravan will travel from there east on North Ave. to Austin, then south toward Roosevelt, take Roosevelt west toward Harlem, travel north toward Chicago Ave. and end traveling east to Austin. Questions: 773-584-7276.
Wabi Sabi Film Fest: “Alive Inside” Friday, June 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Zoom This film festival centers on aging, but it is open to all ages. The documentary Alive Inside chronicles the use of music’s role in memory loss and obstacles in the health care system. An interactive discussion with writer/director/producer Michael Rossato-Bennett follows the film. Free. Register: wabi-sabi-alive-inside. eventbrite.com
Monday, June 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Art League Meet Susan Lucci of River Forest, an advocate, activist and Circle facilitator. Lucci will lead a mini-session to creatively reduce the clutter; reset to center; and regain focus and flow. Free. Register (by 3 p.m. on June 22) by emailing: oakparkartleague@gmail. com.
Dance Camps - Traditional West African, AfroBeat, Caribbean and Hiphop Register now, Monday through Friday, July 13 to 17, and July 20 to 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., virtually with Kuumba Kids Kids ages 5 through 13 can take part in week-long camps that include dance, circle time, art and poetry. Learn traditional West African and Afrobeat dance genres during Session I and explore Caribbean dance and hiphop during Session II. $100 per week. Register: kuumbakidsdance.com. Questions: kuumbakids2006@ gmail.com
Pedal Oak Park Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Now through September, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Take a guided bicycle tour of 21 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures, including the Home and Studio, Frank Thomas House, Heurtley House, Cheney House, Furbeck House and more. Tours are limited to eight guests. Bring your bike or borrow one, included in tour admission.Rain or shine. $45; $40, FLW Trust members. Tickets/more: flwright.org/tours/pedal-oak-park. Meet at the Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. More: flwright.org/tours/oak-park.
Thursday, June 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Zoom with the Animal Care League (ACL) Grab a drink and your fur friend for a night of doggy trivia benefitting ACL, pints and pups not required. $10 minimum donation includes two raffle tickets. More chances may be purchased. Register/more: animalcareleague.org/events.html
BRAVO’s “Moana Jr.,” a Virtual Voyage Middle school students at Brooks worked in the spring, rehearsing for a live, in-person performance. However, when things changed because of COVID-19, BRAVO met after e-learning on Zoom. Each of the 52 students recorded their own vocals and choreography, and improvised costumes and sets. The staff edited their work into a 12-minute production. Watch the result on yoube.com, search “Bravo Staff.”
Nanny Nikki Live Performance Friday, June 19, 10 to 10:45 a.m., Zoom with the River Forest Library See a musical show for young kids, ages infant to 5. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket. com
Music & Potlucks: Mark Dvorak Thursday, June 18, 7 to 8 p.m., Facebook Virtually attend a benefit concert for Beyond Hunger. Hear original songs and stories. Post a photo in the comments of your “potluck” dinner or snack item as you listen. Donations suggested at: gobeyondhunger.org. Tune in to the show at: facebook.com/markdvorak1
Book Club: “Afterlife” Thursday, June 25, 7 to 8 p.m., Zoom with the River Forest Library Read the novel by Julia Alvarez about immigration and compassion and then join in a discussion with others. The title is available on Hoopla. Register: riverforestlibrary.librarymarket.com
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Congratulations
Roosevelt Roosevelt Middle Middle School School Class Class of of 2020 2020
Alisha Abdallah Laith AlishaAbuagel Abdallah Leen LaithAlaraj Abuagel Christian Allen Leen Alaraj Alena Anderson Christian Allen AshleyAnderson Anguiano Alena Willa AshleyAumann Anguiano Manolo Avalos Willa Aumann Brady Bailitz Manolo Avalos Ethan Brady Bostwick Bailitz Quinn Bozarth Ethan Bostwick Charles Brauckman Quinn Bozarth Quin Brigham Charles Brauckman Poppy Burrows Quin Brigham Claire Poppy Butterly Burrows Laniyah Cannon Claire Butterly Margaret Carr Laniyah Cannon Skyy Cast Carr Margaret Julia Casto Skyy Cast Kevin Chavez Julia Casto Emory Chien Kevin Chavez Tessa EmoryChristmas Chien Wyatt Ciserella Tessa Christmas Aidan Wyatt Collins Ciserella Maddox Corvo Aidan Collins Luke D’Alise Maddox Corvo Amelia Dalton Luke D’Alise Brianne Davis Amelia Dalton Bora Demirtaş Brianne Davis Sarah DePooter Bora Demirtaş Tristan DeSannctis Sarah DePooter Gus Dwyer Tristan DeSannctis Gus Dwyer
Mariano Escobedo Miles Fedowicz Mariano Escobedo Meah Flodin Miles Fedowicz Cece MeahFlosman Flodin Nathan Forsyth Cece Flosman HannahForsyth Franke Nathan Will Gladden Hannah Franke Ellis Gloor Will Gladden Christoper Ellis Gloor Godellas Jake Goldberg Christoper Godellas Asher Gottlieb Jake Goldberg Evan Grant Asher Gottlieb Robert Haagenson Evan Grant Sean Hanley Robert Haagenson Ian SeanHansen Hanley Nuraini Hassani Ian Hansen Anja Herman Nuraini Hassani Tracy Ho Anja Herman Sam Hollenbach Tracy Ho Lucas Huang Sam Hollenbach Ella Hullinger Lucas Huang Amelia Hunkele Ella Hullinger Shea Hunter Amelia Hunkele Lila SheaJasinska Hunter Isa LilaJimenez Jasinska Marissa Johnson Isa Jimenez Tresure Marissa Johnson Johnson Sophia TresureKleberlein Johnson Cam Khaledan Sophia Kleberlein Natalia Kiessling Cam Khaledan Finnley Natalia Koch Kiessling Helen Kuenster Finnley Koch Helen Kuenster
Patrick Kurrle Jon Lambe Patrick Kurrle Leo Laudadio Jon Lambe Kate Lebling Leo Laudadio Faith Lee Kate Lebling Alex Lefko Faith Lee Isabella Lema Alex Lefko Julia Leonard Isabella Lema Milly Lesin Julia Leonard Pierson Lipschultz Milly Lesin Carlo Lissuzzo Pierson Lipschultz Jilly CarloMcNamara Lissuzzo Ashley Mandell Jilly McNamara Henry Ashley Mann Mandell Jenesis Quiads Manuel Henry Mann Eli MartQuiads Manuel Jenesis Sylvia McGoldrick Eli Mart Declan McLaren Sylvia McGoldrick Hannah Mellman Declan McLaren Lillian Menconi Hannah Mellman Malinda Meyer Lillian Menconi Linus Mitchell Malinda Meyer Sadie Linus Mitchell Mitchell Samuel Mitzenmacher Sadie Mitchell Yaretzi Samuel Mondragon Mitzenmacher Mimi Moore Yaretzi Mondragon Tristan Mullen Mimi Moore Sage Namaste-Rose Tristan Mullen Lucas Navarro Sage Namaste-Rose Grace Nelson Lucas Navarro Imani Nutall Grace Nelson Jake ImaniO’Connor Nutall Jake O’Connor
Jonathan Ocasio Anthony JonathanOrtiz-Ferrer Ocasio Vaughan Osga Anthony Ortiz-Ferrer Evan Parchman Vaughan Osga Kelly Evan Perez Parchman LizziePerez Phelan Kelly Mason Phillips Lizzie Phelan Lillian Mason Plywacz Phillips Alex Ponzio Lillian Plywacz Sophia Powell Alex Ponzio Colin Powers Sophia Powell Rachel Prestes Colin Powers Benjamin Quinn Rachel Prestes Isaias Rakers Benjamin Quinn Moses Rodgers Isaias Rakers Mia Rodriguez Moses Rodgers Hunter Romans Mia Rodriguez Kellen HunterRotatori Romans Megan Scelfo Kellen Rotatori Trevor Megan Schonman Scelfo Justin TrevorScott Schonman Ella Sickinger Justin Scott Melina Sickinger Ella Sickinger Camille Smetana Melina Sickinger William Snyder Camille Smetana Jackson Snyder Solberg William Alexander Spielman Jackson Solberg Shea Spillane Alexander Spielman Mikayla Stephens Shea Spillane Henry Stutz Mikayla Stephens Holden Sullivan Henry Stutz Maya Sullivan Holden Sullivan Maya Sullivan
JT Tarara Cherrell Thomas JT Tarara Christopher Thomas Cherrell Thomas Crystal Thomas Christopher Thomas Bennett Thomason Crystal Thomas ElizabethThomason Thomason Bennett Aaron Thompson Elizabeth Thomason Maxwell Timchak Aaron Thompson Ava Tomaso Maxwell Timchak Miles Toppen Ava Tomaso Eli Travis Miles Toppen Jovan Truss Eli Travis Charlie Vlerick Jovan Truss Mara Vogen Charlie Vlerick Kate MaraWallace Vogen Alex Walsh Kate Wallace Marcus Wax Alex Walsh Sarah MarcusWax Wax Claire Sarah Weekley Wax Bao Wenzhuo Claire Weekley Vivian Wienke Bao Wenzhuo Gabrielle Williams Vivian Wienke Arianna Winsett Gabrielle Williams Luke Witherspoon Arianna Winsett Mari Wolkstein Luke Witherspoon Ellie Wolski Mari Wolkstein Carter Workman Ellie Wolski Alan Yumlu Carter Workman Andrew Zavalkoff Alan Yumlu Luca Zeiher Andrew Zavalkoff Alex LucaZielinski Zeiher Alex Zielinski
Commemorate the past, celebrate the present, create the future. Commemorate the past, celebrate the present, create the future.
5
6
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Oak Park developments in arrested development
COVID-19 preventing forward movement on projects By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Multiple proposed and planned real estate developments hang in limbo as the village of Oak Park and developers try to navigate novel complications in the development hearing process brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Oak Park Development Customer Services Director Tammie Grossman, not much has changed since Wednesday Journal published a development update in May. “We’re pretty much at the same place we were at last month – still working with developers, who are by behind the scenes trying to get their applications submitted, and reviewing draft applications, which we do for everybody,” Grossman said. State mandates preventing gatherings of more than 10 people have complicated the public hearing process, Grossman said. Public hearings require the opportunity for sworn testimony and the meetings can last for hours. “It’s very difficult to do public hearings using remote participation,” said Grossman. “We’ve just been kind of waiting to see if we’re going to get additional guidance from the state or when things move to the next phase [of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois], what those new rules might be.”
Pete’s Fresh Market
Rush Oak Park Hospital garage
Pete’s Fresh Market has still yet to submit a formal application to build a new grocery store location on Madison Street, across from the approved American House/REDICO senior housing development. “We do have a draft application that we’ve been talking to them about and making suggestions on, primarily engineering suggestions,” said Grossman. “They’re still draft documents.” Village staff reviews draft documents and suggests changes to prospective developers. Staff makes note of what changes, if any, prospective developers decline to make. Staff then presents that information to the Plan Commission during the staff report portion of the meeting. Prior to COVID-19, Pete’s had hosted two public meetings, but had planned a third at the direction of village staff. Pete’s had to cancel the third meeting due to the virus.
Rush Oak Park Hospital’s plan to build a 713-space parking structure at the corner of Wenonah Avenue and Monroe Street scored a positive recommendation from the Plan Commission March 5 with the condition to remove one level. The village board has yet to vote on the proposal. Rush Oak Park Hospital also owns three consecutive residential properties on Maple Avenue, but the hospital’s plans for the properties remain undetermined, Rush Oak Park spokesman Bradley Spencer told Wednesday Journal back in January. “Specific use for these properties has not yet been finalized,” said Spencer. “The process of determining their future use will involve discussing with many stakeholders.” Plans for those properties have apparently begun to materialize, as Grossman said the hospital wanted to have them rezoned for hospital use. “They want to do some rezoning and want to take everything back to the village board in one package,” said Grossman. “We can’t do the rezoning because we haven’t had a public hearing yet.” Rush Oak Park Hospital has received criticism from the Plan Commission and residents alike for the lack of a master plan accessible to the public.
American House/REDICO senior living The village board approved the seven-story, 174-unit senior living community back in February after the proposal went through the Plan Commission. Since then, the developer has been working on developing final construction plans. “I think they submitted some preliminary drawings, but we’re still reviewing them,” said Grossman. She noted that the developer had yet to submit an application for a construction permit.
Holiday Inn Following a recommendation from the ZBA, the village board approved a proposal to put a Holiday Inn hotel at 1140 Lake St on Nov. 19. The plan proposes adding three
floors to the already five-story building. At the moment, the new Holiday Inn’s progress is at a standstill. “We haven’t gotten any permit applications yet,” Grossman said. The Oak Park Economic Development Corporation (OPEDC) also had yet to receive any updates regarding the progress of the hotel. “I haven’t heard anything on Holiday Inn,” said OPEDC Executive Director John Lynch. OPEDC Economic Development Director Vik Schrader, agreed, saying, “Nothing on Holiday Inn that I’m aware of.”
Drechsler, Brown & Williams In February, the OPEDC confirmed that the Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home property was under contract pending village board approval for residential use with the possibility of a very small retail unit at the corner of Marion and Pleasant streets. “We have been in conversations with the potential purchaser of that property,” said Grossman. “Again, that’s another one that where they’re submitting some documents to us and we’re reviewing them.” The developer with the contract for the 34,000-square-foot parcel of land has yet to be announced to the public. Any proposed development for that property has to have a public hearing before the Plan Commission, as well as the Historic Preservation Commission, because the property is within the Ridgeland-Oak Park Historic District.
Taco Bell “That’s still in the middle of a public hearing,” said Grossman. “They got a continuum.” The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) agreed March 5 to delay its ruling on the special use and zoning variances needed to build the drive-thru franchise Taco Bell, at the request of applicant Ampler Development; Ampler Development wanted more time to collect additional traffic data. The public hearing was set to resume April 1, but that meeting was canceled due to the statewide shutdown to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Ampler Development has not been deterred from its goal to build a Taco Bell at that Roosevelt location. “They’re still wanting to move forward,” said Grossman. “I can’t remember if we got an updated traffic study from them or not.” If the village had received the updated traffic study, it would not yet be posted online for public perusal anyway. “We review it internally and then we might suggest they review certain things, and then they post it,” she said. When the ZBA will start meeting again depends on the rules related to holding public meetings when the village moves into Pritzker’s phase four.
Courtesy BARKAT VIRANI/mSNb design consultants,inc
ON HOLD: The proposed Holiday Inn at 1140 Lake St. is in limbo
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
7
Madison plan tabled by Oak Park village board
To give developers, neighbors time to communicate By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park’s village board voted June 15 to postpone discussion of the 435 Madison St. apartment complex proposal until a later date to give the development company more time to communicate with neighbors regarding changes made to the design. Tabling discussion was requested by Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb. “On Monday, I am going to ask the village board to table the 435 Madison proposal in order to give the neighbors an opportunity to review the updated plan,” the mayor told Wednesday Journal last Friday. The Plan Commission voted unanimously against sending a positive recommendation for the plan to the village board on March 5; the commission was unhappy with the size of the proposed building and its proximity to the Gunderson Historic District. Applicant Michigan Avenue Real Estate Group (MAREG) has since altered its plans for the building, based on plan commission comments made March 5. The newest plans for the development are attached to the agenda from the June 15 meeting, which is available on the village of Oak Park website. Abu-Taleb asked that the board revisit the subject sometime in July. Trustee Susan Buchanan defended the board against accusations from the public that the board had engaged in illegal activities regarding the 435 Madison St. proposal. “I just want to also address some of the emails that accused us of doing backdoor dealings with the developer,” she said. Buchanan noted she was “kind of a little bit on the warpath” with Facebook because of “this type of rumor mongering,” which she called “ridiculous and offensive.” “I just want to clarify for everyone who ac-
cused us that you are incorrect and that was offensive to me,” Buchanan said. “We are not even allowed to talk to the developers.” Trustee Deno Andrews said accusations “come with the territory” of being a member of the village board. “Three years later, we are still accused of taking bribes for voting on Albion,” said Andrews of the high-rise apartment building now constructed at Lake and Forest. “It comes with the territory,” he repeated. “It’s sad but true.” Andrews agreed with Buchanan saying it was “upsetting,” “sad” and “offensive.” Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla thought it was “kind of laughable that we’re finding things offensive.” “It shouldn’t be offensive because it should indicate to us that there has been a communication gap between the developer, [Oak Park Economic Development Corporation] and the community,” said Walker-Peddakotla. “I agree with the decision to table this because we need to give more time for that conversation to happen.” Walker-Peddakotla added, “The public has a right to be angry about this and to say whatever the heck they want about it, honestly. And I’m glad that we actually listened to them in this case.” She also said that she hoped the developer “did the right thing” and reaches out to the community to get their feedback on the revised design plan. The board voted unanimously to shelve the discussion. “My hopes in tabling this proposal are that the developer may identify a forum to discuss the revised plan with interested neighbors, and that those neighbors will retain an open mind on this proposal,” AbuTaleb told Wednesday Journal. “As we work toward an agreeable solution, I hope we will not lose sight of the fact that this proposal would provide significant funds for affordable housing, solar-powered electricity, and an opportunity to continue the revitalization of Madison Street.”
Thank You Moms of Oak Park, River Forest and surrounding suburbs!
We have missed you! GRAND REOPENING! Mickey’s Rib Special
1/2 Slab Dinner $11.99 • Full Slab Dinner $17.99 includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread
Wednesday
Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $10.99
Every day Special!
Come try our Big Mickey! $2.99
Gyros with fries $7.99
525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 10:30am - 9pm Daily
8
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Congratulations, Brooks Middle School 8th Grade Graduates
Ruben Acevedo
Charlotte Campbell
Nathan Falbo
Rayonna Herron
Rashad Lawrence
Ray Nayar
Henry Schacht
Willow Acevedo-Maloney
Noah Campbell
Ines Feliciano
Arianna Nelson
Alix Schigelone
Otavio Tosin
Nicholas Fiorito
Jackson Hickok-Fletcher
Lane Mei Ledogar Helen Lee
Esmee Newton
Sean Schimanski
Oscar Towne IV
Nico Ackerman
Adriana Castillo Briones
Henry Fitz
Deliscia Hodge
Claire Lesiowski
Ava Nicholson
Carter Schmitz
Vu Tran
Stella Ackerman
Priya Chambers
Jalen Fitzpatrick
Kieran Hogan
Shanti Liddell
Emmett Norton
Amari Scott
Alastair Trowbridge
Janine Acosta
Karmelo Chatman
Timothy Fortunato
Alie Homeric
Margaret Lillis
Lewis O’Connor
De’Asia Scott
Tessa Troyer
Henry Adams
Madison Chisley
James Horton
Drew Lingenfelter
Cuinn O’Keefe
Henrik Serjanaj
Ada Truett-Schriber
Kasey Agnew
Makenzie Chisley
Daniel-Jacob Fountain
Da Avion Howard
Nathan Lintvelt
Lucian O’Leary
Benjamin Shafiro
Lily van der Put
Giovanna Aguilar-Ripley
Emilia Chomicz
Lillian Friesen
Oliver Hug
George Liskiewitz
Griffin Gee
Madison Hunter
Jenna Ahn
Henry Lloyd
Soren Shah-Hempel
Nathan Vattana
Anthony Christopher
Anastasia Obukhova
Alison George
Octavia Ikard
Noah Olguin
Susan Shank
Jordan Alioto
Ascher Clark
Molly Lock
Raven Gibson
Alexander Irvine
Diego Olivas
Corry Shannon
Esmihin Alwaeli
James Coligan
Maxine Gimbel
Cole Jackson
Ezekiel Lopez-Hughes
Michael VelazquezMendoza
Mark Olivo
Savana Shipp
Sidh Velegar
Emerson Amstutz
Kiera Collins
David Ginsberg
Sharee Jackson
Kiefer Shorr
Vaughn Cooper
Ashaiyt Givens
Rachel Janosky
Payton Lowenthal-Wojcik
Ava Orozco
Horace Amusa
Riley Owens
Nathaniel Siegler
Arianne Villalvazo-Serratos
Isabelle Anderson
Jefferson Cordes
Aidan Goble
Jennings
Imani Luten
Deshawn Palton Jr
Cameron Smith
Phoenix Anderson
Omar Cornejo-Torres
William Gonzalez III
Ava Pappalardo
Gabriella Smith
Joseph Maggio
Dominic Parsi
Miracle Smith
Sade Anthony
Natasha Cosgrove
Lathan Goodrum
Anderson Jerome-Darr
Anne Lynch
James Andrews
Daniel Johnson
Charles Maguire
Arianna Cox
Kevin Gordon
Lucas Pawlikowski
Brady Sorg
Lyra Arvetis
Joy Johnson
Reese Major
Kiasia Cox
Matilda Gore
Joshua Perez
Claire Sparks
Simone Arvetis
Ezekiel Markley
Matthew Persaud
Ella Sparks
Mehki Austin
Shawn Crimmins
Luke Gotti
Mya Johnson Khyra Jones
Belen Martinez
Victoria Cross
Code Podgorski
Madeleine Sparks
Ella Avrushin
Anthony Govorunov
Sarah Jones
Salvador Martinez
Katherine Stabb
Marin Balaz
Christopher Cunningham
Brooklyn Presberry
Samuel Gray
Ethan Kanga
Jaidyn McBlackwell
Renner Prouty
Charles Stow
Elizabeth Dabney
Jacob Green
Sarah Kaufman
Ashawna McCoy
Sebastian Puntillo
Diana Subak
Seth Greenberg
Danyl Kerr
Elizabeth McGillen
Keira Quinn
Kristopher Swets
Eli Greenfield
Elizabeth Kilburg
Ayden McKinney
Nassim Raja
Simon Gutierrez
Cody Kirkpatrick
Daniel McNeilly Jr
Kiran Reddy
Arian Tajik Castaneda
Amya Hall
Justin Klippel
Ingrid Medgyesy
Adisa Reese
Jayla Tate
Aria Hammerschmidt
Jackson Kluger
Samuel Mendez
Carlos Reyes
William Taylor
Lily Koenig
Diego Mendoza
Paisley Templeton
Marell Hampton-Goins
Isabel Ring
Aidan Komar
Riya Menon
Jaren Roberts
Broderick Terretta
Lena Hartman
Camden Komar
Goran Metcalf
Eleanor Robinson
Shaan Thambi
Patrick Kornowske
Michael Michelotti
Zachary Robinson
Alanna Thomas
Nyla Williams
Bernard Krasinsky
Evie Rothbaum
Cameron Thompson
Damaria Wilson
Wilson Kruse
Malcolm Mitchell Chablani
Alexia Wolf
Dylan Kruss
Benjamin Mitchell
Malcolm Thompson
Hailey Wolven
James Kruss
Sean Mitchell
Violet Ruff
Joshua Wood
Rosalie Lagattolla
Jack Moore
Griffin Lane
Reanna Moore
Aniya ThompsonVantrece
Zachary Lane
Gabriella Morales
Sarah Lapat
Lucas Morrison
Verona Larsen
Skyler Murray
Marvin Ball Jr. Miles Baron Leonid Beliaev Cole Benson Jacob Bickhem David Blake Elise Borel Jake Brecknock Ava Breitung Katherine Brooker Norah Brooker Imani Bryant Rachel Buchta Mia Burin Lemer Burnett Caylee Burton Addison Byrne Corey Caffey Macy Callahan
Natalie Dauphinee Isaac Davies Kaelin Davis Parker Davis Nathaniel Day Sonja DeJong Katya Deleon-Terrazas Neil Denhard Christian Desir
Persephone Hartrich
Sahiba Dhillon
Jackson Hauser
Bianca Donlin
Leo Haussmann
Roan Doody
Jaden Havener
Beatrice Dunbar
Tyler Heeman
Christian Dussias
Zoe Hendrickson
Edward Eggert
Nevaeh Henry
Israel Erwin
William Hepburn
Jeylon Espinosa
Aleesa Herron
Whitman Rowe Charles Ryan Reid Sacks Sariyah Sain Robert Sambou Ryan Sampson Rommel Savage
Devin Tidwell Jameson Tiffen Margaret Tomlinson Octavio
Torres-Bojanowski
Ethan Walsh Olivia Wangerow Asia Washington Tayshaun Washington Declan Waters Cayden Weber Julia Weir Samantha Welin Dezire White Trinity White Vyolette White Tara Wicklow Maya Widholm Justin Williams Jr. Bria Williams Jazmyne Williams Matthew Williams
Victoria Young
J
Rya Vila Ma Yah Cha A Ma Xav Aar A Han Ma Em Gui Rob Cla Sha Linc Nor Ma Hea Luc Sofi Tali Jos Jos Pay Jac B Juli Abi Edu Syd Tyle Ale Ash Ma Ellig C Cat Gra Jam Jad Ozz Jes Cal Sam
,
wski
idge
iber
atos
ow
on
n
Jr.
ms
ms
n
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Class of 2020! Julian Middle School 8th Grade Graduates
Ryan Adelstein Vilas Advani Margaret Allen Yahweh Anderson Charlotte Andersson Mary Andolina Xavier Anello Aaron Giles Aquino Hana Austin Mahani Badjie Emmett Baker Guinevan Barr Robert Bates Claire Battoglia Shane Beck Lincoln Beecroft Nora Bekteshi Maxwell Bennett Heaven Berry Lucas Binning Sofia Bishop Talia Black Joseph Block Joseph Blonski Payton Boddy Jacqueline Bollinger Julian Borchardt Abigail Boucher Eduardo Bravo Sydney Brennan Tyler Brock Alex Brown Ashley Brown Marigold Buckner Ellignuel Andrei Cabanero Catherine Cahill Grace Cahill James Cain Jaden Campbell Ozzy Carballo Jesus Cervantes Calla Champaneri Sameer Chand
Xochitl Chavez Cameron Chi Natalia Chlebek Lindsay Chyna William Cleaveland Kai Coffee Genesis Collins Riley Comstock Cortez Cook Emma CostelloWollwage Lucas Crossman Fiona Cunningham Jentille Dallas Donald Davis Gabriela De Santiago Lincoln Dean Samuel Debush Sebastian Delgado Eleanor Derks Shontavia Donald Lillian Donarski Kaitlyn Driver Adam Dubina Audrey Dumelle Eden Dunavan Samantha Duroe Scott Duwe Maya Dysico Holly Eagan Emily Eastman Julia Eckman Elliott Edwards Clarissa Ellis Dallis Ellis Phil Epps Sarah Epshtein Sarah Ernst Isaac Felder Anthony Felichio Grace Felichio Carlos Fernandez-Murray Miryah Fields Sarah Mae Fieser
Samara Flowers Sara Flynn Gabriel Ford Jack Fransen Jordan Freelon Grace Gallagher Mateo Garcia Amihan Garcia-Gonzales Kaden Garland Shelby Giloth Antoine Glasper Deirdre Golla Thomas Goodwater Xiomara Grachan Kaleb Gray Angelina Green James Hall Sam Halverson Alexander Hamblin Jaziah Harper Samuel Hassler Taurus Hayes Porter Hays Jack Heflin Declan Henderson Salome Henry Jacob Hern Chlo’e Hernandez Mia Hernandez Sebastian Hernandez Addison Heskett Emma Hesterman Rebecka Hibel Aniyas Hill Talmadge Hill Patrick Hoffman Ella Homrok Damita Hopkins Justin Hsieh Matthew Hyman Reed Iverson Bethann Ivey Aaliyah Ivy
Alexander Janssen Hayden Jingst Porter Jingst Chloe Johnson John Johnson Oscar Johnson Katherine Johnston Cameron Jones Sylvia Jones Sophia Jozefczyk Alexandra Kahn Mia Kamenski Ian Kedrowski Maggie Kelley Jude Kennedy Connor Kitley Keira Kleidon Winston Knicker Jaliyah Knighten Anderson Koch Sidney Koe Mary Koerner Zachary Kohler Ava Konecki Abraham Koransky Caroline Korrison Suzanne Kowalczyk Phyllis Kreiter Elsie Kren Lillian Kryger Connor Kuehl Maria KunigkBakalar Nevaeh Lake Lauren Landerman Luke Lazzara Henri Leininger Elaine Lewis Katherine Lewis Lindsey Libert Tobias Liebermann Matthew Liebl Maxwell Lofgren Gwenyth Lopez
Evan Louie Brett Love Bella Lubelchek Avery Lucas Garrett Lundgren Teigan Macek Ieva Madison Konrad Mahler Jasmyn Maldonado Lilah Malik Owen May Ainsley McConnell Ella McGee Tamron McGee Tyler McKnight Matthew Meagher Dashel Meiners Kathryn Meister Charlotte Melvage Marlene Meraz Sylvia Meyer Anna Miller Johane Miller Lydia Missey Jane Moreno Eli Morgan William Moroney Tylun Morris Trinity Mosher Margaret Moyar Sebastian Mrotzek Lucero Isabela Munoz Alivia Murphy Roan Murphy Koan Muscarello Kyle Muscarello Benjamin Naber Elsie Negron Paul Nelson William Neumann Khalil Nichols Sara Nimz Yahira Nurse-Scott Eva O’Keefe
Misiani Ondande Moruri Ondande Victoria Ortiz Joshua Oxer Alyssa Ozanic Ella Papandreou John Papandreou Maya Patel Radha Patwari Siddharth Patwari Sydney Pautlitz Amera Payton Adan Pedraza Dillon Pepper Mia Peppers Danaan Perry Franklin Peterson Lilly Pillacela Elliana Ping Kaya Piper Anelise Pitroda Rozlyn Plazas Alexander Pohl Zachary Polan Evan Pope Emily Porrez Charles Pozesky Isabel Price Geneva Pruden James Radzinski Sean Raihle Lauren Rainey Lars Rauch John Reeb Nicholas Retterer Cameron Reynolds Claire Rezny William Rich Matthew Richert Lowell Rindler Kyle Robertson Jayla Robinson Javier Rodriguez Maxwell Rogala Ani Rogers Kaleel Rogers
Theo Rogers Joseph Roman Elijah Romeus Lily Rooks Charity Ross Kennedy Ross Amelia Ruland Elizabeth Russell Owen Ruszczyk Cameron Sameshima Benjamin Sanchez Orlando Sanders Olivia Sardenberg Benjamin Sassone Nicholas Saunders Tate Scanlan Henry Schaafsma Xara Schellhase Jadon Scott Ozell Seaton Liam Shea Cole Shepherd William Shepherd Chloe Simmons Erik Singletary Benjamin Sirota Marina Sjoblom Ryan Slade Cooper Smith Sean Smith Izel Amara Smyth Sela Snyder Gibson Sokolowski Luke Sorensen Caitlin Souvannaraj Beatrice Spell Shardae Spruille William Steketee Lenora Sterritt Jalen Steward Shea Sturtevant Bianca Summers Safiyah Taylor Madison Terry
Lucia Thomas-Colwell Yoshi Timms Skai Tune Aniya Turner Leah Turner Caleb Turnock Santiago Valle Saskia van der Meer Adrian Vargas Olivia Villa Elizabeth Vollentine Jackson Wagemann Elsa Waichulis Jane Walker Elias Wallichs Jordan Waters Mia Wetzler Harmonie Whaley Sebastian White Timothy White Annie Whitmore Adison Williams Ashton Williams Ethan Williams Jeremiah Williams Ronen Wittenberg Ada Wohlgenant Bailey Wolff Celia Yates Isabella Yipp Yeoeun Youn Peter Yount Joseph Yutzy Diego Zarate
9
10
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
ART BEAT
From flotsam to fashion to the Met
Oak Park teen’s quarantine dress design catches attention of the Met Gala By MICHELLE DYBAL Arts Editor
More than a month into quarantine, Vogue Magazine and Billy Porter put out an Instagram #MetGalaChallenge. What is a fashion savvy, artistic and resourceful teen to do? If you are Zoe Haralambidis, an Oak Park and River Forest High School rising senior, you raid the fabric and craft supplies in your ‘humble abode” and start creating. The Met Gala is an annual benefit that kicks off the Spring Exhibition at The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. No stuffy event, it attracts celebrities and fashionistas dressed in black-tie attire based on the new exhibit’s theme. Many red-carpet get-ups from the past have turned heads for their daring takes on formal wear. With the exhibit opening postponed until October and the 2020 Gala in question, Vogue and actor/singer Billy Porter, who is known to don innovative red-carpet looks of his own such as his mechanized fringed hat at the 2020 Grammys, launched a challenge “for those still craving the glamour and extravagance that usually comes with the night.” The #MetGalaChallenge invited anyone to recreate a look from a past Gala. Makers could use whatever materials they wanted. But this was launched on April 22 – deep into quarantine for many, so the idea was to only use supplies that were on hand. The Gala would have been May 4, so turn-around
time for the challenge was quick. Zoe modeled her look after Ariana Grande’s Sistine Chapel dress by Vera Wang – a strapless ballgown with fabric covered in painterly figures including cherubs. “I’m a bit of a fabric/craft supply aficionado, so I had a lot to choose from for this project, Zoe said. “Miraculously, I managed to put together this dress, along with the underskirt, in about four to five very intense days,” she said. “I was managing classwork on top of it, so most of the work was saved for nights and afternoons. I drafted out a very detailed timeline for myself, but like all projects it took much longer than expected. I had to pull an all-nighter the last day in order to get it all done.” Zoe said she is primarily self-taught in garment construction and design after learning to sew around age 5 from her mom and attending a fashion-focused summer camp at the School of the Art Institute in middle school. For her #MetGalaChallenge dress, she used a ‘70s wedding dress pattern and combined fabrics, including canvas, tulle, lightweight cotton and organza. She was innovative with supplies. “The interior structure of the bodice got a little tricky material-wise,” Zoe said. “I ran out of boning that was needed to support the strapless bodice, so I used zip-ties instead.” While the Arianna Grande Dress had Michelangelo inspired art, Zoe looked to other artists for inspiration -- Warhol and Matisse -- two artists she loves for “their simplistic, gestural illustrations.” “I’m someone who tends to overcomplicate and add excessive detail to things, so this really served as a breath of fresh air.” For painting the canvas sections of the dress, Zoe carefully mixed acrylic paints to achieve the colors she wanted. Mixing
Courtesy Christos Haralambidis
DRESS FOR SUCCESS: Oak Parker Zoe Haralambidis, who was recognized by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, wearing the dress she designed and painted while in quarantine for the #MetGalaChallenge. the acrylics with fabric medium presented other challenges. “In order to economize materials, I used less fabric medium than recommended, which made the fabric very rigid,” she said. “The fabric I painted the skirt on was a stiff canvas already, making it difficult to drape the skirt the way I wanted.” After receiving hundreds of submissions, The Met selected their 14 favorite designs. Zoe and her dress were selected and she was featured on the art museum’s Blog and social pages. This was not the first time Zoe has gained recognition from an art museum. This time last year she showed her first fashion collection, Distorted Girlhood, at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Chicago, as part of 21Minus. And, in conjunction with Virgil Abloh’s “Figures of Speech” exhibit,
the MCA launched a youth design contest. Five designs were selected and Zoe’s coat, made partially from an Ikea bag, was among them. As much a statement as a garment, the finished product, Problems Coat, was worthy of a spot in the exhibit. “Facebook produced videos chronicling our design processes that were displayed in front of the museum exhibit,” she said. In Zoe’s video, she explains one aspect of the coat design is to address the changing list of problems one deals with every day. She added removable sticky notes with problems on them that can be adhered to the coat. In displaying the notes, the wearer could avoid others questioning their “bad mood” or “sour face” because they could consult the list of problems instead. “What fascinates me so much about fashion is that it is so intertwined with culture,”
Arts Council boosts artists with COVID grant from Community Foundation Some much-needed good news came to 30 area arts organizations last week when Oak Park Area Arts Council (OPAAC) distributed funds from a $20,000 grant awarded through the Rapid Response and Recovery Fund set up by the Community Foundation of Oak Park and River Forest. The funds were distributed based on parameters predetermined by the OPAAC Board Grant Review Panel. Camille Wilson White, executive director of the Arts Council, said the receiving organizations were not expecting these funds and were surprised and happy. These organizations also receive grant money from the Village of Oak Park and the Illinois Arts Council, distributed through OPAAC. The local arts community has been hit
hard during quarantine due to COVID-19. Art galleries and local museums are closed, and performance venues are shuttered. Several arts-focused classes and a handful of events have gone virtual, and some fundraising efforts have too, but the income from these does not match what it had been prior to shut down. “It really is an honor to receive the Rapid Response Recovery funds and to be able to help the arts community during this crisis,” said Wilson White. The organizations which received Rapid Recovery Relief Funds grant money are Choreospace, Church of Beethoven, Chicago West Community Music Center, Chicago a cappella, Dominican University Performing Arts Center, Ernest Hemingway Foun-
dation, Expressions Graphics, Forest Park Arts Alliance, Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, Habakkuk Theater, Handel Week, Heritage Chorale, Historical Society of Oak Park River Forest, Illinois Storytelling Inc., Michael Teolis Singers, MOMENTA, Oak Park Education Foundation, Oak Park Art League, Oak Park Concert Chorale, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Open Door Repertory Company, Oriana Singers, PING!, Pleasant Home, Pro Musica, Speculative Literature Foundation, The Symphony of Oak Park River Forest, Unity Temple Restoration Foundation, Winifred Haun & Dancers and Wonder Works Children’s Museum.
Summer art projects cancelled While OPAAC applies for, manages and
distributes grants, it also runs art programs of its own. Two of those are on hold this summer, also fallout from COVID-19. Off the Wall and Mini Murals are both cancelled. Cutting these two programs, along with postponing public art repair and Oak Park Arts District sign beautification will save the Village of Oak Park a proposed $63,000. “It tears at my heart to see people getting sick and dying,” Wilson White said. “I am going to do my part to keep our artists safe and I feel strongly about the safety for the people of the village. I want peace of mind that no one is going to get sick while we’re creating something beautiful for the village.”
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
11
Oak Park Avenue eateries finally get patio
Oak Park Brewing, George’s welcome back customers By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor
When Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Illinois restaurants were allowed to open for patio dining on May 29, George’s Family Restaurant and Oak Park Brewing were ready to hit the ground running, but it took two weeks for the Oak Park restaurants to open for outdoor dining. Unlike other areas in the village, restaurants located on the 100 block of South Oak Park Avenue either have no patios or have skinny patios that do not meet the current spacing requirements without street closures to aid in creating extra space. Restaurant owners were responsible for submitting layout drawings and a written patio space proposal to village staff for consideration. Proposed plans included the use of barricades to block off parking spaces on Oak Park Avenue to create an outdoor dining venue. “It is hard to understand how vital this is to our survival,” said Jim Cozzens, Oak Park Brewing owner. While approval time has been rapid for outdoor patio plans in the village, the threat of overtime for village public works staff, barricade shortages, and recent storm damage delayed the process for Oak Park Av-
Courtesy Lourdes Nicholls
AL FRESCO + BARRICADES + MASKS: George Konstantos of George’s Restaurant welcomes village’s installation of barricades allowing him to open for outdoor dining. enue specifically. Tammie Grossman, director of Development Customer Services at village hall, said the village had worked out an agreement with nearby Oak Park Township to utilize their parking lot as an outdoor dining location. Agreements were signed and dining could have commenced on Friday, June 5. “We knew it was going to take a little bit of time –that’s why we worked with the township to get the use of the parking lot,” said Grossman. “We were trying to offer an
alternative while we worked through this. The restaurants did not think the alternative was going to work.” The village did not have budget authority to acquire additional barricades. An agenda item for the June 15 board meeting includes a $25,000 proposed budget amendment for the rental of additional jersey walls to help facilitate outdoor dining in the village. “It took us a while to get it set up,” said Grossman. “Everyone is requesting barricades and we have a major construction
project going on, a pandemic, and protests— so we are moving as quickly as we can.” Restaurants opted not to utilize the parking lot option and barricades finally began arriving on Thursday June 12 to create patio dining options for George’s and Oak Park Brewing, but not before business owners had to call for help. “It took some trustee intervention to get this done,” said Cozzens. “We had to get Deno Andrews to speak up for us.” Cozzens knows few industries have been hit harder by COVID-19 than the restaurant industry. For Oak Park Brewing, getting outdoor seating was quite possibly the difference between closing forever or surviving. “These businesses have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars, make our community vibrant and employ numerous wonderful people,” said Village Trustee Deno Andrews. “Helping to give these businesses some tools they need to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic was my motivation to help secure outdoor seating.” Johnny Konstantos of George’s Family Restaurant acknowledged both Deno Andrews and Trustee Simone Boutet advocated for his diner’s patio, but also knows Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb and Tammie Grossman worked to find a solution. “It was a struggle, but in the end, they got it done -- it would have been catastrophic without it.” said Konstantos. “It is great he [Andrews] cared enough to help. We’ve had so much support. George’s isn’t going anywhere. “
Food pantry has a critical need for canned goods
Beyond Hunger calls on the community to help stock their shelves By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor
Beyond Hunger, known for leveraging monetary donations to purchase large quantities of food at discounted rates, is now calling on the community to donate canned goods to stock their food pantry. “The food supply chain is just wacky right now,” said Michelle Zurakowski, executive director of Beyond Hunger. “We have plenty of fresh produce and rescue product — just cans are in short supply.” Beyond Hunger is calling on the community to donate canned meats (chicken and tuna), canned meat meals (ravioli and pasta rings), canned vegetables, canned beans, and canned soups. While the pantry appreciates donations of canned fruit it is not as critically needed as the other items listed. Food panty staff speculate early hoarding of canned goods during the pandemic may have contributed to the shortage. Disruption in the supply chain and delivery delays have made accessing non-perishable items challenging during COVID-19. Beyond Hunger is limited by availability and demand for food bank services have grown exponentially.
Beyond Hunger staff foresee the need for pantry services continuing to rise in the coming weeks and months. Emergency increases in SNAP benefits implemented in response to COVID-19 are set to expire at the end of the month. Additionally, pop-up food distribution events hosted by Austin Coming Together on the West Side are scheduled to conclude on June 18. “We are seeing high increases in first time visitors to the pantry and we are facing shortages,” said Sarah Corbin, Beyond Hunger communication director. “Our pantry manager Ricardo [Garcia] actually had to go shopping from store-to-store to purchase items we were not able to keep in stock.” After putting out a call for help in the community a steady stream of donors dropped off 2,003 pounds of food last Friday bringing the week’s total to 7,002 pounds of donated canned goods. And the pantry still needs more help filling their shelves. If you are interested in pitching in, canned good contributions are being accepted Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Donations are not accepted on Wednesdays to allow staff and volunteers to focus on serving pantry clients. Beyond Hunger is located in the basement of First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St. When arriving to donate canned goods, enter the parking lot in the rear of the church off Kenilworth Avenue. Look for the open drop off window—a basement window in the school on the east side of
Courtesy Melissa Elsmo
BARE SHELVES: With food supplies disrupted, Beyond Hunger needs canned goods right now. Monnette Bariel and a volunteer accept donations through an open window at First United’s parking lot on Kenilworth. the lot. Additionally, Beyond Hunger has an Amazon Smile wish list supporters can use to purchase needed items for the pantry. “What a wonderful community we have,” said Corbin. “We are working to provide all the nutritious foods pantry clients need and want.”
12
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Words to Live By TRUSTWORTHY
CHEERFUL FRIENDLY REVERENT
COURTEOUS
CLEAN
LOYAL
BRAVE
HELPFUL
KIND
THRIFTY
OBEDIENT Join Troop 28
Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School 325 S. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 meets Thursdays, 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Call Tom Nelson 708-456-0730 between 10:00am - 4:00pm
Father’s Day Sale! 4 -$10 LUSTRE wash for $31 4 - $8 ULTIMATE wash for $23 4 - $7 DELUXE wash for $19
ENDS 6/21/20!
UNDERCARRIAGE SPRAY ON ALL WASHES!!
The Difference is TOUCHLESS! This is the ONLY TOUCHLESS Car Wash in Town! Durashield Total Body Surface Protectant on the Lustre Wash!
Spotless Carwash • 7802 Madison St. & 7343 Roosevelt in Forest Park 708-771-2945 • We Accept All Major Credit Cards
You can purchase tokens from an attendant weekdays from Noon to 5pm or Sat. & Sun. 9-11am & 11:30-4pm. OR YOU CAN BUY THEM ONLINE AT:
spotlessautowash.com
WASH HOURS: 7AM THRU 10PM DAILY!
Lumar family lauds protests, but dialogue opens wounds
Lawsuit against police, sheriff’s department continues By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER Contributing Reporter
Two years before the May 25 police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, about 150 people gathered in Scoville Park in remembrance of another black man who lost his life following an encounter with law enforcement. Now the family and friends of Tyler Lumar, a former OPRF student who died while in custody, are renewing their effort to raise awareness about the events that led to his death and what they say is the culpability of Chicago police and the Cook County Sheriff ’s Department. As of Monday, June 15, more than 27,000 people had signed a Change.org petition [https://www.change.org/p/black-livesmatter-justice-for-tyler-lumar] titled “Justice for Tyler Lumar” that recounts the allegations made in the lawsuit. Lumar was 22 years old when he was taken into custody by Chicago police in 2016 over an arrest warrant out of Lee County for a missed $25 payment on an unpaid parking ticket. That late payment, which was delinquent by a total of five days, had already been resolved prior to the arrest. Although the outdated warrant should have been dropped, Lumar was taken to Cook County Jail and illegally denied the ability to bond out for $50, according to the lawsuit. He was later accused of being in possession of crack cocaine, which his lawyer and family say video surveillance shows was dropped near Lumar while he was in custody. Lumar allegedly attempted to take his own life unsuccessfully in his jail cell and then spent more than a year and a half on life support before dying in April 2018 as a result of his injuries. The image on the petition website features a montage of Lumar and his daughter Savannah, who was five years old when her father died. Now seven, Savannah Lumar is seen in the center photo holding a sign that states: “Stop killing our dads.” Savannah’s mother, Casey Tencate, 26, admitted that she still hasn’t revealed to Savannah much of what happened to her father. The words on the sign Savannah holds in the photo were added in digitally, Tencate said. “She does know what is going on in the world,” Tencate said in a telephone interview, noting that her daughter realizes that George Floyd was killed by police. “But she doesn’t really know what happened with her dad.”
Tencate said she is happy to see that theprotests appear to be bringing about positive change, but the last few weeks have been emotionally difficult. “It’s been overwhelming at times constantly talking about it and constantly seeing it,” she said. Lumar’s mother, Lisa Alcorn, shared a similar sentiment, noting that she now suffers from severe bouts of anxiety. “I want to say, ‘We’re OK, but we’re not OK; it feels like it was yesterday,” she said, adding that the news of Floyd’s death and subsequent protests “opens up our wounds more.” While the news of Floyd’s death and widespread demonstrations continue to dominate the national conversation, the U.S. Supreme Court is one venue where the debate over police brutality will not continue — at least for the time being. On June 15, the court announced that it will not reexamine the doctrine of qualified immunity. Qualified immunity “protects government officials from liability for civil damages insofar as their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known,’” according to a 2018 ruling by Judge Virginia M. Kendall in the Lumar case. The defense argued that police held Lumar because the warrant was from another county, and a general administrative order required that he be held. But the judge agreed with the plaintiff in 2018, stating that Lumar was not detained on the administrative order but rather a falsified arrest report that said bond information was “not available.” “Here, it has been clearly established that it was unconstitutional for the officers to continue to detain Lumar without probable cause and based on a falsified arrest report,” Kendall wrote. While qualified immunity might be a moot point — at least temporarily — in the Lumar case and in the Supreme Court, it could remain under consideration at the legislative level. A bill proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Justin Amash (I-Michigan) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) has also brought greater awareness to the issue. “Qualified immunity protects police and other officials from consequences even for horrific rights abuses,” Amash said in a recent press statement. “It prevents accountability for the ‘bad apples’ and undermines the public’s faith in law enforcement. It’s at odds with the text of the law and the intent of Congress, and it ultimately leaves Americans’ rights without appropriate protection.”
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
13
Petitioners make waves to reopen pools
Park district sticks by closure citing health, high costs By JAMES KAY Staff Writer
As time is running out for there to be a summer swim season, over 700 people have signed a petition asking the Park District of Oak Park to open Ridgeland and Rehm pools this summer. The goal of the petition is to open the pool in a limited capacity where lap swimming, aquatic therapy and club team swim practices can take place. The park district citing concerns over COVID-19 safety and the cost of operating on a limited attendance basis is sticking with its decision to cancel the full season. “We are not suggesting [the park district] open up the pools without any restrictions,” said one of the lead organizers, John Nicholls III. “But we have an Olympic-sized pool that we aren’t utilizing right now. We are still under Phase 3 of [Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s] plan, so there’s no groups of 10 or more people. We could have multiple groups of 10 that are spaced out 30 feet apart on deck. Spacing out the chairs and other things within the facility but there’s got to be a way to figure this out and be responsible about it.” On May 28, Jan Arnold, executive director of the park district, announced the pools would not open due to COVID-19 safety concerns. This was before the Illinois Department of Public Health released its swimming facility guidelines on June 5. The second paragraph of the guidelines state, “During Phase 3, swimming facili-
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
HIGH AND DRY: The pool at Rehm Park remains empty. No water, no swimmers as park district cancels season due to COVID-19. ties licensed by IDPH are not to be opened except for lap swimming, diving, swimming lessons, swim team practices, and therapy pool use. Water parks and bathing beaches are not to be opened in Phase 3.” The petitioners are arguing that, since there is new information coming from the state, there should be another discussion around whether the pools should remain closed. “Look, I am someone with an autoimmune disorder,” said Renee Burnett, who signed the petition. “When I get sick, it takes me a long time to get better, and I still support reopening the pools. We have more information now and Phase 4 is coming up on June 26 as well. We could have adult swims and schedule it so that there’s not too many people. I would even wear a mask in the pool!” Another group dealing with the ramifica-
tions of the pool not opening this summer are the club swim teams in the area. Academy Bullets, TOPS and Team Millennium all have swimmers who are looking to find space to get back into swim shape. Team Millennium is composed mostly of swimmers from Oak Park and River Forest which makes Rehm and Ridgeland pools a prime location for the group to meet due to its accessibility. Since the local pools are closed at the moment, the team is looking to find space to practice (Oak Lawn being one of the options). However, since Oak Lawn is approximately 25 miles away from Oak Park, the swimmers would have to find a way to make the trek out there. Team Millennium’s head coach, Kathy Rigali, believes there is a way to make this happen.
“During our normal practices, we don’t have more than eight or 10 swimmers in the lane and under [the IDPH’s swim facility guidelines], we would be way under that,” said Rigali. “No one is suggesting that things go back to normal but there are pools that are opening and being maintained.” Arnold responded to issues raised in the petition in an email to Wednesday Journal. “While the CDC has indicated that pool water with properly maintained chemicals levels will likely kill the coronavirus, it is the other areas of the pool that cause us concern regarding virus transmission,” she said in an email to the Journal on June 15. “Even with enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, there are few guarantees. Finally, the safety of our lifeguard staff is of utmost concern. Unlike many other park district staff, their positions as life savers, put them frequently in close proximity to other staff, patrons and bodily fluids during rescues. This proximity cannot be avoided and puts staff in direct contact with a patrons’ breath and/or bodily fluids when making a rescue.” In the email, Arnold said that even under Phase Four, which restricts gatherings of over 50 people, the park district sells over 9,500 pool passes and has over 100,00 visitors per season. Financially, it would become more difficult to create revenue if certain restrictions were to be implemented. “Ultimately the decision to close the pools came down to the health and safety of our patrons and our staff,” said Arnold. “We cannot, in good conscience, ask our staff to keep pool users safe when we cannot ensure their safety. Staff looks forward to bringing the pools back to full use for our community in 2021.”
COVID clobbers Visit Oak Park
Reduced travel, overnight stays equal less money for Visit Oak Park By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
Visit Oak Park, the local tourism bureau for Oak Park and 19 neighboring communities, will bring in less than half the revenue expected from Oak Park’s hotel/motel tax during 2020, due to COVID-19. The tax is predicted to raise only $100,000 this fiscal year, instead of the $222,000 forecast in the original village budget adopted Dec. 2. Visit Oak Park is jointly funded by the village of Oak Park’s hotel/motel tax and the state of Illinois. “The village’s hotel/motel tax gives Visit Oak Park access to our state funding,” said Eric C. Wagner, the organization’s CEO.
“As part of our funding formula, every $1 from the village’s hotel/motel tax brings in $2 from the state of Illinois for Visit Oak Park.” Specifically, from the state’s hotel/ motel tax. While Oak Park features prominently in its name, Visit Oak Park is the convention and visitor bureau for western Cook County, serving 19 other communities in addition to Oak Park. “As part of our contract with the village, Visit Oak Park receives the village’s hotel/ motel tax and the name of our bureau is ‘Visit Oak Park,’” said Wagner. In response to the economic crisis related to the virus, village staff recommended the village give Visit Oak Park only the actual amount of revenue generated from the hotel/motel tax, and no additional funding to cover the loss of the $122,000, as directed in the amended budget. “There’s a recognition on the village’s part that the village is going to have a de-
crease in the hotel tax because of the pandemic,” Wagner said. With COVID-19 greatly reducing travel, the hotel/motel tax will generate much lower revenue, translating into smaller funding contributions from the state for this year. “The state of Illinois is saying they’re probably going to have to cut our funding as well between 40 and 50 percent,” said Wagner. “It’s having unprecedented consequences for state and local governments, and in particular, the tourism industry,” said Wagner. “It’s a really catastrophic event we’re going through right now.” The decrease in funding led to the cancelation of many marketing and advertising campaigns that Visit Oak Park had planned to launch this spring. “We had a whole bunch of digital marketing campaigns we were working on. We also had a new TV commercial campaign we were going to do with Comcast to promote
our architecture – a lot of that we’re going to be unable to do,” Wagner said. Visit Oak Park was also prevented from unveiling its new travel itinerary called “Oak Park Craft Beer Trail.” Back in March when COVID-19 hit Illinois, the state requested tourism bureaus to stop spending on marketing and advertising since people weren’t traveling. “We were not actually permitted to spend money on marketing and advertising through the pandemic because it just didn’t make sense,” Wagner said. Shortly after, the state directed tourism bureaus to return funding given by the state to preserve funding for 2021. “They asked us to return all of our funding except essential expenses – like rent, utilities, things like that,” said Wagner. Essential expenses also include payroll. Visit Oak Park works primarily with contractors, so the bureau didn’t have to lay off any staff, according to Wagner.
14
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Black lawmakers demand more investment State officials calling for $1B investment, police reform in wake of George Floyd death By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
Black lawmakers from various levels of government are demanding more investment in black communities in the wake of George Floyd’s death on May 25. Floyd died at the knee of Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, as three other officers looked on. “I’m tired of taking crumbs,” said state Sen. Kimberly Lightford (4th), who represents parts of Oak Park and River Forest, during a gathering of elected officials in front of the Fred Hampton Aquatic Center in nearby Maywood on June 7. Gov. J.B. Pritzker also attended the gathering and was standing a few feet away from Lightford. “Governor, we need a slice!” she said. State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (7th), whose district includes part of River Forest, said that slice includes “real police accountability” and for $1 billion to be invested “in every black community.” The gathering was organized by Welch, Lightford and First District Cook County Commissioner and Austin resident Brandon Johnson, with a few dozen other black elected officials in attendance, including Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, who also lives in Maywood, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton
was also in attendance. Harmon said that he’s also been in conThe Maywood gathering was one of at versation with Attorney General Kwame least four different gatherings of black electRaoul on police reform measures. ed officials in black communities across the “I worked with the Attorney General on Chicago area. some of these issues while he was in the Lightford, the first African American Senate and I’ve talked to him since then,” female Senate Majority Leader in state hisHarmon said. “I think there are real retory, was brought to tears talking about how forms we can take, particularly the pracher political career started as a 27-year-old tice of district-hopping. That’s when an Maywood trustee whose fight to rehab the officer gets in trouble in one district and Fred Hampton Pool got her labeled “the anmoves to the next one without consequencgry black woman, because I was fighting for es. So I’m working with Sen. Lightford what was right for my community,” she said. [and other senators] to make sure we give “And I have been that angry black woman voice to that in the Senate.” State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly (78th) said that for 21 years and I’m not going to stop!” Lt. Gov. Stratton channeled the suffering STATE SEN. KIMBERLY LIGHTFORD she and her black colleagues in the House will “make sure that black issues are adof George Floyd while she outlined the cendressed” and will “educate and learn from turies-old battle for equality among blacks. “Every single system in this country has been built with each other about opportunities to make sure that black lives racism at its core,” Stratton said, adding that blacks don’t matter.” During his brief remarks at the June 7 event, Pritzker want any more “knees on our neck” and “we deserve to said that there is “no justice without police accountability,” breathe.” In an interview moments after the June 7 rally ended, Sen- criminal justice reform and without “making significant inate President Don Harmon (39th), said he thought the black vestments in our black communities.” Commissioner Johnson told those gathered to continue elected officials’ demands were “entirely reasonable.” “I asked the federal government for $1 billion to invest their protests (“don’t end your protests, don’t end your in the healthcare disparity system early in the year,” Har- rage”), before saying that Pritzker and Stratton have made mon said. “I got flak, but I’m proud of asking for it and even commitments to black elected officials from across the state more so now, because it revealed the systemic differences in to have listening sessions, “so that we can develop policies healthcare depending on who you are and what color your that will transform lives.” skin is. I’ll stand by that request and double down on it.”
C R I M E
Shell, 6129 North Ave., was robbed at 3:49 a.m., June 6, after a man walked into the gas station, implied he had a weapon and demanded money from the register. The man fled northbound on Melvina Avenue with about $40 in cash.
Burglary ■ Someone broke into a storage unit and removed an air conditioning unit, a large burgundy bed comforter and the lock to the storage unit between 12 p.m., Oct. 1 and 10:30 a.m., June 6, in the first block of North Austin Boulevard. The estimated loss is $429. ■ Someone forced in the door of a storage unit and took a black Hardrock mountain bicycle between midnight, May 18 and 5:30 p.m., June 1, in the 200 block of South Maple Avenue. The estimated loss is $900.
Theft ■ The catalytic converter was cut from a Honda CRV parked in a parking lot in the 100 block of North Austin Boulevard between 10:30 a.m., May 3 and 12:27 p.m., June 5. The estimated loss is $1,000. ■ Someone removed a FedEx package containing a microphone, microphone stand
Man robs Shell gas station
and headphones from the locked lobby of a residence in the first block of Harvard Street between 2:47 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., June 6. The estimated loss is $360. ■ Two packages containing two sets of household towels and three medications were taken from a front porch in the 700 block of Hayes Avenue, between 5 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., June 10. The estimated loss is $130. ■ The catalytic converter was cut from a vehicle parked in the 100 block of South Humphrey Avenue between 11:30 p.m., June 10 and 8 a.m., June 11. The estimated loss is unknown. ■ Another catalytic converter was cut from a vehicle parked in the 900 block of North Humphrey Avenue between 2:30 p.m., June 8 and 2 p.m., June 11. The estimated loss is $300. ■ Someone took an Amazon package containing deodorant, magnets, tape and a broom from the foyer of a residence in the first block of Washington Boulevard between 3:12 p.m. and 3:40 p.m., June 11. The estimated loss is $75. ■ Someone broke the bike lock and took a blue/gray women’s Trek 1100 15-speed bicycle from a gangway in the 400 block of North Austin Boulevard between 10 p.m., June 10
and 7:30 a.m., June 22. The estimated loss is $600. ■ The catalytic converter was cut from a green 2000 Honda Odyssey parked in the 800 block of Lyman Avenue at 4:30 a.m., June 13. The estimated loss is $3,000. ■ Part of the catalytic converter was cut from a black 2003 Oldsmobile Alero parked in the 600 block of Highland Avenue between 7 p.m., June 12 and 9 a.m., June 13. The estimated loss is $15.
Public indecency
A Forest Park resident witnessed a man expose his penis and begin masturbating between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., June 8, in the 900 block of Home Avenue; the man fled northbound on Home Avenue. Police reports describe the man as being black, between 20 to 30 years old and 5-feet-6-inches tall, wearing a black hooded jacket and baggy sweatpants with tennis shoes.
Criminal damage to property
■ Someone damaged garden at Whittier Elementary School, 715 N. Harvey Ave., by cracking seven red brick pavers, partially tearing off the top of the garden shed and cracking the wooden garden trellis, between
4 p.m., June 5 and 7 p.m., June 6. The estimated damage is unknown. ■ *omeone shattered a building window after throwing a landscaping concrete paver through it in the 500 block of North Ridgeland Avenue, between 6 p.m., June 9 and 1:35 p.m., June 11. The estimated damage is $1,000. ■ Someone damaged the bumper, headlight, hood, side mirror and rear door to a Kia Seltos at 10:40 p.m., June 14 in the 200 block of Washington Boulevard. The estimated damage is unknown. These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports June 5-15 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.
Compiled by Stacey Sheridan
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
OPRF hoops loses another top college prospect Josh Smith, family moving to California By JAMES KAY Sports Editor
Oak Park and River Forest High School boys basketball player and NCAA Division I prospect Josh Smith has informed Wednesday Journal that he is transferring to Culver City High School in California for his senior season. Smith averaged 18 points per game in the 2019-20 campaign, which tied for the highest mark on the team with Isaiah Barnes. Since his father works as a TV writer in Hollywood, Smith and his family have been split between California and Illinois since his freshman year. The move to Culver City brings them together full time as Smith builds his prospect profile. “People say it’s bad to transfer your senior year, but I am betting on myself,” said Smith in an interview with Wednesday Journal on June 13. “I wanted my family to be together my senior year and [Culver City] is a great program. I know the coach and the playing
style will be different but I feel like I can adjust since I like to play fast.” Head coach at Culver City, Roy Walker Jr., had high praises for his new high-volume scorer in the backcourt. “Josh is a strong-minded kid,” said Walker Jr. during a phone call with the Journal on Saturday. “He has confidence in his abilities, and I feel like he understands what he can be. He’s already very talented and knows he has a long way to go, but he is a competitor. I think he is a high-level Division I player that has to be put on the right stage to showcase that. There’s a lot of excitement on my end.” Smith is the second Division I prospect to move on from OPRF since the end of last season. Barnes, who played with Smith on the club team Illinois Wolves, announced on May 21 that he would be transferring to Simeon High School in Chicago after two years at OPRF. The program is also searching for its next head coach after Matt Maloney, who was OPRF’s head coach for 12 years, stepped down from the position on May 6. With the loss of Smith, the Huskies have lost four of their starters from last season.
Hiring Online Account Reps • Training included • Generous compensation • Car Bonus plan • Flexible hours w/option to work from home office
File photo
GOING BACK TO CALI: Josh Smith will not be studying at OPRF for his senior year.
Call Claudia Eichelberger for a phone interview. 815-739-8294
Happy 75th Birthday, Bruce! I honor your 3/4 of a Century in the infamous year of 2020! Sending love from NYC, Ray
15
16
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Nonprofits navigate online fundraising during pandemic ‘We are definitely looking at things differently’ By JAMES KAY Staff Writer
From closing their offices to transitioning to constant video conference meetings, local nonprofits have had to adjust on the fly during the COVID-19 quarantine. These social services have also suffered with the devastating loss of public fundraising events. However, with financial instability comes the opportunity to try out new methods of creating revenue. Some of the nonprofits in our area have maneuvered in ways they haven’t needed to before the pandemic and based on initial successes might carry on some of those practices post-COVID-19. The question now stands: after seeing how effective online fundraising can be with virtually no cost, will nonprofits pivot to creating revenue through the forces of the internet? The answer is complicated due to the unprecedented circumstances we are operating under with the coronavirus pandemic. But the topic is on the table. Kira Robson, executive director at Animal
Care League, hinted on May 12 that due to the success ACL had online through adoptions and donations that there are certain aspects of online fundraising that ACL might keep post-pandemic. “We are definitely looking at things differently,” said Robson in an interview with Wednesday Journal on May 9. “It’s interesting how [the coronavirus pandemic] pushed all of us into the future in some ways. We saw donations flood in like we haven’t seen before and the traffic on our website is through the roof right now.” Not every organization in the area has had to rely on online donations. Sarah’s Inn, a nonprofit dedicated to help fight domestic violence, has raised over $50,000 in general donations during a time where it saw the number of people calling in for help increase by 20 to 25 percent. However, Sarah’s Inn executive director, Carol Gall, doesn’t think the pandemic had an impact on the nonprofit’s online fundraising numbers since it has been adapting to fit the modern mold of handling online donations in recent years. “Over the last few years, we have relied on online fundraising more and more,” said Gall. “We live in a world now that emphasizes technology so it’s natural that we have
gone that route. “But I think what people really appreciated in particular in the health crisis was the opportunity for things to be easy for them to be able to say, ‘OK, I know that this organization needs something and I can make a donation online that’s gonna help them get that need met.’” Places like Madison Street Theater, which has only had nonprofit status for close to a year, have been hurt by the global outbreak of COVID-19 as they try to build a bigger connection with the community. The timing of the pandemic couldn’t have come at a worse time. Madison Street Theater was about to hold its first fundraiser on March 12 when it had to cancel it due to safety concerns. “The timing was definitely unfortunate since this was going to be our first fundraiser as a new board,” said Kara Keller, a board member. “We immediately had to find a way to pivot. Ovation [Academy] really helped out by creating online classes and gatherings that have helped make things work.” Madison Street Theater didn’t disclose how much money it has raised but it’s trying to focus on how to build up its online fundraising presence. It is renting out its space while also trying to fund a capital im-
provement project after missing out on the first round of PPP. “Right now, we are working behind the scenes to make our donation page look more robust,” said Keller. “We have some capital improvement needs that are immediate, and so how we approach the public, whether it’s allowing people to donate specific items for the space or saying that your contribution will go to these specific things, is a work in progress. We feel like we have hit the ground running.” Technology can only supplement face-toface connection to a certain extent. For the Day Nursery, which has served families in the area since 1912, having to use Zoom video conferencing to communicate with the children and trying to find ways to fundraise has been difficult. “The dynamic has changed since each classroom has its own way of communicating,” said Cari Christoff, executive director. “Teachers are working full time remotely, providing resources and activities through Zoom with 10 or 12 five-year-olds.” At the beginning of the pandemic, the nursery held a virtual fundraising event that raised $20,000 which two donors matched.
Proposed OPRF de-tracking referenda withdrawn By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter
A group of Oak Park and River Forest residents seeking to put Oak Park and River Forest High School’s planned freshman curriculum restructuring on the November ballot as a non-binding advisory referendum question has scrapped the effort. The group, called Equity and Excellence in Education (the E3 Group), cited the recent wave of protests and unrest over a series of police-involved fatalities involving African Americans as one of the reasons they decided to withdraw the proposed referendum. “In the wake of the tragic killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, among others, and in light of the nationwide movement spotlighting systemic racism and inequities in the justice system, fostering debate on what specifically is the best course of action to reduce the opportunity and achievement gaps at this time may end up causing further pain and trauma within the community,” the group explained in a June 12 statement. The District 200 administration announced the proposed freshman curriculum changes in August 2019. The changes would eliminate the district’s longtime practice of separating incoming freshmen into different academic tracks like honors, where students are disproportionately white, and college prep, where students are disproportionately black. Instead, administrators explained in a statement released at the time, all incoming freshmen at OPRF will “be given the chance to earn honors credit through one, high-level, rigorous curriculum” in English, science, history and world language. The announcement of the curriculum change, which is
designed to help eliminate the fact that race has historically been a determining factor in academic outcomes and student experiences at OPRF, prompted significant backlash among residents. Critics of the move, which is popularly referred to as detracking, said that it was being done without a rigorous evaluation of whether or not it might succeed. During a series of public meetings about the proposed curriculum change held over the last year, some residents said they felt blindsided by the administration’s announcement, even though administrators announced the proposed changes years in advance of implementing them. In its statement, the E3 Group said it “believes the proposed curriculum change needs study and sponsored the question to provide a catalyst for public debate and an opportunity for community-wide input. “The E3 Group promotes the excellent and equitable education of all students in District 200, regardless of race, and is concerned the change proposed by District 200 would dilute the rigor of the overall curriculum and reduce every student’s chance to pursue their educational potential.” When reached by phone on Monday afternoon, Steve Lefko, an E3 Group administrator who ran unsuccessfully for District 90 school board last year, declined to comment beyond what was in the group’s joint statement. When asked whether or not the referenda could possibly be revisited ahead of another election, Lefko said, “I don’t know at this point.” Susan Conti, a former River Forest clerk and trustee, is listed as an outreach leader for the E3 Group, which “is an ad hoc community group of Oak Park and River Forest, IL residents [that] grew out of concern over significant changes in education, especially in curriculum and instruction,”
the group’s website states. The referendum would have asked: “Shall Oak Park and River Forest High School eliminate separate, standalone, freshman honors courses in English, history and science?” The E3 Group said the non-binding advisory question was submitted to the Oak Park and River Forest township boards in January and was originally scheduled to be discussed at a River Forest Township board meeting on April 14. Due to COVID-19, the meeting was rescheduled to June 16, but that has since been cancelled. In addition, the Oak Park Township board has not yet rescheduled its meeting before Aug. 3, which is the deadline for filing petitions for advisory referenda to appear on the ballot in the Nov. 3, 2020 general election, according to the Cook County Clerk’s office. When D200 administrators announced the curriculum changes last August, they said that they would take effect in the 2021-22 school year and that they could be implemented without a board vote. Since then, administrators have said that a board vote on the changes will be taken and that the implementation date has shifted to the fall of 2022. It’s possible that a final board vote on the curriculum changes could be after the 2021 school board election, when the terms of four of the board’s seven members will be up, making it possible that a new board majority more hostile to the proposed changes might roll them back or even undo them completely. During a protest against racism on Sunday, River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci spoke briefly on the withdrawn ballot question. “I don’t know what the referendum indicated, but I know that the schools work hard at ensuring equity for all,” she said, adding that “certainly we shouldn’t do anything that removes that or takes us back.”
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
17
Oak Park starts divvying up CDBG money Board also passes amended budget for fiscal year 2020
$400,000 of the funding to provide rental, mortgage and/or utility assistance for people affected by the pandemic. “Staff has been working very closely with Housing Forward as they developed this By STACEY SHERIDAN proposal,” said Tammie Grossman, DevelStaff Reporter opment Customer Services director. Grossman said this has been a topic of During its June 15 meeting, the Oak Park conversation for the last several weeks withVillage Board made headway regarding in the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition, of distribution plans for the $980,107 payout which she is a steering committee member. Oak Park will receive from the Communi“We’re excited to give Housing Forward ty Development Block Grant Coronavirus this additional funding to help households Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CDBG in need,” she said. CARES) Act through the U.S. Housing Forward would not Department of Housing and use the $400,000 to provide isoUrban Development (HUD). lated shelter for people experiThe funding helps grant encing homelessness. recipients, like the village of “They’re applying for FEMA Oak Park, to prevent, prepare assistance, emergency solufor and respond to COVID-19, tion grant dollars from the as well as enabling assistance state of Illinois, as well as to eligible people whose finansome other homelessness precial state the disease has negavention funds for the actual tively impacted. hotels,” she added. “These funds are specifiThe $400,000, Grossman cally allocated to assist indiexplained, would be used to ANAN ABU-TALEB viduals who are low- to modeither move individuals from erate-income,” said Village hotels to apartments, paying Manager Cara Pavlicek. for a three-month period, or help people at Of the almost $1 million, the village risk of being homeless. board voted unanimously to approve an ap“Housing Forward has been a terrific asplication made by Housing Forward to use set to the village of Oak Park,” said Mayor
SPECIAL ED
Anxiety abounds from page 1 time and that actually makes it even more difficult sometimes,” she said. “I’m a teacher. It should be easier for me, but it doesn’t feel like it.” Munirah, the mother of a District 97 student with Down syndrome, said in May that for her, e-learning has also meant the physical absence of an array of professional support services. She said her son needs occupational therapy to navigate the computer keyboard and to write his assignments, physical therapy to build the core strength to sit in a chair during school, and speech therapy to communicate, among other services. More e-learning means juggling a diversity of roles and functions neither thought they’d have to fill before the pandemic, said both mothers, whose last names and the names of their children have been omitted out of concern for the students’ privacy. Munirah said she and her husband took care of their children’s e-learning needs by taking shifts. Planning and coordinating the day helped tremendously, she and Erika said.
“Every night I have a schedule,” she said. “I have a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday schedule and I just map out the time of day, the Zoom session, the ID and the password. I make it new every night because everyone’s Zoom password seems to change so often and we’ve got between six and 12 sessions among the kids.” “We have a big white board,” Erika said. “And if teachers didn’t provide continuity, I just made it up. We have a math slot and teachers have to call in during the math slot. The scheduling thing is to an nth degree.” A key aspect of disciplined organization, Erika said, is having the power to “let some things go.” Prioritize your tasks and do what you can. What you can’t do, you can’t do. And be comfortable within your self-organized limitations, they explained. The parents said that being robust advocates for their children and connecting with other parents with similar experiences were also critical during the e-learning period. “At first I had anxieties about our children with special needs, but then I realized that the advocacy portion has to blossom when the teacher doesn’t have physical contact with your child,” Munirah said. “I’ve reached out to all my kids’ teachers and said, ‘My child needs more; can you give them feedback?’” Donna Middleton, D97’s senior director of special education, said the district’s weekly
Anan Abu-Taleb. “They have been a great Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla wanted partner to work with during this pandemic.” the board to use a “racial equity lens” and The mayor praised Housing Forward lead- prioritize Black- and Brown-owned busiership and its board. nesses, while Trustee Jim Taglia wanted “I thank each of you for supporting Hous- to exclude businesses that received loans ing Forward,” Abu-Taleb told through the federal Paycheck Protection Program. trustees. Walker-Peddakotla, along In addition to sharing the with Trustee Simone Boutet, funding with Housing Forwanted some of the CARES ward funding, staff recomAct funding to go to Beyond mended that $300,000 of the Hunger, whose client list has grant money go toward helpgrown considerably throughing small businesses through out the COVID-19 pandemic. the creation of a “Business ANAN ABU-TALEB Andrews said he would Assistance Loan Program.” Mayor further like to prioritize Under the program, small businesses that intend to use businesses could receive forthe money for payroll over givable loans of up to $5,000 rent. provided the businesses “creThe board decided that ate and/or retain jobs for Oak Park persons with incomes at or below 80 businesses must have 10 or fewer employees percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) to be eligible to receive the village’s loan. If the funds are not exhausted after giving for Cook County.” Trustee Deno Andrews asked the legality loans to businesses with 10 or fewer employsurrounding prioritization of certain busi- ees, the eligibility requirements could expand to include businesses with more than nesses for these loans. “Is it legal for us to put preferences in that 10 employees. As part of the consent agenda, the vilwould put people to the top of the list?” he asked. “I would love to see businesses that lage board also voted to pass an ordinance employ ex-offenders have some preferential amending the budget for fiscal year 2020; the budget was amended to address the finanspot in line.” Grossman said she would check into the cial impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the village of Oak Park. legality of preferences.
“Housing Forward has been a terrific asset to the village of Oak Park.”
Zoom support group meeting was a vital coping tool for parents of children with special needs who were navigating the e-learning environment. Middleton said the Zoom group started meeting each Monday in early April. Over time, attendance grew. “I realized we needed a support group,” she said, adding that the group gave many attendees the sense “that we’re a community, that we are in this together and that, while I may not have all the answers right now, this is evolving and we’re learning from one another.” “As a parent, my anxiety level has improved by the fact that I know there are other parents going through the same thing and because of that, I’m not passing that anxiety onto my kids,” Munirah said. Middleton said that during the e-learning period, the district implemented a variety of services targeted to special education students who rely on an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Those included 15-minute mental-health wellness checks, videos created by school psychologists and social workers addressing a range of issues like executive functioning and anxiety, and a department newsletter filled with resources and tips that was sent to families on a regular basis. Kennedi Dixon, the divisional special education director at OPRF High School, said
her division implemented Google Hangouts for students, which allowed them to see their teachers and support staff through a screen. They also hosted a parade for students. But there’s no denying the impact of COVID-19, Dixon said. “Even though we’re in remote learning, that does not eliminate the laws associated with special education,” she said in May. “We still have to provide all of those services to our students and for those students who have social-emotional needs, they’re still getting their support, but remotely. Students miss that human element of being in a physical space with someone they can trust.” Regardless of whether students continue e-learning or return to the classrooms in the fall, it’s important that educators take an honest and realistic approach to future interventions, Dixon explained. “COVID-19 has been a traumatic experience for many of our students, so we have to be honest that a trauma has taken place and approach interventions from a traumainformed mindset,” she said. Erika voiced that trauma in May. “One anxiety unique to people like Munirah and me is that we face the very real possibility of regression,” she said. “That’s terrifying. For our kids who are behind, that’s a scary thing our families deal with that others don’t understand.”
18
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Parks push rec center fundraising in virtual gathering 53 percent of $20 million cost already promised By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter
The Park District of Oak Park has not lost sight of its plan to build a new community recreation center despite grappling with the COVID-19 crisis. To give the community an update on where the project currently stands, the park district is hosting a virtual open house meeting June 17 at 6:30 p.m. “It can hold up to 500 individuals. It will be recorded and available afterwards for anyone who cannot attend the meeting,” said Jan Arnold, executive director.
As of June 12, Arnold said, 175 people have signed up to attend; those who attend will hear from the different organizations involved in the project and see preliminary designs for the center, which the park district plans to build on Madison Street between Harvey Avenue and Highland Avenue. Arnold will introduce the project to the community and explain the need for a new community recreation center in Oak Park during the virtual meeting. Lisa DeVivo, head of the Oak Park Township Community Mental Health Board, will also be at the meeting to explain the board’s partnership in the project and the ability of the board to provide mental health services to a broader community by having a presence at the recreation center.
“With the pandemic now, we’re seeing a rise in mental health needs and it aligns with our identified needs that we have seen with these types of facilities,” Arnold said. Representatives from Perkins + Will, a Chicago-based architecture and design firm, will present design and location concepts. The virtual open house will also have polling questions to garner community feedback. The question topics include building placement, space utilization and more. Arnold declined to share any of the preliminary design plans that Perkins + Will representatives will present during the virtual open house. “Right now, I would think it’s premature for me to provide anything until we get additional feedback from residents,” she said.
“Then we will identify a new website that has been set up by the design team to hold all of this information,” Arnold said. The website will have a contact button so residents can reach out directly with any questions related to amenities, design, fundraising and other subject matter related to the project. “We’re excited to share with the community the project and the future of what we believe will be an enormous asset to the community,” said Arnold. “And doing so without any new taxes, which is very important to the parks board and I’m sure the residents in Oak Park.” The park district has committed to not levying any additional or new taxation to build the center.
RF seeks fixes for flooding ‘bowl’ on Keystone Avenue Repair to be expensive, says village engineer By ROBERT J. LIFKA Contributing Reporter
Chronic street flooding on the 1100 block of Keystone Avenue is getting attention from the River Forest village board. At its June 8 meeting, the board authorized Village Administrator Eric Palm to ask an engineering firm to update possible fixes originally suggested in 2016. Jeff Loster, village engineer, estimated it would cost between $9,000 and $12,000 to have Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. of Rosemont update a study the firm conducted in 2016 and explore other possible solutions. Palm said he expects to bring the
matter back to the village board in 30 to 60 days. Five alternatives offered by Burke Engineering in 2016 ranged in price from $1 million to $3.8 million. The firm will be asked to concentrate on two of those alternatives. One alternative would be installation of a 36-inch storm sewer from Keystone to Park Avenue. The other would be installation of a 36-inch storm sewer from Keystone to Thatcher Avenue. Palm said he expected the village would need to seek grant funding or sell bonds to finance the project. Although flooding of Keystone and backyards of approximately 25 residences on the block has been ongoing for years, the flooding was seen for an extended period of time following the historic rainfalls of near eight inches of rain in four days in mid-May. Keystone was reportedly still flooded the morning following the final deluge.
Loster said the village did not receive any reports of sewer backup but several residents reported seepage in their basements. Trustee Bob O’Connell, who lives nearby, estimated that the flooding has occurred four times in the past seven or eight years but the May flooding was “the worst.” In response to a question from Trustee Katie Brennan, Loster said similar street flooding has not been reported in any other locations in the village. John Anderson, director of public works, said in a memo to Palm that “flooding challenges” in that area include the topographical layout of the area which contributes to poor overland drainage. At the June 8 meeting, Palm said simply, “That area is a bowl.” Anderson said another challenge is the configuration of the existing sewer system. North of Thomas Street, the sewer system is separated so storm water and sanitary feed
into different pipes. South of Thomas, the sewer system is combined so storm water and sanitary feed into the same pipe. Another contributing factor is the installation of restrictors on the combined sewer pipe, which is designed to limit the amount of water that enters the system so that it does not back into basements of residents on that system. Although a major project will be needed to eliminate the flooding., Palm reported two lesser steps that are expected to ease the flooding. Since the May flooding, the Public Works Department has removed several root infiltrations from the sewer line during a cleaning and televising procedure that is conducted every five years. Later this summer, the Keystone sewer will be relined as part of an ongoing village program, having been added recently to the list of sewers to be relined.
West Nile Virus found in River Forest mosquitoes The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported that a batch of mosquitoes collected in River Forest on May 31 tested positive for West Nile Virus. The mosquitoes were collected by the Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District (DVMAD), which monitors and works to control the mosquito population in the area. No human cases have been reported yet this year. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, IDPH health director, said in a statement, “While we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also remember to take steps to protect our health from other illnesses. Getting outdoors is a great way to combat being cooped up, but you need to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry by wearing insect
repellent and getting rid of standing water around your home.”
Should residents be worried? Mark Tomek, biologist at the DVMAD, said in an email that at this point, “as we so far only have the single ‘low’ positive, the concern for human transmission is still very low.” Spraying by the DVMAD to control mosquitoes, he said, “is only conducted at times when observed rates of [West Nile Virus] in the mosquito population are high enough that spillover into the human population becomes likely.” In 2019, said Tomek, no spraying for mosquitoes was done by the DVMAD.
What can residents do? Tomek said there is the potential right
now for a rise in the population of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus. “We are going into a stretch of high temps and low rainfall which followed a period of heavy rain, meaning the potential for standing water is high and the environment for [West Nile Virus] vector mosquito breeding is right,” said Tomek. Tomek said the mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus lay eggs on top of stagnant standing water, so residents should eliminate standing water from places such as old tires, clogged gutters, trash cans, wheelbarrows, buckets, watering cans and any other receptable that can hold water. “These species do not travel far from the water they came from, so less sources of standing water on a person’s property decreases the risk even more in the direct
area,” said Tomek. Tomek also recommends checking and repairing window screens, window air conditioners, dryer vents, doors, and other openings to limit ways mosquitoes can enter a residence. Dead birds can be reported at the following website: www.cookcountypublichealth. org/communicable-diseases/west-nile-virus/dead-bird-sighting-report/ Finally, Tomek said that West Nile Virus vector mosquitoes are not to be confused with the floodwater nuisance mosquitoes that have been seen following the recent rain. “West Nile Virus vector mosquitoes are known to be ‘quiet biters,’ often going unnoticed,” said Tomek.
Maria Maxham
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com
I
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
VIEWPOINTS
19
One West Sider’s ideas for police reform p. 28
A change gonna come
am 56. That makes me a tail-end baby boomer, born in 1964. It was the year after four little girls were murdered in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, the year of the Civil Rights Act, and a year before the Voting Rights Act. More than half a century later and black folks are still dying at the hands of white supremacists and police and having their voting rights hampered. We have one of the most openly racist and divisive presidents in modern history, voted in by my fellow Americans. So how can those of my generation look our children in the face and tell them that incremental change and moderation work? The answer is we can’t. Evidence tells us that small change yields some advances, but they are not sustainable, and they do not advance black people overall. The last decade has shown us how insidious America’s form of racism is. Our employment, financial, housing, political, educational, law enforcement and penal systems will not be improved by a few anti-bias workshops and an act or two. The ease with which political and social actors can instill fear of black advancement into so many white Americans does not engender hope. The clarity with which the white woman in Central Park, and countless other “Karens,” knew she could use the police to do her bidding brought memories of Emmett Till to mind. The countless black people being killed for the audacity of just being — in their own home, playing or driving — tells us that patience and moderation are not strategies for change. They are tactics used to delay the inevitable. The veil has been lifted. The wave of videos makes it difficult for disbelievers to assert that black people are overstating the inhumane and unequal treatment that continues to be waged against us. The lie of white American exceptionalism has been laid bare by a series of college admission scandals, the exposure of opportunity-hording and the utter incompetence of so many of our national leaders. So the idea that things will improve if black people just work harder and don’t draw attention to the inequities is silly. Truth has a way of coming to the fore regardless of attempts to conceal it. Our country is now having to reconcile with its actual history — not how we would like to see ourselves, but how we are. White Americans are being introduced to previously undiscussed parts of our history like the Chicago Riots of 1919, the Tulsa Riot of 1921, and Rosewood (1923). The contradiction of praising the participants in the Boston Tea Party as revolutionaries while calling similar, current-day actions “looting” is hard to ignore. Oak Park has an opportunity to assess our local systems
LINDA FRANCIS
See FRANCIS on page 22
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
REFORM NOW: Austin and Oak Park residents marched on June 4 from Oak Park Village Hall to Central Avenue in Chicago to protest police brutality.
Police reform from the ground up
G
ood policing starts with self-policing. In all encounters, police officers need to be trained to respond not only to the problems, but even more to the persons. That’s true whether they are dealing with victims or perpetrators. Always keep the Golden Rule foremost: Treat others as you want — and expect — to be treated. It’s the only way our sworn officers of the law can truly serve and protect. It’s the best way to build the trust that is so desperately needed all around our country, especially in communities of color. Using combat-trained troops for law enforcement is exactly the wrong thing to do. Soldiers’ encounters are with enemies of our country, not fellow citizens. So their training is to attack when ordered to do so — no hesitation, no questions asked. Their tools are force, even deadly force, not conversation. In light of that, the widespread trend of militarizing police forces throughout the country is very troubling, and counter-productive. Far too often we have seen “law and order” turned into lawless order. In 1961, I was sent to the Panama Canal Zone to serve a year-long internship at the Lutheran church with locations at either end of the canal. My predecessor oriented me to my work and to the general
culture both within the CZ and in the Republic of Panama. While driving from one church to the other on the first day, I saw heavily-armed soldiers standing beside the road. “Is there a problem?” I asked him. “No, it’s just a checkpoint,” he said, as we were waved through. “Why soldiers?” I asked. “They’re the Guardia Nacional — both soldiers and police,” he said. I remember the chill I felt, in spite of the heat. I thought, “I’m glad that kind of thing can’t happen in the United States.” It was such a bananarepublic kind of thing. Now President Trump has brought us so low, ordering military occupation of Washington D.C. Some have been deployed in heavy combat gear with no identification. They are anonymous, even secret. And the memories of those long-ago days in Panama came flooding back, chilling me even more deeply because it was here. It’s now. And it’s so wrong! “Democracy” and “domination” do not belong in the same sentence, much less in the mindset of those who lead us. So aware and committed citizens have no choice but to call them to account. Fred Reklau is a Lutheran minister and resident of Oak Park.
FRED REKLAU One View
20
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
O U R
O
V I E W P O I N T S
V I E W S
Too big for Madison
ak Park’s village board rightly chose to table discussion Monday of a proposed apartment building project for the corner of Madison Street and Gunderson. Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb and all trustees said the developer, Michigan Avenue Real Estate Group, needed to take its recently revised plan for the structure back to neighbors for a consult. Good decision. But possibly not enough direction. At some point the village board will need to follow the lead of its Plan Commission which unanimously rejected the developer’s plan as simply too big for the limited plot of land and too imposing to its residential neighbors to the south. Chipping this project down around the edges won’t do it. A floor has to be lopped off the top for starters, and the face the building presents to its southern neighbors is monolithic and needs to be warmed up. We’re fans of the headway Oak Park has made in reimagining Madison Street. After 40 years of ignoring its decline, the current administration has worked hard to rezone this street to allow residential construction and lessen requirements for retail that will never fill this street again. So replacing a faded and likely structurally unsound old automotive relic with modern apartments is all good. The current plan though is just supersized. Neighbors we’ve spoken to profess to be open, even eager, for new development on the corner. Just not this much development. There is a middle ground. Likely a project that neighbors are slightly uncomfortable with. In our view, Michigan Avenue Real Estate can either get the message and rethink this project or they can walk away. Tough to be tough to a prized developer when the economy has cratered, but the village board needs to take the long view. Move Madison forward but don’t overwhelm it.
Adduci’s clarifier
On Sunday, River Forest President Cathy Adduci was exactly where she needed to be: marching with other nearby mayors and officials in a protest that started in Bellwood, continued through Maywood, passed through River Forest and ended in Forest Park. “This is about unity and solidarity with our neighbors and friends, and to show respect and dignity to this movement,” she told our reporter. “River Forest does not tolerate hate,” she added, aspirationally. And in a moment of clarity: “We’re trying to work through our bigotry and racism. As we work with our neighbors and friends, I’m hopeful that River Forest is embracing this movement and knows how important it is.” Acknowledging that all but sainted white people need to work through bigotry and racism is exactly right. We are hopeful that this extraordinary moment is allowing white people to finally be open to accepting the role we have played historically and today in undermining our country’s potential. Thank you, President Adduci.
That was surprising
So much is happening that fascinating stories can get overlooked. How about Oak Park’s village board meeting a week back where tough conversations were had about the dismal state of the village’s finances in the midst of this grinding pandemic? Hard choices just ahead. What we didn’t see coming was Trustee Simone Boutet’s argument that the village should have cut staffing and payroll weeks ago to preserve cash. “We were paying our staff when they weren’t at work,” she said. “I think that’s wrong. If people are off, we could either burn up their vacation, burn up their sick leave.” Cutting payroll was “the only responsible thing to do because we pay people to provide us services and if they are unable to provide us services … you know, it’s not pretty.” Not pretty for certain. When Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb, perceived as the tough-minded business person, responds, “We owe it to the good people who work for the village to do everything we can to provide jobs,” the discussion feels a bit topsy-turvy. There are arguments on both sides of this. Just interesting when people take the opposite from what would be expected.
T
Back in the saddle again
he boys are back. More precisely, hill. On our way back home, I pick up I’m back out with the boys once some cottonwood fluffs to show them a week now that Mom is workthe seeds. It’s amazing, I say, judging by ing again. My new definition of the multitude of seeds, that cottonwood “heavenly” is a grandson leaping trees aren’t growing everywhere. into my arms and wrapping his arms “How did the first cottonwood grow if around my neck … following a threethere weren’t any seeds yet?” asks Tyler, month absence. There is no such thing ever the thinker. Bryce quickly cuts this as social-distancing with 6-year-olds. Gordian Knot. “God did it,” he says. They’ve learned a lot in the last three Tyler doesn’t dispute that, but I’d love months. How to tie their shoes. How to know what he’s thinking about it. to ride bikes. Their driveway is two We drive through Wendy’s to pick up car-widths across and generously long. lunch and head to another park with They’ve also been granted dispensation picnic tables. The boys love picnics, but to ride on the driveways of the neighthey are bug averse. I tell them spiders bors on either side and across the street are good because they eat other bugs. (as long as they check both ways, which Besides, we’re bigger than they are. they actually do). They even wear their helmets Bryce isn’t buying it. “Would you be scared of without complaining. them if they were bigger than us?” You’ve got me Sheltering-in-place has been good for them. They there, Brycie boy. He says he’s had dreams about completed Kindergarten online, which must have giant spiders. In the back seat, I hear him telling been strenuous because Tyler said when he woke Tyler how little sleep he gets at night. “I don’t fall up the first morning after it ended and didn’t have asleep until just before we have to get up. I guess to go online, “I loved it nighttime is my playsooooooooooooo much!” time,” he says. I don’t Reportedly, they’re believe him. reading at a third-grade They’re afraid of level. During a Zoom bugs getting in the car, session in May, Tyler so I tell them, “Just ask set up a book in his lap them politely to leave.” facing the camera and Tyler considers this and proceeded to read the says, “Mr. Bug, would words upside-down. you please be extinct?” When he stumbled, Daddy asks, “Do you Bryce was right there in know what ‘extinct’ the foreground helpfully means?” Bryce answers, whispering corrections. “That’s when they die As I talked with Krisand don’t come back ten before she left for to life.” Close enough. work, Bryce sat on the We’ll save the talk floor under the kitchen about endangered speTyler, Dylan and Bryce Trainor table, book in hand. He cies for another time. read two chapters of The Fantastic Mr. Fox to me We have a discussion about the virus, and Tyler after breakfast. He doesn’t know all the words, but says, “Mr. Coronavirus, will you please be extinct?” I was right there to whisper the corrections — and Bryce tells a joke from one of his library books at definitions. school. We worked on art projects and Tyler created a “What’s another word for ‘snail’?” book about foxes. “Page 1: Foxes are nice. Page 2: We give up. Foxes have long tails. Page 3: Foxes are half cat and “A booger with a crash helmet.” half dog. The End.” I never thought about it, but Gross-out humor is the highest form of wit when foxes do look like a hybrid. Tyler is insightful. you’re 6 — another good reason to delay the endanThey transformed their basement play area into gered species discussion. a small village with an Art Center, a Library, a Post This is Daddy’s last visit before his deployment Office, a Music Center and, I think, a grocery store. with the National Guard to another side of the In three months, their bodies have elongated and globe. The boys and I won’t see him for 11 months, filled out. They hover either side of 50 pounds, makwhich gives this rare day in June special meaning it a challenge to pick them up or swing them ing. We’ll just have to hope the bright memories around in circles by their arms, though they keep forged on a drop-dead gorgeous morning will last asking for both. us till then. Bryce wants me to take them to Oak Park for a They just might. This was one of those floodlit, visit. Not today, I say. He storms off in a pout, but clear-edge days, a booster shot for the eyes, the manages to avoid a total meltdown. Instead, he world viewed in hyper-focus, the kind of happykicks the tires on my car and calls out, “This is the hormone-release day you wish you could dwell in forever — “If I had to choose one moment to live worst Papa Ken day ever!” my whole life through …” as Nat King Cole sang — The day is still young, Bryce. Don’t lose faith yet. or at least in sun-basted memory. Daddy arrives and we walk (they ride) down to Father’s Day, Grandfather’s Day and Farewell, all a large municipal park where the playground is rolled into one. still locked down, but they can ride to their hearts’ And surely in the running for one of the best delight on the mile-around gravel path — with a Papa Ken days ever. break for climbing, then running down the sledding
KEN
TRAINOR
V I E W P O I N T S
We don’t need to do everything, just do something
W
hat are we afraid of ? I want every white relative, friend, and acquaintance to really wrestle with that question. When we see black people protesting, resisting the violence of white supremacy, what causes us fear? Are we really worried about our own physical safety? The safety of the things we own? Or are we worried about what is at the root of that understandable anger? Are we worried that, in spite of efforts to whitewash and paper over the racist nature of our nation, it emerges again and again? Are we worried that we cannot cover the stinking abscess of white racial hatred with the inadequate bandage of color-blind philosophy? But we’ll try anyway? That we will claim racism is all in the past, only to have it burst forth in the regular police and vigilante killings of black men and women? That it continues to pour out in the disproportionate deaths of black Americans via COVID-19, as well as every other major health issue? We should be worried — because we are culpable. All of us — every last white person, including me. Not someone else’s ancestors because mine didn’t enslave human beings. Not someone else because I can’t be responsible for what my ancestors did. Me, in the here and now. I live a life that allows me to disregard violence to black bodies. I live a life that allows me to overlook the locking up of generations of black men
and unequal health and education funding. I am responsible. We are responsible, each of us white people. And so we must act. Speak out to our white family members, friends, and colleagues, in person and on social media. Show up to protests. Donate to black-led organizations and bond funds to help people get out of jail. Reach out to black friends, family members, and colleagues to offer support, without any expectation that they will take it or even respond. Teach our white children and students about racism and their responsibility. We can’t each do all of this. And no one person can do everything. We don’t need to do everything. We just need to do something. The antidote to our fear is not to suppress the cause — it is to embrace the struggle. Not the struggle against our black siblings, which has been perpetuated so long by powerful interests, but the common struggle in which we stand alongside our black siblings against those powerful interests. The antidote to our fear is to acknowledge our complicity in white supremacy and become accomplices to our powerful, brilliant black siblings, if they will have us. What are we afraid of ? We are afraid that changing our world starts with giving up power, giving up security. We are afraid that changing our world starts with changing ourselves. Jim Schwartz is an Oak Park resident.
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Editor and Publisher Dan Haley
JIM
SCHWARTZ One View
Pathfinder became part of the protest As a sculptor, friend and neighbor, I had the honor to serve with Geri for a dozen years on the Oak Park Area Arts Council to create a path for public art in Oak Park. In our short drive to meetings, we talked about Pathfinder and its care. We talked about the integrity of an artist’s statement in a public space: upkeep, elements stolen or vandalized. While we were gathering for last week’s protest, I walked over to see what was written on Pathfinder. Through a sculpture caretaker’s lens, I investigated Pathfinder and found it covered with chalk-written names: Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Jamar Clark, and George Floyd. The chalk writing on brass expressed the views and groups who organized the peaceful Oak Park and Austin protest. While Geri might not condone changing an artist’s statement in a public setting, I think she might have loved this! The temporary chalk marks made Pathfinder a SUBMITTED living protest and continuance of MESSAGE SENDER: Geraldine McCullough’s “Pathfinder” sculpture, her life’s work. Geraldine McCullough was a nationally recognized and superb sculptor who created the iconic “Pathfinder” sculpture at Oak Park Village Hall. Pathfinder is a beacon to symbolically guide people to a fair and more just society.
fabricated brass, is a living sculpture with protest messages where Oak Park and Austin joined to march in opposition of police violence.
Margot McMahon
Oak Park
Senior Editor Bob Uphues Staff Reporters Michael Romain, Stacey Sheridan, Maria Maxham Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Sports/Staff reporter James Kay Columnists Marc Blesoff, Jack Crowe, Doug Deuchler, John Hubbuch, May Kay O’Grady, Kwame Salter, John Stanger, Stan West, Linda Francis Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Designers Mark Moroney, Javier Govea Business Manager Joyce Minich Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney Marketing Representatives Marc Stopeck, Lourdes Nicholls Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck Sales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Front Desk Carolyn Henning, Maria Murzyn Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs
About Viewpoints Our mission is to lead educated conversation about the people, government, schools, businesses and culture of Oak Park and River Forest. As we share the consensus of Wednesday Journal’s editorial board on local matters, we hope our voice will help focus your thinking and, when need be, fire you to action. In a healthy conversation about community concerns, your voice is also vital. We welcome your views, on any topic of community interest, as essays and as letters to the editor. Noted here are our stipulations for filing. Please understand our verification process and circumstances that would lead us not to print a letter or essay. We will call to check that what we received with your signature is something you sent. If we can’t make that verification, we will not print what was sent. When, in addition to opinion, a letter or essay includes information presented as fact, we will check the reference. If we cannot confirm a detail, we may not print the letter or essay. If you have questions, email Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
‘ONE VIEW’ ESSAY
■ 250-word limit
■ 500-word limit
■ Must include first and last names,
■ One-sentence footnote about yourself,
municipality in which you live, phone number (for verification only)
your connection to the topic ■ Signature details as at left
Email Ken Trainor at ktrainor@wjinc.com or mail to Wednesday Journal, Viewpoints, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 708 613 3300
21
22
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Older people need affordable housing, too ing the interests of our older residents and can be improved by the adoption of several changes. As stated in our letter to you prior to your recent vote, we suggest the following changes: 1. Amend the Zoning Code to incorporate an Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance that requires all new multifamily developments to include at least 15% affordable housing units. 2. Amend the village’s zoning code to permit the approval of “accessory dwelling units” as a means of increasing the availability of moderately-priced rental and ownership units for the village’s aging population. 3. Require the preservation and/or replacement of existing affordable units that may be lost through demolition. At a minimum, we recommend that the village require that each affordable unit be replaced on a one-for-one basis with a new affordable unit. AWN greatly appreciates the opportunity to offer its input to the village board. We also offer our technical expertise to the board as it moves forward.
Dear President Adduci & River Forest Village Trustees: Arbor West Neighbors (AWN) is a local grassroots organization that supports and advocates for older people. Operating in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and Austin, we have a strong commitment to the creation and sustainability of safe, decent, and affordable housing for the area’s aging population. We oppose prejudice against older people and support justice and fair treatment for all people. As an organization for, and primarily composed of, older community residents, we are attuned to the rapidly changing demographics of our population, and the resulting challenges and opportunities. As pointed out by the respected industry publication Senior Housing News (April 24, 2019), by 2029, 54 percent of middle-income older people will not be able to afford senior living. This harsh fact of life is nowhere reflected in your affordable-housing ordinance. The AWN Advocacy Committee believes the affordable housing plan that you recently approved on June 8, 2020 is very limited regard-
Susan Stall
Chair, AWN Advocacy Committee
Opponents want more, not less, affordable housing
It was disappointing that the River Forest Village Board passed the Affordable Housing Plan submitted by the Plan Commission. There was much public comment (and scores of letters that were not read into the public record) requesting that the board not rush through the flawed plan but instead take some time to make it stronger, more specific to River Forest, and more enforceable. The article written by Mr. Lifka, “Village adopts affordable housing plan,” [WJ News, June 10] does not make clear that both the residents and the trustees speaking out against the plan were not anti-affordable housing but were in favor of more affordable housing. We believe strongly that affordable housing is a social justice/equity issue. This country is
FRANCIS
Waiting too long from page 19 for what they are and not how we would like to see them — or see ourselves, for that matter. It requires that folks be truthful with themselves. How many white students are kept in gifted, honors and AP classes with high levels of personal tutoring? Why are black residents so often
in turmoil, given its utter failure to address the sin of slavery and the ongoing systemic racism that continues unabated. If there were ever a time to take a look at all of our policies and systems to make them more equitable, it’s now. I don’t think River Forest met that challenge. The silver lining of this meeting however, which was very contentious, was that no residents and no trustees argued against affordable housing in River Forest and for that I’m grateful. I will continue to hold out some hope that the River Forest board will work hard to make sure that affordable housing goals are not just met, but exceeded.
I wrote this piece in the late ’90s when I was doing anti-racism programs designed by the Presbyterian Church. I presented the short series to a number of congregations in the western suburbs. My son formatted my smaller poems in an artistic accordion book in 2010. The photo is of a tobacco drying shed that I took from the side of the road near my home in Virginia. Not sure that it was ever published elsewhere. Tragically, it is timely still.
River Forest
Oak Park
Deb Wolkstein
forced to show proof of residency, bike, or car ownership when no infraction has been shown? Who do the police serve? Who can run for office, given the structure of our taxing bodies? How much of the greatness of this community is due to the unpaid volunteer work of women? These are just a few of the questions that reveal the income, racial, and gender inequities in our village. They are not simply due to the ignorance of a few “bad apples.” They are baked into the fabric of our systems. We can’t simply snip around the edges, but rather, imagine new ways of doing
Mustard stain of racism
things — ways that are more equitable and inclusive. Those who have benefited from current systems, and therefore fear change, also need to acknowledge that systems may not even be serving them as well as they think. Parents who fear changes to the OPRF High School freshman curriculum may do well to listen to their own children. The high levels of stress, anxiety and mental health challenges are fed, in no small part, by this push to excel at all costs. Those who believe that the police are protecting them need to look at the actual data, not headlines and
Cynthia Breunlin
Facebook posts, to determine if the extensive amounts of money being funneled toward it is the best use of our tax dollars. It is well past time to stop playing into the fear of the invasion of black people, which has been used since 1619 to limit our participation in the fruits of this nation. Friends, colleagues, and acquaintances have asked how I am feeling. I am beyond tired and beyond angry. I am done with the pretense and patience as we wait for white America to get its act together. As the song says, a change is gonna come. It would serve you well to be ready for it.
V I E W P O I N T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
S
The fascism of Trump and his enablers
imple deductive reasoning begins with a starting premise, followed by a secondary premise, ending in a conclusion. Fascism is anti-American, fundamentally. Trump is peculiarly fascistic, but a fascist nevertheless and thereby (along with his supporters), anti-American, however much this crude exhibitionist wraps himself in the American flag. Fascism is anti-American because, centrally, it is virulently anti-democratic and antagonistic to this country’s cornerstone principle that all are created equal. Fascism is a militaristic, ethnocentric, nationalistic ideology — in opposition to foundational elements of modernity, including feminism, intellectualism, reason, and international cooperation. It is fueled by hatred, idealizing inequality, subordinating the individual to the state and relying on police-state violent repression, with denial of basic rights. Trump’s fascism is peculiar: nascent because it is immaturely non-ideological at its origin. Also, it is not based on some perverse notion of what is in our country’s best interest, but rather what is profitable to him, exclusively. The evidence is overwhelming. Start with his undeniable racism and his hate-fueled rallies. The characterization of immigrants as rapists; praising neo-fascists at Charlottesville; thuggish incitements to roughing up protestors, members of the press, and individuals in police custody; lustful reactions evoked referencing a wall on our Mexican border; caging children; Muslim bans; LGBT restrictions; chants to jail Clinton; defense of military bases named after Confederate generals and preserving statues of these traitors (honoring the most consequential features of “Southern Heritage”: slavery and segregation). Only as markers of hatred can the generated enthusiasm among his supporters be accounted for. Noam Chomsky observed that the dynamics of Trump’s rallies evoked memories of the mood aroused at the Nuremberg rallies. It’s more than stylistic. Trump’s admira-
tion for right-wing tyrants is unprecedented, as are the roiled relationships with the leaders of western democracies. His notorious associations include celebratory racists like Stephen Miller and Steve Bannon, and the law-and-order Sebastian Gorka; and his fans include the dull-eyed Senator Tom Cotton, misogynists aides, and rough-em-up policemen. How does a defender of democracy “fall in love” with the North Korean psychopath, Kim Jong-un? While Trump continues to dabble in complaints of domesticallyrigged elections, he covers up Russian interference in the 2016 election and invites future foreign interference, while his party endeavors to suppress the vote. At Helsinki, in a stunning betrayal, Trump took Putin’s denial of election-meddling over the consensus assessment of our intelligence agencies. Trump’s sustained support, which he forecast when he bragged that he could murder (“shoot”) someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose a vote, is now strained by the rampaging pandemic and economic turmoil. Nevertheless, sizable retained support seems likely. It is commonly asked incredulously, “What accounts for the continued support?” Hate, largely. Other considerations are overwhelmed: patriotic preference for democratic governance, McCain’s heroism, religion, basic virtues, and prudent infection-avoidance behavior. And there’s no con, a common excuse. Trump perpetrated cons on contributors to his charities, the students enrolled in his university, bank loan departments, contractors, and laborers. The 2016 electorate was not conned; the attraction was overt, undisguised. In his book Today’s ISMS (1965), William Ebenstein warned, “The danger of not recognizing this pre-fascist attitude is that, should it become full-fledged … (as it well might in some disaster that shakes men’s faith in democracy), recognition ... may come too late for those whose earlier judgment was too lenient.” Gregg Mumm is a resident of Oak Park.
GREGG MUMM One View
Change is the constant Change is the order of the day We’ll see if things go your way Will what you’re wishing for come true And life will be wonderful for you? Depend on change: You may as well It will come grim or swell!
Joanne Selden Oak Park
S
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
23
Past time we defend our freedoms’ blessings
itting at the bar at Bocadillos in the Hotel Casa San Francisco in late February 2018, I watched through the broad, tall open doorway as protesters marched by outside in the bright sunshine washing over the Calle Corrales. They were peacefully protesting the Daniel Ortega regime and its growing authoritarian bent. They all love their country. But many do not love or trust Daniel Ortega. I had witnessed this sort of demonstration numerous times while in Nicaragua. The year before they marched along the same street, celebrating the real father of Nicaraguan independence, Augusto C. Sandino, a man Ortega takes care to praise, but in no way measures up to. A few days later, shortly before I flew back to Chicago, I attended a baseball game between the Nicaraguan national team and Cuba in Managua’s new Dennis Martinez stadium. It was, to say the least, festive. American baseball games feature organ music. Nicaraguan ball games feature entire brass bands. We have the 7th inning stretch. In Nica they have dancing and crowd engagement activities between every inning. Less than eight weeks later, I sat before my laptop, staring in disbelief and sorrow at the online news of peaceful demonstrations outside that same stadium being met with lethal force. The very same upper deck areas of Martinez Stadium I had looked up at mere weeks before were now being used as sniper’s nests from which Ortega’s paramilitary coldly shot to death numerous protestors, with the sole purpose of instilling fear in any citizen who dared to protest his policies. That week, Ortega and his wife Muriel pulled the masks from their faces and showed the world who they really were and what they’re really about. The press is now mostly shut down or tightly controlled, and people’s movement between areas is closely monitored and checked. Those who speak out against the Ortega regime are imprisoned and worse. Police now patrol in packs, many carrying automatic weapons. On June 1, President Donald Trump and some of his enablers pulled the masks from their faces and showed America who they really are, using phrases like “dominate the streets,” referring to our nation’s capital as a “battlespace,” and calling for “retribution” and long jail sentences for protestors. “It’s a movement; if you don’t put it down, it will get worse and worse,” Trump
told our nation’s governors in a teleconference. “You don’t have to be too careful,” Trump said, adding, “I wish we had an occupying force in there.” Black America, had taken to the streets in the wake of the horrific scene of a police officer casually kneeling on the neck of a handcuffed black man for nine minutes as he suffocated to death. Black and brown people already knew how suffocating authoritarian government could be and what it felt like to be occupied. The rest of America — read, white America — woke up on June 1 and realized they were also in the crosshairs of authoritarianism. On Trump’s orders, anonymous, uniformed thugs battered, pepper-sprayed and threatened American civilians with low-flying helicopters over the streets of Washington D.C. It was a jolting awakening to a reality that has been slowly descending on us like a dark cloud for more than three years — an emboldened, wannabe strongman, modeled after such murderous autocrats as Vladimir Putin, Mohammed bin Salman and Kim Jong-un. In crossing a clear line of unconstitutionality, using our military to attack and intimidate people on American soil for the supposed sin of exercising their constitutionally protected rights, Trump removed any doubt as to the clear and present danger he is to this country. America is not Nicaragua. But we are both infected with an authoritarian virus that threatens our rights and freedoms. A key difference between our two countries is that the United States’ body politic is allegedly healthier and our institutions much stronger than Nicaragua’s. So we are better prepared and able to fight off the infection of which Donald Trump is a symptom. It is past time for all Americans to defend the blessings of freedom so many of us enjoy but that too many of us still do not benefit from. There are no snipers firing from rooftops here … yet. That may sound melodramatic. But if a man who is clearly incapable of empathy and void of any sense of responsibility or accountability is not removed by voters in November (and his Senate enablers also) it is anyone’s guess which line he will dare to cross next. Or how profound the damage will be. The citizenry of this country — all of us — cannot afford to stand by and wait to find out the answer to those questions. Bill Dwyer is a former Oak Parker and former reporter for Wednesday Journal.
BILL DWYER
24
V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
North Avenue District calls for equality The North Avenue District joins the chorus of voices condemning racism in all its forms. We are horrified by racist police brutality. The murder of George Floyd and, closer to home, the attack on Mia Wright and her companions in Brickyard Mall, are only the most recent examples. We are just as appalled by the racist — sometimes violent — behavior of ordinary citizens, from Central Park in New York to the Jewel parking lot in River Forest. Perhaps worst of all, there are all too often no consequences for racist behavior. Equally unacceptable is the systemic racism that has given black and brown people the short end of almost every stick. In 2020, we can no longer hope and wish our way out of this problem with vague statements, so let us be clear: We are calling for immediate comprehensive police reform, judicial reform, and economic reform to remove racial bias and negative outcomes for black people. Economic reform is an issue we have championed on North Avenue and commit to continue working on as an organization. Since 2013, North Avenue District Inc.
has been working to revitalize North Avenue from Austin to Harlem in both Chicago and Oak Park. Our district’s business owners are extremely diverse. At least 22 percent of district businesses are owned by African Americans. At a minimum, another 20 percent are owned by other people of color. We believe this diversity is part of the reason North Avenue has lacked investment. We’ve worked consistently to overcome this barrier by bringing attention, investment and energy to our corridor. We work on behalf of a diverse group of stakeholders — organizations, property owners and residents. Half of our board members are black. Half are female. Half represent Chicago and half Oak Park. This diversity represents our community and our world. We are proud of this, but know that it only occurred because we were intentional. We will continue to be intentional about diversity, inclusion and anti-racism as we work to make our district a better place for all of us.
Judith Alexander
On behalf of North Avenue District Inc.
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Hoping West Sub addressed mask issue
I saw Janet Haisman’s response to my letter in last week’s Journal [Too loose with safety measures, Viewpoints, June 10]. Since there has been communication with West Suburban Hospital (WSH), I feel I should respond. I did get a letter from the chief nursing officer at WSH, formally acknowledging my concerns being brought to the director of surgical services the day of my surgery and later to the Oak Park Health Department re: staff members not wearing face masks. I was told my concerns were directly addressed with all staff involved at that time, and the mandatory use of surgical masks in the hospital and specifically within 6 feet of another had been reinforced with all staff members and that WSH is dedicated to all efforts to help keep all of us safe and healthy. They apologized for falling short and causing concern during my stay, but appreciated the opportunity to learn and improve based on my concerns. I called WSH and talked to a woman who works for the CEO. I acknowledged getting the letter but had a few questions because I hadn’t heard from a hospital administra-
tor as I was told by the woman from risk management. Why didn’t the woman from risk management return my phone call and send a message through the hospital operator that an administrator would be calling me? She couldn’t answer for that staff member. Was the hospital’s CEO aware of what had happened during my hospital stay? Yes. She couldn’t say if the acknowledgement of my concerns about the staff members not wearing face masks during my stay included discipline. My biggest concern was if the Infectious Disease Department was aware of the situation? Yes. My hope at this point is that the hospital administration and Infectious Disease Department are aware of the situation, that it won’t be an issue again in any department in the hospital. If you see any hospital employee not wearing a face mask, I still believe you should immediately ask to talk to an administrator or someone from Infectious Disease.
Marianne Trifone
Former Oak Parker Hoffman Estates
Listen & Follow
Inside the Chamber, a podcast series, bringing small business stories to you. For your listening pleasure at: oprfchamber.org/inside-the-chamber Sharing experiences, uplifting community and working together.
oprfchamber.org
oprfchamber.org
#workingtogether #shoplocal #ChamberLOVE
V I E W P O I N T S
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
W
Where to set our feet
e should not set our feet, knees or arms on the necks of anybody, including our oppressors. In 1841, Rev. Owen Lovejoy, who became President Lincoln’s best friend in Congress, had sent a personal note to philanthropist and antislavery leader Lewis Tappan. Lovejoy congratulated Tappan for his part in freeing the Amistad Africans from jail in New Haven, especially young Cinque. Cinque was the leader of the African slaves who had overpowered the captain and Spanish crew of the slave ship Amistad. Unable to effectively navigate the ship, they were lost on the ocean off the coast of Connecticut. “I was particularly struck by Cinque’s treatment of the Spaniards,” Lovejoy said, “his noble generosity in regard to the use of freshwater on board when it became reduced.” Cinque had given the same portion of precious water to the kidnappers as he had given to the kidnapped. Lovejoy felt for the young African. “I have read it several times, and yet I believe not without tears,” he said, then denounced with irony a popular sentiment of the day: “And this is the man on whose neck we are requested to set our foot! This is the race [said to be] doomed
25
ASSISTED LIVING • SHELTERED CARE • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING
to everlasting inferiority!” This saying was popular in the culture prevailing at that time in a New England tied to the cotton industry. On April 5, 1860, six weeks before Abraham Lincoln was nominated for president, Owen Lovejoy warned in Congress, that he would never admit “sovereigns have any right to convert man into a chattel, into goods, into four-footed beasts. I tell you, gentlemen, they have no authority to do it. I do not believe such a transformation is right, whether expressed by the people of the territory, or by the state, or by the czar of Russia. “No power on earth has the right to make a man a slave; in doing so, you trample upon the principles of the Declaration of Independence. … God made that man as he made you and me in his own image, and the sanction of his authority is around him. Sir, you had better take your foot from his neck.” We should set our feet one after the other and keep in step with the music of South Africa, when new voters were being led by their liberator, Nelson Mandela: “We are marching, we are marching, we are marching in the Light of God.” William F. Moore and Jane Ann Moore are historical researchers of the Illinois antislavery movement with Abraham Lincoln and Owen Lovejoy.
WILLIAM & JANE MOORE One View
We need a stronger affordable-housing plan I am writing to correct a crucial omission in Robert Lifka’s article on the River Forest Affordable Housing Plan vote last Monday, June 8. Yes indeed, 13 residents spoke up against this plan, with 50 others on the Zoom call but unacknowledged by the board. More than 40 letters were sent to the board — letters seeking to strengthen the inadequate plan and correct errors in it. We spoke up, not because we were opposed to an affordable-housing plan but because the plan was not strong enough! It did not have protections for existing affordable housing in TIF districts. It did not include expectations that a minimum percentage of new developed housing be affordable for families of modest incomes. And the plan was written to achieve only the bare affordable-housing minimum required by the state — 10 percent of housing — rather than strive for creatively reaching at least 10 percent and hopefully more. The plan did not have “teeth.” The motion to adopt the deficient plan was liter-
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
ally amended at the very last minute to make a few changes and incorporate the residents’ goal of “at least 10%” affordable units, but the public wasn’t told in advance and never had a chance to vet the alterations to determine whether they would strengthen the weak plan. Especially after the painfully terrible racial hate crime that occurred at the River Forest Jewel the week before, to omit the fact that residents opposed the plan because they wanted a stronger plan was a serious oversight. How would an outsider interpret that article? I can’t imagine it would be read that those who opposed adoption of the plan wanted a stronger plan. They would think the opposite. In fact, the overwhelming majority of River Forest residents who commented on the affordable-housing plan were saying, “Affordable housing? Yes, indeed! Build it in my backyard!” River Forest will be the stronger for it.
Phyllis Rubin
River Forest
Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.
A safe & smart choice. Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult. Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues. We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.
CALEDONIA SENIOR LIVING IS A COVID-FREE COMMUNITY 2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546 (708) 477-5092 | CaledoniaSeniorLiving.org
Limited availability!
Sawa’s Old Warsaw
Sawa’s Old Warsaw Come Celebrate early from Authentic Polish-American Food 7 a.m.Restaurant to 10:30 a.m. • Lounge • Banquet Rooms 9200 W. Cermak Rd, Broadview
DAY
E ’ S Friday & Saturday! Curbside Pick-Up LENTIN
V A11am-5pmS•TCall F F E T 708-343-9040 B UAhead A BREAKF Father’s Day - Ready Plate Special
Texas Style French Toast Apple wood Bacon Smoked BBQ Ribs 1/3 Slab OR Roasted 1/4 Duck OR Breaded Pork Cutlet Scrambled Eggs Potato Pancakes w/ mashed potatoes & vegetables Kiszka (Polish Sausage) Sliced Ham Pork Sausage Links Apple Crepes Broasted Chicken Leg $1 each, $10 doz Potato Pancakes .75 each, $7.50 doz Apricot Crepes Broasted Chicken Wings .75 each, Pierogi .75 each, Blueberry Crepes$7.50 doz Mary Cheese Crepes .75 each, $7.50 doz Bloody 7.50 doz Apple Blintzes Fresh Fruit or Mimosa Pork Chop Steak $2 each, Cheese Blintzes .85 each, $8.50 doz Raisin Bread only $6 $20 doz English Muffins Potato Dumplings $3.25 pt, $5 qt
• $12 each •
All that plus Juice, Coffee... Cocktail 1/2 dozen for $7, Sauerkraut $4Apple pt, $6 qt Orange Juice, Milk or Shrimp one dozen $12 Chicken Soup $3.25 pt, $5.50 qt Broasted Shrimp 1/2 dozen for $7, Stuffed Cabbage $2 each, $20 doz one dozen $12 Polish Sausage 2”‘n Ham Lunch ~ Noodles Dinner ~ BBQ Pork Ribs Broasted Cod Fish $1.50 each, 11and a.m.smoked) to 3:30 p.m. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (fresh $9 per person $13 per person $15 doz .75 each, $7.50 doz Beer Battered Cod $2.25 each, Smorgasbord • Lounge • Banquets • Carry Out • Catering & Delivery Broasted Chicken Breast 9200 W. Cermak Road • Broadview, IL $20 doz $2 each, $20 doz www.SawasOldWarsaw.com Cheese Cake $3 each Broasted Chicken Thigh Kolaczki $4.25 dozen $1.50 each, $15 doz
For only $9 per person!
Frozen
6 pack of frozen potato pancakes $2.50 • Jambalaya $5 pint, $10 quart
26
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
PUBLIC NOTICE Village of Oak Park, Illinois
Annual Treasurers Report of Cash Receipts and Disbursements For the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2019 Published in compliance with Chapter 65, Section 5/3.1-35-65 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes Receipts: General Fund; Property Tax Levy 17,665,575; Police Pension Levy 6,552,033; Fire Pension Levy 5,444,564; Tif Surplus Distribution 763,996; Use Tax Revenue 1,750,449; Retailers’ Occupation Tax Rev 4,171,079; Real Estate Transfer Tax 3,237,156; Exempt Real Estate Transaction 15,990; Hotel Motel Tax 223,419; Liquor Tax 671,836; Natural Gas Use Tax 483,177; Electric Utility Tax 1,523,824; Natural Gas Tax 808,146; Telecommunication Tax Rev 844,273; VEHICLE TAX 1,522,799; Residential Rental License 1,320; Business Licenses 295,025; Liquor Licenses 158,393; Multi Family Dwelling License 58,302; Chauffeur License Revenue 1,680; Chauffeur Background Check 945; Building Permits 2,008,499; Zoning Variance Application 19,420; Street Permits 49,706; Animal Licenses 28,957; Beekeeping 375; Building Permits Penalties 25,670; Grant Revenue 85,176; Grant or Loan Application Fees 1,255; State Aid Route Maintenance 60,423; RCFL OT Reimbursement 19,654; Drug Enforcement Agency Reimb 13,680; State Income Tax Revenue 5,521,845; Personal Prop Replacement Tax 1,509,783; Ambulance Charges 976,315; CTA Reimbursement 122,928; Fire CPR Classes Fees 16,148; Sale of Liquid Gas 75,507; Charges for Repairs Parts 46,028; Reimbursement of Expenses 10,850; OPRFHS Event Reimbursement 6,958; School Resource Police Officer 231,283; Crossing Guard Reimbursement 151,007; Arrest Warrant Reimburse Reven 2,240; Police Training Reimburse Rev 13,916; Cable TV Franchise Fee 865,730; Cashier Difference 156; Copy Fees 130; Elevator Inspection Fees 36,267; Street Opening Fees -54,260; Vacant Bldg Registration Reven 200; Miscellaneous Revenue 64,696; MFT Tax Refund 8,174; Scrap Revenue 1,073; Special Events Revenue 54,292; Special Events Application Fee 1,950; Police Reports 29,284; Subpoena Fees 35; Recovered Damages 1,246; IMET RECOVERY 255,843; Alarm Fees 58,775; Pound Other Fees 4,965; Condo Inspection Fees 22,390; Environmental Services - VOP 6,700; PUBLIC ART INITIATIVE 10,000; Court Fines 47,043; DUI COURT FINES 4,744; Parking Fines 2,454,477; Non-Compliance Fines 112,746; Loan Interest 1,031; Interest Revenue 775,758; Gain/Loss on Sale of Property 28,021; Rental of Property 32,172; Trans Fr Motor Fuel Tax Fund 1,700,000; Transfer From Parking Fund 40,000; TOTAL 63,755,241 TRAVEL, TRAINING & WELLNESS; Credit Card Points Revenue 25,674; TOTAL 25,674 FOREIGN FIRE INSURANCE; Foreign Fire Insurance Allot 107,866; Interest Revenue 1,716; TOTAL 109,582 Community Development Loan; Miscellaneous Revenue 160; Loan Interest 123; Interest Revenue 142; TOTAL 425 STATE RICO; Asset Seizures Forfeitures 18,153; Interest Revenue 264; TOTAL 18,417 FEDERAL RICO; Asset Seizures Forfeitures 134,714; Interest Revenue 2,888; Gain/Loss on Sale of Property 21,525; TOTAL 159,127 FARMERS MARKET; Farmers Market Seasonal Fees 19,837; Sale Of Market Merchandise 3,120; Corn Roast Revenue 1,381; TOTAL 24,338 MOTOR FUEL TAX; Motor Fuel Tax Allotment 1,701,905; Interest Revenue 3,618; TOTAL 1,705,523 MADISON STREET TIF; Property Tax Levy 2,692,561; Miscellaneous Revenue 50,000; Interest Revenue 27,937; TOTAL 2,770,498 COOK COUNTY LEAD HAZARD GRANT; Miscellaneous Revenue 64,100; TOTAL 64,100 Emergency Solutions Grant; Emergency Shelter Grants 138,470; TOTAL 138,470 SSA#1; Property Tax Levy 199,911; Tif Surplus Distribution 89,160; Interest Revenue 2,454; Transfer From Downtown TIF 56,964; TOTAL 348,489 Community Dev Block Grant; Grant Revenue 1,590,073; Miscellaneous Revenue 18,790; TOTAL 1,608,863
SSA#7; Property Tax Levy 7,476; Interest Revenue 179; TOTAL 7,655 SSA#8; SSA#8 TAX LEVY 5,147; Interest Revenue 47; TOTAL 5,194
DOWNTOWN TIF; Property Tax Levy 11,518,468; Interest Revenue 123,637; TOTAL 11,642,105 COOK COUNTY - WEST NILE VIRUS GRANT; Grant Revenue 9,187; TOTAL 9,187 IDPH - CITIES READINESS INITIATIVE; Grant Revenue 41,835; TOTAL 41,835
CDBG - FARMERS MARKET INCENTIVES; Grant Revenue 11,701; TOTAL 11,701 SHAWNASH - DOUBLE COUPON; Grant Revenue 8,963; TOTAL 8,963 IDPH - BODY ART; Grant Revenue 8,250; TOTAL 8,250
IDHS - FAMILY CASE MGMT FY 2018; Grant Revenue 38; TOTAL 38
IDHS - HIGH RISK INFANT FOLLOW-UP; Grant Revenue 150; TOTAL 150 PHIMC - REGION 8 HIV PREVENTION; Grant Revenue 18,017; TOTAL 18,017
IDPH -VECTOR SURVEILLANCE & CONTROL; Grant Revenue 9,625; TOTAL 9,625 IDPH-LEAD CASE MANAGEMENT; Grant Revenue 26,113; TOTAL 26,113
IDPH - LOCAL HEALTH PROTECTION; Grant Revenue 81,778; TOTAL 81,778 IDPH - PUBLIC HLTH EMRGNCY PREPAREDNESS; Grant Revenue 58,307; TOTAL 58,307 IDPH - ILLINOIS TOBACCO-FREE COMMUNITIES; Grant Revenue 23,567; TOTAL 23,567 Bullet Proof Vest Grant; Grant Revenue 16,193; TOTAL 16,193 Tobacco Enforcement Program; Grant Revenue 2,078; TOTAL 2,078
IL DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION GRNT; Grant Revenue 15,497; TOTAL 15,497 Police Youth Basketball Camp; Grant Revenue 2,000; TOTAL 2,000
Sustainability Fund; Energy Efficiency Rebate 432,355; Environmental Services - VOP 115,585; Transfer From Solid Waste Fund 150,000; TOTAL 697,940 BUILDING IMPROVEMENT FUND; Transfer From CIP Fund 192,000; TOTAL 192,000
Fleet Replacement Fund; Transfer From Rico Fund 229,559; Transfer From CIP Fund 750,000; TOTAL 979,559
GENERAL IMPROVEMENT FUND; Homerule Sales Tax 2,507,374; PACE Shelter Ad Revenue 3,773; Local Option Gasoline Tax 684,943; Grant Revenue 121,697; Sidewalk Repair Program 0; Alley Improvements 34,573; Infrastructure Maintenance Fee 168,847; Miscellaneous Revenue 1,940; Recovered Damages 62,292; Interest Revenue 37,170; Transfer From General Fund 1,700,000; Transfer From Other Funds 700,000; TOTAL 6,022,609 Colt Westgate Redevelopment; Transfer From Downtown TIF 4,263,538; TOTAL 4,263,538
Debt Service Fund; Property Tax Levy 4,226,718; Tif Surplus Distribution 181,946; Interest Revenue 53,122; Intergovt Support Op Library 1,075,734; Transfer From General Fund 500,000; Transfer From Solid Waste Fund 280,000; TOTAL 6,317,520 WATER/SEWER FUND; Miscellaneous Revenue 52,050; Scrap Revenue 2,150; Recovered Damages 24,267; Utility Sales 17,683,047; Meter Charges 104,339; Penalty Charges 151,243; TOTAL 18,017,096 Environmental Services Fund; Miscellaneous Revenue 799; Refuse Collection Fees 4,104,419; Yard Waste Stickers 155,591; Refuse Stickers 80,238; TOTAL 4,341,047 Earth Fest; Miscellaneous Revenue 5,650; Transfer From Other Funds 7,000; TOTAL 12,650
Parking Fund; Parking Permits 1,604,905; Landlord/Corp. Parking Permits 476,022; Onstreet Parking Permits 813,351; Onstreet Paystation Revenue 344,808; Discounted Employee Cards 6,502; Meter Key Revenue -7; Garage Fees 1,991,669; Parking Meter Collections 1,109,632; Garage Validation Revenue 96,989; Miscellaneous Revenue 276; Special Events Revenue -3,089; Recovered Damages 7,300; Interest Revenue 133; Transfer From General Fund 40,000; TOTAL 6,488,491
Self Insured Retention Fund; Transfer From General Fund 3,000,000; Transfer From Water Fund 1,000,000; Transfer From Parking Fund 1,000,000; TOTAL 5,000,000 Health Insurance Fund; MET LIFE ACCIDENT PREMIUMS WITHHELD 434; HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS WITHHELD 1,051,932; LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUMS WITHHELD 64,291; DEMNTAL INSURANCE PREMIUMS WITHHELD 213,339; VISION INSURANCE PREMIUMS WITHHELD 39,142; ALLIED FSA MED CONTRIBUTIONS W/H 250,594; ALLIED FSA DEP CARE CONTRIBUTIONS W/H 45,870; EMPLOYER LIFE INSURANCE CONTRIBUTION 32,136; Pensioneer Premium Payments 988,078; Outside Agencies Prem Payments 17,533; EMPLOYER HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS 5,081,286; TOTAL 7,784,635 Police Pension Fund; Property Tax Levy 6,508,618; Pension Payroll Deductions 1,130,598; Interest Revenue 2,839,801; Net Change In FV of Invest 14,211,213; TOTAL 24,690,230
FIREFGHTERS’ PENSION FUND; Property Tax Levy 5,411,662; Pension Payroll Deductions 630,348; Interest Revenue 1,163,184; Net Change In FV of Invest 7,621,192; TOTAL 14,826,386 General Fix Asset Account Grp; Gain/Loss on Sale of Property -1; TOTAL -1 PAYROLL: 0.01 TO 24,999.99
ALGER, GRACE; ANDREWS, DENO; ANTOS, RANDALL; ARENDS, JOSHUA; BERKES, NICHOLAS; BLANCK, BENJAMIN; BOUTET, SIMONE; BUCHANAN, SUSAN; BUFORD, TIM; BUSH, KYLE; BUTTON, ANDREA; BYINGTON, ZACHARY; CAMERON, DAVID; CAMPBELL, NINA; CARBONNEAU, THOMAS; CILEK, TIMOTHY; COSEY, COURTNEY; COTE II, JEROME; CRIMMINS, GERARD; CURTIS, MARNELLE; DE JESUS-VASQUEZ, MELISSA; DEXTER, CHASE; DILLARD, JEWEL; DUFF, PETER; DUMONT, LAMAR; ELZIE, SHANIECE; FACKLER, ANDREW; FADDEN, KEVIN; FAHEY, ANDREW; FARNON, WILLIAM; FARRAJ, MAJDEDDIN; FELLOWS, PAUL; FLORES, ALEJANDRO; FOLEY, PATRICK; FRAZIER, JADA; GARTNER, ADAM; GILBERT, MELISSA; GLOODT, JACOB; HAWKINSON, JAMES; HELBIG, MARGARET; HENKELMAN, MICHAEL; HINRICHSEN, KARLEE; HOLDMAN, NATHAN; HUSKA, DANIEL; ISAACS, KENDRIA; JACK, KEVIN; JACOB, KATHLEEN; JORDAN, KYLE; JUDAH, JADEER; KEENAN, CHRISTOPHER; KOBYLESKI, RONALD; KOHLER, MATTHEW; KOWAL, NOAH; KURASZ, MICHAEL; L’HEUREUX, MICHAEL; LAFLEUR, GARRETT; LAZARIDIS, ARRY; LEIN, ANTHONY; LINGENFELTER, STEVEN; LYNG, SCOTT; MARINIER, RYAN; MAXWELL, TANYA; MAYER, PATRICK; MCFARLAND, KIMBERLY; MCNICHOLS, COLLEEN; MENESES, DEBORAH; MERCADO, BRETT; MORENO, ADRIAN; MORONEY, DANIEL; MORRIS, JONATHAN; MUHR, MATTHEW; MURPHY, ROBERT; NATIONS, STEVEN; O’SHEA, THOMAS; OSTRAND, GREGORY; PASSARELLA, RICKY; PEDICINI, CHRISTOPHER; PENDERGRASS, MICHAEL; PEPE, MICHAEL; PRIMAK, ROBERT; RAYA, DAISY; REHSE, ROBERT; RITTEN, BRIDGET; SADAT, LAILA; SANCHEZ, MATEO; SANTOS, JEREMIAS; SCHAUER, CHRISTOPHER; SCHICKER, MICHAEL; SCHROEDER, DANA; SCHULTZ, JOSEPH; SCOTT, MARK; SECCO, ROBERT; SKODA, DAWN; SMITH, HOLLY; SMITH, ADAM; SPAGNOLI, DAVID; SPERANDIO, JAMES; STEFFEN, TIMOTHY; STOKES, DOROTHEA; SURACE, MICHAEL; TAGLIA, JAMES; TERRY, JOSEPH; TOTH, ROBERT; TRENN, ROBERT; TUCKER, ROBERT; VIVO, VICTOR; WALKER-PEDDAKOTLA, ARTI; WATKINS, VALERIE; WEIDNER, JOHN; WENZEL, DAVID; WHITE, MARK; ZIECH, BRIAN
PAYROLL: 25,000.00 TO 49,999.99 ABU-TALEB, ANAN; BENNETT, GIA; BENSONBAKER, DOROTHY; BOEDEKER, KENT; BOSTON, DE ANGELA; BOWMAN, CHRISTOPHER; BRAMMER, MADELYN; BROWN, JAMARRO; BURGESS, PATRICK; BYRNE, MARY; CALDERON, CINTHYA; CARTAGENA, TATYANA; CASSIDY, KEVIN; CRICHLOW, MIZPAH; CURRY, KARLOS; DEBERRY, CHARLES; DERDEMEZ, RUSMIR; DEVINE PORFIRIO, ALANA; DIAZ, NANCY; DORRIS, SHONTAE; DURR, JACQUELINE; GOODLOW, VALENCIA; GRIVETTI, ROGER; HEDRICH, GINGER; JOHNSON JR, DENNIS; KIM, LEE; KIM, CHRISTOPHER; LEMMENES, JONATHAN; MACIAS, JOSE; MCDONALD, CATHY; MORALES, YERALDI ; OUCHERIAH, PAIGE; PADILLA JR, PABLO; PALADINES, JUAN; PATTERSON-MOSS, TINESHIA; PEARSON III, IVORY; PEDERSEN, ERIC; PEREZ, JUAN; PERRY, HEATHER; PRZYBYLSKI, RONALD; REDDINS, ALLAN; RIZZO, PHILIP; ROBINSON, DANIELLE; ROBINSON, SHAWNYA; SAUCEDO, DIANA; SCHELL, ANGELA; SHELTON, RYAN; SHORTY, TARSHANDA; SOCHACKI, JASON; TCHANG, KIRA; TONGUE, CHRISTOPHER; VAUGHAN, ANDREW; WILLIAMS, ANGELA; WRIGHT-SIMMONS, DORIS PAYROLL: 50,000.00 TO 74,999.99 AGNEW, MARYNDA; ALMONACI, ROCIO; AVINGER, MARY; BALTHAZAR, ERIC; BARBAHEN, MARGARET; BLANKENSHIP, BENNETT; BONIN, KATHLEEN; BOOKER, KIARA; BRELAND, DERRICK; BROWN, TINA; BRYANT, VINCENT; CURRY, JAMEELAH; DENNIS, JOSHUA; DEVILLER, LINDA; DEXTER, STACY; DOMINGUEZ, RITA; DONOVAN, MARK; FAMBRO, LISHA; GALLEGOS, ELIA; GAONKAR, GAURAV; GHOLSTON, DIANNA; GILLESPIE, WILLIAM; GOLUBEVA, OLGA; GUTIERREZ, ALFREDO; HARDAWAY, ALEJANDRO; HARGROVE, QUINN; HOWELL, KAITLIN; HURT, CASSANDRA; JACOBSEN, ERIK; JANKOWSKI, FRANK; JOHNSON, TRENIA; JONES, JENNIFER; KAMYKOWSKI, GLENN; KARLOVITZ, JEFFREY; KEANE, SEAN; KINDRED, MARY; LANCASTER, ANNIE; LECH, ERIN; MANCE, ANDREA; MARINO, EUGENE; MCDONALD, LAWANNA; MCSHEFFREY, NEIL; MICHAELS, MARILYN; MONTERUBIO, KENNETH; MORRIS, JOYLAND; MURPHY, KELLIE; NESBITT, RACHEL; OLSON, JAMES; OSTRAND, GREGORY; PAULENAS, ANDRIUS; PAWLOWSKI, KAREN; PENA, ROGELIO; POWELL, MARCUS; PRIMER, SAMUEL; REBELES, BRIAN; ROZHON, HENRY; RYAN, STANA; SADLER, DUSTYN; SAFFORD, CHARO; SCHAEFFER, RUTH; SCHOENNEMAN, MARY ANN; SCHRAMER, AUSTIN; SCHWAB, RONALD; SCOTT-VALDEZ, JULIA; SHANKLIN, HALSTON; SOMERVILLE, MACEO; STACHURA, MARCELLA; STANISLAVSKI, DIANE; TREXLER, SUSAN; URIOSTEGUI, ELIDA; VAZQUEZ, ABNER; WATERS, CHRISTINA; WOLDEMICHAEL, RAHEL; YONG, SUSANNAH; ZIEGLER, JASON PAYROLL: 75,000.000 TO 99,999.99 AGHAJAN, ROBERT; BABINSKI, ROMAN; BIRING, FRED; BRINKMAN, SCOTT; BROWN, DAVID; BRUCE, MICHAEL; BURGESS, COLIN; CARBONNEAU, THOMAS; CHERVINKO, STEVEN; CROWLEY, KEN; DAWSON, ELLIOT; DOELL, ZACKARY; DURAJ, CONRAD; DWYER, MARK; FARNON, WILLIAM; FARRERA, DIANA; FENWICK, MICHAEL; FERRIER, ZACHARY; FOYTIK, RICHARD; FULTON, THOMAS; GLENN, THOMAS; GRABOWSKI, JAKE; HARTL JR., OTTO; HENDRICKS, CAMERON; HOLDMAN, NATHAN; JULIANO, JILL; KENNEY, GRACE; KILIKEVICIUS, TOMAS; KOPERNIAK, MICHAEL; KORNATOWSKI, SUZANNE; KREML, JOSEPH; KUTZ, BYRON; L’HEUREUX, MICHAEL; LEIN, ANTHONY; LEWIS, KEITH; LIMON, FRANK; LOGAN, VANETTA; LYNG, SCOTT; MASON, BRENT; MAYER, PATRICK; MERCADO, BRETT; MILLER, CHARLES; MURGUIA, RUBEN; PATTERSON, JOHNNY; PENDERGRASS, MICHAEL; POSSEDI, KORTNEY; PRIOR, JEFFREY; RICCHIO, ANTHONY; RODRIGUEZ, JESUS; ROKNICH, CASSANDRA; RUMORO, MICHAEL; SABALIAUSKAS, VICTOR; SCAMAN, VICTORIA; SCHAUER, CHRISTOPHER; SCULLY, MICHAEL; SEAT, KEITH; SPROULE, ROBERT; STEFANIK, DAVID; STURDIVANT, PAUL; TAMAS-ORLANDEA, DELIA; VELASQUEZ, ORLANDO; YOUSUF, MOIN PAYROLL: 100,000.000 TO 124,999.99 ALVAREZ, ANDRES; ANDERSON, ROBERT; BARRERA, MIGUEL; BARRIENTOS, VICTORIO; BONGAT, RONALD; BRIMMER, JESSICA; BRUESCH, BRIAN; BRUNO, STANISLAO;
BYINGTON, ZACHARY; CAMERON, DAVID; CARVER, DAWN; CHARLEY, MICHAEL; CILEK, TIMOTHY; COLEMAN, ANTHONY; CONTE, PHILIPP; COOK, KRISTIN; CUNZALO JR, LEONARD; CUTAIA, STEVEN; DULSKI, MICHAEL; DUNN, WILLIAM; EURKAITIS, CHRISTOPHER; FAILOR, CRAIG; FENSKE, MICHAEL; FOYTIK, RONALD; FRYE, JONATHAN; GHANMA, DANIEL; GUY, STEVEN; GUZA, TIMOTHY; HAAG, JACOB; HARTLEY, BRETT; HARVEY, ANTHONY; HERNANDEZ, ERIC; HERZOG, JEFFREY; HUMMONS, JOHN; HUSKA, DANIEL; JACKSON, RASHEDA; JONES, RAY; JUDAH, JADEER; KANIECKI, BRIAN; KASS, ANTHONY; KEENAN, CHRISTOPHER; KELLY, MICHAEL; KERLEY, PAUL; KOHLER, MATTHEW; KRAMER, JOHN; LAFLEUR, GARRETT; LAMBERT, MICHAEL; LARSON, JONATHON; LEINER, DANIEL; LEITL, NATHANIEL; LEPCZYNSKI, MICHAEL; LING, DAVID; LINGENFELTER, STEVEN; LOCKE, ERIC; LOVE, TRACCYE; MARCHESE, PETER; MARINIER, RYAN; MAZUR, THOMAS; MCCARTHY, KEVIN; MCINERNEY, DANIEL; MCKENNA, JOHN; MELTON, CEDRIC; MEYER, DOUGLAS; MILOSOVIC, JOE; MONTY, ROBERT; MOONEYSIMKUS, CHRISTINE; MORRIS, JONATHAN; MURPHY, RAPHAEL; MURPHY, MICHAEL; NASH, JOSEPH; NG, BENZ; NIKISCHER, JOHN; PANTALEO JR, JOSEPH; POSHEK, JEFFREY; POWERS, DAVID; PRATHER-RODGERS, JAMES; RADTKE, TONI; RUMORO, JOHN; SANCHEZ, MATEO; SANCHEZ, PATRICK; SARROS, JAMES; SCHEJBAL, JOSEPH; SCHICKER, MICHAEL; SCHROCK, MATTHEW; SMITH, ADAM; SMITH, THEODORE; STANFORD, ALVIN; STEFFEN, TIMOTHY; SUTAITE, KAMILE; TERRY, JOSEPH; THOMAS, KORRY; TOTH, ROBERT; TROIK, DUSTIN; TWOREK, KENNETH; UNZICKER, TIMOTHY; VALENTINE, JAMES; VERGE II, DERRICK; WEIDNER, JOHN; WENZEL, DAVID PAYROLL: 125,000.000 AND OVER ANTOS, RANDALL; AUSMANN, STEVE; BALLARD, WILLIAM; BARTELT, SCOTT; BAUDO, PAUL; BERTELS, JOSHUA; BUSH, KYLE; CASTANEDA, JOEL; COLLINS, KEVIN; COTE II, JEROME; CURTIN, JOHN; DAVIS, CAMERON; DEUCHLER, SAMANTHA; DONAIRE, LEONARD; DRANSOFF, THOMAS; DRAZNER, STEVEN; EBSEN, THOMAS; EPISCOPO, ANGELO; FADDEN, KEVIN; FREELAIN, RASUL; GLOODT, JACOB; GREET, MICHAEL; GROSSMAN, TAMMIE; HENKELMAN, MICHAEL; HENRY, WILLIAM; JACOBSON, DAVE; JOHNSON, SHATONYA; KOBYLESKI, RONALD; MCKENNA, WILLIAM; MCVEY, CHARLES; MILLER, IAN; MORAN, JOSEPH; MURPHY, ROBERT; NEPOMUCENO, ALVIN; O’CONNOR, MICHAEL; PAVLICEK, CARA; PILAFAS, PETER; RALLIDIS, MICHAEL; REHSE, ROBERT; REYNOLDS, LADON; RUIZ JR., MANUEL; RYGH, WILLIAM; SHELLEY, LISA; SILVA, DONICIO; SILVA, DANIEL; SPAGNOLI, DAVID; STEPHANIDES, PAUL; STEWART, SCHONELLA; TOWLER, WILLIAM; VELEZ, NICHOLAS; WIELEBNICKI, JOHN LIABILITY AUTOMOBILE MECHANICS LOCAL 701 8,496; BLITT AND GAINES, P.C. 811; COMET LOANS 1,144; EFTPS 5,461,019; ILLINOIS F.O.P. 3,526; FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 95 74,672; FIREMEN PENSION 629,598; FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LODGE #8 81,263; LOCAL UNION #9 IBEW 2,832; ICMA 1,068,323; ILLINOIS STATE TAXES 1,240,969; IMRF 1,162,448; ISAC 1,170; ILLINOIS STATE DISBURSEMENT UNIT 106,738; MUTUAL OF OMAHA 141; SEIU LOCAL 73 25,971; SEIU LOCAL 73 5,344; MARILYN O. MARSHALL 7,800; MEYER AND NJUS P.A. #29840 3,261; NATIONWIDE IAFF 457 20,554; NCPERS-GROUP LIFE INS. 2,112; PEP FIRE CONTRIBUTION 47,688; POLICE PENSION 1,048,070; POLICE PEHP 79,260; SHINDLER AND JOYCE 187; LOCAL UNION NO. 705 5,889; TOM VAUGHN 11,700; TOM VAUGHN CHAP 13 6,208; TOTAL 11,107,193
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
27
PUBLIC NOTICE Village of Oak Park, Illinois
Payments ≥ $2,500 in the Aggregate For the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2019 EXPENDITURES AND EXPENSES 1133 OP LLC 102,338; 3M COMPANY 3,645; 4 IMPRINT 9,806; 822 S. AUSTIN, LLC. 19,629; A & B LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICE IN 176,168; A C PAVEMENT STRIPING COMPANY 353,364; AA RENTAL CENTER 3,433; ABT ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES 17,633; ACCOUNTING PRINCIPALS 8,601; ACS ENTERPRISES 4,054; ACTION TRANSMISSION & AUTOMOTIVE 3,013; ADRIENNE AND BENJAMIN MAGNUSON 3,500; ADVANCED AUTOMATION & CONTROLS, INC 34,000; ADVANCED DISPOSAL SERVICES 58,057; AFLAC 5,268; AFTERMATH, INC. 2,940; AIR ONE EQUIPMENT INC. 12,555; AIRGAS USA LLC 5,350; AIS CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT 2,500; AJILON PROFESSIONAL STAFFING 24,338; ALARM DETECTION SYSTEMS INC. 33,235; ALL TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS 5,400; ALLIANCE CONTRACTORS, INC. 1,259,199; ALLIANCE TO END HOMELESSNESS IN SUB 4,285; ALLIED GARAGE DOOR INC. 7,661; ALTAMANU, INC. 32,928; AMALGAMATED BANK OF CHICAGO 13,794,276; AMAZON.COM 22,033; AMELIA WIATR-RODRIGUEZ 3,500; AMERICAN COMMMERCIAL SERVICES, INC. 8,375; AMERICAN RESPONSE VEHICLE 87,146; AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION 3,981; ANDERSON ELEVATOR CO 186,811; ANDY FRAIN SERVICES 251,270; ANIMAL CARE LEAGUE 115,000; ANTHONY ROOFING TECTA AMERICA LLC 28,424; APWA - AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOC. 6,875; AQUA BACKFLOW INC 12,973; AQUA FIORI INC. 5,003; ARAMARK 11,772; ARCHON CONSTRUCTION 56,319; ARROW LOCKSMITH 4,540; ARTHUR CLESEN INC. 3,770; ARTISTIC ENGRAVING 4,406; ASPECT SOFTWARE INC 2,550; ASSOC. TIRE & BATTERY CO, INC. 9,480; ASSOCIATED TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. 6,025; AUTO ZONE 4,334; AUTO-CHLOR SYSTEM 2,860; AUTOMATED PEDESTRIAN ACCESS, INC. 3,948; AVALON PETROLEUM 28,784; AVALON PETROLEUM COMPANY 42,449; AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. 15,598; AYRES ASSOCIATES, INC. 7,605; B & H PHOTO VIDEO 3,788; BAR CODE INTEGRATORS, INC. 14,211; BAXTER & WOODMAN, INC. 24,102; BC/BS OF ILLINOIS 1,401,389; BELSON OUTDOORS 3,478; BENJAMIN ELECTRICAL SERVICES 8,100; BENTLEY SYSTEMS, INC. 19,242; BHAGYESH PATEL 5,750; BLA, INC. 121,782; BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ILLINOIS 5,964; BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF ILLINOIS 5,259,432; BLUE TARP FINANCIAL 8,434; BMC SOFTWARE, INC. 2,870; BOB BARKER COMPANY, INC. 3,555; BOTANY BAY CHEMICAL COMPANY 9,945; BREACH POINT CONSILTING, INC 2,500; BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGIES, LLC 10,050; BRIAN R. PORTER 21,626; BRIAN SHINNERS 3,500; BRISTOL HOSE & FITTING 3,743; BROTHERS ASPHALT PAVING, INC. 103,269; BRUNNER, SUSAN 28,398; BS&A SOFTWARE 53,050; BUCKNER, MARK 3,828; BULLEY & ANDREWS 14,400; BURGESS, CRAIG 8,894; BUZZ CAFE 5,407; C & J HOME IMPROVEMENTS 122,759; CALL ONE 68,004; CANON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. 10,281; CARBON DAY AUTOMOTIVE 4,796; CARTERSON PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP, INC. 5,750; CASE LOTS INC. 22,937; CDS OFFICE TECHNOLOGIES 19,562; CDW GOVERNMENT, INC. 141,666; CELL AT AUCTION, LLC 2,924; CENTER FOR NEIGHBORHOOD TECHNOLOGY 42,062; CERNIGLIA CO 1,783,784; CFA SOFTWARE 3,745; CHAD INGRAM AND ERIN INGRAM 3,500; CHAMBERLAIN, KIMELLEN A. 30,685; CHASTAIN & ASSOCIATES, LLC 97,514; CHICAGO COMMUNICATIONS, LLC 2,666; CHICAGO PARTS & SOUND LLC 19,625; CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT 13,916; CHICAGO TIRE 2,511; CHICAGO TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY 3,000,000; CHICAGOLAND RENOVATIONS, INC 9,740; CHRISTOPHER B BURKE ENGINEERING LT 119,538; CHRISTOPHER B BURKE ENGINEERING LTD 9,174; CINTAS #769 30,264; CITRON HYGIENE US CORP 3,198; CITY ESCAPE GARDEN & DESIGN LLC 197,273; CITY LIGHTS LTD 3,000; CITY OF CHICAGO 7,113,046; CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, 21,809; CLARK BAIRD SMITH LLP 7,144; CLARK DIETZ, INC. 62,845; CLASSIC GRAPHICS INDUSTRIES 13,989; CLEARVIEW PLUMBING & SEWER INC 5,600; CLYDE PRINTING COMPANY 33,401; COLLEGE OF DUPAGE 4,927; COMCAST 10,212; COMCAST CABLE 5,185; COMED (6111) 70,698; COMED (6112) 172,941; COMMERCIAL TIRE SERVICES INC. 16,905; COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES 7,031; COMPASS MINERALS 163,020; COMPULINK MANAGEMENT CENTER 2,885; CONSTELLATION ENERGY SERVICES 186,149; COOK COUNTY CLERK 3,130; COOK COUNTY COLLECTOR 23,782; COOK COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDS 3,452; COOK COUNTY TREASUR-
ER 86,097; CORE & MAIN LP 44,623; COSTCO WHOLESALE 2,605; COTG 10,697; CPAT DISTRIBUTION, INC. 2,957; CRASH CHAMPIONS 15,357; CROWDER COATING & FOAM, INC. 14,869; CUMMINS INC. 8,108; CUMMINS N POWER, LLC 4,023; CURRIE MOTORS FRANKFORT, INC. 203,480; DARLEY & CO, W. S. 5,280; DATA TICKET, INC. 9,568; DATASOURCE, INC./ GLOBAL PARTNERS, L 9,772; DAVID SCHWARTZ AND NAOMI KATZ 3,500; DAVIS BANCORP, INC. 20,747; DAVIS TREE CARE & LANDSCAPE INC. 305,895; DELL MARKETING LP (USA) 12,754; DELTA DEMOLITION, INC. 129,706; DELTA DENTAL-RISK 261,632; DERIVE POWER 4,389; DERO 9,073; DIGICOM INSTALLATION, INC. 25,174; DINGES FIRE COMPANY 7,622; DOOR SYSTEMS INC. 3,099; DOWNTOWN OAK PARK 752,651; DRESSEL’S ACE HARDWARE 8,020; DTN, LLC 2,864; ECO PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS 4,341; EDWIN HANCOCK ENGINEERING COMPANY 604,155; EGGEN CONSULTING GROUP, INC. 94,690; EJ EQUIPMENT 3,880; ELECTRIC CONDUIT CONSTRUCTION CO. 214,159; ELITE RECOGNITION SERVICES 3,563; EMBOSSED SIGN SERVICE 3,824; EMC FIRE 20,500; ENGINEERING RESOURCE ASSOCIATES, IN 95,113; ENGLER, CALLAWAY, BAASTEN & SRAGA, 13,121; ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INDUSTRIES 14,550; ERA-VALDIVIA CONTRACTORS, INC. 191,332; ESG ALLIANCE - HMIS 6,003; ESO SOLUTIONS, INC. 7,286; ESRI INC. 9,400; EVEREST SNOW MANAGEMENT, INC 52,290; EXCEL LTD, INC. 2,523; F.E. MORAN INC, MECHANICAL SERVICES 5,708; FBI - LEEDA 2,835; FEDERAL EXPRESS 3,831; FELLOWS, PAUL 4,896; FERGUSON WATERWORKS #2516 193,372; FGM ARCHITECTS 53,680; FIRE SERVICE, INC. 5,559; FIRE TRAINING RESOURCES 2,825; FIS 20,463; FISH TRANSPORTATION GROUP 4,735; FITNESS EQUIPMENT SERVICES INC. 3,200; FLEET SAFETY SUPPLY 25,043; FLOOD TESTING LABORATORIES 3,428; FOREMOST PROMOTIONS 3,204; FORWARD SPACE 27,123; FOUNTAIN TECH. LTD 12,105; FRANCZEK, RADELET 38,641; FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT TRUST 10,663; FRANK LOYD WRIGHT TRUST - WRIGHT PL 5,000; FRED PRYOR SEMINARS/CAREERTRACK 2,567; FREEWAY FORD STERLING TRUCK SALES I 11,085; G.A. PAVING CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. 273,662; GALLAGHER MATERIALS, INC. 23,416; GALLUP 19,585; GARCES CONTRACTORS, LLC 101,972; GAS DEPOT 151,711; GASAWAY DISTRIBUTORS INC. 5,267; GAYLORD HOTELS 3,567; GENEVA LAKES PRODUCE 2,887; GEWALT-HAMILTON ASSOCIATES, INC 64,160; GIAMMONA, JOSEPH 10,426; GILBERT J. GROSSI 29,083; GLOBAL MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS LLC 43,181; GOOD LIFE MEDIA PRODUCTIONS 4,202; GOVHR USA, LLC 20,148; GOVTEMPSUSA LLC 57,340; GRAF TREE CARE 24,500; GRAINGER 15,725; GRANICUS, INC. 21,434; GRANITE TELECOMMUNCATIONS, LLC 15,160; GRAYBAR ELECTRICAL COMPANY 3,404; GREAT LAKES CONCRETE, LLC 4,607; GREEN HOME EXPERTS 8,746; GREENPLAN MANAGEMENT 9,900; GRO HORTICULTURAL ENTERPRISES, INC. 4,750; GUGLY, INC. 50,000; H & H ELECTRIC CO. 79,171; HAMPTON, LENZINI & RENWICK, INC. 15,056; HARRIS COMPUTER SYSTEMS 176,741; HAWK CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP 9,621; HECKER & COMPANY, INC. 136,941; HENRY SCHEIN, INC. 9,441; HEPHZIBAH CHILDREN’S ASSOCIATION 16,737; HERITAGE TILE OF OAK PARK 3,950; HERVAS, CONDON & BERSANI, P.C. 8,879; HINCKLEY SPRINGS 10,766; HINSDALE NURSERIES 3,856; HIRERIGHT 3,152; HOLIDAY INN 2,701; HOLLIS WEBSTER MEDIATIONS 3,600; HOTEL MAYA 3,229; HOUSING FORWARD 188,576; HR GREEN, INC. 828,289; HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK 166,736; I/O SOLUTIONS, INC. 10,671; IACP - CONFERENCE REGISTRATION 2,965; ICMA MEMBERSHIP PAYMENTS 4,657; ICMA VANTAGE POINT TRANSFER AGENT 73,006; IDES 2,815; IL COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATION NET 4,500; ILLINOIS ARBORIST ASSOCIATION 3,005; ILLINOIS COMMUNITY CHOICE 8,500; ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE 8,400; ILLINOIS STATE POLICE 24,869; ILLINOIS WORKERS COMPENSATION COMMI 11,223; IMRF 1,937,739; INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL SOLUTIONS 58,147; INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR, INC. 15,701; INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL 8,350; INTERSTATE BATTERY SYSTEMS OF METRO 7,108; INTERSTATE BILLING SERVICE, INC. 8,885; INTRINSIC LANDSCAPING 10,677; IRON MOUNTAIN 12,079; IT SAVVY LLC 81,250; J GILL & CO 198,400; J.G. UNIFORMS 16,156; JACK’S 6,636; JAMISON, JACQUELYN 115,000; JATHEON TECHNOLOGIES 5,399; JESUS ANAYA & THOMAS A. MORRISSEY 74,900; JOHN D. DORTCH 2,511; JOHN YOUKHANA 47,752; JU-
LIE, INC. 4,834; KEINO AND LUCIA ROBINSON 3,500; KELLER HEARTT CO INC. 6,268; KELLY ELLIS 3,162; KEVIN E. O’CONNOR 12,000; KEVIN VIOLLT 3,500; K-FIVE CONSTRUCTION 4,307,574; KLEIN, THORPE & JENKINS 54,904; KLOA,KENIG,LINDGREN,O’HARA,ABOONA, 4,059; KONEMATIC 3,381; KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS 30,000; KRONOS INCORPORATED 3,228; KRONOS SAASHR, INC. 31,245; KRONOS, INC. 18,694; KUNES COUNTRY FORD OF ANTIOCH 26,179; KYLE HANSEN 3,170; LAKOTA GROUP INC. 27,802; LANDMARK MEDIA SOLUTIONS, LLC 6,188; LANDS’ END BUSINESS OUTFITTERS 4,231; LAUTERBACH & AMEN, LLP 13,700; LEAD INSPECTORS USA INC. 5,400; LEADSONLINE 8,627; LEXINGTON HOMES, LLC 369,201; LEXIPOL, LLC 84,111; LEXISNEXIS /RELX, INC 4,978; LIGHTLE ENTERPRISES OF OHIO 8,910; LINDAHL BROTHERS, INC. 911,923; LINDCO EQUIPMENT SALES INC. 5,933; LOVE, TRACCYE 4,800; LYONS ELECTRIC 46,236; LYONSPINNER ELECTRIC CO 4,200; MABAS DIV. XI 10,000; MACKIE CONSULTANTS, LLC 49,850; MAILFINANCE 10,074; MARIS, LLC 6,250; MCADAM 75,274; MCCLOUD SERVICES 9,532; MCCROMETER 3,178; MCDONALD’S 3,382; MCGRATH CONSULTING GROUP, INC. 5,000; MCREF OAK PARK LLC/VANTAGE 10,760; MEADE ELECTRIC COMPANY INC. 73,867; MENARDS-MELROSE PARK 10,878; MESIROW INSURANCE SERVICES INC. 353,059; METRO MORTUARY TRANSPORT, INC. 12,780; METRO STRATEGIES, INC. 7,832; METROPOLITAN INDUSTRIES, INC. 6,064; METROPOLITAN MAYORS CAUCUS 20,535; MEV OAK PARK LLC 12,724; MGP, INC 98,532; MICHAEL BONICK 3,500; MICHAEL W. MCGINNIS 3,500; MICHELS CORPORATION 82,426; MID AMERICAN WATER INC. 21,023; MIDWAY BUILDING SERVICES 38,961; MIDWEST ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SE 4,534; MIKE ALBERT LEASING, INC. 59,800; MILLER, CANFIELD, PADDOCK & STONE, P 16,879; MINT DISTRIBUTIONS LLC 2,864; MINUTEMAN PRESS 9,325; MISFITS CONSTRUCTION CO. 18,748; MJA PLUMBING & SEWER CO. 32,862; MK CONSTRUCTION & BUILDERS, INC. 31,402; MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC. 3,274; MORRISON & ASSOCIATES 7,500; MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC. 32,467; MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES 51,409; MUTUAL OF OMAHA 123,323; MYTHICS, INC. 10,347; NAFISCO, INC. 70,000; NAMI - METRO SUBURBAN INC. 13,390; NARDULLI,J . CONCRETE, INC. 191,353; NATIONAL BUSINESS INSTITUTE, INC 2,547; NATIONAL POWER RODDING CORP. 4,696; NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER 24,270; NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS 18,713; NETRIX, LLC 15,664; NETWORKFLEET, INC. 2,815; NEW MOMS, INC. 17,362; NICOR GAS 4,851; NORTH EAST MULTI-REGIONAL 17,373; NORTH LAWNDALE HIVE, LLC 2,873; NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 5,587; NORTHERN SAFETY CO., INC. 3,865; NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY 23,367; NORVILLA, LLC 302,922; NYHAN, BAMBRICK,KINZIE & LOWRY, P.C 46,920; OAK BROOK MECHANICAL SERVICES INC. 42,816; OAK LEYDEN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 18,000; OAK PARK & RIVER FOREST HIGH SCHOOL 4,397; OAK PARK AREA ARTS COUNCIL 173,333; OAK PARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. 571,500; OAK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 27,986; OAK PARK HOUSING AUTHORITY 183,154; OAK PARK KITCHEN AND BATHS, LLC 7,000; OAK PARK LIBRARY 158,342; OAK PARK REGIONAL HOUSING CENTER 32,667; OAK PARK REGIONAL HOUSING CTR 532,524; OAK PARK RESIDENCE CORPORATION 42,337; OAK PARK RIVER FOREST CHAMBER OF CO 9,833; OAK PARK RIVER FOREST FOOD PANTRY 16,737; OAK PARK RIVER FOREST INFANT 22,316; OAK PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT #97
4,433; OAK PARK TOWNSHIP YOUTH SVCS. 44,525; OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CENTERS 56,056; O’HARE TOWING SERVICE 11,744; ON TIME EMBROIDERY 28,765; ORBIS CONSTRUCTION CO, INC. 491,895; O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 9,890; OSA INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS, LLC 12,332; P & G KEENE 4,099; P J’S ACE HARDWARE 3,441; PACE SYSTEMS, INC. 7,050; PARAMONT-EO INC 5,813; PARTNERS & PAWS VETERINARY SERVICES 2,674; PASSPORT LABS, INC. 6,379; PASSPORT PARKING, LLC 286,576; PB LOADER CORP 635,022; PCC COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTER 17,160; PCM SALES 3,516; PENTEGRA SYSTEMS 6,222; PERSONALIZATIONHOUSE.COM, LLC 8,251; PERSONNEL STRATEGIES 7,200; PERSPECTIVES, LTD. 20,629; PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES 22,460; PETER AND REBECCA MACPHERSON 3,500; PETER R. MEYERS 8,441; PHOENIX WELDING CO, INC. 19,375; PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 5,095; PJD ELECTRICAL SALES, INC. 13,327; PMA COMPANIES, INC. 333,606; PMA MANAGEMENT CORP. 1,168,367; POLFUS, EDWARD 11,957; POLICE EXECUTIVE RESEARCH FORUM 10,420; POLLARDWATER.COM 8,541; POWERDMS, INC. 7,487; PRAETORIAN DIGITAL 4,640; PRAIRIE MATERIAL 7,690; PREMIER STAFFING SOURCE, INC 23,867; R & L MAINTENANCE 21,720; R. E. WALSH & ASSOCIATES, INC 52,125; RASENICK’S 5,055; RAVE WIRELESS, INC. 6,000; RAY O’HERRON CO. INC. 16,441; RCN TECHNOLOGIES 4,203; READY REFRESH BY NESTLE 7,981; RELIABLE FIRE EQUIPMENT CO. 8,629; RELIASTAR LIFE INSURANCE 4,338; REVCON TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC. 69,379; RHONDA SALLEE’ 23,014; RICA PROPERTIES, LLC 38,600; RICAH CHURCH 12,311; RICHARD J. KIM 3,500; ROBBINS SCHWARTZ NICHOLAS LIFTON 248,147; ROBERT CARES 3,500; ROZALADO & CO. 83,598; RRV MOTORCARS 188,377; RUBBER, INC 7,345; RUBINO ENGINEERING INC. 14,214; RUMORO,JOHN 4,800; RUSSO’S POWER EQUIPMENT 2,979; S.B. FRIEDMAN & COMPANY 10,000; SAFARILAND (FORENSICS SOURCE) 2,924; SALES ENTERPRISE 6,335; SANDRY FIRE SUPPLY LLC 2,731; SANJAY PATEL AND KAREN LAREAU 3,500; SANSA SOLUTIONS 4,000; SANTANNA ENERGY SERVICES 3,438; SARAH’S INN 11,158; SCHROEDER & SCHROEDER, INC. 294,340; SECRETARY OF STATE-DEPT OF POLICE 3,355; SECURITAS SECURITY SERVICES USA 565,100; SEPS, INC 8,849; SHI INTERNATIONAL CORP. 7,393; SHIRA LEON 6,496; SHRM 3,174; SIEMENS BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES INC. 38,000; SIKICH LLP 65,300; SIMPSON, M.E. CO., INC. 74,767; SKILLPATH/NST SEMINARS 2,739; SMITH ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS INC 7,862; SMITS, R. & SONS 6,734; SNAP ON INDUSTRIAL 4,198; SNI SOLUTIONS 20,742; SOS TECHNOLOGIES 5,847; SOUTH WATER SIGNS 19,554; SOUTHERN COMPUTER WAREHOUSE 15,028; SOUTHWEST AIRLINES 4,617; STANDARD EQUIPMENT COMPANY 5,491; STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES, INC. 6,413; STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTO INSURANCE 3,270; STATE FARM AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE 2,889; STATE FARM INSURANCE 12,799; STATION CHECK 2,700; STEINER ELECTRIC COMPANY 41,284; STENSTROM PETROLEUM SALES & SERVICE 35,892; STERLING CODIFIERS, INC. 6,060; STERNBERG LANTERNS, INC. 34,303; STOVER, K V & SONS 5,394; STREICHER’S 33,841; STRYKER SALES CORPORATION 6,181; SUBURBAN LABORATORIES 10,503; SUBURBAN TREE CONSORTIUM 148,579; SUPERIOR ROAD STRIPING, INC. 35,647; SURE-CLOSE INC. 2,970; SURMIN, RONALD 28,639; SWANSON AND BROWN, LTD 106,300; SWEET MONSTER, INC 2,702; TAMMO HEATING & COOLING 3,750; TAPCO 7,451; TCB OAK PARK LLC 500,000; TELCOM INNOVATIONS GROUP, LLC
22,480; TEREX UTILITIES, INC. 105,586; TERMINAL SUPPLY CO 7,453; TERRA ENGINEERING LTD 117,831; TEUTEBERG INC. 4,840; THE PRINTING STORE INC. 4,245; THIRD MILLENNIUM 17,482; THOMAS COLEMAN 3,500; THOMAS ENGINEERING GROUP 347,592; THOMPSON ELEVATOR INSPECTION 44,775; THOMSON REUTERS - WEST PAYMENT CENT 6,039; THRIVE COUNSELING CENTER 129,250; TIMOTHY PUNTILLO AND MEGAN PUNTILLO 3,500; TKB ASSOCIATES, INC 14,344; TODD WATERS AND MEGAN ROONEY 3,500; TOTAL PARKING SOLUTIONS 285,958; TRAFFIC CONTROL & PROTECTION 30,489; TRAFFIC CONTROL CORPORATION 17,248; TRANSYSTEMS CORPORATION 179,070; TREASURER, STATE OF ILLINOIS (IDOT 211,971; TREE TOWNS IMAGING & COLOR GRAPHICS 3,483; TREESTUFF.COM 2,682; TRIGGI CONSTRUCTION 1,787,021; TRINE CONSTRUCTION 438,998; TRI-TECH FORENSICS, INC. 6,173; UCP SEGUIN OF GREATER CHICAGO 22,000; ULINE 6,082; UNDERGROUND PIPE & VALVE CO. 19,668; UNIQUE PLUMBING CO. 7,455; UNITED STATES ALLIANCE FIRE 3,187; UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE 42,044; US BANK CORPORATE REAL ESTATE 12,662; US DIGITAL DESIGNS, INC. 92,473; USA BLUE BOOK 6,313; USPS - MAIL PERMIT #1894 20,524; USPS - MAIL PERMIT #26 21,375; V3 COMPANIES 109,049; VERITEXT LLC MIDWEST REGION 4,797; VERIZON CONNECT NWF, INC. 11,837; VERIZON WIRELESS 84,827; VICTOR STANLEY 4,452; VIKING CHEMICAL CO. 2,883; VILLAGE OF OAK PARK (WATER BILLING) 48,639; VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ECC 177,608; VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PETTY CASH 6,407; VILLAGE OF ROMEOVILLE FIRE ACADEMY 11,720; VISION SERVICE PLAN (IL) 48,698; VISIT OAK PARK 212,500; VISSER’S COLLISION CENTER 2,710; VISTA NATIONAL INSURANCE GROUP 39,000; VULCAN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, LLC 5,717; W. S. DARLEY & COMPANY 6,460; WALKER RESTORATION CONSULTANTS 46,250; WALT SKIBBE FARMS 3,236; WARD CONTRACTING & BLDG RESTORATION 20,860; WAREHOUSE DIRECT 31,890; WARREN OIL CO, INC. 105,024; WASHINGTON,CARRIE BELLE 28,507; WASTE MANAGEMENT 5,728; WASTE MANAGEMENT - METRO 4647 645,934; WASTE MANAGEMENT - METRO 4648 2,273,581; WATER PRODUCTS COMPANY OF AURORA, I 19,048; WATERWAY ILLINOIS, INC. 3,300; WAY BACK INN 3,347; WEDNESDAY JOURNAL, INC 17,220; WEIGHTS & MEASURES, INC. 7,600; WEST CENTRAL MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE 23,840; WEST COOK COUNTY SOLID WASTE AGENCY 430,399; WEST COOK YMCA 14,525; WEST SIDE EXCHANGE 6,197; WEST SUBURBAN CONSOLIDATED DISPATCH 1,028,434; WHEATLAND TITLE COMPANY 5,157; WIGHT & COMPANY 19,391; WINTER EQUIPMENT COMPANY INC. 3,790; WISS, JANNEY, ELSTNER ASSOCIATES, I 3,886; WORLDPOINT ECC, INC. 5,181; XEROX FINANCIAL SERVICES 24,396; ZEIGLER FORD OF NORTH RIVERSIDE 5,414; ZERO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC 10,475; ZIEBELL WATER SERVICE PRODUCTS 14,609; ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION GPO 39,774; ZONES CORPRATE SOLUTIONS 27,752; ZORCH 5,076; EXPENSE DISBURSEMENTS UNDER 2,500.00 885,652 TOTAL: 73,864,741
Subscribed and sworn to this 1st day of May, 2020
Village of Oak Park, Illinois
Annual Financial Summary For the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2019
Beginning Balance January 1, 2019 Revenues Expenditures Other Financing & Misc. Prior Period Adjustments Ending Balance December 31, 2019
General Fund
Special Revenue
14,810,613
21,582,065
62,590,823 (60,802,099) (314,979) 16,284,358
Capital Improvements
Debt Service
Internal Service
Enterprise
Fiduciary
417,871
4,093,723
(1,434,679)
92,363,462
138,223,991
18,833,257 (22,255,022) (6,171,572)
3,622,608 (8,365,806) 6,193,097
5,537,520 (8,695,006) 780,000
12,785,699 (7,985,942) -
28,730,048 (22,186,725) (1,053,766)
39,197,309 (15,738,217) -
11,988,728
1,867,770
1,716,237
3,365,078
97,853,019
161,683,083
Subscribed and sworn to the 17th day of June, 2020 Steven Drazner, CFO & Treasurer Village of Oak Park
28
V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
W
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
How do we combat CPD’s culture of impunity?
hile in my home trying faithfully to obey the stayat-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I listened recently to the president twisting, bending and breaking every law the legislative branch creates. I see some police officers operating with the impunity that plagues our country and poisons the efforts of good police officers who want to build bridges of trust in our communities. The bad cops are emulating the president. As an African American who has viewed this pattern of abuse over most of my life, I know these abuses are not isolated events but are events captured in isolation that shock the conscience of those who are in deep denial, but not those who have suffered in silence. These recent incidents of blacks treated with indifference because of the color of their skin — from Laquan McDonald to George Floyd to countless others whose deaths have been captured on video — are just simple facts baked into the daily lives of African Americans. I remember when I returned to Chicago from the military and bought a brand new 1985 Z28. I took my girlfriend to the beauty supply store at Austin and Lake. She hopped out of the car and ran into the store. The Oak Park police pulled behind me, startling me with the shrill of their PA system. “Move the car,” they shouted. I signaled and moved into the left lane to turn on to the Chicago side of Lake Street. The officer followed and put on his lights, I stopped and turned my car off. He then asked me for my license and registration, which I immediately surrendered. After checking that, he did not inform me of any violation for stopping me but asked if he could search the car. I got out of the car, locked the doors and asked if there was any probable cause for the search. If not, I said, the officer had better get a warrant. I was immediately placed under arrest and taken to the Oak Park Police Station. After an hour or so, I guess they couldn’t come up with any justification for detaining me. While cuffed, I was taken out of the cell facing the arresting officer. I do not remember exactly why, but I could see something in his eyes and he proceeded to throw a left and right open-hand cross. My instincts kicked in and I bobbed and weaved, leaving him punching air. “What the f— are you doing?” another officer shouted to his offending colleague before asking me if I would like to file a complaint. I could see in the eyes of the officer who had tried attacking me that he knew he’d screwed up. “No, just get me back to my car, please,” I said calmly. In this instance, there was a culture that would not allow this officer to attack me with impunity, which is much different from the culture that allows a group of police officers to descend upon a vehicle containing African-American women, as in the case of the recent Brickyard Mall incident that I saw on the news the other night. Those officers approached the women swinging sticks and acting like a gang of thugs. The culture of impunity that allows an officer to kneel on a citizen’s neck for more than 8 minutes is the same culture of impunity that allows an officer to unleash deadly force on an individual not posing an immediate threat. In order to begin the process of real reform, radical
action must be taken to root out this culture of impunity and allow the officers who are really trying to serve and protect to thrive. I have witnessed the faces of the timid officers, as the more aggressive officer assert themselves. Those more timid officers know that if they could, they would step up and say, “What the f — are you doing?” The culture, however, will not permit this immediate corrective act. Given this reality, what fresh ideas and solutions need to be enacted to ensure that the “What the f— are you doing” officers can come forward? How can we change the culture of impunity in the Chicago Police Department? ■ New police officers should have an accredited college degree in criminal justice with a minor in social justice. This might prevent new officers from being influenced by the impunity culture that permeates the department. ■ They must be able to pass a psych test that has been validated by three different scientific studies and that weeds out racial bias, or at the very least identifies the possibility of racial bias in a prospective officer, so that other officers can be aware themselves and receive additional training and scrutiny. ■ Officers should not be allowed to serve more than 20 years unless they are promoted into other areas of law enforcement, such as narcotics, a gang unit, an organized crime unit, internal affairs, administrative support, or homicide for an additional 10 years. And once promoted, they must have a high rate of effectiveness. At the very minimum, they must maintain a 50 percent clearance rate. Those who are retired after 20 years can then go on to other agencies, such as the state police or the FBI. In addition, their performance record, Civilian Office of Police Accountability filings, and internal affairs records should be part of the vetting process. ■ When new contracts are reached with the city, an intensive review should be performed, as part of the new contract. This will identify individuals who have poor performance records and multiple complaints lodged against them. These officers should be dismissed as part of that collective bargaining agreement. ■ Body cam video and other digital documentation that the city issues at its discretion should be turned over to interested parties within 10 days of being requested. This information belongs to the citizens of the city, so why are we allowing the city to tell us that we cannot have what belongs to us? ■ A database of individuals with mental health conditions should be developed to alert officers of individuals that might pose a challenge during emergency situations. In addition, family members of mentally challenged individuals, or the individuals themselves, should be able to register for this database. This will help ensure that these individuals are given the consideration their conditions deserve. ■ There needs to be a massive overhaul of the process for apprehending suspects. Police training should really be more focused on neutralizing targets in such a way that guarantees little to no harm. Officers have become too reliant on their firearms and stun guns. Willie Chatman is a resident of the Austin neighborhood of Chicago.
WILLIE
CHATMAN One View
A small, needful poem
I have attached a photo of an installation of Ross Gay’s “A Small Needful Fact” in Maple Park here in Oak Park. After reading it in an Academy of American Poets email this past Friday, I sent it via email to family and friends because it so richly and succinctly captured what’s at the heart of the civil
rights protests. My brother-in-law, Terry Sheridan, was moved and wanted more people to read it, so he then created the attached and posted it in the park just north of Fillmore on a tree close to the sidewalk facing Maple Avenue.
Terry Cahill
Oak Park
Maybe the guns are the problem While I am all in favor of rethinking policing, most proposals amount to the flavor of the day of the same theme I have been hearing since the 1960s — the police are killing too many citizens. Neck restraints are the flavor of the day; ban them. But that’s only a small part of the issue. The principle of Chekhov’s gun applies equally well to police: guns will be shot. Police officers have bad days. Certain police officers have power and control issues. Good-faith mistakes happen. Why does every police officer have to be armed to the teeth? Is it actually the case that every officer has to outmatch the firepower of every miscreant? Is it reasonable to impose the death penalty on a 12-year-old who is carrying something that might be metallic
and doesn’t drop it fast enough to suit some police officer? Does a verbal warning to stand down mean anything when the person being warned might be deaf or impaired? Maybe guns need to be restricted to a few very-well-trained, very-well-monitored officers who are called in as needed. My impression is that police in certain situations are scared to death. Panic plus guns equals disaster. Put the firepower exclusively in the hands of dispassionate pros. Even if it’s a gun Officer Your Name Here sees in the miscreant’s hands, he or she is probably a lousy shot. If they were a professional sniper, you’d already be dead.
Bob Stigger
Oak Park
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
29
O B I T U A R I E S
Barry Greenwald, 82 Crisis interventionist, VMA activist
Barry Greenwald, 82, died peacefully on June 13, 2020 surrounded by his family. The son of Claire Veronick and Edward Greenwald, he was born in Newark and raised in Irvington, New Jersey. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and his PhD from the University of Michigan. A clinical psychologist, Barry served as associate professor of Psychology at the Student Counseling BARRY GREENWALD Service, University of Illinois Chicago, where he taught classes, saw patients, and was director of Clinical Training, mentoring scores of young psychologists over his career. As founder and director of the In Touch Hotline, he taught generations of undergraduates the values of being present and compassionate for those in crisis. A popular teacher on campus, he was three times voted winner of the Silver Circle Award by his students. Off-campus, he launched Convening, a national conference for crisis intervention personnel, and nurtured the organization to support and train a generation of crisis providers. After retirement from the UIC, he continued to see patients in private practice, mentor fellow clinicians, and teach at the university he loved. A 50-year resident of Oak Park, he served his community, which he dearly loved, by organizing campaigns for the Village Managers Association with dedication to the concept of “good government.” He also organized campaigns for District 200 and was elected to the D200 school board, serving 2003-2007, as a way to give back to the high school that had educated his children. As a member of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center board, he worked to further its
mission of vibrant and stable integration in Oak Park. First and foremost, he was a people person, able to talk with anyone regardless of age or stage in life. A wonderful cook and baker, he loved nothing more than throwing parties, large and small, especially at holidays, often cooking for weeks in preparation. Barry was devoted to Marjorie, his wife of 58 years; his children, Jessica Greenwald O’Brien (Garry O’Brien) and Jeffrey Greenwald (Suzanne Greenwald); and to his grandchildren, of whom he was especially proud, Alexeya and Nathaniel O’Brien and Gabriel and Aleksander Greenwald. Barry Greenwald was laid to rest at Shalom Memorial Park on June 16 in a private service with family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union (www.aclu.org) or the charity of your choice. For information or to leave condolences: 847-255-3520 or www.shalom2. com.
Bruce Berens, 100 Sears buyer, lector at Ascension Church
Bruce A. Berens, 100, of Glen Ellyn, formerly of Oak Park, died on June 7, 2020. Born on May 12, 1920 in Akron, Ohio, Jesuit-educated, he graduated from St. Ignatius grade school (1933), BRUCE BERENS Loyola Academy High School (1937), and Loyola University (1941), all in the same Rogers Park neighborhood where he grew up as the oldest of eight children during the Great Depression. He served in the Army in WWII (Pacific duty) for four years
after college. Following the war, he enjoyed a 38-year career with Sears Roebuck & Co, mainly as a merchandise buyer. On Sundays for decades he served as a lector at Mass at Ascension Catholic Church in Oak Park, where he and Shirley raised the family. They had at least one child in attendance at Ascension School for 24 straight years, 1953-1977. He always helped with homework, and each of his five children went on to achieve one or more post-graduate degrees or certifications. His favorite hobbies were working as a weekend carpenter on his Oak Park house, teaching his children sports in the backyard and alley — especially his own favorite, baseball, cheering on the Chicago Cubs — and being “always there when needed” for his wife, children and grandchildren and was a friend to the kids in the neighborhood. He enjoyed great health over 100 years, and spent only one night in a hospital. Bruce was the husband of the late Shirley McGrath Berens (married 63 years); the father of Barbara (Arnold) Pagniucci, Marianne (Jeffrey) Huml, Paul (Laura) Berens, Raymond (Ann) Berens, Therese (Michael) Hanneman, and the late Nancy, the late Paul and the late Therese; grandfather of Michael and Lisa Pagniucci, Catherine, Colleen and the late Annmarie Huml, Jaime, Alex and David Hanneman, Kevin and Katie Berens, and Michael and Jackie Berens; great-grandfather of Lila & Lana Pagniucci and Cecilia & Samuel Hennig; brother of Robert, Carol Dalton, Jerrie McGreal, the late Val Dooley, the late Jean Skinkis, the late Phil and the late Raymond; and the uncle of dozens of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Leonard Memorial Funeral Home, 565 Duane St., Glen Ellyn, on Friday, June 19, 4-8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be for members of the immediate family at St. Petronille Church in Glen Ellyn, on June 20 at 10 a.m., with interment at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside. In lieu of flowers, donations to Loyola University at www.luc.edu/giving are appreciated.
Robert P. Gamboney Funeral Director
You can get local news delivered right to your email in-box. Sign up for FREE at OakPark.com
Colleen O’Connor, 34 Colleen Renee O’Connor, 34, died on June 3, 2020, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 20, 1986, she was a lifelong resident of Oak Park, attending Lincoln Elementary School COLLEEN O’CONNOR on the south side of Oak Park, Emerson Junior High, and Oak Park and River Forest High School, where she graduated in 2004. She was passionate about many things including traveling, especially with her favorite adventure companion, Rudy, as well as nature and beagles. She loved to cook and dine out at new restaurants with her friends and family and she enjoyed the camaraderie of her PRIDE work family. Colleen is survived by her mother, Barbara Gail O’Connor; her brothers, Sean, Eric (Jessica), and Brian; her nephews, Henry and Andrew; her uncle, Charlie (Mary Jo); and her cousins, Charlie, Kristen, and Ryan. She was preceded in death by her father, Mike O’Connor. Visitation was held June 14 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Melanoma Foundation (melanomafoundation.org). W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
To run an obituary Please contact Ken Trainor by e-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com, before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.
Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home
Since 1880
I am there for you in your time of need. All services handled with dignity and personalized care.
Family Owned & Operated
Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667
Charles Williams, Owner/Funeral Director
I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.
203 S. Marion St. Oak Park 60302 708/383-3191
30
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week
WEDNESDAY
CLASSIFIED
HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI
YOUR WEEKLY AD
REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST, FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO
Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.
Place your ad online anytime at: www.OakPark.com | RiverForest.com/
Please Check Your Ad: The publisher will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion. Wednesday Journal Classified must be notified before the second insertion. The newspaper reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement.
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 | BY E-MAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@OAKPARK.COM | CLASSIFIEDS@RIVERFOREST.COM HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
River Forest Public Schools District 90 Student Support Services - Vacancies for the 2020-2021 School Year
District 90 is seeking qualified and experienced student support educators for the following positions: • Special Education Support Teacher (Willard Elementary School) • Special Education Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Coordinator (All D90 Schools) • English Language Learners Teacher – Part-time (Roosevelt Middle School) • Speech and Language Pathologist (Roosevelt Middle School) • Social Worker - Part-time (Willard Elementary School) For detailed qualifications requirements and job duties, please visit our website at https://www.district90.org/about/ employment for our complete list of employment opportunities. Consultant (National Economic Research Associates, Inc. - Chicago, IL) Conduct economic research & analysis for transfer pricing matters. Set up & organize the general work structure on projects to guide team members in executing assigned tasks. Reqts: Must have a Masters deg or foreign equiv in Economics, Finance, Business Admin, Statistical Analysis/Econometrics, or a rltd ďŹ eld +4 yrs of progressively resp exp in the job offd, or as a Senior Analyst, Analyst, Economic Analyst, Acct Exec, or a rltd position. Pre- or post-Master’s deg exp is acceptable. Must have 4 yrs of exp w/: transfer pricing rltd consultation & assisting w/ resolving complex global tax & ďŹ nance issues faced by multinational corporations; applying OECD transfer pricing guidance; int’l tax & transfer pricing litigation; dvlpg ďŹ n’l models & proďŹ t split models using cost capitalization method; intellectual property valuation for cross-border intercompany transactions; executing functional analysis & value chain analysis; applying transfer pricing methodologies to conduct benchmarking analysis; reviewing ďŹ n’l statements, annual reports, & 10-Ks; conducting ďŹ n’l, economic, & acctg adjustments; knowl of multinational business operation; & Microsoft ofďŹ ce products & ďŹ n’l d/bases incl FactSet, CompStat Bloomberg, Bureau van Dijk, & Cap IQ. NERA invites applicants to submit resumes to nerajobs@nera.com. EOE.
Buying? Selling? Renting? Hiring? Wednesday Classified 708-613-3333
SUBURBAN RENTALS
M&M property management, inc.
General Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Education License with endorsement in field of study, a Master’s Degree is preferred and successful teaching experience with students in a classroom setting is preferred.
708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park
General Duties: Provide excellence in education by developing and implementing activities that encourage students to be life-long learners. Possesses knowledge of District policies and regulations relating to areas of responsibilities. Create an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental maturity and interests of each student.
Apartment listings updated daily at:
Application: Apply online at www. district90.org. Application Procedure: Interested candidates should complete the online application available at district90.org. Please do not send hard copies of supporting documentation, i.e. cover letters, resumes, licensure, etc. to River Forest Schools District 90; instead, upload these materials onto the online job application system for proper processing. Village of Riverside Janitorial/Public Works Employment Opportunity The Riverside Department of Public Works is seeking responsible, motivated and hardworking applicants who work well in a structured environment. This is a part time position comprised of janitorial work, located throughout various municipal properties, and miscellaneous public works tasks as needed. Applicants can expect to work approximately 20-30 hrs. per week or as scheduled by staff. Regular hours are Monday thru Friday 7:30am-4:00pm. Primary tasks will include, but not limited to: mopping oors, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning windows, trash removal, general surface disinfection, replenishing supplies, restroom maintenance, cutting grass, ushing hydrants, assisting full time employees and other duties as assigned. Applicants must be 18 years old, possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must have access to a vehicle to be used for commuting between facilities for purposes of cleaning on days that cleaning is required. On days that you are assigned public works tasks you are to report directly to the Public Works facility. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check, pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Applications can be downloaded from the Village website at www. riverside.il.us or picked up at the Riverside Public Works Department located at 3860 Columbus Blvd, Riverside, IL 60546. Completed applications should be submitted to the Riverside Public Works Department. Applications will be accepted until all positions are ďŹ lled. Pay rate is $15/ hr. There will be a $25/mo. stipend for the use of applicant’s personal vehicle on days that cleaning is assigned. The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.
AIR CONDITIONING/ HEATING AIR CONDITIONING AND APPLIANCE EXPERT Air Conditioning Automotive A/C Refrigerators Ranges • Ovens Washer • Dryers Hot Water Heaters Rodding Sewers Lic/Bonded 25 yrs experience
Find your new apartment this Saturday from 10 am – 4pm at 35 Chicago Avenue. Or call us toll free at 1-833-440-0665 for an appointment.
FREE SERVICE CALL WITH REPAIR AND SENIOR/VETERAN DISCOUNT.
708-785-2619 or 773-585-5000
ROOMS FOR RENT
ITEMS FOR SALE
AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro. Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up. 773-637-5957
LENOX CHINA 5 piece place settings Lenox china, Tuxedo pattern
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy ofďŹ ces for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking. Free wiďŹ ; Secure building; Friendly colleagues providing referrals. Shared waiting room; optional Conference. Call or email with questions. Shown on Sundays. Lee 708.383.0729 drlmadden@ameritech.net
PETS While you’re away, your pets are okay . . . at home
cat calls
Oak Park’s Original Pet Care Service – Since 1986
Daily dog exercising Complete pet care in your home )PVTF TJUUJOH t 1MBOU DBSF Bonded References
524-1030
ď ž email us: 
708-386-6160
Ceiling Fans Installed
A&A ELECTRIC
Let an American Veteran do your work
We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.
708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area
ELECTRICAL
GARAGE DOORS
FOUR SEASONS ELECTRIC
Our 73rd Year
★Cool your Home★
Smart Door Openers
Reasonable Pricing & Free Estimates
(708) 652-9415
708-445-0447
HANDYMAN
Installing Ceiling Fans Rewiring Old Houses Service Upgrades
• No Job Too Big or Too Small • Lic * Bonded * Ins * 24 hrs
MAGANA
“QUALITY IS OUR FOUNDATION� ESTABLISHED IN 1987
COMMERCIAL ˜ INDUSTRIAL ˜ RESIDENTIAL
HOSPITAL BED We will deliver. 708-485-0929
WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, ags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400
708.442.7720 '5,9(:$<6 ‡ )281'$7,216 ‡ 3$7,26 67(36 ‡ &85% *877(56 ‡ 6,'(:$/.6 612: 3/2:,1* ‡ 67$03(' &2/25(' $**5(*$7( &21&5(7( FREE ESTIMATES LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED
Lost & Found, Items for Sale, and To Be Given Away ads run free in Wednesday Classified. To place your ad, call 708-613-3342
Sales & Service Free Estimates
www.forestdoor.com
CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE
C O N C R E T E C O N S T RU C T I O N
ITEMS TO BE GIVEN AWAY
Garage Doors &
with Ceiling Fans!
CEMENT
IRISH CARDIGAN Men’s size large. WATERFORD GLASSES Colleen pattern, 2 water goblets, 2 wine glasses, 5 double old-fashioned glasses
ELECTRICAL
Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair
FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small
708-488-9411
Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do
708-296-2060
HANDYMAN Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates
773-637-0692
CEMENT Residential Commercial Industrial Licensed Bonded Insured Free Estimates ¡ Veteran Owned
Drives Walks Patios Stamped Concrete Curbs/Gutters Garage Floors Foundations Parking Lots Water Control
devegaconcrete.com ¡ 708-945-9001
FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.
New hardwood ooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-ďŹ nishing, staining. Low prices, insured. Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com
Ask for John
HAULING BASEMENT CLEANING
Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery. 708-848-9404
Attention! Home-improvement pros! Reach the people making decisions. Advertise in Wednesday Classified. Call 708/613-3342
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
LANDSCAPING
PUBLIC NOTICES
NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP
LEGAL NOTICE LAW OFFICE OF LINDA EPSTEIN Attorney for Petitioner 722 W. Diversey Parkway Ste. 101B Chicago, IL 60614
Evergreen trimming & more. Hand weed removal. Clean-ups. Call 24 hrs.
708-447-1762
PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost
708.749.0011
PLASTERING McNulty Plastering & Stucco Co.
Small & big work. Free estimates. Complete Plaster, Stucco & Re-Coating Services
708/386-2951 • ANYTIME Work Guaranteed
Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years
PUBLIC NOTICES
STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division. In re the marriage of Dashira Marit Contreras, Petitioner and Raul Berrios, Respondent, Case No. 20 D 003191. The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, Dashira Marit Contreras, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.
The Village of Oak Park – Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 – will receive electronic proposals until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday July 2, 2020 for Project: 20-5, Euclid Avenue Water and Sewer Main Improvements. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below. In general, the improvements consist of the installation of ductile iron water main, including valves, domestic services lines, fire hydrants, and precast valve vaults; installation of sewer main, precast manholes; restoration of street pavements including curb and gutter, sidewalks, and alley pavement; paint pavement markings, and restoration of landscaped parkway areas; and all appurtenant work thereto. Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday June 18th, at 4:00 p.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals or at www. questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 7154935 for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. 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. All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation before receiving bid documents. The work to be performed pursuant to this Proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq. THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer Published in Wednesday Journal June 17, 2020
INVITATION TO BID Notice is hereby given by the Board of Library Trustees of the Riverside Public Library (“Library”) that sealed bids will be received for the Library’s “Hydraulic Elevator Modernization and Installation Project” (the “Project”). The Project generally consists of replacing the control operating system, car and hall fixtures, door operator and related door/hall door equipment and power unit, at the Riverside Public Library building located at 1 Burling Road, Riverside, Illinois. A more specific description of the required replacement installation and equipment for the Project is set forth in the “Hydraulic Modernization and Installation Specifications” for the Project included in the bid documents. A full set of bid documents for the Project will be available for pick up by interested contractors at the office of the Library Director of the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546, during Library hours (please call for current hours) (708) 442-6366 or by emailing janicefoley@riversidelibrary.org.
DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.
Each bid must be accompanied by a bid bond, cash or a certified check in the amount of 10% of the total bid, made payable to the Riverside Public Library, as a guarantee that the bidder, if awarded the Contract, will furnish a satisfactory performance bond and payment bond, execute the Contract and proceed with the work. Upon failure to do so,
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FFMLT TRUST 2005-FF11, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005FF11 Plaintiff, -v.BRIAN HOLLOWAY Defendants 19 CH 00561 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 23, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 24, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 125 SOUTH LOMBARD AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-08-302-0150000 The real estate is improved with a yellow vinyl siding, one story single family home with a detached two car garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation
PUBLIC NOTICES
BID NOTICE RIVERSIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION AND INSTALLATION PROJECT
Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before July 15, 2020, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.
Published in Wednesday Journal 6/17, 24, 7/1/2020
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICES
This Project is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1 et seq.).
the bidder shall forfeit the amount deposited as liquidated damages and no mistakes or errors on the part of the bidder shall excuse the bidder or entitle it to a return of the aforementioned amount. The successful bidder will be required to furnish a performance bond and payment bond in the amount of 100% of the contract amount, as well as certificates of insurance as required by the specifications. Sealed Bid titled “Sealed Bid – Riverside Public Library Hydraulic Elevator Modernization and Installation Project.” will be accepted before noon local time on July 7, 2020, at the office of the Library Director located at: Riverside Public Library Attn: Janice Foley, Library Director 1 Burling Road Riverside, Illinois 60546 The sealed bids will be publicly opened and read aloud on the first floor of the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, Riverside, Illinois 60456, on July 7, 2020 at 1 p.m. No oral, telephone, facsimile or e-mail bids will be allowed. Bidders, their authorized agents and interested parties are invited to be present. The Riverside Public Library reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any technicalities and irregularities in the bidding and to hold the bids for a period of 60 days from the date of opening set forth above. Dated June 17, 2020 Board of Trustees of the Riverside Public Library By: Janice Foley, Library Director
Published in RB Landmark 06/17/2020
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 268445 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 19 CH 00561 TJSC#: 40-595 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 19 CH 00561 I3151069 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TRUST 2007-1, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1 Plaintiff, -v.ELLEN M. RAVITZ, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 18 CH 03457 123 S. EUCLID AVENUE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on February 13, 2020, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on
31
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
July 16, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 123 S. EUCLID AVENUE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-400-0160000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $657,505.06. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 109484. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7
day status report of pending sales. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003 E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw. com Attorney File No. 109484 Attorney Code. 43932 Case Number: 18 CH 03457 TJSC#: 40-924 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 18 CH 03457 I3151695
scribed real estate: Commonly known as 933 ELGIN AVENUE, FOREST PARK, IL 60130 Property Index No. 15-13-414-0290000 The real estate is improved with a orange brick one story single family home with a two car detached garage. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 7865 Attorney ARDC No. 61256 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 13 CH 07379 TJSC#: 40-1775 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 13 CH 07379 I3151648
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR HIS ASSET SECURITIZATION CORPORATION TRUST 2007OPT1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPT1; Plaintiff, vs. CHARLES T. GRANT; JUANITA J. GRANT AKA JUANITA LACOURT; PRAIRIE PLACE AT 6436 ROOSEVELT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON RECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 14415 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-18-428-043-1019 & 16-18428-043-1064. Commonly known as 6436 Roosevelt Road, Unit 311, Oak Park, IL 60304. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a condominium residence. The purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by subdivisions (g)(1) and (g) (4) of Section 9 of the Condominium Property Act Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call Law Clerk at Plaintiff’s Attorney, The Wirbicki Law Group, 33 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603. (312) 3609455. W18-0641 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3151594 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, AS TRUSTEE FOR NORMANDY MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2016-1 Plaintiff, -v.LATANIA LOVE A/K/A LATANIA R LOVE, A/K/A LA TANIA LOVE, KENNETH LOVE A/K/A KENNETH R LOVE, MIDLAND FUNDING LLC, LAKEDRA LOVE A/K/A LAKEDRA GARDLEY-LOVE, A/K/A LAKEDRA C. GARDLEY, A/K/A LAKEDRA C. LOVE Defendants 13 CH 07379 933 ELGIN AVENUE FOREST PARK, IL 60130 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 10, 2018, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 10, 2020, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following de-
32
Wednesday Journal, June 17, 2020
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
presents
A Wednesday Journal & A Tribe Called Aging Production
wabi sabi F I L M F E S T I V A L
Our Covid-19 free gift to the community watch it free on ZOOM in your own home
Appreciating the beauty of impermanence, a quarterly Film Series encouraging everyone to embrace and respect our aging population and the transformation of our society.
Alive
Inside
Friday, June 19th • 10am
A joyous cinematic exploration of music’s capacity to reawaken our souls and
uncover the deepest parts of our humanity. Filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett chronicles the astonishing experiences of individuals around the country who have been revitalized through the simple experience of listening to music. His camera reveals the uniquely human connection we find in music and how its healing power can triumph where prescription medication falls short. A FILM ABOUT DEMENTIA FOR ALL OF US TO SEE. Filmmaker Michael Rossato-Bennett is the Writer, Director and Producer of ALIVE INSIDE – winner of the 2014 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award for U.S. Documentary MICHAEL WILL BE JOINING US LIVE ON ZOOM FOLLOWING THE MOVIE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH YOU ABOUT THE FILM
Signature Sponsors
Non Profit Patron Sponsors
Oak Park Township/River Forest Township
Learn more and register at: wabi-sabi-alive-inside.eventbrite.com
Property transferrs p. B10
June 17, 2020
Homes
Powered by the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors
Old homes, new roofs Photo provided by the homeowner
NATURAL CHOICE: The owner of this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home on Fair Oaks Avenue in Oak Park surmised that the roof was originally topped with cedar shingles and chose that material to complement the building’s historic Prairie-style design
Historic materials give new roofs old-world feel By LACEY SIKORA
W
Contributing Reporter
hen many of the historic homes in Oak Park and River Forest were built over 100 years ago, they were roofed with slate, wood or tile shingles. Asphalt roofing products gained popularity for the lower price and ease of install, and today, most homes in the area sport replacement asphalt roofs. Slate and wood roofs are typically more expensive than asphalt shingles. The website roofingcalc.com, which estimates roofing costs, reports that asphalt roofs can cost between $3.50 and $5.50 per square foot installed. Compare that with ranges of $6.50 to $12.50 to install a square foot of wood shingles and from $12.50 to $25 per
square foot of slate installed. While part of the expense is the material, labor for installation is also steep due to the time-consuming nature of installing the natural products. Despite the cost and the time involved, many old-house lovers find that retaining the architectural integrity of their homes makes it all worth it. In the 400 block of North Kenilworth Avenue, the E.E. Roberts-designed Simpson Dunlop house is getting a new slate roof courtesy of Ryan Restorations. Dan Ryan, a former Marine who has been working with historic roofs for over 20 years, says the home’s steeplypitched roof makes its installation a bit more challenging, but he notes this is the kind of work his team is trained to do. The 1896-era house had a slate roof when Ryan was brought in, but he notes that it was falling apart. He says of his inspection of the existing roof, “We could see the back side of the roof from the attic. The tar paper was gone.” A lot of preparation goes into replacing a slate roof. Ryan describes first creating custom box gutters and tying in the
gutter system to run under the tar paper and ice and water shield protections before the roofing can begin. When it comes to the slate itself, each tile of slate is 7.5 inches long, but each slate piece is 18 inches long, and Ryan says that the part of the shingle you don’t see when it is installed functions to keep water out. His workers set up a customized scaffolding system to carry the heavy material up to the roof and then use a human chain to pass them along for installation. Each slate is hand-nailed into place with two copper nails. On the Simpson-Dunlop house, each section of roof calls for 2,400 slates and 4,800 nails. All of this customization does not come cheap. “Slate and copper are expensive,” Ryan said. “Labor is expensive, and then you have insurance because there is risk with going up on a roof.” To Ryan, paying that higher cost is worth it for the high quality of the work that goes into installing a slate roof. See ROOFING on page B4
June 17, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B1
189 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-1400
HomesInTheVillage.com
Featured Listings for This Week
Erika Villegas,
River Forest $849,900 4BR, 3.1BA Patti x124
River Forest $525,000 2BR, 2BA Patti x124
River Forest $478,000 3BR, 2BA Jane x118
Oak Park $450,000 Multi unit Laurie x145
Oak Park $429,000 3BR, 3BA Laurie x186
Oak Park $428,800 4BR, 2BA Kyra x145
Oak Park $399,000 4BR, 2BA Marion x111
Berwyn $279,000 Multi unit Maria x117
River Forest $250,000 2BR, 2BA Laurie x186
Oak Park $228,800 2BR, 1BA Kyra x145
Berwyn $209,900 2BR, 1BA Maria x117
Oak Park $200,000 3BR, 2BA Laurie x186
Properties of The Week
1201 N Euclid Ave Oak Park 4BR, 2.1BA ...$679,000 Patti x124
531 N Elmwood Ave Oak Park 4BR, 1.2BA...$550,000 Kyra x145
Managing Broker/Owner
Mike Becker
Laurie Christofano
Marion Digre
Morgan Digre
Ed Goodwin
Leticia Cruz
Jane McClelland
Sharon O’Mara
Elissa Palermo
Kyra Pych
Maria Rodriguez
Linda Rooney
Kris Sagan
Patti Sprafka-Wagner
Harry Walsh
B2 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ June 17, 2020
People-Focused. Results Driven. “Steve knows the market in this area extremely well, in addition to just being an outstanding real estate agent. Honest, supportive, and willing to go out of his way to make things happen. It’s hard to ask for much more!” - Jeremy, Seller “Joelle’s commitment to our needs, including providing excellent referrals for financing and legal representation, helped us get through the entire process flawlessly.” - Peter, Buyer “Adriana’s expertise in handling individuals, recognizing opportunity, and her vast resources are what set her apart from all the others. Without her insight and calm negotiating skills, we would not have had this sale and the ability to move onto the next phase of our lives!” - Suze, Seller
Steve Nasralla
Joelle Venzera
Adriana Laura Cook
Real Estate Broker
Real Estate Broker
Real Estate Broker
708.466.5164
708.297.1879
312.497.2044
The Navigation Group is a team of Real Estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws. If your property is currently listed with another broker, this mailer is not solicitation for business. 1643 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL.
JUST LISTED
House Hunting? Find a Realtor. Find a home. Get a list of Open Houses.
Every week, every day in
407 KENILWORTH, OAK PARK
$2,000,000 :: 6 BED :: 4.5+ BATH Fabulous renovated Victorian with coach house & pool.
NEW PRICE
900 FRANKLIN, RIVER FOREST
$797,000 :: 4 BED :: 3.5 BATH Brick Colonial home. New kitchen & baths.
KATHY & TONY IWERSEN 708.772.8040 708.772.8041 tonyiwersen@atproperties.com
June 17, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B3
The Real Estate Market is Opening Up! With incredibly low interest rates these homes are more affordable than you think.
ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer
FRESH SLATE: It’s not cheap, but the owner of the historic Simpson Dunlop House, designed in 1896 by E.E. Roberts on North Kenilworth Avenue in Oak Park, went with slate to replace the decades’ old, crumbling slate tiles that were on the roof when it was purchased.
ROOFING
True to the originals from page B1 “I was in the Marines; the details are important to me,” he said. “I have a process for training my guys to do this kind of work, and I make sure my clients get the roofs they are paying for. Slate roofs are expected to last 100 years. By the time you re-roof one of these, you would’ve installed six asphalt roofs.” On Fair Oaks Avenue, the homeowner of a Frank Lloyd Wright house chose a different old-school material when it was time to reroof his historic house. He consulted with the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission to hear about roofing options, a service the commission provides free of cost to local homeowners. “They did a lot of research and found an historic photo of the house and surmised that a wood cedar shingle roof was the original material,” said the owner who requested not to be named for this story. He hired Hanson Roofing from Evanston to replace his roof, which was beyond its original lifespan and irreparably damaged by moss. The owner notes that the process was quite involved. “It is way more complex than asphalt,” he said. “There’s an old-world art and craftsmanship to this.” The project took a little more than three weeks to complete, and Chuck Neuhaus of Hanson Roofing says that’s par for the course when working with specialty roofing materials like cedar. “It is time consuming,” Neuhaus said. “On a typical house, one guy could install about 800 square feet of asphalt roofing in a day. On a wood shingle, he might get 150 square feet.” Neuhaus, who has been in the roofing
business for over 40 years, specializes in slate, wood and tile roofs, but says his crew is experienced with all types of roofs. While working with a Wright home can provide more challenges due to Wright’s tendency to build unusually low-pitched roofs with big overhangs, Neuhaus says that Wright homes aren’t different from most historic homes. “People say, ‘They don’t build ‘em like they used to,’ and we’re lucky they don’t,” Neuhaus said. “We always uncover issues with older homes.” Neuhaus notes that having been in the business so long, he is used to finding old problems and being prepared to address whatever comes up while on the job. Of historic homes and specialty roofing materials, he says, “The main thing is experience. I know the red flags that come up.” Architect Chris Payne, who formerly chaired the Historic Preservation Commission, also hired Hanson Roofing to help restore the original appearance of his Oak Park bungalow. When he and his wife removed the vinyl siding from their house, they discovered wood accents and a section of roofing over their front porch that bore the signs of having originally been clad in wooden shingles. Payne notes that re-roofing that small section with wood shingles, along with the repairs they made to the siding, was a simple way to enhance their bungalow’s exterior. Neuhaus says that whether the roof is large or small, he takes pride in the work his team does. “We enjoy the work, for us it’s a challenge,” he said. The Wright homeowner concludes that spending the extra money on a cedar roof was worth it. “Even though it was a lot of money and nobody wants to spend money on roofing, it is beautiful,” he said. “It enhances the whole house.”
B4 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ June 17, 2020
OAK PARK
4 BR., 2.1 BA Mediterranean style, brick beauty with a Colonial floor plan! Lovingly maintained and loaded with character: french doors, stained glass and palladian windows, lovely natural woodwork. Eating area off the kitchen, family room, office, rec room and even a 10’ x 9’ pantry! You’ll appreciate the front and rear staircases and the Mann School District location!....$679,000
RIVER FOREST
Here is your chance to be the 2nd owner of this custom built, 4 BR, 3 BA home! Gracious foyer, sunken living room, formal dining room and terrific island kitchen with granite counters, and cabinet front appliances, that opens right to the huge family room. Exceptional master suite with walk-in closet and luxurious bath with steam shower, jacuzzi, heated floor & more. True luxury!.........................$849,900
OAK PARK
Brick Prairie style home with beautiful banded woodwork, hardwood floors and classic built-ins and buffet. Many recent updates: new kitchen with breakfast room, brand new rec room with 1/2 bath, newer master bath and new second full bath--wow! Convenient office space, too. Huge patio and lush yard. Very well-maintained and ready for you. Located in Mann School District ................$600,000
RIVER FOREST
Luxury 4th Floor, 2 BR, 2 BA condo, in an elevator building! Central air conditioning, living room gas fireplace, eat-in kitchen, master suite, and even a den. Hardwood floors, great closet space, balcony and beautiful sunset views. You’ll love the open floor plan and how spacious the rooms are, and the 2 garage parking spaces, most of all! Very convenient, central location...........................................$525,000
Call me at 708.218.8102 for a Market Evaluation of your property...for every move you make!
Just Sold! 623 N. Elmwood Ave, Oak Park Under contract in one day for over list price!! With 18 years of real estate selling experience, Monica will sell your home conveniently and profitably. Call or text today for your free Market Analysis! ..... $849,000 Monica Klinke | 708-612-3031 Monica.Klinke@cbechange.com
Just Listed! 100 Bishop Quarter Lane, Oak Park 3 BR 2.1 BA Townhome in central location. First floor family room, new hdwd flrs, wood burning fireplace, balcony, updated kitchen, master BR with private bath, laundry on BR level, patio, two car garage. Kirstin Gloor | 708-351-8977 Kirstin.Gloor@cbexchange.com
109 S. Elmwood Ave, #27, Oak Park 1 BR, 1 BA GREAT INVESTMENT! Prime location in Oak Park. Close to everything. Unit includes parking. Two-year lease in place. Virtual Tour and photos available. ................................................... $107,000 Sara Faust | 708-772-7910 sara.faust@cbexchange.com
1422 William Street, River Forest 3+1 BR 4.5 BA Super cool inside & out. Gorgeous contemporary home. Flowing floorplan, huge rooms with tons of windows surround backyard oasis with in-ground hot tub and patio. Virtual tour: https:// suecanepa.cbintouch.com/cp/virtual-tours/ Showings on request. ............. $1,250,000 Sue Canepa | 312-203-0848 sue.canepa@cbexchange.com
Coming Soon! 7251 Randolph Street, 3C, Forest Park 2 BR, 1.1 BA Central Forest Park location close to both Forest Park and Oak Park downtowns with parking and roof sun deck! Andrea “Bonnie” Routen | 708-544-8440 Andrea.bonnie@cbexchange.com
605 N. Kenilworth Ave, Oak Park Amazing 2 flat that lives like two homes. Centrally located with beautiful private yard and garage. Each unit has central air, hardwood floors, a fireplace, and updated kitchens. Virtual Tour available................. ................................................... $899,000 Sara Faust | 708-772-7910 sara.faust@cbexchange.com
New Price!!! 555 Edgewood Place, River Forest 4 BR 2.2 BA Stately Tudor on oversized lot in central River Forest. Over 3600 square feet, 2 wood -burning fireplaces with thoughtful features and hardwood floors throughout. ................................ $895,000
Sold! 172 N. Marion Street, Oak Park 3 BR 2.1 BA ............................... $640,000 Patty Melgar Hooks | 708-261-2796 patty.melgarhooks@cbexchange.com
Sandi Graves | 708-752-6540 Sandi@cbexchange.com
Just Listed! 815 Wenonah Ave, Oak Park 4 BR, 1 BA Much potential in this Oak Park home. Oak woodwork, combined large living/dining room on a 50 foot lot. Bring your home improvement ideas!................ ................................................... $360,000 Nancy Leavy | 708-209-0070 Nancy.leavy@cbexchange.com
Under Contract! 516 S. Elmwood Ave, Oak Park 5 BR, 2.1 BA Light filled, centrally located Gunderson with a classic double parlor and a beamed ceiling in the dining room. Room to spread out with 4 levels of living space and a fenced back yard. $509,000 Stephanie Eiger | 708-557-0779 Stephanie.eiger@cbexchange.com
514 Linden Avenue, Oak Park 6 BR, 3.2 BA Space and more space--inside and out! Additional rooms that include den, sun porches and office. An ideal Oak Park location with an oversized lot! Virtual or in person tours available. .............. $850,000
4906 Talman Ave, Unit 1, Chicago 3 BR, 1 BA Private, jumbo condo with over 1600 square feet. Perfect for those moving back to the city! Walk to everything in jumping Lincoln Square! ........... $399,000
Sara Faust | 708-772-7910 sara.faust@cbexchange.com
708-557-9546 | 708-743-6973 Teamgo2girls@gmail.com
Lisa Andreoli and Meredith Conn
COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM Oak Park 114 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park | 708.524.1100 The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker Realty. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Realty LLC.
June 17, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B5
OAK PARK
3 BR, 3.1 BA ..................................$512,000 Gagliardo Realty Associates • 708-771-8040
7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040
OAK PARK
OAK PARK Beautiful unit in one of Oak Park’s most popular condominium buildings. Go to 151Kenilworth.com
2 BR, 2 BA ..................................................................................................................... $174,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
Newly updated brick 4-Square with remodeled kitchen and pristine bamboo, oak and maple floors!
OAK PARK
4 BR, 2 BA ..................................................................................................................... $459,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
4 BR, 4.1 BA ...............................$1,049,000 Gagliardo Realty Associates • 708-771-8040 7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040
RIVER FOREST
3 BR + 1 below grade, 2 BA ..........$549,000 Gagliardo Realty Associates • 708-771-8040
7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040
OAK PARK Amazing luxurious townhome located in beautiful central downtown Oak Park
3 BR, 2.1 BA .................................................................................................................. $525,000 Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
OAK PARK OPEN SUNDAY 1 3 P.M. 830 FOREST AVE
RIVER FOREST
4 BR, 2.2 BA ...............................$1,195,000
Gorgeous features include stunning art glass, French doors, bay windows, natural woodwork and beautiful hardwood floors
4 BR, 1.2 BA .................................................................................................................. $550,000 Kyra Pych • 708-648-0451
Gagliardo Realty Associates • 708-771-8040
7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040
Want to see your listings in Distinctive Properties? Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com B6 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ June 17, 2020
RIVER FOREST
5 BR, 5 BA ..................................$1,425,000 Gagliardo Realty Associates • 708-771-8040 7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040
NEW LISTING!
RIVER FOREST
6 BR, 7.1 BA ...............................$1,895,000
OAK PARK
OAK PARK
Beautiful side entrance colonial with spacious center family room and deluxe master suite
Stunning brick octagonal bungalow features amazing original details & modern updates + NEW kitchen, well maintained!
4 BR, 2.1 BA .................................................................................................................. $639,000
4 BR, 2.1 BA .................................................................................................................. $669,000
Laurie Shapiro • 708-203-3614
Laurie Shapiro • 708-203-3614
Gagliardo Realty Associates • 708-771-8040
7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040
7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040
7375 West North Avenue River Forest, Illinois 60305 708.771.8040
House Hunting? Find a Realtor. Find a home. Get a list of Open Houses. Every week, every day in
OAK PARK
OAK PARK
Spectacular estate home located in beautiful central Oak Park was designed by the famous firm of Tallmage & Watson
Casually elegant estate home fully renovated by architect/owner with massive kitchen/great room
6 BR, 5.2 BA .................................................................................................................. $919,000
6 BR, 2.1 BA .............................................................................................................. $1,100,000
Steve Scheuring • 708-369-8043
Kevin Wood • 773-382-4310
Want to see your listings in Distinctive Properties? Contact Marc Stopeck at 708.613.3330 or marc@oakpark.com June 17, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B7
! o G o T Up!
paid advertisement
s k d c i o Go rbside P Cu
These local businesses are all OPEN! Curbside pick-up is available.
Some are offering Phase 3 limited in-store shopping. Call ahead before you go! Now is the time to support local businesses!
16 Suitcases
Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore
JAYNE
108 N. Marion St, Oak Park 708-628-3677
7419 Madison St, Forest Park
122 N. Marion St., Oak Park 708-613-5858
16suitcases.com
Specializing in contemporary women fashion, accessories and gifts.
You can order online or call 708-628-3677. We offer Curbside Pick-up, Free Local Same Day Take 20% off your entire purchase use code SPRING20
Al-Mart Furniture & Bedding 7045 W. North Ave. Oak Park 708-383-5909 Almartfurniture.com
Bedroom Furniture, Sofas, Sectionals, Desks, Book Cases, Dinettes, Recliners, Mattresses and all other home furnishings and accessories.
Order on our website or call to schedule a showroom appointment. Curbside pick-up Hours: 11 to 5 pm Extra 20% off everything we carry!
Bead In Hand 145 Harrison Street, Oak Park 708-848-1761 Beadinhand.com
An extraordinary selection of beads and beading supplies. Now offering in store shopping by appointment. Visit our website (beadinhand.com) for information about: shop hours, scheduling an appointment, purchasing one of our DIY bead kits or a gift certificate online, or for more information about our safety protocols. You can also call (708-848-1761) or send an email to query@beadinhand.com.
The Book Table 1045 Lake St, Oak Park 708-386-9800 Booktable.net
Books, journals, and puzzles
Order online or over the phone. Curbside pick-up Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9, and Sun 11-6
CarefulPeach Boutique 1024 North Blvd, Oak Park 708-383-3066 CarefulPeach.myshopify.com
Wine, bath and body, jewelry, home goods, kitchen and hostess gifts, puzzles and childrens items, all with a French Flair! Call our shop, direct message us on Facebook or Instagram, or order thru our Shopify website Curbside Pick-up Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30-6, Sun 12-5 Buy a case of wine, even mixed, 15% off! Check out our 25% OFF Daily Peachy Items on our website or social media.
Specializing in History, Mystery and Biography Books both hard back and paperback books for adults, young adults, and children. Call or shop online Centuriesandsleuths.com/ E-mail: cns7419@sbcglobal.net 708-771-7243 (Fax 708-771-7412) Curbside Pickup Hours: Tue-Fri 12-7; Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5 Make a $15 purchase for books (before sales tax) and choose an ARC* from the books (covers) displayed on easels in the store’s display window.
Divine Consign 1800 S. Harlem Ave, North Riverside 708-386-3366 Divineconsign.com
New and Nearly New Furniture and Decor Purchase online or call (708)386-3366 for appointment.
Now OPEN for business. Packed with stunning furniture. Strictly following CDC Guidelines. Temporary hours Monday - Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-5
Edible Arrangements 107 N Marion St, Oak Park 708-848-4840 Edible.com
Fruit baskets, chocolate strawberries, fruit smoothies, balloons, cookies and cheesecakes
Order on our website or call us. Pay for your order online or by phone, then call when you arrive and we will bring it out to you. We also offer next day free delivery (except holidays) Hours: 9-6 Mon thru Fri. 9-5 Sat and 10-3 Sunday
Fitzgerald’s Fine Stationery 111 North Marion Street, Oak Park 708-445-8077 Fitzgeraldsstationery.com
Greeting Cards, Stationery and Gifts
Call or shop our online store. Complimentary local delivery (Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Forest Park) or Curbside pick-up.
Garland Flowers 137 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park 708-848-2777 GarlandFlowers.net
Flowers, loose and arranged, green plants, blooming plants, garden plants
Order by phone or online Call when you arrive and we will bring your order out to you. We also deliver! Hours: Mon – Sat 9-3
Shopjayne.com]
JAYNE is currently open for in-person shopping; no appointment needed. We are sanitizing high-touch surfaces, dressing rooms, and items that have been tried on or handled. Our staff is also wearing masks and frequently hand washing/sanitizing. We are also offering curbside pick up and shipping from our e-commerce site shopJAYNE.com. New summer arrivals coming in daily! Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 11am-5pm
Manouche 146 N Oak Park Ave (New Location - previously at 103 N Oak Park Ave)
708-505-5546
Manoucheshop.com
Women’s clothing and accessories with a focus on independent designers, organic fibers, and ethical sourcing. Open 11-5 Tuesday thru Saturday. 12-4 Sunday Private appointments available Tuesday - Saturday 10-11 Or Tuesday thru Friday 5-6.
Oak Park Jewelers 101 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park Oakparkjewelers.com
Shopping Parties You can order online or call 708-524-5336. We offer Curbside Pick-up, Free Local Same Day Delivery and shipping throughout the US. Hours: Mon-Sat 11-5
Team Blonde Boutique, Eco Spa, and Salon 7442 W. Madison, Forest Park 708-771-5590
Teamblonde.com Clothing, gifts, jewelry, handbags, bath & body products, hair care products To order, go to our website, email us at blondes@ teamblonde.com, or call. We offer curbside pick-up and delivery. For curbside pick-up, pull up to our front or back door and call to let us know you arrived. Hours almost anytime, by appointment. Mention this ad for 15% off your first curbside purchase
Ten Thousand Villages 121 N Marion St, Oak Park 708-848-4572 land-line 708-737-3156 mobile
Tenthousandvilllages.com/oakpark
We are a cultural gift shop selling an assortment of fair trade items from jewelry, home decor, musical instruments, planters, garden accessories, cards, coffee, tea, chocolate, wall decor, clothing.
Call 708-383-9695 or email info@oakparkjewelers. com to set up a virtual appointment and/or arrange curbside pick-up. Local Delivery is also available. Hours: Tues – Fri 11-4
Look online, then call the store to place an order. You can also DM us if you see something you like through our Facebook or Instagram pages. Curbside pick-up is at our side door on Westgate. Call us when you arrive. Hours: Tues, Fri and Sat 10-4pm
A Paw Place in Oak Park
Trends Consignment Boutique
Jewelry store
708-516-8038
APawPlace@gmail.com • Apawplace.com/ A mom-owned local business delivering biologically appropriate foods, treats & toys for cats & dogs. We also carry artisanal Grounds & Hounds coffees. Help support homeless pets! Shop online or contact us any time by phone or email. We provide FREE Door Drop Delivery!
810 North Blvd, Oak Park 708-434-0801 Trendsoakpark.net
Women’s clothing & accessories
Searsrx.com
Shop on our website and through our social media posts. If you have a special request, virtual shopping appointments are also available. Join us for our LIVE shopping parties on Facebook. Tues-Thurs at 8pm. When you have placed an order, you can request curbside pick-up by emailing Amanda@trendsoakpark.com. Curbside pick-up is available Monday-Friday starting at noon
Prescription Medications, Over-the-counter medications, Vitamins
Tulipia Floral Design
Sear’s Pharmacy 1003 Madison St, Oak Park 708-386-6304
Call ahead with order and payment info. Call when curbside, and we will bring your order out to you. We also offer Delivery Hours: Mon-Fri 9-7; Sat 9-2; Sun Closed
1044 Chicago Ave, Oak Park 708-524-1323
Sugarcup Trading
Order on our website or call us at 708-524-1323 . For curbside pick-up, call upon arrival and we will bring out your order. We also deliver. Hours: 10-5
110 N. Marion St, Oak Park 708-524-5336
Tulipiafloraldesign.com
Floral arrangements and gifts
Sugarcuptrading.com
A whimsical well curated children’s boutique specializing in fashion, accessories, books, specialty toys and gifts.
Offering: Online Shopping, Concierge Service, Virtual
Each of these businesses paid a very nominal fee to participate in this ad. Thank you for supporting these local businesses!
B8 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate ■ June 17, 2020
Quality
(qual i’ ty) noun The basic nature, the degree of excellence, the best available when compared to others.
Tom Carraher redefines the essence of real estate service.
MULTIFAMILY
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
This Weekend ADDRESS
OFFICE
LISTING PRICE
TIME
738 Lathrop Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $549,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
ADDRESS
OFFICE
LISTING PRICE
Any comparison of quality requires a perception not often utilized in today’s society. ...unless you experience the extraordinary real estate service of Tom Carraher. The quality choice in real estate professionals. Tom’s standards are simply higher.
TIME
830 Forest Ave, River Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . Gagliardo Realty Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,195,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
Call Tom Carraher at 708-822-0540 to achieve all of your real estate goals.
Tom Carraher
This Directory brought to you by
Realistic Expectation–Proven Results
mrgloans.com
Providing financing for homes in Oak Park and surrounding communities since 1989. Conventional, FHA, and Jumbo mortgages Free Pre-approvals
7544 W. North Avenue Elmwood Park, IL 708.452.5151
Mortgage Resource Group is an Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee. NMLS # 207793 License # 1031
7375W. West NorthAve. Avenue 7375 North River Forest, Illinois River Forest 60305 708.771.8040 708.771.8040
http://tomcarraher.realtor.com
June 17, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B9
P R O P E R T Y
T R A N S F E R S
River Forest home sells for $1,125,000
The following property transfers were reported by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds for March 2020. Where addresses appear incomplete, for instance where a unit number appears missing, that information was not provided by the recorder of deeds.
OAK PARK ADDRESS
PRICE
SELLER
BUYER
6201 North Ave
$1,740,000
6209 North Llc
Ddi Holdings Llc
6226 Roosevelt Rd
$1,100,000
Jvs Leasing Inc
6226 W Roosevelt Llc
213 S East Ave
$930,000
Barnard Stephen
Staszak Edward
529 N Oak Park Ave
$845,000
U S Bank Trust Tr
Scheuerman Jeffry C
420 N Marion St
$800,000
Traxler Thomas
Chicago Trust Tr
725 Madison St
$770,000
Chicago Title Land Trust Co Tr
Ah Oak Pk Llc
906 Columbian Ave
$760,000
Borowski-Beszta Leszek
Selkirk Adam J
201 S Humphrey Ave
$690,000
Wilson Todd
Leong Elizabeth
640 N Oak Park Ave
$651,000
Weese William C Tr
Konow Robert W Jr
1220 N Grove Ave
$650,000
Mertz Richard A
Mylan Regina
234 S Kenilworth Ave
$615,000
Fleischer Robert P Tr
Miskowicz Mateusz
ADDRESS
PRICE
SELLER
BUYER
1041 S Grove Ave
$545,000
Hammerschmidt Andrew
Arvetis Thomas
515 River Oaks Dr
$1,180,000
Allen Lisa M
Desai Vikas Y
928 N Euclid Ave
$530,000
Hansen Scott
Baker Alexander J
1430 Forest Ave
$1,150,000
Divane William T Jr Tr
Dziengel Andrew
815 S Euclid Ave
$467,000
Muehrcke Brian
Gan Iris Y
1431 Ashland Ave
$1,125,000
Prinz Lorraine M Tr
Gregory Jonathan M Ii
731 Hayes Ave
$450,000
Tenuta Angela
Nicodem Andrew
931 Lathrop Ave
$845,000
Tarara Holdings Llc
Ahmad Ayesha A
754 Bonnie Brae Pl
$750,000
Davis David Michael Jr
Bonner David L
1131 Thatcher Ave
$700,000
Deregnier Raye-Ann
Payne John S
612 William St
$600,000
Manola Dev Inc
Graves Kimberly Tr
1431 Ashland Ave., River Forest
RIVER FOREST
819 S Humphrey Ave
$445,000
Leong Nathan T
Just Valerie Ann
1002 S Kenilworth Ave
$420,000
Peterson Thomas J
Gourlay Jonathan D
940 Wesley Ave
$415,000
Smith Thomas W
Chiu Alice
426 N Humphrey Ave
$372,500
Benson David
Emery Jake H
1231 N Marion St
$345,000
Helgeson Lance
Wicklow Dev Grp Llc
31 Franklin Ave
$550,000
Dores Regina Tr
Schwind Kevin C
$482,500
Kouadio Rozel Audric
Denton Olivia
605 N Humphrey Ave
$332,000
Phillpotts Garfield G
Sethi Manu
7614 Washington Blvd
1146 Schneider Ave
$320,000
Taparia Vivek
Barnard Stephanie E
1020 N Harlem Ave A2
$352,500
Schwoebel Mary Margaret Mokry Tr Hohmann Samuel
1120 S Lyman Ave
$316,500
Wax Joseph R
Thapthimkuna Laura Hastings
1551 Monroe Ave 15512
$70,000
Jones Timothy
Casl Inv Llc
174 N Humphrey Ave
$282,000
Brown James A Tr
Vernon Martin
1046 Thomas St
$265,000
Property Il Lp
Horn Michele
927 Monroe Ave
Unknown
Murray David P
Murray Donika P Tr
1421 N Harlem Ave
$204,000
Domijan Mary Helen
Gonzalez Raavel S
930 Ontario St 4E
$198,500
Mangaliag Carolyn J
Lopez Isabel
224 S Oak Park Ave 2E
$186,500
Paul Karen A
Turner Daphne Priscille
FOREST PARK ADDRESS
PRICE
SELLER
BUYER
137 Des Plaines Ave
$605,000
Vecchiolla Anthony
Holtman Jeffrey
1110 Hayes Ave
$185,000
Prendergast Richard F
Shallwani Fida
7019 North Ave
$175,000
Schubert Matthew Tr
Gre-Oak Pk Inc
106 Rockford Ave
$547,000
Show David
Brown Jeremy
424 S Austin Blvd 1N
$174,500
Baron Claudia F
Cooley Christopher Dale
1037 Marengo Ave
$460,000
905 Marengo Llc
Cassiano Rita Castro
$429,000
Armandi Richard A
Chaddah Neil
$398,500
Massey Katherine
Blank Lurita Mcintosh
228 N Oak Park Ave 3AA
$160,000
Miniutti John R Tr
Curry Alison M
7711 Adams St
1102 N Taylor Ave
$155,000
Hauschild Linda
Fashoniz Inv Inc
913 Elgin Ave
1109 Holley Ct 312
$152,000
Holsinger Marcy
Godoy Norma
1002 Thomas Ave
$380,000
Miller Lamar J
Garrett Stephen L
115 Garfield St 2A
$139,500
Johic Dzemal
Ramos Jesus Edgar Suarez
810 Dunlop Ave
$365,000
Lango Michael
Mehta Snehal
221 N Kenilworth Ave 511
$135,000
Piwowarczyk Rick
Kulikauskiene Kristina
139 Rockford Ave
$325,000
Gant Kelly M
Renzi Melissa N
846 Ontario St 846B
$130,000
Stringer Leif G
Mazza Patrick
725 S Maple Ave 105 426 S Lombard Ave 103
$115,000 $103,500
Whitehead Tiffany Divani Abbas
Powers Kelly Lee Grace Aaron J
214 Chicago Ave
$100,000
First Amer Bk Tr
Dang Kevin
500 Washington Blvd 102
$100,000
Miller Linda
Jones Estella
512 Madison St 5123S
$74,000
Bunton Joy
Setanta Llc
420 S Kenilworth Ave 8
$45,000
Robertson Michele Tr
Rogalski John
720 N Austin Blvd GSW
Unknown
Judicial Sales Corp
Federal Natl Mtg Assn
416 Marengo Ave 6
$97,000
Doka Prop Llc
Reed Kenyetta
$85,000
Dykes Petroux
Barksdale Syreeta
206 Des Plaines Ave
$312,000
206 Des Plaines Laundry Llc
Nelmary Llc
32 Marengo Ave
$272,500
Canavan George M Extr
Hammonds Kenneth D
937 Dunlop Ave
$257,000
Hartmann John R
Mcshane Julie
7251 Randolph St MANY
$185,000
Borbas Zoltan K
Gibson Jennifer
841 Dunlop Ave
$171,000
Bank New York Mellon
Borowska-Beszta Elzbieta
604 Marengo Ave
$154,000
Federal Home Loan Mtg Corp
Us Bk
828 N Austin Blvd 1SW
Unknown
Judicial Sales Corp
Wilmington Trust Tr
7637 Jackson Blvd 76373S
1109 Paulina St
Unknown
Intercounty Judicial Sales Corp
Federal Natl Mtg Assn
7314 Randolph St 4H
Unknown
Roundpoint Mtg Servicing Corp
Federal Natl Mtg Assn
830 S Taylor Ave
Unknown
Intercounty Judicial Sales Corp
Deutche Bank National Trust Company Tr
7314 Randolph St 4H
Unknown
Intercounty Judicial Sales Corp
Roundpoint Mtg Serv Corp
B10 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate â– June 17, 2020
paid advertisement
These local restaurants are all OPEN during the current shelter-in-place order Check out their menus online, call them for delivery, carryout, curbside pick-up or limited outdoor seating. Barclay’s American Grille
1120 Pleasant St., Oak Park Classic American cuisine: burgers, BBQ ribs, fresh seafood, steaks and chops Our Menu: barclaysamericangrille.com/wp-content/ uploads/Barclays-Pick-up-Delivery-Menu.pd Call 708-848-4250 for Curbside Pick-up Delivery is available through Grubhub and UberEats 4pm - 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday
Blackout Baking Co.
(office) 842 N Harlem Ave, River Forest Bite-size gourmet cookies Our Menu: Blackoutbakingco.com Order from our website for FREE local delivery or nationwide shipping. Always accepting orders. Delivery and ship day every Tuesday. Call 872-222-9519 Local PERK! 20% OFF our new DIY Cookie Box with code ‘FOOD2GO’
Burger Moovment
7512 W North Ave, Elmwood Park 708-452-7288 Our menu: Burgermoovment.com/ delivery:Grubhub.com
Buzz Café 905 S. Lombard Ave, Oak Park Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner + Sweets, Snacks & Desserts served ALL DAY! Our Menu: Thebuzzcafe.com Outdoor dining open For Carry Out, Curbside Pick-up or FREE Delivery call 708-524-2899 Deliver also available with Uber Eats 7am - 9pm, 7 days a week
Counter Coffee Air Roasters
Eastgate Café 102 Harrison, Oak Park American Comfort Our Menu: Eastgatecafe.net For Curbside Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-660-9091 Delivery is also available on Grubhub 12pm - 8pm; closed Monday
George’s Restaurant
145 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park Our Menu: Georgesoakpark.com/menu Serving breakfast and lunch for pick-up. One soup per day. All items won’t be available. Call ahead for availability. For Pick-up call 708-848-4949; Delivery available through Door Dash and Postmates 8am - 3pm Monday - Sunday
Grape Leaves Restaurant 129 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park Mediterranean, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine Our Menu : Grapeleaves.us For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-848-5555 We also partner with Grubhub, UberEats, Postmate. Sunday - Thursday 12-8pm Friday and Saturday 12-9pm
Happy Apple Pie Shop
226 Harrison, Oak Park happyapplepie.com Sweet and savory pies, special orders Our menu is posted on our Facebook page and Instagram, or call us. Call 708-606-0037 to arrange for No touch take-out, Curbside Pick-up, and Free Delivery Wednesday-Friday 11:30am to 6pm, Sat. Noon-5pm.
Kettlestrings Tavern
800 S. Oak Park Ave Contemporary American Our Menu: Kettlestringstavern.com/eat For Curbside Pick-up, call 708-613-5044 Delivery is available through GrubHub Mon 3pm - 8pm; Tues - Thurs 3pm-8pm; Fri - Sat 11am–8pm; Sunday 10am-8pm
La Notte Ristorante Italiano 118 N Marion St, Oak Park Fine Authentic Italian Our Menu: LaNotte-op.com For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-948-7576, or text 773-817-2858 or order online Delivery also available on UberEats and Doordash 2pm - 9pm daily Limited time offer -$100 Gift Certificates for just $80
Mexican Republic Kitchen
7404 Madison St., Forest Park Mexican Cuisine Our Menu: Mexicanrepublickitchen.com/s/order For Curbside Pick-up order online at our website or call 708-689-0850 Delivery available via Uber Eats, Grubhub or Doordash Tuesday- Saturday 3:00pm-9:00pm Sunday 3:00pm-8:00pm
Mickey’s Gyros & Ribs
525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-848-3333 Facebook.com/mickeysgyros Casual counter-service restaurant offering American comfort food (burgers, gyros & fries, ribs, BBQ tips) and Greek specialties. Open 10:30am - 9pm Daily - Takeout
Old World Pizza 7230 W North Ave, Elmwood Park Pizza, Burgers, Pasta Our Menu: Originaloldworldpizza.com For Pick-up, Curbside Pick-up, Delivery and Contact-less Delivery call 708-456-3000, or fax 708-456-4580 Mon 3:30pm – 9pm; Tues – Thurs 11am –9pm; Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm; Sun 11am – 9pm
One Lake Brewing
7324 Madison Street, Forest Park Our menu: Countercoffee.com FRESH Coffee, Eco-Friendly, Air Roasted each day in store, hand crafted beverages, and pastries (gluten free & vegan options available). Whole bean coffee and single use pods roasted for you when you order! Mobile order online at Countercoffee.com, call ahead, and walk-in available. We can ship coffee to all 50 states. 708-689-8896 Open daily from 7am - 4pm
Hemmingway’s Bistro & French Market
211 N Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL French-American: Steaks, Roast Chicken, Burgers, fresh Seafood, Salades, fresh-baked Desserts, Family-Style Dinner Packages, plus Champagne, Fine Wines, & Cocktail kits Our Menu: Hemmingwaysbistro.com Call 708 524-0806 for Contactless Curbside Pick-up & Delivery 11am - 7:30pm, Seven days a week, Sunday till 7pm.
1 Lake St, Oak Park Contemporary Locally Sourced Food - Craft beer brewed on-site, plus wine & cocktail kits Our Menu: Onelakebrewing.com/eat ROOFTOP is OPEN, with social distancing guidelines in place. There are only a few tables so please make a reservation. Curbside pick-up & complementary contact-free, delivery. To place an order please call 708-434-5232 (we only have one phone line so please call us back if busy). Hours: Wednesday Sunday 4 pm - 8 pm
Cucina Paradiso 814 North Blvd, Oak Park
Jerusalem Café
O’Sullivan’s Public House
Italian Menus: Cucinaoakpark.com For Pickup, call 708-848-3434, curbside pickup is available For Delivery go to DoorDash or Grubhub Every night 4pm – 9pm
1030 Lake St., Oak Park Our Menu: Jerusalemcafeoakpark.com/menu Middle Eastern cuisine For Pick-up and Deliver call 708-848-7734 Delivery is also available through Uber Eats and DoorDash. 11am – 9pm Daily
Delivery also available on GrubHub O’Sullivan’s is open for Carry-Out and Delivery Friday-Saturday 12-9pm, Sunday-Thursday 3-9pm
Puree’s Pizza & Pasta 1023 Lake St, Oak Park Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, panini, wraps Our Menu: Pureespizzaandpasta.com/ For Curbside Pick-up, take-out and Delivery, call 708-386-4949 Available Daily 11am – 9pm
Q-BBQ 124 N. Marion St, Oak Park BBQ Our menu: Q-bbq.com For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-628-3421 or order online. Open every day 11am - 8pm Delivery available with ChowNow and DoorDash NOW OFFERING FAMILY PACK SPECIALS! Go online or call for more info
Robinson’s #1 Ribs 848 Madison St, Oak Park Barbecue (vegetarian options available) Our Menu: Rib1.com For Carry-out and Delivery call 708-383-8452 Delivery is available through UberEats, DoorDash , Grubhub Tues – Sun 12pm – 8pm
The Little Gem Café 189 N Marion St. Oak Park American Bistro Our Menu: Thelittlegemcafe.com/menu For Pick-up and Delivery, call 708-613-5491 Tues - Sun 3pm - 9pm (closed Mon) Delivery is also available from Doordash
Tre Sorelle Ristorante 1111 Lake St., Oak Park Homemade Pizza, Italian cuisine Our Menu: Tresorelleoakpark.com For Curbside Pick-up and Delivery call 708-445-9700 Delivery also available with Grubhub, Uber Eats Mon - Thu 11am - 9pm; Fri 11am - 10pm; Sat 3pm - 10pm; Sun 3pm - 9pm
Starship Restaurant 7618 Madison St., Forest Park Gourmet sub sandwiches, homemade soups, catering and individually wrapped items for safe distribution Our Menu: Starshiprestaurant.com For pick-up and delivery, call 708-771-3016 or order online Mon thru Sat. 8am - 9pm, Sunday 11am - 6pm
7244 W. Madison Street, Forest Park Modern American/Pub Food Our Menu: Osullivanspublichouse.net Call 708-366-6667 to order Carry-Out and Local Delivery (No Delivery Fee) Daily Specials posted on Facebook @osullivanspublichouseFP
Each of these restaurants paid a very nominal fee to participate in this ad. Thank you for supporting these local businesses! June 17, 2020 ■ Wednesday Journal/Forest Park Review
B11
FPSD91 All In This Together ad (FPR) 061020.pdf
1
6/5/20
B12 View more at OakPark.com/Real-Estate â– June 17, 2020
4:57 PM