Wednesday Journal 080520

W E D N E S D A Y

August 5, 2020 Vol. 41, No. 1 ONE DOLLAR @oakpark @wednesdayjournal

JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest

Discipline sticking point in RF police contract

Union wants to take power from River Forest village commission

By MARIA MAXHAM Staff Reporter

The village of River Forest’s refusal to back down on retaining Board of Fire and Police Commissioners disciplinary oversight of the police department is a major factor in the lack of a police union contract, their previous contract having expired in April 2019.

As a result, the village government and the police union are set to begin arbitration in October, in part because of this failure to reach an agreement about disciplinary action in the police department. A request from the union to postpone the arbitration is being considered.

For the past 30 years, the fire and police commission has been “the body which hires and promotes police officers and firefighters. They also determine whether these employees should be suspended beyond the chief ’s maximum authority or terminated based on the facts presented by both the village and the employees’ union during a hearing,” according to a statement released by the village July 28.

The union, however, is seeking to change this practice, taking away disciplinary oversight from the locally appointed commission.

“We don’t have a police contract partly because of that,” Village President Cathy Adduci said in a July 17 interview. “We have stood strong See POLICE on page 12

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

OH MY GOD!: Francisco Lopez, better known as Chef Paco, made notable changes to his New Rebozo restaurant before he felt safe opening the patio and dining room. See story on page 11.

Madison apt. complex wins OK

Plan Commission unanimously opposed project as too big

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

The Oak Park village board voted 6-1 to approve construction of a 5-story, 42-unit

apartment complex at 435 to 451 Madison St. during an Aug. 3 meeting, despite an earlier unanimous plan commission recommendation against the project and heavy opposition from neighbors who live in the abutting Gunderson Historic District.

“This has been an arduous journey, but I think at the end of the day, we’ve ended up with a very good project that the neighbors will hopefully, ultimately embrace,”

said Tom Meador, president and CEO of developer Michigan Avenue Real Estate Group (MAREG).

Prior to the proposal coming to the village board, the Oak Park plan commission directed MAREG to make significant redesigns to address community and commission concerns regarding the apartment complex’s mass and height. The redesign See DEVELOPMENT on page 12

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Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

SPONSORED CONTENT

Drug-Free Communities: Local Problems Require Local Solutions

Prevention During a Pandemic T

here is no question that these challenging times are becoming more of a challenge—especially for our youth. It seems there is no end to the uncertainty and the disappointment of cancelled plans and changed schedules.

Many are experiencing an increase in isolation, anxiety, and fear. And like children-many adults are feeling much the same.

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has increased alcohol sales across the country.

Many retail outlets were designated as essential businesses and restaurants are now allowed to sell drinks “to go”. Health professionals are concerned of the long-term effects the impact the pandemic will have on those with substance use disorders as well as overall increases in alcohol comsumption.

With recent surges in alcohol sales and increases in overdoses our prevention work is more important than ever.

In 2019, Positive Youth Development (+PYD), a community coalition was awarded a five-year Drug-Free Communities grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy for Substance Abuse Prevention. The grant is administered through the Oak Park Township. Oak Park and River Forest have been identified as a community with higher rates of underage drinking compared to the rest of the state. +PYD uses the Strategic Prevention Framework, a five-step process for preventing substance use and misuse.

In addition to high rates of alcohol use many students also report using marijuana and vaping. The 2018 Illinois Youth Survey (IYS) reported in the past thirty days at OPRF High School 23% of sophomores and 44% of seniors surveyed reported drinking alcohol, and 20% of sophomores and 38% of seniors reported using marijuana.

+PYD is a coalition of parents, educators, healthcare providers, law enforcement officials and youth-serving organizations whose focus is to educate and inform the community. The group offers practical insight and guidance to inform the Township’s identification and implementation of prevention strategies that support youth in making choices that lead to healthy, alcoholfree lives.

Why is alcohol use among teens so prevalent? Kelly O’Connor, Prevention Services Manager says the kids report it is a permissive attitude taken by parents and perceived by teens. The 2018 IYS showed 48% of OPRF seniors surveyed perceived that most adults in their neighborhood thought it was acceptable for kids their age to drink alcohol. In the same year, 35% of OPRF eighth through twelfth graders who reported drinking, reported getting the alcohol from their parents. +PYD is

using Parent and Youth Communication campaigns, Youth Prevention Education classes, and Liquor license compliance checks in hopes to reduce underage drinking and permissive attitudes across the community.

Understanding the challenges posed by the current COVID situation +PYD encourages and supports the community in using positive prevention strategies. Talking with your kids about the dangers of underage drinking and keeping alcohol locked away can help keep it away from minors. In addition, keep an inventory and lock up prescription medications to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone in your home.

For more information about Positive Youth Development or Prevention resources visit oakparktownship.org/ prevention-services

You are a great provider.

78% of 8-12th graders report that their family has clear rules about alcohol & drug use

Food, shelter, education, unconditional love.

Just not alcohol.

(68% 12th graders, & 80%10th graders)

For more information and to discover local resources: OakParkTownship.org/PYD This campaign is supported by the Strategic Prevention Framework-Partnerships for Success Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.243 funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through a grant administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Supporting youth in Oak Park and River Forest Townships.

@Positive Youth Development

This was developed and funded in whole and or part, by grants from the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The views, opinions, and content of this publication are those of the authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of ONDCP, SAMHSA, or HHS, and should not be construed as such.

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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‘Makes me want to cry’

L

ast month, Fritz Kaegi — Cook County’s assessor and an Oak Parker — spoke to a group of newspaper publishers during a Zoom chat. One particular exchange stood out.

Dan Haley, our intrepid publisher, asked Kaegi about historic racial inequities in housing and property tax assessments (or the process of determining the value of real estate for the purpose of taxing it). Do they intersect?

“Quite dramatically,” Kaegi said.

“Our assessment system, if it’s working perfectly, is reflecting market prices for property,” Kaegi added. “We should always remember that all these structural determinates that create segregation and disparity in values are embedded in them.”

We get racial bias in property assessments, Kaegi said, “if we have a system that depends on appeals and who works the system best? People with money, people with power, people who have the most access. They whittle down their share when it comes to the expense of everyone else.”

You can also get racial bias when you don’t factor foreclosure sales into the assessment process, he said.

“In the past, our office oftentimes excluded foreclosure transactions, because they weren’t considered arm’s length transactions,” Kaegi said.

Foreclosures are rampant in Black and Brown communities, but Kaegi’s predeces-

sor, Joe Berrios, wasn’t taking When the I-Team asked Berthem into consideration in the rios’ office about the disparity, assessment process. it told him that foreclosures and What that looks like is Anshort sales aren’t considered thony Travis, a south suburban “fair-market … transactions.” homeowner who was profiled by But out of the other side of its the ABC 7 I-Team in 2018, just as mouth, the office said it takes Berrios was preparing to leave into account “foreclosures in office after his loss to Kaegi. high-volume foreclosure areas.”

“When Travis was going The law, the I-Team explains, through foreclosure, his home requires assessors to “look at was being auctioned for $24,000,” these foreclosure sales, when the I-Team reported back then. they rank 25 percent of the His tax attorney put the market neighborhood or greater.”

Commentary value at $39,000. But the 2017 reAt that point, they “need to assessment of his home’s value incorporate them in [their] (done solely to determine how much he new modeling of assessments so they have should pay in property taxes) was $78,000. fair, more accurate assessments and fair or In other words, Travis was expected to more accurate property taxes.” pay taxes on his $39,000 house as if it were That gaslighting by the former assessor’s worth $78,000. office and the smelliness of a law intended to “Makes me want to cry,” Travis told the help homeowners but that somehow misses I-Team. “Cause I keep trying to figure out the second-most populous county in the where do they get these prices from? When country (home, maybe, to the highest populaI look at other folks properties in this area tion of tax attorneys in the universe, includ-- how do they reach that conclusion?” ing Michael Madigan) is a major reason why “He eventually got the value down to people don’t think their votes matter. $61,000, but Andrea Raila, the president of It’s a big reason why the Democratic esthe Training Research Advocacy and Edutablishment, such an ostensible proponent cation Network (TRAEN) told the I-Team of diversity and inclusion, appears to the that $61,000 was still too high. public as not much better than a Republi“Qualified sales show the market value can establishment that is effectively a white should be $39,000 not $70,000 not $65,000 but grievance cult at this point. $39,000,” Raila said.

But I digress.

MICHAEL ROMAIN

I thought of that conversation with Kaegi after coming across a Washington Post article highlighting a new working paper by economists Troup Howard of the University of Utah and Carlos Avenancio-Leon of Indiana University.

The paper, entitled “The Assessment Gap: Racial Inequalities in Property Taxation,” is worth downloading and giving it the old college try. I tried and got through the first dozen pages or so.

The study supports much of what Kaegi spoke about last month. According to the paper, which analyzed 118 million homes in the U.S., and specifically analyzed appeals in Cook County, Black and Brown homeowners face a 10 to 13 percent “higher tax burden for the same public services.” That burden translates into, on average, between $300 and $390 in undue property taxes a year.

The authors point to some interesting solutions to the gap, including “an alternate approach for constructing assessments based on small-geography home price indexes” that might reduce inequity “by at least 55-70 percent”. I don’t quite know what that means, yet. I’ll have to do some more reading.

I suspect it aligns with Kaegi’s solution, which was much easier to understand.

“Fixing that racial disparity,” Kaegi said, “requires getting [the assessment] right the first time.”

‘Black is the color of suspicion in Oak Park,’ says activist

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

Oak Park police conducting field investigations (non-traffic related issues) stop Black people “at six times the rate of white people,” according to data compiled by Freedom to Thrive and included in an opinion editorial written by Kevin Barnhart, an organizer with Freedom to Thrive and a member of Oak Park government’s Citizen Police Oversight Committee.

With the village government conducting two “community listening sessions” this week to gather citizen perspective on interactions with local police, Barnhart told Wednesday Journal measuring progress, “really depends on the commitment level of our local government to do something.”

The virtual sessions are 10 a.m., Aug. 5 and 7 p.m., Aug. 6. The deadline to sign up to speak at the sessions or to send in a written testimonial was 5 p.m., Aug. 3. The village of Oak Park will stream the sessions live and archive the footage on its website at www. oak-park.us/boardtv. Barnhart shared data on police field investigations over the past five years collected by Freedom to Thrive volunteers in a One View in today’s Jour-

nal. The opinion piece claims evidence of racial disparities in the Oak Park Police Department. The information was obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests and then analyzed and compiled into a report by Freedom to Thrive.

“Black people are stopped by Oak Park police in field investigations (non-traffic related stops), at six times the rate of white people, accounting for 78 percent of the 967 field stops made between January 2015 through June 2020,” Barnhart wrote in his op-ed.

In his editorial, Barnhart called Black “the color of suspicion in Oak Park, especially for males,” and included the statistic that “of the males stopped under the age of 18, an astounding 97 percent are Black.”

The Black and Brown residents of Oak Park would not be surprised by these statistics, Barnhart told Wednesday Journal. White residents may find these numbers shocking.

“Black and Brown folks typically know these things because they’re the ones who are experiencing the most contact with police,” said Barnhart. “Many of our white residents here in Oak Park don’t because they don’t come in contact with police.”

Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla has long pushed for a discussion of the Freedom to

Thrive report with the group’s organizers at the village board table. Walker-Peddakotla is involved with the organization. Barnhart said he’d be open to doing that.

“I’d welcome that idea to have that conversation,” he said.

Barnhart also encourages Oak Park residents to go to the Freedom to Thrive website and read its report on policing.

Prior to the appointment of Curtis Lott, Barnhart was the sole Black person on CPOC. CPOC has come under criticism in the past for its lack of diverse membership.

The village board directed village staff to review the responsibilities of the committee during a police reform discussion that took place in a June 22 meeting.

Barnhart rejects the idea that the Oak Park department is devoid of systemic racism because LaDon Reynolds, a Black man, is its chief.

Reynolds declined an interview with the Journal, saying in an Aug. 3 email, “I don’t think my responding to an opinion piece in the Wednesday Journal, from a CPOC board member, would advance what I hope will be a civil discussion about the future of policing in Oak Park.”

Reynolds also stated he favors a more

structured approach and is committed to a community conversation “that guides the actions of the men and women who serve the village as sworn officers.”

According to Barnhart’s op-ed, police have the legal authority to act on their racial biases and that “police adhere to a subjective ideology that is overly reliant on gut-feelings and hunches that traumatize Black people.”

The op-ed says the police department’s Guide to the Suspicious encourages citizens to call the police. The guide dictates that anything “that seems even slightly out of place or that is occurring at an unusual time of day could be criminal activity.” It also includes in its list of “not so obvious signs of suspicion” people waiting outside of homes and businesses when the owner is away. The Guide to the Suspicious is available on the village of Oak Park website.

The Guide to the Suspicious, Barnhart said, normalizes and legitimizes racial profiling. He also believes it is incumbent on citizens to refrain from acting on what he called “their worst impulses” to dial 911 at the drop of a hat.

“More importantly, ask yourself if you would call the police as readily on someone who is white?”

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Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Many Voices: “1919,” for Middle Schoolers

BIG WEEK August 5 - 12

“Divercity”

Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7 and 8, 8 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 9, 3 p.m., virtually with 16th Street Theater and Tellin’ Tales Theatre See solo performances by artists, writers and actors with disabilities. Stories range from hilarious to touching and everything in between. This replaces the originally scheduled “Wake up Mrs. Moore,” postponed to 2021. $10 - $22. Tickets/more: 16thstreettheater.org/productions/tellin-tales-theatre-presents-divercity

Many Voices: “The Refugees” Wednesday, Aug. 5, 6 to 7 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Library Join a discussion of Pulitzer Prize winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen’s book of short stories, which gives voice to lives led between two worlds, the adopted homeland and the country of birth. Copies can be downloaded through Hoopla and Libby. Register: oppl.org/calendar

Friday, Aug. 7, 4 to 5 p.m., Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library Meet virtually with students in grades 5 - 8 to share thoughts on 1919 by Chicago poet and author Eve L. Ewing. The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 resulted in 38 deaths and almost 500 injuries. Through poems recounting the stories of everyday people trying to survive and thrive in the city, Ewing uses speculative and Afrofuturist lenses to recast history and illuminates the thin line between the past and the present. Access the book through Hoopla and Libby.

Also, Saturday, Aug. 15, 3-4 pm: Register: oppl.org/ calendar.

Explore and Learn at the Oak Park Conservatory Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p..m.

The Conservatory, with its three distinct greenhouse rooms and children’s discovery garden, is open. See a variety of plant species and say “Hello” to the birds.

Limited to 50 visitors, follow social distancing and only visit when healthy. And if you have gardening questions, Conservatory staff can help. Call: 708-725-2400. 615 Garfield St., Oak Park.

Queerios Summer Meetups Saturday, Aug. 8, 2 to 4 p.m., Zoom through the Oak Park Library Queerios is an LGBTQ+ positive group for those in grades 6-12. At this meetup, enjoy D&D and Honey Heist virtual tabletop gaming. In partnership with OPRF High School’s A Place for All and the Rainbow Tribes of Julian and Brooks Middle Schools. Register: oppl.org/calendar

Storytimes for Kids Wednesdays, Aug. 5 to 26, 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Saturdays, Aug. 8 to 20, 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Zoom with the Oak Park Public Library Join your favorite librarians for books, songs, movement and fun. Best for kids 5 and under.

Register: oppl.org/calendar

Music by the Numbers Wednesday, Aug. 5, 4 to 5 p.m., Virtually Enjoy music as members of the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest perform at Cheney Mansion each week as they count up from a solo performance to a duet and so on. This week, see Schubert’s heavenly String Quintet in C, movt. 1. Brought with the Park District of Oak Park.

Aug. 12 - Music of Poulenc, including the Divertissement from the Sextet Aug. 19 - Selections from Schütz’s Symphoniae Sacrae featuring Jay Friedman, trombone, and Douglas Anderson, baritone (septet) Aug. 26 - Beethoven’s Wind Octet, Andante and Menuet-Trio Sept. 2 - Grieg’s Holberg Suite (nonet) $5 per concert, Oak Park residents; $50, OP residents for the series, which includes all nine concerts. $8 per concert, non-residents; $67 for the series, non-residents.

Register: 708-725-2720, pdop.org.

The Future of American Theater for All Abilities Thursday, Aug. 6, 6 p.m., virtually with 16th Street Theater Watch a panel, including Tekki Lomnicki of Tellin’ Tales, Talleri A. McRae of National Disability Theatre, and Amber Smock from Access Living discuss the future of American theater for all abilities, moderated by Esteban Andres Cruz, associate artist at 16th Street. Free. Register: 16thstreettheater.org/all-abilities-panel-event-details

Go on a Lion Hunt Pleasant Home Tours Fridays, 2 to 4 p.m.

Take a self-guided tour of the main floor of the historic home. Free.

The home is also open for self-guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m. $5.

Saturdays and Sundays, Noon and 1 p.m.

Learn from a docent-led tour that covers the first and second floors of the home. $10; $8, seniors/students 18+ with I.D.; $7, ages 6 through 18; free, 5 and under and Illinois teachers. Tour sizes are limited to 8. More: pleasanthome.org/ tours. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.

Saturdays and Sundays, 2 to 4 p.m., through Aug. 30, Pleasant Home Search a Historic Landmark Home for lion likenesses hidden on the property both inside and out. Remember to wear face masks; groups of eight or fewer allowed in the house at one time. Kids will receive a lion puppet kit and animal cracker snack to take home. $5; free, ages 5 and under. 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Oak Parkers rally to create mural after pride flags stolen Mapleton Avenue painting inspired by similar one on south end of Oak Park

By JAMES KAY Staff Writer

When you’re spending a lot of time indoors, inspiration can be hard to come by.

However, sometimes it just takes a car ride around the neighborhood to find it.

Jean Magee, who lives in the 1000 block of Mapleton Avenue in Oak Park, was driving down the street where her niece lives when she saw a mural with a rainbow and the words “LOVE” and “BLM” painted on the street.

Her niece, Emily Tague, is an art teacher at Irving Elementary School and created the piece with the people on her block. Having seen the message on the road when she was driving, Magee started thinking about what her fellow neighbors on Mapleton could do in the same realm.

“When I drove by [the mural], I was just entranced,” said Magee. “It was so pretty and striking, and when I was coming back from south Oak Park, I stopped by it again and took pictures. I emailed Emily to see if she was OK with us doing something similar.”

Tague was not only open to sharing her concept with Magee but even provided the leftover paint, brushes and other supplies.

“I was very excited that [the block] inspired [Magee] to do the same thing,” said Tague, referring to the mural. “I think we

are all looking for positivity in different ways. [Tague and her neighbors] did this three years ago and since it was fading we decided to paint over it. We wanted to spread a positive message.”

Ten days after Magee had pitched the mural idea to her neighbors, 10 pride flags that had been displayed along Magee’s street were stolen. While that wasn’t the reason why they created the mural, the message of it amplified.

“Yeah, it definitely felt [more powerful] after that incident,” said Magee. “People felt like it was a great response to that even though it hadn’t started out that way.”

The neighbors had agreed to paint the mural during their block party, but when the day arrived, only a few people initially came out to start on the mural. As Magee and others laid down the white latex primer and chalked out the design, everyone started to come out to participate.

“It was definitely a ‘if you build it, they will come’ moment,” said Magee.

Ten children and 15 adults worked for almost eight hours to complete the mural. It was similar to Tague’s piece, with the messages “LOVE” and “BLM” painted in similar positions.

Magee said the color schemes and patterns were different from Tague’s, but overall it was a nice homage to what her niece did. “[Emily’s] rainbow was much better than mine,” said Magee, laughing. “We did add ‘Mapleton 2020’ on the bottom of it as well, but, yeah, the rainbow was a bit wonky since I am not the artist that Emily is. People were saying it was a little ‘Sergeant Peppers-y.’”

HOPE

RESILIENCE

R ECOV E RY

Apartment living with congregate services

114 South Humphrey Oak Park, IL 60302

T

his property with its architecturally award-winning atrium, provides seniors and persons with disabilities with parking, library, laundry room, wellness center and other conveniences. A service coordinator is on staff to assist tenants who may need additional services. The units are studio and one bedroom, each with electric appliances, tile bath, and wall to wall carpeting. Modern fire and safety systems are installed in each apartment and common areas of the building. There are 8 accessible one bedroom units for the mobility impaired.

Photo by Karin McMillan

OUR BLOCK: Artistic and determined neighbors from the 1000 block of Mapleton Avenue added an inclusive street mural recognizing Black Lives Matter, Pride and the power of love.

The Oaks is owned and operated by the Oak Park Residence Corporation and is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through the 202/section 8 Program. Residents pay approximately 30% of their monthly income for rent.

For additional information, please visit our web site at www.oakparkha.org or contact us at 708-386-5812.

5

Board members chosen for Growing Community Media Diverse blend of experience on inaugural board

noted in the organization’s bylaws.

There are currently four flags serving seven communities within Growing Community Media. They include Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest, the Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark.

In alphabetical order, here are the members of the board: ■ Gary Collins: River Forest. Banker, currently vice-chair of Old Second Bank.

Longtime Wednesday Journal, Inc. board member.

Growing Community Media, the non-profit recently created to lead independent community newsrooms on the West Side and near west suburbs, announced its inaugural board of directors this week.

The six-member board will focus on strategic planning, financial oversight, governance and development. The editorial independence of the newsroom is specifically

■ Judy Greffin: Oak Park. Corporate background at Allstate Insurance. Former chair of Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation. Field Museum board member.

■ Darnell Shields: Austin. Executive Director of Austin Coming Together, leading collective impact organization on the West Side. Long-time supporter of Austin Weekly News.

■ Sheila Solomon: Hyde Park. Leading voice in non-profit journalism nationally.

Board member at City Bureau, McClatchy Journalism Institute. Longtime editor at

the Trib.

■ Eric Weinheimer. River Forest. Former CEO at ForeFront, innovative Illinois resource at the intersection of foundations and non-profit organizations.

■ Nile Wendorf: Oak Park. Co-owner of now defunct Extra newspapers serving Hispanic market across Chicago. Corporate marketing experience. Board service at Unity Temple and 19th Century Club.

Dan Haley has been appointed by the board as CEO/President of Growing Community Media.

Gary Collins, Judy Greffin, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer, Nile Wendorf

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Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

7

ART BEAT

Can arts in schools endure in this COVID age?

Innovation is great. But the hurdles are daunting

By MICHELLE DYBAL Arts Editor

While the Oak Park and River Forest school districts, D97, D90 and D200, have been releasing various plans for the fall as communities grapple with how best to handle learning during a pandemic, the information on performing and visual arts had not been announced in initial plans.

For things like band, orchestra and chorus, the audio delay makes simultaneous group work impossible. Much of theater is affected in the same way. And certain visual arts, such as wheel throwing and dark room photography simply cannot be done at home. How can families and students know what to expect?

Oak Park and River Forest High School is planning to have all remote learning for Fall 2020. The administration, through Karin Sullivan, executive director of communications and community relations, released information to Wednesday Journal on band, orchestra and chorus on Thursday, July 30.

D200 has not allowed teachers to talk to the press, an unusual move, since its teachers have regularly spoken to Wednesday Journal for numerous arts stories.

The remote learning plan for music for Fall 2020 includes individual learning, small group and large ensemble work. According to the plan, students will work on solo and short ensemble pieces either selected by students or their teacher. Musicians will also receive guided instruction through large ensemble pieces led by the teacher/conductor.

To put the music together, the students will learn recording and editing skills. Throughout the process, teachers will be engaged with students and there will be a focus on growth as individual musicians, according to the plan.

Parents have reported orchestra students have had a Zoom meeting with Patrick Pearson. Other teachers delivering this plan for their students are Anthony Svejda (band), Meredith McGuire (chorus) and Drew Fredrickson (band/chorus). A new division head has been hired, Dr. Semaj Coleman.

D200 administration has not announced how theater and crew classes or cocurricular plays and musicals will be handled. It also has not addressed visual arts. In a Facebook post, an OPRF art teacher responded to parental concerns over their students’ scheduled work on their art portfolios. The teacher assured them, “I am working on multiple ways to engage my students and help them develop strong portfolios for college submission.”

There have been no announcements on ex-

Photo provided

NO GO: Gathering orchestras and choruses together won’t work with COVID-19. Music performance will be virtual this fall unlike this image from the Huskie Music Fest. tracurricular arts at the high school.

River Forest School District 90 is planning to have in-person learning for elementary, and a hybrid model for middle school, with a virtual option for those who want it.

Dawne Simmons, communication coordinator for D90, said, “Decisions about extracurricular activities — such as chorus, orchestra, yearbook, etc. — have not been finalized yet. The district continues to consider how to provide these activities while maintaining the safety of students and teachers and following social distancing guidelines.” Band is also an extracurricular activity at D90.

Chorus may present the biggest challenge for in-person practice and performance.

It is known that aerosol droplets are present while singing without a mask and can spread COVID-19 if a singer is infected with the virus.

For D90, curriculars in the arts will continue. “Also, specials classes — such as art, music and STEM — will still be provided to students. Details will be forthcoming,” Simmons said.

Oak Park District 97 was planning for hybrid learning for Fall 2020, but now is expecting to go with full remote learning for the first trimester.

Class-time visual art for elementary schools will continue with what was in place in the spring, according to Jenny Raia, who teaches art at Longfellow Elementary. This includes “weekly remote-learning assignments, fun resources for kids and inspiration for creative exploration,” according to the dedicated website. Assignments are customized by grade from K through five.

Teachers who lead in-class music “have been meeting all summer to prepare for multiple scenarios,” according to Percy Ju-

File photo

GOOD NEWS OR BAD?: It is unclear what theater will look like for students at OPRF this fall. Their last production, the spring musical “Newsies”, was performed in late February and early March prior to shutdown.

lian Middle School Music teacher Andrew Seymour.

He also said cocurriculars, such as Men’s Ensemble, a choral group he leads, are going to be offered remotely.

While there is no word on how classroom band or orchestra will be held, instrument sign ups for new students wanting to take part in instrumental music in 4th and 5th grades are expected to take place remotely.

On middle school theater, both Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School’s BRAVO and Julian’s CAST are poised to offer something for their students.

BRAVO’s spring musical Moana Jr. was completed virtually and edited together into a final performance, A Virtual Voyage.

More than 50 students recorded their own vocals and choreography, and improvised costumes and sets. BRAVO also offered virtual summer camps. Tina Reynolds, BRAVO artistic director and program manager, has program ideas for fall, which will be released shortly.

Bill McGlynn, program director of CAST, said Julian students were about to put on two studio shows in the spring, Inherit the Wind and Last Morning at the Evening Post, when they had to cancel their performances due to COVID-19.

“We then scrambled to invent virtual rehearsals for CAST Jr.s’ Lion King and our next scheduled play entitled Greenhorn,” he said. “We were able to work with our students online and everyone was very happy with the results.”

While they cancelled their summer programming, CAST has been collaborating with local groups to strengthen inter-program relationships, according to McGlynn, including Oak Park Education Foundation, the Oak Park police department and Hepzibah. They also met with BRAVO and the CAST Council and artist mentors to share ideas. And, they “revamped the CAST website, which has become more and more the main port of entry for Julian students and families and in a virtual learning environment is a crucial ‘face’ of the program,” McGlynn said. It will be revealed soon.

As for the program, CAST is left with more questions than answers. Without ticket sales in the spring and funds raised from the lunch program, there is less in the coffer to put on productions (although some families chose to donate summer camp funds). It is unknown if CAST will have access to the building or if any in-person work can take place.

“In times like these, we can only go back to what we do know — that theatre is a very important part of children’s lives, that the CAST staff is ready and willing to work, that CAST families want and need to participate in CAST and that we will figure this out,” McGlynn said.

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Businesses make do during coin shortage

An unexpected impact of COVID-19

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

In addition to worldwide health and economic tribulations, the COVID-19 pandemic has also caused a dearth of coins in the United States that has left many quite literally short-changed. Laundromats, fast food restaurants, currency exchanges and grocery stores have all felt the strain of the coinage unavailability throughout the West Side of Chicago and its western suburbs.

“There is an adequate amount of coins in the economy, but the slowed pace of circulation has meant that sufficient quantities of coins are sometimes not readily available where needed,” reads a July 23 press release from the U.S. Mint.

Precautions to slow COVID-19’s spread have decreased retail sales activity and substantially reduced deposits from third-party coin processors, which account for the majority of coins put into circulation, according to the U.S. Mint.

In the meantime, businesses are continuing to operate as normally as possible with the limited supply of change in their cash registers, hanging signs in the windows directing customers to pay in exact change or to use alternative payment methods.

“We can’t do cash back,” said Regina Bartlett, manager of Save A Lot grocery store, 5555 W. North Ave. in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago.

That Save A Lot location has been unable to order coins through its bank because the bank does not have any to give, according to Bartlett.

Customers have been “understanding” of the situation, Bartlett said, and use debit cards or credit cards to pay for their groceries.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

COINING A PHRASE: ‘National Coin Shortage’ sign at Fresh Thyme Market in River Forest is a sign of the times.

“We’re making do with what we have,” she said. “There’s nothing we can really do about it.”

Bartlett’s Save A Lot has been unable to order coins through its bank because the bank does not have any to give.

Carnival Grocery, 824 S Oak Park Ave., in Oak Park has had better luck lately getting coins, after switching its banking to the neighboring Fifth Third branch.

“Fifth Third Bank is right next door to us, and they’ve given us a generous allotment of coin compared to what we were getting from other banks,” said Carnival Grocery owner Arthur Paris.

According to Paris, Carnival Grocery was banking with Byline Bank until their closest branch closed due to the pandemic. Carnival’s Chicago location banks with PNC. “They won’t give us anywhere near as much coin as Fifth Third will,” said Paris, who noted it’s been difficult keeping coins,

especially quarters.

“We’ve at times encouraged customers to use credit cards because we’re afraid that we’re going to run out,” he said.

Since the pandemic started, the number of customers who pay in cash has dropped about 20 percent, Paris said. He began noticing customers were asking for coins more frequently about six weeks ago.

“Over the last two weeks, it’s gotten really acute,” he added.

The 7-Eleven location at 7749 Roosevelt Road in Forest Park has a sign posted on the front door that reads: “Dear Customers, due to a shortage at the federal reserve, we are very short on coins. Please consider paying in exact change or using a debit/credit card.

We apologize for any inconvenience.”

Some businesses have not yet felt the strain of the shortage, including The Laundry Room, 206 Desplaines Ave. in Forest Park.

Jill Bush, co-owner, said she’s heard about

the coin shortage, but their business hasn’t been affected yet.

“Forest Park Bank has kept us supplied, but we’re following the situation and keeping our fingers crossed,” said Bush, adding that most customers bring their own change for the washers and dryers.

Cathy Pruger from Forest Park Bank said on July 30 that the bank is aware of a coin shortage as part of economic changes due to COVID-19.

“We can still acquire roll coin,” Pruger said, “and we have no plans to increase any fees to customers or limit commercial transactions.”

According to Pruger, Forest Park Bank is monitoring the coin situation closely but, should fees for the bank increase, they may have to make further adjustments.

Forest Park Bank has seen an increase in customers bringing in loose coins and trading them for currency, possibly as a result of hearing about the coin shortage and wanting to help put change back into circulation.

Sawmilly Sandwich Shoppe, 35 E. Burlington St. in Riverside, has not faced any problems due to the coin shortage.

“I’ve heard some of the rumblings about it, but our bank has not notified us or said there was anything we needed to handle differently,” said owner Scott Zimmer.

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, 7501 W. North Ave., in River Forest has signs posted outside directing customers to pay with checks and credit or debit cards due to the coin shortage, but manager Martin Reynosa said the grocery store has yet to run out of change and has a good supply.

To restore coin circulation, the U.S. Mint asks citizens to spend their share of coins, deposit them in banks or exchange them for cash. Don’t feel ashamed to pay for a pizza in all quarters, dig behind your couch cushions for spare nickels or break into your piggybank — the U.S. Mint is counting on you.

Expecting COVID absences, D97 hires permanent subs

Board unanimously approves hiring 26 permanent substitutes for roughly $852K

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

In anticipation of a high number of teacher absences during the 2020-21 school year, the District 97 school board recently approved the hiring of 26 permanent substitutes, which would cost a total of $851,760, administrators said.

The board unanimously approved the hiring at a regular meeting on July 14. The substitute teachers will be compensated for 182

days at $180 a day, which is the pay rate for long-term substitutes, said Gina Herrmann, D97’s HR director, at last month’s meeting.

In a July 14 board memo, Herrmann said the cost would be “significantly offset by the cost we would pay for daily or long-term substitutes we would have to hire if we did not have permanent substitutes in place.”

Hermann said the district was taking the step of hiring the permanent substitutes “in order to be proactive and to avoid a disconnect in learning for our students.”

During the regular meeting, board member Holly Spurlock asked administrators if the 26 permanent substitutes were enough.

She also wanted to know how the district arrived at the total.

“The number was determined based on

students per building and I looked back at the sub rate per days to determine how many,” Herrmann said. “I feel this is a fair amount coming forward … Could we use more? We’d love more, but I think we start here now.”

In her board memo, Herrmann said the permanent substitute teachers “would attend all teacher institutes and remote planning days. They will be trained for delivery of instruction in a blended and remote learning environment and prepared to immediately cover for an educator in the event of illness. If a permanent substitute is not needed for a day, they will support teachers with small group instruction.”

Herrmann said the role of permanent substitute teachers will be reviewed annu-

ally and approved before each school year by the board.

District administrators have observed a substitute teacher shortage for the last four years, administrators said. Day-to-day substitutes are paid $110 a day. Herrmann said that the administration recommended “a high rate of pay” for permanent substitute teachers “due to the demand as many districts are employing permanent substitutes.”

At a special meeting on July 22, D97 Supt.

Carol Kelley announced that, after initially planning to return to classes twice a week in the fall, administrators changed course and decided to start the fall with students learning remotely.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

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9

Chicago bullfighters honor Hemingway

Two new bullfighting passes named for prolific author

By STACEY SHERIDAN Staff Reporter

In an homage to literary hero and Oak Park native Ernest Hemingway, the Amateur Bullfighters of Chicago, in collaboration with the Chicago Tauromachy Club, have created two new bullfighting passes called the “Hemingway natural” and “Hemingway de pecho.” When bulls charge, matadors use specific techniques to avoid contact, resulting in a “pass.”

“We wanted to name these new passes to honor Hemingway,” said Oscar LopezHoyos, Amateur Bullfighters of Chicago founder and Chicago Tauromachy board member.

A bona fide bullfighting aficionado, Hemingway saw his first fight in 1923 while visiting Pamplona, Spain. The experience sparked a lifelong passion and respect for bullfighting, who went on to befriend many famous matadors.

Hemingway also wrote extensively about the art of bullfighting. His non-fiction “Death in the Afternoon” is widely considered to be one of the best books ever written on the subject, and the bullfighting scenes in “The Sun Also Rises” provides excellent analytical fodder for literature classes and bookworms.

Bullfighting has many critics, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which sees it as animal abuse.

It has become far more controversial than in the decades when Hemingway glorified

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

FIERCE: Oscar Lopez acts as the bull on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, during bullfighting training at the Clocktower recreation area in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. it.

Such is the respect for Hemingway in the bullfighting community, the “Hemingway natural” and the “Hemingway de pecho” have caught the attention of famous professional matadors. Arturo Macías of Mexico and Spain’s Manuel Escribano, Saúl Jiménez Fortes and Curro Marquez have com-

mitted to using the two new passes in their next bullfights.

“We are really excited to watch their performances of the new passes in front of the bulls,” said Lopez-Hoyos. “They are some of the bravest bullfighters of the world. The three of them have been seriously gored by bulls several times.”

Outside of amateur bullfighting and training, Lopez-Hoyos is an economist and the deputy director for the Trade Commission of Spain in Chicago. Before he immigrated to the U.S., he trained Fortes at the Provincial Bullfighting School of Malaga.

Hemingway’s love of fishing helped inspire the “Hemingway de pecho,” which looks a bit like casting a fishing line, whereas the “Hemingway natural” is a new take on the “natural,” a basic but highly dangerous pass.

Amateur Bullfighters of Chicago and Chicago Tauromachy do not use real bulls or cows when practicing passes. Professional matadors do not practice bullfighting on real bulls either.

In fact, professional matadors only come into contact with bulls during the actual fight. Bulls are never exposed to more than one fight because they become too dangerous.

The audience may choose to spare the life of bulls that exhibit elegance, bravery and strength during the fight. Those bulls are widely revered and live comfortably on ranches for the rest of their lives.

“Respect to the bull is the landmark of the art of bullfighting,” said Lopez-Hoyos.

For Hemingway and other aficionados, the fight for survival, combined with the elegance of the matador’s movements and the sheer power of the bulls, makes bullfighting a ballet of sorts, a tragic and beautiful display of tradition, grace and strength.

“The first time you see bullfighting, you get engaged with the spectacle, the perforSee BULLFIGHTING on page 12

D97 mulls spending freeze ahead of vote on new budget Despite pandemic, district anticipates budget surplus

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Staff Reporter

On Aug. 11, the District 97 school board will review its preliminary FY 2021 budget — the first budget it will vote on since COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The preliminary budget tentatively includes $104.2 million in total spending outside of capital projects — a 3 percent increase over FY 2020’s roughly $101 million total. In addition, the district is proposing $31.3 million in capital spending.

Total revenue in the preliminary budget totals $107.3 million, which leaves the district with a possible surplus.

During a regular meeting on July 14, Robbi Grossi, the district’s financial consultant, said the administration intends

to recommend that the board freeze overall discretionary spending.

“What we intended on spending in FY 2020 and what we would have spent in FY 2020 had we run a full year, we’re recommending freezing discretionary spending at those levels,” said Grossi, who has called for the district to take a conservative approach to spending since at least May, when he made a presentation on the potential impact of COVID-19 on the district’s finances.

During a presentation at the board’s May 26 regular meeting, Grossi listed examples of expenditures that the district could “pause.” They included non-essential staff positions, long-term commitments like collective bargaining agreements and major capital projects.

During the July 14 meeting, Grossi outlined 10 “major financial decisions” that the board is expected to make over the next 24 months, starting with the adoption of the FY 2021 budget, which the board is expected

to approve at a meeting on Sept. 22.

Other major decisions include the approval of the 2020 tax levy in December, the development of staffing plans for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years, the identification of summer capital projects for 2021 and 2022, the adoption of the FY 2022 budget in September 2021, and the negotiation of a new teacher contract in early 2022.

“All these decisions are interconnected,” he said.

The district saved approximately $1 million as a result of closing in March, April, May and June, Grossi noted. The district is poised to receive $320,000 in federal COVID-19 aid, which the administration will spend on technology, he added. Other state and federal revenues, however, will remain relatively flat.

The district will experience dramatically decreased tax revenue due to the elimination of TIF surplus payments, he

explained, adding that the district’s interest earnings on its investments will also decline dramatically.

Still, overall revenues are estimated to increase by $1.2 million in FY 2020. Much of the increase, he said, has to do with the timing of tax payments.

The preliminary budget for FY 2021 was presented before the district reversed its initial decision to open the fall based on a hybrid model, which entailed students being in classrooms twice a week. That model had the district paying at least $330,000 to purchase personal protective equipment and disinfecting materials. There would also be unforeseen transportation costs associated with the measure.

Since then, however, the district has switched to a full remote learning plan, which could lower spending totals in the final FY 2021 budget.

10

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D90 sticks to in-person learning despite opposition

Limited availability!

Despite the River Forest Education Association (RFEA) speaking out against the in-person plan for reopening schools in the fall, the District 90 River Forest public elementary school board voted four to three to stick with the plan presented during the July 20 board meeting, a plan that provides full in-person education for elementary school students and a hybrid approach for the middle school.

The vote occurred during a July 27 special board meeting that lasted over five hours and included commentary from over 60 teachers and parents.

Board members Nicole Thompson and Cal Davis and board president Rich Moore voted against an in-person return to school. Board members Katie Avalos, Judy Deogracias, Barb Hickey and Stacey Williams voted in favor of it, solidifying the recommendations presented at the July 20 meeting.

Immediately prior to that vote, Thompson made a motion and called for a vote for a fully remote beginning to the upcoming school year. It was defeated four to three.

Thompson, a medical doctor, spoke about the fact that there are still many unknowns related to COVID-19.

“We are literally learning new things on a daily basis,” Thompson said. She said that as the outbreak has progressed, a larger number of children have been infected.

But children, she said, haven’t been widely tested, and their infection patterns are unknown since social distancing has been in place. Additionally, medical professionals have reported less consistency in test results among children, who sometimes test negative a few times before a positive test comes back.

Moore, too, pushed for remote-learning over in-person learning for kids. The original plan presented on July 20, he said, was put together before the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released updated guidance on reopening, guidance which made it clear schools needed to have in place plans to quickly pivot if infections occurred among students or teachers.

“The expectation in the ISBE language is that we’re going to move back … to remote learning,” Moore said during the meeting.

He added: “We’re predicting and expecting that our kids are going to get sick.”

Moore said some of the comments from parents and those supporting in-person learning used the phrase “the benefits outweigh the risk.”

“That’s not what schools do,” said Moore.

“When there is a risk of harm, we protect

and defer to safety first.”

Louisa Starr and Shana Joyce submitted a letter on behalf of the RFEA, the union representing D90 teachers, which was read during the meeting.

“We join teachers across the state to advocate for an initial return to school with remote instruction,” read the letter.

Starr and Joyce said, in the letter, that the stance represents “the concerns of a majority of our teacher members.” They added that over the preceding weekend they’d conducted a new survey within the RFEA. Eight percent of the teachers supported the original in-person return to school plan as-is; 34 percent supported the plan only if union concerns were met; 57 percent didn’t support the plan at all.

The RFEA’s concerns focused on poor air quality and air filtering options in the schools; a lack of data and specific guidelines on when schools would close during a COVID-19 resurgence; a need for district policy addressing the increasing vulnerability of Black, Latinx and senior teachers to COVID-19; and the large number of students middle school and special teachers would be in contact with on a regular basis.

“The RFEA favors initially returning under a revamped, more robust plan for remote instruction. No matter what the school year brings, the staff in District 90 will work as hard as it’s ever worked, if not harder, to do what is best for students,” said the RFEA statement.

Board vice president Barb Hickey said, “Everyone is right. All of the concerns are very legitimate concerns. There are no easy decisions to make here.”

Hickey’s greatest concern is in educating the lower grades, where, she said, social and emotional skills are developed and are an essential part of education.

Hickey acknowledged that returning to school in person “represents something of a risk for our teachers, but our building team has gone through great lengths to evaluate what the guidelines are and what we can do to make our school buildings as safe as we possibly can.”

Board member Judy Deogracias, another supporter of in-person learning, said, “I want to make something very clear. This decision is not a referendum; it is governance.”

Deogracias said, “Let’s give some grace to the teachers,” who worked hard to institute distance learning, something that “was essentially dumped in our collective laps this spring.”

A full remote learning option will be provided to all families in the district as an option. More information will be released by the district soon.

Details of the back-to-school plan and links to a recording of the meeting can be found on the D90 website at www.district90.org/.

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

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11

With safety as priority, Paco opens a changed New Rebozo Worries rule-breakers will force more closures

New Rebozo 1116 Madison St.

By MELISSA ELSMO

Open Tues.-Thurs. from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Oak Park Eats Editor

As much as fans crave New Rebozo’s Fiesta Mole dish -- a whopping six enchiladas individually topped with six unique Moles — they also visit the 30-year-old Oak Park restaurant to interact with chef and owner, Francisco Lopez, known to all as Chef Paco.

The effervescent chef is known to exclaim “oh my god” when greeting customers or describing his authentic Mexican fare. And now he uses the catchphrase to express gratitude for support during a global pandemic.

“I love my customers — they are my family,” said Chef Paco. “Oh my god, my customers have helped me through this terrible situation.”

Despite getting the green light to open for patio dining at the end of May, Chef Paco delayed the reopening of New Rebozo’s patio and dining room until July 7. A letter posted on social media asking for patience while he reassessed options for reopening was met with both confusion and support according to the chef.

“I thought, oh my god, I am not ready. The patio is not ready,” said Chef Paco. “People thought I was crazy, but I knew I needed to do more to keep people, my staff and customers, safe before I would open again.”

New Rebozo is a family establishment and fiercely committed to serving all age groups. Additionally, Chef Paco expressed concerns for his long-time staff members who live with chronic illnesses putting them at greater risk for COVID-19 complications.

Chef Paco took time to establish a plan to give more control over the dining experience to his customers and create a sense

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

SAFE WELCOME: Francisco Lopez, better known as Chef Paco, made notable changes to his New Rebozo restaurant before he felt safe opening the patio and dining room. of calm in the restaurant. He replaced the flooring and ceiling in the entire establishment to give it a fresh look and a new level of cleanliness. The booths in the back half of the restaurant were removed to allow for proper social distancing between tables. Indoor tables once accommodated 95 diners and now hold just 35. The colorful Oaxacan

art synonymous with New Rebozo still remains on display.

The restaurateur also embraced technology in a new way to keep his staff and customers safe. All orders and payments are processed through patrons’ cellphones to minimize contact between staff and guests.

“The technology is here to stay forever, I

think,” said Chef Paco. “At first I was like oh my god help me, but now people love it and it makes everyone safer.”

The back patio was also freshened up and reorganized to ensure proper spacing between tables, but the vacation feel is alive and well at New Rebozo. Red umbrellas cover well-spaced tables. Plants and art hang on the colorful walls enclosing the space. Originally the patio had a capacity of 50, but now holds 20.

“I think they were nervous after staying home for so long,” said Paco. “It was so slow at first, but we encouraged people to come in.”

Guests were impressed with New Rebozo’s modifications. Positive word of mouth began bringing more people to the restaurant. Chef Paco is honest that most customers still prefer to dine outside, but more are opting to utilize the dining room.

“Visiting New Rebozo means you can forget your problems, put this situation out of your mind, relax and enjoy my food.” said Chef Paco.

One a serious note, Chef Paco cautions that some restaurant owners and chefs “do not respect the rules” and fears the already fragile industry is positioned to experience a second wave of closures because of rising COVID-19 cases and a lack of rule following.

“I anticipate a setback, but I also think about surviving and being an example for other restaurants,” said Chef Paco. “It is stressful to think about the risks. I have lost weight because of it, but safety has to be more important than money.”

After quick peek, Lathrop House re-opens on Aug. 17

Former Blue Max has fresh look, warm welcome

By MELISSA ELSMO Oak Park Eats Editor

Lathrop House Café, 26 Lathrop Ave., opened for a “sneak peek” over the weekend. The former Blue Max opened its doors Saturday and Sunday in anticipation of officially opening on Aug. 17.

“This place has been shuttered too long,” said owner Patrick O’Brien. “We want people to know this is real. This is happening.”

The restaurant is 90 percent done according to O’Brien. Inviting people visit the shop before it fully opens was designed to build

anticipation for the official opening of the breakfast and lunch café/private event space. Approximately 80 guests stopped by for the sneak peek and many were former Blue Max customers.

“We had a constant flow of people in the café,” said O’Brien. “They were all vocal, curious and extremely supportive.”

While Lathrop House Café is still a work in progress, it is easy to see O’Brien’s vision for the house turned café. The side yard is home to a future bocce ball court and there are plans for a BBQ pit in the backyard as well. O’Brien intends to tent the deck in hopes of keeping outdoor seating available well into autumn.

“I was so excited to see that the back patio is all set up and that the back yard has

been strung with party lights and is in the process of becoming an additional seating area,” said River Forest resident and sneak peek attendee, Karen Skinner. “The staff was so friendly and happy to see the customers that stopped by, the interior has been freshly painted, new art and fresh white counters. Most important though, my cappuccino was perfect!”

During the sneak peek guests enjoyed free Back of the Yards coffee and purchased specialty drinks and snacks like cinnamon rolls, egg bites and miniature Danishes.

O’Brien is also busy training his core staff of three. He intends to hire more employees eventually but wanted to keep the team small at the start. The three baristas are busy learning to make a proper latte and

look forward to connecting with the Forest Park and River Forest community.

“We are looking to grow organically,” said barista Bobby Duff.

“As our connection as a team grows it will impact the atmosphere here and spread to the customers,” said barista Cali Carlson.

“We want to build relationships with our customers.”

With the past weekend’s sneak peek behind him, O’Brien will close the restaurant to the public and get his kitchen in order.

When the cafe reopens the menu will cover all the breakfast basics like omelets, skillets, pancakes and waffles while supplementing with global fusion specials.

O’Brien anticipates officially opening Lathrop House Café on Aug. 17.

12

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

DEVELOPMENT

Madison St. apartments from page 1 brought back to the commission was criticized for being insubstantial, leading the plan commission to decline to give it a positive endorsement.

“The massing of the proposed structure is too large, too tall and too close to residential properties and a residential neighborhood to the South and East,” the plan commission wrote in its report to the village board.

As the project already had a series of public hearings in the plan commission stage, the number of public comments at the village board meeting was limited to five on each side. The board received five against the project but only one in favor which was submitted by the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation, which the board opted not to read.

MAREG made further redesigns to the complex’s design prior to its village board vote that were not subject to formal plan commission review. While the 63-foot height of the building remained the same, MAREG lowered its original plan of 48 units to 42.

The new plan also made revisions to the building’s setback.

“It’s a different building than what we looked at,” said David Mann, plan commission chair, who was present at the Aug. 3 board meeting.

The area’s zoning dictates a maximum

POLICE

Going to arbitration from page 1 about stripping our disciplinary input away from our fire and police commission. They are taking us to arbitration on this issue.”

Adduci added: “We’re fighting tooth and nail for this. This is a big issue for us.”

In the formal statement, Adduci made it clear that in today’s current climate demanding police transparency and accountability, it is more important than ever to ensure proper oversight of departments.

“We believe the union is trying to take control of these disciplinary decisions at a time when police accountability and transparency is paramount. The union’s proposal is out of step and wrong,” reads the statement. “The village believes that retaining local control over disciplinary decisions is in the best interests of our community, particularly in an era where the public is rightly demanding accountability in law enforcement. We agree, and we believe that the best way to achieve that is by keeping these decisions local instead of giving them to an arbitrator where our community and

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM building height of 50 feet and a maximum density of 24 living units, but the village board’s approval allows MAREG these zoning variances. Mann said he did like some of the revisions that MAREG made, but the plan commission’s main concern, the building’s height, remained the same “This building would not work economically if it were a four-story building,” said Meador. The fixed costs of the building are countered by rent revenue generated from more living units.

Due to Mann’s comment, Trustee Simone Boutet motioned, with the support of Trustee Arti Walker-Peddakotla, to send the revised proposal back to the plan commission. The motion failed 5-3.

As a public benefit, MAREG will contribute an additional $50,000 to the village’s affordable housing fund on top of the $500,000 it had already opted to pay under the inclusionary housing ordinance.

“We’re in favor of affordable housing,” Meador told the board.

Walker-Peddakotla had concerns about MAREG’s union disputes over development projects in Forest Park and Evanston.

“We’ve had some issues with some unions who have not been awarded the business and they were disgruntled and frankly got very aggressive with their tactics – disrupted our tenants downtown, abused a couple of our staff,” said Meador, adding that MAREG filed a claim with the National Labor Relations Board.

According to Meador, MAREG is not against working with unions and its projects are generally 30 to 40 percent staffed by union labor.

residents are taken out of the process.”

“If a grievance arbitrator comes into River Forest from outside our community, he or she does not see or deal with the consequences of his or her disciplinary decisions,” Adduci said in the statement. “The arbitrator comes to our community, second guesses management’s decision and our residents’ decisions, and moves on to the next arbitration case someplace else. We believe our community deserves these important disciplinary matters to be decided by people who care about the community and the impact their decisions have on our town.

“Our residents love our police department. What they don’t like is the idea that bad officers would be allowed to stay on the job. For the union to make this demand, after seeing what happens when officers who are bad at their jobs are allowed to continue working, is out of touch.”

Additionally, Adduci wants state legislators to “improve police accountability and transparency by changing the laws to allow our community and residents on the [commission] to make these decisions, instead of an outside arbitrator.”

Wednesday Journal reached out to union representatives who did not respond with comment on this issue.

Provided

FINAL VERSION: Even after changes, neighbors object to size of Madison St. project.

“We put our projects out to anybody who wants to bid. At the end of the day it comes down to competency and cost,” said Meador.

Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb voiced his support for MAREG and the project, saying the company had expressed interest in developing along the Madison corridor four or five years ago.

“They kept coming back to Oak Park because they believe in the community,” AbuTaleb said. “I don’t know how we can say no to them.”

The mayor admitted it was not a perfect project, but that no projects are. The benefits to the village outweigh the project’s negatives, Abu-Taleb said, and the village needs to generate money to spend money on

BULLFIGHTING

Hemingway homage from page 9 mance, with the beauty,” said Lopez-Hoyos.

“It’s a very eye-catching event.”

Bullfighters prefer the term art to sport when describing bullfighting. Perez compared it to boxing.

“It’s emotional,” Perez said. “It’s not like watching baseball or American football.”

Bullfighting requires discipline, concentration and respect, Perez said, the very “principle” of the art.

“If you don’t respect the bull, the bull teaches you to, demands you to,” said Perez, who was a banderillero in bullfights back in his native Mexico before moving to the United States. Similar to theater productions, bullfighting takes place in acts. The banderillero comes in before the matador.

While People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and other animal rights activists have decried bullfighting as glorified animal abuse, Hemingway saw it differently. “Anything capable of arous-

social services and other community needs.

“I’m not in love with buildings; I’m in love with having great economic development in our community,” said Abu-Taleb.

The board approved the development proposal 6-1. Walker-Peddakotla voted against the project because of its lack of plan commission endorsement.

“Bringing these reasonably priced rental units into our community into what is now a blighted stretch of Madison Street is exactly what we need to be doing in Oak Park,” said Trustee Jim Taglia, after the vote. “If you care about affordable housing, you really need to support these projects otherwise we’re out of money for the fund.”

ing passion in its favor will surely raise as much passion against it,” Hemingway wrote in “Death in the Afternoon.”

Bullfighters and enthusiasts argue that bullfighting bulls live longer and have better lives than cattle raised specifically for meat.

“An angus only lives one year,” said Lopez-Hoyos. “After that, the owner of the ranch kills it to take advantage of its meat.”

“Bullfighting bulls live in semi-freedom, semi-liberty,” said Lopez-Hoyos. “The ranches are really big; the average is one mile per two animals.”

Bullfighting bulls enter the bullring when they are 4-6 years old. Prior to that, they live on spacious ranches, grazing freely on grass, according to LopezHoyos.

“The purpose of the fighting is to kill them,” said Lopez-Hoyos. “But we want to give dignity to this death. We want them to have a chance to defend themselves.”

Lopez-Hoyos said he knows that not everyone will understand the art of bullfighting, finding beauty in strength and dignity in death.

But did Hemingway?

“Yeah. Absolutely,” said Perez.

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

13

C R I M E

Oak Park police seek missing man with dementia

The Oak Park Police DeAvenue. After the victims handpartment is seeking commued over their phones, the two nity assistance in locating a men got into a newer, dark-colmissing man with dementia. ored sports utility vehicle and Claude Hughes, 77, was refled southbound down the alley. ported missing after leaving The estimated loss is $1,640. his home sometime between Police describe the first ofthe evening of July 26 and the fender as Black, 18-21 years old, morning of July 27, according 6-feet tall, of heavy build and to an Aug. 3 news release from having a birthmark or tattoo the village of Oak Park. near his left eye. He was last Hughes is 5-feet-11, Black seen wearing blue sweatpants and walks with a limp. He and a black sweatshirt. could possibly be wearing a Claude Hughes The second man is described black T-shirt and blue jeans as Black, 18-20 years old, thin, with a black leather baseball 5-feet-6, and wearing a black cap. and yellow long-sleeved shirt.

■ A male showed a black handgun and de“The police department is working diligently to locate Mr. Hughes,” said Police manded his victim’s phone at 5:16 p.m., Aug. Commander Shatonya Johnson. “We are en- 1 in the 1100 block of South Taylor Avenue; couraging the public to call 911 immediately, the victim handed over the phone, then the if someone is seen who fits the description offender got into an unknown vehicle and fled eastbound on Harvard Street from Lyof Mr. Hughes.” man Avenue. The estimated loss is $600.

Police describe the offender as being Black, 5-feet-6 with short black hair and ■ Two males, one holding a black handfacial tattoos — three lines on his forehead gun, approached their victims and demand- and writing under each eye. He was last seen ed they turn over their phones at 5:11 p.m., wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with the Aug. 1, in the 1000 block of South Humphrey hood up and baggy blue jeans.

Armed robbery

Robbery

Vehicular motor theft

Two men approached a man and punched him in the face, then took his black wallet containing cash and identification from the victim’s pocket at 12:20 p.m., July 29 in the 1100 block of Westgate. The offenders fled in an unknown direction. The estimated loss is $360.

Someone removed an unlocked black 2011 Cadillac DTS parked in the 900 block of Grove Avenue between 9 p.m., July 27 and 6:37 a.m., July 28. Chicago police recovered the vehicle parked and unoccupied in the area of 4009 W. Kammerling Ave. in Chicago.

Burglary Someone broke the glass panes to the front door of a residence and then ransacked the inside of the residence between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., July 28, in the 700 block of Lexington Street. Loss unknown.

■ Someone broke into a silver 2009 Nissan Maxima, ransacked its interior and removed cash, a navy blue bookbag and a black bookbag, both containing various first aid items and camping equipment, between 6 p.m., July 28 and 2:38 p.m., July 29 in the 400 block of South Humphrey Avenue.

The estimated loss is $250.

■ Someone broke into a storage unit and removed a baby monitor and vehicle dashboard camera from inside between 9 a.m., July 27 and 5:16 p.m., July 29. Estimated loss is $170.

■

Theft Someone removed workout equipment — including three glass mirrors, an abdominal roller, three weight clamps, a 20-pound kettle dumbbell and a 10-pound weight — from the common area of a building in the 1000 block of Washington Boulevard between 2 and 5 p.m., July 20. The estimated loss is $490.

These items, obtained from the Oak Park Police Department, came from reports July 28-Aug. 3 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

Congratulations and thanks to Wednesday Journal for four decades of: • Keeping the community informed • Covering issues of neighborhood interest • Providing a forum for a wide-range of reader opinions, including the need for common-sense gun regulation, universal background checks, safe gun storage requirements, and red-flag laws • Practicing fair and honest journalism • Celebrating local students • Covering high school athletics and eSports • Advertising and promoting items of local interest such as yard sales, block parties, restaurant specials, real estate transactions, historic restoration, church activities, obituaries, and community events such as Farmers Market and Day In Our Village And in general working hard to build a strong sense of community, in keeping with the company’s new name, Growing Community Media.

Here’s to 40 more years … at least!

Facebook.com/GunResponsibilityAdvocates

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Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

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Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

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Homes

CUTTING ‘EDGE’: The Oak Park Edge development at 6031-35 W. North Ave. (above) is one of three luxury rental projects OK’d for the corridor. The 18unit development ought to be ready for occupancy later this month.

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

North Avenue sees apartment boom

Six multifamily developments under way on key commercial corridor

By LACEY SIKORA

I

15

Contributing Reporter

n 2013, when Oak Park resident Judith Alexander joined forces with a few others to form the North Avenue Zoning and Development Advisory Committee, it was because there was plenty of community concern about the busy corridor between Oak Park and Chicago’s Galewood neighborhood.

She cites the continued decline of the street as the impetus for forming the organization, today incorporated as the North Avenue District (NAD). The board was intentionally made up of half Oak Park and half Chicago residents, because “our business district straddles both sides,” Alexander said. “We have common interests.”

Pre-pandemic, North Avenue was facing many of the same challenges that other business districts faced; namely, a rash of commercial vacancies -- both businesses and offices -- due to internet shopping and the rise of work-fromhome jobs.

Seeking to understand the best path forward for the dis-

trict, the group applied for a Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning grant, which resulted in a 2018 Urban Land Institute report on revitalization strategies for the North Avenue corridor.

Chief among the recommendations? Think residential.

In fact, the report stated, “Replacing vacant and underutilized buildings and sites on North Avenue with new residential development will energize the corridor and add to the potential customer base of area businesses helping them thrive.”

Today, even in the midst of a pandemic, there are no fewer than six multifamily developments under way on both the Oak Park and Chicago sides of North Avenue.

Alexander says there are a few reasons residential development makes sense here. The corridor has easy access to transportation. Alexander points out that multiple bus lines provide easy access to the CTA Green Line and to Metra.

North Avenue also provides convenient access to shopping and services.

Lastly, Alexander says residential development on North Avenue is relatively affordable. While the corridor is close to downtown Chicago, it is much less expensive than many city neighborhoods.

She also points out that property acquisition costs on North Avenue are low relative to the city. She tempers this

by pointing out that apartment rentals in Oak Park can be expensive, since most developers hold the buildings, and property taxes in Oak Park are high, but she thinks those high Oak Park taxes might make apartments in the area easier to rent.

“Property taxes make Oak Park expensive; they limit the appreciation of a home,” Alexander said. “Anecdotally, I’ve heard of people renting on North Avenue rather than buying, because they were worried that buying wouldn’t get them a good return on their investment, but they wanted to put their kids in Oak Park schools.”

According to the North Avenue District newsletter, new apartment rentals on North Avenue have been receiving a lot of interest during the pandemic. North Edge, a sevenunit development at 6603-6609 W. North Ave. developed by Jade Sky Real Estate, was fully leased within two weeks of receiving an occupancy permit.

At press time, CMV Development’s 6555 W. North Avenue, a 10-unit luxury apartment building had one, two-bedroom unit remaining available for $2,775 a month.

The Oak Park Edge is another luxury apartment building at 6031-35 W. North Ave., slated to be ready for occupancy in August. Offering 18 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units, it See BOOM on page 17

16

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

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STATELY SOUTHERN COLONIAL blends old world craftsmanship with elegant modern updates ideally located. Grand foyer, elegant LR with fireplace, recently remodeled gourmet kitchen, mudroom, family room, large basement with den/office.

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This large Cape Cod is not a drive-by. Ten large rooms with four bedrooms, four full baths, and a huge 1st-floor family room with a wet bar. Three-season room, and a kitchen with 42” oak cabinets. ............................................................................. $575,000

1883 VICTORIAN with so much to see, love, and admire in this 5+BR, 3 full/2 half bath house near all that is great in Historic Oak Park. Bulls-eye trim, custom designed flooring, French doors, four fireplaces, soaring ceilings, pocket doors and original restored hardware from the 1870’s. .................................................$525,000

METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED three BR, one BA home boasts a large LR with fireplace, full DR flows nicely into a spacious eat-in kitchen, large breakfast area, and adjoining office space. Expansive finished basement with wet bar, separate tool/workroom, laundry room, mudroom and storage. ............................................ $335,000

STUNNING FRENCH NORMANDY house that has been remodeled and refinished from top to bottom. New wiring, plumbing, hvac, all floors, generator, roof work, and more. Just drop in your furniture and enjoy, from the fantastic front entrance all the way to the basement. ............................................................................................$1,398,000 BEAUTIFUL, CLASSIC HOME offers everything for today’s modern living. Custom-built home has the highest quality finishes. No detail was missed. Brick and stone exterior, wrap-around porch, eleven-foot ceilings and oversized windows. LL has 2K ft of living area. $1,385,000 LOVELY BRICK HOME offers wonderful space with beautiful views of the spectacular lot! Original details with two story foyer and hardwood floors throughout. This elegant home is beautifully constructed and large enough to accommodate family and friends for years to come..............................................................................................$1,299,000 STUNNING BURMABUILT HOME is an absolute must-see property. You will appreciate the high-quality craftsmanship and sophisticated details throughout, including art glass doors, elegant Palladian Windows, a custom milled cherry mantel, and custom kitchen cabinetry. .........................................................................$1,275,000 ELEGANT CRAFTSMANSHIP can be found throughout this 5 BR French Normandy home. Sophistication is evident from the moment you walk in the door. Impressive foyer, formal LR with fireplace and built-in benches, family room, separate formal DR, updated kitchen, home office. ..................................................................................$1,100,000 STATELY HOME situated on oversized lot with circular drive and attached garage. Expansive LR with 8.5’ ceilings and fireplace, formal DR, 1st FL fam rm, and kitchen with breakfast room. Hdwd flrs, library, lots of storage, impressive lower level. .......................................$990,000 ELEGANT HOME located on picturesque block! Stately 5 BR, 3 full/2 half BA home includes four floors with two finished family rooms, large study and three fireplaces. Large rooms with elegant cove molding and windows. In-ground outdoor pool.............................................. $879,000 GRAND SPRAWLING HOME with abundance of interior and exterior living areas. 5 BRs, upstairs laundry, 3 full & 1 half BAs, 3 fireplaces, full bsmnt with rec rm. Grand two story family rm incorporated into open plan kitchen. Hdwd flrs throughout main level. ......$845,000 CONTEMPORARY HOME with 3 BRs, 3-1/2 baths. 1st floor features expansive foyer, unique bamboo flrs, multi-faced gas fireplace, office, updated kitchen & fam rm. 2nd FL includes a laundry and office/ or nursery. Finished bsmnt. In-ground pool. Great updates.... $789,000

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Gracious foyer, separate DR and LR both with French doors and hardwood floors, sun room, large window lined kitchen, back deck and big yard. 4 large BRs, 2 full & 1 half bath, and office space. ...........$629,000 PRICE REDUCED LOVELY SPLITLEVEL HOME offers newly refreshed contemporary style and wonderful space. Home offers three bedrooms, three brand new bathrooms, beautiful front entryway, vaulted ceiling family room, sunroom, game room, deck, spectacular backyard, attached two-car garage ............................................ $599,000

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LOVELY BUNGALOW offers wonderful space for family and entertaining. Original details blend seamlessly with all the current updates. Four BRs and 3 updated full baths on each level. Kitchen opens to family room. Full finished bsmt offers rec room, laundry area, bar & wine storage. .................................................. $579,000

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STUNNING CUSTOM BUILT HOME on a corner lot. The elegant interior offers fine detail and wonderful space throughout. Impressive foyer, beautiful staircase, serene master suite, two laundry rooms, fully finished impressive LL. Offers incredible value and luxury from top to bottom! .........................................................................................$1,895,000 BURMABUILT BUHRKE HOUSE combines Tudor revival & chateau style architecture elements. Gorgeous décor and impeccable attention to detail and care found in house and landscaped grounds, extends to fabulous in ground pool and patios. Perfect for entertaining. ................................................................................................ $1,795,000 FRENCH COUNTRY ESTATE built for flexible living. Fully renovated and expanded to preserve the feel and charm of a 1946 home, with all the conveniences of modern amenities and finishes. Sits on a private, double lot. Large pool, 5 BRs w/BAs, 2nd Fl laundry, private office, finished basement. ...........................................................$1,749,950 COMPLETE REIMAGINATION of a 1923 Burma built Estate Home into a totally redone 2020 beautiful house. Top of the line highest quality throughout. Features 5 bedrooms, 4 full and 2 half baths, a fireplace, vaulted ceiling, family room, 1st FL office, mudroom. LL has 2 large family/game rooms......................................................................$1,549,500

OAK PARK HOMES

THREE STORY GRAND VICTORIAN on 100 x 218 lot in the heart of the Frank Lloyd Wright district. This estate features 6 Bedrooms, 2 Full baths, 3 fireplaces, many historic details including double front entry doors sourced from the Historic Pullman Estates section of Chicago. ...........................................................................................$650,000 BEAUTIFUL SIDE ENTRANCE COLONIAL with 4 BRs, 2 full & 1 half baths features a spacious center family room, cooks’ kitchen with mud room, gas fireplace, built-in shelving & art glass windows.

Beautiful woodwork & hardwood floors throughout. Finished LL. Front & back heated walkway. ............................................................... $639,000 CLASSIC OAK PARK HOME on large corner lot in Harrison Arts district. Four BR, three BA boasts four levels of living space. Tall ceilings, hardwood floors, vintage leaded glass windows, updated kitchen with breakfast bar. Finished 3rd floor, newly finished basement. ... $549,000 MEDITERRANEAN INFLUENCE HOME offers 5 BR’s/2BA’s, 2 story LR with WBFP, beamed ceiling, French doors and original 1920’s terra cotta tiled floor. Dramatic staircase leads upstairs. New finished bsmt. The yard has patio and charming pergola. Tasteful decor found thru-out the house..........................................................................$519,000 BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED 3 BR American Four Square located in the heart of the Arts District in Historic OP! Vintage features include arched entryways, hardwood flooring, art glass windows, sunroom, kit/breakfast rm combo, mud room, refinished backyard deck, fenced yard and two-car garage. ..............................................................$417,900 DUTCH COLONIAL with rehab already started, already gutted.

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P R IC E R E DU C E D! CLASSIC CHARACTER & VINTAGE CHARM are found throughout this 3BR/2.5BA side entrance Dutch Colonial home in Historic Oak Park. Expansive LR with crown moldings, fireplace with builtin bookshelves, hardwood floors, first fl den/office, eat-in kitchen.

Finished rec room in bsmt................................................. $499,900

ELMWOOD PARK HOMES TRADITIONAL BRICK COLONIAL located in EP’s River Forest Manor neighborhood. 3 BR’s and 1-1/2 baths with extra space on both levels. First floor family room, wood burning fireplace and beautiful curving stairway to second floor. Must see to appreciate!..........$398,00

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES/2 FLATS RIVER FOREST 3BR, 2-1/2 BA. The Valencia! ......................$455,000 RIVER FOREST 2BR, 2BA. Open concept floor plan.............$269,000 PRICE REDUCED RIVER FOREST 2BR, 2BA................... $205,900 OAK PARK 3BR, 2 full/2 half BA. Move-in ready................... $439,000 OAK PARK 3BR, 2 full/1 half BA. Assigned parking space. .. $289,000 PRICE REDUCED OAK PARK 3BR, 2 full/1 half BA. ........ $285,000 OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. Parking space included. .......................$129,000 PRICE REDUCED OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA. ............................$119,000 NEW LISTING OAK PARK 1BR, 1BA ................................... .$88,900 FOREST PARK 1BR, 1BA. Great location! ............................$110,000 0

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Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

17

BOOM

Positive development from page 15 received 11 inquiries in three days.

Share Heilala of Jade Sky Real Estate says that the North Edge is her first multifamily development, but she’s encouraged by the smooth process of building and leasing on North Avenue.

She said she wasn’t sure what role the pandemic would play when she started marketing the units in April, but ultimately, it seemed to work in their favor.

“Some tenants didn’t want to be in high rises after the pandemic,” Heilala said. “You might be paying a lot there for amenities you can’t even use.”

She adds that some were looking to avoid shared elevator spaces, stating, “All of our units have private entrances.”

The building consists of four townhome units, which rent for $4,000 a month, and three loft-style apartments with monthly rents from $1,500 to $2,900.

Heilala, whose own family will be living in one of the units, says she thinks the fact that all of the units came with parking was another reason they rented so quickly. Heilala, who partnered with general contractor Altierra and architect William Foellmer, says their project was the first new apartment development to get under way on North Avenue.

Being the first was a bit nerve-wracking, she admits, but the success of the building and the new developments that are planned for the corridor make it all worthwhile.

“We’re happy it leased so well, and we’re really excited about what’s coming,” Heilala said.

There are at least three more apartment developments in various stages planned for the corridor. A development at 6545 W. North Ave., the former site of Mercado Clinic, is moving forward with construction of rental units. The Chicago Zoning Board recently approved development plans for the vacant bank building at 6700 W. North Ave., and 7000 W. North Avenue just received approval for development as well.

Dan Pontarelli is the developer for 7000 W. North Ave., a 1968 building wrapped in glass that he says “does lend itself to that Jetsons kind of look.”

He plans to maintain the glass façade of the building while gutting the interior to create 16 ADAaccessible studio apartments for active seniors. A developer for over 30 years, Pontarelli hopes to get construction started sometime in 2020.

All of the units will average 700 square feet and rent for $1,500. The studios will include elevator access, covered parking and state-of-the-art mechanicals and finishes.

Pontarelli says the ground floor will continue to offer retail space, and there is the added bonus of the parcel to the west, which he is looking to develop for a possible retail and or café tenant.

For Alexander, all of the development is a real positive for the district, which continues to wait to see the finalized development plans for the Sears site on Harlem and North Avenue.

“We believe these apartments will be the engine for revitalization,” Alexander said. “All of the new people will be customers for the current great businesses. We also hope it encourages some new businesses to come here and current landlords to spruce up existing buildings. Residential development has been going so well, especially during a pandemic.

People can think of us a little differently now.”

ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer

HOT PROPERTIES: A 10-unit luxury development from CMV Development at 6555 W. North Ave. (top) has just one unit available, for $2775 per month. Meanwhile, plans for a rental development are moving forward at 6545 W. North Ave. (above), the former site of Mercado Clinic.

18

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

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Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

VIEWPOINTS

D97’s reopening debacle p. 23

C O N S C I O U S

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M.

Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 ktrainor@wjinc.com

A G I N G

It took me a long time to ‘get’ Mr. Rogers There is a touch that takes a lifetime to achieve. Locking this touch away is like stripping from ourselves part of being human.

Michael Rossato-Bennett

L

From ‘Alive Inside’

ast month, I mis-attributed the above quote. It’s from the movie Alive Inside, but it was spoken as narrative by the film’s director, Michael Rossato-Bennett.

That movie was a free, online offering from the Wabi Sabi Film Festival, a project of the Wednesday Journal and A Tribe Called Aging. This project features films for and/or about older people, of interest to everyone.

The Wabi Sabi Film Festival continues this month with another free online movie on Friday, Aug. 21, featuring the powerful documentary Gen Silent.

“Gen Silent asks six LGBTQ+ seniors if they will hide their lives to survive. They put a face on what experts in the film call an epidemic: gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender olders so afraid of discrimination, or worse, in long-term care facilities or health-care facilities, that many go back into the closet.”

After the movie, we will be joined by both the film’s director, Stu Maddux, and producer Joe Applebaum, for an “in-theater” Zoom discussion with Q&A. Please go to www.wabi-sabi-GenSilent.eventbrite. com to watch the trailer and to register.

Speaking of movies, last week Oak Park Temple showed a movie online for the congregation — A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, starring Tom Hanks as the inimitable Mr. Rogers. The film is not so much about Fred Rogers as it is about his relationship with a journalist assigned to profile the children’s TV personality for Esquire magazine.

Two of my main takeaways from this movie involve commentary regarding conscious aging.

This film is a terrific example of the quote, “Holding a grudge is like eating poison and expecting the other person to die.” Forgiveness is an important part of aging consciously, of aging with intention. Forgiveness is for the person doing the forgiving, nobody else.

Mr. Rogers helped the journalist understand this and then change, based on that awareness. The movie helped me see just a bit more clearly my arrogance in holding a grudge, the negative effects it has on me and how I have better things to do with the time I have left in this physical life.

The other point has to do with appearances, which I’ve written about here before. When I was young and Mr. Rogers was airing on TV, everybody knew the show. This movie jogged my memory that I always thought Mr. Rogers was weird and that he was a wimp.

That’s how he appeared to me. Changing into a cardigan and playing with puppets. No adult I knew did that and that was not the “grown up” I aspired to be. Little did I know. And that makes me think of how “old people” appear in our culture — wrinkled, frail, wimps, weird. Now when I see that older person with a walker, I can picture their multiple versions over the years. And, borrowing shamelessly from Dr. King, hopefully I can judge them not by the wrinkles of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Thank you, Mr. Rogers.

MARC BLESOFF

Alarming racial disparities in Oak Park policing

O

n July 16, someone called Oak Park police, saying, “There are kids playing baseball in the park who don’t look like they live in Oak Park.”

What are Oak Park kids supposed to look like? Think about it. Kids are playing baseball. The caller expects the police to enforce his or her sense of “who belongs” in Oak Park. Why? Oak Park has a reputation for being a progressive, inclusive community, but we continue to see that is not true for everyone. Take policing in Oak Park. It lays bare a disturbing disparity when it comes to race: Black people are stopped at alarmingly higher rates compared to white people.

A new Freedom to Thrive Oak Park analysis of police records obtained from Freedom of Information Act requests reveals that Black people are stopped by Oak Park police in field investigations (non-traffic related stops), at six times the rate of white people, accounting for 78 percent of the 967 field stops made from January 2015 through June 2020.

This “trend” is particularly troubling, given that Black residents make up only 18 percent of Oak Park’s population.

Two major reasons explain this glaring disparity: 1. Police do exhibit racial bias. Unfortunately, they have the legal authority to act on their biases. Police adhere to a subjective ideology that is overly reliant on gut-feelings and hunches that traumatize Black people.

The Oak Park Police Department encourages residents to act on their worst impulses by calling 911 for anything. This absurd policy is promoted on the village website in the highly subjective Guide to the Suspi-

cious. This policy unequivocally harms and traumatizes Black residents by normalizing and legitimizing racial profiling.

2. This one will be a bit tougher for many white Oak Parkers to accept: Many of you see Black people and deem them as suspicious, frequently calling the police for nothing more than a Black person walking down the street or playing baseball in a public park. Oak Park, you have a problem — steeped in racial profiling and white supremacy. The data are undeniable and must not be dismissed. They reveal an unpleasant truth about Oak Park’s racist attitudes.

Suspicion is the predominant reason Black people are stopped in Oak Park. Our analysis shows: 1. 79 percent of the Black people stopped fall into three categories: suspicious person, suspicious activity, and suspicious auto. These terms are subjective because the Oak Park Police Department does not provide specific definitions.

2. Black is the color of suspicion in Oak Park, especially for males. Of the males stopped under the age of 18, an astounding 97 percent are Black. Black people live under a cloud of suspicion, creating increased police interactions that negatively impact their mental health and put their lives at risk. This better-safe-than-sorry attitude promoted by the Oak Park police emboldens white residents to act on unfounded fears, further marginalizing and criminalizing Black lives in our community.

The vision we have of Oak Park as a welcoming and inclusive community is more an illusion than reality when it comes to Black people. For Oak Park to truly

KEVIN

BARNHART One View

See BARNHART on page 25

V I E W P O I N T S

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Where’d you come from?

W E D N E S D A Y

JOURNAL

How our staff came together

Recruited by the Journal, 25 years ago

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

of Oak Park and River Forest

Doug finds the drama of it all

I’ve been a proud employee of Wednesday Journal since March 6, 1995!

I met Dan Haley while I was the membership director at the OP-RF Chamber of Commerce. We worked together on the communications committee, and I always thought he was the nicest guy.

It wasn’t long after I met Dan that he asked me to interview for a job opening at Wednesday Journal.

I wasn’t sure if I should leave the Chamber but then I thought that I should interview. I decided to go for it! I interviewed for the circulation manager job but didn’t think it was the right fit for me so I declined the offer. Within a few months, Dan asked me to interview again for the sales team and that’s when I thought to myself, “I’ll try it!” I started on my birthday in 1995.

It’s been over 25 years and I have to say that I love working at Wednesday Journal. I still love Dan. I love my clients! I love our team of dedicated, hardworking employees and appreciate what everyone does every day to make our papers, website and social media the best it can be. We may not be a perfect bunch, but we care deeply and love what we do.

Lourdes Nicholls

I was 36 in 1982 and had been teaching English and Mass Media at Proviso East for 14 years when my college friend, Greg Krisco, began dating a young woman named Mary Duffy who was an editor at Wednesday Journal.

She knew how much I loved film, so she suggested I write a few movie reviews of motion pictures that were going to be playing at the Lake Theater.

The going rate for “stringers” at that time was $15 per story.

I did this for a while until it was decided that I should instead write drama reviews of local theater productions. This would be especially supportive of the local arts scene. I was doing some playwrighting at the time so I was excited to have this opportunity. In the early ’80s there were many theater companies active in the community that are now long gone — Oak Park Musical Theater, Delaney Theater, Dainamite Studios, Tempo Players, Circle Theater and Village Players, among others. The first show I reviewed was 110 in the Shade which was produced at the River Forest Community Center.

Since that time 38 years ago, I have reviewed many hundreds of local productions. When I chat with readers, I am always aware that not everyone in town sees as many shows as I do, so the teacher in me always feels it’s important to provide plenty of background about what the production is like, what issues it raises, and whether it might be suitable to their tastes.

I always feel fortunate to be covering theater in a community such as ours where there are always so many high-quality shows being produced.

Doug Deuchler

Editor and Publisher Dan Haley 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 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

Excellent writing, important subjects, in WJ

I

have been a reader of Wednesday Journal for many of its 40 years. The Journal is a local institution that offers value of many kinds: news of local events, organizations, people and government, exchange of views between writers and readers on large and small issues in the community and the larger world, plus — a huge plus — some truly scholarly writing comparable to academic journals, written with an eloquence that touches on the poetic.

In his piece, “In praise of the primitive” [News Commentary, July 29], Michael Romain put all of these qualities together. Starting with a story of an exceptional high school student who reads print newspapers, he makes a case for newspapers as vital to a democratic society and then broadens the lens to speak of our hunter-gatherer ancestors.

He introduces us to Christopher Ryan’s book, Civilized to Death: The Price of Progress. Now Romain really had my attention as this is a book I read last year. I had given little thought to the forager societies and would have settled for the stereotype of them as primitive with much harder, shorter, and limited lives than modern humans. That is, until I read Ryan’s book and also the work of ecological economist John Gowdy, who edited a book titled: Limited Wants, Unlimited Means: A Reader On Hunter-Gatherer Economics And The Environment.

As Romain summarizes so well, the consensus among

anthropologists who have studied these societies shows that they were mostly egalitarian, with a strong ethic of sharing, and a sustainable relationship with the earth.

Communal sharing of information as well as resources was essential to their survival.

In an immediate-return economy, they took what they needed from day to day without destroying the environment and without accumulating possessions, which would have been a hindrance in their mobile way of life.

Free of material possessions, they had considerable leisure to develop a rich communal life. One scholar, Marshall Sahlins, famously called them “the original affluent society.” Their more humane social and economic systems were based on cooperation, an emotional bond with the natural world, compassion for others, and fairness. We look at them now and see the values and beliefs that we urgently need to guide us if we are to heal our relationships with the earth and with one another.

There are certain features in WJ that I make sure to read, such as Ken Trainor’s inspiring columns and Dan Haley’s stimulating commentaries. Now I add Michael Romain’s thoughtful and rich perspectives. I think he has taken up residence on page 3, and I will look for him there each week.

Thanks for the 40 years and best wishes for many more.

Stephanie Ferrera, a family therapist, is an Oak Park resident.

STEPHANIE FERRERA One View

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

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Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

O U R

V I E W S

RF battles for police accountability

T

he contract between River Forest police officers and village government expired in April 2019. The central hold-up? The village board will not accede to demands from the Fraternal Order of Police lodge that authority to impose discipline on officers be transferred from the locally appointed Fire and Police Commission to a third-party arbiter.

Good for the village board. We only wish Oak Park’s village board had been so clear-eyed a few years back when it quietly acquiesced to the same union demand and effectively de-neutered its own Police and Fire Board.

Local control of discipline within a police department — first from the chief and then a citizen police and fire board — has always been a principle worth fighting for. Never more so than today in this fraught moment of rightful demands for greater accountability of police officers and increased transparency of police behavior.

“We’re fighting tooth and nail for this. This is a big issue for us,” says Cathy Adduci, village president in River Forest. In a statement from the village, this point is driven home: “We believe the union is trying to take control of these disciplinary decisions at a time when police accountability and transparency is paramount. The union’s proposal is out of step and wrong.”

These are unusually strong and public declarations from any municipal entity. We are especially impressed that they are coming from River Forest. This small town is leading the way in actively acknowledging that systemic racism is inevitably part of policing — and every other aspect of governance — in River Forest.

Far better than Oak Park, River Forest has found a way to voice support for its police department while embracing steps necessary to rethink community policing and to knit together policing and citizen oversight.

Here’s the worry: As is its right, the local FOP lodge is taking the village to arbitration on the contract. And arbiters have been policefriendly in the main. But whatever the outcome, this fight for local police accountability is crucial.

Re-vote on D90 opening plans There is no questioning of sincerity, but there is second-guessing underway in River Forest as a fully split District 90 public school board voted 4-3 last week to reopen its elementary schools full time to in-person learning this fall. Roosevelt Middle School will operate in a hybrid model.

Decisions, of course, have to be made, plans need to be executed. Running elementary and middle schools in the midst of a savage pandemic is both new and uncertain ground. Across America, in circumstances that are so uncertain, and so quickly changing, local school boards are, with our thanks, making these ground-level decisions. Far better that seven locally elected volunteers make this choice than Donald Trump, blustering from D.C. with his nakedly political motives.

That said, we find it hard to comprehend that this school board narrowly chose to reopen K-5 schools in the weeks just ahead. Yes, they can still pivot, and we predict they will pivot to remote learning as so many other local districts have.

Teachers are largely united in opposition to in-person classes. Parents are inevitably divided based on so many different factors, ranging from work situations to the varied make-ups of households with elders or others who are also vulnerable.

Heaven knows no one, not one single person, has chosen this dismal situation, which a failed federal government has put us in with its pandemic abandonment and avoidance.

Ultimately this is about health. The health of our children. There are real drawbacks to remote learning. None of them involve illness or death.

Time to reconsider this supremely hard decision.

V I E W P O I N T S

A kinder, gentler takedown of Donald Trump

A

nd now, in this quiet lull before he infuriates me anew, on an early August Sunday morning, a few kind — or at least kinder — words about the notorious horse’s ass, Donald Trump, because there is still a place for pity in the world.

He is a monster, to be sure — the son of a monster we now know, thanks to Mary Trump, daughter of Fred Trump Jr., who somehow held onto his humanity, at the cost of his life. Donald, meanwhile, surrendered his, if he ever had it, in a desperate attempt to earn his father’s affection, or approval, or at least redirect his withering contempt. Or maybe he was born a monster and took to it like a duck to water. We’ll probably never know for sure.

The protégé of Roy Cohn, another self-hating monstrosity, who served as his mentor in the dark arts of ruthless conniving, Donald became a man more sinning than sinned against, a man who doesn’t know how to tell the truth because truth always involves more than one’s own self.

His is a psyche with no room for a superego, only ego and id. Being incapable of empathy himself, it is difficult to accord it to him, but not impossible. Somehow the estimable John Lewis probably found a way to love him.

When it comes to Trump, love is an emotion too far for me, but I do feel pity — maybe because he seems to be melting before our eyes, his behavior growing more and more erratic. Dangerous to be sure, capable of causing greater harm still, this human cartoon’s boast of passing a dementia test would be laughable if it didn’t confirm his cognitive decline.

Yet for all the evil he is doing, for all the earth he is scorching, for all of the Constitution he is torching, he has awakened us in a way no one else could, not even the pompous asses who enable him: Mitch McConnell, Mike Pompeo, Bill Barr and the rest of the hair-on-fire hellraisers in Congress who mindlessly defend him. His sheer ineptitude has laid bare the deep insufficiencies that lie just beneath the thin veneer of our civilization and has exposed our diseased body politic. As a bonus, he has been breathtakingly transparent all along about his mean-spirited mission to undermine democracy and prop up the morally decrepit scaffolding of white supremacy. For that clarity, we owe at least a moment of silent gratitude as we show the horse’s ass the door.

His dissolution is mesmerizing to watch, but elicits no glee. Not yet anyway. On Jan. 20, there will be glee to spare, tempered by a sober awareness of the mess we have been left to clean up.

For now, though, his decline may make the last days of Nixon, Hitler and “Citizen Kane” look mild by comparison. Pity is the only emotion that applies when a human being descends into a hell of his own making. As C.S. Lewis said, “The gates of hell are locked from the inside.”

But we must not descend with him.

He was at one point one of us, so we can only watch with pathos. The goal of classical Greek tragedy is a cleansing emotion known as catharsis, a combination of pity and horror, as we watch a noble figure fall from a great height through his own actions. This is not that tragedy. Donald Trump was never noble, though his fall, aided and abetted by the coronavirus, was nonetheless his own.

He will forever live in infamy, a cautionary tale of ambition run amok, like Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

But there is still a place for pity in the world and tragedy’s catharsis, in theory anyway, allows the audience to reclaim its own humanity as it leaves the amphitheater. Donald Trump, pathetic human being, broken if he were ever whole, dysfunctional if he were ever functional, who in becoming president devolved into a malignant tumor, has also, I hope, helped us get in touch with a deeper level of our humanity.

We are the surgeons who, with steely resolve, must wield the scalpel that excises this malignancy. Yet I doubt that surgeons hate the tumors they eliminate. I can even imagine they feel a moment of pathos for this pound of flesh and wonder at its deep deformity before removing it.

And that, for better or for worse, is the kindest I can be about Donald Trump on this early August Sunday morning.

As I finished writing this, a friend from Colorado, Kevin O’Keefe, who is very much in touch with his humanity, sent the following email that seemed to offer “a more perfect” ending: “Children’s stories end with the evil-doers being vanquished and the heroes living happily ever after. The Sondheim musical Into The Woods, however, shows us that this is only the ending of Act One. “Evil is never vanquished. It slithers away in defeat, only to emerge in other variations when opportunities knock. Victories over evil are ever only partial and only temporary. In the best possible scenario, whereby Truth and Justice prevail in the November election, America may get a chance to slow and divert and maybe even briefly expose the contours of the evil within.

But it will not be eradicated, not ever.

“Maybe a few new constitutional amendments will be passed in our lifetimes to bolster against the sort of evils that have been allowed to breathe free these past few years, and that would be a good thing.

“And looking back in time at the arc of history bending toward justice should give us hope.

Someone told me the phrase ‘more perfect’ is improper and should never be used, but for a single exception: when referring to America’s striving to become a more perfect union. Boy, do we have a long way to go. And I can accept that no nation will ever attain perfection. But let’s hope our younger generations will renew the promise to strive to be ‘more perfect.’”

Amen to that.

KEN

TRAINOR

V I E W P O I N T S

D

District 97’s debacle demonstrates ineptitude

istrict 97 should be embarrassed by the debacle they have created in returning to school (in any fashion) this fall. I realize there are no easy decisions and no right answers, but their inability to plan and communicate clearly has caused an undue amount of stress on every family in this district.

The recent timeline illustrates this administration’s ineptitude. On July 17, we received a binding survey opting into hybrid or full remote for the first trimester, due before July 23. Parents expressed concerns that they didn’t have enough details to make an informed decision. On July 22, there was a special board meeting to provide information on the hybrid and remote learning models. At the 103-minute mark of a meeting scheduled for 120 minutes, Superintendent Kelley announced that the district was going full remote for the first trimester instead of offering the hybrid plan.

Why was the headline buried? What’s the purpose of a binding survey due on July 23 if you change your mind on July 22? What was the point of the first 102 minutes of the meeting?

No new guidance was issued on July 22. State and federal guidance recommends reopening schools, not keeping kids at home.

Setting aside all of the challenges of a full remote program, this is not how a well-run organization communicates with its customers. And it’s not how other school districts are handling the return to school this fall.

The administration’s hybrid plan was already significantly more conservative than the guide-

lines from the Illinois State Board of Education, and their new plan conflicts with the guidelines.

The administration has asked us to trust that their plan would be viable for two-career families. My daughter is on the younger side of the district’s students and doesn’t know how to log on to a Zoom meeting. Many young children don’t know how to tell time, let alone read and follow a daily schedule. The notion that two-career families can do this without help is disconnected from reality. The administration knows this because only 21.4 percent of parents taking one of their surveys said they would be able to provide sufficient support on remote learning days.

Oddly, the administration rolled out leaders from local organizations willing to provide child care — then declares that it is unsafe to have students in school.

Is it any wonder that we have lost faith in the superintendent? This is the same superintendent who hired a consultant from Idaho to do a remote bus study in Oak Park. We moved here because of the quality of the schools, despite the high property taxes. In nine years, our property taxes have increased more than 35 percent and the quality of the schools has declined. Without a doubt, something needs to change.

I hope the school board will analyze the many examples of poor decision-making we have seen from the current superintendent and look for a replacement sooner rather than later.

Besides, she’s already looking for a new job.

Jenny Austin is a resident of Oak Park.

JENNY AUSTIN One View

Don’t fix what isn’t broken With apologies to the PBS News Hour, this is my brief but spectacular take on the overnight parking issue: I support Oak Park Village Board’s recent decision to continue to ease overnight parking restrictions due to the COVID crisis. However, I disagree most strenuously with Trustee [Arti] Walker-Peddakotla’s comments, to wit: “If you’re moving to Oak Park and think nobody is going to park in front of your house, that is not something we should give people an expectation for.” Give me a break!

We have a bad parking problem in highdensity areas of Oak Park. So what else is new? When I rented in Oak Park back in the 1970s, I had to park in a village lot three blocks away. I secured that space after being on a waiting list for months. There was parking illegally in front my building in order to schlep the groceries up three flights of stairs, then going back out (in a snowstorm) to park the car in the lot after a busy day at work.

As annoying as that was though, when I

lived in Chicago before moving back to Oak Park, I absolutely hated the claustrophobic feeling of residential streets bursting with cars. Said streets were filthy and never properly plowed in the winter. The streets were constantly clogged with cars. No way to properly clean or plow regularly.

There is zero need to allow overnight parking in areas of Oak Park that consist only of single family homes. Please, please don’t try to “fix” what ain’t broken for those neighborhoods. We don’t need and we don’t want a “one size fits all” solution for the entire village.

And finally, esteemed village board, take heed. With an election coming up in 2021, it would behoove you to pick your battles more thoughtfully. About now, the old maxim about rearranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic comes to mind. How about spending your Monday nights on something more substantive than parking during a worldwide pandemic?

Louise Mezzatesta Oak Park

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

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Why composting is so important This is a response to Bob Stigger’s July 29 viewpoint, “How about a free trial on composting?” We thank him for raising awareness about composting. Unfortunately, he missed the point. He didn’t mention why composting is so important in the first place.

The primary purpose of composting is to divert organic material (e.g. food and yard waste) from landfills to avoid production of methane. Methane (CH4) is a powerful greenhouse gas, which is a significant cause of global warming. Commercial composting is effective in avoiding production and emission of methane from landfills (about 140 pounds of methane per ton of food waste diverted).

In addition to avoiding methane production and reducing our impact on global warming, composted material also has environmental benefits when added to soil to increase organic matter, prevent fertilizer from leaching into groundwater, and it contains micro-organisms that can break down some pollutants. There is a viable commercial market for compost. Composting is a win-win endeavor.

About 20 percent of households par-

ticipate in the current voluntary opt-in compost program. To increase participation, a brave group of young women who are members of It’s Our Future, an environmental group, is circulating a petition to change the opt-in program to an opt-out program.

However, maybe now is the time to take the opt-out concept to the next level and provide a compost-for-all service wherein every household (for a small fee) has access to composting. Instead of having a few households pay a “large” price for a “small” impact, every household could pay a small price for a larger impact.

It is a common good, so we should all have the privilege to participate. Compared to recycling, composting probably has a greater environmental and economic impact.

What we can do: ■ Thank Bob Stigger for getting our attention.

■ Thank the It’s Our Future group and sign their petition.

■ Ask the village to provide a compostfor-all service.

Mac Robinet

Interfaith Green Network

Finding WJ and a fit in Oak Park I moved to Oak Park in 1970 as a young woman. I’d worked for civil rights and done open housing testing in Chicago and was drawn by Oak Park’s proactive plan for integration. With my then husband and small child, we bought a fourflat with two other couples with small children in 1970. We wanted to share possessions and extend hospitality along the lines of Catholic Worker houses. Among those who stayed with us was a biracial

couple, who’d been kicked out of their small Southern town. A consciousnessraising group for women, men participating, washing machines and child care shared — challenging and exciting!

I remember finding the (then free) Wednesday Journal, the tenor of what it printed, and feeling Oak Park was the right place to live.

Maureen Connolly Oak Park

The courts of public opinion

I agree with Chena Underhill that Oak Park needs to rethink outdoor tennis courts [Basketball, anyone? Viewpoints, July 29], but I question the implicit attribution of sinister motives to exclude people by building tennis courts instead of basketball courts.

When we moved to Oak Park in 1977, we occasionally played a little tennis, but the courts were so heavily used that one almost always had to wait an hour or more to get one and there was a onehour time limit per group. The advent of indoor tennis courts, available all year and featuring superior playing sur-

faces, gradually reduced the number of outdoor-court players. Nowadays it’s common to see completely empty court complexes even on pleasant days at desirable times. The space allocation that was appropriate in 1977 is no longer appropriate.

So, yes, I support repurposing a good portion of the land devoted to tennis courts. I’m not against tennis, I just think too much real estate is devoted to it given the changed circumstances of the past 40 years.

Bob Stigger

Oak Park

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V I E W P O I N T S

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

We need WJ now more than ever

Congratulations Wednesday Journal on your fantastic 40-year run! I feel so lucky to be among we elders who were there at the birthing. At the time, a young Dan Haley was a very persistent young idealist, asking if we could consider supporting his idea for an alternative to the well-established Oak Leaves. I remember urging my very skeptical (late) husband, Monroe Sullivan, to join me in helping out — and he did — and eventually he even served on the WJ Board of Directors.

Those early years were so very crucial, and I still cannot believe the hours that Dan and Eric Linden and other staff spent to get an issue out the door each week. Did they ever sleep? It was akin to starting a restaurant with no prior experi-

ence and praying that somehow the books would balance — and often they did not!

However, with the very special talents of such rescuers as Ed Panschar, Patrick Janus, Sharon Phillips, Galen Gockel, Bob Downs and other early investors who also served as board members, the Journal somehow began to grow and flourish and even win special press awards. In addition, by purchasing Chicago Parent and local Austin and Forest Park newspapers, Wednesday Journal expanded its mission of serving the larger community.

By also joining the digital age, WJ now provides us with local news wherever we may travel. A grand 40-year record!

However, I also realize that news-

papers are indeed an endangered item, and it is almost miraculous that this paper has survived these many decades. Have we even begun to realize what a special treasure it is and has been for our village?

Can we as a committed community keep this newspaper alive and well? This truly is a super-challenge and difficult, but we must prevail. Forty years ago, a young man had a dream and convinced some of us that it could happen.

Some of us believed it was needed and might succeed and it did. We need to keep that dream alive as the Wednesday Journal is such a very precious asset for our community and we need it now more than ever.

Déjà view

When I called the number on the sheet for questions, I spoke to the same woman at the village office who helped me last year. She again told me that I was not alone; she had had a number of people call and say that they were not successful either. She asked if I could come to village hall and I did.

Why do we have the same compa-

ny making these forms for us and they don’t work? Do they try these steps first before printing them?

The lady at the village for two years now has been very helpful, but I hope that next year I can complete this renewal process successfully online.

For the second consecutive year when I tried to renew my car sticker online, I ran into problems. I was sent all the paperwork with steps telling me what to do, but somewhere along the line, I couldn’t go further.

Fran Sullivan Oak Park

Charlotte Neumer Oak Park

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

Policing and mental health issues No police departments should be defunded, especially the Oak Park and River Forest police. There are needs in our society that can only be addressed by the police. As a social worker I have been in situations where the police were vital to everyone’s safety.

The Oak Park police have been trained by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) in how to sensitively handle mental health and other disruptive matters.

People I know who had to have the River Forest or the Oak Park police answer their calls for assistance have said that the police handled the situations very well and sensitively.

I realize there are issues with some police departments and that some of these departments need to be revamped. There always needs to be zero tolerance for excessive force and, of course, wrongful murder of citizens.

All police departments need to have NAMI training, anti-racist training, and training to abandon excessive force. These trainings need to be repeated on a regular basis. Police who cannot maintain the standards of these trainings

need to be identified by their superiors and removed from contact with the community.

We need many more mental health services available in our communities, including psychiatric treatment, psychological and social work therapy, as well as mental health clinics.

Most of all, we need to fund and develop supported housing for people with a mental health issue and/ or a disability. It is the most effective and least costly way to sustain a safe and healthy environment for people with a mental health or other disability. This will reduce some of the burden that police encounter considering that one-third of our jail space is populated by people who have a mental illness. These people are inappropriately housed because there is no other place for them to go.

Let us keep our police departments funded, give them appropriate and frequent training as well as adding the other services needed in our community so we are not asking our police to be all things to all people.

Joan Ward Greene MSW, CSW Oak Park

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Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

BARNHART

I mourn for a world that never existed

remember a time when I had no worries about viruses and imminent disease. I remember a time when I could come and go as I wanted. I remember a time when I moved through the world without recognizing the white supremacy embedded in every institution. I remember when I believed that my work as an educator fulfilled my obligation to social change.

I remember when I felt that someone else should take care of the racial, gender, and social challenges facing our nation and society. I remember believing, as so many others did, that the election of Barack Obama meant that our nation was starting to transcend the limitations of racism.

These recollections are a fantasy, either a nostalgic reconstruction or willful ignorance of how the world was and continues to be. They were a fantasy I was able to construct because, as a white, heterosexual, middle-class, able-bodied man who was raised Christian, I occupy locations of

privilege in every aspect of my identity. And because I was not confronted with the truth, I could construct this fantasy.

I was not blind — I knew that our society wasn’t perfect.

But I was able to tell myself that it was good and getting better. Although I have never considered myself beholden to consumerism, I bought the neoliberal lie that others would take care of the remaining problems for me.

Aside from my occasional inputs to the system through my vote, there was nothing much I needed to do.

Part of me mourns for that world. Part of me mourns for my own ignorance.

But once we see, we cannot un-see. And in reality, I would never willfully accept that ignorance again. I recognize that there must be ways in which I still embrace ignorance, and that we must all engage in a lifelong process of unlearning that ignorance. Perhaps someone as privileged as me most of all.

JIM

SCHWARTZ One View

Mourning is painful. We are still — even after nearly half a year — confronting the painful reality of COVID-19. We are mourning the lives we lived before. And we must acknowledge — even if a vaccine is developed one day — those lives are gone. For those of us awakened by the murder of George Floyd, by the election of Donald Trump — those lives are gone.

We must mourn those lives, yes. We must say our farewells. And we must step into our new lives, lives where we create something different, something beautiful. Although we would never wish for it, mourning is also an opportunity. It is an opportunity to celebrate what was beautiful. It is an opportunity to release what was not. It is a chance to step through our grief, to step through our sadness, to step through our tears.

One day we will step through all of this and into a new life. Will that day be today?

Jim Schwartz is an Oak Park resident, an educator, and a blogger at Entwining. org.

O B I T U A R I E S

Patricia Carey, 85 Advocate for the vulnerable

Patricia A. Carey, 85, native of River Forest, longtime resident of Forest Park, and most recently of Villa Scalabrini, died on July 27, 2020.

Growing up in River Forest, she attended St. Luke School, Trinity High School, PATRICIA CAREY and Rosary College.

In 1951, during her junior year of high school, she contracted the polio virus, which kept her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Not letting her disability define her, she became an advocate and worker for those who could not help themselves.

She was a 20-year board member of Caritas, a charity whose goal was to end poverty, promote justice and restore dignity. She also became very involved in the beginning of, and was a longtime volunteer for, Special Olympics. She served as a board member for Good Shepard Manor, a home and organization for adult males with mental disabilities.

Locally, Pat was a lifelong parishioner of St. Luke Church, where she was extremely active and a volunteer on many different levels, having served as the women’s guild president, serving four separate terms.

Through her work with Caritas, Pat gained the attention of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, a celebrated Catholic televangelist, and they became close friends until his death. Her legacy is her deep Catholic faith, her love of and devotion to family and friends, and her

advocacy for the less fortunate.

Pat Carey was the sister of Richard “Dick” (Mary Jo), Dan (Joanne), Kathleen (Tony) Allitto, Mary Claire (the late Robert) Hachmeister, and the late Sharon (the late Jay) Ostrander; the fun-loving aunt of many nieces and nephews; the daughter of the late Dr. Clair and the late Dorothy Carey; the cousin of Donna Peirce; and a loyal friend to countless others.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, a memorial Mass will be planned at a later date to celebrate Pat’s life and faith. Private interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorials made in her name to St. Luke Parish Church are appreciated.

Arrangements by Peter B. Kennedy & Co. Funeral Directors.

Don Maynard, 57 Architect

Donald P. Maynard, currently of Fairbanks, Alaska and formerly of Oak Park, died on May 27, 2020, peacefully in his sleep. He was a loving father who stayed connected with his children and family and missed them DON MAYNARD dearly while living in Alaska. Kind-hearted, generous, committed, and downright funny, he was an architect by education and love and worked in the field until his death.

His talent and dedication to the profession were known by many.

Don Maynard was the father of Sophie Maynard and Maxwell Maynard; the son of

25

from page 25

serve its progressive reputation, it must critically examine the motivations behind racist actions for there to be any hope of dispelling the illusion.

If reading this embarrasses you, makes you uncomfortable, or makes you deny the racist beliefs that led you to dial 911, ask yourself why you think police intervention is necessary. Your not knowing someone is an invalid reason to involve the police. More importantly, ask yourself if you would call the police as readily on someone who is white? Resist knee-jerk responses. Make every effort to see the harm you might bring to someone who is simply trying to live their life in our community.

We must boldly reckon with these alarming statistics. These disturbing outcomes will not change unless we are willing to dismantle the systemic root causes that created them. Only then will everyone in our community have the freedom to thrive.

Kevin Barnhart is a Freedom to Thrive Oak Park organizer and a Citizens Police Oversight Committee member.

Anita Maynard and M. Wilbur Maynard; the brother of Deborah Lundquist, Carol Rutledge, Karen Guinta, and David Maynard; and the uncle of many, In light of the COVID pandemic, memorial and burial information remain yet to be determined.

Joseph Krickl, 68 Kind and gentle soul

Joseph M. Krickl, 68, died of complications from the COVID-19 virus on July 19, 2020. A quiet person who faced many challenges from a young age, Joe found joy in his yearly trips to the Seguin Farm, horseback riding, and walking the beaches in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He loved art, especially painting and ceramics, and listening to the music of Bizet, Mitch Miller and The Beatles. But most of all, he loved being with his family. His beautiful smile will be missed by those who knew and loved this kind and gentle soul.

His family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Amita-St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago and Rainbow Hospice for their care and compassion. In addition, we thank the many friends, caregivers and staff who treated him with dignity and respect throughout the years.

Joe was the beloved son of Joseph L. Krickl Jr. and the late Catherine A. (McGarr) Krickl, the brother of Catherine “Katie” (Drew) Rutz, the late David (Celeste), Paul (Donna), Raymond (Nancy), Thomas (Amy), John (Nancy) and Mary (Timothy) Flanagan. Befitting our large Catholic family, Joe was the nephew, cousin and uncle of many.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago, or Seguin RCA located in Stickney, to assist with their longstanding support of individuals with developmental disabilities.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 11 a.m. at Ascension Catholic Church, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park. Interment will be private.

Robert P. Gamboney Funeral Director I am there for you in your time of need.

All services handled with dignity and personalized care.

Cell: 708.420.5108 • Res: 708.848.5667 I am affiliated with Peterson-Bassi Chapels at 6938 W. North Ave, as well as other chapels throughout Chicagoland.

26

Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM New local ads this week

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

WEDNESDAY

CLASSIFIED

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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/ClassiďŹ ed/

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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

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Hephzibah Children’s Association Requirements include: is a social service agency in Oak • Minimum of 6 semester hours Park, IL providing a variety of proin education, recreation, social grams including Residential Group work, or related college courses Homes, Foster Care programs and • Experience working with children other Family Based services and You will supervise and assist chilDay Care. dren with e-learning programs; We are accepting applications for plan and supervise arts and crafts, Youth Development Specialists in indoor & outdoor play, games, our Day Care program for the 20sports, homework help, lunchtime, 21 school year. You will assist with snack time and more. e-learning, and provide supervision The program will follow the safety and care to 5-11-year-old (Kindergarten-5th grade) children in the guidelines of the IDPH regarding face masks, social distancing and Oak Park community. cleaning & disinfecting.

Full time and part time hours may Contact Amy O’Rourke, be available as follows: Director of Day Care at: Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm aorourke@hephzibahhome.org or Monday-Friday, 2:30 – 6:00 pm.

Equal Opportunity Employer River Forest Public Schools District 90 is seeking an Elementary School Special Education Teacher.

Qualifications: Valid Illinois Professional Education License with Learning Behavior Specialist I Endorsement, a Master’s Degree is preferred and successful teaching experience in special education resource and instructional classrooms is preferred Job Duties: The teacher will be responsible for instructing students with multiple disabilities including: autism, communication disabilities, cognitive and physical disabilities within the least restrictive environment at the elementary level.

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.

SUBURBAN RENTALS

M&M

property management, inc.

708-386-7355 • www.mmpropmgt.com 649 Madison Street, Oak Park Contact us for a complete list of available rentals throughout Oak Park and Forest Park.

Apartment listings updated daily at:

ROOMS FOR RENT

ITEMS FOR SALE

WANTED TO BUY

AUSTIN CLEAN ROOM With fridge, micro.

Nr Oak Park, Super Walmart, Food 4 Less, bus, & Metra. $116/wk and up.

773-637-5957

BEDROOM SUITE Antique circa 1940’s bedroom suite.

Bed, nightstand, and attached mirrors on dresser and vanity 630-961-5662

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

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT THERAPY OFFICES FOR RENT Therapy offices for rent in north Oak Park. Rehabbed building. Nicely furnished. Flexible leasing. Free parking. Free wifi; 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

SUBURBAN RENTALS OAK PARK: ROOSEVELT/ OAK PARK AVE. CORRIDOR

2BR 4RMS close to blue line. On site laundry, parking, heat & water incl. $1200/ month 708-383-9223

CHINA 8 pc set. Edged w/ pink roses 630-961-5662 CHURCH PEW Church pew 9ft in length, 42 in high, dark brown in color.

P/U in Brookfield area Cell 708-308-0869 COUCH AND CHAIRS 93 inch long couch, teal, grey and black print, with 2 reclining end seats. 2 additional matching reclining chairs.

630-961-5662

RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. *1116 sq. ft. suite *569 sq. ft. with patio RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. *926 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6597 North Ave. *598 sq. ft.

6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. *3 and 5 room suites Strand& & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

DINING ROOM SET Rectangular able w/ 1 leaf, felt table pads, plus 5 upholstered chairs.

630-961-5662

ESTATE SALES

WATERFORD GLASSES Colleen pattern, 2 water goblets, 2 wine glasses, 5 double old fashioned glasses

Riverside

ESTATE SALE 172 E QUINCY ST SAT 8/8 & SUN 8/9 9AM TO 3PM

No earlybirds. Furniture, clothing, household decor, linens, appliances, art, handbags, costume jewelry, paintings., organ, fireplace, snowblower, COVID-19 Rules, mask, social distancing, headcount

CEMETERY PLOTS

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.

CABINET AND HUTCH Beautiful ranch oak cabinet and hutch, bought at Marshall Field’s.

Cabinet dimensions 49W x 28H x 18D. Hutch dimensions 49W x 29H x 11D. $199.00 708-488-8755

2 WOODLAWN CEMETERY PLOTS (2) Side by side Woodlawn Cemetery plots. Birchwood Section Lot 415 Part 4 Graves 3&4 unit D. $4,000 for both, includes transfer fees. I will meet at Woodlawn for transfer of deeds. Contact: 847-858-7726

IRON MUSIC STAND WITH BRASS FINISH $35.00 708-488-8755 LENOX CHINA 5 piece place settings Lenox china, Tuxedo pattern

IRISH CARDIGAN Men’s size large.

708-386-6160 SEWING MACHINE White. Like new, in enclosed wood cabinet.

630-961-5662 SIDE TABLES & LAMPS 2 side tables with attached lamps and storage in base. 2 glass bas lamps w/ gold scrolling. 2 white ceramic base lamps w/ gold ecks. With shades 630-961-5662

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ITEMS TO BE GIVEN AWAY

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth.

I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to suc cor in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, show me herein you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and publish; your request will be granted. R.B.

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Wednesday Journal, August 5, 2020

OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM

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PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE SCOTT J. LEVY (32596) Attorney for Petitioner 1525 East 53rd Street, Suite 504 Chicago, Illinois 60615 STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of JUAN RODRIGUEZ, Petitioner and LILIA CASTANEDA BRITO, Respondent, Case No. 2019D-000973.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before September 1, 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.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal 7/29, 8/5, 8/12/2020

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION DOCKET NUMBER: PC 20-02 (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment) HEARING DATE: August 24, 2020 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: The Plan Commission will conduct the public hearing remotely with live audio available and optional video.

The meeting will be streamed live and archived online for on-demand viewing at www.oak-park.us/commissiontv as well as cablecast on VOP-TV, which is available to Comcast subscribers on channel 6 and ATT Uverse subscribers on channel 99. The remote public hearing is authorized pursuant to Section 7 (e) of the Open Meetings Act. The Village President has determined that an in-person public hearing is not practical or prudent due to the COVID-19 outbreak during Governor JB Pritzker’s current disaster proclamation. It is also not feasible to have a person present at the public hearing due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Written testimony or comments regarding the application may be provided prior to the public hearing by email to planning@oak-park. us. The individual’s name and their testimony or comment will be read aloud into the record at the public hearing if received no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the public hearing. If email is not an option, written testimony or comment can drop comments off in the Oak Park Payment Drop Box across from the entrance to Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 24, 2020.

Questions regarding written testimony or comment can be directed to 708-358.5420 or email to planning@oak-park.us.

PETITIONER(S): Village of Oak Park, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302

REQUEST: The Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing on the text amendment application of the Petitioner for amendments to the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance. The Petitioner seeks an amendment to Article 2 (“Definitions and Rules of Measurement”), Section 2.3 (“Definitions”) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to add the following definition: “Temporary Educational Day Camp – Remote Learning. A facility which offers on a temporary basis the use of a designated space primarily for remote educational learning opportunities on behalf of local public, private and parochial primary and secondary institutions, including associated after school child care for groups of children up to 18 years of age.”

The Petitioner seeks an amendment to Article 8 (“Uses”), Table 8-1 (“Use Matrix”) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to allow a temporary education day camp – remote learning facility as a permitted use in multiple residential and commercial zoning districts. Finally, the Petitioner has applied for an amendment to Article 8 (“Uses”), Section 8.5 (“Temporary Use Standards”) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to add a new subsection 8.5(I) to provide for standards for the issuance of a temporary use permit for a temporary education day camp – remote learning facility.

A copy of the application and each of the applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at the Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Plan Commission may continue the hearing to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO BE HEARD OAK PARK PLAN COMMISSION Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Published in Wednesday Journal 8/5/2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20003407 on July 17, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of AROB DESIGN with the business located at: 7445 ROOSEVELT RD. APT. 308-B, FOREST PARK, IL 60130.. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: ASAD ROBINSON 7445 ROOSEVELT RD. APT. 308-B FOREST PARK, IL 60130.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20003700 on July 21, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of KATHLEEN LANE with the business located at:7243 ROOSEVELT RD STE A, FOREST PARK, IL 60130.

The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: KATHLEEN LIEFFERS 7243 ROOSEVELT RD STE A, FOREST PARK, IL 60130

Published in Forest Park Review July 22, 29, August 5, 2020

Published in Forest Park Review July 29, August 5, August 12, 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

The court date will be held: on September 8, 2020 at 9:30 AM at District 4 Court, 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, Cook County in Courtroom Number 0111.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20003755 on July23, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of LOLA PINK with the business located at: P.O. BOX 3725 OAK PARK, IL 60303. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: TATYANA QUALLS 1190 SOUTH KENILTHWORTH, OAK PARK, IL 60304

Published in Forest Park Review 7/29, 8/5, 8/12/2020

Published in Wednesday Journal July 29, August 5, August 12, 2020

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY Request of Carlos Eduardo Rojas Case Number 20204002757 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Carlos Eduardo Rojas to the new name of: Alex Rojas.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Education of School District No. 91, in the County of Cook, State of Illinois, the tentative budget for said School District for the Fiscal Year 2021 will be available for public inspection at the District Office, 424 DesPlaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, after 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Notice is hereby given that a public hearing on said budget will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the 10th day of September, 2020, at the Forest Park Middle School Cafetorium, 925 Beloit Avenue, Forest Park, in this School District No. 91.

Dated this 5th day of August, 2020 Board of Education School District No. 91 County of Cook State of Illinois Shannon Wood Secretary Published in Forest Park Review 08/05/2020

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y20003782 on July 23, 2020 Under the Assumed Business Name of REITON IT PROS with the business located at: 1178 WENONAH AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60304. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: MATTHEW NOTIER 1178 WENONAH AVE OAK PARK, IL 60304.

Published in Wednesday Journal 7/29, 8/5, 8/12/2020

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park – Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 – will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday August 20, 2020 for Project: 20-9, WATER MAIN VALVE REPLACEMENT. 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 removal and replacement of watermain valves ranging in size from 14 inches to 16 inches, including removal, replacement, and additions of valve boxes and valve vaults, watermain fittings, pavement or parkway restoration and traffic control; and all appurtenant work thereto.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on Thursday August 6th, 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 7245401 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.

Locally funded phases of the project are 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 August 5, 2020

Buying? Selling? Renting? Hiring?

Wednesday Classified • 708-613-3333

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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

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 August 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 as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

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

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

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

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 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 I3152370

OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-05-320-040-1025 The real estate is improved with a condo/townhouse.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, including the Judicial Sale fee for the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Fund, which is calculated on residential real estate at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, in certified funds/ or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. No fee shall be paid by the mortgagee acquiring the residential real estate pursuant to its credit bid at the sale or by any mortgagee, judgment creditor, or other lienor acquiring the residential real estate whose rights in and to the residential real estate arose prior to the sale. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

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

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

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).

If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

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

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-18-07459 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2018 CH 08851 TJSC#: 40-1745 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 # 2018 CH 08851 I3153301

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION AM SOLUTIONS LLC; Plaintiff, vs.

ARIEL CHAPMON; TAJ CHAPMON; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 19 CH 7196 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 Tuesday, September 1, 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. 15-10-431-012-0000.

Commonly known as 830 South 16th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 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. W19-0247 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3153023 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 ABFC ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-WMC1 Plaintiff, -v.DARYL SATCHER, MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., OAK PARK TERRACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Defendants 2018 CH 08851 914 NORTH AUSTIN BOULEVARD UNIT #C-8 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 7, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 2, 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 914 NORTH AUSTIN BOULEVARD UNIT #C-8,

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Wednesday Journal, August 5, 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.

Gen

Silent

Friday, August 21 â&#x20AC;˘ 10am Gen Silent asks six LGBT seniors if they will hide their lives to survive. They put a face on what experts in the film call an epidemic: gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender seniors so afraid of discrimination, or worse, in long-term/health care that many go back into the closet. And, their decisions are captured through intimate access to their day-to-day lives over the course of a year in Boston, Massachusetts. The film shows the wide range in quality of paid caregivers --from those who are specifically trained to make LGBT seniors feel safe, to the other end of the spectrum, where LGBT elders face discrimination, neglect or abuse. As the film chronicles the challenges that these men and women face, each subject crosses paths with a small but growing group of impassioned professionals trying to wake up the long-term and healthcare industries to their plight.

WE WILL BE JOINED BY DIRECTOR STU MADDUX AND PRODUCER JOE APPLEBAUM FOR Q+A AND DISCUSSION FOLLOWING THE MOVIE.

Signature Sponsors

Non Profit Patron Sponsors

Oak Park Township/River Forest Township

Learn more and register at: wabi-sabi-GenSilent.eventbrite.com